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The Order of Intergalactic Peace #1
The Healer
As a powerful Healer in hiding on old Earth, Serenity has managed to avoid the notice of both the Order of Intergalactic Peace and the rebel factions opposing them. That is about to change. Paying off an old debt brings her to the attention of both sides, but it is Lord Mal Ryn of the OIP who stakes his claim.
She thought keeping her heart intact while escaping the most powerful man in the known universe was the challenge.
Turns out they have bigger problems.
This is the beginning of a new series, each book will be a stand alone romance, but the story conflict will be ongoing.
She thought keeping her heart intact while escaping the most powerful man in the known universe was the challenge.
Turns out they have bigger problems.
This is the beginning of a new series, each book will be a stand alone romance, but the story conflict will be ongoing.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2020
90 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Lucille
33 books440 followersKelly Lucille is the author of paranormal and fantasy romance.
She has a B.A. Degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Naropa University.
Her first book "Keeping Her" published in July of 2013.
On a more personal note- I read my first romance novel: "Shanna" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss when I was 13 years old. I still read it every year or so just to remember how amazing a really good romance novel can make you feel.
Check out more of what's coming next at kellylucille.com
She has a B.A. Degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Naropa University.
Her first book "Keeping Her" published in July of 2013.
On a more personal note- I read my first romance novel: "Shanna" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss when I was 13 years old. I still read it every year or so just to remember how amazing a really good romance novel can make you feel.
Check out more of what's coming next at kellylucille.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 24, 2024
So I got this book recommended and was, in the end disappointed.
The idea and everything had potential, but the execution was lacking.
The heroine is a powerful healer and therefore can control her own emotions and keep herself calm. And she is kinda calm through the hole book. Just keep calm and heal. I couldn't connect to her at all.
Same goes for the hero, super powerful, badass whatever, a rare gift, (never really got what that actually does, except making him powerful and throwing temper tantrums like a child.) 🤷♀️
The romance between hero and heroine was kinda not existing for me. They have sex, he decides he keeps her and she is oh no I can't, we aren't gonna happen and I am going to keep calm and as soon as possible disappear...
Calm and floating through the story, stuff happens, like the big problems, just happens, you continue reading and suddenly there is the end.
And you are just as calm and uninterested as the heroine.
I really wanted to like the book and hoped for something good, since a lot of people enjoyed the book, but no
I just read it and thought this is it?
The idea and everything had potential, but the execution was lacking.
The heroine is a powerful healer and therefore can control her own emotions and keep herself calm. And she is kinda calm through the hole book. Just keep calm and heal. I couldn't connect to her at all.
Same goes for the hero, super powerful, badass whatever, a rare gift, (never really got what that actually does, except making him powerful and throwing temper tantrums like a child.) 🤷♀️
The romance between hero and heroine was kinda not existing for me. They have sex, he decides he keeps her and she is oh no I can't, we aren't gonna happen and I am going to keep calm and as soon as possible disappear...
Calm and floating through the story, stuff happens, like the big problems, just happens, you continue reading and suddenly there is the end.
And you are just as calm and uninterested as the heroine.
I really wanted to like the book and hoped for something good, since a lot of people enjoyed the book, but no
I just read it and thought this is it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
Good premise, bad execution
This story had a great premise that got lost.
My biggest beef is that the hero throws violent tantrums and everyone rolls with it. It gets (sort of) resolved but the couple's first mature conversation happens at the 99% mark and is pretty half-assed. It's until the 99% mark that we have to wait for the heroine to be given any autonomy by the hero, who has control of every aspect of her life from the moment he chases her down. Toxic relationship red flags!
There's also something flippant about the author's attitude towards mental health and trauma, how she can "fix" those things so easily. Mental and emotional trauma aren't physical ailments that can be "cured."
Unless book 2 continues with the same couple and we see some MAJOR character and relationship development, I'm going to pass on this author.
This story had a great premise that got lost.
My biggest beef is that the hero throws violent tantrums and everyone rolls with it. It gets (sort of) resolved but the couple's first mature conversation happens at the 99% mark and is pretty half-assed. It's until the 99% mark that we have to wait for the heroine to be given any autonomy by the hero, who has control of every aspect of her life from the moment he chases her down. Toxic relationship red flags!
There's also something flippant about the author's attitude towards mental health and trauma, how she can "fix" those things so easily. Mental and emotional trauma aren't physical ailments that can be "cured."
Unless book 2 continues with the same couple and we see some MAJOR character and relationship development, I'm going to pass on this author.
January 16, 2021
Interesting story but needs editing
Warning: may contain spoilers.
I was drawn to this book because the story line is fun and has all kinds of things I enjoy: battles, space cruisers, superpowers, and romance. This book has a lot of potential but it suffers from a lack of editing.
First, if you want to make your main character powerful, the best and most impactful way to do it is to make her seem less powerful. Make her constantly hide herself, give her an iron control and hint subtly at what she might be capable of but never say it outright. Maybe she doesn’t know exactly how much she’s capable of because she’s always had to hide it. Saying “I am the most powerful healer ever” irritates the reader because no one likes a bragging Brandy. Save the big reveal of her power for the climax or a similarly significant part of the story (example: the man she loves is terribly injured and she had to use all her power to save him). Force her to learn how to use her powers better, give her skill and precision to work on. Yes, she’s powerful but make it surprising and fill it with suspense. The reader wants to feel tense and be unsure of what’s going to happen next - can she heal him? Will she die? Making it a foregone conclusion that she can do anything and everything is super f*cking boring.
As well, power should come with a cost. The reader will not think the character is weak because she faints after using almost all she has. The best kinds of stories with powerful characters are ones where there is some kind of personal sacrifice. Think of her power like a battery: she’s the most powerful battery out there but she still needs to recharge. It makes no sense that her power would be completely limitless (so that she could use it indefinitely). Personally, I think as well there should be some kind of challenge involved. Make her capable of incredible greatness because she has such raw natural power, but make her work for it! No one is born just knowing how to do something perfectly. Instead of making her High Healer on the ship, make her an apprentice or something so she learns.
Not every interesting character in the book can be supremely powerful. Commander Jas, Mal, Nolan and Serenity are all “the best and most powerful beings in the cosmos”. That cheapens the power given to Serenity. Of course, you can have powerful characters, but again be subtle about it. Show, don’t tell. Elicit curiosity in the reader so they ask “what are they capable of? If there’s a fight between X and Y, who will win?”. Make the characters work for it - that makes a more interesting story.
There were also a lot of emotional and strategic contradictions in the plot. If Serenity is a powerful healer, why would she run into a trap knowing it’s a trap? It doesn’t make sense. If you make your main character All Powerful then you have to make them stupid because the only way they can get caught is if they do something they know they shouldn’t. And that is irritating for the reader. It would have been so much better for the story if Serenity had been outsmarted and captured. When she ran into the trap and got “beamed” up into the space ship, I rolled my eyes. It was the equivalent of that dumb blonde in a horror movie when the killer is clearly about to kill her going “is anyone there?” except it was worse because it was like the dumb blonde was an ex-marine. She should know better and do better!
There were also a lot of emotional contradictions. Serenity is kidnapped and immediately after accepts her fate and starts joking around with her kidnappers? Seriously? That’s ridiculous. If the goal is for Serenity to love and be loved by the Phoenix Soldiers, make both sides work for it. Make the soldiers earn her trust. Make Serenity hostile but begin to like them against her will. An immediate “well I’ve been kidnapped but I guess we can be friends” sucks and really detracts from the story.
I get that Mal and Serenity are both powerful and will fall in love. But damn, make them work for it. Build anticipation! Serenity has every reason to hate Mal - he literally had her hunted like a f*cking deer and beamed into space against her will. She can be attracted to him but make her hate and fight it. That kiss right after she’s captured was cheap. It would have been better if she’d felt turned on but fought him because she was pissed at being captured. Make her plot to escape and have Mal foil her or make them fall in love slowly and Serenity fighting it - whatever.
Also, love is not being turned on. Give them moments of emotional intimacy. Surprise the characters with each other. And please Lord, work on Mal’s dialogue. He sounds like a belligerent 7th grader with a boner. I get this is a fantasy novel, but enough already with the “small female” business.
Overall, I liked the story idea and I liked Serenity but all of these little plot and characterization flaws made the book hard to read. I think with editing, this book could be a really fun, compelling read.
2.5 stars.
Warning: may contain spoilers.
I was drawn to this book because the story line is fun and has all kinds of things I enjoy: battles, space cruisers, superpowers, and romance. This book has a lot of potential but it suffers from a lack of editing.
First, if you want to make your main character powerful, the best and most impactful way to do it is to make her seem less powerful. Make her constantly hide herself, give her an iron control and hint subtly at what she might be capable of but never say it outright. Maybe she doesn’t know exactly how much she’s capable of because she’s always had to hide it. Saying “I am the most powerful healer ever” irritates the reader because no one likes a bragging Brandy. Save the big reveal of her power for the climax or a similarly significant part of the story (example: the man she loves is terribly injured and she had to use all her power to save him). Force her to learn how to use her powers better, give her skill and precision to work on. Yes, she’s powerful but make it surprising and fill it with suspense. The reader wants to feel tense and be unsure of what’s going to happen next - can she heal him? Will she die? Making it a foregone conclusion that she can do anything and everything is super f*cking boring.
As well, power should come with a cost. The reader will not think the character is weak because she faints after using almost all she has. The best kinds of stories with powerful characters are ones where there is some kind of personal sacrifice. Think of her power like a battery: she’s the most powerful battery out there but she still needs to recharge. It makes no sense that her power would be completely limitless (so that she could use it indefinitely). Personally, I think as well there should be some kind of challenge involved. Make her capable of incredible greatness because she has such raw natural power, but make her work for it! No one is born just knowing how to do something perfectly. Instead of making her High Healer on the ship, make her an apprentice or something so she learns.
Not every interesting character in the book can be supremely powerful. Commander Jas, Mal, Nolan and Serenity are all “the best and most powerful beings in the cosmos”. That cheapens the power given to Serenity. Of course, you can have powerful characters, but again be subtle about it. Show, don’t tell. Elicit curiosity in the reader so they ask “what are they capable of? If there’s a fight between X and Y, who will win?”. Make the characters work for it - that makes a more interesting story.
There were also a lot of emotional and strategic contradictions in the plot. If Serenity is a powerful healer, why would she run into a trap knowing it’s a trap? It doesn’t make sense. If you make your main character All Powerful then you have to make them stupid because the only way they can get caught is if they do something they know they shouldn’t. And that is irritating for the reader. It would have been so much better for the story if Serenity had been outsmarted and captured. When she ran into the trap and got “beamed” up into the space ship, I rolled my eyes. It was the equivalent of that dumb blonde in a horror movie when the killer is clearly about to kill her going “is anyone there?” except it was worse because it was like the dumb blonde was an ex-marine. She should know better and do better!
There were also a lot of emotional contradictions. Serenity is kidnapped and immediately after accepts her fate and starts joking around with her kidnappers? Seriously? That’s ridiculous. If the goal is for Serenity to love and be loved by the Phoenix Soldiers, make both sides work for it. Make the soldiers earn her trust. Make Serenity hostile but begin to like them against her will. An immediate “well I’ve been kidnapped but I guess we can be friends” sucks and really detracts from the story.
I get that Mal and Serenity are both powerful and will fall in love. But damn, make them work for it. Build anticipation! Serenity has every reason to hate Mal - he literally had her hunted like a f*cking deer and beamed into space against her will. She can be attracted to him but make her hate and fight it. That kiss right after she’s captured was cheap. It would have been better if she’d felt turned on but fought him because she was pissed at being captured. Make her plot to escape and have Mal foil her or make them fall in love slowly and Serenity fighting it - whatever.
Also, love is not being turned on. Give them moments of emotional intimacy. Surprise the characters with each other. And please Lord, work on Mal’s dialogue. He sounds like a belligerent 7th grader with a boner. I get this is a fantasy novel, but enough already with the “small female” business.
Overall, I liked the story idea and I liked Serenity but all of these little plot and characterization flaws made the book hard to read. I think with editing, this book could be a really fun, compelling read.
2.5 stars.
November 24, 2020
DNF
That's literally me reading how TSTL heroine is in this book.
She has supposedly trained all her life to protect herself being caught, to hide herself, and most importantly hide her powers. What does she do in the beginning of the book, she surches for problems, shows everyone her power, and what is worse, she is one of those holy chicks who sacrifices herself for the other well being (cuz she is a healer you know, just goody goody sacrificial lamb).
Nope, not for me!
January 18, 2021
Decent
This used language that flowed well around the plot, crafting the imagery masterfully. I would have rated higher, though the POV switched in the middle of the page a bit too often, with no indication. It also ended rather abruptly.
Sci-if, M/F, third person, multiple POV - not sure if A as THIS pairing is done as primary characters, as their HEA is unclear.
This used language that flowed well around the plot, crafting the imagery masterfully. I would have rated higher, though the POV switched in the middle of the page a bit too often, with no indication. It also ended rather abruptly.
Sci-if, M/F, third person, multiple POV - not sure if A as THIS pairing is done as primary characters, as their HEA is unclear.
November 13, 2020
An enjoyable sci-fi romance.
This was enjoyable. There was plenty of political maneuvering, high stakes, and protective alpha males. Almost all the male characters were alpha sequel bait, not just the hero. There was great sexual tension in this novel. This novel used the Enemies to Lovers trope. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases.
This was enjoyable. There was plenty of political maneuvering, high stakes, and protective alpha males. Almost all the male characters were alpha sequel bait, not just the hero. There was great sexual tension in this novel. This novel used the Enemies to Lovers trope. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases.
November 2, 2021
Oh My! I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for others in the series. Your expectations are cleverly disappointed. A somewhat original entry into the sci-fi romance. Not your traditional abduction, slavery, save the race, need a mate trope.
I'm actually giddy with delight that one of my favorite genres hasn't died of lack of originality.
I'm actually giddy with delight that one of my favorite genres hasn't died of lack of originality.
January 18, 2022
Ah fuck. It needed just one more chapter to give us a better idea of where things were headed. As this is a standalone romance with an ongoing conflict, I gotta take off a star just for that shit ending - it would be a stretch to even call it a HFN. Otherwise, this was an awesome and quick read.
November 12, 2020
Good plot, likeable main female character. Main male character is an alphahole but we learn to like him anyway.
My only quibble is that the book ended abruptly and feels unfinished. I hope we get more in this series (but I think we will since this is #1).
My only quibble is that the book ended abruptly and feels unfinished. I hope we get more in this series (but I think we will since this is #1).
December 29, 2020
Interesting premise and had so much promise.
interesting and made me want to read it. I’m a sucker for super powers, romance and sci fi space opera. I’m looking for fantasy.
But this is a very abrupt ending. Weird. Just ends randomly. I noticed that with her last release because she just gave up with her characters. I really loved her Danu series. But the Creeg series lost me entirely.
This has interesting new ideas but somehow she’s missed building up the world, missed giving the characters any depth. Yet I would have liked to know the hero/heroine more. The hero is barely fleshed out at all. Know next to nothing about him. What drives him and what makes him the leader of the entire army of intergalactic force?? Don’t know. How is his superpower making him the leader?
I wanted to like the heroine because it’s actually nice to see the heroine be a badass without actually fighting, but somehow I missed something about her... as in I wanted to see her character development.
The romance is sorta there but not...and I want the romance. Without it, it’s just not good enough to fit into any particular category.
The author throws in that interesting father.... and then nothing.
Okay I’ve written interesting too many times.
But I like trashy reads and so I’ll try her next one but if it’s not great I’m going to say bye to this author.
interesting and made me want to read it. I’m a sucker for super powers, romance and sci fi space opera. I’m looking for fantasy.
But this is a very abrupt ending. Weird. Just ends randomly. I noticed that with her last release because she just gave up with her characters. I really loved her Danu series. But the Creeg series lost me entirely.
This has interesting new ideas but somehow she’s missed building up the world, missed giving the characters any depth. Yet I would have liked to know the hero/heroine more. The hero is barely fleshed out at all. Know next to nothing about him. What drives him and what makes him the leader of the entire army of intergalactic force?? Don’t know. How is his superpower making him the leader?
I wanted to like the heroine because it’s actually nice to see the heroine be a badass without actually fighting, but somehow I missed something about her... as in I wanted to see her character development.
The romance is sorta there but not...and I want the romance. Without it, it’s just not good enough to fit into any particular category.
The author throws in that interesting father.... and then nothing.
Okay I’ve written interesting too many times.
But I like trashy reads and so I’ll try her next one but if it’s not great I’m going to say bye to this author.
March 25, 2021
I would have given this book 10 stars!
I really would have given this book a 10 stars, no question, if it wasn't for the ending! I have never felt like Ms. Lucille left a story hanging. Despite having a somewhat happy ending, this one is not enough. It's just not. It's almost a cliffhanger!!!
Mal and Serenity are amazing characters, and I wanted a true end to this book. The distant worlds series and the keeping her series are examples of what I wanted from this book. Each book segued into the next without leaving you hanging about the first couple. I truly hope the next book comes out soon, but I feel as if it will be overshadowed by what I want to read about mal and Serenity vs. the characters that should be primary in the next book.
I really would have given this book a 10 stars, no question, if it wasn't for the ending! I have never felt like Ms. Lucille left a story hanging. Despite having a somewhat happy ending, this one is not enough. It's just not. It's almost a cliffhanger!!!
Mal and Serenity are amazing characters, and I wanted a true end to this book. The distant worlds series and the keeping her series are examples of what I wanted from this book. Each book segued into the next without leaving you hanging about the first couple. I truly hope the next book comes out soon, but I feel as if it will be overshadowed by what I want to read about mal and Serenity vs. the characters that should be primary in the next book.
November 22, 2020
Great story, horrible editing
I loved the story. The characters and the storyline have huge potential. The negative is I had a hard time reading the story. The sentence structure and errors were almost too much. I often had to re-read sentences or paragraphs to get a grasp of what the author was saying. Please, please, please fix this. I want to continue with this series but cannot if this continues in the other stories. It just detracts too much from the enjoyment of the story.
I loved the story. The characters and the storyline have huge potential. The negative is I had a hard time reading the story. The sentence structure and errors were almost too much. I often had to re-read sentences or paragraphs to get a grasp of what the author was saying. Please, please, please fix this. I want to continue with this series but cannot if this continues in the other stories. It just detracts too much from the enjoyment of the story.
December 31, 2024
OMG
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that totally sucked me into its world like this one. I felt as though I was right there. I felt the hope and despair of the people, the resignation of the soldiers and the longing for something better. Serenity avoided both the rebels and the alliance finally getting caught by Mal Ryn. He makes her one of his Phoenix guard and her world is changed forever. I got so wrapped up in the story that I was almost mad when the last page appeared. It’s been a long time since that has happened. I am on to the next book now.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that totally sucked me into its world like this one. I felt as though I was right there. I felt the hope and despair of the people, the resignation of the soldiers and the longing for something better. Serenity avoided both the rebels and the alliance finally getting caught by Mal Ryn. He makes her one of his Phoenix guard and her world is changed forever. I got so wrapped up in the story that I was almost mad when the last page appeared. It’s been a long time since that has happened. I am on to the next book now.
February 10, 2021
I liked it. Though in agreement with some about the relationship, the world building was entertaining and I like how the heroine wasn't stupid. Everyone has differnt expectations when reading books and thats a big one for me. Give me an intelligent heroine and il most likely enjoy it. But yeah the relationship between the heroine and hero had me wanting more. Guessing there's going to be a book 2 on them, because the relationship seems to be developing in the last 80%. Though the sex happened earlier. All in all great read if your looking for an adult dystopia with budding romance.
July 7, 2021
A great dystopian sifi romance
Serenity at 26, has been in hiding her whole life. A powerful unregistered healer, raised by her rogue hunter father. She lives in Earth's wilderness. Healing when her power demands. A debt owed has her healing Nolan Rand, a high mage and leader of the rebellion against the OIP. Rands escape from Earth brings Earth to the OIP's attention. Even worse it brings Lord Mal Ryn, a powerful reader and the High Commander of the OIP military along with his Phoenix Guard's, very powerful Elite soldiers, whos loyalty is for their Commander above all.
Serenity healing gift compels her to put her self in danger, bringing her face to face with High Commander Ryn. While she manages to escape his attention, it isn't long before he intrigue by her reactions to him and his guard has her captured and brought to his ship. Ryn and Serenity's magic call to one another. He makes her his High Healer and part of his Phoenix Guard.
The only female in the guard, her tiny stature and lack of fear draw the hunters and shields in the guard to her. Serenity makes the best of the situation she finds herself in. She earns friendship and respect from her small staff of 3.
Mal stakes his claim on Serenity. Their magic ties they tightly together.
After a very public display of the scope of her healing magic, Serenity finds herself in the hands of the Rebels. Mal cuts a deal to get her back.
Serenity's ability has also caught the attention of Councilor Gern. A death mage, and sociopath, he wants to consume her. When he can't get to her he goes after one of her medics, who the hunters and shields have adopted as one of their own.
Serenity notices something very strange when healing the guard. A implant in the brain, that flares with certain triggers. Mal and the entire Phoenix Guard have it. It becomes clear that that IOP Council have put fail safes into place. Serenity isn't going to allow her new family to come to harm.
The highest ranking military members of the OIP, have just joined the rebellion.
Great series start. Loved Serenity and Mal's story. Fast paced, a little steamy, interesting world building. Loved Serenity's dad. Great secondary characters in Serenity's medics and the Phoenix Guard.
Serenity at 26, has been in hiding her whole life. A powerful unregistered healer, raised by her rogue hunter father. She lives in Earth's wilderness. Healing when her power demands. A debt owed has her healing Nolan Rand, a high mage and leader of the rebellion against the OIP. Rands escape from Earth brings Earth to the OIP's attention. Even worse it brings Lord Mal Ryn, a powerful reader and the High Commander of the OIP military along with his Phoenix Guard's, very powerful Elite soldiers, whos loyalty is for their Commander above all.
Serenity healing gift compels her to put her self in danger, bringing her face to face with High Commander Ryn. While she manages to escape his attention, it isn't long before he intrigue by her reactions to him and his guard has her captured and brought to his ship. Ryn and Serenity's magic call to one another. He makes her his High Healer and part of his Phoenix Guard.
The only female in the guard, her tiny stature and lack of fear draw the hunters and shields in the guard to her. Serenity makes the best of the situation she finds herself in. She earns friendship and respect from her small staff of 3.
Mal stakes his claim on Serenity. Their magic ties they tightly together.
After a very public display of the scope of her healing magic, Serenity finds herself in the hands of the Rebels. Mal cuts a deal to get her back.
Serenity's ability has also caught the attention of Councilor Gern. A death mage, and sociopath, he wants to consume her. When he can't get to her he goes after one of her medics, who the hunters and shields have adopted as one of their own.
Serenity notices something very strange when healing the guard. A implant in the brain, that flares with certain triggers. Mal and the entire Phoenix Guard have it. It becomes clear that that IOP Council have put fail safes into place. Serenity isn't going to allow her new family to come to harm.
The highest ranking military members of the OIP, have just joined the rebellion.
Great series start. Loved Serenity and Mal's story. Fast paced, a little steamy, interesting world building. Loved Serenity's dad. Great secondary characters in Serenity's medics and the Phoenix Guard.
May 15, 2022
It was a little magic, a little Star Trek, but with romance.
Hidden most of her life on a backwater planet [Earth] unclaimed and supposedly neutral,
The healer was trained by a warrior father to fade in and out of her healing jobs. But at the age of 26, her time was up. She caught the attention of a powerful mage called Mal [bad? Really?] after healing some rebels who had escaped.
I know in the past stories about healers were considered cliché, but I was excited to see this! I was not disappointed. The plot was detailed and did not, thankfully, end in a cliffhanger, although it is obvious that there is more planned.
The world:
================
A wonderfully detailed mix of magic types and science fiction. Aside from the healing class, there were warriors, shields, and…I don’t know what type Mal was. I don’t understand how a healer could naturally gain silence and lose her scent while prowling around, but aside from that, the special abilities made sense. The science involved spaceships, planet-hopping, and bugs planted on people. The healer was uniquely situated to meet the OIP and the rebellion.
The Romance:
================
Steamy but described cleverly without the extra detail, if you know what I mean.
Of course, the strongest man won. In an advanced civilization, the strongest men still had to fend for their rights to a lover, and the healer was not able to choose. Let’s ignore the smoke and mirrors, she had no choice. If you desperately want the woman to decide her own fate, you might not be satisfied. There are hints that she chose him back, and she is a strong woman.
#possessivelove
#alpha male
#strengthinsexiness
The characters:
================
Honestly, I loved her dad best, but I also liked the healer. Without combat skills, she was still able to dominate a group of warrior men, and her interactions with Mal sometimes made me laugh. Her dad’s interaction with Mal also made me smirk.
The story was excellent. 5 stars.
Hidden most of her life on a backwater planet [Earth] unclaimed and supposedly neutral,
The healer was trained by a warrior father to fade in and out of her healing jobs. But at the age of 26, her time was up. She caught the attention of a powerful mage called Mal [bad? Really?] after healing some rebels who had escaped.
I know in the past stories about healers were considered cliché, but I was excited to see this! I was not disappointed. The plot was detailed and did not, thankfully, end in a cliffhanger, although it is obvious that there is more planned.
The world:
================
A wonderfully detailed mix of magic types and science fiction. Aside from the healing class, there were warriors, shields, and…I don’t know what type Mal was. I don’t understand how a healer could naturally gain silence and lose her scent while prowling around, but aside from that, the special abilities made sense. The science involved spaceships, planet-hopping, and bugs planted on people. The healer was uniquely situated to meet the OIP and the rebellion.
The Romance:
================
Steamy but described cleverly without the extra detail, if you know what I mean.
Of course, the strongest man won. In an advanced civilization, the strongest men still had to fend for their rights to a lover, and the healer was not able to choose. Let’s ignore the smoke and mirrors, she had no choice. If you desperately want the woman to decide her own fate, you might not be satisfied. There are hints that she chose him back, and she is a strong woman.
#possessivelove
#alpha male
#strengthinsexiness
The characters:
================
Honestly, I loved her dad best, but I also liked the healer. Without combat skills, she was still able to dominate a group of warrior men, and her interactions with Mal sometimes made me laugh. Her dad’s interaction with Mal also made me smirk.
The story was excellent. 5 stars.
January 21, 2021
4.5
This book had a very interesting power/ability system. I’m normally not a fan of “people are a slave to their natures/powers” trope, but this was done really well and with enough choice and intelligent thought to keep me happy. I loved the main character, Serenity, and her relationship with her father was fascinating. I also loved the rest of the med staff, the Phoenix group, and thought the Rebellion characters were interesting. And though I had issues with Mal for most of the book, he has some redeeming qualities.
My biggest issue with the book was that the writing style was at times so smooth and uniform(?) that I would realize I had read 3 or more pages and couldn’t recall a thing that had happened. This occurred more towards the beginning of the book, but I think some more diversity in sentence and paragraph size as well as punctuation practice might have helped. This didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book, it was just strange and occasionally jarring. Some minor spelling errors.
This book had a very interesting power/ability system. I’m normally not a fan of “people are a slave to their natures/powers” trope, but this was done really well and with enough choice and intelligent thought to keep me happy. I loved the main character, Serenity, and her relationship with her father was fascinating. I also loved the rest of the med staff, the Phoenix group, and thought the Rebellion characters were interesting. And though I had issues with Mal for most of the book, he has some redeeming qualities.
My biggest issue with the book was that the writing style was at times so smooth and uniform(?) that I would realize I had read 3 or more pages and couldn’t recall a thing that had happened. This occurred more towards the beginning of the book, but I think some more diversity in sentence and paragraph size as well as punctuation practice might have helped. This didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book, it was just strange and occasionally jarring. Some minor spelling errors.
December 13, 2020
Cliffy
The story is good. Full of action with a great group of characters I can't wait to read more about. But it felt like the romance and even the overarching story was just beginning. Nothing has been settled at all even the HFN between the two main characters. The only thing that happened was the bad guy, who arrived in the last few chapters, was done for and that Serenity will be staying with the group for the foreseeable future.
There were no emotional commitments, at least verbally, that were made. The consequences of getting rid of thr bad guy had yet to be resolved. I know that the series will focus on a main story but this just felt like the opening episode of a series. Not a complete story that tied up at least the romance part of it. Which I expected because new books are supposed to cover new couples. I felt like there should have been some closure with Mal and Serenity's relationship instead of having things up in the air.
The story is good. Full of action with a great group of characters I can't wait to read more about. But it felt like the romance and even the overarching story was just beginning. Nothing has been settled at all even the HFN between the two main characters. The only thing that happened was the bad guy, who arrived in the last few chapters, was done for and that Serenity will be staying with the group for the foreseeable future.
There were no emotional commitments, at least verbally, that were made. The consequences of getting rid of thr bad guy had yet to be resolved. I know that the series will focus on a main story but this just felt like the opening episode of a series. Not a complete story that tied up at least the romance part of it. Which I expected because new books are supposed to cover new couples. I felt like there should have been some closure with Mal and Serenity's relationship instead of having things up in the air.
January 1, 2021
I feel like I'm with a lot of people where this book was good enough to get through and want more, but the ending just felt, like there was more to be desired. It just ended too abruptly. I liked the characters and the setting and it's what kept me going, but there was room for improvement. Namely more about the world itself could have been given I think.
I've read that apparently these aren't the characters we're going to follow in the next installment (likely Jas and Meg instead?) and if this is the case, I'm not going to read the next one. Not that I don't like Jas and Meg, but I really feel that Serenity and Mal still have a story to be told here - and this ties into the ending too. I really can't think that the author is going to continue with at least two other releases featuring Serenity and Mal and their story though. It will be a huge mistake if that was the case. So I guess we'll see.
I've read that apparently these aren't the characters we're going to follow in the next installment (likely Jas and Meg instead?) and if this is the case, I'm not going to read the next one. Not that I don't like Jas and Meg, but I really feel that Serenity and Mal still have a story to be told here - and this ties into the ending too. I really can't think that the author is going to continue with at least two other releases featuring Serenity and Mal and their story though. It will be a huge mistake if that was the case. So I guess we'll see.
November 12, 2020
I love this new series!
What a fascinating universe this author has created! There are some very bleak aspects, and the Order of Intergalactic Peace wields a heavy hand with those under their power. Almost everyone is. It’s thrilling to see the different genetic anomalies and the people who master them. Serenity is an intriguing character with highly unusual training. She’s well able to take care of herself even though she’s a small person. In the beginning, Lord Mal Ryn seems an unlikely candidate for romance, but he surprised me!
The book is very exciting - the eminent danger never seems to stop. Only the source changes. Excellent reading, and I will not miss the next book!
What a fascinating universe this author has created! There are some very bleak aspects, and the Order of Intergalactic Peace wields a heavy hand with those under their power. Almost everyone is. It’s thrilling to see the different genetic anomalies and the people who master them. Serenity is an intriguing character with highly unusual training. She’s well able to take care of herself even though she’s a small person. In the beginning, Lord Mal Ryn seems an unlikely candidate for romance, but he surprised me!
The book is very exciting - the eminent danger never seems to stop. Only the source changes. Excellent reading, and I will not miss the next book!
December 3, 2020
This was surprisingly fascinating for a simple sci-fi story. The world building isn’t particularly intricate or detailed so it’s the characterization that carries the day. Serenity is a “healer” and a powerful one so she keeps the fact hidden and hunkers down on Earth while keeping out of sight. Circumstances force her out into the open where everybody wants to get their hands on her. The rebellion wants her, the behemoth the Order wants her and just about anybody who meets her wants her including Mal Ryn the military leader of the Order. It’s pulpy goodness and the beginning of a series.
February 13, 2021
WOW!!! AMAZING STORY!
This is the first story that I have read by Ms Lucille and I am blown away by her world building of this series. I had a hard time putting the book down in order to cook a dinner for the family. Once I was through with it I picked the story right back up and didn’t put it down until I finished it. The author had me from the very beginning of the book. It started out with suspense then lead into action. Then more suspense, more action then romance more action and it starts over again. WOW!!! I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Just keep writing and I will definitely keep buying these books! AMAZING!!!
This is the first story that I have read by Ms Lucille and I am blown away by her world building of this series. I had a hard time putting the book down in order to cook a dinner for the family. Once I was through with it I picked the story right back up and didn’t put it down until I finished it. The author had me from the very beginning of the book. It started out with suspense then lead into action. Then more suspense, more action then romance more action and it starts over again. WOW!!! I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Just keep writing and I will definitely keep buying these books! AMAZING!!!
November 16, 2020
Great read!
Oh my, what a gem!!! I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I found this read, but let me tell you it was damn f***ing good. I loved the relationship between serenity and the high lord mal ryn, and some little part of me really, really , really liked the high lord with his tantrums more then I care to admit. as we read on, corruption is soon shown and we have a better look at who's really been wrong and who didn't realise it until now. It leaves on a cliffhanger with promise of change, and I'm dying to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book
Oh my, what a gem!!! I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I found this read, but let me tell you it was damn f***ing good. I loved the relationship between serenity and the high lord mal ryn, and some little part of me really, really , really liked the high lord with his tantrums more then I care to admit. as we read on, corruption is soon shown and we have a better look at who's really been wrong and who didn't realise it until now. It leaves on a cliffhanger with promise of change, and I'm dying to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book
November 20, 2020
This was a terrific story. I picked it up from one of the 'you might also like' suggestions on Goodreads, and by the time I was 25% in had already decided to read the rest of the series. Then came the crushing discovery that this is a new series and I will have to wait.. Well Drat. I will just have to be patient.
Anyway, the female MC was terrific. I loved how strong and capable she was. She also managed to go with the flow fairly well when life threw her some curveballs.
I will probably read this one more than once :-)
Anyway, the female MC was terrific. I loved how strong and capable she was. She also managed to go with the flow fairly well when life threw her some curveballs.
I will probably read this one more than once :-)
January 19, 2021
Delightful!
First time read of this author. Will check out a few other books, even though their ratings are low. This book was fast paced and full of fun. The chemistry was instant and I am thrilled at the world building. I really look forward to the next in the series. My only complaint, there wasn’t much dialogue between our two heroes- there should have been at least 2-3 more “getting to know you so I can fall in love with you scenes”. Really liked the secondary characters too and hope the next book involves them, but gives us a bit more of the mains in this one!
First time read of this author. Will check out a few other books, even though their ratings are low. This book was fast paced and full of fun. The chemistry was instant and I am thrilled at the world building. I really look forward to the next in the series. My only complaint, there wasn’t much dialogue between our two heroes- there should have been at least 2-3 more “getting to know you so I can fall in love with you scenes”. Really liked the secondary characters too and hope the next book involves them, but gives us a bit more of the mains in this one!
July 20, 2021
I give it a 3.5/5 just because the beginning felt like I was just thrown into a whirlwind that was a combination of space exploration/discovery and the removal of democracy in certain areas. Brainwashing, slavery, the return of an aristocratic system that likes to pretend that it is a meritocracy, and much more. It is probably more fleshed out as the series continues but the way that it started was... I feel like I was left wanting at certain moments.
Thank you for reading and my sincere thanks to the author for their hard work.
Thank you for reading and my sincere thanks to the author for their hard work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
Amazing!
Kelly Lucille always writes stories that suck you in and leave you begging for more. This book is true to form, I want this to be a never ending series (that's my wish for all her books). I feel as though the character development of all her characters could go on and on. This book endears Serenity to the reader and leaves one curious about the curve balls she'll continue to throw Maltz way.
Kelly Lucille always writes stories that suck you in and leave you begging for more. This book is true to form, I want this to be a never ending series (that's my wish for all her books). I feel as though the character development of all her characters could go on and on. This book endears Serenity to the reader and leaves one curious about the curve balls she'll continue to throw Maltz way.
November 13, 2020
Great premise
I loved the idea of this story, but punctuation and grammar dropped it from 4 stars to 3.
Also, the ending was abrupt, but it left me with the impression there were more books to be written. Whether it will feature the same couple or a new one is a bit fuzzy.
I was definitely intrigued by this book (the chemistry between Mal and Serenity sizzles) and think I’m going to browse through her other available books now.
I loved the idea of this story, but punctuation and grammar dropped it from 4 stars to 3.
Also, the ending was abrupt, but it left me with the impression there were more books to be written. Whether it will feature the same couple or a new one is a bit fuzzy.
I was definitely intrigued by this book (the chemistry between Mal and Serenity sizzles) and think I’m going to browse through her other available books now.
March 23, 2021
Loved it.....but
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. However, I am very disappointed by the ending...if you want to call it that. It was too abrupt and so many things were left unfinished. I could understand if the next book was a continuation of Mal and Serenity’s story but that’s not the case. Having said that, I really did love the entire story and the creative world building.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. However, I am very disappointed by the ending...if you want to call it that. It was too abrupt and so many things were left unfinished. I could understand if the next book was a continuation of Mal and Serenity’s story but that’s not the case. Having said that, I really did love the entire story and the creative world building.
May 3, 2021
Made me so angry that I can’t go on. 1st the female lead gets chased through the woods like some some sort of animal and get kidnapped but no that’s not the end but the person who kidnapped her kisses her??? I was hoping that guy wasn’t the male lead but it turns out he IS. Nice, really. Also hated it when they implied that since she’s curvy and soft she isn’t warrior material. Anyway I won’t continue reading something that will make me want to pull my hair out.
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