Kwan’s dreams of joining the Vanguard finally comes true. Unfortunately, a recent tragedy dampens the joy of this experience. She hopes that reuniting with her long-time friend Linette and embarking on epic rescue missions will help bury painful memories. However, meeting her team leader—the stunning, bioengineered Warrior named Wrath—throws a wrench in things. The last thing she wants or needs is romance. But on top of being badass, he’s sweet, funny, incredibly supportive... and apparently her soulmate.
Wrath has waited his entire life to meet the one female in the entire universe created specifically for him. Now, she’s here, so close yet unattainable, because as much as he wants to claim Kwan, his dragon blood demands he protect her—even from himself. When the routine mission they embark on turns into a living nightmare, romantic woes soon become the least of his concerns.
Faced with unkillable enemies and the treachery of former allies, will Kwan manage to overcome past trauma to save her team and the man she is destined for?
USA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.
Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.
Quick(ish) Review - Xian Warrior series (spoilery, you've been warned)
Book-specific
Wrath: a throwback to the last of the OG Xian warriors, the romance was only ok (romance after death of fiancé). Not my fave because I hate miracle fertility cures but as I always say that’s my personal trigger, so your mileage may vary. Also the setup for future story is in effect but the villain for this story is thinly drawn.
Overview of series: I have mixed feelings on this series, but it's the worldbuilding that keeps me coming back. It's an interesting concept, a race of warrior hybrids, made up of Kryptid(giant bug)/dragon/human whose souls can be transferred to Shells, so they can face incredibly dangerous battles, die and still come back in a new Shell. So much of the way the heroines interact with them is due to their psychic powers, which manifest differently depending on their ethnic backgrounds (Caucasian women are Vessels, Black/Brown women are Portals and Asian women are Shields). It's a touchy subject, to break down their powers based on race, but by the same token, I'm not upset at exploring a world where differences are acknowledged and celebrated rather than trying to homogenize everyone's experience.
When it comes to the romance, that's where the biggest issues I have with the series comes into play. One of the foundations of this 'verse is the heroes know immediately if the heroine is their soulmate. Now, I can get down with insta-love on occasion, but I want that to be the beginning, not the end all-be all of their stories. Too many go straight to forever love, and I'd rather watch them work for it. But I'll go more into that below.
This is a very hetero-specific series, which I find limiting, and there's moments when the sex scenes happen that aren't as sexy as intended (feeling any kind of fire/burning during sex isn't my bag, but hey YMMV).
So in closing, I'm kind of middle of the road on this series because of the romance aspect, even if I am fascinated with the world it inhabits.
Resumen de mi opinión: "No me interesa". Cero química. La mitad del libro fue aburrido y la otra mitad fue meh. El final no dice nada que no supiéramos ya sobre la historia marco.
Our boy Wrath is up and I AM DELIGHTED! Poor Wrath has been waiting a long time to connect with his soulmate and he'd sort of reached the point where he had...given up? Maybe? Or simply figured his match hadn't made it through the war for earth. He was painfully resigned to not having that connection, so when Kwan arrives and he realizes she's the one for him, he's stunned.
It's not all hearts and puppies, though. Kwan is still working through her grief from a terrible tragedy when they meet and she's not in the right head- or heart-space for a relationship. She doesn't want to give Wrath the idea that's she's open to something when she's mentally unable to consider such a thing right now. But Wrath is awesomely supportive and gives her both room to grieve and immense amounts of understanding and eventually Kwan finds the balance she needs to start looking toward a future.
Meanwhile, the universe continues to throw curveballs at the Vanguard in the form of Kryptid experiments and betrayal and VERY BAD THINGS happening. Man, those experiments are gifts that just keep on giving, aren't they? They're awful and oftentimes relentless and they just keep coming.
A little danger, a lot of things moving behind the scenes (of the not-so-great variety), a fair amount of brainpower, and a couple who find themselves despite everything thrown at them. *thumbs up*
My absolute favorite story in this universe is Linnet and Varnog's. But Wrath and his relationship with Linnet is one of my all time favorite sibling romances and to see him finally get the same kind of happiness his half pint did just melted my heart. This was a great story that brought me lots of smiles and teary eyes and you just have to read it.
Lo he terminado! 💗 Este he durado más en leerlo, pero aun así me ha encantado. Lamentablemente, este es otro libro que no supera a mi favorito de la saga. Aunque si me gustado bastante
Wonderful story and characters. The issues of loss and the struggle to trust. Loved the action sequences and spicy scences. Kudos to author for a great balance in developing this story.😉😊
Finally Wrath gets his story! Anyone who's read this series has been waiting, almost as anxiously as he, for him to find his mate. His concern and thoughtful patience with his mourning mate was touching and sweet. But this was not just a love story. I thought the series was over but Regine is building on her world of intergalactic alliances and peril! A new mysterious enemy is rising from within their ranks! And the sci-fi action in this story was very good. I read an ARC of this book and am happy to give this honest review.
A great sci-fi romance series with plenty of action and adventure. I highly suggest reading in order to avoid spoilers. Wrath has been the nurturer of his group. He is an alpha but is knows how to lead without any force. He has watched his friends find their soulmates and some even have children. Kwan is a new addition to the group but is already BFF with one of the other mates and is fast becoming friends with all. She is soon going to learn the hard way what this group does and that Murphy’s Law should always be expected. The story has lots of intense fighting and the group really does feel like one large family.
Wrath is the biggest marshmallow full of love and devotion just waiting for a mate to smother with it all. He finally gets his mate and she is grieving the very tragic loss of her human fiance. I really loved how the emotional trauma was handled in this book. So many fated mate stories treat grief as an instantly cure able thing once the mates meet. Real love takes time and trust, and grief is not something you just shake off and forget. The action is really intense of course, and I love the setup for future conflict for the Vanguard to fight now that the war with the Kryptids is over. I would love to see more stories set in this world. The combo of action and love is awesome!
Oooooo I've been waiting for Wrath's story and now it's here it really didn't disappoint. I loved learning more about him and his mate and wow did the overall storyline continue. Wow. Such a good story. Kept me sucked in the whole way through. A more than welcome addition to the series.
What a thrilling story! Finally, Wrath finds his very own soulmate! Kwan isn’t quite ready for him, though. It’s a good thing Wrath is the type who likes to take care of his people - it is just what Kwan needs right now. Aside from the romance, their mission becomes incredibly dangerous. This is tense, edge-of-your-seat action! I love these brilliant, innovative women and the males they love! Their teamwork is inspiring, and they work very fast. I do so love Varnog’s irrepressible sense of humor! His wicked wit seems to have rubbed off on Dread. If you want highly dangerous adventure, hot romance, and camaraderie at its best, this is the book for you!
This Xian’s warriors! I just can’t get enough of them every story is just perfect. I just don’t know who I love more. Now we had the chance to read Wrath story I have been waiting for his turn since the very beginning of this series. And oh man I have definitely falling in love all over again. His story was just perfect in every way love his patience, his compassion and the love he had for Kwan. It was just a perfect read love every moment of it and I can not wait to see more of this universe and this warriors.
Another story to love. Im amazed of how the story plot an the characters of the book keeps me on my toes. I love the thrill reading her books the action an of course the way each couple interacts with each other. I get so excited an i really feel sympathy with every characters hard life. Regine makes me loose myself in her stories. I just loved them so much
Parto col dire che la protagonista femminile mi ha urtato diverse volte durante la narrazione con la sua retorica del "non voglio storie d'amore", apprezzo il suo essere una donna in carriera seriamente e il suo passato con tanto di ex ragazzo morto per cui si sente in colpa e prova sempre amore. In realtà questo è un trope che decisamente non sopporto perché il/la protagonista ti sfracassa per tre quarti di narrazione con quanto ami/manchi l'amante mort* e rifiuta qualsiasi altro approccio da chiunque altro. Comunque dicevo, Kwan è la nostra bella protagonista, donna in carriera e tutte cose amica di Linette e Wrath, capo dell'avanguardia se ne innamora. As usual un'altra storia d'amore etero (come sarebbe possibile altrimenti visto che l'autrice ha ben pensato di rivolgersi a un pubblico etero? Santa paletta... ). I due colombacci vanno in missione insieme e qui succede di tutto di seguito al ritrovamento di una nave della coalizione in possesso di esperimenti pericolosi di Khutu: la capitana della nave ribelle fa esplodere la base e li intrappola con gli esperimenti pericolosi, riescono a fuggire e a distruggerli ma nel frattempo i ribelli sono andati; li ripescano più avanti e la capitana che ha subito delle operazioni per poter controllare gli esperimenti quasi li uccide e i nostri devono ricorrere a un virus per metterla k.o. In tutto ciò i colombacci finiscono per legarsi, e devo dire una storia piuttosto tiepida e con un villain che boh sembra pescato da chissà dove senza contare che è ancora nebuloso e privo di scopo. Khutu per lo meno aveva un senso, qui c'è solo caos e un timidissimo Wrath che sembra non si sappia approcciare a Kwan. Un caos totale e anche un po' imbarazzante. Devo dire il meno riuscito dei volumi, secondo me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow, Wrath has been portrayed in previous books as level headed, serious and oh so responsible. So, it was interesting to watch him lay eyes upon his mate, but as usual with the Xian, they are perfectly mindful of their soulmates and of course, they all love the women which, on Capra, is almost a utopian world. because in parallel life, a patriarchal society normally exists. there was wonderful steamy bits, which I loved and of course, the little twist that Kwan had to overcome. I must admit there was a lot of scientific dialogue in this instalment, and I had to concentrate a bit to make sure I knew what they were doing and how things were going to go down, but it worked as it should do. The suspense and action intermingled withfun and romance made for a perfectly rounded storyline. previous actors surfacing in this book was awesome, I really enjoyed hearing them. Daryl Mayfield, You are the bomb. And I am so looking forward to listening to more of Xian warriors, hopefully with your awesome narration.
👽 “Death has no power over me, as long as I have you.” ~~~ Wrath finally gets his mate! And he absolutely deserves her! He’s strong, honorable and protective like all the Xian Warriors. But he’s also so sweet, patient, devoted and caring.
Kwan is smart, resourceful and has suffered a loss recently. But she’s strong and on a healing journey.
I loved the development of their relationship - it took time to build trust and overcome the grief. But in the end, with support, caring and patience, true and passionate love blossoms. And sweet and proper Wrath turns out to be a naughty boy!
I liked everyone from the team so much, they are so supportive, badass and fun. I loved Dread’s teasing so much!
And this new threat… I can’t wait to see how the Warriors will deal with it!
Overall, the story is another awesome addition to the series - it has action, danger, drama, twists, turns, steam and absolutely wonderful characters!
Wow! This book had a lot of suspense! It was a kind of Jurassic Park meets outer space and alien technology. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat through many chapters. Wrath is FINALLY going to get his mate! Kwan is finally joining the VanGuard. Now she feels she can because her fiance died and she's free to pursue her dream. Kwan meets Wrath and feels she is emotionally unavailable and doesn't know if she'll ever be interested. The most exciting part of this story was the mission they all go on after she arrives. It definitely draws them closer together. We get to see Linette and Varnog, too! I love what a strong woman Kwan is - no shrinking violets here! The women are the backbone of the VanGuard. Abel has other books planned in this series and I'm excited to read more! Wrath was steamy and suspenseful - 4 stars!
I adored this book. I’ve wanted Wrath’s love story so much, so finally reading his story was beyond satisfying.
The way Abel wrote her female main character, Kwan, was amazing. Having previously been in a serious relationship, Kwan needed time to heal from a recent tragic event involving her fiancé. Unlike the other books in this series, it was not insta-love, and given Kwan’s past, this was entirely appropriate. I loved how the author put emphasis on Kwan’s healing and Wrath’s support of it before the start of their relationship. It made the basis of their relationship more solid, complex, and engaging.
On another note, the unfolding of this new plot was extraordinary. I loved every second of the new villains, deadly beasts, high-tech gadgets, and military strategy within this book, and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
Se los juro que yo intentaba seguir y seguir el libro pero se me hizo eterno y realmente no sentí nada de conexión con este libro, ni siquiera sentí conexión entre los personajes y eso me desanimó un montón porque mínimo eso me ayuda a seguir pero aquí si batallé y la verdad yo quería leer la historia de Wrath bastante.
En general no avanzamos mucho en la trama general pero nos enteramos de detalles de lo que está pasando después de la gran batalla final contra el general. y como están reaccionando ahora los planetas aleados cuando no tienen un enemigo en común. Salen nuevos rebeldes que intentan robar los restos de la guerra, información, armas biológicas y experimentos y aunque todo suena cool, la verdad no se ejecutó tan genial. En fin, espero que el siguiente libro me guste mas.
The male lead, Wrath, has been such a sympathetic secondary character in previous books; I’d been waiting for his story and I deeply enjoyed it. I particularly liked his sensitivity and patience.
The female lead, Kwan, had significant personal trauma to overcome and the support of secondary characters, especially Varnog, was beautiful to see, really emphasising the impact and importance of the family of choice.
The story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a lovely addition to the series. I’m curious to see where the overarching plot will go - the tendrils spreading out are complex and multilayered. I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my honest review.
Let’s start with dislikes: These are suppose to be alien males, they act sometimes if not more sound a lot like humans. There’s no challenge in dialogue either. One seems to forget who their are exactly.
Positives:This author is genuine with strong storyline and plot , the ladies are sassy, strong, courageous and hot. 😍
This should have been more than 4 stars and to me if you can entice me to read the entire series, it more than good.
My recommendation is that the dialogue for these alien should always represent who they are. Don’t take the easy way out, it’s a major turn off for the readers.
You writing is so vivid and descriptive that the reader has no problem visualizing what the hot alien guys look like or sound like. They aren't human but are exhibiting behaviors that we associate with humanity like empathy, sympathy, humor, love, loyalty and the need for lasting relationships. The way they work together with their human counterparts in really intense situations makes for a really good story line and I love the HEA.
I really enjoyed the tight plotting and action sequences in this sci-fi romance. I thought it was well balanced with sections that focused on character and relationship development. This novel, like many of Regine Abel’s novels, contained excellent external conflict while being a little too light on internal conflict. Reading this novel was an enjoyable way to spend a Tuesday evening.
Wrath of the Xian Warriors has known since he first saw Kwan that she was his mate. Kwan was young, busy training to join the Vanguard, and she fell in love with someone else. Years later Kwan and Wrath meet again. Old hurts and scars as well as a new and terrifying remnant of the Kryptid War threaten the pair both physically and emotionally. All ends in HEA, but it’s a long, suspenseful, and action-packed story. Settle on for a treat!
The last in the serie. I would have loved to give it 5 stars, but I didn’t like this one as much as the other books. I wanted to love this book as h is an Asian, it is about the last of the original vanguards, it is the last book in the serie but ….. no… just wasn’t the story I wanted. Although I wanted to understand h, I did not. And although I have love H in the whole story, here it was … mmmm …. So yeah. Still a great ending but also a little bit disappointed
After 64 years Wrath finds his soulmate but Kwan wants nothing to do with him. Kwan is lost in her grief and doesn't want a soulmate. Wrath must help Kwan learn to live with her loss and love again.
I wasn't sure where this series would go after the epic end of the war but Regina has created new and interesting battles. This series follows a story arc that continues throughout each with a HEA.
it was fine but I think I need a break from the series
I think I need to take a break from this series. I am losing interest. Like they’re good, great even especially with the sci-fi elements but I find myself not really being bought in. I’m not sure if it’s getting repetitive at this point or the characters are all melding together. So I’m going to take a break before I continue. It was fine though. I can’t say I have many criticisms I just find my eyes kinda glazing over.
Great loss is devastating. Be it - freedom, life, relationship, financial, material, etc. Whatever is the cause, it can pull you into a ‘worm hole’. Recovery is slow and painful in itself. The road is treacherous but must be walked. I highly recommend this read. You may find the courage to seek the light!
Kwan is finally able to join the Vanguard but it's overshadowed by a recent tragedy in her life. She meets Wrath, the stunning warrior who is in charge and also turns out to be her mate. A harrowing journey with thrills, danger and plenty of steam awaits you in this sci-fi read.