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Seven Kingdoms Tales #8
The Monster's Caress
CIA agent Asahi Tanaka grew up hearing tales from his grandfather about a mysterious realm where magic and monsters are real. His quest for answers takes him back to Yachats, Oregon, his childhood home. His personal investigation of a series of disappearances leads to a break in the case, and he finds himself in a strange but eerily familiar world.
Nali, Empress of the Monsters, will do anything to protect the creatures under her care. When one of her fabled Sea Stags washes ashore grievously injured, she knows that the last of the alien organisms that came to her world has made it to her kingdom. Her search for the alien leads to an unexpected discovery—another visitor, this one from Earth!
A perilous journey to find the malevolent alien takes Nali and Asahi across the Isle of the Monsters, leading them to a discovery that changes their perceptions and makes them reexamine their place in the universe. Will the magic that sparks between these two warriors from different worlds be enough to destroy the threat, or will one have to be sacrificed to save not only the Seven Kingdoms but Earth as well?
80,620
Nali, Empress of the Monsters, will do anything to protect the creatures under her care. When one of her fabled Sea Stags washes ashore grievously injured, she knows that the last of the alien organisms that came to her world has made it to her kingdom. Her search for the alien leads to an unexpected discovery—another visitor, this one from Earth!
A perilous journey to find the malevolent alien takes Nali and Asahi across the Isle of the Monsters, leading them to a discovery that changes their perceptions and makes them reexamine their place in the universe. Will the magic that sparks between these two warriors from different worlds be enough to destroy the threat, or will one have to be sacrificed to save not only the Seven Kingdoms but Earth as well?
80,620
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2020
98 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
259 books2,580 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 22, 2022
Well I finished it but think it's a good learning process to just let a series go if it doesn't work. I like her writing so will probably try something else by S.E Smith in the future
September 23, 2020
The Monster's Caress: A Seven Kingdoms Tale 8
The Seven Kingdoms Series
S. E. Smith
https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5/
Release date 09/22/2020
Publisher Montana Publishing
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
CIA agent Asahi Tanaka grew up hearing tales from his grandfather about a mysterious realm where magic and monsters are real. His quest for answers takes him back to Yachats, Oregon, his childhood home. His personal investigation of a series of disappearances leads to a break in the case, and he finds himself in a strange but eerily familiar world.
Nali, Empress of the Monsters, will do anything to protect the creatures under her care. When one of her fabled Sea Stags washes ashore grievously injured, she knows that the last of the alien organisms that came to her world has made it to her kingdom. Her search for the alien leads to an unexpected discovery—another visitor, this one from Earth!
A perilous journey to find the malevolent alien takes Nali and Asahi across the Isle of the Monsters, leading them to a discovery that changes their perceptions and makes them reexamine their place in the universe. Will the magic that sparks between these two warriors from different worlds be enough to destroy the threat, or will one have to be sacrificed to save not only the Seven Kingdoms but Earth as well?
Internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith presents a new action-packed story full of adventure and romance. Brimming with her signature humor, vivid scenes, and beloved characters, this book is sure to be another fan favorite!
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they find a way to defeat the dangerous threat determined to alienate them all...
While I am running behind my long list of books to read prior to their release dates, I still couldn’t pass this book, as the last in this series, I needed to know how the seven Kingdoms would be saved from the vicious aliens determined to erase them.
I did not see coming but it was a nice surprise, I won’t spoil the fun to the author’s fans but I just loved it.
For a new reader, while the romance is new in this book, to understand all the whys and wherefores, it would be best to begin with 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛’𝑠 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒, the book that started it all.
When I first read this series, I thought Ashure’s tale would be the last, it was the one I was expecting the most, so it was a happy surprise for me to read it before this one.
But how I was even more glad to see him to be more than a side character, he is an integral component of this story, and at the center of one of the most moving moment.
Sure Ashure is still Ashure, he is behind most of the witty banters and fun scenes, thanks to his interactions with his friends, but in time of pain and loss, his view of the events enhanced the drama of the instant.
While it is light at time, Mrs Smith always infuses humor in her story, the weight of the threat and its possible outcome put a dent in the levity of some scenes, with Ashure as a reminder of the price to pay if they failed.
Asahi and Nali are lovely sweethearts, I would have just loved a bit more tension and fire between them. Ashure stole the limelight but I did not really bother me.
4.5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Seven Kingdoms Series
S. E. Smith
https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5/
Release date 09/22/2020
Publisher Montana Publishing
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
CIA agent Asahi Tanaka grew up hearing tales from his grandfather about a mysterious realm where magic and monsters are real. His quest for answers takes him back to Yachats, Oregon, his childhood home. His personal investigation of a series of disappearances leads to a break in the case, and he finds himself in a strange but eerily familiar world.
