What do you think?
Rate this book
Illicitum #2
Glass Memory
Can one spy infiltrate a faction where everyone sees the future?
Orantine has everything, a happy family, a genetically enhanced body, and a dream job that labels her as the faction’s greatest spy. When she receives a mission to investigate a faction where everyone sees the future—a job no one has succeeded in finishing before—she must lose everything.
Orantine and her scientist husband formulate a plan that will allow her to manipulate the enemy. Its first step is for Orantine to lose all memory of her last five years. To succeed, she must complete her mission and find the way back to her real life.
Can Orantine do what no spy has ever done? Or will her choices doom the rest of her life?
Orantine has everything, a happy family, a genetically enhanced body, and a dream job that labels her as the faction’s greatest spy. When she receives a mission to investigate a faction where everyone sees the future—a job no one has succeeded in finishing before—she must lose everything.
Orantine and her scientist husband formulate a plan that will allow her to manipulate the enemy. Its first step is for Orantine to lose all memory of her last five years. To succeed, she must complete her mission and find the way back to her real life.
Can Orantine do what no spy has ever done? Or will her choices doom the rest of her life?
- GenresFantasy
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2021
34 people want to read
About the author
Moud Adel
20 books23 followersMoud Adel is an Egyptian author who lives in France. His mother tongue is Arabic, and his daily language is French. Yet, he insists on writing his fantasy stories in English, using Arabic only when writing poems. When asked about why he doesn’t write in Arabic, which has come up a few times, his answer is always the same because he can express himself better in English. However, on separate occasions, he can also be found debating the beauty of the Arabic language and how rich with words it is. He claims that every emotion can be better described in Arabic for the sole reason that his birth language has more word variations that touch on every feeling.
Confronted by his contradiction, Moud claims that both answers are correct. He says that his home language, while indeed rich with words, is better suited for reaching into his own heart. That when it comes to fantasy, Arabic becomes more of a cliché and makes his words feel more like satire. And since he loves fantasy with every ounce in his soul, he will accept only what does it justice.
Confronted by his contradiction, Moud claims that both answers are correct. He says that his home language, while indeed rich with words, is better suited for reaching into his own heart. That when it comes to fantasy, Arabic becomes more of a cliché and makes his words feel more like satire. And since he loves fantasy with every ounce in his soul, he will accept only what does it justice.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 16, 2019
My video review of this book can be found here: https://youtu.be/4tkdzFSO9W8
This book was a solid improvement on the previous installment in the Forbidden series. The story it tells is compelling and sad, and I did manage to feel emotionally invested by the end of the book. Though it is connected to the previous novella in the series, it also works as a stand-alone, so you don't need to have read the first one if you would rather skip straight to this one.
This book had a more science-fantasy feel to it than the previous book in the series, which fell pretty solidly in the fantasy camp. The reason for this change came with a change in faction; each of the four factions in this world has a different magical power, and also a different culture and technology level. While the previous book took place in a faction without any modern technology, this one took place in the most technologically advanced faction. While I don't really prefer one genre or style of culture over the other, I did like that this book explained the differences, because in the last book, I was confused as to why modern technology would occasionally pop up in an otherwise fantastical world.
I felt that the author made a solid effort to improve his writing between the previous book and this one. There was still a fair amount of awkward wording (such as the phrase "printing a kiss," which doesn't work for me as a metaphor at all but was repeated probably a dozen times throughout the book) and comma splices, but the nonsensical physical descriptions were mostly gone, which was nice. The book also anchored itself in one character's point of view rather than floating around in omniscient; this helped a lot with my ability to both follow what was going on and to feel emotional attachment to the story.
That said, I'm not convinced this story was told in the most effective way. The plot has a lot to do with altering memories, but the story is told with a frame, meaning that even when the protagonist didn't have access to a memory or piece of knowledge during the story, the narrator version of her did know it. While this made sense and allowed the reader to understand the full significance of every decision the character made, I think it would have been potentially more impactful without the frame, because we would be learning everything along with the protagonist and there would have been a big twist ending. Because twist endings are my favorite kind of endings when done well, I was disappointed that we were robbed of the chance of having one here.
Spies were also a major element of this story, and I was surprised at how casually the spies blew their own covers and how few consequences there were for doing so.
