It was just another mission. Until she was thrust into his arms. And now everything has changed... Suppressing the rebellion on Crucible should have been just another mission for Commander Nic Vistuv and the men of his unit. But lies and misinformation plague their mission from the beginning.
The only way out of their predicament may lie in the form of a bribe, but this bribe is different. It’s wrapped in the body of a young healer, battle-scarred and broken by a deep betrayal.
And her touch is enough to bring him to very edge of control.
As secrets unravel and enemies draw nearer, Adena may be the key to understanding the truth of Crucible.
Can a wounded healer and an embittered soldier come to trust each other in time to forge a new beginning for them for both?
I was pleasantly surprised with this story. It starts out very descriptive, requiring concentration to imagine the scene. It turned into a well written story, the start of a series which you will need to read if you want to find out what the heck is going on 🧐 But this story does end on a HEA. Plenty of mystery to keep you engaged.
She goes from being scared out of her mind to being calmed by a talking cat who tells her to be quiet about him and it’s a secret. These are religious fanatics. I already suspend belief for sexy aliens please at least don’t insult me with these fmc nonsense backgrounds if you don’t plan to make them representative of that background
Honestly what frustrated me the most was that we don’t get background on Adena’s healing abilities. It’s just… there. Details were lacking in other parts of the story too. That being said, Adena and Nic were a good match.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: near death experiences, grief, violence, gore, SA
Adena was a healer and was preparing to go with the strangers who had come for her, warriors from the stars. Her cousin Matilde helped her get ready to leave.
The Rakian warriors were designed by a single team of engineers and grown from the same batch, each crafted with different abilities and different appearances. Commander Nic Vistuv was an enforcer fighting the battles of the Fifth Great Rakian Alliance. Suppressing the rebellion on Crucible should have been a routine mission for Nic and the men of his unit. But lies and misinformation have plagued their mission from the beginning. His unit met to discuss their current assignment. Nic’s records showed that the government here had suspected some of their people went rogue and were hiding in mountains rich in acetanium. The Rakian Alliance would love to get their hands on that new supply of the stable element that can be converted to a fuel source with minimal processing. So that was why the Rakians were actually here. The mission should be simple.
The tall, pale analyst, Kennet, contacted Nic to come down to meet their guests. Councilman Beric, one of the locals of the planet, came to offer his services to get them “up to speed on the local situation”. Kennet was almost laughing as he repeated this information for Nic. Apparently the cloaked woman next to Beric was being offered to them in appreciation of their help with the attacks. Beric also said she required strong handling but figured they would be up to the task. Beric pushed her off balance and she started to fall, but Nic caught her. Nic smelled her fear and anger, then suppressing his own anger, sent Kennet off with Beric to confirm their intel. All he cared about now was the frail bundle in his arms who set every nerve in his body on fire. As secrets begin to unravel and enemies draw nearer, this healer, Adena, may be the key to understanding the truth of Crucible.
This isn’t an easy book to get into, feeling like it starts in the middle of things, using terms the reader is not yet familiar with. Lots of names and alien jobs are described, but it still takes time to figure out everyone in the context of the story. The main characters, however, are well-portrayed, although the reader still has a way to go to get a full idea of what each is capable of. It is not a bad story, just a little confusing. Although it is Book 1, it feels very much like the story starts much further along. But stay with it and it does start to make sense.
I enjoyed the characters, Nic and Adela have a great chemistry and I found myself rooting for them. The story unfortunately felt a bit disjointed and I didn’t get the answers or explanations for things that I wanted to such as her healing. I was often confused and kept reading for clarity that I don’t feel like I got. It’s a sweet romance but warning there are a few triggers to be concerned with if you have them!
It wasn't too bad, but there were things added at random times, that had no bearing in the plot whatsoever, like the fact these guys are shifters, which comes into play at about 73% of the book, and doesn't have much of an impact on the rest of the plot. Or the "replicator", which is mentioned at the end of the last chapter, and apparently is an essential piece of medical equipment. One might think they would mention its existence to the new healer, but nope.
Written in third person by ELIN WYN & STARR HUNTRESS, CHOSEN BY THE RAKIAN COMMANDER is the 1st book of the RAKIAN WARRIOR series, and follows Rakian Commander Nic Vistuv and his human mate Adena Thornwood.
The Rakians were designed to fight the battles of the Fifth Great Rakian Alliance. They were force-grown to young adults in artificial wombs, then trained as soldiers from the time of their awakening. They have a human form and a feline form.
I'm forgoing my usual detailed review for this series because there is simply too much information to even try to explain. And I wouldn't be able to reveal all of it without giving away key parts that are meant to be discovered by the reader.
What I will say is this: so far, this series is different than other alien romance novels. The adventure is actually interesting and dramatic, full of unexpected twists. The romance needs work. Unlike most books, there is no indication that the female is his mate. Just the natural progression of a relationship based on chemistry instead of biology. There is a trigger warning in that this book does involve SA, so be warned. Also, the book could use to be touch shorter. But overall, I recommend the read. I'm looking forward to the next book of the series.
When the Rakian Alliance gets word that the planet Crucible may need their assistance, they send Commandeer Nic and his 4-Rakian team to investigate. The colonists have been attacked by a supposedly unknown species. But When the seaman meets their shuttle and offers his daughter Adena as a "Gift" in return for their help - Nic knows something's off. Adena is so incensed at her father's attempt to make her a whore, and a bribe to the Rakians, that she cooperated with Nic. N ic and Adena together begin to unravel the conflicting reports and assemble a picture of Crucible's history that has more holes that Swiss cheese. In the process, they fall in lust, then in love, and them determine to stay on Crucible until those holes get filled in. Here comes the series! The romance is good, the couple is great together out of bed as well. The set-up for the saga of Crucible's colonization is everything the start of a series should be: Intriguing, complex, and studded with hints of treachery and worse. Good characterization, clear writing, premier world-building, and some slow-burn spice. I'm definitely gonna read more!
Um, a bit boring, a bit slow, missing that little something 'urgent' in both the story and the romance. The characters felt 2 dimensional and the language and tone veered into modern day contemp sometimes. I dont think I'll be reading the next book in the series.
I had a hard time getting through this book. The beginning was a confusing mess and the random tidbits of world building wasn't helpful. The characters were flat and one dimensional. Unfortunately it's not a series I will continue reading.
If I knew this was a series, I wouldn't have wasted my time. This story was all over the place and seamed like characters and situations were added as an after thought. Don't recommend this one. Sorry
I really enjoy Elin Wyn, I'd have to say my favorite series by her is the Starbreed each of those books is a satisfying read filled with danger, desire and intrigue. This new series is a blend futuristic sci-fi and medieval times mixed together. Rakian warriors were created from all kinds of DNA including predator animals to create the perfect soldiers. Nik is the commander of the crew in this book, they are heading out to a new mission after the last went horribly wrong. They lost one of their own and each blames themselves for failing their fallen brother. Now more than Nik. They're been sent to some backwater planet to investigate the killing of the locals and to see if they any natural resources that can be used. Upon arrival Nik meets Adena whose uncle is using her as a bartering tool. He thinks it he gives her to the commander her be more than willing to help them. What Nik is, is disgusted that someone could do that to his own family. Adena's o oh mission is to save her cousin from a terrible fate and if that means she has to be given to the Alien " beasts " so be it. Little does she know it will be the worst and best thing to ever happen to her. The worst because she's taken from her cousin and everything she hold swear and the best because she finds a male who is honorable, and a place where she feels like she belongs. There is lots of action, some misunderstandings that go terribly wrong, and passion that brings two lonely hurt souls together! Enjoyed it!💖💖💖💖
The female main character was drugged and raped in the past. She has sex with the male main character, although not before their first attempt ends prematurely because she's too scared. She tells him about the rape after they finally have sex, he reacts badly (gets so mad that she's trying to placate him and she thinks he's mad at her, so she leaves upset. He doesn't once try to stop her or ask her to give him a minute or anything else, just refuses to respond to anything she says. Like way to make her assault about you, buddy.....and this man decides to just give her space for a day or two before getting back to her to clear up the fact that she thinks he's disgusted by her being raped. Because that is totally a misconception you should leave for another day).
And then she gets kidnapped and sexually assaulted by the captors before they talk. Because one rape obviously wasn't enough. And despite all this, she's fully ready for sex with the male main character the second they get back home and zero resurgence of trauma or hesitation or anything. Heaven forbid we have sexual assault treated with actual gravity or anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It had seemed a normal mission until a woman was thrust into the arms of the Rakian Commander Nic Vistuv. Then they were starting to realise that they had received a lot of lies and misinformation. The woman was apparently a bribe and she was a young healer who was battle-scarred and broken by a deep betrayal. For Nic, he quickly realises that just her touch is enough to bring him to the edge of self-control. As the secrets unravel and enemies draw even closer, Adena may be the key to understanding the truth of Crucible. Can a wounded healer and an embittered soldier come to trust each other in time to forge a new beginning for them for both?
I enjoyed this start to the series where we learnt a bit more about both characters and a tiny bit about how things work for the Rakian. I loved the connection that Nic immediately felt to Adena even if it took him a while to trust it. I enjoyed the secrets unravelling as well as the betrayal that became apparent. It was easy to read and understand. Contains explicit sexual content.
Nic and his crew are warriors for the Rakian Alliance, and they’ve been asked to come to a colony to get rid of the threat that keeps attacking their people. Adena is a healer with incredible abilities. An uncaring uncle hands her over to Nic and his crew in hopes of currying favour. There is far more going on though, than either of them realize, and as the feelings between them grow, they are challenged to find answers.
A fast paced futuristic sci-fi romance, featuring alien warriors with more than a few secrets, and a healer with a not so happy past. There are some scenes and conversations that those sensitive to rape might find disturbing, so consider this a warning. The story completes the romance between the main characters, but the background continuity is incomplete, and ends with some questions that only subsequent books can answer!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, recommended for those who love sci-fi, and sci-fi romance!
Chosen by the Rakian Commander: Rakian Warrior Mates: Book 1 By Elin Wyn and Starr Huntress Kindle unlimited purchase Adena has lived with her uncle for the last three years after the death of her parents. She is to be given to Nic and his brothers to show how much the town appreciated their help with the attacks. Nic and his brothers are on a mission, they go from mission to mission. Their last mission didn't go so well. Hopefully, this mission is enough to save our skins. Sorry I have to give this book a trigger warning. Adena is abducted, during this time she fights off her attacker and kills him before anything can happen. I rate the books that need a TW from 1- 10 ten being the worst and one being the lowest...... This books TW is 2. Rakian Warrior Mates: Chosen by the Rakian Commander Saved by the Rakian Scout Bonded to the Rakian Berserker Shielded by the Rakian Scientist Mar 25, 2021.
This is the first book of the series where the reader is introduced to this planet and villages. There is something causing havoc and stealing things from the people. No one is sure why. The town’s people have a theory but nothing concrete. There was a call for help and this special forces team of brothers show up. They are getting information from the town’s people but it’s not very helpful as it is just pieces of things. There is a romance between the leader of the special forces and the town’s healer. I would say that the romance is a secondary storyline to the main one of finding the villains. This book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger as some things are closed, but at about 85 percent completion the story ends and then it starts a few chapters of the next book.
I wasn't expecting much, which isn't fair, but this genre is...well...not known for depth. So 3-stars might be generous. OTOH, it was an easy, fluffy, beach read with likable characters and it kept my interest enough to keep reading the series.
This is FLUFF. There is a plot, but it's more in the background. I liked the h/h and all the sequel bait and it was an easy short read. I blew through the 4 books in two days.
The heroine does one rather stupid thing, but if I recall, I just rolled my eyes because it was just a lazy plot device and I liked her overall. Also, when the shifter thing comes in play, I just chuckled 'cuz of course they are. It wasn't a surprise 'cuz it's on the cover, but it was still a 'of course they are'.
Again, I'm more forgiving of FLUFF! reads simply because of likable characters and atmosphere.
I was hooked on the story from page one. Elin Wyn has created an unusual world where the settlers are living a somewhat primitive life. They are being attacked by something so the Rakian alliance sends a unit of genetically modified soldiers to investigate. The settlers call them starmen and Adena, a healer, is given to them by her uncle as a good will gesture. Nic, the commander of the unit, and Adena are attracted to each other and grow to care about each deeply. All while they are trying to solve the mystery of the attacks on the settlers. Their love story is sweet and intense. And the twists of the plot keep things moving fast. I loved reading their story. I'm waiting for the next book in the series.
Nice is one of four "brothers" on a starship, a team chosen to cover all the needs they might have.
Adena is a human girl, with not much family left, when the starship lands to help locals with whatever is terrorizing them, her uncle decides that she should be part of the "payment" . Nic is trying to forget the loss of one of his "brothers" , on the last mission, due to bad intel. Now it looks like all their Intel is either bad or lies, and when the locals dump a girl on them, he decides to talk to her about what is going on. Turns out the locals had settled this planet without clearance from the original owners, and they intend to take it back, one body, one farm, one attack at a time.
There are some good characters here, a solid concept, and a reasonable storyline. It just lacks polish. There are a couple things that needed more context, a few points that needed a consistency editor (first and second establishing paragraphs for the abduction did not hang well together - just a few words changes would have made all the difference). Mostly needed about 5 more sentences of character development to bring it from OK to riveting. The issues are jarring enough that I debated 2 vs 3 stars, but I’m going to give the next book a chance before giving up on this author duo.
A compelling start to a new series! I liked it a lot! This story is the beginning of a new series, so the exposition is pretty solid and dispersed throughout the whole story. I was pulled into the story right from the start, and the twists just made it even more compelling for me. I'm invested in the mystery that the author has set up, and I loved the way the love story unfolded. Adena has special powers and I'm wondering if maybe Matilda does too? I also enjoyed the origin story of the brothers and I'm wondering what really happened to the missing one. I'm definitely continuing on with the series!
There are a lot of complex relationships here: a father/uncle who is mean to his daughter and niece; a woman very interested in the father/uncle who tries to increase the strife between his daughter and niece; aliens sent to defend the planet, but were given misinformation and an alien and the niece who are greatly attracted to each other. And once all the characters are introduced, the plot thickens and the action keeps you glued to the book while you try to figure out how they will be able to get out of the trouble they find themselves in.
The story was about a planet settled (without permission) by a religious anti tech society. What I never figured out was why the asked for (or how they did so since the anti tech aspect) help of the Rakian command. Other bits I could not understand which interfered with my giving it a perfect score. Overall I loved the four Rakian team and the main Female lead. Would love to see someone match her Aunt in a feature story. Hopefully the other books will fill in missing pieces.
A Fantastic Sci-Fi Romance . I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Chosen By The Rakian Commander . I really enjoyed this first story in The Rakian Warrior Mates series . I look forward to reading more . The characters are unique and interesting . The story is well written . It's definitely full of suspense and surprises . It keeps you captivated with the story . I highly recommend reading . I always enjoy these stories .
This has it all, adventure, mystery, shapeshifters and sweet romance. Adena was sold as a whore by her uncle, but discovered so much more at the hands of Nic. Lots of unanswered questions at the end of this book, (no cliffhangers) so more books to follow. There are four guys in this crew so more stories to come. Yummy! Some new and refreshing ideas. Loved this book give it a try.
I really loved this book, I would more likely change this to 4.5 out of 5 just because the pacing was a little slow in certain parts. I didn't really like their introduction scene to each other but once they started to respect each other I liked it more.
SPOILER: **************** I will not lie them being like cat shifters threw me for a loop, and it may not be everyone's vibes.
What was with the cat though, Im sure it comes up again but it confused me more than anything lol.
Love Elin Wynn and Star Huntress’s work! In Chosen by the Rakian we meet Adena, a healer, who lives with relatives, the uncle remarried to a devious woman, and her cousin. The uncle gives her to a group of aliens who arrive to help the colonists who are being attacked by unknown assailants. Nic, the leader of the solders, welcomes Adena as an asset, not a toy. Together they and the three other soldiers fight the attackers…sometimes in their shifter cat form. Love wins!
Nic and his team/brothers are on a mission for the alliance where Adena is given to them as a gift. The mission gets underway as Adena and Nic get to know and trust each other. There is drama and intrigue in their adventure. I also loved the heated scenes and what's up with that crazy cat. He's a great and interesting character.