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Aldebarian Alliance #4
The Akseli
Simone has hunted and slain psychotic vampires night after night for hundreds of years and desperately needs a change. When the leader of the Immortal Guardians offers her an opportunity to guard ten mortal women who are venturing to another planet, she dives right in and finds traveling into space and meeting amazing alien races just as exciting as she'd hoped… until an enemy attacks. Simone saves everyone she can before she's thrust into an escape pod and the ship explodes. Alone, fearing some—if not all—of her friends have been killed, she vows to seek vengeance.
Despite his fierce reputation and propensity for violating the law, Janwar has formed a friendship with strait-laced Prince Taelon of Lasara. When the prince's ship is destroyed, Janwar joins the massive Aldebarian Alliance-wide search and rescue mission and soon locates the Gathendien ship that launched the attack. An odd thing happens, however, as he and his crew stealthily approach it. The lifeforms inside begin to perish, two or three at a time in quick succession. Much to his surprise, someone else has reached the ship first: one of the very Earth women he hoped to rescue.
Fascinatingly fierce, Simone bands together with Janwar and his crew to search for her missing friends and wreak havoc upon those who wish to harm them. She also widens eyes, drops jaws, and sparks laughter and mischief as she banishes the warriors' world-weariness and makes each day seem like a new adventure. The friendship that grows between Janwar and Simone swiftly deepens into love. But the enemy warriors they face are tenacious and boast more weapons in their arsenal than the alliance knows. Can Janwar, Simone, and such a small crew vanquish them?
Despite his fierce reputation and propensity for violating the law, Janwar has formed a friendship with strait-laced Prince Taelon of Lasara. When the prince's ship is destroyed, Janwar joins the massive Aldebarian Alliance-wide search and rescue mission and soon locates the Gathendien ship that launched the attack. An odd thing happens, however, as he and his crew stealthily approach it. The lifeforms inside begin to perish, two or three at a time in quick succession. Much to his surprise, someone else has reached the ship first: one of the very Earth women he hoped to rescue.
Fascinatingly fierce, Simone bands together with Janwar and his crew to search for her missing friends and wreak havoc upon those who wish to harm them. She also widens eyes, drops jaws, and sparks laughter and mischief as she banishes the warriors' world-weariness and makes each day seem like a new adventure. The friendship that grows between Janwar and Simone swiftly deepens into love. But the enemy warriors they face are tenacious and boast more weapons in their arsenal than the alliance knows. Can Janwar, Simone, and such a small crew vanquish them?
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
181 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Duvall
34 books3,947 followersDianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the acclaimed Immortal Guardians series, the exciting new Aldebarian Alliance series, and The Gifted Ones series. She is known for writing stories full of action that keeps readers flipping pages well past their bedtimes, strong heroes who adore strong heroines, lovable secondary characters, swoon-worthy romance, and humor that readers frequently complain makes them laugh out loud at inappropriate moments. AudioFile Magazine chose The Segonian (Aldebarian Alliance Book 2) as one of the Best Audiobooks of 2021 and awarded it the AudioFile Earphones Award for Exceptional Audio. It was also a Barnes and Noble Top 5 Indie Favorite Pick. Audible chose Awaken the Darkness as one of the Top 5 Best Paranormal Romances of 2018.
Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her audiobooks have been awarded AudioFile Earphone Awards for Excellence. One was nominated for a prestigious Audie Award. And her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards.
When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the psychotic vampires she creates in her books.
For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit www.DianneDuvall.com, where you can also subscribe to her newsletter.
Be sure to follow Dianne on BookBub so you'll be among the first to know about sales, pre-orders, and new releases! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann....
Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her audiobooks have been awarded AudioFile Earphone Awards for Excellence. One was nominated for a prestigious Audie Award. And her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards.
When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the psychotic vampires she creates in her books.
For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit www.DianneDuvall.com, where you can also subscribe to her newsletter.
Be sure to follow Dianne on BookBub so you'll be among the first to know about sales, pre-orders, and new releases! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
June 12, 2024
*3.5* I am really enjoying this spinoff of The Immortal Guardians series! You don’t have to read that series to enjoy this one, but it would help understanding the motives of why human women have been sent into space.
The premise: Simone has hunted and slain psychotic vampires night after night for hundreds of years and desperately needs a change. When the leader of the Immortal Guardians offers her an opportunity to guard ten mortal women who are venturing to another planet, she dives right in and finds traveling into space and meeting amazing alien races just as exciting as she'd hoped… until an enemy attacks.
I loved so many aspects of this story, the sexy space pirates, the computer AI, but I was not feeling the romance. Lackluster chemistry, little spark.
Darkness Dawns this book starts the original series.
The Lasaran this book starts the spin-off series.
