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Alpha Ties #2
Feral
I never wanted a mate.Until I was put in chains.Strapped down.And claimed.
I always believed I could analyze any situation until I found a solution. Solve any problem if I just applied my brain.
I went to university, studied science and told myself my academic cocoon would protect me from the alphas dominating our society.
I was wrong.
No textbook prepared me for my meeting with test subject 351.
The biggest, scariest alpha on death row, hauled into my lab to uncover how to control the beast of a man. How to make him submit.
Mold him into a weapon.
But there is no controlling the feral alpha, and no logic strong enough to save my mind once he unleashes his fury on my body.
Once he claims me.
I always believed I could analyze any situation until I found a solution. Solve any problem if I just applied my brain.
I went to university, studied science and told myself my academic cocoon would protect me from the alphas dominating our society.
I was wrong.
No textbook prepared me for my meeting with test subject 351.
The biggest, scariest alpha on death row, hauled into my lab to uncover how to control the beast of a man. How to make him submit.
Mold him into a weapon.
But there is no controlling the feral alpha, and no logic strong enough to save my mind once he unleashes his fury on my body.
Once he claims me.
396 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2022
110 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Nora Ash
44 books1,254 followersI am Nora Ash, and I write a plethora of different romance books. Some of them are really dirty, some of them are only kinda-dirty, some are paranormal, some are contemporary… Basically, I have a rampant imagination and no way of controlling it, except from just writing down whichever idea pops into my head at the time.
The one thing my books always have in common, though? A great story and a guaranteed HEA.
If you’re ever in doubt about what you’re about to read, have a look at my book page. It has a flame rating for each series, so you know what you’re getting yourself into!
I’m originally from the cold North (AKA Scandinavia) but these days I live in rainy England with my amazing fiancé and our two pesty cats. When I’m not writing, I’m probably reading, watching Real Housewives of Wherever (reality tv it’s my shameful addiction) or hiking in whatever bit of woodland I can find.
Three fun facts about me
I once ran away with a traveling circus
I’m bilingual. Almost-kinda trilingual, but my Spanish is terri-bad these days.
I’m a decent rider (English style only, though)
You can (and definitely should!) keep in touch with me via my newsletter or by joining my Facebook group.
The one thing my books always have in common, though? A great story and a guaranteed HEA.
If you’re ever in doubt about what you’re about to read, have a look at my book page. It has a flame rating for each series, so you know what you’re getting yourself into!
I’m originally from the cold North (AKA Scandinavia) but these days I live in rainy England with my amazing fiancé and our two pesty cats. When I’m not writing, I’m probably reading, watching Real Housewives of Wherever (reality tv it’s my shameful addiction) or hiking in whatever bit of woodland I can find.
Three fun facts about me
I once ran away with a traveling circus
I’m bilingual. Almost-kinda trilingual, but my Spanish is terri-bad these days.
I’m a decent rider (English style only, though)
You can (and definitely should!) keep in touch with me via my newsletter or by joining my Facebook group.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 8, 2021
5 stars after a reread, with a caveat. Full review to come. Basically, I'm bumping this up a star because the first part of this book has one of the hottest sex scenes I've read and I can go back & reread it and it always gets me in the mood. Any book that helps spice up my sex life gets 5 stars from me. Although the latter half is more of a 3.5 stars because the plot became so torturous. Anyway, this is a repackaging of Nora's Feral series into a standalone:
. My review for first installment can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...? & last book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Audio is available now, ebook copy not yet available at the time I'm writing this. For new readers the repackaging will be a better deal than purchasing each installment of the series, you'll save a couple bucks 👍
. My review for first installment can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...? & last book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Audio is available now, ebook copy not yet available at the time I'm writing this. For new readers the repackaging will be a better deal than purchasing each installment of the series, you'll save a couple bucks 👍
November 27, 2024
4.5 stars
This was quite an uncomfortable read, with all the non-con and dark themes galore, but the story was gripping and I couldn’t stop reading. (I definitely switched from audiobook to ebook though. Narration was great, but there are some stories I can’t listen to.)
Lillian is a data scientist who has started a new job at a super secret facility, working under a scientist she’s admired for years. 351 is an alpha on death row, and one of the test subjects in the lab — where the aim of the experiment is to control feral alphas by forcing a mating bond.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this was seriously dark — including scenes between the main characters. Holiday Intrusion and Alpha (from this series) seemed fluffy in comparison. Usually this would be beyond my tolerance level, but I think I couldn’t put it down because the connection between Lillian and 351 was done so well that I needed to finish story. The ending was bittersweet (no neatly tied bows here), but it felt right for the book.
This was quite an uncomfortable read, with all the non-con and dark themes galore, but the story was gripping and I couldn’t stop reading. (I definitely switched from audiobook to ebook though. Narration was great, but there are some stories I can’t listen to.)
Lillian is a data scientist who has started a new job at a super secret facility, working under a scientist she’s admired for years. 351 is an alpha on death row, and one of the test subjects in the lab — where the aim of the experiment is to control feral alphas by forcing a mating bond.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this was seriously dark — including scenes between the main characters. Holiday Intrusion and Alpha (from this series) seemed fluffy in comparison. Usually this would be beyond my tolerance level, but I think I couldn’t put it down because the connection between Lillian and 351 was done so well that I needed to finish story. The ending was bittersweet (no neatly tied bows here), but it felt right for the book.
February 15, 2024
This ruined my sleep and I need more of whatever this is. Honestly, was just expecting omegaverse smut but did not bargain for a torturously good read. Props to Nora Ash for putting us through the wringer and not holding back!! For some GR readers, it was a little bleak, and even I had a moment of despair for our main characters.
I had only read one of Nora Ash's earlier works, one about a vampire and a human. I actually really enjoyed the latter half of the novel (great plot action, suspense) but hated the heroine who seemed to be a relic of the snarky heroine who comes off mean towards other people and particularly judgmental against women and femininity. I had also read one of Ash's omegaverse serials that I forgot about it promptly after reading.
Feral, a repackaged omegaverse serial, truly blew me away. I loved every second of it!! The pacing was great, the sex whew, but the dystopian plot? Damn. I loved what discussions we had of the alpha-omega dynamic, what it mean to create an artificial bond, to create an environment of forced matings, what it does to the pair. The misogynistic beta male doctor was such an accurate portrayal and commentary of fake feminist men. It reminded me of this survey that was taken a few decades ago about how most men responded to no in being asked if they would rape a woman but more men responded to yes when asked if they would try to sleep with a woman without their consent. Paraphrasing but the slight change in wording revealing how men think of consent, sex, boundaries etc. reminded me of how this twisted beta male character was like.
I also fell deeply in love with Zach. 351 the super soldier. What gave the story heart was his whole journey. The ending was not sugary sweet so there was nothing to suggest Zach would ever fully recover higher comprehension in some areas of his brain, but he is by no means a feral alpha. I like that we got his POV because it is clear he is aware of what he is not aware about. Like, he knows he's not picking up/understanding everything his mate says, which to me is an indication of higher comprehension, that there is even that awareness.
I like to hold on hope that he does eventually gain his language skills, because the part where he knows he can never express how he feels about her kills me when we get his POV and his love for her is so deep. Also I hold on hope because he is tinkering around with fixing cars so he has that capacity to problem solve.
LOVED THIS.
I had only read one of Nora Ash's earlier works, one about a vampire and a human. I actually really enjoyed the latter half of the novel (great plot action, suspense) but hated the heroine who seemed to be a relic of the snarky heroine who comes off mean towards other people and particularly judgmental against women and femininity. I had also read one of Ash's omegaverse serials that I forgot about it promptly after reading.
Feral, a repackaged omegaverse serial, truly blew me away. I loved every second of it!! The pacing was great, the sex whew, but the dystopian plot? Damn. I loved what discussions we had of the alpha-omega dynamic, what it mean to create an artificial bond, to create an environment of forced matings, what it does to the pair. The misogynistic beta male doctor was such an accurate portrayal and commentary of fake feminist men. It reminded me of this survey that was taken a few decades ago about how most men responded to no in being asked if they would rape a woman but more men responded to yes when asked if they would try to sleep with a woman without their consent. Paraphrasing but the slight change in wording revealing how men think of consent, sex, boundaries etc. reminded me of how this twisted beta male character was like.
I also fell deeply in love with Zach. 351 the super soldier. What gave the story heart was his whole journey. The ending was not sugary sweet so there was nothing to suggest Zach would ever fully recover higher comprehension in some areas of his brain, but he is by no means a feral alpha. I like that we got his POV because it is clear he is aware of what he is not aware about. Like, he knows he's not picking up/understanding everything his mate says, which to me is an indication of higher comprehension, that there is even that awareness.
I like to hold on hope that he does eventually gain his language skills, because the part where he knows he can never express how he feels about her kills me when we get his POV and his love for her is so deep. Also I hold on hope because he is tinkering around with fixing cars so he has that capacity to problem solve.
LOVED THIS.
August 23, 2024
Far too long.
I must admit I’m not (yet) a big fan of omegaverse and this wasn’t the exception. The epilogue was good though ♥️
I must admit I’m not (yet) a big fan of omegaverse and this wasn’t the exception. The epilogue was good though ♥️
January 13, 2022
A good Omegaverse is something i can really enjoy,so when Nora Ash offered me the Feral ARC,i didn’t have to think twice.
She can write a mean Omegaverse,with delicious Alpha’s.
And Omega’s that make those Alpha’s work for their submission.
She doesn’t shy away from the darker side,and gives her stories that edge they need.
(In this case,it’s noncon,false imprisonment,and drugging to alter the “test-subjects”)
In short,exactly the kind of Omegaverse i love. Giving her an honest review in return is easy!
Lilian has admired dr. Axell for years.
And getting a chance to work with him,even if he works in biological defense instead of the disease control she majored in,is one she’s more than happy to grab!
He may be a real Alpha,but he treats her with respect.
His beta second,dr. Urwin doesn’t take her that seriously,but she shrugs it off.
He’s not in charge,right?
Finding out what exactly he’s working on is not what she expected,though….
351 has suffered a lot since he’s been at Axell’s mercy,but he’s not going to give in!
Being forced to mate with Omegas isn’t going to work,no matter how much they hurt him.
But when he sees a new face with the evil man,he’s surprised to find that she dóes stirr something in him…..
And when she tends to his wounds late one evening,he knows she’s not like the others,at all!
Lilian feels he’s different from the other trapped Alpha’s and wants to help him escape.
Only that goes horribly wrong,and now she’s forced to become a test-subject,too…
Dr. Urwin takes great pleasure in degrading her as he preps her for her first encounter with an Alpha. That sick bastard dr. Axell then enjoys what 351 does to her,but that he claimes her is a surprise….
One they intend to use,and not in a good way!
If only there was a way to escape….
This was a story with dark lows and sweet highs. A story that dóes have triggers,so be warned.
And in this story,not everyone is what they seem to be.
There’s the esteemed doctor,who is evil incarnate,determined to get what he wants,any way he can.
Where the test-subject,that supposedly was a criminal,is actually the one with morals.
And in the middle,a sweet Omega that,once she sees the light,is determined to set things straight,any way she can.
Losing her heart in the process…
It definitely was a story i enjoyed véry much!
She can write a mean Omegaverse,with delicious Alpha’s.
And Omega’s that make those Alpha’s work for their submission.
She doesn’t shy away from the darker side,and gives her stories that edge they need.
(In this case,it’s noncon,false imprisonment,and drugging to alter the “test-subjects”)
In short,exactly the kind of Omegaverse i love. Giving her an honest review in return is easy!
Lilian has admired dr. Axell for years.
And getting a chance to work with him,even if he works in biological defense instead of the disease control she majored in,is one she’s more than happy to grab!
He may be a real Alpha,but he treats her with respect.
His beta second,dr. Urwin doesn’t take her that seriously,but she shrugs it off.
He’s not in charge,right?
Finding out what exactly he’s working on is not what she expected,though….
351 has suffered a lot since he’s been at Axell’s mercy,but he’s not going to give in!
Being forced to mate with Omegas isn’t going to work,no matter how much they hurt him.
But when he sees a new face with the evil man,he’s surprised to find that she dóes stirr something in him…..
And when she tends to his wounds late one evening,he knows she’s not like the others,at all!
Lilian feels he’s different from the other trapped Alpha’s and wants to help him escape.
Only that goes horribly wrong,and now she’s forced to become a test-subject,too…
Dr. Urwin takes great pleasure in degrading her as he preps her for her first encounter with an Alpha. That sick bastard dr. Axell then enjoys what 351 does to her,but that he claimes her is a surprise….
One they intend to use,and not in a good way!
If only there was a way to escape….
This was a story with dark lows and sweet highs. A story that dóes have triggers,so be warned.
And in this story,not everyone is what they seem to be.
There’s the esteemed doctor,who is evil incarnate,determined to get what he wants,any way he can.
Where the test-subject,that supposedly was a criminal,is actually the one with morals.
And in the middle,a sweet Omega that,once she sees the light,is determined to set things straight,any way she can.
Losing her heart in the process…
It definitely was a story i enjoyed véry much!
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December 22, 2025
lol whats wrong with me
January 19, 2022
Feral by Nora Ash
This is Omegaverse, if you don’t know what it is, please take the time to look it up before you judge this book. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s DEFINITELY Mine.
*Grins*
I Give this Book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
HEA(?): Yes
Relationship Type: MF
Dark(?): 3/5
Romance: 4-4.5/5
Heat: 4.5/5
Knotting: Does Occur.
Nesting: Does Occur.
Purring: Does Occur.
Biting: Yes, Mate Marking(?): Yes!
Drama: 4.5/5
Suspense: 4.5/5
I read the Book in its 3 Book format, and I’m glad to finally read it all over again in one book, this is one of my favorite omegaverse reads and will be a continuous go-to read! I sincerely hope for more characters to get books in this series.
This is Omegaverse, if you don’t know what it is, please take the time to look it up before you judge this book. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s DEFINITELY Mine.
*Grins*
I Give this Book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
HEA(?): Yes
Relationship Type: MF
Dark(?): 3/5
Romance: 4-4.5/5
Heat: 4.5/5
Knotting: Does Occur.
Nesting: Does Occur.
Purring: Does Occur.
Biting: Yes, Mate Marking(?): Yes!
Drama: 4.5/5
Suspense: 4.5/5
I read the Book in its 3 Book format, and I’m glad to finally read it all over again in one book, this is one of my favorite omegaverse reads and will be a continuous go-to read! I sincerely hope for more characters to get books in this series.
July 4, 2022
Dark and Twisty
A lot darker than the first books I read by this author but just as good! If you like dark, knotty, and twisty, give this a try.
A lot darker than the first books I read by this author but just as good! If you like dark, knotty, and twisty, give this a try.
September 12, 2025
Umm what did I just read. I didn’t particularly like the book but I also couldn’t put it down. Do with that as you will.
September 23, 2021
TRIGGERS: RAPE. FALSE IMPRISONMENT. This whole book is DARK, DARK, DARK. It's also extremely DIRTY!!! IF YOU'RE ABOUT THAT PRUDE LIFE or these triggers will affect you mentally… do not read. Just saying. I am neither a prude and I handle rape scenes in books and in screen well enough but honestly even knowing that this is supposed to be a shifter book which means that it was mostly animal nature, it was still pretty difficulty to get through. It was a lot. As far as the story goes, I liked the concept to a certain extent, for it to be a shifter book, The author referred to the need as Alphas, and used terminology like mate, claim and knotting however there wasn't any actual shifting done in the entire book. In fact, we are not even told what type of animal they shift into. I just happen to know that the particular terms used are those used for the canine family. So what were they, a dog, wolf, fox, a coyote? Would've loved to know that. Since this is the second book in the series, maybe, and it's a big maybe, but maybe it's addressed in book one. Though it appeared as though the books were standalone books. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this book, I mean it made you feel something, but I literally felt like there was no hope in sight for anyone until the prologue. BTW that was a nice little plot twist there… 🧐😉 I see what you did there. I literally had a nightmare last night about this book. So I need to go read some HALLMARK TV READY ROMANCE B.S. just to get my mind right. Nora Ash will take you to a dark place, be prepared to stay for awhile.
August 6, 2021
**Audio review**
What a roller coaster ride...so many twists...very unpredictable with nice surprises...but very very dark, violent and gritty...narrators were great...kept me engaged from start to finish...ending epilogue was definitely good.
What a roller coaster ride...so many twists...very unpredictable with nice surprises...but very very dark, violent and gritty...narrators were great...kept me engaged from start to finish...ending epilogue was definitely good.
April 18, 2022
What…. The…. Hell….. is this?
This was a DNF at about 65% done.
Rapey. Very rape vibes. I am sorry but usually I can withstand a lot of smutty types but this was RAPE in so many forms. Drugged, raped and tortured. This book was not my thing. NOT my thing! Hard pass!!
This was a DNF at about 65% done.
Rapey. Very rape vibes. I am sorry but usually I can withstand a lot of smutty types but this was RAPE in so many forms. Drugged, raped and tortured. This book was not my thing. NOT my thing! Hard pass!!
dont-want-to-read
September 13, 2022Just read a review saying this book has “rapey vibes”. Don’t think I’m up for that.
March 11, 2025
I listened to the audiobook & absolutely loved it. Make sure you check TW/CW as this book is very dark & im sure it’s not for everyone.
Loved the narrators, the actual story itself was unique. I’m a sucker for a falling for a prisoner type trope. I loved that this book didn’t have the usual extremely happy ending. Both characters went through a lot and it’ll take them a long time to recover. Looking forward to reading more!
Loved the narrators, the actual story itself was unique. I’m a sucker for a falling for a prisoner type trope. I loved that this book didn’t have the usual extremely happy ending. Both characters went through a lot and it’ll take them a long time to recover. Looking forward to reading more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
2.5/5 stars, listened as an audiobook. Didn’t love the narration as much as I did the first book. Was also quite surprised by the direction that the story took- a little bit more out of left field than I anticipated!
August 22, 2024
4.5 Stars
Technically a reread.
One of the best omegaverse stories I’ve ever read. It might not be perfect objectively, but for some reason, I enjoyed it more the second time I read it.
Technically a reread.
One of the best omegaverse stories I’ve ever read. It might not be perfect objectively, but for some reason, I enjoyed it more the second time I read it.
June 10, 2024
this was fun ! reminded me a lot of hold by claire kent.
this book is crazy dark, and there really isnt a lot of light scenes with the couple - i was waiting forever for the couple to interact outside of the compound, free from the influence of drug (as in having the hero not be feral) …. and that kind of never happened. the action at the end felt a little convoluted too (go back ??? really ??? and did jerome have to die ?), i really wish we had got some fluffier scenes w the couple instead of the non-stop torture, gore and death.
regardless it was a quick, enjoyable read - that just missed getting a 4 or 5 star rating.
3.5
this book is crazy dark, and there really isnt a lot of light scenes with the couple - i was waiting forever for the couple to interact outside of the compound, free from the influence of drug (as in having the hero not be feral) …. and that kind of never happened. the action at the end felt a little convoluted too (go back ??? really ??? and did jerome have to die ?), i really wish we had got some fluffier scenes w the couple instead of the non-stop torture, gore and death.
regardless it was a quick, enjoyable read - that just missed getting a 4 or 5 star rating.
3.5
January 27, 2022
intense
All I have to say ..
Is if you have triggers
DO NOT READ,,
This book was a little full on,with some of the scenes in the book.
All I have to say ..
Is if you have triggers
DO NOT READ,,
This book was a little full on,with some of the scenes in the book.
January 25, 2022
3 stars
This was such a depressing, long read - depressing not because of the writing, which is excellent NA as usual, but depressing because of this angst-ridden story. Now, I love angst, when it is of the romantic kind, not when it involves nonsensical torture (physical, mental), gratuitous humiliation, slavery and inhumane treatment by evil doctors. Even the numerous sex scenes, which were written hot as hell, left me in a deep state of despair as my heart went out to the situation in which the H/h were trapped. Yes, NA explained over and over that though it was violent and bordering dub-con, there was deep down genuine feelings. And I do believe in the love story of Lillian and Zach. But I cannot let go of the harsh and awful environment they were in and the pain and deep fractures it left in them, even in the epilogue. Definitely not a sweet omegaverse, on the contrary, the reality of the biology in omegaverse is used as a weapon against the H/h. Hopefully, this will not be the first omegaverse of the neophyte reader!
I read this book just because I love the 1st book of the series, Alpha. If I was already disgusted by the corrupt morale of Alphas in Mattenburg, it didn't prepare me for the hell that SilverCorp was. Imho the evil doctors did not suffer enough.
There were some plotholes in the story, e.g. the stupidity of Lillian to not think of the cameras; the stupidity of Dr Axell in believing mating happen just liked that, with no need for compatibility (the guy was an Alpha himself! Does he mate every time he f**ks? Lol!); shortcuts of killing everyone in the facility without any outside guard knowing. I was also angry at the deaths of Jerome and Beau, it seemed superfluous to the already dire angst.
I am not sure I can withstand reading the next book if the context is as dark as in Feral. And it is about cyborgs? Not my cuppa of tea. Now, maybe if AX1 is Jerome I can kind of sneak peek to read...?
NA is a great author and this was a well written book. My rating is only because how I could not stomach the subject matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 9, 2021Trigger Warnings for this book: RAPE!!!! (Seriously, I CANNOT stress this enough, rape is a prevalent in this book), death, gruesome murder.
Waoh... this was a VERY VERY dark book. It had romance, but really be warned that there is some brutal stuff here (Of course, I am not a dark romance reader at all, each person's tolerance toward this kind of stuff is different).
This takes place in a facility where they do cruel stuff to Alphas, making them crazy. That's as much as I can say without spoiler, but yeah, it gets dark.
The romance is very good, it does play a lot into the alpha-having-to-dominate-the-omega thing, if that's your thing, you will enjoy. (Also perhaps what some might say is dubious consent, but in this Universe of the Omegaverse it is not considered "dubious consent" at all). But man, everything surrounding the romance is so grim and sad, so if that is not your thing, this is NOT the book for you.
I do not want to make it seem like I did not enjoy reading this book, it was entertaining and i read it in one sitting.
I genuinely do not know what rating to give this book, it being so out of my comfort zone and leaving me so shocked. BUT I can say I was very invested in the story! If you like dark romance, enjoy the omegaverse and can deal with the trigger warnings, I'd say give this book a try!
Will definitely be looking into more of Nora Ash's books!! She is an amazing storyteller and writer! :D
Waoh... this was a VERY VERY dark book. It had romance, but really be warned that there is some brutal stuff here (Of course, I am not a dark romance reader at all, each person's tolerance toward this kind of stuff is different).
This takes place in a facility where they do cruel stuff to Alphas, making them crazy. That's as much as I can say without spoiler, but yeah, it gets dark.
The romance is very good, it does play a lot into the alpha-having-to-dominate-the-omega thing, if that's your thing, you will enjoy. (Also perhaps what some might say is dubious consent, but in this Universe of the Omegaverse it is not considered "dubious consent" at all). But man, everything surrounding the romance is so grim and sad, so if that is not your thing, this is NOT the book for you.
I do not want to make it seem like I did not enjoy reading this book, it was entertaining and i read it in one sitting.
I genuinely do not know what rating to give this book, it being so out of my comfort zone and leaving me so shocked. BUT I can say I was very invested in the story! If you like dark romance, enjoy the omegaverse and can deal with the trigger warnings, I'd say give this book a try!
Will definitely be looking into more of Nora Ash's books!! She is an amazing storyteller and writer! :D
January 10, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is an extremeley well written story. The plot is uncommon, the characters well developed. The descriptions are so well presented that I felt I was watching a movie on TV. I loved reading this book. In my opinion Ms Ash is a talented author and I have enjoyed each and every book she has written. If you want to read a good book, to get away for a few hours and forget yout self in the fascinating worlds that Ms Ash creates with her ingenious writing, I would highly recommend this book. I would also like to add that Ms Ash is very helpful and polite and I really appreciated her input.
May 18, 2025
3.5 stars
A heartbreaking start. I was expecting a dark, slightly paranormal story, which it was, but I wasn't ready for how much the story got to me. As things progressed, I was also not ready for everything that happened throughout the middle of the book. I had thought that the beginning was bad, but this part was full of trauma and despair. I didn't love this bit as much as the beginning, but it was still good. There were points where I thought I might quit if their situation got any worse. Worse it did get, however I just had to keep going. A bit of redemption came with the last third or so, but I was still a bit let down by everything that happened after the beginning. After such a promising start to the series, I was expecting something...more? But I would still be interested in reading the other book in this world though.
A heartbreaking start. I was expecting a dark, slightly paranormal story, which it was, but I wasn't ready for how much the story got to me. As things progressed, I was also not ready for everything that happened throughout the middle of the book. I had thought that the beginning was bad, but this part was full of trauma and despair. I didn't love this bit as much as the beginning, but it was still good. There were points where I thought I might quit if their situation got any worse. Worse it did get, however I just had to keep going. A bit of redemption came with the last third or so, but I was still a bit let down by everything that happened after the beginning. After such a promising start to the series, I was expecting something...more? But I would still be interested in reading the other book in this world though.
December 29, 2021
*****This review is for the audiobook*****
Omegaverse is not my typical trope, but I couldn't resist Jason Clarke. This is a dark-dark omegaverse world with definite dub-con and non-con. It was heartbreaking in that it was absolutely believable that this would happen and some humans would set aside their humanity for selfish reasons. Performances are definitely 5 star. I would say story and overall 4-4.5 stars. If you are good with the dark dirty world this is an exciting story of survival and the human spirit.
Omegaverse is not my typical trope, but I couldn't resist Jason Clarke. This is a dark-dark omegaverse world with definite dub-con and non-con. It was heartbreaking in that it was absolutely believable that this would happen and some humans would set aside their humanity for selfish reasons. Performances are definitely 5 star. I would say story and overall 4-4.5 stars. If you are good with the dark dirty world this is an exciting story of survival and the human spirit.
September 8, 2021
This was incredibly dark at times but overall was an enjoyable read.
I would have appreciated some warnings at the beginning of the book about the dub-con and non-con elements though.
I would have appreciated some warnings at the beginning of the book about the dub-con and non-con elements though.
February 27, 2024
This was pretty good. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I enjoyed the setting - I’m a sucker for science experiment plot where the FMC finds the MMC in the lab. It’s reminiscent of Laurann Dohner New Species in a way.
In this world, there are alphas and betas and no mention of omegas. 351/Zach is very primitive because of the experimental medicine he has been given that makes him a mindless feral alpha. The goal is to make super soldiers with these alphas and it’s funded by the government. All very top secret. The alphas picked are criminals that were sentenced to death and they are given a choice: the needle or become a science experiment. Currently, they are having trouble controlling the feral alphas and think the solution is finding a mate. Once an alpha has a mate, he will do anything to ensure her safety and they can use the mate as leverage.
Lillian is hired as a data analyst in the lab. She is very excited to start and it’s been her dream to work under this specific scientist. She is a little naive, too. Once she discovers what is really going on, she makes a hairbrained decision to break 351 out because she sees some humanity in him. Lillian gets caught and is forced to make a similar choice: be tried for treason or submit to their experiments.
Lillian is subjected to a forced heat and put in a breeding chamber with 351. They have sex and he mate bonds her by biting her. It’s all very dub to non con so check your triggers.
So a few things I liked: the setting and plot line.
What I didn’t like: the pacing, specific descriptions, and not much character development. I felt like it could’ve been a little more drawn out before Lillian decided to break him out (~15%). There were very weird descriptions during the sex scenes. Phrases like
𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥
𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐭
I like descriptive sex scenes and it has to be difficult to describe it in new ways as an author. But these just kinda took me out of the moment.
Character development for 351/Zach went forward and then in the negative after a botched 2nd escape attempt. He was given more medicine and lost all his functioning thought. Unlike before when the medicine would wear off during the day, he’d be able to communicate some. Even in the end, he still wasn’t back to where he was in the beginning of the story. I just wanted him to find himself again - he was never going to be who he was pre-experiments I get that but I just didn’t like him losing his progress. He describes it as, “𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅” and that’s at 95% in the book.
All in all, I did enjoy the book! It’s hard to find the trope/microtrope of science experiments.
In this world, there are alphas and betas and no mention of omegas. 351/Zach is very primitive because of the experimental medicine he has been given that makes him a mindless feral alpha. The goal is to make super soldiers with these alphas and it’s funded by the government. All very top secret. The alphas picked are criminals that were sentenced to death and they are given a choice: the needle or become a science experiment. Currently, they are having trouble controlling the feral alphas and think the solution is finding a mate. Once an alpha has a mate, he will do anything to ensure her safety and they can use the mate as leverage.
Lillian is hired as a data analyst in the lab. She is very excited to start and it’s been her dream to work under this specific scientist. She is a little naive, too. Once she discovers what is really going on, she makes a hairbrained decision to break 351 out because she sees some humanity in him. Lillian gets caught and is forced to make a similar choice: be tried for treason or submit to their experiments.
Lillian is subjected to a forced heat and put in a breeding chamber with 351. They have sex and he mate bonds her by biting her. It’s all very dub to non con so check your triggers.
So a few things I liked: the setting and plot line.
What I didn’t like: the pacing, specific descriptions, and not much character development. I felt like it could’ve been a little more drawn out before Lillian decided to break him out (~15%). There were very weird descriptions during the sex scenes. Phrases like
𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥
𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐭
I like descriptive sex scenes and it has to be difficult to describe it in new ways as an author. But these just kinda took me out of the moment.
Character development for 351/Zach went forward and then in the negative after a botched 2nd escape attempt. He was given more medicine and lost all his functioning thought. Unlike before when the medicine would wear off during the day, he’d be able to communicate some. Even in the end, he still wasn’t back to where he was in the beginning of the story. I just wanted him to find himself again - he was never going to be who he was pre-experiments I get that but I just didn’t like him losing his progress. He describes it as, “𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅” and that’s at 95% in the book.
All in all, I did enjoy the book! It’s hard to find the trope/microtrope of science experiments.
October 25, 2023
Phew. Ok. That was a whole lot.
The government has taken death row alphas and started testing drugs on them to try and turn them into super soldiers. In a way to try and control them better, they came up with the idea that if they forced them to form a ‘mate bond’ then they could make them do whatever they wanted. So the government was just out doing government things.
This was not a relaxing read. There’s no heartwarming love story here. Hopefully I’ll be able to relax my jaw some time soon after I calm down a bit.
The doctors were awful, and I couldn’t wait for them to get what was coming to them. That whole line they took on the “test subjects” was pretty much that they were terrible people so they could do whatever they wanted to them. Who cares what happens to them? Same goes for the women that were brought in as their mates.
Anyway… I don’t know what else to tell you haha. It was a wild ride. The epilogue was cute, so there’s that I guess.
Big TW’s for rape, torture, sexual assault, and a bit of murder too I guess.
Genre: Romance/Fantasy (omegaverse)
Format: Audio
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Age suggestion: 18+
The government has taken death row alphas and started testing drugs on them to try and turn them into super soldiers. In a way to try and control them better, they came up with the idea that if they forced them to form a ‘mate bond’ then they could make them do whatever they wanted. So the government was just out doing government things.
This was not a relaxing read. There’s no heartwarming love story here. Hopefully I’ll be able to relax my jaw some time soon after I calm down a bit.
The doctors were awful, and I couldn’t wait for them to get what was coming to them. That whole line they took on the “test subjects” was pretty much that they were terrible people so they could do whatever they wanted to them. Who cares what happens to them? Same goes for the women that were brought in as their mates.
Anyway… I don’t know what else to tell you haha. It was a wild ride. The epilogue was cute, so there’s that I guess.
Big TW’s for rape, torture, sexual assault, and a bit of murder too I guess.
Genre: Romance/Fantasy (omegaverse)
Format: Audio
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Age suggestion: 18+
October 3, 2025
I invariably struggle to review Nora Ash's books, even as I keep reading them. That probably says more about me than it does about the books.
On the one hand, this is a pretty grim and depressing but very well done dark romance. The world is darkly dystopian, the lab feels hopeless, there seems to be no escape coming for Zach and Lilian.
But on the other hand, the entirety of the romance angle consistently feels like harsh brutality. Yes, we could attribute some of it to the drugs they're all on, but even the way the couplings are written comes across as painful and unpleasant. I lost track of the amount of times that Lilian was screaming through this story, the amount of times that Zach's knot was painful and brutal. A little sprinkle here and there might be OK, but the entire thing reads harsh. I didn't realise there was such a thing as brutalist writing.
Regardless, it is on point for what it's sold as, but enter with care, because it's a very dark book, and the glimmers of hope are very thin and at the end.
On the one hand, this is a pretty grim and depressing but very well done dark romance. The world is darkly dystopian, the lab feels hopeless, there seems to be no escape coming for Zach and Lilian.
But on the other hand, the entirety of the romance angle consistently feels like harsh brutality. Yes, we could attribute some of it to the drugs they're all on, but even the way the couplings are written comes across as painful and unpleasant. I lost track of the amount of times that Lilian was screaming through this story, the amount of times that Zach's knot was painful and brutal. A little sprinkle here and there might be OK, but the entire thing reads harsh. I didn't realise there was such a thing as brutalist writing.
Regardless, it is on point for what it's sold as, but enter with care, because it's a very dark book, and the glimmers of hope are very thin and at the end.
October 13, 2025
Nora Ash has such a command of her characters that she's able to put them in situations where you immediately care about the outcome of their situation. That might be the reason I am so drawn to reading more of her romantic suspense stories despite the fact that I am not really a fan of the Omegaverse genre. And yet, this is the second series of hers I find myself getting totally invested in the characters from this verse. The action was good, the spice was bountiful, the characters were intersting enough you end up rooting for them and invested in their well being from the start. Audiobook was dual narrated by the legendary Jason Clarke and Thurlow Holmes, who is new to me but did a great job as well! Overall, I can admit I was entertained for the majority of the story so I would call that a win. Plus, the teaser kinda intrigued me enough I'm thinking of starting the next book tonight.
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