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The Valence Chronicles #1
The Fourth State of Matter
Earth is dead. Humanity survives by selling the only resource available—themselves. 2689 has signed away his rights as a living being and become décor, living artwork that rich aliens use to decorate their homes. It's a stable existence but a boring one. Until one day his owner plays host to three unexpected guests. Large, loud, and more potent than anything 2689 has ever experienced, this trio of ship-dwellers from the wrong side of the universe awakens a desire he can't ignore.
However, blissful days of sex and companionship with Brog, Desmodian, and Xavis come to an end when 2689 discovers a plot that could land the trio in jail...or worse. 2689 will have to make a choice—stay silent and allow three innocent lives to be ruined or give up his stable life to protect the ones he loves.
However, blissful days of sex and companionship with Brog, Desmodian, and Xavis come to an end when 2689 discovers a plot that could land the trio in jail...or worse. 2689 will have to make a choice—stay silent and allow three innocent lives to be ruined or give up his stable life to protect the ones he loves.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2021
12 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 6, 2021
This book was hot and steamy. Each of the three aliens added something different to the mix and Pet find’s himself smack bang in the middle of all three.
I enjoyed watching all three mates love, care and protect their deco. They treated Pet like a person not a thing to be owned and displayed.
Going from present to past disrupted the flow of the story. I had to reread sections again to ascertain whether I was reading their past or present which, became frustrating.
“I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
I enjoyed watching all three mates love, care and protect their deco. They treated Pet like a person not a thing to be owned and displayed.
Going from present to past disrupted the flow of the story. I had to reread sections again to ascertain whether I was reading their past or present which, became frustrating.
“I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
December 31, 2021
That was a fun and filthy interspecies, polyamorous romp. Humans are prized living works of art in this colourful universe and one of them finds himself on a spaceship with a medley crew of aliens having interstellar adventures and like a lot of weird alien sex.
August 16, 2022
Second read through: yep still pretty good
Was pretty good. Also pretty smutty if you enjoy that.
Favourite thing though was the universe building. So colorful and unique!
Was pretty good. Also pretty smutty if you enjoy that.
Favourite thing though was the universe building. So colorful and unique!
June 1, 2021
The blurb does not do this story justice
A wonderful story that offers the reader laughter, adventure, a bit of suspense, and a touch of angst all layered in a steamy romance that will leave even the most jaded reader a believer
I fell in love with "pet" and his "owners" almost as soon as I met them
Pet is a "decor" - as the story progresses I understand the idea and why such a life would be wanted but it didn't make things any less hard to accept.
Enter Brog, Desmodian, and Xavis - I honestly forgot their physical differences (or maybe accepted and enjoyed is a better descriptor) when compared to their bold and commanding presence. Just loved these three and the reveals (yes there is more than one) only reinforced why I was so drawn to them
The story is a sci-fi blend that truly offers so much to the reader.
The world-building was unique and believable - the beliefs and behaviors are supported as the story goes along
Great cast both main and supporting - they were believable
I am excited about the next adventure
A wonderful story that offers the reader laughter, adventure, a bit of suspense, and a touch of angst all layered in a steamy romance that will leave even the most jaded reader a believer
I fell in love with "pet" and his "owners" almost as soon as I met them
Pet is a "decor" - as the story progresses I understand the idea and why such a life would be wanted but it didn't make things any less hard to accept.
Enter Brog, Desmodian, and Xavis - I honestly forgot their physical differences (or maybe accepted and enjoyed is a better descriptor) when compared to their bold and commanding presence. Just loved these three and the reveals (yes there is more than one) only reinforced why I was so drawn to them
The story is a sci-fi blend that truly offers so much to the reader.
The world-building was unique and believable - the beliefs and behaviors are supported as the story goes along
Great cast both main and supporting - they were believable
I am excited about the next adventure
December 6, 2022
Brief Summary
Humans had to sell themselves to aliens to survive the ending of Earth. 2689 is one of those. And he is used as furniture for aliens’ homes. He ends up falling in love with a trio of really lovely aliens.
As soon as I saw the blurb for this book, I know that this book would do it for me. This just sounds like the kind of super fun and sexy sci-fi books that I just love reading. I definitely prefer the really fun sci-fi books with a lot of smut and a super fun space opera theme to anything else in the genre and this one was exactly what I wanted.
This was just such a lovely reading experience to me. I absolutely loved the concept of this book. This was just such a wonderful concept and the execution of it was really lovely too.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
I just enjoyed this story so much and i’m really excited to read the follow up to it.
Humans had to sell themselves to aliens to survive the ending of Earth. 2689 is one of those. And he is used as furniture for aliens’ homes. He ends up falling in love with a trio of really lovely aliens.
As soon as I saw the blurb for this book, I know that this book would do it for me. This just sounds like the kind of super fun and sexy sci-fi books that I just love reading. I definitely prefer the really fun sci-fi books with a lot of smut and a super fun space opera theme to anything else in the genre and this one was exactly what I wanted.
This was just such a lovely reading experience to me. I absolutely loved the concept of this book. This was just such a wonderful concept and the execution of it was really lovely too.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
I just enjoyed this story so much and i’m really excited to read the follow up to it.
May 31, 2021
2689/décor/PET-a human doing what he needs to survive. Being décor is mindless, a boring safe existence. He becomes the PET of three very different aliens, Brog, Xavis, and Desmodian. Giving him a new exciting life in space with aliens who come to love him.
From the vivid description of various aliens to PETs antigravity bubble the writing was very vivid and real. Taking odd sounding aliens and imbuing them with human characteristics and aspects.
The books depicts alien/human sex in all varied glory. It was not straight out sci-fi. More erotic than anything else.
Good writing, although bouncing between past and present was a bit jarring. I’m a sci-fi fan and while this isn’t pure to the genre, I did enjoy it.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
From the vivid description of various aliens to PETs antigravity bubble the writing was very vivid and real. Taking odd sounding aliens and imbuing them with human characteristics and aspects.
The books depicts alien/human sex in all varied glory. It was not straight out sci-fi. More erotic than anything else.
Good writing, although bouncing between past and present was a bit jarring. I’m a sci-fi fan and while this isn’t pure to the genre, I did enjoy it.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
May 31, 2021
The Fourth State of Matter: It was a very intriguing story with fantastic characters with unusual names. It was very hot throughout with all the relationships on the ship. The dialog was amazing, D'Arcy Arden really kept her readers on the edge of their seats with this story. I just could not put the book down it was so good.
September 2, 2021
What an amazing breakout book for a new author. The plot was intriguing, the characters had depth, the world building was unique and well executed, and most importantly - the sex was super hot.
I love that the aliens are actually alien in size, features and mannerisms. So many sci-fi authors make their aliens humanoid with only a few cosmetic differences. Not so here. The author was able to find that illusive balance of explaining the weird nuances of alien creatures and cultures but not getting bogged down in the minutia to the point that the plot gets buried.
I also love that the characters developed throughout the book, but we were still left with questions that will allow for even greater depth to develop in the next book. I can tell that this will be one of the rare sets of characters that I get obsessively attached to. No idea how many books are going to be in the series, but I am already dreading the book hangover I will have when it ends.
I am looking forward to reading everything this author writes in the future if this is the quality we get with the first book.
I love that the aliens are actually alien in size, features and mannerisms. So many sci-fi authors make their aliens humanoid with only a few cosmetic differences. Not so here. The author was able to find that illusive balance of explaining the weird nuances of alien creatures and cultures but not getting bogged down in the minutia to the point that the plot gets buried.
I also love that the characters developed throughout the book, but we were still left with questions that will allow for even greater depth to develop in the next book. I can tell that this will be one of the rare sets of characters that I get obsessively attached to. No idea how many books are going to be in the series, but I am already dreading the book hangover I will have when it ends.
I am looking forward to reading everything this author writes in the future if this is the quality we get with the first book.
April 18, 2021
This book is as sexy as it is thoughtful. Not your ordinary erotica, it has a first-class sci-fi plot that ticks all the boxes on suspense, intrigue, creativity, and realism. 2689 steals your heart as you come to understand the terms of his situation, while Pet rocks your world with a libido of which we could only dream!
If you are a writer, you will enjoy exploring the structure of the novel; the dual plots and steady rhythm. I also found D'Arcy's personal exploration and discovery (detailed in her blog "An Ace Up My Sleeve" https://daarden33.wixsite.com/weather...) to be a lovely accompaniment that provided insight into the writing of the novel.
I can't thank author D'Arcy Arden enough for her dedication to this novel, nor overstate my anticipation for Pet's next adventure. I highly recommend this book.
If you are a writer, you will enjoy exploring the structure of the novel; the dual plots and steady rhythm. I also found D'Arcy's personal exploration and discovery (detailed in her blog "An Ace Up My Sleeve" https://daarden33.wixsite.com/weather...) to be a lovely accompaniment that provided insight into the writing of the novel.
I can't thank author D'Arcy Arden enough for her dedication to this novel, nor overstate my anticipation for Pet's next adventure. I highly recommend this book.
November 12, 2021
A wonderfully engaging debut novel where the world building lifts it above the usual space pirate erotica.
May 31, 2021
Good science fiction romance is hard to come by so this entry was much anticipated. I am happy to say it is wonderful. The world building is first rate. We get clear explanations of why humans are doing what 2689 has done and the plot developments that cause danger for him and those he comes to care about are logical and exciting. The emotional aspects also ring true. It is clear why PET falls for his trio of outsiders and they for him. There is plenty of steam, but always plot and character come first. Very much looking forward to the next entry in this series.
December 12, 2021
I'm torn about this one. This book read like 2 separate novellas that were shuffled together to make a single novel, and it drove me crazy because I didn't see a reason for it. The time skips were an artistic device just for the sake of including one, and it did nothing to make the story better. It was annoying, so I read the chapters out of order so that I could actually get the story in chronological order. Part of the reason I did that was I prefer to read stories about people meeting and learning to fit together than reading stories that start with the couples already established.
I really liked the Then chapters, but I wasn't as interested I the Now chapters. I wanted more relationship development in the Now chapters, like for Pet to say he wanted Brog to stop sleeping around, but I never got it. I think that may have been part of my overall issue with the book: the author and I had different priorities.
I also have some world building questions, like why are only humans made into decor and not any other desperate beings?
I would give the Then chapters (novella 1) 4 stars, and the Now chapters (novella 2) 3 stars. The overall reading experience of having to skip chapters then go back to the beginning and read the ones I skipped was so annoying I'm rounding that 3.5 stars down to 3 stars.
The Later chapter (epilogue) tried to give us a cliffhanger, but I was too done to care at that point, especially since it was unclear who the threat was to. I think I'm fine with ending the series here, especially if the later books also have this nonlinear narrative.
I really liked the Then chapters, but I wasn't as interested I the Now chapters. I wanted more relationship development in the Now chapters, like for Pet to say he wanted Brog to stop sleeping around, but I never got it. I think that may have been part of my overall issue with the book: the author and I had different priorities.
I also have some world building questions, like why are only humans made into decor and not any other desperate beings?
I would give the Then chapters (novella 1) 4 stars, and the Now chapters (novella 2) 3 stars. The overall reading experience of having to skip chapters then go back to the beginning and read the ones I skipped was so annoying I'm rounding that 3.5 stars down to 3 stars.
The Later chapter (epilogue) tried to give us a cliffhanger, but I was too done to care at that point, especially since it was unclear who the threat was to. I think I'm fine with ending the series here, especially if the later books also have this nonlinear narrative.
Want to read
November 25, 2023Thank you for the gift, Too Much Pie Elf!
August 30, 2021
the cover and the blurb don't do the story justice. can't wait for more! i want more of pet's joy
September 26, 2023
For something shelved as erotica, I got something way better than expected.
The author sums up the work as "a fun story featuring the three S's: Science, sex, and spaceships." It delivers on all three of these fantastically.
Pet is a décor - legally an object, and the story bounces between his recent past under his former Owner and Curator and the current timeframe where he is with a surprisingly well-developed trio of very interesting aliens. And by very interesting, I mean nuanced, well-developed characters whose species characteristics and unique quirks have been artfully weaved into the plot of the story. Even Pet himself gets a shocking amount of development.
As for the other two, there is plenty of both. This is space, but where physics and science have their role, and where much of the story takes place in a quite well-described spaceship whose inner workings are not left as a secret or an aside but rather a core part of the narrative.
Does this book meet all three S's? Absolutely.
The book is self-contained (with a brief moment at the end that enables a transition to the next book in the series) and was very enjoyable to read. Nothing feels too contrived, the larger plot threads all fit together, and I legitimately recommend this book if you want something that gets spicy quite frequently (in detail, with Aliens and Alien biology), but which also has its serious side and does not hesitate to touch upon topics of morality, agency, and justice.
As there's nothing I can truly find fault with, this gets a full 5/5.
The author sums up the work as "a fun story featuring the three S's: Science, sex, and spaceships." It delivers on all three of these fantastically.
Pet is a décor - legally an object, and the story bounces between his recent past under his former Owner and Curator and the current timeframe where he is with a surprisingly well-developed trio of very interesting aliens. And by very interesting, I mean nuanced, well-developed characters whose species characteristics and unique quirks have been artfully weaved into the plot of the story. Even Pet himself gets a shocking amount of development.
As for the other two, there is plenty of both. This is space, but where physics and science have their role, and where much of the story takes place in a quite well-described spaceship whose inner workings are not left as a secret or an aside but rather a core part of the narrative.
Does this book meet all three S's? Absolutely.
The book is self-contained (with a brief moment at the end that enables a transition to the next book in the series) and was very enjoyable to read. Nothing feels too contrived, the larger plot threads all fit together, and I legitimately recommend this book if you want something that gets spicy quite frequently (in detail, with Aliens and Alien biology), but which also has its serious side and does not hesitate to touch upon topics of morality, agency, and justice.
As there's nothing I can truly find fault with, this gets a full 5/5.
July 23, 2025
I was looking for a poly spoke and wheel book, and I felt lucky to find this one, since I love sci-fi.
There were plentiful and detailed sex scenes with aliens that have different biology, and I thought it was a fun read.
However, the characterization was a little flat for me. Also, the world-building was limited to the author coming up with new alien species. That was creative, but their was little in the way of an overall structure.
There were plentiful and detailed sex scenes with aliens that have different biology, and I thought it was a fun read.
However, the characterization was a little flat for me. Also, the world-building was limited to the author coming up with new alien species. That was creative, but their was little in the way of an overall structure.
November 24, 2023
THE FOURTH STATE OF MATTER is the first book in the Valence Chronicles and we are introduced to Item 2689, a living decor in an alien home. He was human but has been altered to better resemble an object, rather than a living person. It is only as the story progresses you find out just how much has been changed. He lives a monotonous life in a white, sterile environment. He only realises such when three 'ship-dwellers' (used as a slur) inhabit the home where he resides.
What follows is an awakening in every sense of the word. Pet - as he becomes known - is shown how to LIVE. He is wanted for who he is, not for what he is. He has some issues adjusting, but who wouldn't? Their relationship is still early on and I loved watching it develop.
As for his aliens, they are all very different, with individual appearances and voices that make it easy to see which one is speaking/doing/thinking. They have their own history, of which we only get to know some of it. I think they are rounded out perfectly by each other, and Pet fills any remaining gaps. I can't wait to see how their relationship deepens as they spend more time and adventures together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing of this novel, together with the back and forth from the past to the present. Both were needed to fully understand how they came to be together and the difficulties they have and still face.
A brilliant start to the series with a HFN ending and a cliffhanger. I can't wait to continue on my space adventure. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 20, 2022
What follows is an awakening in every sense of the word. Pet - as he becomes known - is shown how to LIVE. He is wanted for who he is, not for what he is. He has some issues adjusting, but who wouldn't? Their relationship is still early on and I loved watching it develop.
As for his aliens, they are all very different, with individual appearances and voices that make it easy to see which one is speaking/doing/thinking. They have their own history, of which we only get to know some of it. I think they are rounded out perfectly by each other, and Pet fills any remaining gaps. I can't wait to see how their relationship deepens as they spend more time and adventures together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing of this novel, together with the back and forth from the past to the present. Both were needed to fully understand how they came to be together and the difficulties they have and still face.
A brilliant start to the series with a HFN ending and a cliffhanger. I can't wait to continue on my space adventure. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 20, 2022
March 13, 2022
Thank you to the author and the publisher, The Wild Rose Press, for sharing this book with me through Bookstagrammers.com!!!
“A hunger opened in 2689’s gut, not for food, but for living interaction.”
“Nothing in this universe is fair. Fairness is not guaranteed”
“Such a waste. You’ve never been touched before, have you? I’m the first.”
Wow, wow, wow … freaking wow!!
This book was definitely unexpected!!!
It seems that the author made a job out of creating a fun way to enjoy sex in space … with aliens !!!
Pick a bit of “Star Trek”, add “Ice Planet Barbarians” and mix it with LGBTQ rep and a lot of strange, weird, hot times and here’s the book!
I had fun reading it … despite it being truly weird sometimes ;)
But honestly , the scientific description of spaceships and universes and how planets works … just did it for me!!!
I really liked every time the author mentioned some electronic devices inside and outside the ship to help develop the story of these four completely different characters.
The best part though was probably the message about identity that was written between those pages.
Treating people like “decor”, making them completely give up their rights as living being … definitely something terrible.
Not even those three, strong, dark and brutal criminals and space-dwellers could accept !!!
Go and check this one out … if you’ve read and liked alien romance with sci-fi plots, you’ll love this !!!
“I really don’t like you obeying other people.”
“Too many people have had hands on you today. Their scent’s all over you.”
“Having a fourth keeps us balanced.”
“A hunger opened in 2689’s gut, not for food, but for living interaction.”
“Nothing in this universe is fair. Fairness is not guaranteed”
“Such a waste. You’ve never been touched before, have you? I’m the first.”
Wow, wow, wow … freaking wow!!
This book was definitely unexpected!!!
It seems that the author made a job out of creating a fun way to enjoy sex in space … with aliens !!!
Pick a bit of “Star Trek”, add “Ice Planet Barbarians” and mix it with LGBTQ rep and a lot of strange, weird, hot times and here’s the book!
I had fun reading it … despite it being truly weird sometimes ;)
But honestly , the scientific description of spaceships and universes and how planets works … just did it for me!!!
I really liked every time the author mentioned some electronic devices inside and outside the ship to help develop the story of these four completely different characters.
The best part though was probably the message about identity that was written between those pages.
Treating people like “decor”, making them completely give up their rights as living being … definitely something terrible.
Not even those three, strong, dark and brutal criminals and space-dwellers could accept !!!
Go and check this one out … if you’ve read and liked alien romance with sci-fi plots, you’ll love this !!!
“I really don’t like you obeying other people.”
“Too many people have had hands on you today. Their scent’s all over you.”
“Having a fourth keeps us balanced.”
April 12, 2022
Pro:
- well portrayed characters and character growth
- good storyline
- good grammar and spelling
- good quality smut;)
Con:
- only one book as of yet
All in all:
READ THE DAMN THING ITS AWESOME!
The book contains two storylines that revolve around the same characters and fuse together very well. There’s no infodump, the information is given through the different timelines in just the right amount that it is very engaging and not dragging on.
The different timelines are marked so that there’s no confusion.
The characters are growing throughout the story and have depth. They have a background that explains their behaviour and which sets the scene for book two (not published yet).
The grammar and spelling in this book are very good, not even typos are left - this makes the book very enjoyable for me. The language can sometimes be a little bit stilted when there’s the trouble of four people on the same scene, all with him/he pronouns but the author worked very well to limit this to the bare minimum.
The adult scenes are integrated in the plot and not just self serving, which in my eyes is a great bonus and makes them come to live much more that adult scenes just for no reason other than having them. They are well constructed and enjoyable.
I am looking forward to book two!
- well portrayed characters and character growth
- good storyline
- good grammar and spelling
- good quality smut;)
Con:
- only one book as of yet
All in all:
READ THE DAMN THING ITS AWESOME!
The book contains two storylines that revolve around the same characters and fuse together very well. There’s no infodump, the information is given through the different timelines in just the right amount that it is very engaging and not dragging on.
The different timelines are marked so that there’s no confusion.
The characters are growing throughout the story and have depth. They have a background that explains their behaviour and which sets the scene for book two (not published yet).
The grammar and spelling in this book are very good, not even typos are left - this makes the book very enjoyable for me. The language can sometimes be a little bit stilted when there’s the trouble of four people on the same scene, all with him/he pronouns but the author worked very well to limit this to the bare minimum.
The adult scenes are integrated in the plot and not just self serving, which in my eyes is a great bonus and makes them come to live much more that adult scenes just for no reason other than having them. They are well constructed and enjoyable.
I am looking forward to book two!
November 25, 2021
Really loving this ❤❤❤
January 30, 2022
Super fun!! Definitely looking forward to the sequel.
May 1, 2024
This was really good.
October 29, 2022
First and foremost, points to the author for some seriously creative and lively world building. I’m not even going to attempt to describe all the nuances of this universe, one in which humans can get by as rare and coveted pieces of art, but I will say that it’s a vivid and interesting experience for a reader, navigating the highly imaginative spaces. I want, also, to give the narrative itself its due: there’s plenty of adventure and heat (lots of that for sure), but also some fascinating emotional connections and character development. It’s an easy story to get caught up in, and overall, a really rewarding read. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 15, 2022
The idea of this was interesting, the fact that humans would sell their rights away and be treated like furniture/art to escape how bad life is. I needed more information on what humans life is like, and especially pets life. We saw a tiny bit but not enough. I wanted more information on that change that occurred to make them decor, see people not survive the change. I also didn’t feel super invested in the three guys.
August 11, 2022
3.5
I had some issues with the sex scenes in that they aren't rape or coercion only because as the reader we know the main character is into it. From their perspective, though, they are taking literally just eye contact and laughter as a yes. Give a little more, he has absolutely no experience to draw on and really no opinion because he's a piece of furniture who wasn't allowed thought.
I had some issues with the sex scenes in that they aren't rape or coercion only because as the reader we know the main character is into it. From their perspective, though, they are taking literally just eye contact and laughter as a yes. Give a little more, he has absolutely no experience to draw on and really no opinion because he's a piece of furniture who wasn't allowed thought.
March 17, 2022
There were some really interesting ideas brought up here that unfortunately didn't go anywhere. Porn > worldbuilding I guess. I also truly hate the dual timeline thing, but that's more of a me thing, not really the book's fault.
April 9, 2025
I enjoyed this - interesting and fun.
January 5, 2025
There’s not much romance yet, so this leans more sci-fi erotica. Yet it has too much plot and world building to be classified as straight-up erotica.
The writing here is wonderful and seeing the world through Pet’s lens is done very well. I like our trio but they have some work to do to treat him properly. I’m not quite sure if we’ll get there, though I’m hoping that’s the direction of the series.
The writing here is wonderful and seeing the world through Pet’s lens is done very well. I like our trio but they have some work to do to treat him properly. I’m not quite sure if we’ll get there, though I’m hoping that’s the direction of the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews