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Serpent's Touch #2

Serpent's Claim

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Conclusion of Serpent's Touch Duet
Life in Nerifir is beautiful, magical, and dangerous.
I came to the Kingdom of Lorsan hoping to find home but found envy and betrayal.
When everything is taken from me—my sight, my freedom, and my love—I need to search deep for the strength to go on.
Now, I no longer wish for just a safe place to live. I want a true home, a place where I belong. And I'm ready to fight for it, even if that means taking over the kingdom.
____________________________
This book is part 2 of the duet Serpent's Touch, set in Marina Simcoe's world of River of Mists.

Both books of the duet follow the story of the same couple. It is recommended to read them in order.
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Serpent's Claim is a Romantic Fantasy with MF romance and heroine's journey set in Marina Simcoe's world of the River of Mists.
It contains graphic descriptions of intimacy and is intended for mature readers.

Second Edition.
____________________________
Stories set in the world of the River of Mists:

Wingless Crow
Wingless Crow
Crownless King

Fire in Stone
Fire in Stone
Hearts on Fire

Serpent's Touch
Serpent's Touch
Serpent's Claim

Madame Tan's Freakshow
Call of Water
Madness of the Moon
Power of Rage

NOTE: All duets and trilogies in the River of Mists can be read independently.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2022

329 people are currently reading
570 people want to read

About the author

Marina Simcoe

54 books707 followers
Deep, heartfelt romance with a generous sprinkle of spice and a tad of magic.

Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com

For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe

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5 stars
807 (42%)
4 stars
569 (29%)
3 stars
379 (19%)
2 stars
118 (6%)
1 star
45 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
809 reviews345 followers
June 2, 2022
What an emotional rollercoaster!!

I have to say I spent a good portion of this book with tears streaming down my face. From the beginning of this book, actions and events started happening that I had no clue where we were going. I even had a thought that we were gonna have a different couple than what we had up until that point. Talk about being taken in by a story and just going for the ride. I was so invested and so entertained I couldn't put this down. I stayed up all night reading it. I don't want to say much about the story because I don't want to give any of it away...but I will say Amira is sweet and strong with tremendous fortitude. I just loved her and was glad she got everything she deserved and fought for.

Even though this was a pretty clean fantasy duet with little steam it was a beautiful story of love that could tie two souls together and overcome the darkness of death. I'm so glad I read this and finished it with happy tears in my eyes.

Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christy Hall.
367 reviews95 followers
June 24, 2022
A good author would have found a way to blend these two books together. It wasn’t enough plot for two books. The characters grow a bit but their love feels forced or maybe the main characters’ personalities and development are forced. I’m not sure but it just felt off for me. Every time it got to a good idea, the author just never finished fleshing it out for me. Again, there are interesting elements about her fantasy world and I can definitely appreciate that.
Profile Image for Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels).
1,283 reviews1,710 followers
August 14, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Maybe some brief moments?
Perspective: First person from the heroine and third person from the hero, separated by chapters

(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from A Love Less Ordinary )


Should I read in order?
Yes, definitely. This book is a direction continuation from book 1. Book 1 sets up their relationship and traveling to the planet.

Basic plot:
Kyllen returns to his beautiful Nerifir, with his woman Amira. Betrayed, Amira and Kyllen must find their way back to each other.

Give this a try if you want:
- Lighter steam – 2 scenes with a long dry spell in the middle
- You’re okay with long separations
- “Monster” romance – hero is a fae from the world of Nerifir – human like but with senties atop his head that can turn others to stone and are playful in the bedroom.

Ages:
- Heroine is 24/25, hero is 78

My thoughts:
Oof! I was so disappointed in this one! The first one I ended up enjoying for the most part and was left really curious about what was going to happen. Also I enjoyed the tension in book 1 and was ready for it to boil over here.