*If you have an opportunity to listen to the audiobooks, I cannot recommend Kirsten Potter enough! Her voice acting range is phenomenal.
The premise: Simone has hunted and slain psychotic vampires night after night for hundreds of years and desperately needs a change. When the leader of the Immortal Guardians offers her an opportunity to guard ten mortal women who are venturing to another planet, she dives right in and finds traveling into space and meeting amazing alien races just as exciting as she'd hoped… until an enemy attacks.
I loved so many aspects of this story, the sexy space pirates, the computer AI, but I was not feeling the romance. Lackluster chemistry, little spark.
Darkness Dawns this book starts the original series.
The Lasaran this book starts the spin-off series.
*If you have an opportunity to listen to the audiobooks, I cannot recommend Kirsten Potter enough! Her voice acting range is phenomenal.
March 9, 2023
Oh how it pains me to rate a Dianne Duvall book so low. After the amazingness of Cliff’s Descent and The Purveli in the past year alone, I had high hopes for this book despite not being overly intrigued by the premise or the sneak peaks.
This is the 4th book in this series, which is a sequel/spinoff to the original Immortal Guardians series. This book can act as a standalone, but I'd highly recommend reading the original series or at least the other books in this series to fully understand the characters and the background. This book continues the search for survivors of The Kandovar after the massive ambush from the Gathendians.
The first part was actually quite enjoyable (the excerpt I included was my favorite part of the whole book). The pacing was decent, I loved how Simone made an effort to integrate herself with the crew and have one-on-one interactions with them outside of her relationship with Jack Sparrow – I mean Janwar, and I especially loved T the android.
Ultimately, what killed this book for me were the plot holes. Simone’s personality was redundant and her gifts were only mentioned when convenient. Simone had the 'not like other girls' vibe that I’m not a fan of. There was no difference between Eliana (FMC in book 2) and Simone, and the other books that were teased at the end makes the future heroines sound exactly the same. Also, Simone is an empath. She can sense and infuse emotion, and strong emotions can harm her. However, she was around strong emotions a lot w/no issue and when she was on a mission to rescue her friends, the only comments she made were about how sexy Janwar was and how cool the alien tech was. That did not help my booster-shot-induced migraine. Shouldn't you be worried about the mental and physical state your friends are in? Or focus on the details of the mission? The occasional comment to lighten the mood is ok, but the whole time?!
The other issues were that she never spoke to Krigara, her mate’s only living relative, timing is dubious (she attacked the Gathedians about 2 months following the ambush, which means Eliana hadn’t even been found yet let alone Ava and Eliana), why is the whole galaxy scared of Janwar when he’s never done anything close to even morally grey, and why are the Gathendians “storm trooper level easy to kill” as someone hilariously pointed out. They had the smarts to completely destroy the Kandovar and create all these secret research facilities, but can be wiped out by 1 woman? No just no.
And the niggling question I’ve had throughout this whole series is about the "the only good Gathendian is a dead gathendian" mindset. There aren’t Gathendian civilians somewhere just living life? They're just inherently evil to the core? Every one? What are their motives and let’s not be vague and say world domination because that’s lazy.
I’m happy the next book(s) will explore some of the people of Janwar’s crew and past. I don’t really feel like I learned much about Simone despite her being one of the older Immortal Guardians, but I did enjoy learning about Janwar’s past and setting the scene for the cyborgs to make their debut in the future. Hopefully, the next books in this series can reach the standard I know Dianne Duvall is capable of because she is a phenomenal writer.
This is the 4th book in this series, which is a sequel/spinoff to the original Immortal Guardians series. This book can act as a standalone, but I'd highly recommend reading the original series or at least the other books in this series to fully understand the characters and the background. This book continues the search for survivors of The Kandovar after the massive ambush from the Gathendians.
The first part was actually quite enjoyable (the excerpt I included was my favorite part of the whole book). The pacing was decent, I loved how Simone made an effort to integrate herself with the crew and have one-on-one interactions with them outside of her relationship with Jack Sparrow – I mean Janwar, and I especially loved T the android.
Ultimately, what killed this book for me were the plot holes. Simone’s personality was redundant and her gifts were only mentioned when convenient. Simone had the 'not like other girls' vibe that I’m not a fan of. There was no difference between Eliana (FMC in book 2) and Simone, and the other books that were teased at the end makes the future heroines sound exactly the same. Also, Simone is an empath. She can sense and infuse emotion, and strong emotions can harm her. However, she was around strong emotions a lot w/no issue and when she was on a mission to rescue her friends, the only comments she made were about how sexy Janwar was and how cool the alien tech was. That did not help my booster-shot-induced migraine. Shouldn't you be worried about the mental and physical state your friends are in? Or focus on the details of the mission? The occasional comment to lighten the mood is ok, but the whole time?!