In general, this book still wasn't where I wanted it to be, but the author is definitely improving, and hopefully his future work will continue to get better.
This book was a solid improvement on the previous installment in the Forbidden series. The story it tells is compelling and sad, and I did manage to feel emotionally invested by the end of the book. Though it is connected to the previous novella in the series, it also works as a stand-alone, so you don't need to have read the first one if you would rather skip straight to this one.
This book had a more science-fantasy feel to it than the previous book in the series, which fell pretty solidly in the fantasy camp. The reason for this change came with a change in faction; each of the four factions in this world has a different magical power, and also a different culture and technology level. While the previous book took place in a faction without any modern technology, this one took place in the most technologically advanced faction. While I don't really prefer one genre or style of culture over the other, I did like that this book explained the differences, because in the last book, I was confused as to why modern technology would occasionally pop up in an otherwise fantastical world.
I felt that the author made a solid effort to improve his writing between the previous book and this one. There was still a fair amount of awkward wording (such as the phrase "printing a kiss," which doesn't work for me as a metaphor at all but was repeated probably a dozen times throughout the book) and comma splices, but the nonsensical physical descriptions were mostly gone, which was nice. The book also anchored itself in one character's point of view rather than floating around in omniscient; this helped a lot with my ability to both follow what was going on and to feel emotional attachment to the story.
That said, I'm not convinced this story was told in the most effective way. The plot has a lot to do with altering memories, but the story is told with a frame, meaning that even when the protagonist didn't have access to a memory or piece of knowledge during the story, the narrator version of her did know it. While this made sense and allowed the reader to understand the full significance of every decision the character made, I think it would have been potentially more impactful without the frame, because we would be learning everything along with the protagonist and there would have been a big twist ending. Because twist endings are my favorite kind of endings when done well, I was disappointed that we were robbed of the chance of having one here.
Spies were also a major element of this story, and I was surprised at how casually the spies blew their own covers and how few consequences there were for doing so.
In general, this book still wasn't where I wanted it to be, but the author is definitely improving, and hopefully his future work will continue to get better.
September 28, 2019
This is a beautiful, but sort of sad story. I have been waiting for this book for a little while, and it was definitely worth the wait. The author keeps growing with each new story. He has a wonderful imagination that is apparent in the characters and worlds he builds, and this world is no exception.
The MC Oran comes from one of four factions, and hers is the Lunardis who are the most technologically advanced if them all. They have seeds on parts if their bodies that correspond to different abilities which are built directly into them. The story begins with Oran being sent on a spy mission for her faction to gather information on a rival faction called Delphia. The only problem is that they can see the future. So she and her husband come up with a plan to us their seeds to their advantage. Can they outsmart those who can see the future? I can't tell you anymore without giving away precious details. You'll just have to read it to see what happens. I will tell you that it is an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. I would highly recommend this book. I can't wait for the next in the series to come so I can find out what happens next.
The MC Oran comes from one of four factions, and hers is the Lunardis who are the most technologically advanced if them all. They have seeds on parts if their bodies that correspond to different abilities which are built directly into them. The story begins with Oran being sent on a spy mission for her faction to gather information on a rival faction called Delphia. The only problem is that they can see the future. So she and her husband come up with a plan to us their seeds to their advantage. Can they outsmart those who can see the future? I can't tell you anymore without giving away precious details. You'll just have to read it to see what happens. I will tell you that it is an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. I would highly recommend this book. I can't wait for the next in the series to come so I can find out what happens next.
December 15, 2019
This is a great novella!
The world building was very well done. I felt like I knew the world so well in just a few pages. This can be difficult to do in a short book. In this world, people have different seeds that connect to their bodies to control things such as emotions or memories. I think this is a realistic future development.
Most of this story is being told by the main character to an officer so that she can return to her homeland. It became a little confusing when there were flashbacks in her narrative, because I wasn’t sure what was happening in the present and what was in the past. The transitions between these parts could have been a little clearer.
I really enjoyed this story. I’ll definitely have to look for more stories set in this world.
Thank you Breakeven Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The world building was very well done. I felt like I knew the world so well in just a few pages. This can be difficult to do in a short book. In this world, people have different seeds that connect to their bodies to control things such as emotions or memories. I think this is a realistic future development.
