3 1/2 stars - Good escape from reality despite some scene discrepancies
This is the second story in the Braxtharian Warriors series universe by Nikki Landis. While this could be read as a stand-alone, I suggest it be read in the order recommended by Nikki Landis. At the time I am writing this (June 2022), the universe contains one spin-off (D.R.A.R.B. Penitentiary) to be included in the reading order. This is to enable maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers, as there are reoccurring characters and overarching themes.
This is a darker themed PNR series and contains scenes that may be difficult for sensitive readers. I included high-level examples below for anyone interested. While I try not to list any spoilers, there may be one or two if you haven’t read this or the previous story yet.
This story had a good pace and was a quick read. I think this whole series has potential to be more than what I have seen so far. The plot line and characters are fine and still entertaining, but somewhat predictable.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good PNR and find them a good way to disconnect from the real world. They might contain similar acts and evil men, but I know by the end of it they will all get their just rewards. I just think this could be great and unexpected, which I have come to expect from Nikki.
The main issue I had is the differences between the same scenes in this story and the previous one in the series. I only noticed it because I wasn’t where I could leave a review after reading Vindicator and decided to start Scarred iso waiting. The two share a concurrent timeline starting with Cryton (the latter part of the first story and the beginning of this one).
I liked the characters of Valtus and Kacie, thought they had good chemistry, even with the insta -love / -mate elements. I just couldn’t get past the differences and found myself looking for issues throughout the entire story. This made it really hard to get immersed within the story, so I had to give it a lower rating than it otherwise deserved for this genre (Alien PNR w/ abduction and human/alien trafficking).
I made notes on some of the incidents, as well as some grammatical issues, and uploaded to Goodreads for anyone interested. I like to shares issues / errors such as these for ‘visual readers’ such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow.
⛔️ Contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges of depression, PTSD and anxiety; steamy adult intimate scenes between the H/h, with dominance, submission, restraints, etc.; violence such as kidnapping, abduction, rape, attempted rape, murder, death, torture, assault, fighting, betrayal, coercion, blackmail, stalking, human and alien trafficking into sexual and other types of slavery, etc.
AUTHOR’S BLURB:
Valtus:
Damaged. Broken. Scarred. A Braxtharian Warrior built for one purpose: Conquering the galaxies and bringing honor to Vindar.
The Braxthar Legion has been my only salvation. Conscripted into service after I disgraced my family, I live with the guilt and trauma of my past.
Undying loyalty. Total obedience. Swift justice. The creed of the Braxtharian Warrior. But when I find a human female taken against her will, My protective instincts rise to the surface and I’ll do whatever it takes to seek justice.
Kacie is mine to protect. But my hearts know she’s more. I can’t be the mate she needs. I don’t deserve her.
Kacie:
I’ve been taken prisoner by alien slavers. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. When I signed up for the Interstellar Space Program, All I wanted was a chance to prove Earth was ready to join the Galactic Assembly.
When I’m rescued by a sexy warrior and saved from a terrible fate, I know I have to trust the silver alien with brooding eyes and a thirst for vengeance. My heart aches for his suffering.
His scars run deeper than his damaged skin. But my champion doesn’t think he deserves a chance at love. He’s wrong. If we both want to survive, we’ll have to trust one another and confront our deepest pain.
He may be scarred but he’s not broken. I’ll just have to prove it.