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Argurma Salvager #3

The Sands of Argurumal

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With the expectation of a three-year pregnancy, Terri assumed that she had all the time in the world before she had to face the realities of upcoming motherhood. Time for adventures, travel, and working side by side with her mate. She had been particularly looking forward to the latter now that Veral had relaxed from overbearing to merely aggressively protective—and she could work with that!

When her baby starts to suddenly grow abnormally fast, she suddenly faces the grim reality of going to the one place she never wanted to visit: Argurumal. Although she must work to evade the council and a mysterious someone who is attempting to ensure that she never leaves Argurumal alive, she is wondering being a mother might not just be the most challenging one especially when Veral suddenly begins to pull away from her.

Veral had never planned to return to Argurumal, but with his mate’s pregnancy advancing unnaturally fast he will have to face those he left behind and an unknown threat. His enemies have underestimated him. He will ride the sand dragnar across the Great Dunes to the capital if required. There is none more dangerous than an Argurma defending his mate and young. He will do all that he can to protect them, even if that means he cannot be by their side.

Warning this book has explicit sex and violence which may not be suitable for all readers.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2021

199 people are currently reading
405 people want to read

About the author

S.J. Sanders

86 books1,008 followers
S.J. Sanders is a mom of two toddlers and one adult living in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BA degree in History, but spends most of her free time painting, sculpting, doing odd bits of historical research, and writing. While she has more research orientated writing under another pen name, her passion is sci-fi and paranormal romance of which she is an avid reader. After years of tinkering with the idea, and making her own stories up in her head, S.J has began to seriously pursue writing as an author of Sci-fi Romance utilizing her interests in how cultures diversify and what they would look like on a extraterrestrial platform to humans interacting with them and finding love.

She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...

And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com

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Profile Image for *˚Remnant Light ‧͙⁺˚*・༓☾ .
348 reviews468 followers
August 13, 2022
**5/5 stars**

First read: August 1st, 2021 (Kindle)
Second read: May 21st, 2022 (Audiobook & Kindle)

✧・゚: *✧・゚:* *:・゚✧*:・゚✧✧・゚: *✧・゚:* *:・゚✧*:・゚

Third and last book of the Argurma Salvager series, it's a nice conclusion to Veral and Terri's story with their newborn baby girl. Again, I can't praise this trilogy enough, it definitely holds a special place in my heart, even with its imperfections. To me, there is just a comfort that puts me at peace when I read about Veral and Terri. As much as I feel like the ending was a great way to conclude their adventures, I'd still be up for more about this lovely little family.

This book had a slightly different pace from its predecessors. Terri's pregnancy, that was estimated to last about three years as per Argurma normal gestation time, seems to be going much faster than anticipated. His mate getting closer to giving birth, Veral decides to bring her to his planet so she'll be able to deliver their baby safely with the help of a medic. Their presence among Veral's family is also to ensure that their interspecies mating, which isn't allowed by the Council, stays discreet, as well as their newborn. If the Council knew about Terri and the offspring, the Council would certainly experiment on them, since it's the first time an Argurma mates with an offworlder. If they think the Council is their only threat, another presence in the shadow seems to be after Terri specifically...

At his return to his home planet, Veral is forced to take back his role as Ahanvala, head of his family and see to his duties. To keep his beloved Terri off the radar of the Council and to not raise any suspicion of their mating to the people outside of his close family, Veral is required to stay away from her in public, at his great displeasure. Something like this would've normally bothered me but I thought the situation was well portrayed. His dilemma, his need to protect his family, his regrets, his panic, his groveling, his love and devotion...Everything in him longed to be with Terri and I personally found it touching. He was still protective, possessive and loyal to no ends, ready to kill anyone who would dare touch his mate or his offspring. He was still the grumpy male from the other books but had an even softer side to him when it came to his little family. As besotted and gentle with Terri as ever, seeking comfort in her closeness. Again, it was his subtle gestures that were just so sweet.

Reaching into the pouch at his belt, he felt around for the fragile bloom contained within it. He had seen it by chance in the courtyard and had admired its golden petals that reminded him of the strands of his mate’s hair caught in the sunlight. Pulling it free, he brushed the petals against her cheek, its rich perfume scenting the air around them.

🥺❤️


As always, Terri was still her sunshine self but had to deal with a feeling of loneliness as Veral couldn't be with her as often as she would've liked. She also had to deal with the disapproving gaze of Veral's relatives, earn their trust, but also stay aware that someone within the family was trying to harm her. I liked her resilience, her patience and the way she communicated her worries with Veral. She was fierce but still a gentle soul, willing to forgive. She wasn't as observant as she should've been, but I could easily look passed that flaw since it usually brought Veral and her back together, closer, giving us sweet moments, reaffirming how perfect they are for each other.

“When you want to kill someone, bitch, kill them. Don’t talk at them about it”-Terri


Like I mentioned at the beginning of my review, this story had a much slower pace than the first two books before it. It presented a different sort of threats, much sneakier and eerie, even if we have an idea of who the culprit may be, there were enough misdirects to leave us guessing. The dynamic between Veral and Terri was slightly different due to their situation, but they were still sweet and had many moments together. We also get to appreciate interactions with Harahna, their newborn babygirl who is promised a bright and crucial future, which almost felt like she could eventually get her own trilogy. Other characters like Dreth, Navesha, Larth and even the return of Azan and her newly acquired human woman felt like they deserved their own story as well (which was somewhat promised in the author's note at the end, I'm crossing my fingers).

“Welcome, my daughter, Harahna’monushava’terri.”
“Was that my name in there?”
“I loved my mother—I am certain of this—but I love my mate with all of my being. I would be pleased if all our young were honored with your name to distinguish your line. If you were Argurma, they would carry the name of your line. I wish for them to carry you with them in any way they can.”

***

“Harahna’monushava’terri spans the worlds. The gods favor her and will see her grow strong. She will see many places unseen and will grow in wisdom and cunning. The gods will this that they send their daughter out beyond us, to not return for fifty cycles around the sun. She will not know Argurma air or sand, but she will return, and her footsteps will be known across our world. This is as the gods will that she will be a powerful warrior who will rally the world that shall break and fall in her absence. She has been marked by destiny!”


On my second read of this book, I was listening again to the audiobook and I must say that the narrators (Christopher Boucher as Veral and Jessica Threet as Terri) were perfect once more. Their expressive and distinguished narration was entertaining and enjoyable. The way they changed their voices for each characters made their delivery engaging and immersive.

✔️HEA/HFN
✔️Part of a trilogy
✔️Dual POV
✔️Age gap
✔️Protective/Grumpy H
✔️Strong/Sweet/Sunshine h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Short separation
🔥 Steam level: 2/5
Content warning
Trigger warning

Would I recommend this trilogy? Absolutely! It may or may not work for everyone, and admittedly, seeing the reviews, some are hot and others are cold about it. As for me, I really enjoyed Veral and Terri's adventures. I just find that it's rare to read stories where the couple stays strong and devoted no matter the obstacles that they may face. If the plots of the books in general were simplistic, Veral and Terri's bond is something I don't see often in other books that portray a same couple in a series. In other series, I find that the pairings frequently have a fallouts in sequels but not Veral and Terri. The obstacles only bristled their relationship, making them a power couple in my eyes. My love and appreciation for them is endless. I honestly don't care what people think, or if they think my five stars is deserved or not. I am aware of its flaws but they do not affect my appreciation of this trilogy. This series is one of my comfort reads and I hope it'll be yours too 😊❤️

“Are we onto our next adventure?”
He raised a brow and chuffed down at her.
“I think a revolution of peace… a vacation, as you say.”
“Perfect,” Terri murmured. “I love you, anastha.”
“And I you,” Veral purred. “Forever.”


Argurma Salvager Trilogy
1. Broken Earth - 2. Pirate's Gold - 3. The Sands of Argurumal
Profile Image for Ira.
1,157 reviews131 followers
June 20, 2021
Because of the heroine’s dangerous pregnancy, the hero decided to return to his planet so his darling mate could get a proper healthcare treatments, eventhought it was dangerous for them to go there.

You see, his race is another bigoted species who hunting down the hybrid. But since his family is the leader of his clan, he was hoping his own people wouldn’t turn them away.

Well, but others still try to hunt them down 🥴.

I really like this trilogy and the world building is very good too.
The author want to continue to write in this world with different H/h, I can’t wait to see whose story next! 😘

❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for ❁ lilyreadsromance ❁.
2,041 reviews1,154 followers
March 5, 2021
The last book of the trilogy (with this couple). I did it. I've finally read S.J. Sanders.

Anyhow, in comparison I think it was a bit less action-y that the previous two books. It was a bit passive in tone and sometimes I drooled out of boredom. Not to say the whole series is boring. It is an okay series and I still love the worldbuilding. This one book is just tamed compared to, I guess.
Profile Image for Serena Books.
2,003 reviews108 followers
July 11, 2021
9-Si
Un merecido HEA para Terri y Veral





•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers

•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen





Sands of Argurumal de S.J Sanders Serie Argurma Salvager libro 3


Argumento:

Con la expectativa de un embarazo de tres años, Terri asumió que tenía todo el tiempo del mundo antes de tener que enfrentar las realidades de la maternidad que se avecinaba.

Tiempo para aventuras, viajes y trabajo codo a codo con su pareja.

Había estado esperando con especial interés lo último ahora que Veral se había relajado de autoritario a simplemente agresivamente protector, ¡y podía trabajar con eso!

Cuando su bebé comienza a crecer repentinamente de manera anormalmente rápida, de repente se enfrenta a la triste realidad de ir al único lugar que nunca quiso visitar:

Argurumal.

Aunque debe trabajar para evadir el consejo y una persona misteriosa que está tratando de asegurarse de que nunca salga con vida de Argurumal, se pregunta que ser madre podría no ser solo el más desafiante, especialmente cuando Veral de repente comienza a alejarse de ella.

Veral nunca había planeado regresar a Argurumal, pero con el embarazo de su pareja avanzando anormalmente rápido, tendrá que enfrentar a los que dejó atrás y una amenaza desconocida. Sus enemigos lo han subestimado.

Cabalgará en el dragnar de arena a través de las Grandes Dunas hasta la capital si es necesario. No hay nadie más peligroso que un Argurma defendiendo a su pareja y niño. Hará todo lo que pueda para protegerlos, incluso si eso significa que no puede estar a su lado.






Mí humilde opinión:

Terri y Veral concluyen su increíble viaje en Argurumal dónde enfrentarán muchos peligros, sospecha, conspiración y acción!

Siempre me sorprende esta autora, el mundo y los aliens de su mano se sienten verdaderamente de otro mundo. De verdad que me asombra siempre que leo sus libros.

El mundo de Argurumal y toda la cultura fue increíble. La familia de Veral era tan rígida obviamente porque no mostraban emociones, sus relaciones, reacciones, su manera de hablar tan robótica, todos esos detalles hicieron que esta raza, sus personajes, fueran completos e inolvidables.

No tengo quejas sobre el mundo y todo lo que hay en el.

Veral y Terri me gustaron un poco más en esta última entrega, pude ver más sentimiento y se notaban más que nunca sus diferencias. Pero al mismo tiempo también se hacía ver su amor tan único que se hizo más fuerte.

Lo que me pareció tonto fue cuando Veral comienza a alejarse de Terri y a dirigirse a ella como alien y no como su pareja. Lo hace para protegerla pero podría haberle dicho a ella su plan! Por eso me resultó tonta esa parte más aún porque luego Terri es atacada y entra en labor de parto. Ella como siempre dura como un segundo enojada con Veral y luego se le pasó. Me hubiera gustado que se mantenga un poco su enojo.

Aunque disfruto de las aventuras en estos libros que se mantienen hasta el final, otra vez me pareció que se prolongó todo demasiado y algunos momentos me resultaron poco sorprendentes o emocionantes por lo que se me hizo algo lenta la lectura... otra vez.

Apartando eso, la historia fue buena y hubo partes que me gustaron mucho como por ejemplo el momento inesperado y terrible cuando Terri es atacada y entra en trabajo de parto, y por supuesto el gran momento al final que no me esperaba cuando vuelven a intentar matar a Terri y se revela quien estaba detrás de los ataques, la introducción y vuelta de algunos personajes anteriores eran geniales. Ahhh no me puedo olvidar de esa gran participación de Krono usando sus letales mandíbulas!

Este fue un final recontra merecido para Terri y Veral después de tanta lucha en su relación para estar juntos en paz.

Espero ansiosa leer las historias de Larth y Dreth, dos personajes que me agrandaron y ayudaron mucho a Terri y Veral.
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,529 reviews1,599 followers
March 14, 2022



With their offspring growing at an alarmingly fast rate Veral knows his only option is to return to his home planet of Argurumal to seek assistance from a medic loyal to his line. He never planned to return especially with his little mate in tow and the fact the baby is female further complicates matters.

With the council still hunting them, the danger is immense and Veral hopes to be in and out before they even catch on. Once home Veral realises he will need to be discreet to avoid bringing unwanted attention to his family but as well as the responsibility towards them he also has an equal one to his line and Juggling the two isn’t easy. His actions to protect his family from harm may just drive a wedge breaking the fragile trust that has formed between them and unintentionally hurting his mate in the process. There are also unseen enemies hiding in the shadows ones that just may mean Veral could lose his mate and daughter forever.

Though of a slower pace than previous books in this series it was still very enjoyable. To be honest, if it contains Veral and Terri I’m going to love it whatever no contest. This instalment takes place all on Veral’s homeworld it also then drops breadcrumbs for future stories set in this world and I will definitely be reading them. It was well written and the conclusion was satisfying. I do love this series it’s one of my favourites and i totally recommend it.

Untitled design

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Leigh.
1,398 reviews325 followers
March 22, 2022
3.5 stars

The Sands of Arguramal is book 3 in the Argurma Salvager Trilogy and the conclusion of Veral and Terri. This has been a very enjoyable Trilogy and while I did find this book slow at times, I loved being back with Veral and Terri especially with the arrival of their new offspring. Now there were times I wanted to strangle Veral for decisions he made but I knew it was all done to protect his family. I look forward to more books in this World.
Profile Image for Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro.
1,489 reviews241 followers
June 27, 2024
Disappointing instalment and finale of this trilogy. The new characters and the setting on Argurumal were nice, but they were not used to their best advantage.

Instead, we got a whodunnit kind of mystery, with the two main characters jumping from one minor drama and misunderstanding to the next, which was exhausting. These two are supposed to be in a loving, established relationship! there should be communication!
Profile Image for Heather_Readsalot.
739 reviews
July 18, 2023
I loved this trilogy so much and wish there were several more of Veral and Terri's adventures to read. I'm really sad that it's over...at least for now.

I know this book was written with an open ending to leave the way for more books for them or other characters, and honestly I would love to read any of them. The world building was very good and I want to see the Argurma revolution because the Council has got to go!

I'm very excited for the spin-off series, Argurma Chronicles. It will be interesting to see how Kaylar changes, and how the Argurma world changes overall with the potential for mating with other species.


** I listened to this as an audiobook and again Jessica Threet and Christopher Boucher were absolutely fantastic. This series is definitely in my top favorites for dual narration audiobooks.
Profile Image for Chappy.
2,214 reviews113 followers
May 10, 2021
Veral is worried about Terri's pregnancy since it is accelerating. They decide to take a risk and go to the Argurma home planet so they can seek medical help from extended family.

Not sure how I feel about Terri's symbiont...that was a weird twist from the previous book.

It was nice seeing the desert planet and meeting all the family members, but the story dragged a little. The ending was good and I didn't predict who the traitor was.

I like that there will be spin-off stories to follow-up on the other interesting characters.
Profile Image for Kay ❣.
554 reviews92 followers
January 3, 2022
The alien politics are interesting and remind me of the Borg from Star Trek, but I wish there was more action and adventure like the previous stories. There's downtime while waiting for the birth, and then more downtime after the baby is born. I wish those slow parts were resolved sooner so we could have had more space action.
Profile Image for RNDK.
721 reviews12 followers
April 2, 2021
An excellent addition to this series.
Profile Image for Kristina.
1,589 reviews74 followers
December 10, 2022
Great storyline and characters!

