Claimed by the Alien Tyrant

by Sophia Sebell

Lord Kruth was a monster. Terrible, angry, ruthless... and I belonged to him. A simple hike in the woods on a clearly marked trail. Easy enough. Except my curiosity got the better of me and I fell off a cliff, landing straight in the center of a military training exercise that ended when a strange mist overtook the clearing. Next thing I know, me and the entire group of soldiers are captives of High Warlord Kruth on a distant planet. Stolen away to be forced into his military and help him take over the galaxy. Spoiler I'm not a soldier. That was quickly discovered when I was forced into a trial to prove my worth and passed by sheer luck under the watchful eye of the admittedly hunky High Warlord Kruth. Lord Kruth rules with an iron fist, doling out cruel punishments to those that disobey him and commanding an unimaginably vast army. He's terrifying, mean, ruthless... with his chiseled torso and thick thighs, barely contained under that fur covered loincloth he wears. That smoldering scowl that softens when his eye falls on me... Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) he had taken a liking to me and kept me by his side. All I could do was wait and follow Lord Kruth's orders obediently, or as obediently as my mouth would let me. Hopefully the soldiers abducted with me would work out an escape plan. There was a slight problem, though. The more time I spent with Lord Kruth, the less I was sure I even wanted to escape.

Genres: Aliens

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2022

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sci-fi alien romance told from dual POV. It was mostly ok but definitely could have been so much better. Cora a pollution consultant is abducted alongside some soldiers who are on a training exercise. This is all whilst she is attending a bonding weekend seminar for her job. Upon waking she finds herself a prisoner and now at the mercy of an alien Warlord.

So the bones of this story were actually good but it did also feel a little stripped back and simplistic in its execution. I did find it imaginative and I liked the whole idea but the characters did also feel a bit one dimensional as well. They definitely could have done with some fleshing out and a bit more background added.

I mean very little is actually known about Cora’s past and family or even living situation prior to her abduction by aliens. I also felt the reactions of her and the soldiers that were abducted with her slightly strange as they were so accepting of their current situation. where was the shock fear and panic everyone just accepted what has occurred with literally no defiance or panic and that really didn’t seem authentic to me at all. I mean Cora seems to spend the majority of this giggling.

Lord Kruth was also portrayed very rigidly initially with very little personality beyond the tyrant image he was all strong stoic terrifying Warlord and I wanted to learn more about him on a personal level get beneath his skin so to speak which I never felt we did. Even when he relents and shows Cora a more human side I still didn’t think we were observing the real him and he remained a bit of an enigma. I also wasn’t feeling a connection between Kruth and Cora or even any reason for her to even form one. She also falls into line very quickly as an advisor accepting this new way of life so easily. It all just seemed a bit superficial.

Then later when the shit hits the fan she backtracks and now starts to question all the things she really should have earlier. It just made her seem rather fickle in nature and that Cora now only has doubts when things have imploded and gone wrong. Her disloyalty at this integral moment just made her go down in my estimation it’s fine to have doubts and all but why now when before you were fine with everything prior it just didn’t make any sense.

Overall for me this was just ok I did finish and there were parts that were interesting. But I didn’t actually feel a personal connection with any of the characters involved and there was a lack of any deeper chemistry. The writing was also fine just on the simplistic side and the characters were not at all like I would expect kidnapped humans whisked off to an alien galaxy to act like. I mean they were bloody soldiers and they acted like they’d been invited to a party and decided it was so fabulous here they instantly wanted to stay forever, I mean nobody even mentioned it or considered who they’d left behind. And then there’s Cora well words actually fail me she was so easily won over it was ridiculous. Hence the reason I couldn’t understand her questioning her choices after the fact. It’s not like she even put up a token resistance initially is it so why now. I don’t think I’m that much of a fan of Cora if I’m honest and I did find her fairly one dimensional.

Also, the world-building though it was there it again felt stripped back like we got the initial descriptions but there was no further elaboration it just didn’t delve deep enough to satisfy we had the information sure but it was mostly surface stuff that felt glossed over. It’s a shame as this could have been fabulous as the premise was actually imaginative. unfortunately, this didn’t quite work for me.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars ⭐️

Well, this one is definitely different, I have to say. I did think about giving up on it, but kept going, just to see how it ended lol. Not my cup of tea, I’m afraid, so I won’t be rushing in to read another. Some will probably enjoy it, I thought it was just a little below average

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that this was actually rather a lighthearted book and I did laugh a lot while reading. Cora is in the wrong place at the wrong time although to be honest that might not be strictly true. She ends up with a sprained ankle and a one-way trip to alien abduction. Survival when she gets there is rather a fraught affair given that she has to fight in an arena and not get dead. if she can do that then she's quids in. Not quite what she had planned especially considering she is someone who deal with pollution an ecological fighter if you will rather than an actual hand-to-hand combat type of one! Still she manages to pull that off but where does that leave her? She's not going to be sent to the army so where oh where does the warlord ruler place her? Kruth has never quite seen someone like Cora before and it doesn't take him long to realise that she is improtant to him in some way. He cannot prevent the battle to prove herself as if he did then he would be deemed weak and he had already survived at least four assassination attempts thus far this week and the paperwork is just not worth it. He decides to have her as an advisor but she's really not helping his concentration any....

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I had mixed emotions I laughed, yelled and swooned and the characters made me smile. Cora is at a work retreat and is out on a hike when she see’s military men below the cliff she is on and wanting to see more she falls between the soldiers and next they are in cages and must fight to prove themselves or die. Cora manages to fluke it and is safe. High warlord Kruth is on a mission to bring peace to his galaxy by fighting off the evil that’s wants what is his and Kruth will bring many soldiers from different planets to stop them and when he see’s the human female he is attracted to her straight away and he decides to keep her close at his side. Cora is now an adviser to the warlord and the more time they are together she developes feeling for him and soon they cross the line and become united as one. There is so much more to this book that keeps the reader turning the pages until late at night.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abducted by Aliens.

Cora was in the wrong place at the wrong time and fell into the middle of a military training exercise. When the troop is abducted by aliens, she is swept up with them. They’ve been abducted to be fighters for an alien warlord but Cora is no fighter. By sheer luck, she survives the trial but draws the attention of Kruth, the warlord. The connection is electric and he summons her to his quarters but there is more to both of them and while the attraction is mutual, there is much to overcome. Kruth finds a place for Cora and their relationship develops but danger is all around as Kruth continues his mission to conquer the galaxy. Good story, a bit choppy at times and it felt a bit “too easy” sometimes but overall a fun and fast read. I would have liked to have more background on Kruth. His history is alluded to several times but not detailed and it would have fleshed out the story a bit, but it didn’t negatively impact the overall story.

[Michael K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it the perfect sci-fi romance book? Nahh, but it's close.

And I'll just real quick address the two and three star review problems they brought up: the answers are all in the text, they just weren't paying attention. And I say that with love, because I know in this busy world we don't have a whole lot of time to devote to a single-focus.

Anywho.

Really neat world. Really unique abduction sequence. Really interesting characters. Really realistic reactions (outside of drug side-effects). Really cute humor. Really solid action sequencing. Really....really. I thought about this book when I wasn't reading it, and I woke up thinking about it, so I'd say that's a pretty successful book.
Did I dream about it? Nah. But to wake up thinking about it?--that's something for sure.

I do recommend!
I also wanna' see that right hand of the throne get a partner in a future book, because human or not, she's just adorable.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora, the female human lead, is on a team building week away with her work colleagues when she get lost in a military camouflage exercise and then kidnapped by aliens.

Kruth, the male alien lead, has been an “evil” tyrant and has worked hard to establish both his reputation AND what he believes is a good empire for his people to live in. When he sees Cora in his arena, he is smitten. As he intertwines her life with his, they have to work hard to compromise.

This story is dual POV, well written, and full of ironic moments. The relationship and character development was significant and I found both lead characters and a couple of secondary characters fun to read about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems adaptation is the name of the game for many characters in this story. I liked the initial situation that brought Cora into this plot. Lumped in with a group of soldiers, it made me smile to see her reactions to the different things she was faced with. Kruth cut an imposing figure- self made and ruthless yet there is so much not revealed about him until the novel progresses. I really enjoyed the whole sci fi setting and characters that were so very well described. It was those unknown details and glimpses into the “real” Krath that were particularly heartwarming. I also had to smile at the notion of an environmentalist bringing about change in an other-world setting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, that it is REALLY refreshing not being able to predict the book. I seriously thought that the right hand was going to double cross them, or at the very least be an absolute jealous cunt toward Cora. But I was pleasantly surprised that that wasn't the case at all! I loved Cora and Shulv's friendship. I also loved that one of the female humans made it to Kruths guard, even with her augmentations. I was a bit sad, though, that the green guy from the beginning didnt have a bigger part. I would have liked to see more of him, especially since he was underestimated and played kind of a big role in Coras survival in the trial. Overall, I really loved this book. There was no miscommunication between Cora and Kruth, no ow drama, and has a really sweet hea. Quick, easy read

[LoveRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a little different to all other Alien Romance books that I’ve read so far and I liked it. Kruth seemed to be cruel at first, but the more gets revealed about him, the more you find out, he isn’t really that bad. I liked all the characters and the world building. My only complain is the extreme slow burn of the actual romance and the intimate scenes were a bit short and not really steamy. But judged on the story rather than the romance, I give it 4 ****

Conclusion:

I liked it and enjoyed the story, but the romance was lacking a bit for my taste.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kruth and Cora story is action packed. Cora is kidnapped from earth with human soldiers. She put in several areas to see where she fits in best. Kruth is a warlord who is trying to bring peace to his part of the galaxy by kidnapping “recruit” soldiers from other planets. He treats his soldiers very well and most are loyal. Kruth is attracted to Cora and she ends up being one of his advisors. Kruth and Cora finally give into their attraction to be to each other. They fight an enemy that try’s to tear them apart and in the end the are happily together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story with a great storyline. Cora happens to be taking a walk and falls off a cliff and ends up in the middle of a military training exercise. She finds her self with all kinds of soldiers from all over the galaxy. Each soldier must prove himself worthy of being in Lord Kruth's army. If you don't pass you are terminated. Cora is not a soldier but gives a worthy try. Lord Kruth has liked the looks of Cora and has decided that she will be his advisor. There is action, entertaining, adventure, and romance. Looking forward to the next story.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great light-hearted read

I enjoyed this story about kidnapped human Cora & alien warlord Kruth. After being kidnapped from Earth, along with some soldiers in a training exercise, Cora and her fellow humans began to like being in this new and strange planet. The soldiers were given luxury quarters,upgraded weapons and modified body equipment. Cora was tasked with helping to reduce pollution on the planet as well as the others in close proximity. The relationship between Cora and Kruth heated up as he grew more fond of her. Unfortunately, Kruth had to keep dealing with regular assassination and constantly changing his security detail. Will the next attempt come from within?

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I can demand what I want, have what I want, take what I want."

Kruth is a ruler, a tyrant, used to getting what he wants, and not having to explain himself. Cora is an environmentalist, some might say a dreamer. She believes the world can be a better place, that people can do better... apparently that includes Alien Tyrants.

This done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read has an unexpected sense of humor as it explores image, being what others expect, defying your own expectations, and discovering you can be more.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a sweet romantic story

I liked this story and the world building. It was refreshing to have a different take on abduction. The abductees were glad to be away from earth. They welcomed a new life and opportunities. The only issue for me was that the ending felt rushed. After the author had done a good job at the slow burn, which I normally don’t like, it’s like the storyline lost steam and punched through to the end as fast as possible. The characters had depth and variety. There were even lessons learned about diversity and trying new things. Read On!

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story although Lord Kruth was a tyrant and a bit blood thirsty he changed when he came across a human female Cora he’s never met anyone like her and he was very attracted to her. Cora was abducted along with a couple of soldiers Lord Kruth had sent his ships out to abduct soldiers for his army Cora was accidentally taken she was no soldier. There is so much more going on in this fantastic alien sci-fi romance I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora, along with a whole regiment of soldiers were abducted from earth to participate in a fight for their lives against aliens. Kruth was the leader and found Cora interesting. As Cora and Kruth began an intriguing relationship, their feelings grew. Facing triumphs, dangers, dissent in the ranks and love, Cora strived to help Kruth make their world a better place.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doreen Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Unique and Interesting World

Dangerously exciting world created by Sophia Sebell sets this story apart from many other SciFi romances. Love can change the way we perceive others and allow us to accept their faults yet help us to change them in some ways to be a better person because they know and take our suggestions and support to heart. They listen! This is the affect Cora has on the Alien Tyrant!

[Catherine Marie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kruhl

Cora and Kruhl met after she fell into Army training and they were all taken by an alien warlord. He developed feelings for Cora and she for him. It took awhile for them to get together because he decided to wait until she made the first move. It was a fun and interesting story.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, action-packed book. Good world building. I loved the characters. Cora finds herself abducted after going on a hike and now must prove herself as a solder- of which she definitely is not. But I liked that she was still able to contribute and influence. A fun read. 4 stars.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Cora Hansley and alien High Warlord Kruth's story has suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, villains, kidnapping, and romance. The story had me laughing at somethings as I read. I enjoyed reading their story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Illy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super quick read. Much more interesting in the sense the male lead was a legit conquer though less realistic (yes I know this is a sci-fi but the whole cliff thing where soldiers happen to be training?)

[Alison Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Funny

Cora is a pollution solver who falls over a cliff and slides down into an Army unit doing combat exercises. Moments later the soldiers and Cora are abducted by aliens. So begins a funny entertaining story that kept me reading until 4am.

[Leticia Bushong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I so loved this story talk about never judge a book by its cover. After being abducted by an alien tyrant or so they thought it turns out he's not as bad Cora thought. It was a great story with some amazing laughs. I really enjoyed it.

[LizKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice! this was quite the alien romance. It took awhile to get there- so rather slow burn for an alien sci-fi romance, but highly enjoyable! Loved both MCs which is rare in these books, so that was unexpectedly wonderful.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf

I honestly can’t say it needed to be 410 pages.

I made it through 200 pages. I skipped a good chunk. Why? Because it’s boring, unnecessary, and while you do a decent world building it would be great if we had character building.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was just meh. I didn’t feel super invested in the heroine or the “hero”. I ended the book feeling like I still didn’t know either of them.
I appreciated the slow build up instead of instalove.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow burn, not because they aren’t attracted, but because she resists. There’s some action and danger, but when it hits it’s peak towards the end of the book your heart will be pounding and you’ll be biting your nails with the tension.

[Bluekitten416 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted morally greyish type love story. This was a good read that would make a good pallet cleanser from darker reads. It’ll have worried something more would happen but it doesn’t. I was glad for that. So go in with wanting something that seems dark but it’s actually fluffy.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good alien romance.. I enjoyed it.. It is fun and steamy, entertaining, unusual, and interesting..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.