I liked the beginning of the story – exploring Nerifir and the kingdom. I do wish there was a bit more world building. It was kind of strange, almost like earth but not earth. Many of the foods were the same. The way the fae was described was a little strange – like all were fae but there were different. I can’t recall what Kyllen was but werewolves were almost mentioned as fae. I just wish a bit more had been spent on this.

My biggest problem was the extremely long separation. And basically the entire middle of this book. I was not okay with the plot going in that direction and it completely wrecked the romance for me. I guess it was more about Amira here, her finding herself and her strength. But the fact that the hero was ‘missing’ through most of the book I was so irritated.

Cock Stats


Content warnings:


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Profile Image for AvidReader.
1,473 reviews333 followers
June 1, 2022
3.75 ⭐️.

Sadly this book didn’t enamour as much as the first one did. This was one also had insane world building especially as now Kyllen and Amira is in Fae realm. Again the writing style was mind blowing. As was the unexpected twists.
This was clearly Amira’s book.
Her growth was astonishing. And like it said in the book, she did it all without any tricks or brutality, but simple kindness, patience and perseverance.
Let me tell you, that’s not an easy feat in this backstabbing, dangerous fae world.

Kyllen was absent for more than half of it and Because I loved him so much in book 1 it was difficult for me to fully enjoy it. That was my first problem.

(Minor spoilers ahead)
At one point I even thought if Lord Adriyel was going to be the next hero in this book. Speaking of him, the semi intimate scene of him and Amira was my second problem. Even though Amira didn’t invite his touch, she wasn’t repulsed by it (Quite opposite actually) Nor did she push him away immediately. I was quite baffled by that scene. Like what was the importance of it for the story? Thus it pissed me off. Especially as it happened only after a 2 or so months of separation.
Like she loved Kyllen with her whole heart, just before that scene, she hallucinated about him and him asking her to be of his alone. I also didn’t like the scene after that with phantom Kyllen. I hurt for him.

But still this is a worth your time and must read duet. And I hope to read more of this series soon.

Recommended and KU.
Profile Image for Khadija.
324 reviews17 followers
June 7, 2022
Uffff I’m so disappointed with this instalment especially since I really enjoyed the first one. I don’t even recognize the characters that’s how much of a shift the entire series took.

Minor spoiler: Kyallen isn’t even present until 75% of this book. Home girl is very unrealistically surviving even THRIVING in this new world without him 🙄

I was so scared it was gonna turn out to be a weird polyamory situation but it was much worse. I can’t write too much without giving away the plot, but suffice it to say I dnfd at 75% 😩😔 so much potential but I don’t know where it went wrong
Profile Image for Kay ❣.
554 reviews91 followers
June 27, 2022
Wow I honestly thought this sequel was going to feel like one dragged out epilogue and I'm glad I was wrong. It's a completely new story arc and so gosh darn epic ✨

- she levels herself up, educates herself, and becomes an awesome woman
- star-crossed lovers may be my new catnip
- I think we all need a supportive cheerleader in the form of a hot ghostly spirit
- satisfying ending I'm just so happy rn I was not expecting this to be so good
Profile Image for Andrea.
2,143 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2022
Well this was an interesting direction to take the story- and while I didn't hate it- it felt a little bit too...wish fulfillment maybe?

description

For example- the struggles didn't feel very compelling at some points in the story, and events just lined up perfectly so to get the best outcome without much effort. I mean the danger in the first book had a bit of heft, while this was just alright.

But let me tell you I was shocked for a second thinking

So while I liked that the h grew in this book and was able to stand on her own merit-I also wonder what the book would have looked like if Kyllen has been there with her for it? Was their separation in the book necessary for the shy timid Amira to become her own woman or would being with Kyllen have held her back? Maybe...?

description

I don't know, but while they has lovey dovey couple goals happening their communication still wasn't great But I get that was done probably done for the audience and book suspense reasons.

Don't know if this is the end or if we'll get another series with the other mysticals but I'll keep an eye out?
Profile Image for Jessica Michelle.
401 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2022
This was not the romance adventure like the first book.

I wanted to see where the relationship was going and how it blossomed, but most of this book was about the heroine. The hero was in it for two (maybe 3) chapters it felt like. Rushed. It fast forwarded a month or more almost every chapter without really seeing how she went from this shy thing that hid in her scarf to the woman she is in this book.
867 reviews7 followers
May 22, 2022
good

It’s probably a four but for me a three. I enjoyed that she grew strong in her own rite but a good chunk of the book was without the H and I didn’t enjoy that a skipped it. It was more about h not H. Lower steam
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 1 book20 followers
November 25, 2022
Okay I really liked this, but I will say, the MMC was absent from the book for like 60% of it. Which was so upsetting because I loved the main couple’s relationship so much in book 1.

Amira was SUCH a baddie FMC though, that I didn’t mind too much. Her scheming, her friendship with the king, all of it was great. Overall, fun read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,686 reviews328 followers
did-not-finish
June 23, 2022
I enjoyed the first book a lot but I have trouble with time issues in books. The second book starts off 500 years in the future and it makes me unhappy. I just don’t want to read it. DNF at 10%.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,190 reviews85 followers
April 11, 2022
This is an AMAZING romantic fantasy! I loved it! This is the conclusion to Serpent's Touch. Wonderful, romantic, unique, and just simply magical..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Penny Well Reads.
936 reviews233 followers
December 14, 2023
Actual rating: 1.5 stars

I didn't enjoy this romance. I should have left it unfinished when I realized how bad was the quality of it all. I just didn't have access to internet on my trip to get a different book and so I had to stick with it till the end.

I don't recommend it at all.
Profile Image for Lori R..
1,410 reviews71 followers
December 4, 2022
I FREAKIN’ LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

I didn’t think I would love this more than book 1. I mean, they are both equally fantastical and magical and amazing. But this book, it gave me all the closure and satisfaction I needed.

But…that was after my anger went away though. LOL

There was one part in the book where I was a little bit shocked. Okay, A LOT shocked. And angry. And like whaaaaat?! NO. IT CANNOT BE THAT WAY. I was miffed to say the least.

As I kept reading though, I was BLOWN AWAY by how it all came together in the end. Why certain things had to be. And why IT happened the way it did. It all made sense. All I can say is, WHEW.

Just like the first book in this duet, I was hooked and pulled in. I was invested. My heart was all in. After previously falling for Amira and Kyllen so hard, I felt like I knew them, felt as if I was there with them, and I wanted to never leave them. I had been rooting for them since book one and continued doing so even harder in this book.

The characters, the passion, the humor, the love, the heart-pounding goodness throughout these pages, the beautiful words…they captured my heart and soul. And the emotions…so plentiful and powerful and had me satisfied in all the ways.

Seeing Amira’s strength and confidence grow from beginning to end was a beautiful thing. Not only was she brave and resilient, but she was also so incredibly smart and full of love and compassion and kindness.

I absolutely adored this story. By the end, I was full of so much happiness and contentment and all the warm fuzzies. It’s an excellent follow-up and conclusion to book one.

This author’s storytelling skills are top notch and addictive and it’s no wonder I want to read everything she writes.
Profile Image for Red Panda.
168 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2022
Main heroes apart for most of the book

I mainly liked the book, it was interesting at times, but I was hugely disappointed that for the most part of the book main love interests spent their time apart. I hoped to see more of charming, flirty Kyllen. It didn't happen, they together at the beginning of the book and in at the end. Huge part of the book is about relationship of Amira and old king. And Amira's studying of history of the kingdom and playing games, telling stories and talking, talking, talking. I didn't like it because I want them develop together, plot against others together. We actually don't know anything about Kyllen after tragic incident and see his presence through visions and just thought abo him. We had only one chapter in the end that explained his doing. It was disappointment. At least for me. The ending of the book was very rushed. Both main character was very naive at times. Also I liked of the Idea heroine to become a queen, but she couldn't possibly achieve enough knowledge for this task in half a year. Smutty was also rushed and very mediocre. Her talking with old king was more curious. Also a lot of things happening behind the scenes and it was kinda annoying.
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,790 reviews23 followers
May 18, 2022
I cannot emotionally hold back just how much I love Marina Simcoe’s River of Mists World, Serpent’s Touch Duet, book 2 Serpent’s Claim, and book 1 Serpent’s Touch. They are amazingly creative, sensual, loyal, and more than a pleasure to read.

Simcoe can bridge the romance and otherworldliness of her characters because she fills them with such intense emotions and actions.

Having been introduced to her beautifully poetic writing style in her Madame Tan’s Freakshow Trilogy, which you must absolutely read for your own dramatic pleasure, I became a ‘Simcoenian’ - yep, just made that up- because I am so very impressed by the skill and integrity of this author’s books. This is fantasy, but it stretches across scenes of joy and heartache, thrills and danger, deception and love.

The feelings tie together all of the scenery, no matter in which dimension we find her characters. The truth of the story shines through and we become part of the fantasy. Who can ask for more from an author!
Profile Image for ⋆☆☽ Kriss ☾☆⋆.
625 reviews210 followers
June 28, 2022
While a nice read, I didn't care as much for some of the plot points that unfurled in this installment if Amira and Kyllen's saga; like, they were separated for a good chunk of the book and the focus very much shifted to Amira becoming a queen, which wasn't a bad thing, I just wasn't expecting it. I had wanted more gentle romance between the leads and seeing the go through things together.

With the way things unfolded, I think book 1 and 2 could have been a single bound volume instead of split. I suppose the author sliced the story apart though, for the sake of book #1 being all the set up with a good pausing point and book #2 having all the more intense plot related things.

Overall, the read was nice and written well, I enjoyed it, but it wasn't as much of a home run as Demon Mine was. I don't know if I'll look into the other standalone River of Mists books; they didn't tantalize me as much.
Profile Image for Kaley ❄️.
350 reviews16 followers
January 23, 2023
2.5*

lmaoooo so I have written this twice so far and it hasn't saved and I am becoming so frustrated. This is just a sign honestly because I also didn't care for this final book. What I thought had the working of a great duology really went south.

I didn't like this installment. The way this one played out did not vibe with me whatsoever. Obviously I finished it so it wasn't horrible but I personally hated this part of the story. I am not someone that is great with sad romance stories and this was that. I see why the author chose this direction but if I had known that prior to reading the first book I wouldn't have even picked up the series. I felt like the romance became more instalovey than a medium burn. While I liked how the MC became more comfortable with herself and learned how to stand on her own, I did not like how it played out.

I do like the eventual HEA and obviously the world building but I didn't like the plot line itself.

I would recommend this to anyone that likes paranormal romance but also state if you don't like sad romances then this doesn't pass the vibe check.
Profile Image for nadin.
201 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2022
2.5

was the second book necessary? def no.

it would’ve been better if she just found a way to add it in the first one. it didn’t have enough plot and wasn’t as entertaining as the first book. the lack of plot made it very dragging. i’m guilty of skimming through the last chapters.

this one focused only on Amira and her development and growth. tho sometimes it felt too unrealistic. like you know very well it all played in her favor just because she’s the main character here. she didn’t struggle. she didn’t need to fight for anything. that’s why it feels a bit undeserved.

i don’t have much to say about Kyllen. how could i? he wasn’t there for more than half of the book LOL

anyways. i don’t think it’s necessary to read this one. the first book felt complete enough. no need to spoil it
Profile Image for Carole.
2,013 reviews15 followers
May 20, 2022
Amira and Kyllen’s story concludes with Serpent’s Claim a Romantic Fantasy just as poignant and embracing as their beginnings together.
Having arrived in Nerifir and the Kingdom of Lorsan the trials they now will confront rival even those that were left behind. Dramatic, intense and powerfully crafted their story is immersive, sensuous and a highly addictive read whose imaginative narrative held this reader captivated until the very last turn of the page, and what a fantastic journey it was.
Highly Recommended!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,532 reviews
May 21, 2022
Serpent's Claim is the 2nd book in the Serpent's Touch Duet. This was an awesome fantasy romance that continued where book 1 ended and had me captivated until the end. 

The story was imaginative, with excellent world building, action packed, intense and emotional and I enjoyed it. Reading Amira's journey and seeing her development throughout the novel was fascinating and you will be in awe of her strength and determination. Experiencing the depth of her and Kyllen’s love will give you so much feels as the connection between these two was intense.

Filled with intrigue, angst, steam, love and to a certain extent friendship, this novel was well-crafted and highly addictive.  I loved it and would highly recommend it to lovers of fantasy romance. 
Profile Image for Leah.
266 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2022
I pre ordered this after I finished the first one, so I had a lot of anticipation and excitement for the second installment. Did the book live up to all my anticipation, no not really, but it was still a satisfying end. I think I hyped up what the Second installment could bring and while I did enjoy a lot of it, there were issues I had. After much of the first book focused on our couple getting to and through the portal. I expected a lot of couple growth and political intrigued where we left off in book one. Unfortunately something happens fairly quickly in book two that really changes the way you thought the book was headed. I find I didn't love how long the book takes to get back to a certain important character, they don't remake an appearance until the 67% mark. I felt a little cheated by that development. As well as somewhat dis believing of how quickly Amira gained Knowledge and power in her new world. Overall this could have been better but I still enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
992 reviews33 followers
September 22, 2022
This novel was excellently written and the world building was superb. However, this novel has a fatal flaw as a romance novel, which is the two main protagonists are separated and not interacting with each other for almost this whole novel. This seems to be a basic “how to write a romance novel” rule this particular author has not mastered yet for some baffling reason, because she also did it in Call of Water. It is immensely frustrating because she is an otherwise excellent writer who hasn’t seemed to master this basic craft rule.

I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tallyho.
440 reviews20 followers
April 14, 2022
I got an ARC of the first book...and I was so hoping to get an ARC of the second one, as well. I was SO EXCITED when I saw this was available. I had to know how the story played out. So much intrigue, so much angst, and little bit of sweet, a good shake of spice. It was just excellent.

I somehow fell into these two books without reading Madame Tam's Freakshow first, so -- of course I will be rectifying that immediately!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,080 reviews29 followers
May 16, 2022
An incredible love story!
What a great connection Kyllen and Amira have! From the beginning, he’s charmed by Amira and her lack of worldly experience, and loves to help her experience her ‘firsts.’
I love seeing Amira’s journey of discovery, after such a limited view of life in the human world! Her search for knowledge is impressive. She’s an incredibly strong woman; moving on, even when life seems at its dimmest. I think you’ll be as amazed as I am with where her path leads her, and the depth of the love she and Kyllen share. Excellent reading!
Profile Image for JP.
684 reviews25 followers
May 22, 2022
Omg! I love this cover❣️This was book 2 of the river of mists world and I gave it a high 4 stars. If you haven’t read book 1, I highly suggest it but it’s still can be read as a stand-alone. Loved the main characters and thought I would die about have way in but isn’t ever good book filled with some heartache?
Liked the world building and this exciting new place these Fae live in.
Overall an enjoyable series and love the imagination of this author.
Thanks so much Enticing Journey Book for my ARC.
Profile Image for Alice.
1,899 reviews103 followers
January 31, 2023
There was a little hint of fairy tale, especially with the Schadenfreude story-telling reference, and it was quite the different story-line from the first book. While there were a lot of unexplained side plots and a little lacking in side character development, the duet was overall very enjoyable, and I look forward to reading the other monster character's stories.
Profile Image for Honest Mabel.
1,252 reviews40 followers
August 25, 2023
it wasnt bad

I honestly think the sex scene should have been cut and this be made a YA. Because it reads more like one than an adult novel.
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