There’s so much interesting universe building throughout this trilogy. It’s much more than just romance, but of course the romance and mating is what captures my heart.
Veral is so dang swoon worthy with his I-don’t-do-emotions-except-for-her, stoicism. And his desire to protect and fell any enemy to his mate and gift their gilded skull to her is the ultimate heart eyes.
But he’s not all talk like some of these book heroes. No, no. Veral is action. He backs that ott deliciousness up with a cold savageness I respect.
And Terri loves it! Which gives me mad respect for her. I am so excited Terri is absolutely worthy of Veral and brings her very own loyalty and strength to their relationship. She inspires the I-want-her-on-my-team-in-the-apocalypse, kinda respect.

Book one starts in a dystopian earth where alien Veral meets human Terri. There’s a great storyline of fighting against a disreputable gang with a sideline of surprise mate bonding.

Book two leads Veral and Terri to another planet where space pirates and biotech run amok causing problems for the couple.

Book three lands the mated pair on Veral’s home planet of Argurumal, where it seems someone might be trying to end Terri’s life.

Veral and Terri’s story wraps up in this third book, but it’s a great universe and I look forward to reading more from it in future!
610 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2021
This series just keeps it coming! Loved this book.
Profile Image for Andrea.
2,153 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2021
Great wrap up to this couples story!

description

We start the book out with our mains traveling to Veral's homeworld to hide out in his familial compound until Terri's rapidly growing bundle of joy is born, and then they plan to go right back into space. But, as with most things for these lovers, things don't look like they will go according to plan.

Circumstances are rocky in the beginning due to Veral having to quickly take the helm of his family's duties upon landing- this due to him being the highest ranking member of his mothers line. With this new responsibility resting on his shoulders he has little time for his mate leading to misunderstandings and frustrations brew under the surface for them both.

Also, considering Terri is carrying a female child (and a half alien one at that) they both have to deal with the implications this brings- meaning her child will eventually inherit everything along with being hunted by the council for her half human DNA.

Not only that, but it seems either Terri is accident prone on this dangerous new planet or someone has designs on her. Is it anti-alien sentiments, an Argurma trying to get rid of the "weak human" mate, or Veral's family trying to stop his offsprings inheritance?

description

All in all I had a lot of fun with this couple and really thought they both came a long way- and was glad for a HEA for their little family. Also I look forward to that cousins hunt that I think was hinted at to be the next in this series!
Profile Image for LadyBugJaz.
174 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2021
dnf at 55%
unfortunately, there is little character progress; the h is still as dependent on the hero, she has no personal interest, nothing of her own, and nothing to do but to be pregnant, protected, and waiting for her mate to fuck at night.
It is unfortunate to see such lively character (as she was in the first book) become this docile marry sue.
I am very dissapointed.
Profile Image for Chrissy  Loves Books.
831 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars — A fitting farewell for Veral and Terri’s adventure!

The Sands of Argurumal was a wonderful and satisfying conclusion to Veral and Terri’s journey. It wrapped up their story beautifully while giving us one last taste of the wild alien worlds and cultures that only S.J. Sanders can dream up.

I’ve always loved how unique her settings are—each one feels like a new, fully realized civilization, strange and fascinating in its own way. She makes alien environments feel both dangerous and alive, and this book is no exception.

It’s a strong ending to a couple that’s been through it all—love, danger, growth, and plenty of heat. A great sendoff that left me smiling and a little sad to say goodbye.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
992 reviews33 followers
March 1, 2021
An enjoyable sci-fi romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The world building was excellent, a vibrant character in itself. The landscape and culture of the hero’s home world came to life for this reader. The characterization was great, with both hero and heroine being deeply sympathetic individuals. The plot was exciting, and the pacing was quick enough that I read this novel in one sitting. The stakes were high throughout and the angst was minimal but well justified. Reading this novel was a great way to spend my Sunday afternoon. Keep up the good work, S. J. Sanders. I cannot wait to read the spin-off novels.
Profile Image for thebiblioaddict.
263 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2022
I’m really happy with how this series ended, I’m looking forward to the spin off series whenever SJ Sanders decides to write it!
Profile Image for TP.
1,039 reviews48 followers
March 15, 2021
What can I say, I love Terri and Verals Cosmos.
I am sad to read from the author’s note that the couple‘s story has come to an end with this book closing the trilogy.

This book was definitely too short. I missed a bit more action and the plot could have been more intricate. The final conclusion, It was a bit far fetched to believe in the reasoning of the villains actions. Because the villain wanted revenge, for something that if it wouldn’t have happened the villain wouldn’t have been born in the first place. So that tidbit made no sense to me. Besides the greed factor.
Well, in general it was a bit subdued compared to what i am used from Sanders books. The time jumps between chapters were too big and unnecessary, because I was interested in them, i didn’t want jumps at all. I wanted to read about them.
It was not the best book in the series, but I like the characters and the world.

I am sad to part with this family.

But I am interested in some following books the author promised containing Derth, Tarik and Larth.
Maybe they cross pass with the growing family of the wanderer. Fingers crossed.
198 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2021
Now this is the way you do a series

This is the first series I've read where I didn't feel cheated or bored.
Each book is a stand alone but still leaves you wanting more.
SJ Sanders has unique, excellent world building skills that are so rarely found in this genre. She gives you enough color to draw you in, but isn't pedantic driving you to boredom with minutiae. So rare to find.
She can take a completely sometimes repulsive character and through empathy and respect have you become thoroughly enamored on a level that will pleasantly surprise you.
SJ is one of my favorite authors in this genre and I will purchase anything she produces knowing I will love it.
Profile Image for SpeedX.
108 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
And she does it again

What can I say, I’m a little said to be finish with the Terri and Veral, I would be satisfied with just one more book. But SJ promises some stories involving the two to keep us updated with their adventures. I guess I’ll work with that. One of my top five couples of all time. This book was a rollercoaster. Family, betrayal, history, a little mystery and of course love. What more could you want in a book? I absolutely loved it. We finally get to meet the ‘the baby’, 🙌🏽😍. A perfect blend of mother and father. I won’t be giving away any secrets, if this the first book you come across, I highly recommend starting the trilogy. You will not be disappointed. Ten glorious, shining stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Carole.
2,044 reviews15 followers
April 7, 2021
I didn’t think this Argurma Salvager series could get any better, but this third entry far exceeded my expectations.

Readers should definitely explore the previous two books in order to appreciate the full scope and back-story of this wonderful series. Though each book can stand alone the full immersion in this universe is such that you can only benefit from the experience.

Lots of challenges again face our couple Terri and Veral as Terri’s pregnancy is advancing more quickly than Veral anticipated it would, prompting him to make the decision to return to Argurumal his home planet for medical assistance, a place he has no desire to ever see again.
This is where the world building surrounding the Argurumal culture and Veral’s family hierarchy really expands.

With always expert writing, persistently riveting verbose, and wonderful characterizations of both leads and secondary characters I was totally immersed in their world.
The series is not your usual alien/human romance trope. Larger than life, imaginative and romantic it has been a most pleasurable reading experience.

Terri and Veral may be of different species but love never sees such differences and the heart wants what the heart wants.

Kudos to Ms. Sanders for what I perceive as a gift to her readers’. I can only hope she has more stories to tell in this grand far reaching chronicle. HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cass.
525 reviews36 followers
March 2, 2022
3.5/5 stars

With Terri's pregnancy progressing at an alarming rate, Veral has no choice but to take her back to his home planet of Argurumal to seek medical help. The two of them will have to navigate the complex politics of his family and Argurumal society at large.

This one was a little underwhelming compared to the first two, just because some of the drama seemed rather contrived. There were situations of misunderstandings and overreactions and logical lapses that had me scratching my head. The plot was also a jumble of red herrings that could've used better foreshadowing before the climax of the story.

That being said, it's nice to see Terri develop her symbiont powers more and deal some real damage. And it's not a real spoiler but she finally gets to start her collection of enemy skulls and I just think that's neat. I also thought the worldbuilding was a lot of fun even if I wished that the book would've delved into more of the political world of Argurma society.

Anyway, I really wanna read a short story about their kids going out and conquering the galaxy. It sounds like fun. I appreciate that this final book in the trilogy has plenty of set-up for spin-off tales in this universe with other humans.
Profile Image for Suz.
2,293 reviews74 followers
March 3, 2021
This is the first time this author has written a story that encompassed more than one book (with the same couple) and I think it's her absolute best work.

Oh yeah, this particular entry could have used a bit more copy editing, which seems to be a common problem with Sanders work, but the issue wasn't bad enough to take me out of the story; and this story and it's characters are well worth wading through the occasional sentence that was sacrificed to bad editing.

She mentions in her author's note that she intends to write more in this universe, although I suspect she will return to her more comfortable one-couple-per-book format. Regardless of preferring a bit less sex and a bit more story and character development that is often afforded with longer arcs, I find I have enjoyed the universe well enough to be happy to return to it anyway. These two characters, particularly, were very likable throughout. I'm looking forward to seeing whether or not Sanders stays with it long enough to liberate Argurumal from the evil Council. :D

Sanders is my kinda freaky deaky.
7 reviews
July 11, 2021
Hungry for more

Had to finish the whole trilogy! The breath and depth the characters is truly artful. I was drawn in to the plot (s) of each book and how they fit together. S.J. Sanders made an alien sexy. And whew!!! Hot times in the bed...or where ever the um moments happened... I read 7plus books a week and rarely take the time to write a review. I usually do it when the stories and characters will stay in my mind long after I've read the book, because they were that good. Definitely a high recommendation to read the whole trilogy. And for the Author to write more on the Argurma, I look forward to it.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,082 reviews29 followers
February 25, 2021
I love this story!
It is so exciting meeting Veral’s family! It does take them a bit of time to warm up to Terri (she is very different from them). It seems to me to be a great risk to stay on Argurumal for even a short time, when the council poses such a danger. Their visit exposes totally unanticipated threats, from unknown sources. It makes for a hair-raising adventure, leading them into the far reaches of the sands of Argurumal. I love Veral and Terri, and thoroughly enjoyed the new characters we meet, along with some from the past. Excellent reading - highly recommended!
Profile Image for Ann Hupe.
500 reviews12 followers
July 30, 2021
What a great trilogy! Do MORE!

To think that our Ms. Sanders was reluctant to do a trilogy involving the same characters throughout... Shame on you for doubting your abilities to write a damn, fine tale!! I'm tired of writers thinking that once two characters have finally admitted to each other that they love each other, that's the end of the story! No more about these main characters now because it could only go downhill from there. Bullsh*t!! I loved the development towards a greater intimacy which is hard to write in the first place, but I have discovered a secret in how to make it work in stories. Love and romance is what leads up to that moment of "I love you!". It's what happens afterwards as that relationship grows is how intimacy is introduced and grows. Love and romance is very biochemical, based on pheromones and compatible chemistry whereas the strengthening of said relationship and what keeps that relationship going is the emergence of intimacy. That's why it' s hard to write about and seldom seen in literature. (I'm going through my brain right now, thinking about all the stories I've read in the past eighteen months, and sure enough, all the great moments of intimacy was hard-earned in prior existing relationships.)

And this book demonstrates how intimacy cements the motioning bonds between Terri and Veral.

As I look back on all the books I've read ever since SJ Sanders has written, I am very pleased to seen the progression of her maturation in writing, this trilogy demonstrating such improvement. And I am so very proud of her. Oh, I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed reading this book, but I'd be boring people. I read her "author's note" at the end of this novel and was very surprised by her anxiety towards trilogies. Ms. Sanders is a fantastic storyteller. I should know. I bought all her books. Sure, I could have gotten freebies, but I fully support her authorship and wish to bribe her in writing more!! And I'm talking about more trilogies!! As for her funny reference to Peter Pan, you're ONLY going to devote a novella to Azan and Wendy?? You've got to be kidding me! I was expecting at least a novel if not a trilogy! There's so much that could be going on! We readers want to read trilogies when we come across characters we really like.

And I only hope we get to read about Terri's and Veral's offspring in the future. So much can be done with such a great set-up. I want to be part of that revolution!!

Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Drama: 👀 👀 👀 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣 💣 💣
Dark: 💀
Triggers: Nothing newsworthy.
POV: Multiple (2)
Ending: HEA.
Length: Approximately 292 print length
Recommend: YES 👍 👍
Profile Image for Culture-Vulture.
540 reviews
January 23, 2022


I can't fault the world-building. The typos, the inept villain, the plot holes, the abrupt ending (did all the members of the extended family escape?), the annoyingly obvious setup for a future Peter-Pan-esque story, and the way Terri irritates the crap out of me, all of them couldn't fully wipe out the awesomeness of the world-building. 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

















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