Most of this story is being told by the main character to an officer so that she can return to her homeland. It became a little confusing when there were flashbacks in her narrative, because I wasn’t sure what was happening in the present and what was in the past. The transitions between these parts could have been a little clearer.
I really enjoyed this story. I’ll definitely have to look for more stories set in this world.
Thank you Breakeven Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2019
Spectacularly moving. This story was so wonderful. Action where it needed to be. Emotions where they fit perfectly. It was a little different, trying to wrap my head around the seed concept at first, but it really works for the story. They have specific colors and functions and they bring a very different element to the story. A little distopian, a little magical, a little technological and blended so well that it is completely believable. When you get close to the end, though, have your tissues waiting as it will pull on your heart. Moud describes his characters so well, they are brought to life and you are immediately invested in their well-being. I really can't wait for the next installment!
June 2, 2020
This was a fantastic novella by Moud Adel! It was fast-paced and crazy imaginative! It was a very unique spy adventure with a crazy, brilliant plan to complete an impossible mission to get close to people who can see the future. A splash of romance (which is not normally my thing) but it had lots of action to balance it out. And the seeds...wow...it's such a brilliant way to use powers. I've never seen anything like it. Overall, a great introduction to this amazing world!
November 17, 2024
In this book we get a bit more information on the magic systems of the two factions that weren't mentioned very much in the previous book.
This book is not about action but more about spying, kind of like a psychological thriller, but then, it never really gets thrilling. The switch from not knowing to realising what's been going on was a bit too abrupt and too easy.
It's like all the ingrediënts are there to have a really good dish, but then the cook realises he doesn't have much time left, starts rushing, and forgets to add the salt that binds all the flavors together. I'm starting to feel the same way about this series.
This book is not about action but more about spying, kind of like a psychological thriller, but then, it never really gets thrilling. The switch from not knowing to realising what's been going on was a bit too abrupt and too easy.
It's like all the ingrediënts are there to have a really good dish, but then the cook realises he doesn't have much time left, starts rushing, and forgets to add the salt that binds all the flavors together. I'm starting to feel the same way about this series.
July 19, 2021
🔴🟣🔵🟡🟢 A different volume, a bit disappointing.
Early in the morning, in the desert, Aira walks to the sound of lively music, sketching a few dance steps.
A lotus-vehicle floats above her with a woman inside watching it.
But Aira already knows who it is, because she can see the future...
---------------
A different volume 2, a bit disappointing.
I never managed to incorporate the story of the spy Orantine EXCEPT in the very last quarter of the book, which I found brilliant.
A few repetitions, a few confusing and complicated parts made me weary in the first half of the book.
On the other hand, the last quarter of the book surprised me very pleasantly : finally, the unexpected !...
It made me want to read more.
PS : beautiful book cover!
Early in the morning, in the desert, Aira walks to the sound of lively music, sketching a few dance steps.
A lotus-vehicle floats above her with a woman inside watching it.
But Aira already knows who it is, because she can see the future...
---------------
A different volume 2, a bit disappointing.
I never managed to incorporate the story of the spy Orantine EXCEPT in the very last quarter of the book, which I found brilliant.
A few repetitions, a few confusing and complicated parts made me weary in the first half of the book.
On the other hand, the last quarter of the book surprised me very pleasantly : finally, the unexpected !...
It made me want to read more.
PS : beautiful book cover!
July 20, 2021
Orantine has everything, a happy family, a genetically enhanced body, and a dream job that labels her as the faction’s greatest spy. When she receives a mission to investigate a faction where everyone sees the future—a job no one has succeeded in finishing before—she must lose everything.
Will she succeed what will be the outcome?
Read on to find out more in this thrilling adventure that you will not be able to stop reading until you have finished.
Will she succeed what will be the outcome?
Read on to find out more in this thrilling adventure that you will not be able to stop reading until you have finished.
July 19, 2021
This is one of my favorites from this author.
An intense and dramatic story full of emotion and heart. And all of this is surrounded by a fantastical world and wonderful characters I have come to know through Adel's other stories, yet at the same time, there is so much yet to learn.
I can't wait for the next in this series!
An intense and dramatic story full of emotion and heart. And all of this is surrounded by a fantastical world and wonderful characters I have come to know through Adel's other stories, yet at the same time, there is so much yet to learn.
I can't wait for the next in this series!
July 19, 2021
Glass Memory is much more than the great characters and fantastical world created by this author for his Illicitum series. This story is intense and full of emotion and heart.
I learned more about the characters from the first book and so much more about some of their abilities, as well as what's to come.
You don't want to miss this series. I highly recommend it!
I learned more about the characters from the first book and so much more about some of their abilities, as well as what's to come.
You don't want to miss this series. I highly recommend it!
October 8, 2019
I will clarify first of all this is not my usual genre, I normally read crime or thrillers. But was asked if I would mind giving this a go I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest, fair and unbiased opinion. I was so glad I agreed. Because I absolutely loved this novella and was so disappointed when it game to an end, I needed more, I want more.
The writing of this is so well done, the ideas the plot. You can tell the author is and Egyptologist and his passion for world building certainly shows. The story is set on an island called Mastoperia it is divided into four factions which are united by The Forbidden City which sits in the middle and is the governing body of the factions.
The story is focused on two factions the Lunars and the Delphians. Each faction have special powers. The Delphians are able to read minds and can read up-to certain times In The future depending on their abilities. They are ranked by the colour of their collars.
The Lunars special powers are in seeds which are on different parts of the body and are different colours, the main seed used in this story is the blue one which sits on the forehead this works like a recorder, the seeds store memories.
Orantine is married to Bodya and they have a three year old daughter they are both Lunars. Orantine is to go on a spying mission to find out more about a Delphian known as Matso, but because he can read minds it is a dangerous mission for her, to go into as a spy. Matso has a brown collar meaning he can see things a decade ahead, they can only see their own future but there is an ability to manipulate that.
In order for Orantine to take on this mission she needs to have her memories wiped otherwise Matso will know she is a spy. Bodya is an inventor and he has made a set of 6 blue seeds each one can store a years worth of memories. The plan is for Orantine to go in with blank seeds so that Matso is unable to read her mind and then she has to change the seeds one at a time which will give her some of her memories back. Whilst spying on Matso she will be collecting information on the seeds planted that will then be swapped over. What could go wrong?
This is a really gripping story, the ideas are brilliant the different abilities, I just loved it. But there is also some heartbreak, sacrifice and forgiveness all within this 140 page novella. I really look forward to more, I need to see what happens next.
The writing of this is so well done, the ideas the plot. You can tell the author is and Egyptologist and his passion for world building certainly shows. The story is set on an island called Mastoperia it is divided into four factions which are united by The Forbidden City which sits in the middle and is the governing body of the factions.
The story is focused on two factions the Lunars and the Delphians. Each faction have special powers. The Delphians are able to read minds and can read up-to certain times In The future depending on their abilities. They are ranked by the colour of their collars.
The Lunars special powers are in seeds which are on different parts of the body and are different colours, the main seed used in this story is the blue one which sits on the forehead this works like a recorder, the seeds store memories.
Orantine is married to Bodya and they have a three year old daughter they are both Lunars. Orantine is to go on a spying mission to find out more about a Delphian known as Matso, but because he can read minds it is a dangerous mission for her, to go into as a spy. Matso has a brown collar meaning he can see things a decade ahead, they can only see their own future but there is an ability to manipulate that.
In order for Orantine to take on this mission she needs to have her memories wiped otherwise Matso will know she is a spy. Bodya is an inventor and he has made a set of 6 blue seeds each one can store a years worth of memories. The plan is for Orantine to go in with blank seeds so that Matso is unable to read her mind and then she has to change the seeds one at a time which will give her some of her memories back. Whilst spying on Matso she will be collecting information on the seeds planted that will then be swapped over. What could go wrong?
This is a really gripping story, the ideas are brilliant the different abilities, I just loved it. But there is also some heartbreak, sacrifice and forgiveness all within this 140 page novella. I really look forward to more, I need to see what happens next.
October 14, 2019
Orantine is the best spy in her faction, the one they go to for impossible missions. But her next target is like nothing she has faced before, a high ranking official in a faction whose members can see the future.
Orantine has never failed before, but this time, she isn’t sure success is possible.
Armed with her faction’s genetic mutation, and the latest technology the world has to offer. Orantine believes she has found the perfect plan.
Nothing comes without a price, however, and this mission will push her to the edge, and further.
How far will she go to ensure success? And how far is she willing to go to prove she is the greatest in her world?
This book is straight up Sci-Fi Fantasy and its right up my street. Honestly the nerd in me exploded reading this book. Also what a great concept of the seeds. Which are implants on the human body which can have and show different effects on you at different times. The amount of content in such a short book is ridiculous. For such a short page count it packs a lot. You literally cannot put this down. You need to keep reading it as every page has something going on. There is know let up. You immediately get sucked into this futuristic world and the get really involved and have an emotional attachment with the characters. The world and character building has been beautifully written. You are constantly kept on your toes the author has you guessing all the time. You think you've figured it out and a curve ball comes in and totally knocks you back to square one. I really can't say much more without spoiling the story which I wouldn't want to do. I'm really looking forward to the next book and hoping I can get my hands on it.
Orantine has never failed before, but this time, she isn’t sure success is possible.
Armed with her faction’s genetic mutation, and the latest technology the world has to offer. Orantine believes she has found the perfect plan.
Nothing comes without a price, however, and this mission will push her to the edge, and further.
How far will she go to ensure success? And how far is she willing to go to prove she is the greatest in her world?
This book is straight up Sci-Fi Fantasy and its right up my street. Honestly the nerd in me exploded reading this book. Also what a great concept of the seeds. Which are implants on the human body which can have and show different effects on you at different times. The amount of content in such a short book is ridiculous. For such a short page count it packs a lot. You literally cannot put this down. You need to keep reading it as every page has something going on. There is know let up. You immediately get sucked into this futuristic world and the get really involved and have an emotional attachment with the characters. The world and character building has been beautifully written. You are constantly kept on your toes the author has you guessing all the time. You think you've figured it out and a curve ball comes in and totally knocks you back to square one. I really can't say much more without spoiling the story which I wouldn't want to do. I'm really looking forward to the next book and hoping I can get my hands on it.
September 26, 2019
Sooo Good! This author has created a fantastical world full of intrigue, deception, and heartbreak, along with compelling characters, vivid scenes, and magical beasts.
And I thought I was anxious for Book One after the first novella! This second prequel to the Forbidden Series is even better than the first one. If you thought you had decided on your faction of choice after Book Zero, you may change your mind after you read The Last Seed, I know I did!
And I thought I was anxious for Book One after the first novella! This second prequel to the Forbidden Series is even better than the first one. If you thought you had decided on your faction of choice after Book Zero, you may change your mind after you read The Last Seed, I know I did!
November 8, 2019
This book is very different from the first yet loved it more... So much strategy and foresight it was like a fun chest game. Could not have enough of this amazing new world Moud has created ended up reading the book in less than two days even going as far as reading the book at work lol Hooked with the different fractions and unique powers can't wait to the next book coming out this month. Totally recommend ^_^
February 17, 2021
Moud Adel has created a fantastical world full of intrigue, deception, and heartbreak, along with compelling characters, vivid scenes, and magical beasts.
I thought I was anxious for Book One after the first novella! This second prequel to the Forbidden Series is even better than the first one. If you thought you had decided on your faction of choice after Book Zero, you may change your mind after you read The Last Seed, I know I did!
I thought I was anxious for Book One after the first novella! This second prequel to the Forbidden Series is even better than the first one. If you thought you had decided on your faction of choice after Book Zero, you may change your mind after you read The Last Seed, I know I did!
September 20, 2019
Orantine is a spy for her faction, the best in her opinion. She and her husband figure out what they think is the best plan of action, but things don't quiet go as planned.
This was an interesting read. I am very interested in seeing how thing go after her learning all the truths finally.
This was an interesting read. I am very interested in seeing how thing go after her learning all the truths finally.
May 4, 2020
Second book of the series, I read this in one breath. Of the 4 books, this is the best written! The romance blends in perfectly with the fantasy and the ending leaves you craving for more, as a Moud Adel's trademark.
February 16, 2020
LOVED THE ENDING, the book starts slow and makes you pause and trying to figure the plot twist, but once you get to the ending you just WANT MORE!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews