No, I don't feel things the way you do. I don't have to eat or sleep and I can take a few punches. I know I'm not human but sometimes I feel like I might be. You know, like, when I'm around this one girl...
Code-X5 is a Guardian fresh from the factory after being reset and having his memories wiped. All he wants is a fresh start, but that's hard to do when your client is an exiled princess who wants you to help her escape from prison.
Humans are so complicated and this one drives him crazy.
Series I AM MAN I AM LOST (coming soon) I AM BROKEN (coming soon)
Other titles by Valicity Elaine Patches The 'I' Word
Code-X5 is a Guardian on probation having come from the factory after being reset and his memories wiped. These babysitting type jobs are boring, though. And this Pureblood Clora-Vean with her crying and carrying on can drive him crazy. She is an exiled princess who wants to escape her prison.
But there are other plots going on. Her family invites her back and her brother Helios had arranged for an improper meeting of a foreign prince, Pygmalis, with Clora to get her pregnant; or they could “catch” her in a compromising position and demand marriage. Then he would have to marry her. All of this was to manipulate things to end a monotonous, boring war that war had been going on for the last ten years. Since the Republic is tired of it, a marriage between Clora and Pygmalis would have united the Vale and Kishra against the Savai Empire and given the Republic the boost needed to end this war. Clora’s rejecting him messed up the plans… again. So he is ending Pygmalis back to her and she is to give in to him. Clora told Code to leave when the man arrived, even though his guarding orders require him to stay with her. Will she be getting him in trouble too?
I didn’t particularly enjoy this book. It didn’t hold my interest and the characters were not even likable, except for Code. Others may enjoy it and it is probably worth giving it a try. There is nothing wrong with the writing; just personal preference.
So glad I moved this up on my TBR! This read was soo good!
This is Christian Sci-fi, and the world was AMAZING! The blend of Christian themes and a science advanced world is such a crazy combination! The world building was done amazingly! While there are moments where there is a bunch of info, it never felt like an info dump, and was done very well!
I absolutely adored all the characters! The two main characters were great and likable! Even the side characters had great depth to them!
But man the twists and turns in last half of this book had me floored! I was reading that last half like it was sprint to the finish line! I absolutely can’t wait to be able to get to book 2 in this series!!
I have very few words to describe how much I loved this book. I always do my best to review a book right after I finish it, however, and so I am.
Content warnings: Sexual content: There are references to someone sleeping with someone, and it gets close to happening at one point. On top of that, the FMC brother kisses her and has her undress in front of him, he also is naked in front of her in a different part (he’s not great though and it only serves to make you like him less so it was fine). (All of this is frowned upon by the main characters)
Language: “Ass” is used in reference to a literal donkey, so I don’t technically consider that language, but I warned anyway.
Gore: Fighting and violence are present, shooting and explosions are as well, but it’s not really descriptive so it fine.
My recommended reading age for this is about 13+ depending on your kids maturity. As a 16 year old with a 13 year old little sister, I fully intend to let her read this and fangirl over X5 with me 😝.
X5 is right up there with Percy Jackson for me. I love his personality! He’s so funny and I don’t even think he is trying to be 😆 Such an expressive Skel. I never fangirl over book guys, but I fully expect to love X5 all the more when this series is over.
Clora is a surprisingly good FMC. I don’t often like the FMC, and I thought I’d hate Clora when I read the first chapter, but I didn’t! I can’t wait to see her grow more into her faith and lead X5 to Christ with her.
Leo, I am going to kill you. That’s all I have to say. My name is Kaiya Rayne, you almost killed my baby, prepare to die.
X04 WHY!? 🤧
I loved the worldbuilding and political structure of this book so much, and I can’t wait to see more unfold as the story progresses! I know for a fact I’ll love the next books!!!
Can I just say, the Skel conversations cracked me up 😭🤣 I want more of that! “X678: This is X678. Request for access to digital literature archives, X5? X5: No. X678: Please? X5: No. X12: This is X12. I can trade books with you X678.” Like, I was dying 😭🤣
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while and I’m so glad I finally got a chance now! This world reminded me of Star Wars and Divergent with its sci-fi/dystopian vibes.
I enjoyed the world building and since the world imagery was so descriptive and expansive, it didn’t take me long to get into the story. I also thought the class system was interesting with the Purebloods, Skels, etc. Plus, the fast paced plot kept me turning the pages and finishing the book in just a few hours.
I also loved the characters, especially Code X5 and Clora-Vean. It was great seeing their relationship evolve from just Skel bodyguard/Valetian princess to being good friends and caring for one another on a deeper level. I also hope we get to see more of Clora’s sister and the other Skel’s that were introduced here in the other books bc I liked them too.
Of course as a Christian, I adored the faith elements in this book. It was great seeing how the Christian themes of love, truth, friendship, redemption, and free will were naturally woven into the story. I particularly enjoyed the overarching message, with the Skels/alien races being seen as less than, that God loves us all no matter how we look and that everyone is made in the image of God. I also appreciated how the Purebloods elitist class were used as a warning to represent Christian’s that are only that in name without actually trying to live a Christian life. It’s honestly true that it’s not enough to say you’re a Christian and then not act like it.
Long story short, I’ve only read the first book and I’m already hooked on this series! I definitely can’t wait to read the next books and not just bc this one ended on a cliff hanger.
Code-X5 is a Skel and a guardian thats on probation and is tasked with being a body guard for pureblood Clora Vean a Valetian princess who is sent to live under house arrest after she had been arrested ruining her families reputation. Code maybe more machine than man but his feelings were heightened, he was Intune to Clora's initially unease of him and knew when she was up to something. When Clora gets in deathly trouble whilst back visiting her family Code is shut down and arrested. Can he be saved before it's to late for both him and Clora? Is there more to the Skel than anyone ever knew? This book ends on a cliffhanger. A post apocalyptic read with a hint of Star Wars meets Terminator and Mad Max all in one! Well written with an engaging story, and characters that draw you in, and hold your attention through out. The level of detail and back story help you understand the world created, and make you crave more! My first read by this author and I'll be back!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Major Cliffhanger, you don’t know if the main characters survive their ordeals. This book feels like a prequel, a set up for things to come. It’s about the atrocities people in power commit to stay in power (with a scifi-religious bent). There is so little to the story other than the discovering of the atrocities that there must be at least two more books in the lineup coming (beginning, middle and end). Although what was written was really intriguing, I do not like serial novels unless the series has been completed. Nor do I have the patience to wait for sequels which usually takes months if not years. With all of the things left unresolved this could take years to do so.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am impressed. It's not often I will pick up a sci-fi series written by a Christian, but I am so thankful for taking a chance on Valicity Elaine. This book has a riveting plot, relatable MCs, a despicable villain, and lots of twists to keep the reader guessing. The book world is rich, too, and I found it ease to immerse myself in the story. I am going to buy book two now and start reading! If you enjoy books in a series, sci-fi adventure, post-apocalyptic, or similar books, give this series a try.
Despite a slower start than I expected, I found myself flipping pages quickly before long. The author has created a fascinating dystopian world with several main being groups. I look forward to seeing how each group develops as the series continues. For the first book, I am definitely invested in the future of Code-X5 and the princess he protects.
So good! I am so excited to have found this author (thank you TikTok algorithm). She blends faith into the story in such a natural way it’s perfect. The story has grit and emotional and I couldn’t put it down. Her imagery is amazing too. I could picture this being a major film one day!
I really enjoyed this. Christian sci-fi is not an easy genre to pull off, but this one does the trick without preaching. God is in her (and X5 too), she will not fail.
'I Am Man', was exactly the kind of story I love most: slow burn plot, interesting world, great characters and foreshadowing, all with a hopeful tone despite hard times.
Code X5 is a skel, a robotic soldier who desires to protect his client, the banished Princess Clora. I came to love both of these characters.
In the first chapter, the setup repeats; I imagine to make sure nobody misses key information. Then we don’t see any more of this issue after that.
The worldbuilding felt strong. I bought into why this society remains Christian. I got swept away into the political intrigue and uncovering secrets. I'm hooked. Nothing felt preachy, just interesting. I'll be looking to pick up and read the next book soon.