Nali, Empress of the Monsters, will do anything to protect the creatures under her care. When one of her fabled Sea Stags washes ashore grievously injured, she knows that the last of the alien organisms that came to her world has made it to her kingdom. Her search for the alien leads to an unexpected discovery—another visitor, this one from Earth!
A perilous journey to find the malevolent alien takes Nali and Asahi across the Isle of the Monsters, leading them to a discovery that changes their perceptions and makes them reexamine their place in the universe. Will the magic that sparks between these two warriors from different worlds be enough to destroy the threat, or will one have to be sacrificed to save not only the Seven Kingdoms but Earth as well?
Internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith presents a new action-packed story full of adventure and romance. Brimming with her signature humor, vivid scenes, and beloved characters, this book is sure to be another fan favorite!
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they find a way to defeat the dangerous threat determined to alienate them all...
While I am running behind my long list of books to read prior to their release dates, I still couldn’t pass this book, as the last in this series, I needed to know how the seven Kingdoms would be saved from the vicious aliens determined to erase them.
I did not see coming but it was a nice surprise, I won’t spoil the fun to the author’s fans but I just loved it.
For a new reader, while the romance is new in this book, to understand all the whys and wherefores, it would be best to begin with 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛’𝑠 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒, the book that started it all.
When I first read this series, I thought Ashure’s tale would be the last, it was the one I was expecting the most, so it was a happy surprise for me to read it before this one.
But how I was even more glad to see him to be more than a side character, he is an integral component of this story, and at the center of one of the most moving moment.
Sure Ashure is still Ashure, he is behind most of the witty banters and fun scenes, thanks to his interactions with his friends, but in time of pain and loss, his view of the events enhanced the drama of the instant.
While it is light at time, Mrs Smith always infuses humor in her story, the weight of the threat and its possible outcome put a dent in the levity of some scenes, with Ashure as a reminder of the price to pay if they failed.
Asahi and Nali are lovely sweethearts, I would have just loved a bit more tension and fire between them. Ashure stole the limelight but I did not really bother me.
4.5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
December 31, 2021
Wow. We finally get Asahi's and Nali's story. This was fast paced, funny and tragic. I honestly could not see how they were going to defeat the aliens, and it felt like no matter what they did, it kept getting worse. We keep getting pictures of the past and the future, which at times confused all the kings/queens of all the islands who had to be part of destroying the aliens. Ashure has a big role in this book as well, and while he plays at being carefree, he has a very sharp mind and is an incredible protector/friend. There was a secondary story line that ran through this book, that really keeps you into the wondering, knowing there is a role that Phoenix will play. I listened to all the books on audible and the narrator was fabulous.
January 3, 2022
Well, it was a lot like the other novels, in set up! Nice ending, though it the build up made me expect more! Great characters and bones...but each book need more...
October 17, 2020
Seven Kingdoms and Dragon Lords
Smith finishes her Seven Kingdoms series with a crossover featuring characters from the Dragon Lords of Valdier. Read both series!
Smith finishes her Seven Kingdoms series with a crossover featuring characters from the Dragon Lords of Valdier. Read both series!
November 11, 2020
Love, love, LOVED!!!!!
I loved this book. So much. But PLEASE don't tell me that's the end of the series!!!! Noooooooo!!!! I've loved this series from Book 1 to Book 8, and surely there are more stories to be told from The Seven Kingdoms!! Surely!! This series is so different from normal paranormal. Every Kingdom ruled by, and inhabited by, an entirely different species, but Nali and The Monsters are really special. Xyrie the UNICORN? YES, PLEASE!!! This one was full of laughter, danger, bravery, twists and turns, and well, magical. I'd hoped for 1 or 2 more at least. This series is just magical. Do yourself a favor, start with Book 1 and just binge them all. I promise you'll be glad you did.
I loved this book. So much. But PLEASE don't tell me that's the end of the series!!!! Noooooooo!!!! I've loved this series from Book 1 to Book 8, and surely there are more stories to be told from The Seven Kingdoms!! Surely!! This series is so different from normal paranormal. Every Kingdom ruled by, and inhabited by, an entirely different species, but Nali and The Monsters are really special. Xyrie the UNICORN? YES, PLEASE!!! This one was full of laughter, danger, bravery, twists and turns, and well, magical. I'd hoped for 1 or 2 more at least. This series is just magical. Do yourself a favor, start with Book 1 and just binge them all. I promise you'll be glad you did.
September 27, 2020
I think this might be SE Smiths best work yet
This fantastical story was a heart wrenchingly beautiful emotional rollercoaster that I never wanted to end. Nali has been such a presence throughout the previous stories in this series, and the Isle if Monsters has been a land shrouded in mystery. I absolutely loved learning more about them, and Asahi, and how they saved the Seven Kingdoms.
This fantastical story was a heart wrenchingly beautiful emotional rollercoaster that I never wanted to end. Nali has been such a presence throughout the previous stories in this series, and the Isle if Monsters has been a land shrouded in mystery. I absolutely loved learning more about them, and Asahi, and how they saved the Seven Kingdoms.
January 8, 2021
Once again Ms Smith has me reading a story in one sitting.
I have owned this book since its release date but have not had the peaceful time I wanted to enjoy it uninterrupted until now due to a new grandchild.
Her writing talent and ability to interweave her worlds together without getting lost astounds me.
What a great finish to this series but happily not the intertwined worlds of this author.
FBI agent Asahi is the last human to tell his tale and at the same time, we get an ending to the alien horror that has caused so much damage to the Kingdom of the Seven Isles.
We get all the main characters participating in the final battle, after a few heart stopping side trips that had me going, no, surely that is not true.
The background to all that has happened, which encompassed more than one world by Ms Smith, was intriguing and so well woven together, I felt like all the books involved flowed as one story in my mind.
Such a wonderful ending to a series that started as a short set of quick stories, that was written for her readers whilst she was travelling.
I have owned this book since its release date but have not had the peaceful time I wanted to enjoy it uninterrupted until now due to a new grandchild.
Her writing talent and ability to interweave her worlds together without getting lost astounds me.
What a great finish to this series but happily not the intertwined worlds of this author.
FBI agent Asahi is the last human to tell his tale and at the same time, we get an ending to the alien horror that has caused so much damage to the Kingdom of the Seven Isles.
We get all the main characters participating in the final battle, after a few heart stopping side trips that had me going, no, surely that is not true.
The background to all that has happened, which encompassed more than one world by Ms Smith, was intriguing and so well woven together, I felt like all the books involved flowed as one story in my mind.
Such a wonderful ending to a series that started as a short set of quick stories, that was written for her readers whilst she was travelling.
September 7, 2022
Review of audiobook borrowed through my library’s Hoopla app.
I have all but 2 books in this series and I wanted to know if this was worth an Audible credit. This one is going to wait for a sale.
The story ties off the series and even links in Phoenix from SES’ Dragon Lords of Valdier. Therefore, this book is best enjoyed when read in series order.
It didn’t do much for me as a romance. I like both main characters individually but didn’t connect with them. Nor did I connect with the feelings of a romantic relationship. I did like her main characters coming together one last time to overcome the evil alien. SES did surprise me with it’s origins.
I got the overall feeling that SES was working to complete this book while suffering through creative burn out. I hope she is able to rest and recover as I have truly enjoyed many of her books and I regularly reread several series.
Brenin did his usual excellent job of narration.
I have all but 2 books in this series and I wanted to know if this was worth an Audible credit. This one is going to wait for a sale.
The story ties off the series and even links in Phoenix from SES’ Dragon Lords of Valdier. Therefore, this book is best enjoyed when read in series order.
It didn’t do much for me as a romance. I like both main characters individually but didn’t connect with them. Nor did I connect with the feelings of a romantic relationship. I did like her main characters coming together one last time to overcome the evil alien. SES did surprise me with it’s origins.
I got the overall feeling that SES was working to complete this book while suffering through creative burn out. I hope she is able to rest and recover as I have truly enjoyed many of her books and I regularly reread several series.
Brenin did his usual excellent job of narration.
September 30, 2020
Holy balls of dragon fire!
The sudden visit to one of my favourite worlds by this author and the appearance of a certain unique and loveable little dragon was more than a shock, but a very welcome one. It was a brilliant way to link this series with another universe of Smith's.
Only problem is, now i want more dragolings books... pronto lol. With halloween coming up i may have to revisit a certain book about a haunted house lol
The sudden visit to one of my favourite worlds by this author and the appearance of a certain unique and loveable little dragon was more than a shock, but a very welcome one. It was a brilliant way to link this series with another universe of Smith's.
Only problem is, now i want more dragolings books... pronto lol. With halloween coming up i may have to revisit a certain book about a haunted house lol
April 18, 2021
Awesome read!
