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Deridia #5
Claim
Dutiful.
Diligent.
Meek.
Vilya knew well what was expected of a daughter of Yarrow. To keep her eyes lowered, her words soft, her hands committed in their work. And if it meant keeping their father appeased and her sister safe, then it was worth each swallowed word, each night spent in the too-low light fulfilling orders to fill her father’s purse.
She thought her course was steady. Simple.
Until their once-sequestered city is opened to outsiders. Until an alliance is sought, with the promise of much needed goods and trade.
And the only thing the Marzon ask in return...
A bride to solidify the agreement.
And when she learns of her father’s intention to give her younger sister to these strangers...
She knows she would risk anything to spare her.
---
“And what is it you are suggesting?” he asked at last, his voice low and dangerous. “That I rescind my house from accepting the honour it is due?”
Vilya did not blink. Did not hesitate. He had asked for her eyes and she gave them, open and earnest.
She would lose her sister regardless. Would not be there to help shield her, to teach her what she would need to know to navigate their world. She was the elder of the two. And it was her privilege and her duty to do what she could to protect the younger, the more vulnerable.
Her right to claim, regardless of what it might mean for her instead.
She could not know what would happen to Linora. To herself.
But there would be hope for better things. And that...
That would have to be enough.
“Give me instead.”
Diligent.
Meek.
Vilya knew well what was expected of a daughter of Yarrow. To keep her eyes lowered, her words soft, her hands committed in their work. And if it meant keeping their father appeased and her sister safe, then it was worth each swallowed word, each night spent in the too-low light fulfilling orders to fill her father’s purse.
She thought her course was steady. Simple.
Until their once-sequestered city is opened to outsiders. Until an alliance is sought, with the promise of much needed goods and trade.
And the only thing the Marzon ask in return...
A bride to solidify the agreement.
And when she learns of her father’s intention to give her younger sister to these strangers...
She knows she would risk anything to spare her.
---
“And what is it you are suggesting?” he asked at last, his voice low and dangerous. “That I rescind my house from accepting the honour it is due?”
Vilya did not blink. Did not hesitate. He had asked for her eyes and she gave them, open and earnest.
She would lose her sister regardless. Would not be there to help shield her, to teach her what she would need to know to navigate their world. She was the elder of the two. And it was her privilege and her duty to do what she could to protect the younger, the more vulnerable.
Her right to claim, regardless of what it might mean for her instead.
She could not know what would happen to Linora. To herself.
But there would be hope for better things. And that...
That would have to be enough.
“Give me instead.”
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2021
53 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Miller
25 books123 followersI am an American by birth and situation, whose heart forever remains in Great Britain. I derive much inspiration from my holidays abroad, and my writing is heavily influenced by the delights of the English and Scottish countryside. My author's journey began in several reimaginings of The Phantom of the Opera where I explore happier endings for our beloved Erik-- hopefully aided by my degrees in psychology. I have a love for fantasy and paranormal romance, as well as the pleasure of a thrilling murder mystery... each of which have begun to creep into my writerly pursuits. When I am not consumed with a novel, I enjoy lavishing affection on my two cats, and working in historical costume design.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 16, 2021
2.5 ***
Annoying heroine.
Annoying heroine.
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September 12, 2022I was excited as we are back with a previous race we've dealt with and it's the sister of the heroine in the last book.
But, I get she's downtrodden, submissive to the men in their lives but the heroine was so depressing.
But, I get she's downtrodden, submissive to the men in their lives but the heroine was so depressing.
June 2, 2021
39 times...
The heroine in this book bit her lip 39 effing times (I checked). I'm surprised it wasn't gnawed off. I read this book back to back with the fourth...the heroines are the exact same character. Heck they even both chew off their lips.
While I normally enjoy this author I had a heck of a time focusing enough to finish. It was a trudge. Really though if you read the fourth book you've read this book. Nothing happens. The only difference is the hero and this one wasn't an improvement on the last.
There's some over lap and we do meet other characters from a previous book but there's really nothing here for me to recommend.
Honestly I want my time back.
The heroine in this book bit her lip 39 effing times (I checked). I'm surprised it wasn't gnawed off. I read this book back to back with the fourth...the heroines are the exact same character. Heck they even both chew off their lips.
While I normally enjoy this author I had a heck of a time focusing enough to finish. It was a trudge. Really though if you read the fourth book you've read this book. Nothing happens. The only difference is the hero and this one wasn't an improvement on the last.
There's some over lap and we do meet other characters from a previous book but there's really nothing here for me to recommend.
Honestly I want my time back.
May 20, 2021
Great sci fi romance
The world building is excellent, the aliens are fascinating, and this further look at the damage caused to the sisters (Naida and Linora) was enthralling. But this book made me realize that the books in the series may not have been written in chronological order, since I think Trade occurs after both Pledge and Claim. It doesn't matter, because the humans and aliens of Deridia are wonderfully intriguing.
The world building is excellent, the aliens are fascinating, and this further look at the damage caused to the sisters (Naida and Linora) was enthralling. But this book made me realize that the books in the series may not have been written in chronological order, since I think Trade occurs after both Pledge and Claim. It doesn't matter, because the humans and aliens of Deridia are wonderfully intriguing.
March 15, 2024
A strong entry in the series but my least favorite TBH. I think it's because each of the previous stories explored a different alien species/culture. This story follows Naida, the older sister of Linora in the previous. We already know the background of Naida's culture via Linora's story and why she is the way she is. We also know the culture of Rook having seen that as well. So as far as discovering something new, we're basically just focused on the story. The story is strong but a little more "bland" than the others. The dialogue is sweet, Naida is well detailed. Rook not so much.
It does close one loop in the series storyline with Naida and Linora. However, it also mentions an enemy of the Marzon and how despite having had peace for a long time are still on high alert from attack. It's not expressly mentioned who that group is but I feel it alludes to the Narada..Naradians...(however they are called as a people). So far they are truly horrific, war like species. I wonder if we'll ever get the point of view of a Naradian...Naradan...Narada... I imagine it would be a very hard sell but then I think no matter how awful a group of people may be that not everyone will think that way. Not everyone was a Nazi or slave owner or agreed with the practice of... so I would be interested to learn about the Narada.
It does close one loop in the series storyline with Naida and Linora. However, it also mentions an enemy of the Marzon and how despite having had peace for a long time are still on high alert from attack. It's not expressly mentioned who that group is but I feel it alludes to the Narada..Naradians...(however they are called as a people). So far they are truly horrific, war like species. I wonder if we'll ever get the point of view of a Naradian...Naradan...Narada... I imagine it would be a very hard sell but then I think no matter how awful a group of people may be that not everyone will think that way. Not everyone was a Nazi or slave owner or agreed with the practice of... so I would be interested to learn about the Narada.
May 13, 2021
once again catherine has blown my expectations out of the waters. the deridia series is my comfort series, and with each new installment my love for the characters and world that they reside in grows even more. i was so glad to be back with the marzon once more with this latest installment. naida and rook’s story was one of pure unadulterated love. rook truly wanted naida to feel content and safe, and thought little of himself. they’re story was sweet and i can only hope their story isn’t the last. the deridia series is a beautiful and enrapturing series that i can not get enough of.
May 31, 2021
A warm feeling
I enjoy these books for the journey of discovery in each character. The warm feeling of see love and bonds grown in each chapter. I would like a Chronological list of the series and the new series “ The Wholeness Project “ that crosses over to mix them together. I totally love Catherine Miller world building and character weaving .
I enjoy these books for the journey of discovery in each character. The warm feeling of see love and bonds grown in each chapter. I would like a Chronological list of the series and the new series “ The Wholeness Project “ that crosses over to mix them together. I totally love Catherine Miller world building and character weaving .
June 12, 2024
Nice addition
I read the first 4 books some time ago. Loved all of them, this one is just as good.
Dhorn and Nadia have to grow something in order to be one. Trust that Dhorn would not hurt her like Nadia father did. Their struggle are separate but the same. I loved how their love grows and flourish.
I read the first 4 books some time ago. Loved all of them, this one is just as good.
Dhorn and Nadia have to grow something in order to be one. Trust that Dhorn would not hurt her like Nadia father did. Their struggle are separate but the same. I loved how their love grows and flourish.
January 21, 2024
Second book by this author. I like the slow build, but both books have had the most paralyzed-by-past-trauma FMCs ever. I’m not sure I can take another anytime soon.
Single POV (or at least mostly this)
Single POV (or at least mostly this)
December 24, 2024
3.75
Another beautiful story, though my enjoyment may have suffered from my impatience to get to the event I knew must be happening at the end of the book. The ending did not disappoint!
Another beautiful story, though my enjoyment may have suffered from my impatience to get to the event I knew must be happening at the end of the book. The ending did not disappoint!
May 24, 2021
The writing is not my favorite. Like you have to force your brain into the pattern and flow of the story. Which is sometimes a bit straining but the story was okay.
June 10, 2021
Best one yet
Best one of the series yet. Loved it and refunded this author and series. Simple sweet and very emotional with depth of feeling
Best one of the series yet. Loved it and refunded this author and series. Simple sweet and very emotional with depth of feeling
June 23, 2021
I never write reviews (seriously, this is my first one) but I love this series so much- the author does an amazing job building the world and the characters. Please write more!
July 4, 2021
God, this book…annoyed me. Now I understand why she found things difficult, but why was HE so emotionally constipated? So annoying! DNF!
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July 11, 2022Less sad!! But maybe problematic in terms of seeming a weeeee bit anti-Muslim/Arabic in terms of her culture? Is it just me?
February 16, 2023
This was good; like 3.5 but I rounded down cause I just want an epilogue with some resolution
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August 16, 2021I loved the rest of the Deridia series, but I just could not get into this one.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews