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Cora
The generational ship is humanity's hope for a future. Travelling to a destination Cora never plans to see, but maybe her grandchildren will. Those dreams are dashed when the ship is attacked by space pirates. She and a handful of other women end up on the Gladiatorial Planet of Krix and sold into slavery.
Cora is the weird girl. The last picked. The unpopular one. When one of the gladiatorial warriors says she’s his, she thinks it’s the same old game. One she’s fallen for before. But she’s going to find out there’s nothing this red-skinned, powerfully built alien competitor won’t do to win her heart.
Xyron
The moment I see her I feel it. The Xi.
I didn’t believe it was real. A fable among my people, a legend. Xi, when a man finds his Xi, his fate is called. It is the secret gift of the Grey Widow, the Crone's blessing.
There is no doubting it. My Cora is the softest, curviest and lushest of the new females called humans. I must hold her beautiful body in my arms. Show her the pleasures of being my mate. But we are slaves and our lives are not our own.
Spinning off from best-selling series the Red Planet Dragons of Tajss comes a new set of books, the Gladiators of Krix. From USA Today Bestselling Author Miranda Martin and her soulmate James D Horton, Xyron is a full length, standalone SFR novel with a happily ever after ending, plenty of steam, thrilling arena competitions and house politics.
The generational ship is humanity's hope for a future. Travelling to a destination Cora never plans to see, but maybe her grandchildren will. Those dreams are dashed when the ship is attacked by space pirates. She and a handful of other women end up on the Gladiatorial Planet of Krix and sold into slavery.
Cora is the weird girl. The last picked. The unpopular one. When one of the gladiatorial warriors says she’s his, she thinks it’s the same old game. One she’s fallen for before. But she’s going to find out there’s nothing this red-skinned, powerfully built alien competitor won’t do to win her heart.
Xyron
The moment I see her I feel it. The Xi.
I didn’t believe it was real. A fable among my people, a legend. Xi, when a man finds his Xi, his fate is called. It is the secret gift of the Grey Widow, the Crone's blessing.
There is no doubting it. My Cora is the softest, curviest and lushest of the new females called humans. I must hold her beautiful body in my arms. Show her the pleasures of being my mate. But we are slaves and our lives are not our own.
Spinning off from best-selling series the Red Planet Dragons of Tajss comes a new set of books, the Gladiators of Krix. From USA Today Bestselling Author Miranda Martin and her soulmate James D Horton, Xyron is a full length, standalone SFR novel with a happily ever after ending, plenty of steam, thrilling arena competitions and house politics.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2020
About the author
Miranda Martin
421 books588 followersUSA Today bestselling author Miranda Martin writes fantasy and scifi romance featuring heroes with out-of-this-world anatomy that readers call 'larger than life' and smart heroines destined to save the world. As a little girl, she would sneak off with her nose in a book, dreaming of magical realms. Today she brings those fantasies to life and adores every fan who chooses to live in them for a while.
Though born and raised in southern Virginia, Miranda Martin is a veteran who's traveled to places like Korea, Hawaii, and good 'ole Texas. She's since settled in Kansas, the heart of America, with her husband and daughters, a cat, and wishes for a pet dragon or unicorn. When she's not writing, you can still find her tucked away somewhere with a warm blanket and her nose in a book.
Visit her website http://mirandamartinromance.com and subscribe to her newsletter for new releases, special sales, and a FREE ebook!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 17, 2021
This was just meh.
It's instalove/fated mates yet the virgin h is so insecure due to previous bullying for being a bigger girl, she can't trust his intentions and so keeps pushing him away most of the book.
It's instalove/fated mates yet the virgin h is so insecure due to previous bullying for being a bigger girl, she can't trust his intentions and so keeps pushing him away most of the book.
November 4, 2020
A different spin on the survivors from the earth ship crash on planet of tajss series. Set in gladiator Roman type times the human females must learn to survive in a world totally foreign. The women dont lose their spunk, their attitude or drive to escape. Great story line and detailed characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2022
Alien abduction PNR series with interwoven themes
This is a series that features a new couple with each story. I do NOT consider this to be a STAND-ALONE. For maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers, I HIGHLY recommend these be read in series order, as there are multiple reoccurring characters, consecutive timelines and overarching themes that connect them together. Skipping a story, reading them out of order, etc. will not provide the details of what occurred previously or provide HEAs for the couple(s).
The stories don’t end on a cliffhanger per say, more of a HFN with more to come in the next story to advance the series.
** This is an alien abduction series that centers around a planet that is governed by corrupt politicians and ‘owners’ that run gladiator arenas. It features scenes and themes of rape and enslavement that may be difficult for sensitive readers. **
If you have not read this story, the following may contain spoilers!
Need to add some type of glossary or scene to cover some of the background of the planet and religion. Just saying there are some pretty innovative and descriptive cursing involving their religion. Plus it would be helpful to understand more about the ‘war’ that occurred previously that enabled this planet and their current political climate and behaviors.
If you are looking for romance, or a lot of intimate scenes, you will not find it within this series, or at least not so far. The story is more focused on building the universe and characters. Normally I don’t pay too close of attention to the quantity of these scenes, just that they fit within the concepts of the story laid out by the author(s). I think this parameter stuck out to me because it seems that Miranda and James went so far in the other direction to try, imo, to demonstrate how different the heroes thought of the heroines, that it undermined the heroines’ character and the authors’ intent.
This is readily apparent with Cora, as her continued thoughts about is he serious about her, coupled with her low self esteem, just went on too long for me. Cora being ‘untouched’ fit with her story, but the fact that it took so long for someone to speak up about the added danger and what she needed to do to protect herself, didn’t work. The characters are ‘enslaved’, but that doesn’t mean they lost the ability to think.
What I do like about the stories / series, is the interwoven plot and the hope underlying each of the H/h relationships. The more I read about the owners and the planet, the more I am looking forward to when they get their just rewards! I just hope that it is drawn out and detailed …
There are numerous grammatical errors in the story, but nothing difficult to interpret (I.e. incorrect word choice, missing / incorrect punctuation and capitalization, and extra inserted / missing words). There is also a bit of inconsistent data that needs to be corrected. This involved an incorrect character name. I uploaded my notes to Goodreads for anyone interested. I mention these for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow.
BLURB:
Cora
The generational ship is humanity's hope for a future. Travelling to a destination Cora never plans to see, but maybe her grandchildren will. Those dreams are dashed when the ship is attacked by space pirates. She and a handful of other women end up on the Gladiatorial Planet of Krix and sold into slavery.
Cora is the weird girl. The last picked. The unpopular one.
When one of the gladiatorial warriors says she’s his, she thinks it’s the same old game. One she’s fallen for before. But she’s going to find out there’s nothing this red-skinned, powerfully built alien competitor won’t do to win her heart.
Xyron
The moment I see her I feel it. The Xi. I didn’t believe it was real. A fable among my people, a legend. Xi, when a man finds his Xi, his fate is called.
It is the secret gift of the Grey Widow, the Crone's blessing. There is no doubting it.
My Cora is the softest, curviest and lushest of the new females called humans. I must hold her beautiful body in my arms. Show her the pleasures of being my mate. But we are slaves and our lives are not our own.
———
⛔️ Contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges; steamy adult intimate scene between the H/h with elements of dominance, etc.; violence such as kidnapping / abduction, several scenes with rape, murder, death, torture, assault, fighting, betrayal, coercion, threats, enslavement of males, females and children, etc.
This is a series that features a new couple with each story. I do NOT consider this to be a STAND-ALONE. For maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers, I HIGHLY recommend these be read in series order, as there are multiple reoccurring characters, consecutive timelines and overarching themes that connect them together. Skipping a story, reading them out of order, etc. will not provide the details of what occurred previously or provide HEAs for the couple(s).
The stories don’t end on a cliffhanger per say, more of a HFN with more to come in the next story to advance the series.
** This is an alien abduction series that centers around a planet that is governed by corrupt politicians and ‘owners’ that run gladiator arenas. It features scenes and themes of rape and enslavement that may be difficult for sensitive readers. **
If you have not read this story, the following may contain spoilers!
Need to add some type of glossary or scene to cover some of the background of the planet and religion. Just saying there are some pretty innovative and descriptive cursing involving their religion. Plus it would be helpful to understand more about the ‘war’ that occurred previously that enabled this planet and their current political climate and behaviors.
If you are looking for romance, or a lot of intimate scenes, you will not find it within this series, or at least not so far. The story is more focused on building the universe and characters. Normally I don’t pay too close of attention to the quantity of these scenes, just that they fit within the concepts of the story laid out by the author(s). I think this parameter stuck out to me because it seems that Miranda and James went so far in the other direction to try, imo, to demonstrate how different the heroes thought of the heroines, that it undermined the heroines’ character and the authors’ intent.
This is readily apparent with Cora, as her continued thoughts about is he serious about her, coupled with her low self esteem, just went on too long for me. Cora being ‘untouched’ fit with her story, but the fact that it took so long for someone to speak up about the added danger and what she needed to do to protect herself, didn’t work. The characters are ‘enslaved’, but that doesn’t mean they lost the ability to think.
What I do like about the stories / series, is the interwoven plot and the hope underlying each of the H/h relationships. The more I read about the owners and the planet, the more I am looking forward to when they get their just rewards! I just hope that it is drawn out and detailed …
There are numerous grammatical errors in the story, but nothing difficult to interpret (I.e. incorrect word choice, missing / incorrect punctuation and capitalization, and extra inserted / missing words). There is also a bit of inconsistent data that needs to be corrected. This involved an incorrect character name. I uploaded my notes to Goodreads for anyone interested. I mention these for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow.
BLURB:
Cora
The generational ship is humanity's hope for a future. Travelling to a destination Cora never plans to see, but maybe her grandchildren will. Those dreams are dashed when the ship is attacked by space pirates. She and a handful of other women end up on the Gladiatorial Planet of Krix and sold into slavery.
Cora is the weird girl. The last picked. The unpopular one.
When one of the gladiatorial warriors says she’s his, she thinks it’s the same old game. One she’s fallen for before. But she’s going to find out there’s nothing this red-skinned, powerfully built alien competitor won’t do to win her heart.
Xyron
The moment I see her I feel it. The Xi. I didn’t believe it was real. A fable among my people, a legend. Xi, when a man finds his Xi, his fate is called.
It is the secret gift of the Grey Widow, the Crone's blessing. There is no doubting it.
My Cora is the softest, curviest and lushest of the new females called humans. I must hold her beautiful body in my arms. Show her the pleasures of being my mate. But we are slaves and our lives are not our own.
———
⛔️ Contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges; steamy adult intimate scene between the H/h with elements of dominance, etc.; violence such as kidnapping / abduction, several scenes with rape, murder, death, torture, assault, fighting, betrayal, coercion, threats, enslavement of males, females and children, etc.
July 2, 2024
2.5/5⭐️ 2/5🌶
July 18, 2021
This is a good start to the Gladiators of Krix series, and a good spin-off of the Red Planet Dragons of Tajss series -- but the gladiator scenes were a bit too violent for my taste. It also bothered me that the lives of the slaves seemed so hopeless, and that getting their freedom seemed nearly impossible. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded down to 3 stars.
I liked Xyron, and liked that he didn't push Cora into a relationship before she was ready. He didn't understand her hesitation, since he was sure she was his Xi (soul-mate), but he still didn't try to rush her.
Cora was likable enough, but her lack of self-confidence got a little old after a while. She did get better, once she realized that Xyron really did love her -- but it seemed to take a long time.
I will continue the series, as I am interested to see what happens with the other slaves, and their hopes to find their freedom.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I liked Xyron, and liked that he didn't push Cora into a relationship before she was ready. He didn't understand her hesitation, since he was sure she was his Xi (soul-mate), but he still didn't try to rush her.
Cora was likable enough, but her lack of self-confidence got a little old after a while. She did get better, once she realized that Xyron really did love her -- but it seemed to take a long time.
I will continue the series, as I am interested to see what happens with the other slaves, and their hopes to find their freedom.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
May 9, 2021
Change of heart
I wanted to read this book anxiously so when I started reading I found that the story just didn't make me feel happy at all. I felt like the story was fighting to keep me interested and kept failing at it but what's worse for me was the feeling of hopelessness for these stolen women who became slaves and on top of that some got stolen again. Then the love story was just okay. Not for me.
SO I THOUGHT!!!!!!
UPDATE: I JUST KEPT READING THIS SERIES AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IT TURNS OUT TO BE A PHENOMENAL SERIES
I wanted to read this book anxiously so when I started reading I found that the story just didn't make me feel happy at all. I felt like the story was fighting to keep me interested and kept failing at it but what's worse for me was the feeling of hopelessness for these stolen women who became slaves and on top of that some got stolen again. Then the love story was just okay. Not for me.
SO I THOUGHT!!!!!!
UPDATE: I JUST KEPT READING THIS SERIES AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IT TURNS OUT TO BE A PHENOMENAL SERIES
October 14, 2020
Cora was taken from her generation ship and caged with a number of other women destined for sale on Krix, a planet that lives and dies by its gladiator arena. They’re purchased as a group for the House of Batius, a gladiator ludus on the rise. When Xyron, the second highest ranked gladiator, lays eyes on Cora, he recognizes his destiny. But how could fate ever mean for them to spend their life together in constant fear of being torn apart by the arena or the whims of their masters?
The authors noted that they drew some of their inspiration from the Starz show Spartacus and, being familiar with the series, the connections were impossible to miss. Rather than taking me out of the story, they actually made it easier for me to follow along because I had so much background knowledge. However, I think that any reader could catch on fairly quickly.
In regards to the H and h, they were fine, but nothing standout to me. Xyron’s backstory was never given, so I felt like I really didn’t know anything about him. Cora had insecurities about her body and was a nanny. That’s pretty much all that was revealed about her. I don’t know if there were inconsistencies with the number of other captured women, their names, and what happened to them after arriving on Krix, or if I just had a hard time with keeping track of them. Only one got any actual character development, so it was easy for me to ignore my questions about what was going on with the others.
Overall, this take on space gladiators was surprisingly well rooted in historical Roman customs (at least according to TV), which I thought gave it an interesting twist. Now that the foundation has been laid, I hope that the next book is able to flesh out the universe a bit more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The authors noted that they drew some of their inspiration from the Starz show Spartacus and, being familiar with the series, the connections were impossible to miss. Rather than taking me out of the story, they actually made it easier for me to follow along because I had so much background knowledge. However, I think that any reader could catch on fairly quickly.
In regards to the H and h, they were fine, but nothing standout to me. Xyron’s backstory was never given, so I felt like I really didn’t know anything about him. Cora had insecurities about her body and was a nanny. That’s pretty much all that was revealed about her. I don’t know if there were inconsistencies with the number of other captured women, their names, and what happened to them after arriving on Krix, or if I just had a hard time with keeping track of them. Only one got any actual character development, so it was easy for me to ignore my questions about what was going on with the others.
Overall, this take on space gladiators was surprisingly well rooted in historical Roman customs (at least according to TV), which I thought gave it an interesting twist. Now that the foundation has been laid, I hope that the next book is able to flesh out the universe a bit more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2020
Intriguing, exciting, and steamy start to a new series
by Melanie S.
Xyron marks an exciting new spin-off series from Miranda Martin's Red Planet Dragons. Way back, Rosalind and Visidion were captured on Tajss by the Zzlo and sold to an off-planet gladiatorial house. That planet ,Krix, and its culture (vaguely reminiscent of ancient Rome) are the setting for a new home-grown hero, Xyron, and his fated-mate story. The Zzlo are still attacking generation ships and selling their captives into slavery, which is how human Cora ends up a slave in the gladiatorial house of a corrupt Dominus and his seeming, licentious Domina (brush off your Latin, classics fans). It It also just happens that Xyron is the secondus - Number Two in the gladiatorial ranks. His position allows him to have Cora share his quarters, and the offer her some protection, but only marriage will keep them together forever, and slaves can't marry. The meat and potatoes of this book its the complicated and precarious situation lovers Cora and Xyron must negotiate in their goal for eventual freedom. The snares and enemies are numerous, devious, and cruel, the outcome is ever in doubt, and the suspense will drive readers crazy (in the best possible way). The spice is all in the love story, which is both sexy and compelling, adding to the overall edge-of-your-seat reading experience This marks the official debut of James Horton, Miranda Martin's co-writer. Welcome, Mr Horton, with your seamless contribution to this book, and many more. The new Martin/Horton team is already on a winning streak, and I'm dying to read Book 2 in the Gladiators of Krix series. This a voluntary ARC review.
by Melanie S.
Xyron marks an exciting new spin-off series from Miranda Martin's Red Planet Dragons. Way back, Rosalind and Visidion were captured on Tajss by the Zzlo and sold to an off-planet gladiatorial house. That planet ,Krix, and its culture (vaguely reminiscent of ancient Rome) are the setting for a new home-grown hero, Xyron, and his fated-mate story. The Zzlo are still attacking generation ships and selling their captives into slavery, which is how human Cora ends up a slave in the gladiatorial house of a corrupt Dominus and his seeming, licentious Domina (brush off your Latin, classics fans). It It also just happens that Xyron is the secondus - Number Two in the gladiatorial ranks. His position allows him to have Cora share his quarters, and the offer her some protection, but only marriage will keep them together forever, and slaves can't marry. The meat and potatoes of this book its the complicated and precarious situation lovers Cora and Xyron must negotiate in their goal for eventual freedom. The snares and enemies are numerous, devious, and cruel, the outcome is ever in doubt, and the suspense will drive readers crazy (in the best possible way). The spice is all in the love story, which is both sexy and compelling, adding to the overall edge-of-your-seat reading experience This marks the official debut of James Horton, Miranda Martin's co-writer. Welcome, Mr Horton, with your seamless contribution to this book, and many more. The new Martin/Horton team is already on a winning streak, and I'm dying to read Book 2 in the Gladiators of Krix series. This a voluntary ARC review.
October 13, 2020
A new series in a familiar Universe...
I've read, and really enjoyed, a lot of the Dragons of Tjass stories, so this series being in the same Universe has a familiar feel to it. This is on another planet, in the Gladiator rings we discovered when two characters ended up off world for part of a story in the other series.
Like a lot of 'first in series' stories there is a lot if wonderful, rich world building in this story, with seeds planted as we meet a decent size group of characters, get to know their situation, its pitfalls... and recognize there just might be some greener grass elsewhere on the planet.
Xyron is a man of honor, ending up a slave for ed to fight as a gladiator has not beaten that out of him, and he will step forward, and face the consequences, as honor... and fate, demand.
Cora isn't a hero, she'd rather believe a living nightmare is just a nightmare... but when she realizes you have to wake up and live to survive, she discovers she has more inside than she realized... she also discovers, through bonding with her fellow kidnapping victims that we all have insecurities and doubts.
This done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read was fun, with the gladiatorial combat of a Spartacus episode mixed with a bit more plotting, planning, and determination to not just survive, but live free once more.
I've read, and really enjoyed, a lot of the Dragons of Tjass stories, so this series being in the same Universe has a familiar feel to it. This is on another planet, in the Gladiator rings we discovered when two characters ended up off world for part of a story in the other series.
Like a lot of 'first in series' stories there is a lot if wonderful, rich world building in this story, with seeds planted as we meet a decent size group of characters, get to know their situation, its pitfalls... and recognize there just might be some greener grass elsewhere on the planet.
Xyron is a man of honor, ending up a slave for ed to fight as a gladiator has not beaten that out of him, and he will step forward, and face the consequences, as honor... and fate, demand.
Cora isn't a hero, she'd rather believe a living nightmare is just a nightmare... but when she realizes you have to wake up and live to survive, she discovers she has more inside than she realized... she also discovers, through bonding with her fellow kidnapping victims that we all have insecurities and doubts.
This done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read was fun, with the gladiatorial combat of a Spartacus episode mixed with a bit more plotting, planning, and determination to not just survive, but live free once more.
October 18, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 stars
I liked the story. There is clearly some inspiration from the idea of the Gladiators and Roman culture (or at least the Hollywood version of it). I did think for Xyron we needed more background. Although we could see his dedication for Cora, I thought that was the only thing we know about him. For Cora, there were a lot of hints about her background, but I never got a full idea of what her background was. She was a nanny, has some serious self-esteem issues, and had an older sister that she thought was perfect. There wasn't much else to her. I think we start to see her gain some backbone by the end of the story, but honestly I cared more about some of the secondary characters than I cared about her. I think this story is meant to set up for the future stories, and it shows in the plot.
*I've read most of the Red Planet Dragons Of Tajss books. So I understand more of the background of the Colony ship that the women came from. I'm not sure that you have to read those books (or the side series - Red Planet Jungle), but it probably will help explain the background.
3.5 stars
I liked the story. There is clearly some inspiration from the idea of the Gladiators and Roman culture (or at least the Hollywood version of it). I did think for Xyron we needed more background. Although we could see his dedication for Cora, I thought that was the only thing we know about him. For Cora, there were a lot of hints about her background, but I never got a full idea of what her background was. She was a nanny, has some serious self-esteem issues, and had an older sister that she thought was perfect. There wasn't much else to her. I think we start to see her gain some backbone by the end of the story, but honestly I cared more about some of the secondary characters than I cared about her. I think this story is meant to set up for the future stories, and it shows in the plot.
*I've read most of the Red Planet Dragons Of Tajss books. So I understand more of the background of the Colony ship that the women came from. I'm not sure that you have to read those books (or the side series - Red Planet Jungle), but it probably will help explain the background.
March 15, 2021
The beginning of the book pulled my interest into the story but somewhere after that, my interest faded and I had to keep leaving and then coming back to the story. The story then picked back up for me during the last 25% of the book. Cora had been captured and was a slave. She had fairly low self esteem at the beginning of the book but learned to like herself more as she saw herself through Xyron's eyes. She was his Xi, or fated mate. Xyron is the second best gladiator in his house. He is also a slave and although he's been led to believe he can eventually buy his freedom, that doesn't seem to be the truth. I think the reason the middle of the book had my attention wandering was because it revolved around the plight of the slaves and the hopelessness found there. The bright spot was the relationship between Cora and Xyron and how caring and loving he was to her. Because of her background it took her longer to reciprocate. The ending is a happy for now situation with events happening in the background that will eventually come to a head. The next book will be about Anzil and Kiara and it will be interesting to see how these two warriors come together.
October 11, 2020
A simply wonderful read, captivating and full of action
Cora is living a waking nightmare, along with a group of other females she discovers that they have been kidnapped and drugged by Zzio pirates for sale by auction to whoever has sufficient credits to buy them.
Gladiator Xyron is extremely attracted to the female that is about to be put on the auction block, she is his Xi, his mate. They have an instantly reciprocated attraction and he soon sees that she has a very low opinion of herself which he is determined to change.
As their romance continues to grow and her self esteem begins to grow along with it Xyron is happy to see his mate begin to blossom like a rare and delicate flower, she is previous and he will keep her safe at all costs.
This is a wonderful read with plenty going on, the characters and the plot have been very well written.
I look forward to future books in this series.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Cora is living a waking nightmare, along with a group of other females she discovers that they have been kidnapped and drugged by Zzio pirates for sale by auction to whoever has sufficient credits to buy them.
Gladiator Xyron is extremely attracted to the female that is about to be put on the auction block, she is his Xi, his mate. They have an instantly reciprocated attraction and he soon sees that she has a very low opinion of herself which he is determined to change.
As their romance continues to grow and her self esteem begins to grow along with it Xyron is happy to see his mate begin to blossom like a rare and delicate flower, she is previous and he will keep her safe at all costs.
This is a wonderful read with plenty going on, the characters and the plot have been very well written.
I look forward to future books in this series.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
May 3, 2021
Cora was on a generational ship when her dreams are dashed when space pirates attack the ship and she is taken to the Gladiatorial Planet of Krix and sold into slavery. As the weird girl, she finds it hard to believe it when one of the gladiators says she is his - she's not going to fall for lies again this time. As soon as Xyron sees Cora he feels it - the Xi - he never believed it was real but now he has felt he know it is real. He knows he must hold her beautiful body in his arms and show her the pleasures of being his mate. But they are both slaves and their lives are not their own. Can they be together and win their freedom?
This was a sweet story in a world full of macho men fighting in the area for the honour of their masters. I liked the way that the same pull of a mate still existed for the aliens as we may have read for shifters and that it was strong even though it was odd for a human to get their head around a concept like that. Well written and easy to read and understand. Contains some explicit sexual content.
This was a sweet story in a world full of macho men fighting in the area for the honour of their masters. I liked the way that the same pull of a mate still existed for the aliens as we may have read for shifters and that it was strong even though it was odd for a human to get their head around a concept like that. Well written and easy to read and understand. Contains some explicit sexual content.
October 10, 2020
Feeling as though she’s in a waking dream Cora finds herself a captive slave of the Zzlo aliens.
Along with her friends and other female captives they are taken to a slave market on the planet
Krix to be sold.
Gladiator Xyron who is one of his owner’s guards sees Cora at the market and knows instantly she is his Xi (mate).
There is immediate attraction between the two and as Cora begins to overcome her low self esteem and starts to believe that a strong dominant male like Xyron could be attracted to her their romance blossoms.
The story moves forward at a good pace with everything coalescing into an action packed suspenseful tale populated with interesting secondary characters, and a scorching hot romance!
All in all a good read that held my interest throughout. Definitely looking forward to book #2!
HEA for our leads!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Along with her friends and other female captives they are taken to a slave market on the planet
Krix to be sold.
Gladiator Xyron who is one of his owner’s guards sees Cora at the market and knows instantly she is his Xi (mate).
There is immediate attraction between the two and as Cora begins to overcome her low self esteem and starts to believe that a strong dominant male like Xyron could be attracted to her their romance blossoms.
The story moves forward at a good pace with everything coalescing into an action packed suspenseful tale populated with interesting secondary characters, and a scorching hot romance!
All in all a good read that held my interest throughout. Definitely looking forward to book #2!
HEA for our leads!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2021
Xyron - Enjoyable Story
A Enjoyable Story in this first book of this series. The story about Cora a curvy woman who catches Xyron eye. Cora is one of the human women who were taken from the generation ship and sold to the House of Batius. On their way to the House of Batius, they get attacked and four human women are taken. Xyron is second among the gladiators and fights to stay alive now must prove to Cora that she's his Xi/mate. Cora is full of self doubt because of her upbringing and finds it hard that Xyron is serious and trustworthy. Xyron asks his Dominus for a boom, if he wins the global games, he gets to marry Cora. Does Xyron get Cora to love him and does he win the game? This series parallels the Roman Era on Earth but set on the planet Kris. This story was a enjoyable read with likeable characters in a well written detailed world building of a new series to look forward to in the next book. I volunteer to read and review this book via Booksprout.
A Enjoyable Story in this first book of this series. The story about Cora a curvy woman who catches Xyron eye. Cora is one of the human women who were taken from the generation ship and sold to the House of Batius. On their way to the House of Batius, they get attacked and four human women are taken. Xyron is second among the gladiators and fights to stay alive now must prove to Cora that she's his Xi/mate. Cora is full of self doubt because of her upbringing and finds it hard that Xyron is serious and trustworthy. Xyron asks his Dominus for a boom, if he wins the global games, he gets to marry Cora. Does Xyron get Cora to love him and does he win the game? This series parallels the Roman Era on Earth but set on the planet Kris. This story was a enjoyable read with likeable characters in a well written detailed world building of a new series to look forward to in the next book. I volunteer to read and review this book via Booksprout.
March 15, 2021
I love her alien stories. Not only are they very visual but the characters feel as if they are alive, with the way Miss Marten writes! She creates these universes that are vibrant with their details. It embraces you so that when you are reading you are right with these characters. You feel the emotion that she creates and she knows how to put us right in the middle of her twists and turns. This book is my favorite so far! Although all of her books are some of my favorites! This author has the ability to hook have you absorb into her stories! She is a remarkable author. ONE who wholeheartedly adores this author and can surely say that she is one of the BEST SCI-FI authors out there! All of her books that I own are on my to be reread shelf! If you have not tried anything of hers I implore you to pick up any of her books! You will not be sorry that you did! Trust Me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2020
Cora was on a generation ship searching for a new home when it is attacked by pirates. The pirates steal Cora and the other women intending to sell them as slaves. Cora is not reacting well to this horrible situation. She veers from being terrified to denying everything as a bad dream. The women are bought by a slave master who trains gladiators. He wants to use the women as rewards for his best performing gladiators.
Xyron is a slave gladiator who really enjoys the battle. He is strong and proud of his accomplishments and victories. He was ordered to be a bodyguard to the slave master on his trip to town. When Xyron sees the human women he is shock to feel that he has found his Xi or destined mate. He is determined to make Cora his own and protect her. However this won't be an easy task
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Xyron is a slave gladiator who really enjoys the battle. He is strong and proud of his accomplishments and victories. He was ordered to be a bodyguard to the slave master on his trip to town. When Xyron sees the human women he is shock to feel that he has found his Xi or destined mate. He is determined to make Cora his own and protect her. However this won't be an easy task
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2022
Okay, I think this book taught me to pay attention to trigger warnings.
This series takes place in a planet in which slavery and rape are common and not looked at as something horrible. I couldn't get past that, I must admit I couldn't focus on the romance because of everything else going on around them. Also, the book claims to have a HEA ending, but no, it really doesn't.
Cora, was also a very annoying main character. This woman had problems that only a therapist would have been able to resolve. A lot of body and self esteem issues. I did like the supporting characters and would like to know their stories. I would love to read about how they possibly can escape or change this planet. In the end all of my questions will probably have to remain unanswered, since I really don't see myself continuing the series.
*Bad Read, 1 star*
This series takes place in a planet in which slavery and rape are common and not looked at as something horrible. I couldn't get past that, I must admit I couldn't focus on the romance because of everything else going on around them. Also, the book claims to have a HEA ending, but no, it really doesn't.
Cora, was also a very annoying main character. This woman had problems that only a therapist would have been able to resolve. A lot of body and self esteem issues. I did like the supporting characters and would like to know their stories. I would love to read about how they possibly can escape or change this planet. In the end all of my questions will probably have to remain unanswered, since I really don't see myself continuing the series.
*Bad Read, 1 star*
Read
October 12, 2020I really like this book! If you wondered what happened to the other humans on the generation Ship from the Red planet Dragons of Tajss, This is a book for you and if you have not read that series you don't need to to follow this story. Actually I like this story and their characters more than the ones in the other series, ( there was always something that rub me wrong and I didn't finish it) I can't wait to see what happened next because this book have an almost happy ever after but it looks like there is more to come for this couple and their other companions
.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2020
Martin and Horton are a Winning Collaboration!
Miranda Martin and James Horton come together to write a new series spin-off from The Red Planet Dragons and it is a winning collaboration! The story retains the classic mark of Miranda Martin with steamy scenes, well developed characters and detailed world building. James Horton’s contribution can be found in the danger, intrigue and many obstacles this couple must face in their quest for freedom and a happily ever after. The writing styles of two amazing authors came together seamlessly in a book that kept you on the edge of your seat and was very hard to put down until the end. I can not wait to get my hands on the next books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Miranda Martin and James Horton come together to write a new series spin-off from The Red Planet Dragons and it is a winning collaboration! The story retains the classic mark of Miranda Martin with steamy scenes, well developed characters and detailed world building. James Horton’s contribution can be found in the danger, intrigue and many obstacles this couple must face in their quest for freedom and a happily ever after. The writing styles of two amazing authors came together seamlessly in a book that kept you on the edge of your seat and was very hard to put down until the end. I can not wait to get my hands on the next books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2020
Cora wakes up and realizes that she and some other females have been kidnapped and drugged by Zzio pirates. They are planning to put them up for sale at an auction on the planet of Krix. Scheming Dominus and his Domina buys them. They own slaves and gladiators that fight for prestige and money. Gladiator Xyron spots Cora and immediately knows she is his Xi, his mate. The humans are trying to figure out a way to escape but Cora does not want to leave Xyron. This book has some great characters and lots of intrigue and suspense.I felt that it ended somewhat abruptly with a cliffhanger or teaser for the next book and an HFN instead of an HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2020
3&1\2 solid 🌟's
A generation ship attacked by pirates, human women taken and sold into slavery in a planet ruled by gladiator games and dirty politics. Cora, is a plus size girl with some self esteem issues but she also has a backbone and isn't going to let anyone break her heart again. She js the first to find love with Xyron a male gladiator of the house she was sold to. He's cocky, tough and takes one look at Cora and knows she's the one for him. He claims her as his but is patient and courts her because he wants forever slave or not. These two navigate their questionable circumstances, dangerous battles and dirty politics to find their happily ever after. Pretty good read. 💖
A generation ship attacked by pirates, human women taken and sold into slavery in a planet ruled by gladiator games and dirty politics. Cora, is a plus size girl with some self esteem issues but she also has a backbone and isn't going to let anyone break her heart again. She js the first to find love with Xyron a male gladiator of the house she was sold to. He's cocky, tough and takes one look at Cora and knows she's the one for him. He claims her as his but is patient and courts her because he wants forever slave or not. These two navigate their questionable circumstances, dangerous battles and dirty politics to find their happily ever after. Pretty good read. 💖
October 24, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Xyron is a gladiator of the House Batius. He's a slave fighting in the games to earn his freedom. While on an errand to procure women/flesh for his House he sees her. His Xi. The one who would complete him. Now he has even more reason to fight for his freedom, their freedom.
I liked how the author built this world and its similarity to what ancient Rome may have been like. You get two viewpoints, Xyron's, who is familiar with this world yet fighting where he can for change. And Cora's, a human new to this world and its politics. I enjoyed the growth that each of the characters had in this book.
Definitely different from what I am used to, in a good way.
Xyron is a gladiator of the House Batius. He's a slave fighting in the games to earn his freedom. While on an errand to procure women/flesh for his House he sees her. His Xi. The one who would complete him. Now he has even more reason to fight for his freedom, their freedom.
I liked how the author built this world and its similarity to what ancient Rome may have been like. You get two viewpoints, Xyron's, who is familiar with this world yet fighting where he can for change. And Cora's, a human new to this world and its politics. I enjoyed the growth that each of the characters had in this book.
Definitely different from what I am used to, in a good way.
November 8, 2020
This is a great start to a new series! Those nasty Zzlo pirates kidnapped, drugged then sold the human women. They are on a planet with many dangers and some of the dangers are the hot, sexy gladiators. One of the gladiators, Xyron, sees Cora and immediately knows she is his and, although he takes her to his room her first night, he will not force her into sex. Cora is scared but is instantly attracted to Xyron. But now she is a slave. She has always felt insecure about her body and can't fathom why Xyron wants her. It takes some time but he proves it to her. Now he has asked his master for a favor - if he wins in the grandest gladiator game, he and Cora can marry. Will that motivation be enough for him win?
January 31, 2021
Amazing story. Again Miranda Martin has started another great series with help from a friend. It sees as if the voyages are all over the galaxy, some on Tajss and some were kidnapped and taken to different worlds. This is the story of Cora and the Gladiator Xyron. He knows that the female that is getting ready to be auctioned is hi Xi, his mate. There is an instant attraction but Cora isn't a thin human and has a low opinion of herself. I love how the romance grows the her self esteem grows along with Zyron. I loved the storyline and the characters were well written. I look forward to more books from the Planet Krix. I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2021
Human women are sold to an alien who buys them to service his gladiators. Cora is a woman with self esteem issues who attracts the attention of Xyron the second ranked gladiator of House Batias.
Their romance is more forced proximity for her and seeing he is an honorable man who earns her trust. This is a cruel and dangerous environment that is a proximate on of Roman culture in an alien setting.
The storyline wasn’t something that I was expecting and I skimmed most of the last half of the story to learn how it ends. Some of the characters had redeeming qualities as they were doing their best to survive the environment they lived and others were despicable like Dominis and Domina.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their romance is more forced proximity for her and seeing he is an honorable man who earns her trust. This is a cruel and dangerous environment that is a proximate on of Roman culture in an alien setting.
The storyline wasn’t something that I was expecting and I skimmed most of the last half of the story to learn how it ends. Some of the characters had redeeming qualities as they were doing their best to survive the environment they lived and others were despicable like Dominis and Domina.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2021
A new series start, a really good beginning, this is an intense story with a compelling plot. I loved the action, there was always something exciting popping off. The beginning was a little confusing if it's been a while since you read the series before it, but the story settled after a few pages. I loved the characters and how they fed off of each other's energy. There were spots where there was what seemed like too much exposition, so I did skim some parts. Cora had fatgirl hang-ups and I thought they'd never move to even second base, but eventually, they did, yay team! I hated the owner couple, she totally creeped me out. I'm reading them out of order, but the stories still totally make sense.
October 9, 2020
If you liked the old tv show Spartacus AND you like sci-fi, this is the story (and series, hopefully) for you. When Cora and friends are kidnapped and sold into slavery, she finds Xyron, a gladiator who is determined that she is his fated mate, his XI. There is an undercurrent of politics, tyranny and rebellion as well as a very clear set of class dynamics in this story and it made for a fun read. I don’t know if I would have enjoyed the story as much without the visual context of the tv show in my memory, but nonetheless, it was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2020
I thought Cora and Xyron's story was sweet, however I felt that it kind of lacked some of the background information that would have made it more enriching. I get that Cora and the other women are abducted by the Zzlo, but what about Xyron? There's almost nothing about his people or his planet. Cora and Xyron's character's interactions are well written and I liked the storyline, but again, I felt that it ended too soon, even if it was to lead in to the next book in the series. Overall, it was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2020
Great beginning to a new series! Cora is one of several human females taken by the Zzlo to sell as a slave to the highest bidder. Xyron is a slave alien gladiator, his sole purpose is fighting to win his freedom. When he first sees Cora he knows instantly she is his mate, his Xi, now she is his only purpose. The humans are trying to figure out a way to escape, but Cora has decided she will not leave her mate. Will they all find a way to freedom? This was a great story, love the characters and the secondary characters. Ready for book two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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