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Xiveri Mates #4
Taken to Heimo
Svera
There are a few things my Tri-God did not prepare me for.
The first – Niahhorru pirates. They want the coordinates to an unprotected human satellite and I have them.
The confusing – The human Council's secrets that I've uncovered and may get me killed.
The most sinful – The pressure in my stomach... well, lower than my stomach... that draws me to the male who hates me most in this universe.
Krisxox
There is nothing that my warrior training did not prepare me for. Even though my body desires to bond to hers, I'll fight until I break it. She's a disgusting human, filthy and impure. A worshipper of a fickle human god and worst of all, she's not Drakesh.
Nox, that isn't the worst.
Worse, is that she's got space pirates, traitors, and other enemies chasing her. Worst, is that I won't let them touch her because she's my Xiv – nox! I'll fight. But fighting is harder when I don't really want to win...
Taken to Heimo is a full-length (75k words) SciFi, space opera romance complete with an angry alien and a human, headscarf-wearing heroine who is far too polite to meet anger with anger. Most of the time. This is book 4 in the Xiveri mates series and should be read after books 1 and 2. Books 3, 6, and 8 are complete standalones (on other planets) and can be read at any point. Trigger warning! The heroine in this book is attacked more than once and there are multiple violent battle scenes before reaching the HEA.
There are a few things my Tri-God did not prepare me for.
The first – Niahhorru pirates. They want the coordinates to an unprotected human satellite and I have them.
The confusing – The human Council's secrets that I've uncovered and may get me killed.
The most sinful – The pressure in my stomach... well, lower than my stomach... that draws me to the male who hates me most in this universe.
Krisxox
There is nothing that my warrior training did not prepare me for. Even though my body desires to bond to hers, I'll fight until I break it. She's a disgusting human, filthy and impure. A worshipper of a fickle human god and worst of all, she's not Drakesh.
Nox, that isn't the worst.
Worse, is that she's got space pirates, traitors, and other enemies chasing her. Worst, is that I won't let them touch her because she's my Xiv – nox! I'll fight. But fighting is harder when I don't really want to win...
Taken to Heimo is a full-length (75k words) SciFi, space opera romance complete with an angry alien and a human, headscarf-wearing heroine who is far too polite to meet anger with anger. Most of the time. This is book 4 in the Xiveri mates series and should be read after books 1 and 2. Books 3, 6, and 8 are complete standalones (on other planets) and can be read at any point. Trigger warning! The heroine in this book is attacked more than once and there are multiple violent battle scenes before reaching the HEA.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2021
386 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Stephens
75 books1,479 followersTop 10 USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Stephens writes books where beastly men—or sometimes just beasts—always get the girl.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
April 16, 2021
Krisxox and Svera are two characters introduced previously the former had been charged with her protection and care whilst residing on Voraxia.
I’ve always been greatly intrigued by their particular dynamic so I was excited to explore their connection further especially considering Krisxox’s unwarranted feelings towards their emerging bond.
Krisxox is a purest believing the lines of their race shouldn’t be polluted with what he feels is a species beneath them a dirty human.
He is repelled but also enticed by the human in his home and under his care.
He hates that he is attracted to her even blames her somewhat for her unexpected allure he doesn’t want to want her but also doesn’t want anyone else to have that privilege either.
Even the knowledge that she’s his Xiveri mate doesn’t help with his acceptance that is until an attack from other purists ones that seem to think he would actually be okay with their heinous actions starts to wake him up.
This kickstarts changes especially when he realises just what’s his attitude has wrought in the eyes of others and by consequence put Svera’s life in danger.
Svera is a gentle creature and she’s also Voraxia’s newest ambassador an advocate for the humans now calling this planet their home.
I adored how she was a woman of faith even wearing a headscarf you don’t see that very often in romance fiction.
I liked that she wasn’t some sort of zealot just a normal girl with kindness and compassion.
She didn’t preach lofty ideals or push hidden agendas acceptance and kindness were ultimately at her core.
Svera also has difficulties reconciling her faith with her want and needs.
She struggles to accept the two and doesn’t see how this could possibly work between them.
With all Krisxox’s hate towards humans, she doesn’t see a way forward and feels that giving in to her needs is a strike against her beliefs and a show of weakness.
Just when krisxox finally gets what he is in danger of losing Svera rejects him sick of his slights and intolerance and his shame at being mated to a human.
but she still finds herself drawn to krisxox despite his hate and knowing he looks down on her species Seeing them as lesser.
This was so interesting seeing the infallible nature and elitism of the hero and having him overcome his ingrained hatred and finally have some clarity into just how wrong he’s been.
He’s been almost spoon-fed this attitude from birth so seeing him rise above it and accept that he is part of the cause of hurt even indirectly to Svera and that he needs to change was very enlightening and extremely satisfying.
It’s definitely not plain sailing there’s a whole lot to overcome and reconcile but he does eventually realise that he needs to evolve if he ever wants to have a chance at future happiness with his mate.
It’s a gradual process one where Krisxox will have to release a lifetime of ingrained dogma to arrive at his final destination his struggle with this is attested throughout by his occasional inner Monologue.
Giving in because of the nature of the bond and actually wanting to be with Svera are two wholly separate things here.
And because of his previous actions he also now needs to convince Svera if he doesn’t he will lose her in fact she’s already pulling away.
Both are fighting their feelings and these two will have to find a way to find a middle ground a stable one rather than the Rocky one they seem to be currently traversing.
There’s also action sexy times and intrigue afoot in fact this story was jammed packed and all the added danger only brings them closer together.
I really enjoyed this a whole lot and read it in record time it was such a page-turner and I definitely recommend if you like sci-romance with fantastic world-building.
In my opinion, you do need to read the prior books well one and two anyway the third one is a complete stand-alone.
Those stories though with different main characters have breadcrumbs and background you’ll need to fully appreciate this.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 27, 2021
*ARC received in exchange of an honest review*
Okay so the writing style was good. I've read few other books in this series and now I'm well aware of the author's different and unique way of expressing her stories. It was indeed beutiful.
The characters though were not so good. I liked Svera better than Krisxox. As the H is literally a man whore who without even realising hurts the h's feelings.
Svera is shown as a human of very strong religious beliefs. Her religion was kinda confusing. I mean there was a mixture of Hindu and Muslim religion she follows. So that was a negative for me.
In plotting, the story has some enemies of different planet whose all intention is to take Svera away. Somehow amid all the fighting and protecting our headstrong H finally realised his love for h.
Okay so the writing style was good. I've read few other books in this series and now I'm well aware of the author's different and unique way of expressing her stories. It was indeed beutiful.
The characters though were not so good. I liked Svera better than Krisxox. As the H is literally a man whore who without even realising hurts the h's feelings.
Svera is shown as a human of very strong religious beliefs. Her religion was kinda confusing. I mean there was a mixture of Hindu and Muslim religion she follows. So that was a negative for me.
In plotting, the story has some enemies of different planet whose all intention is to take Svera away. Somehow amid all the fighting and protecting our headstrong H finally realised his love for h.
January 11, 2021
I really tried with this book, maybe it's just me... 🤷🤷
The first issue I have is I have no clue who anyone is and what's going on at the start.
There is no catch-up explanation how this book relates to any the previous books in the series.
Maybe if you read the series in order, one after the other it will flow but as I am reading them as they are released I need a catch-up paragraph or two as I had no clue who they are.
I don't think this is the first book in the series that I've felt this about.
I felt the flashbacks weren't clearly marked so that was confusing. They are in italics but you have to work out that means they are flashbacks rather than being marked.
Neither the Hero or heroine are particularly likeable.
The Hero wallows for most of the book.
The heroine is tstl, she puts herself in danger through her own stupidity.
Tbh I found the whole read confusing, the subjects jump all over the place.
Secondly this is a sort of enemies to lovers troupe which is not my favourite.
They spend most of the book hating each other but not being able to resist.
The Hero in book 1 entrusted the heroine of this book to a warrior who is the Hero of this book and who also happens to be her mate.
He doesn't like humans viewing them as weak so there is animosity between them.
So they hate each other but can't resist the physical pull.
Flashback scenes.
Dual POV.
The heroine says she's only shared a few kisses with a man.
The Hero is the equivalent of an alien man-whore type.
When he meets the heroine he has 2 females with him.
Later they share a house and he is in the next room with other women, he later says he was practicing to make sure he could be good for her, he says it was only kissing but she thought it was more.
'
“Don’t you xoking say his name. There are no other males for you. There is only me.”
I scoff, feeling wild, feeling crazy. “You have no claim over me. Not with the harem of females you keep.”
“They’re all practice.” He drops onto his elbows over me, hips positioned between my thighs. My legs are trembling. My heart is racing. I can’t catch my breath. I can’t…do…anything…
“Practice for what?” I humor him “Krisxox…”
“Practice for you, idiot. I’d never kissed anyone before we discovered your species. I wanted to be sure I knew how to ruin you…”
Anger. I clasp my fingers behind his neck, then yank violently on his hair. He hisses, but resists when I try to pull down his mouth down to meet my own.
“You expect me to believe that? I’ve heard their moans through your door in the middle of the lunar.”'
'. “I only kissed those females Svera, and only to practice for this. I dismissed them before the rutting and, after they left, I fisted my own xora just like this and always to thoughts of you.”'
Heroine is very religious. The author has a mixture of ideas in her faith which is quite clever, not being too specific to one.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series esp next one.
HEA.
I was interested in another characters situation which is introduced.
ARC.
The first issue I have is I have no clue who anyone is and what's going on at the start.
There is no catch-up explanation how this book relates to any the previous books in the series.
Maybe if you read the series in order, one after the other it will flow but as I am reading them as they are released I need a catch-up paragraph or two as I had no clue who they are.
I don't think this is the first book in the series that I've felt this about.
I felt the flashbacks weren't clearly marked so that was confusing. They are in italics but you have to work out that means they are flashbacks rather than being marked.
Neither the Hero or heroine are particularly likeable.
The Hero wallows for most of the book.
The heroine is tstl, she puts herself in danger through her own stupidity.
Tbh I found the whole read confusing, the subjects jump all over the place.
Secondly this is a sort of enemies to lovers troupe which is not my favourite.
They spend most of the book hating each other but not being able to resist.
The Hero in book 1 entrusted the heroine of this book to a warrior who is the Hero of this book and who also happens to be her mate.
He doesn't like humans viewing them as weak so there is animosity between them.
So they hate each other but can't resist the physical pull.
Flashback scenes.
Dual POV.
The heroine says she's only shared a few kisses with a man.
The Hero is the equivalent of an alien man-whore type.
When he meets the heroine he has 2 females with him.
Later they share a house and he is in the next room with other women, he later says he was practicing to make sure he could be good for her, he says it was only kissing but she thought it was more.
'
“Don’t you xoking say his name. There are no other males for you. There is only me.”
I scoff, feeling wild, feeling crazy. “You have no claim over me. Not with the harem of females you keep.”
“They’re all practice.” He drops onto his elbows over me, hips positioned between my thighs. My legs are trembling. My heart is racing. I can’t catch my breath. I can’t…do…anything…
“Practice for what?” I humor him “Krisxox…”
“Practice for you, idiot. I’d never kissed anyone before we discovered your species. I wanted to be sure I knew how to ruin you…”
Anger. I clasp my fingers behind his neck, then yank violently on his hair. He hisses, but resists when I try to pull down his mouth down to meet my own.
“You expect me to believe that? I’ve heard their moans through your door in the middle of the lunar.”'
'. “I only kissed those females Svera, and only to practice for this. I dismissed them before the rutting and, after they left, I fisted my own xora just like this and always to thoughts of you.”'
Heroine is very religious. The author has a mixture of ideas in her faith which is quite clever, not being too specific to one.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series esp next one.
HEA.
I was interested in another characters situation which is introduced.
ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
5 "In the Garden" Stars!
I'm loving this series so much! Svera and Krisxox did not disappoint. To best enjoy this one, I recommend you read books 1 and 2 first. You could skip book 3 if you wanted to. It takes place somewhere else. Anyway! I'll be on to the next book very soon. Happy reading!
I'm loving this series so much! Svera and Krisxox did not disappoint. To best enjoy this one, I recommend you read books 1 and 2 first. You could skip book 3 if you wanted to. It takes place somewhere else. Anyway! I'll be on to the next book very soon. Happy reading!
October 19, 2024
Not as good as the previous books!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Svera - she is a human female in space. She was taken captive by the Niahhorru pirates whose king wanted the coordinates to find Earth so they can take more human female’s captive and use them for breeding. She isn’t a fighter, but she used her dagger to keep the pirate Nanda away from her. Krisxox rescued her.
The Hero: Krisxox - he comes from a very arrogant race. The Drakesh feel that they are the superior race, and they abhor other races. He has known that Svera was his true mate since he first saw her. Though he couldn’t believe his mate was a weak and puny human. He keeps trying to convince himself that he hates her and that having an alien live with him sickens him. Though methinks he protests too much.
The Story: This story confused me a bit. It started out where Svera was captive of the Niahhorru pirates, then all the sudden went to where Svera was living in Krisxox’s home. He takes care of her and watches her sleep at night, though he leaves in the morning, so she won’t know he was there. Though he grumbles and stomps around the house, mad about the fact that Svera is an alien, and he wants nothing to do with her. He is also angry about the fact that he is attracted to her and has nightmares about failing her.
I had really liked the previous books in this series since they had very intricate and interesting plots and a lot of action. This one did as well. Though I didn’t like all the religious themes. Svera was really religious, and her God was called the Tri-god. There was a bunch of stuff about her praying to her god and Krisxox at one point wouldn’t get busy with her when she wanted to because he knew that getting married first was important in her religion.
This audiobook is told in dual points of view in dual narration. Joy Beharie and Curtis Michael Holland narrated it. I didn’t exactly like these two narrators, though I didn’t hate them either. I say that because if I hate a narrator or their voice is annoying, I will just quit listening. Curtis has a fine voice, though his tempo is that of someone reading, not voice acting. Joy Beharie has a pretty deep voice for a woman, so it isn’t my favorite, but I was able to keep listening.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Svera - she is a human female in space. She was taken captive by the Niahhorru pirates whose king wanted the coordinates to find Earth so they can take more human female’s captive and use them for breeding. She isn’t a fighter, but she used her dagger to keep the pirate Nanda away from her. Krisxox rescued her.
The Hero: Krisxox - he comes from a very arrogant race. The Drakesh feel that they are the superior race, and they abhor other races. He has known that Svera was his true mate since he first saw her. Though he couldn’t believe his mate was a weak and puny human. He keeps trying to convince himself that he hates her and that having an alien live with him sickens him. Though methinks he protests too much.
The Story: This story confused me a bit. It started out where Svera was captive of the Niahhorru pirates, then all the sudden went to where Svera was living in Krisxox’s home. He takes care of her and watches her sleep at night, though he leaves in the morning, so she won’t know he was there. Though he grumbles and stomps around the house, mad about the fact that Svera is an alien, and he wants nothing to do with her. He is also angry about the fact that he is attracted to her and has nightmares about failing her.
I had really liked the previous books in this series since they had very intricate and interesting plots and a lot of action. This one did as well. Though I didn’t like all the religious themes. Svera was really religious, and her God was called the Tri-god. There was a bunch of stuff about her praying to her god and Krisxox at one point wouldn’t get busy with her when she wanted to because he knew that getting married first was important in her religion.
This audiobook is told in dual points of view in dual narration. Joy Beharie and Curtis Michael Holland narrated it. I didn’t exactly like these two narrators, though I didn’t hate them either. I say that because if I hate a narrator or their voice is annoying, I will just quit listening. Curtis has a fine voice, though his tempo is that of someone reading, not voice acting. Joy Beharie has a pretty deep voice for a woman, so it isn’t my favorite, but I was able to keep listening.
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January 20, 2021
3.5 stars
Ughhhhhh I don't even know what to say here. I so wanted to love this one but I just...have....so many mixed feelings!!
*** SPOILERS BELOW!!! ****
Right from Book One, Svera stood out to me as such an amazing character that I knew her story was going to be incredible. Then with Krisxox being such an absolute alphahole jerk (and having read the way Ms Stephens humbled the eff out of the cocky H in Taken to Sasor) I was seriously anticipating an epic enemies to lovers journey where he'd finally get his comeuppance, and both characters would be put through the absolute wringer and come out united and stronger on the other side.
Unfortunately, that isn't quite what we got with Heimo. For one, the storyline didn't feel as inspired as in previous books. It's basically just three separate moments of Svera getting jumped/ kidnapped/ attacked and then being saved by Krisxox...and that's the plot. Then, in between these attempts on her life, they have sex, she withdraws, and he suddenly realises what he's missing out on and tries hard to win her back.
Now, ordinarily I wouldn't have a problem with this sort of emotional plot line but this time it just didn't grab me. The scenes felt disjointed for some reason. The writing didn't feel as fluid as previous books and I think focusing more on the emotional conflict would have suited the story better rather than the external plot, which took up way too much space IMO. For example, Krisxox constantly mentions how his sires would have reacted to him being with Svera, but other than in the first few chapters, we never actually discover what the Drakesh response would be to their 'hero' Krisxox having a human Xiveri Mate. That was a real missed opportunity I think. Similarly, I did feel like the 180 transition from 'I've been fighting my attraction to you for 6 months' to 'eff it, I need you, let's consummate and get married' kind of happened a bit too quickly. While I liked that Svera withdrew after their intimacy, there wasn't as much of a back and forth between them because of all the other stuff going on in the background. Which was a shame, with it being enemies to lovers, that was sort of what I was hoping for.
Ehhh... I dunno how to describe my feelings. It's my least favourite of the series so far, but it's still very good. I think it just didn't have as great an emotional impact as other books in this series did so perhaps I'm judging it overly harshly. It's still worlds above most of the standard alien romance we see out there. And the fact that all heroines are WOC is even better. Seriously, I don't think non-POC realise how rare that is. WOC heroines being the standard in a romance series rather than the odd/ token non-white heroine (and most times we're lucky just to get those)? Absolute gamechanger. I'll always rate these books highly just for that alone. Representation matters, people.
So yeah, I am very much looking forward to Deena's story and the other female that was introduced in this book as well. I'm crossing my fingers that the next one will suit me better than Heimo!!
Ughhhhhh I don't even know what to say here. I so wanted to love this one but I just...have....so many mixed feelings!!
*** SPOILERS BELOW!!! ****
Right from Book One, Svera stood out to me as such an amazing character that I knew her story was going to be incredible. Then with Krisxox being such an absolute alphahole jerk (and having read the way Ms Stephens humbled the eff out of the cocky H in Taken to Sasor) I was seriously anticipating an epic enemies to lovers journey where he'd finally get his comeuppance, and both characters would be put through the absolute wringer and come out united and stronger on the other side.
Unfortunately, that isn't quite what we got with Heimo. For one, the storyline didn't feel as inspired as in previous books. It's basically just three separate moments of Svera getting jumped/ kidnapped/ attacked and then being saved by Krisxox...and that's the plot. Then, in between these attempts on her life, they have sex, she withdraws, and he suddenly realises what he's missing out on and tries hard to win her back.
Now, ordinarily I wouldn't have a problem with this sort of emotional plot line but this time it just didn't grab me. The scenes felt disjointed for some reason. The writing didn't feel as fluid as previous books and I think focusing more on the emotional conflict would have suited the story better rather than the external plot, which took up way too much space IMO. For example, Krisxox constantly mentions how his sires would have reacted to him being with Svera, but other than in the first few chapters, we never actually discover what the Drakesh response would be to their 'hero' Krisxox having a human Xiveri Mate. That was a real missed opportunity I think. Similarly, I did feel like the 180 transition from 'I've been fighting my attraction to you for 6 months' to 'eff it, I need you, let's consummate and get married' kind of happened a bit too quickly. While I liked that Svera withdrew after their intimacy, there wasn't as much of a back and forth between them because of all the other stuff going on in the background. Which was a shame, with it being enemies to lovers, that was sort of what I was hoping for.
Ehhh... I dunno how to describe my feelings. It's my least favourite of the series so far, but it's still very good. I think it just didn't have as great an emotional impact as other books in this series did so perhaps I'm judging it overly harshly. It's still worlds above most of the standard alien romance we see out there. And the fact that all heroines are WOC is even better. Seriously, I don't think non-POC realise how rare that is. WOC heroines being the standard in a romance series rather than the odd/ token non-white heroine (and most times we're lucky just to get those)? Absolute gamechanger. I'll always rate these books highly just for that alone. Representation matters, people.
So yeah, I am very much looking forward to Deena's story and the other female that was introduced in this book as well. I'm crossing my fingers that the next one will suit me better than Heimo!!
January 14, 2021
Taken to Heimo is the fourth book in the Xiveri mates series, and it focuses on Krisxox and Svera’s relationship. Yay! I’ve wanted to read Krisxox and Svera’s story since we met them both in Taken to Voraxia. They have had a love-hate relationship throughout the series, and I was so excited to learn the causes of their tension. Prejudice, fear, disgust, religion, pirates, jealousy, vengeance, greed, and more contribute to their heart-stopping journey towards a happily-ever-after.
Krisxox and Svera are very different, and they face many obstacles, both internal and external. Krisxox is a male of action. He’s not one for flowery professions, but his actions show the depth of his feelings. However, Krisxox struggles with his prejudice toward humans for much of the story. He had to unlearn a lot of the beliefs of his sires before he could truly embrace his feelings for Svera. He, like Svera, fights his feelings and the idea that they are fated mates.
"I need to be careful. I don’t need her knowing that I spend each lunar in her room. I don’t need her knowing that I dream of her. That failing her gives me nightmares."
Svera is kind and gentle and intelligent. Her gentle and giving nature shouldn’t be mistaken for passivity because Svera is fierce and strong and full of sass when the situation calls for it. She also is very devout and close to her family, which is why she resists the pull of her fated mate. It’s interesting to see how Svera and Krisxox deal with their internal conflicts.
The romance between Svera and Krisxox is tense and explosive! There is a tremendous amount of build-up, as they both try so hard to resist their feelings. This makes their eventual union passion-filled swoon-taticness!! I so rooted for this couple. They are so different, yet so similar. They both love deeply and have a strong sense of duty and loyalty. They are both fierce and wonderful and flawed, and their feelings for each other, whether good or bad, are palpable.
"In those treacherous imaginings, I want to be her whole entire xoking galaxy because she’s already mine. She’s already ruined me."
I’m really interested in the pirates and some of the other new species introduced in the story. At one point in the story, Krisxox and Svera are thrown into a gladiator-type battle, and they encounter many new alien species and characters. I love how Stephens continues to expand the world and am curious if they will play a role in future books in the series.
I also like that characters from the previous books make appearances in this book. It’s always great to see what’s happening in the lives of the other couples, and Stephens ties their stories into Krisxox and Svera’s story well. The over-arching plot that began in Taken to Voraxia is also well-developed, well-layered, and full of surprising twists and turns.
Overall, I really enjoyed this addition to the Xiveri Mates, and I’m looking forward to reading more of the series. I enjoy stories that entertain and offer a level of poignancy, and Stephens’ stories do just that. Plus, the romances are always amazing, and I’m learning to speak an alien language! Thanks so much to Elizabeth Stephens for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Krisxox and Svera are very different, and they face many obstacles, both internal and external. Krisxox is a male of action. He’s not one for flowery professions, but his actions show the depth of his feelings. However, Krisxox struggles with his prejudice toward humans for much of the story. He had to unlearn a lot of the beliefs of his sires before he could truly embrace his feelings for Svera. He, like Svera, fights his feelings and the idea that they are fated mates.
"I need to be careful. I don’t need her knowing that I spend each lunar in her room. I don’t need her knowing that I dream of her. That failing her gives me nightmares."
Svera is kind and gentle and intelligent. Her gentle and giving nature shouldn’t be mistaken for passivity because Svera is fierce and strong and full of sass when the situation calls for it. She also is very devout and close to her family, which is why she resists the pull of her fated mate. It’s interesting to see how Svera and Krisxox deal with their internal conflicts.
The romance between Svera and Krisxox is tense and explosive! There is a tremendous amount of build-up, as they both try so hard to resist their feelings. This makes their eventual union passion-filled swoon-taticness!! I so rooted for this couple. They are so different, yet so similar. They both love deeply and have a strong sense of duty and loyalty. They are both fierce and wonderful and flawed, and their feelings for each other, whether good or bad, are palpable.
"In those treacherous imaginings, I want to be her whole entire xoking galaxy because she’s already mine. She’s already ruined me."
I’m really interested in the pirates and some of the other new species introduced in the story. At one point in the story, Krisxox and Svera are thrown into a gladiator-type battle, and they encounter many new alien species and characters. I love how Stephens continues to expand the world and am curious if they will play a role in future books in the series.
I also like that characters from the previous books make appearances in this book. It’s always great to see what’s happening in the lives of the other couples, and Stephens ties their stories into Krisxox and Svera’s story well. The over-arching plot that began in Taken to Voraxia is also well-developed, well-layered, and full of surprising twists and turns.
Overall, I really enjoyed this addition to the Xiveri Mates, and I’m looking forward to reading more of the series. I enjoy stories that entertain and offer a level of poignancy, and Stephens’ stories do just that. Plus, the romances are always amazing, and I’m learning to speak an alien language! Thanks so much to Elizabeth Stephens for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2021
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
*trigger warning: mention of attempted rape, which didn't happen but just in case that will be hard for any of you*
I could not have been more excited to get and read Svera's and Krisxox's story! Ever since the first book I knew that their plot would be amazing and full of surprises! And Elizabeth didn't disappoint! Full of adventure, travel's through space, mysteries about the humans and where they had disappeared as also a betrayal no one expected, Svera and Krisxox had a lot to deal with apart from the mating bond Krisxox felt for her.
His stubbornness was mostly the part that kept him from admitting his feelings for her, and Svera was a strong heroine despite everything that happened to her. She is resilient, smart and kind and they both completed each other, despite the religious and cultural differences.
Also, I am excited to see what will happen to the next couple that will be featured as the ending left me wondering what trouble they will find themselves in.
This series is by far the best I have read since 2020. An amazing blend of sci-fi, steamy romance and what it means to be humane even in the harsh edges of the universe.
Definitely recommended!
*trigger warning: mention of attempted rape, which didn't happen but just in case that will be hard for any of you*
I could not have been more excited to get and read Svera's and Krisxox's story! Ever since the first book I knew that their plot would be amazing and full of surprises! And Elizabeth didn't disappoint! Full of adventure, travel's through space, mysteries about the humans and where they had disappeared as also a betrayal no one expected, Svera and Krisxox had a lot to deal with apart from the mating bond Krisxox felt for her.
His stubbornness was mostly the part that kept him from admitting his feelings for her, and Svera was a strong heroine despite everything that happened to her. She is resilient, smart and kind and they both completed each other, despite the religious and cultural differences.
Also, I am excited to see what will happen to the next couple that will be featured as the ending left me wondering what trouble they will find themselves in.
This series is by far the best I have read since 2020. An amazing blend of sci-fi, steamy romance and what it means to be humane even in the harsh edges of the universe.
Definitely recommended!
March 6, 2024
This one was a great time. I loved the being back with these crazy aliens.
It wasn't quite as great as some of the others though... it was a bit all over the place and I was also not a huge fan of what was done with religion in here. This is just my personal feeling... but, I'm just being honest.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
It wasn't quite as great as some of the others though... it was a bit all over the place and I was also not a huge fan of what was done with religion in here. This is just my personal feeling... but, I'm just being honest.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
August 12, 2023
It was a hot mess but I really enjoyed it.
January 7, 2024
4 stars
It took a little bit of time to warm up to the hero but I ended up loving the way he loved and respected Svera - the heroine.
The hero has known since book one - the very first time they met- that the heroine is his soulmate (I forgot how to write the exact name of the bond they have - Xana-something). The problem was that he comes from a race that is very isolated ( the Drakesh) in terms of how they interact with any other race - including the Voraxians who now rule over them. From a very young age he was indoctrinated by his parents to be proud of his “genes” and to look down and with outright contempt at anyone outside their race. Now, there are levels to that, for example, they might think themselves better than Voraxians but they still respect them, what they don’t respect is people who are of mixed race and above all humans because - well, obvious reasons such as physical weakness.
Anyway, the beginning of the book starts once again in what feels like the middle of the story, so read the rest of the books but in particular the first one if you want context.
It didn’t take long for the hero to actually shed his ingrained actions and reactions and slowly he became devoted to the heroine. I loved the way he respected and admired everything about her even if he couldn’t understand some of her customs or even if he usually saw physical weakness as unattractive. He literally loved every little thing about her and none of it was because she was supposed to be his soulmate but because she was just really easy to love and admire.
Svera was very principled, spiritual and restrained in thoughts and actions and I absolutely loved her portrayal. I could really imagine her grace and calm presence.
I think those two were the very definition of opposites and yet I totally believed they loved each other.
I wish this had an extended epilogue.
It took a little bit of time to warm up to the hero but I ended up loving the way he loved and respected Svera - the heroine.
The hero has known since book one - the very first time they met- that the heroine is his soulmate (I forgot how to write the exact name of the bond they have - Xana-something). The problem was that he comes from a race that is very isolated ( the Drakesh) in terms of how they interact with any other race - including the Voraxians who now rule over them. From a very young age he was indoctrinated by his parents to be proud of his “genes” and to look down and with outright contempt at anyone outside their race. Now, there are levels to that, for example, they might think themselves better than Voraxians but they still respect them, what they don’t respect is people who are of mixed race and above all humans because - well, obvious reasons such as physical weakness.
Anyway, the beginning of the book starts once again in what feels like the middle of the story, so read the rest of the books but in particular the first one if you want context.
It didn’t take long for the hero to actually shed his ingrained actions and reactions and slowly he became devoted to the heroine. I loved the way he respected and admired everything about her even if he couldn’t understand some of her customs or even if he usually saw physical weakness as unattractive. He literally loved every little thing about her and none of it was because she was supposed to be his soulmate but because she was just really easy to love and admire.
Svera was very principled, spiritual and restrained in thoughts and actions and I absolutely loved her portrayal. I could really imagine her grace and calm presence.
I think those two were the very definition of opposites and yet I totally believed they loved each other.
I wish this had an extended epilogue.
April 10, 2023
4/5 ⭐️s
Svera and Krisxox are my new faves - an absolute power couple. I appreciated that they were each strong in their own ways but absolutely unstoppable together.
I wish we’d gotten a more satisfying conclusion to the main antagonist of this book, but I suppose we’ll have that chance in Deena’s story. She’s a badass in her own right, and I can’t wait to watch her wreak havoc.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Svera and Krisxox are my new faves - an absolute power couple. I appreciated that they were each strong in their own ways but absolutely unstoppable together.
I wish we’d gotten a more satisfying conclusion to the main antagonist of this book, but I suppose we’ll have that chance in Deena’s story. She’s a badass in her own right, and I can’t wait to watch her wreak havoc.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
January 9, 2021
I have been anticipating this release since the beginning of this series, and my heart is so happy with the outcome. Svera and Krisxox's story was brutally sweet and heart-wrenching, and the character development was to die for! Meek, demure and timid Svera became savage, ruthless and bloodthirsty Svera , while Krisxox himself comes to grips with the feelings he has for her, his fear of losing her, and finally rejects the shame his sires would have had towards him . He realizes in that moment that whatever his sires would have thought no longer matters, not when Xaneru chose Svera for him, and it humbles him in the process.
This book isn't as long as the previous one, Sasor. Which is understandable, given Sasor was an entirely different world and culture with different characters, not to mention a standalone. Heimo features familiar faces we've come to know and love throughout the series; Kiki, Miari, the Raku and Va'Raku . We see the return of other faces from the series that were briefly mentioned here and there, most notably Mathilda. She was the leader of the human colony on Cxrian and had an implied direct role in the Hunt that took place there every year.
My favorite addition, however, was Svera's family. I'm no stranger to Arabic customs and cultures, and it was heartwarming to see how they interacted with her. I initially thought she went to go see them after she and Krisxox returned from Qath , but her reason takes a darker turn when she reveals to them what she learned about Mathilda's role in the Hunt. .
The shame and guilt her parents felt was so palpable I felt it through the page. To know that they carried that with them for at least a decade was heart-wrenching . And after learning of the Xiveri bond and Xanaxana, they understood why she mated to Krisxox before she married him. They didn't judge her or disown her as some strictly religious parents might have . Their love for their daughter outweighed any consequences she might have faced if it had been known she broke a tenet with their Tri-God, and it was a wonderful sight.
In addition to this, Krisxox's reaction to the revelation of this tenet is one of grief for Svera's sake. She explains that she has been "ruined", and he repeatedly says he did not ruin her in any way and is completely devastated that she thinks this way of herself after what they shared. Krisxox views her as a treasure unworthy of him and it killed him to think she was defective in some way.
Subsequently, Mathilda was a horrible woman. Punishing her turns out to be an ordeal in and of itself , but she gets hers in the end. . While it is unclear what happens to Mathilda , there is a sense that she was eventually found and justice was doled out.
Overall, I loved Heimo and rated it a 5/5 stars. Watching Svera turn into a badass in her own right and watching Krisxox humble himself in his love for her was a rewarding experience. I'm really glad we got more information about the story as a whole, and I absolutely cannot WAIT for Deena's story!!
This book isn't as long as the previous one, Sasor. Which is understandable, given Sasor was an entirely different world and culture with different characters, not to mention a standalone. Heimo features familiar faces we've come to know and love throughout the series; Kiki, Miari, the Raku and Va'Raku . We see the return of other faces from the series that were briefly mentioned here and there, most notably Mathilda. She was the leader of the human colony on Cxrian and had an implied direct role in the Hunt that took place there every year.
My favorite addition, however, was Svera's family. I'm no stranger to Arabic customs and cultures, and it was heartwarming to see how they interacted with her. I initially thought she went to go see them after she and Krisxox returned from Qath , but her reason takes a darker turn when she reveals to them what she learned about Mathilda's role in the Hunt. .
The shame and guilt her parents felt was so palpable I felt it through the page. To know that they carried that with them for at least a decade was heart-wrenching . And after learning of the Xiveri bond and Xanaxana, they understood why she mated to Krisxox before she married him. They didn't judge her or disown her as some strictly religious parents might have . Their love for their daughter outweighed any consequences she might have faced if it had been known she broke a tenet with their Tri-God, and it was a wonderful sight.
In addition to this, Krisxox's reaction to the revelation of this tenet is one of grief for Svera's sake. She explains that she has been "ruined", and he repeatedly says he did not ruin her in any way and is completely devastated that she thinks this way of herself after what they shared. Krisxox views her as a treasure unworthy of him and it killed him to think she was defective in some way.
Subsequently, Mathilda was a horrible woman. Punishing her turns out to be an ordeal in and of itself , but she gets hers in the end. . While it is unclear what happens to Mathilda , there is a sense that she was eventually found and justice was doled out.
Overall, I loved Heimo and rated it a 5/5 stars. Watching Svera turn into a badass in her own right and watching Krisxox humble himself in his love for her was a rewarding experience. I'm really glad we got more information about the story as a whole, and I absolutely cannot WAIT for Deena's story!!
July 16, 2023
I hate everything about this, ENOUGNHH
January 7, 2021
Received an ARC of this book & it was amazing! I loved the way the author made Svera sassy & not so timid. I love that Krisxox was still the hard alpha male he was in the first book when he was first introduced. My only criticism is that I wish the book was longer and that we got more of Krisxox alpha maleness! I’ve been waiting for this book since the first book and Krisxox & Svera are my favorite especially Krisxox
August 14, 2022
*Screams in Voraxian*
I’ve been wanting to read Svera’s and her boo thang’s story since I read about them in book one. Did not disappoint in the slightest.
I loved the back and forth between the characters and this series def does get better as they go on.
I’ve been wanting to read Svera’s and her boo thang’s story since I read about them in book one. Did not disappoint in the slightest.
I loved the back and forth between the characters and this series def does get better as they go on.
June 21, 2024
Svera and Krisxox are my favorite couple!
March 14, 2026
I low-key hated this. I mean, the book is fine, but I didn't enjoy reading it. Krisxox and Svera are fated mates, which we saw in book two, but have been resisting the bond because, yay, they hate each other. Specifically he hates her, because he hates filthy disgusting barely sentient humans whose only use is as pleasure slaves. This is the official party line of his species? or something? It was also the reason they didn't get status as "people" until the book one fated mates situation, and why they didn't get to agree or disagree to be hunted in that book. Anyhoo, everyone else comes around to how cool humans are, but not Krisxox! He has the pride of his ancestors to uphold.
Listen, I KNOW Stephens is doing some commentary here on race purity and overcoming prejudice and yada yada yada. I also know that for me it was a total drag. Until 43% the book is just constant self-hatred and shame for wanting the other. Krisxox because of his whole specism thing "I can feel those colors [indicating fated mate] now rising within me like a sickness, a disease that festers and corrupts." And then just for funsies lets have a whole religious purity culture thing for Svera where her God really doesn't want her to be touched, and its all patriarchal father and brother need to approve, woman is ruined for giving in to pleasure, yada yada yada.
Svera's job is LITERALLY to act as a liaison between humans and the other species in the book series, so one would think there might be any clarifying conversation on social mores or concerns, or asking for what they want, or even talking about feelings, but no. So someone who is biologically compelled to get busy with someone, and who was also, btw, going to have to take part in a hunt where the whole point was to be SA'd at the end, is "ruined" and has her God turn her back on her for that? Cool cool cool. Also her religious parents who judge her for this are REALLY not upholding all the tenets of their faith (lol they get a total pass for it later) but she doesn't ever really have a reckoning about the contrary rules and standards there.
I didn't really like Svera's POV here, just the way she expressed herself, which didn't sound at all like the way she was in the first two books she appeared in. Also there's a weird thing where everyone is like, yes you are fated mates, and he and she are both like, yes we are fated mates so have to bang, and then it happens again to her where she realizes late on, and then has a biological reaction AGAIN very late on? Like the whole thing makes minimal sense within the world of the series.
Anyway, there was a great gladiator scene.
Listen, I KNOW Stephens is doing some commentary here on race purity and overcoming prejudice and yada yada yada. I also know that for me it was a total drag. Until 43% the book is just constant self-hatred and shame for wanting the other. Krisxox because of his whole specism thing "I can feel those colors [indicating fated mate] now rising within me like a sickness, a disease that festers and corrupts." And then just for funsies lets have a whole religious purity culture thing for Svera where her God really doesn't want her to be touched, and its all patriarchal father and brother need to approve, woman is ruined for giving in to pleasure, yada yada yada.
Svera's job is LITERALLY to act as a liaison between humans and the other species in the book series, so one would think there might be any clarifying conversation on social mores or concerns, or asking for what they want, or even talking about feelings, but no. So someone who is biologically compelled to get busy with someone, and who was also, btw, going to have to take part in a hunt where the whole point was to be SA'd at the end, is "ruined" and has her God turn her back on her for that? Cool cool cool. Also her religious parents who judge her for this are REALLY not upholding all the tenets of their faith (lol they get a total pass for it later) but she doesn't ever really have a reckoning about the contrary rules and standards there.
I didn't really like Svera's POV here, just the way she expressed herself, which didn't sound at all like the way she was in the first two books she appeared in. Also there's a weird thing where everyone is like, yes you are fated mates, and he and she are both like, yes we are fated mates so have to bang, and then it happens again to her where she realizes late on, and then has a biological reaction AGAIN very late on? Like the whole thing makes minimal sense within the world of the series.
Anyway, there was a great gladiator scene.
February 26, 2023
4.25 stars
Svera for her part is devoted to the Tri-G-d and wears a hijab covering her hair. She doesn’t plan to sleep with anyone but her husband, but best laid plans and all that!! She then feels shame for having sinned and knowing that Krisxox doesn’t want to be her husband. Krisxox actually does, but he’s a little slow in the uptake, to put it lightly, and stumbles out of the gate a little.
I was all for Krisxox and everything he was doing to get Svera to join with him—though granted it took a little while for him to get there. You really do have to read Books 1 and 2 to fully enjoy their relationship, because you get so much more of their interplay in those books and the tension between them before it breaks quite early on in this book.
Krisxox was just the sweetest once he gets his head screwed on straight and realizes he's glad Svera is his Xiveri mate. He has to overcome everything he's been spoon fed about racial purity. He actually comes to terms with things relatively quickly and I loved him going on and on about marriage and speaking just those words in Human and begging Svera to may'ree him. It was just too sweet and the things he says throughout the book are so sweet (prime example, the quote I excerpted above). That is just one of several!
Loved this book! Read it but read the series in order!!
“You are the garden. Proud, fiery, bloodthirsty and sweet. And you ruined me, Svera. You ruined me before I even knew who you were. You ruined me the first time I looked into your eyes and saw stars. You’re pure light and better than me in every way and you make me want to be part of that light, to rise up beyond my heritage and be everything you deserve, even though I know I never can be because you deserve the universe. But it won’t stop me from trying. I’m not a decent enough male for that, but I’m your male. Your mate."What a terrific book! I just said this about Book 3, but now Book 4 is my favorite in the series so far. Krisxox has been Svera’s bodyguard since Book 1 (this is Book 4) and although he claims to detest the role and detest humans, whenever there is discussion about someone else taking on the responsibility or question of Svera staying with someone else, Krisxox does everything in his power to keep things status quo. What we discover in this book is that they are Xiveri mates, which Krisxox has known since he first laid eyes on her, but which he has been fighting ever since.
Svera for her part is devoted to the Tri-G-d and wears a hijab covering her hair. She doesn’t plan to sleep with anyone but her husband, but best laid plans and all that!! She then feels shame for having sinned and knowing that Krisxox doesn’t want to be her husband. Krisxox actually does, but he’s a little slow in the uptake, to put it lightly, and stumbles out of the gate a little.
I was all for Krisxox and everything he was doing to get Svera to join with him—though granted it took a little while for him to get there. You really do have to read Books 1 and 2 to fully enjoy their relationship, because you get so much more of their interplay in those books and the tension between them before it breaks quite early on in this book.
Krisxox was just the sweetest once he gets his head screwed on straight and realizes he's glad Svera is his Xiveri mate. He has to overcome everything he's been spoon fed about racial purity. He actually comes to terms with things relatively quickly and I loved him going on and on about marriage and speaking just those words in Human and begging Svera to may'ree him. It was just too sweet and the things he says throughout the book are so sweet (prime example, the quote I excerpted above). That is just one of several!
Loved this book! Read it but read the series in order!!
April 18, 2023
Really really enjoyed this.
I xocking love Krisxox so much.
I xocking love Krisxox so much.
October 22, 2022
"Perhaps, there is no such thing as hate, only gardens not yet tended to."
I suspected Svera and Krisxox's story would be great and I WAS RIGHT. This was amazing. Wholeheartedly loved every minute of it. Now this is what I'm talking about!!
Three sentences in on the first page, Krisxox thinks "Good girl" as Svera responds to his voice and I knew immediately this was gonna be good. Right from the start, Krisxox is having an inner struggle that was noticeable from the outside in Books 1 and 2 only now we get to see him fight his inner battles, overcome his prejudices, and accept a new life. It's a glorious ride! Svera is fighting her own inner battle - albeit one moreso with her faith rather than racism/xenophobia - and also benefits richly from her personal growth on her (mis)adventures with Krisxox.
They are both three dimensional characters with more going on than just the journeys described here - both struggle with family in their own way, their duties/responsibilities, sociocultural differences, traumatic experiences, and so on - and the story is so much better for it. Krisxox as the grumpy male main character gets a bit of a softer, tender side and we see scenes of him with Svera that are very endearing. We see Svera the sunshine female main character losing her cool, cursing, but also standing up for herself, finding her courage, and pushing Krisxox's buttons.
At one point, I actually paused reading and clapped. Out loud. Sitting at home alone by myself, I clapped for this angry alien self-admitted slut who was the first damn male character in this series to actually give a shit about the trauma their female mate has gone through and explicitly talks about consent. Those aren't the words used by any means but he straight up says "You were just assaulted. I shouldn’t.” (UNLIKE THE VA'RAKU/OKKARI/KINAN IN BOOK 2, I'M LOOKING AT YOU ASSHOLE) And he seeks her consent and permission and approval at things besides just sex - he notices what's important to her and he pays attention to things like her wearing her head scarf and gets genuinely hella upset when his actions or lack of knowledge or understanding about its importance causes her any distress.
The two make a fantastic pair and I loved their couple dynamic and bantering. I was highlighting so many bits in this book, it's not even funny. I didn't mention it before but I appreciate the pronunciation and glossary in the beginning of each book as I've found myself referencing it several times during each book. I could have done with a few more words added that weren't fictional ones.
The plot was great. Loved the twists and turns. Loved the mention and hints of so many more alien races and places in this universe. Like, legitimately loved to the point that I paused reading and took a closer look at the rest of the books in the series and got excited to read them. I genuinely started this book thinking I might limit my read of the series to Books 1, 2, and 4 but after finishing this one, I'm eager to dive in to more. Can't wait to find out more about the amazing places and people and technology out there and really looking forward to finally seeing more of these humans spread out in the galaxy.
I suspected Svera and Krisxox's story would be great and I WAS RIGHT. This was amazing. Wholeheartedly loved every minute of it. Now this is what I'm talking about!!
Three sentences in on the first page, Krisxox thinks "Good girl" as Svera responds to his voice and I knew immediately this was gonna be good. Right from the start, Krisxox is having an inner struggle that was noticeable from the outside in Books 1 and 2 only now we get to see him fight his inner battles, overcome his prejudices, and accept a new life. It's a glorious ride! Svera is fighting her own inner battle - albeit one moreso with her faith rather than racism/xenophobia - and also benefits richly from her personal growth on her (mis)adventures with Krisxox.
They are both three dimensional characters with more going on than just the journeys described here - both struggle with family in their own way, their duties/responsibilities, sociocultural differences, traumatic experiences, and so on - and the story is so much better for it. Krisxox as the grumpy male main character gets a bit of a softer, tender side and we see scenes of him with Svera that are very endearing. We see Svera the sunshine female main character losing her cool, cursing, but also standing up for herself, finding her courage, and pushing Krisxox's buttons.
At one point, I actually paused reading and clapped. Out loud. Sitting at home alone by myself, I clapped for this angry alien self-admitted slut who was the first damn male character in this series to actually give a shit about the trauma their female mate has gone through and explicitly talks about consent. Those aren't the words used by any means but he straight up says "You were just assaulted. I shouldn’t.” (UNLIKE THE VA'RAKU/OKKARI/KINAN IN BOOK 2, I'M LOOKING AT YOU ASSHOLE) And he seeks her consent and permission and approval at things besides just sex - he notices what's important to her and he pays attention to things like her wearing her head scarf and gets genuinely hella upset when his actions or lack of knowledge or understanding about its importance causes her any distress.
The two make a fantastic pair and I loved their couple dynamic and bantering. I was highlighting so many bits in this book, it's not even funny. I didn't mention it before but I appreciate the pronunciation and glossary in the beginning of each book as I've found myself referencing it several times during each book. I could have done with a few more words added that weren't fictional ones.
The plot was great. Loved the twists and turns. Loved the mention and hints of so many more alien races and places in this universe. Like, legitimately loved to the point that I paused reading and took a closer look at the rest of the books in the series and got excited to read them. I genuinely started this book thinking I might limit my read of the series to Books 1, 2, and 4 but after finishing this one, I'm eager to dive in to more. Can't wait to find out more about the amazing places and people and technology out there and really looking forward to finally seeing more of these humans spread out in the galaxy.
August 4, 2023
Idk what the author tried to make of the mcs. The ml is shitty af. And fl is the so called ms. Religious but later begged the guy to take her even after he said no. The way the fl lacked backbone when it really mattered and tried to look like a fucking goody two shoes that is Oh so kind for others.
And wtf was that tri god thing? They way it was written with 3 different religions mixed into one was a clear mockery of them. That was so not right. My blood was literally boiling. If you wanna write something with other religion, don't make light out of them. You don't know the extend to how much you insulted my religion.
She takes off her head covering after she has sex? She prays salah but in wtf way?? She says she wants to keep her chastity intact but the minute the guy gives her attention, she's tryna jump his bones??? She goes to confront a murderer and follows them to a basement on her own? She became birdbrain in the last few chapter, not that she had much of a brain from the beginning but that had me rolling eyes to heaven.
And Don't even get me started on the guy. I've read about a lot of manwhores, but this guys really pissed me off. He not only treated her like shit from the beginning but also cheated on her with other women! He Kissed them "to practice" and brought them to his room while the girl was with him in the same house. What sort of bullshitery is this? Oh but he could practise kissing with own fucking mate like a sane person. Also the writing is so weird in some part. Makes no sense when I think the author wanted to emphasise something. It felt very lacking.
Utter bullshit is what this story was. This had so much potential but it sucked like a rotten lemon with maggots.
I only liked the world building to a certain degree. Although the different language was weird. Not even the good weird. I don't get it with authors and their writing new alien language with most words containg the alphabet x. Like, nox, xoxing and what not. Even the ml name had more x I can remember.
And wtf was that tri god thing? They way it was written with 3 different religions mixed into one was a clear mockery of them. That was so not right. My blood was literally boiling. If you wanna write something with other religion, don't make light out of them. You don't know the extend to how much you insulted my religion.
She takes off her head covering after she has sex? She prays salah but in wtf way?? She says she wants to keep her chastity intact but the minute the guy gives her attention, she's tryna jump his bones??? She goes to confront a murderer and follows them to a basement on her own? She became birdbrain in the last few chapter, not that she had much of a brain from the beginning but that had me rolling eyes to heaven.
And Don't even get me started on the guy. I've read about a lot of manwhores, but this guys really pissed me off. He not only treated her like shit from the beginning but also cheated on her with other women! He Kissed them "to practice" and brought them to his room while the girl was with him in the same house. What sort of bullshitery is this? Oh but he could practise kissing with own fucking mate like a sane person. Also the writing is so weird in some part. Makes no sense when I think the author wanted to emphasise something. It felt very lacking.
Utter bullshit is what this story was. This had so much potential but it sucked like a rotten lemon with maggots.
I only liked the world building to a certain degree. Although the different language was weird. Not even the good weird. I don't get it with authors and their writing new alien language with most words containg the alphabet x. Like, nox, xoxing and what not. Even the ml name had more x I can remember.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
By far, this book has been my favorite from the series that I’ve read so far. I don’t often give five star ratings because there is always, at some point, a part of the book that I am mulling over or questioning or just kind of gets stuck in my mind as I’m going onto the next chapter.
But this book, focusing on Svera x Krisxox, really just made things flow. Admittedly, they were the couple I was most excited to read about but I was apprehensive. I didn’t want to be disappointed.
I am glad to say that my expectations were met and then some. I felt like there was a bit more action, in terms of fight scenes, simply because Krisxox is one of the main characters—ironically considered book 2 centering on Kiki’s story.
The actions, suspense, humor, and basically poetic most inner thoughts these two struggle with and share; I really had a hard time putting it down.
Like I said, Taken to Heimo gives the reader suspense, action, humor, intense and headed love scenes.
BUT ALSO, spiritual doubt/questioning, an element of I identity crisis when it comes to realizing (and accepting)
a mate that was meant for you.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the amount of details regarding the human colony’s hidden history and a glimpse into the Niahhorru tech and stuffffff I don’t want to spoil here😶😶.
Basically—-I just loved really loved loved loved every single moment of this. I can’t wait to go on to the next one—Deena seems cool 😀.
But this book, focusing on Svera x Krisxox, really just made things flow. Admittedly, they were the couple I was most excited to read about but I was apprehensive. I didn’t want to be disappointed.
I am glad to say that my expectations were met and then some. I felt like there was a bit more action, in terms of fight scenes, simply because Krisxox is one of the main characters—ironically considered book 2 centering on Kiki’s story.
The actions, suspense, humor, and basically poetic most inner thoughts these two struggle with and share; I really had a hard time putting it down.
Like I said, Taken to Heimo gives the reader suspense, action, humor, intense and headed love scenes.
BUT ALSO, spiritual doubt/questioning, an element of I identity crisis when it comes to realizing (and accepting)
a mate that was meant for you.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the amount of details regarding the human colony’s hidden history and a glimpse into the Niahhorru tech and stuffffff I don’t want to spoil here😶😶.
Basically—-I just loved really loved loved loved every single moment of this. I can’t wait to go on to the next one—Deena seems cool 😀.
August 7, 2024
I know this book was meant to present some sort of diverse religious rep. The author talks a lot about the MC wearing a head covering. As someone who doesn't wear a head covering myself, I can't fully judge, but found everything around Svera's head covering and religion to be... not the rep we all need. The religion is a conglomaration of many religions, with very direct references to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, and it is never fully explained. A major conflict of the story is the MC is not allowed to wear a head covering after having sex or getting married. It feels like major purity culture, legalistic BS and while the whole story is the MC unpacking this, I still didn't like it. There are many religions that include a head covering of some kind. I am not aware of any that use it as a sign of virginity, and by the end of the book, it felt like you were supposed to associate the head covering with something bad and oppressive. I imagine that would not be a pleasant experience for anyone who picked up this book, excited to see an MC with a head covering. Anyways, I didn't really like this one and wouldn't recommend it.
January 15, 2021
Update! Received an ARC of this from the wonderful Elizabeth herself in exchange for a honest review! Putting a note here: very smutty.
This is a solid 3 stars from me, BECAUSE it gets an instant star for well written diversity, aka everything just feels more punchy bc the main character is a hijabi. I add another 0.5 stars because it beats most other books in the genre by A MILLION MILES.
Honestly this one's a little below Taken to Sasor for me, maybe just because I was expecting so much and had hyped it up. But I still definitely enjoyed it.
I was expecting more enemies-ish relation between them based on the previous books and I feel like it didn't go there as well as Taken to Sasor did, but I did love how they were both so open to accepting each other's cultures instead of just her accepting his culture like it usually is in these kinds of books. Overall I liked it, think it got me out of a slump!
And I loved Svera's parents reaction. Very cute and I love how they're so parent-ey.
This is a solid 3 stars from me, BECAUSE it gets an instant star for well written diversity, aka everything just feels more punchy bc the main character is a hijabi. I add another 0.5 stars because it beats most other books in the genre by A MILLION MILES.
Honestly this one's a little below Taken to Sasor for me, maybe just because I was expecting so much and had hyped it up. But I still definitely enjoyed it.
I was expecting more enemies-ish relation between them based on the previous books and I feel like it didn't go there as well as Taken to Sasor did, but I did love how they were both so open to accepting each other's cultures instead of just her accepting his culture like it usually is in these kinds of books. Overall I liked it, think it got me out of a slump!
And I loved Svera's parents reaction. Very cute and I love how they're so parent-ey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2021
I could not get into this book.... I really could not stand the heroine and her religious hang-ups. She was weak and double minded. I truly felt bad for the hero being stuck with her. There was mention about being in a garden and wanting to be in a garden- I believe this had a sexual connotation. To be honest, I had to force myself to read till the end of the book.... because I was provided a free copy of the book. There were some grammatical errors noted... So, I'm hoping things will be corrected before it's set release date. I really was looking forward to this book! What a let down from the previous book!
January 8, 2021
I've been waiting for this book since Svera and Krisox were both introduced. These two have danced around one another and bickered from the moment they meet and finally we get the payoff of the tension. Loved seeing how these two can compliment one another. Svera was far sassier than I expected and it was just what needed to balance out Krisox and is high handedness. Also, I can't wait for Rhork's book.
January 20, 2021
Oh, Krisxox *sighhhhhhh*
“... I’m your male. Your mate. And I will may’ree you. You will call me house-band and I will call you whiff.”
Svera and Krisxox don’t have the easiest beginnings of a relationship, but they both are finally taken to heimo. 💕
“... I’m your male. Your mate. And I will may’ree you. You will call me house-band and I will call you whiff.”
Svera and Krisxox don’t have the easiest beginnings of a relationship, but they both are finally taken to heimo. 💕
September 2, 2024
I have been looking forward to Krisxox and Svera’s story ever since I’ve read about Krisxox’s deep seated hatred for anything un-Drakesh, especially humans, and knowing he’s attracted to Svera and is badly fighting off the attraction/ call of his Xanaxana; plus, Svera’s such a prude with a devotion to her Tri-God, and Krisxox is the equivalent of an alien manwhore. I was giddy in anticipation as to how Elizabeth Stephens will put a spin to this one…. And it’s a five star read. There we are. Finally. Another five star!
Anand (Krisxox’s slave name) has been raised by hateful and prejudiced parents who always believed that the Drakesh species is the most superior amongst everything else; and hence, humans are inferior and disgusting in their eyes. When he was hit with the Xanaxana for the human adviser, Svera, he did everything in his power to fight it off, coming off as rude, brutish and extremely unreasonably possessive and overbearing. Svera had enough and had put her foot down, putting Anand in his place. And just when I thought things was heating up, romance wise, we have a kidnapping, introduction of the characters of the next book, and basically more world building and improvements of the different planets. Elizabeth, you genius, you!
I love that they named the human colony moon “Heimo”. It’s so fitting and really ties up quite nicely when you read and get invested in the running of the planets. I so look forward to reading the next book, too. I think Elizabeth Stephens was smart introducing a different, unrelated planet as the third book, and saving Svera and Anand’s story as the 4th. She’s showcasing her diversity as well as introducing the other species from the other planets mentioned in this series.
Gobbling this series up like gummy bears!
Anand (Krisxox’s slave name) has been raised by hateful and prejudiced parents who always believed that the Drakesh species is the most superior amongst everything else; and hence, humans are inferior and disgusting in their eyes. When he was hit with the Xanaxana for the human adviser, Svera, he did everything in his power to fight it off, coming off as rude, brutish and extremely unreasonably possessive and overbearing. Svera had enough and had put her foot down, putting Anand in his place. And just when I thought things was heating up, romance wise, we have a kidnapping, introduction of the characters of the next book, and basically more world building and improvements of the different planets. Elizabeth, you genius, you!
I love that they named the human colony moon “Heimo”. It’s so fitting and really ties up quite nicely when you read and get invested in the running of the planets. I so look forward to reading the next book, too. I think Elizabeth Stephens was smart introducing a different, unrelated planet as the third book, and saving Svera and Anand’s story as the 4th. She’s showcasing her diversity as well as introducing the other species from the other planets mentioned in this series.
Gobbling this series up like gummy bears!
April 23, 2023
3.5 stars 🌟
Don’t you just love it when the mmc whose been denying the bond this entire time ends up falling harder? This was funny, cute and slightly angsty at the same time. Couldn’t get enough of Krisxox asking Svera to marry him. I should’ve tallied the many times he asked, it had me giggling kicking my feet. Huzzband and whiff were my two favorite words by the time I finished this 😂
Ngl to you I feel so bad for both of these characters. I shouldn’t be laughing but I am 😂 I don’t know if the author has some personal vendetta against Svera but she just couldn’t seem to catch a break. I’ve only read the first book and this one but it’s clear that in both, the girl’s just down on her luck. Literally everything that could go wrong, went wrong 😭
I definitely enjoyed this!! Not as much as the first one I don’t think. Mostly bc it had that typical trope where the fmc is kinda sorta helpless. In all those times that she was in trouble, Krisxox had to go save her. Not that there’s anything wrong with that either!! I personally enjoyed Miari’s character in the first book more.
One last thing (which I can’t believe I almost forgot to mention), Svera is Muslim!! This book deals with some religious aspects and how she eventually came to terms with sleeping with Krisxox before marriage. It was really cute how the alien who wanted nothing to do with humans literally tripped all over his feet to abide by her customs 🥹
Don’t you just love it when the mmc whose been denying the bond this entire time ends up falling harder? This was funny, cute and slightly angsty at the same time. Couldn’t get enough of Krisxox asking Svera to marry him. I should’ve tallied the many times he asked, it had me giggling kicking my feet. Huzzband and whiff were my two favorite words by the time I finished this 😂
Ngl to you I feel so bad for both of these characters. I shouldn’t be laughing but I am 😂 I don’t know if the author has some personal vendetta against Svera but she just couldn’t seem to catch a break. I’ve only read the first book and this one but it’s clear that in both, the girl’s just down on her luck. Literally everything that could go wrong, went wrong 😭
I definitely enjoyed this!! Not as much as the first one I don’t think. Mostly bc it had that typical trope where the fmc is kinda sorta helpless. In all those times that she was in trouble, Krisxox had to go save her. Not that there’s anything wrong with that either!! I personally enjoyed Miari’s character in the first book more.
One last thing (which I can’t believe I almost forgot to mention), Svera is Muslim!! This book deals with some religious aspects and how she eventually came to terms with sleeping with Krisxox before marriage. It was really cute how the alien who wanted nothing to do with humans literally tripped all over his feet to abide by her customs 🥹
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