This book gave just enough of suspense to keep you involved, but not frustrated... I loved the main characters, Asahi and Nali, but felt that their story was somewhat lost in the what was needed to wrap up the series at times. I still enjoyed their story and ending was just awesome. I also enjoyed the fact the humor that was found in the rest of series was not lost. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
This book gave just enough of suspense to keep you involved, but not frustrated... I loved the main characters, Asahi and Nali, but felt that their story was somewhat lost in the what was needed to wrap up the series at times. I still enjoyed their story and ending was just awesome. I also enjoyed the fact the humor that was found in the rest of series was not lost. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
March 13, 2025
I own all of S.E. Smith's books and love them. This one may be my favorite because of the many twists and turns and the inclusion of characters from other stories and series. I enjoy that she has characters and situations that are quite humorous sprinkled throughout more serious plots. Without telling you the story, it is a beautifully written masterpiece of paranormal, sci-fi, humor and romance.
September 22, 2020
Amazing!
Wow, this book sucked me in and I stayed up all night reading it until I was finished. What an amazing story and wonderful series! It broke my heart, made me laugh and worry about the characters and what would happen to them. While I was sad to see the end of this series, it was a perfect ending!
Wow, this book sucked me in and I stayed up all night reading it until I was finished. What an amazing story and wonderful series! It broke my heart, made me laugh and worry about the characters and what would happen to them. While I was sad to see the end of this series, it was a perfect ending!
October 9, 2020
Awesome read!
I love this series! I love going into the worlds. SE Smith sends me to the most wonderful places. I don’t want to leave. The island of monsters was so beautiful. I could see everything. If you haven’t experienced the wonderful worlds created by SE Smith you are truly missing out. Start from the beginning and dive in.
I love this series! I love going into the worlds. SE Smith sends me to the most wonderful places. I don’t want to leave. The island of monsters was so beautiful. I could see everything. If you haven’t experienced the wonderful worlds created by SE Smith you are truly missing out. Start from the beginning and dive in.
October 10, 2020
What a great ending
I began this series with the first book being freebie. I couldn't stop reading this series till the very last book came out an I'm looking forward to reading more of her work. Little different from normal paranormal books was nice addition to my others I have read.
I began this series with the first book being freebie. I couldn't stop reading this series till the very last book came out an I'm looking forward to reading more of her work. Little different from normal paranormal books was nice addition to my others I have read.
September 22, 2020
An intriguing and satisfying end to the Seven Kingdoms series filled with humor, danger, heartbreak and love. It was interesting to see the intertwining with other characters from different SE Smith worlds. I eagerly await what comes next from this very talented author.
September 26, 2020
Review foe seven kingdoms
I loved the series of the sevenkingdoms. It was nice to see you bring characters from other stories into this storyline. I had always hoped you would expand the kids stories of the valdair series and you have.
I loved the series of the sevenkingdoms. It was nice to see you bring characters from other stories into this storyline. I had always hoped you would expand the kids stories of the valdair series and you have.
October 31, 2020
MONSTERS AND MAGIC
Some monsters are real. Some monsters have magic. Some humans are destined to find the monsters and experience the magic.
The Monster’s Caress is an amazing, magical read, one that I could not put down, one that I highly recommend.
Some monsters are real. Some monsters have magic. Some humans are destined to find the monsters and experience the magic.
The Monster’s Caress is an amazing, magical read, one that I could not put down, one that I highly recommend.
March 29, 2025
THE MOST CONFUSING ENDING.
Sorry, I'm not into Smith's other books, so the ending does this crossover and REALLY threw me.
I enjoyed this series characters, but I probably won't come back to revisit because the ending was just so... Disconnected feeling for me.
Sorry, I'm not into Smith's other books, so the ending does this crossover and REALLY threw me.
I enjoyed this series characters, but I probably won't come back to revisit because the ending was just so... Disconnected feeling for me.
October 24, 2020
Loved it. I love all of S. E. Smiths books.
April 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this series.
September 8, 2022
Loved the full sires, and it was great to see from the valdiers and Phoenix again. I can't wait to see what else is in store for the rest of the ancients and the protects.
October 29, 2024
Wonderful ending to a series 👏
September 21, 2025
I love that the Valdier dragon's from one of her other series is in this one too!!!!
October 21, 2020
It's not often that I guess something accurately but, I knew this series made me think of another prominent series by this author. I don't want to inadvertently spoil the surprise in this story so that is all I have to say.
Must read addition to your S. E. Smith library.
Must read addition to your S. E. Smith library.
November 24, 2021
Great book except at the intimate scenes. I especially like Ashure scenes except when he was in the future. When the royals get together is always amusing to read & Phoenix's arrival in the Seven Kingdoms.
I wonder if there will be another Dragonling book after this moment.
I wonder if there will be another Dragonling book after this moment.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews