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She robbed her brother of his destiny. Now she’s stuck with a dangerous power she can’t ignore, can’t control, and frighteningly—can’t resist.

I was born on the wrong side of the law—literally delivered on the floor of the state women’s prison.

My mother sees spirits. My father could become one at will. Together, they were among the most dangerous crime couples in history.

I’ve spent the last three decades trying not to live up to my DNA’s potential. Now my father is dead, and his “gift” has wrongly passed to me.

All I want is freedom from my dark family legacy, but my father’s death opened a gateway, unleashing a bloodthirsty enemy. And as much as I hate this new power within me, it might be the only way to save the city I’ve sworn to protect.

422 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2021

234 people are currently reading
3019 people want to read

About the author

Elicia Hyder

28 books1,120 followers
Elicia Hyder is a bestselling author of paranormal suspense and contemporary romance. You can get a FREE eBOOK by clicking this link: Get The Detective for FREE.

When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌

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5 stars
330 (62%)
4 stars
127 (24%)
3 stars
53 (10%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,403 reviews496 followers
January 30, 2021
Detached by Elicia Hyder
Saphera Nyx series book 1. Urban fantasy. Female lead. Quasi cliffhanger.
Nyx is a cop in Sapphire Lake. When her father dies, she inherits his ability to detach from the body while sleeping. Nyx uses the ability to investigate a murder, a fire and drug running all while being in spirit form. But there are life-threatening dangers involved with being detached so she must be careful to avoid the Nightwalkers.

Fantastic series start. Gripping and thrilling. I loved it from start to finish.
It reminded me a bit of the Soul Summoner series in particular with the strength of the heroine and a sacrifice made.

I particularly love humor in stories I read and this book had some great moments. Flash is a young boy caught in the spirit realm but in years he is 47. Because of the length of time he’s been away there are a lot of cultural changes that Nyx had to explain when talking to Flash. USB drives vs VHS and teaching him to fist bump were a couple that had me laughing out loud.
I also loved Nyx’s protest of the Tomb raider shirt that the men didn’t understand.

I avidly await the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,602 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2021
The skill in which Elicia Hyder creates such vastly different worlds in all her stories astounds me! This is the first book in her newest series and she doesn’t disappoint. Nyx is a cop who is basically trying to avoid her dad who’s pretty much the boogie man. The depth of the characters and the world in Nevada they live in is so real you can truly picture the scenes as you read! Nyx, her brother and parents know that there’s more that goes bump in the night and bad things are going on. When Nyxs dad dies things hit the fan when nothing goes as planned in the other worldly dept. On top of paranormal insanity Nyx is struggling to keep her work and personal life separate. There’s detective work, a great mystery with several different things interconnecting and a love story all wrapped up in an kick butt lead character!
Profile Image for Deborah.
Author 11 books114 followers
January 27, 2021
Saphera Nyx, former soldier, now police officer, has a startling background. Daughter to a renowned crime couple, she’s a scion of Nyx, Goddess of Night. As if that wasn’t enough, when her father dies, his gift for ‘detaching’ – when his spirit leaves his body at will – passes to Saphera, and not to her older brother as expected.
When her parents’ last crime, involving a deadly drug, returns to haunt the town of Sapphire Lake, Nyx must decide whether to rid herself of this unwanted ability, or embrace it to prevent more people from suffering a terrible fate.
This new series from the author of the excellent ‘Soul Summoner’ series, hits the ground running and never lets up. I did find it hard, at first, to identify with Nyx (as she likes to be known). There’s a lot of information and a lot of characters, and I didn’t find anything in common with Nyx to help me latch onto her. This is a personal thing, and I can’t fault the writing or the story, I just didn’t connect with her until I chapter 8, when she helps a new friend regain her job in a fantastic show of brashness and empathy. After that, I couldn’t read it fast enough and I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
This is a fascinating premise, with great world building, and the fully rounded characters I’ve come to expect from this author. There’s action, humour, pathos, and a smouldering romance, all beautifully integrated into a thrilling paranormal plot with a satisfying wrap up, and lots of material left for future stories. If this is your sort of read, I highly recommend you check out this opening novel of what promises to be a great new series.
Profile Image for Melody.
65 reviews17 followers
March 1, 2021
Corporal Saphera Nyx wants nothing to do with her infamous parents, who had wrought devastation to her city. All she wants is her deserved promotion, a sense of normalcy, and to suppress her growing feelings toward her agonizingly handsome boss Sargent Tyler Essex.

But—like a curse, nothing goes as planned upon her father's haunting death. Instead, she gets a "gift" she never wanted and an unexpected new friend while an imminent storm of supernatural trouble brews. Now, she must learn to accept her brand new powers or doom those she loves.

(I was given this Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. Plus, spoiler-free.)

The protagonist of this book, Nyx, is a badass, enigmatic, fierce lady. I don't usually gravitate toward this type of heroine (since it opposes my personality, LOL), but I felt myself quickly warming up to her as I continued reading her narrative. I’m intrigued to read her character arc and learn more about her motivations as her series continues.

I loved Essex—what a dreamboat! Elicia Hyder certainty knows how to write her heroes! (And all the right buttons to make me cry!) He’s one of my favorite characters so far, and I can't wait to see what happens with him.

Elicia also does side characters very well! My favorite was Bess because she's quirky and fun. I also loved Celise, and I'm intrigued about Orion, a somewhat mysterious man I'm keeping a close eye on. The interactions among the main and minor characters feel authentic and add humor to the story.

🍉🍊🍍
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars

Writing mechanics (literary elements/devices usage included): 4.7 stars
Plot rating: 4.6 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.8 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.7 stars
Story ending rating: 4.7 stars

Sexual tension rating: 4.8 stars
Sex scenes rating: N/A
Sex scenes frequency: 1 stars (not good nor bad, just occurrence rating)
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.7 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


Read: October 31, 2020
Reviewed: November 1, 2020
Posted: January 20, 2021
Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,001 reviews14 followers
March 5, 2021
OMG! This book was everything Elicia Hyder  promised. It wrenched every emotion out of me. When a book does that it always ends up in my top five for the year.
This story starts out with strong, exciting action. It takes place in the suburbs of Las Vegas. Its reminiscent, but still quite different from Ms. Hyder's Soul Summoner series. The main character, Saphera Nyx is more kick ass, ala Tomb Raider and the alternate realms of existence are different. I'm just in awe with the ideas Ms. Hyder presents in this book. I love how MS. Hyder incorporates into her stories the character's menu choices when they dine out.
I highly recommend this book. If this first book is any indication, the entire series is going to be awesome.
My favorite quote from the story: "In this Jeep boys ride bitch." LOL. Love it.
Profile Image for Leisel.
745 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2021
Having thoroughly enjoyed Elicia Hyder's earlier series, 'The Soul Summoner' a reader could hesitate with any new series thinking how could she better her past successes. Well no need to tread lightly into this new one because once again Elicia has found the winning formula to entertain her readers!
The story is complete with hot characters, mysterious characters, characters with flaws and characters you will simply adore, laugh and cry along side with. There will be those moments when you will ask, 'how could she write that'! But knowing the genius mind of our Author, Elicia Hyder she never fails to entertain us, even if it does provide some emotional curveballs.
So looking forward to seeing how bumpy a ride this is going to be in a truly complexing web of mystery, mayhem and love.
I highly recommend this book (and series) if you enjoy the genres of supernatural themes, action, mystery and good old frustrated romance. A line in the book states, "this is only the beginning" and believe me there is so much more to unravel.

I was provided with an advanced reader copy for a fair review of this book.
Profile Image for Sussan.
54 reviews
January 18, 2021
Full disclosure I'm fortunate to be included in the ARC team. I read this within 2 days of downloading it as I had a real struggle putting it down, definitely a page turner.
If you liked Elicia's other series you'll NOT be disappointed with this one, its rather fast past but the action is well thought out, and not just for action or dramas sake. The characters are as usual relatable and well thought out. I enjoy their interactions with one another.
I enjoyed the way that some the everyday weird things that happen, are worked into the story to make sense, that light bulb that blinks, the cold breeze that blows past your face or neck and there is no breeze. That sort of thing. Adds an extra layer of believability to the "fiction".
This book had me holding my breath in more than one place, clench my fists in others, literally laugh out loud and of course had me in tears in one crucial part of the story and you'll know the bit when you come to it.
I would have liked it to continue a bit longer because I want to know what happens but I guess I'm going to have to wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Amber Todd.
623 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2021
Detached checked all my boxes for what I look for in an irresistible paranormal romance novel. Our heroine is bad-ass, gun toting, retired Army ranger Corporal Saphera Nyx. And yes, she’s as cool as her name sounds!
Detached may be a brand-new series, but it was written in a way that made me feel like I was reuniting with book friends I’ve been reading about for years. I would unequivocally recommend this book. I promise you’ll be hooked on this gripping paranormal adventure right from the very start!
Profile Image for Shawn.
487 reviews7 followers
January 17, 2021
I haven’t been this drawn into a book in a while! The world building, the characters, along with all the twists in the plot made this a fantastic read! I’ve read all of Elicia’s books and I have to say she knocked this one out of the stratosphere!
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,048 reviews171 followers
March 28, 2021
Audible version. DNF 80%
There was nothing inherently wrong with the writing & the narrator did a decent job, I simply lost interest in the story. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Linda.
189 reviews13 followers
March 6, 2021
I became an Elicia Hyder fan when I discovered her Soul Summoner series. Looks like I've been ensnared again with Hyder's new Saphera Nyx series. Detached, the first book of the series, started off a little shaky for me. At first I was a little uncertain, as the introduction to Saphera Nyx, "Nyx" to her friends, is stuffed to the gills with details of her family history, her father's paranormal abilities, her tumultuous job as a police officer gunning for a promotion, and her reluctant attraction to Tyler Essex, her supervisor. It was a lot to absorb, and I admit I went back to re-read early parts of the story to more firmly affix in my mind the various characters and protagonists. But once the avalanche of details calmed down, I was caught up in the tale to the very end.

Nyx was born in prison, her mother a heartless, self-centered criminal dealing in a dangerous, otherworldly drug. Nyx and her older brother Ransom have been raised by their grandparents, because their father, Elias, is serving life in prison for a drug deal gone bad that ended in the death of a detective. What few people know is that Elias is a direct descendant of the Goddess Nyx and so is imbued with, among other talents, the ability to "detach" his spirit while his body is sleeping and interact with the world in secret. And that ability will pass on to his firstborn when Elias dies.

Ransom has meandered through life so far, preparing only to make his fortune from detachment once his father dies. Nyx has dedicated her life to law enforcement, intent on doing good to balance out the evils her parents committed. But when Elias dies a horrible, mysterious death in prison, things don't go quite as Nyx and Ransom expected. And the tale spins deliciously into supernatural intrigue, danger, and a murder investigation complicated by the electricity between Nyx and Essex.

The action is fast, the characters are well-drawn for the most part, and I can tell which ones I'm going to adore even more as the series progresses. The tale ends in a bit of surprise that deliciously sets up the next book in the series, scheduled to release in November 2021. I'm looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Jaime Andrews.
Author 2 books14 followers
February 18, 2021
BOOK REVIEW

DETACHED By Elicia Hyder
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5

Stars aren't enough...I went with flames. Had to. Nyx=HOT

Okay, so....it's no secret I love Elicia Hyder and every book she's ever written. She manages to weave universes and characters together in a wholly original way. No two characters ever have the same voice and yet you always know them well enough by the end to feel true love, hate or loss...in whatever way Elicia tries to destroy you at that moment. I've easily read a dozen or more of her books and am never bored.

Detached is no different. When Elicia announced the Soul Summonet series was coming to an end and she had planned a new series, I'll admit I was skeptical. I didn't WANT a new series. I wanted Sloan and Warren and Noot Noot...etc. ( if you don't know who those people are, you should. READ SOUL SUMMONER) I expected recycled characters with new names and overcooked plot points.

This is super hard for me to admit, but I was wrong!! God, that was painful as hell to say.

Detached and all the characters are new, original, complex and fun as all hell. From page one, I was sucked into this world and kinda wanted to be Nyx's best friend. Kinda wanna smack Ransom. Kinda wanna do naughty things to a few others. Just sayin.

I won't give anything away, ill just close out by saying I AM SO READY FOR BOOK 2!!! Hurry up, Elicia, I know how fast you can write!!

Seriously, if you like paranormal sexy heroines, check out this book.
Profile Image for Crystal P.
726 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2021
The last book to pull me in so quickly and completely was book 1 in the Soul Summoner series. That book was followed by a wild ride that I could not get enough of and thus I was excited by the prospect of a new series by Elicia Hyder! However, I was also nervous because I wanted to love it at the all-encompassing level that I did that first series and couldn’t imagine that being possible. As it turns out, I had absolutely nothing to worry about! Detached held its own and pulled me in just as fully... Elicia Hyder absolutely blew me away and I am all in on this new series!

All of the characters, and I mean all of them, invited me into the Saphera Nyx world enthusiastically. I didn’t know them, not even their names (other than Nyx), and they felt like old friends from the very beginning. This made my heart happy! Nyx is a badass, but she has the right amount of softness that shines through in her interactions with so many throughout the book. Essex may just be my new book boyfriend..... he hasn’t taken the position yet, but Nate from Soul Summoner Series definitely has some hefty competition. Nyx and Essex’s coworkers were entertaining and gave a little glimpse into the world of police officers.

The story is... whoa! Amazing! The inside of Elicia’s brain has to be an amazing and strange and scary place. I knew from the blurb (and title) that Saphera Nyx would be able to Detach from her body and it is as cool as it sounds, but it comes with rules and learning that lends plenty of entertainment and intrigue.

I smiled, I laughed, I gasped and yelled at Elicia, I cried.... I will be purchasing this book in audiobook format so that I can take the ride all over again! I will never doubt her again for any reason... if she writes it, I know it’ll be amazing!!!

I received an ARC from Elicia Hyder and this is a fair an honest review!
Profile Image for Karen.
86 reviews
January 17, 2021
The first in a series leaves the reader craving more. The heroine is so relatable I was cheering for her the whole length of the book. Even though I knew this was the first in a series I was so disappointed when I reached the last page, I really didn’t want this book to end. There are so many relationships I can’t wait to see how this author take the stories.

This is a must buy and keep author.
Profile Image for Tamye Whitener.
852 reviews27 followers
February 14, 2021
Awesome start to what promises to be another amazing series.

Page-turning Urban Fantasy romance you don't want to miss. This book has it all. Kick-ass characters, as well as some loveable screw-ups, and an odd assortment of neer-do-wells, drug dealers, gangs, and cops. Throw in an against-the-rules romance (you're not supposed to date your boss), paranormal powers that can be considered a gift or a curse. Then toss in some paranormal slimy bad guys and you have a book that keeps you turning the page from beginning to end. Yep, I was up all night with this one and it was totally worth it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good paranormal that will keep you guessing until the very end. And then you will still want more. I do!
Profile Image for Christine.
100 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2021
Detached is the exciting start to a new series by Soul Summoner author Elicia Hyder. When Saphera Nix’s father dies, she becomes heir to his rather remarkable gifts - and all of the trouble that accompanies them. These gifts carry a steep learning curve and heavy costs - and not a lot of time to cope with either.

As a longtime fan of Hyder’s books, I was thrilled to sit down with this book. I devoured it over the course of two evenings, then returned to review key parts and absorb the story. Honestly, if I were less invested in the characters, I might have absorbed more the first time through, but I will never complain about being fully immersed in a book.
171 reviews
January 30, 2021
Ridiculously addictive and someone just NAB the movie rights already!!

So far I’ve read the entire Summoner series and one or two things by Ms Hyder and honestly someone needs to lock this woman into some movie scripts and fast because it’s gonna happen soon. This writing is pretty spectacular and the storyline’s will lend well to the small or big screen but that’s just IMHO. Read these awesome books at your own peril for you will be ignoring real life, you know family, children, work and you’ll be pulled into these cool teasing action-packed pieces of fun fiction that will leave you wanting more..I’m trying not to be too greedy here but ..Yeah...MORE MORE MORE PLEASE!!!
Profile Image for Cynthia Wu.
8 reviews
January 22, 2021
Soul Summoner series is a tough act to follow, but Elicia Hyder has outdone herself yet again! I started this book with much anticipation and it certainly hasn't disappointed at all. I was drawn into Nyx's world in no time. Without giving away much details, this series kicks off with building the story of Saphera Nyx, a Corporal in the police force. She's from a peculiar family with a unique bloodline. The development of each character is just right, enough to support how Saphera's destiny comes to be, but also opens up all sorts of possibilities, enticing readers to ask questions and keenly look forward to what's to come in Book 2.

True to Elicia Hyder's style, the story is fantastic, fun, steamy and thrilling, all at the same time. But for needing sleep to look after our 9.5mo baby boy, I would easily have stayed up and finished the book in one sitting. I can't wait to see what Book 2 has in store for each character.
Profile Image for Annette Miranda.
129 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2021
OMG! this book opens running and keeps on going, suspenseful, hidden background stories, and otherworldly secrets. Nyx, is a police officer, corporal to be exact. She has a ....let's say complex family. Her father is in prison but he visits her. The story begins with his visit in her squad car, taking over the body of a recent arrest...Both Nyx and her brother, Ransom, begin to find out secrets, dark family, secrets that will affect their lives and the lives of those around them. Other worlds, astral projection, blood devouring shadows, and politics, are all bound together as Nyx, Ransom, and the ghostly Orion fight to save the mortal world from the darkness that threatens to devour it...And while Nyx is learning of the other worlds her earthly world is slipping out of control too. Her boss and current fantasy is making it plane that he is, in fact, very interested in moving from professional to damn sexy...Essex may not know what he is getting into!
Wow, again...I cannot wait to read what happens next, more secrets revealed, more monsters...more passion?!
Profile Image for Bet Lantaff.
182 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2021
Another terrific start to a great series by a wonderful author. If you loved the Soul Summoner series you will want to start this book right away.
First of all, this book is a cliff hanger for the next book in the series, but it does have an ending that wraps up some things so it can stand alone until you can get your hands on the next one.
Shehera Nyx, the kick-ass heroine, gains powers that were not for her to begin with (she thought) and she never wanted (she also thought). What she does want (though she won't admit it) is Tyler Essex, her boss on the local police force.
While this romance is playing out, enter the ghosts, gods and demons who are trying to take over everything. It's up to Nyx, Essex and the god Orion to stop them. Helping and/or hindering them are several secondary characters that fit nicely in the story and help to move it along. The interrelation between all of the characters works well and help to set up the action that comes to a head in an exciting pinnacle.
Ms. Hyder really knows how to tell a story and I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Connie.
176 reviews16 followers
January 21, 2021
OMG...I loved it! I didn’t know what to expect after reading The Soul Summoner series by Elicia Hyder (which I adored) but…WOW! Detached gripped me from the first page until the last. Nyx is a strong, confident, bold woman who knows her own mind. She ends up with her brothers destiny and now she’s not sure what she’ll end up doing. Nyx made me bust out laughing throughout the book. I also yelled WTF!!! a couple of times as well. Elicia Hyder knocked this one out of the park! I am so looking forward to her next book and I hope this will be a long series because I F*ck*n love Nyx!
1 review
January 22, 2021
When Nyx’s father dies she and her brother Ransom, begin to find out some very dark family secrets that will affect their lives and the lives of everyone around them forever. There was so much action going on in this book that kept me glued to the pages. Don’t worry I never give away spoilers, but I will say in one scene I could feel my heart about to beat out of my chest and the entire time I am thinking no this can’t be happening! Cannot wait for the next book! I received an ARC for my opinion on this book that I thoroughly enjoyed!!
Profile Image for Cassie.
670 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2022
4⭐️ rounded up to 4.5⭐️ after reading the bonus content. This book helped me remember how much I love UF.

Nyx is a fun mc. Previously an army ranger, she becomes a police officer after losing a drunken bet. I like the relationship she has with her fellow officers, especially her relationship with Essex. And her new friendship with Bess made me really happy.

The idea of being able to detach your spirit from your body is a cool one. I’m excited to see how Nyx uses that in future books. I also really love that she didn’t let the Chief basically bully her into taking a position she wasn’t interested in. She stayed true to her moral compass, and did right by everyone.

Both Nyx and Essex are characters I feel like I could actually be friends with irl, so that ending was especially heartbreaking. The bonus content from Essex’s pov made me feel so much for both of them. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

Side note for my steam friends - both of the sex scenes are fade to black, but there is some delicious sexual tension throughout most of the book.
Profile Image for Aly.
1,898 reviews69 followers
May 15, 2021
This was a great book! I can't wait to read the next one. I was a little crushed by the ending because I wanted the good guys to have a happy ending. The author left me with hope for the next books in the series so I have to read on. I want to know how everything works out for Saphera and Tyler. I have enjoyed several books written by this author. I would recommend anyone that is has not read a book from Elicia Hyder, if you are on the fence, give this author a chance. The Soul Summoner series is one of my favorites! I can't wait to read book two in this series. I am so glad Elicia has kept writing such wonderful books. I love the characters, good and bad, and I truly get into the worlds she creates. I see both of series making movies or TV shows one day. I can't wait to watch them. I can't say enough great things about this author and her books! Thank you for enticing me back for more every time! The book is captivating!
Profile Image for C.L. Roman.
Author 39 books29 followers
July 4, 2021
I don't often give five stars, but this time I had no choice. This was one of the best books I've ever read. Nyx is officially one of my favorite characters and Hyder's story-telling is on point on each and every page. From great characters to twists I didn't see coming, I loved this book from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one. Meanwhile, I'll be checking out the Soul-Summoner series. If it's half as good as this one, it will be epic.
Profile Image for Traci.
40 reviews
March 9, 2021
Such a fantastic start to a new series. I love the way Elicia Hyder draws you into her worlds.
Profile Image for Val Moss.
Author 1 book4 followers
April 19, 2021
Love it

Elicia Hyper does it again with a new amazing series. I love how she writes strong women,but show's even strong women can be soft.
Profile Image for Tina Capricorn.
Author 6 books22 followers
March 7, 2021
A sensational introduction to the Nyx family and the community of Saphire Lake. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the characters! Bess Lincoln (no relation) and I could be friends IRL I think. Wonderful read!
Profile Image for Darla.
168 reviews16 followers
February 24, 2021
This is the first paranormal/urban fantasy book that I have read by author Elicia Hyder, but it certainly will not be the last! An excellent page-turner of a story and a great start to her new series featuring badass Saphera Nyx. Elicia delivers great character development and immerses the reader right into the setting with her descriptive writing. Detached has it all, it is full of suspense, action, sexual tension, crime-fighting, detective work, family, and friends. I am not a normal reader of the paranormal genre, but I absolutely loved this book. Very well done.
Profile Image for Kyla Carpenter.
50 reviews
February 28, 2021
Elicia Hyder never disappoints. It’s going to be impossible to be patient for the next book!
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