The other issues were that she never spoke to Krigara, her mate’s only living relative, timing is dubious (she attacked the Gathedians about 2 months following the ambush, which means Eliana hadn’t even been found yet let alone Ava and Eliana), why is the whole galaxy scared of Janwar when he’s never done anything close to even morally grey, and why are the Gathendians “storm trooper level easy to kill” as someone hilariously pointed out. They had the smarts to completely destroy the Kandovar and create all these secret research facilities, but can be wiped out by 1 woman? No just no.
And the niggling question I’ve had throughout this whole series is about the "the only good Gathendian is a dead gathendian" mindset. There aren’t Gathendian civilians somewhere just living life? They're just inherently evil to the core? Every one? What are their motives and let’s not be vague and say world domination because that’s lazy.
I’m happy the next book(s) will explore some of the people of Janwar’s crew and past. I don’t really feel like I learned much about Simone despite her being one of the older Immortal Guardians, but I did enjoy learning about Janwar’s past and setting the scene for the cyborgs to make their debut in the future. Hopefully, the next books in this series can reach the standard I know Dianne Duvall is capable of because she is a phenomenal writer.
October 18, 2023
How do you give a book more than 5 stars!
Oh my lord, Ms Duvall you have knocked another one out of the park....
The teaser you left at the end of the Purveli has had all fans on tenterhooks waiting for the space pirate Jack Sparrow lookalike - Janwar and the Immortal Guardian Simone's story, and I devoured it the minute the book hit my kindle.
Heart, tenderness, courage, and just so much FUN, this story is one i can see myself reading and listening to, over and over again...
The Promeii 7 bar scene - all i kept hearing was the music from the Star Wars bar scene as Simone walked through - which kept a smile on my face, but the laugh out loud (and laugh long) moment when she described why the Dotharian wore the loin cloth during the fight - well, it will bring a smile to my face for ever more....
No more spoilers, no more reference, but seriously this book - READ IT, YOU WILL LOVE IT!
Oh my lord, Ms Duvall you have knocked another one out of the park....
The teaser you left at the end of the Purveli has had all fans on tenterhooks waiting for the space pirate Jack Sparrow lookalike - Janwar and the Immortal Guardian Simone's story, and I devoured it the minute the book hit my kindle.
Heart, tenderness, courage, and just so much FUN, this story is one i can see myself reading and listening to, over and over again...
The Promeii 7 bar scene - all i kept hearing was the music from the Star Wars bar scene as Simone walked through - which kept a smile on my face, but the laugh out loud (and laugh long) moment when she described why the Dotharian wore the loin cloth during the fight - well, it will bring a smile to my face for ever more....
No more spoilers, no more reference, but seriously this book - READ IT, YOU WILL LOVE IT!
February 14, 2024
I love this series! I also love the Immortal Guardians and Gifted Ones, but woah baby, am I having a blast listening to the Aldebarian Alliance series.
When Simone is pushed into an escape pod and sees the ship and those still on board blown up, she sets the pod’s course on a direct path with the enemy’s ship and shuts down to conserve energy. When she the ship’s AI awakens her, she does what she does best. She kicks some Gathendien arse.
Janwar, a space pirate, has formed a friendship with Prince Taelon of Lasara. When he needs help to rescue passengers lost during the attack, Janwar comes to his aid. When he spots the Gathedien ship, he plans to attack and search for prisoners.
The tale that unfolds had me laughing from the onset. Simone is a take no prisoners kind of gal with a bright sunny personality and lots of snark. The first meet between her and Janwar let me know I was in for a treat. The chemistry, humor, and admiration were so genuine.
From secondary characters to the rescue missions and the off ship investigative trips, I loved every freaking moment. The ship AI, the arena and battle scenes were fantastic. Honestly, I couldn’t stop listening.
Kristen Potter has narrated the series and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She does such a stellar job of capturing the characters’ emotions and personalities. From her pacing to her pitch, listening is a pleasure.
While this is the fourth audiobook, and I totally recommend you listen to them all. (I mean, you are only cheating yourself) Duvall, does a fantastic job of making each book in the series work as a standalone from romance to mission. She wraps things up before unmercifully teasing us with hints about the next book and romance before sending us on our way. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
When Simone is pushed into an escape pod and sees the ship and those still on board blown up, she sets the pod’s course on a direct path with the enemy’s ship and shuts down to conserve energy. When she the ship’s AI awakens her, she does what she does best. She kicks some Gathendien arse.
Janwar, a space pirate, has formed a friendship with Prince Taelon of Lasara. When he needs help to rescue passengers lost during the attack, Janwar comes to his aid. When he spots the Gathedien ship, he plans to attack and search for prisoners.
The tale that unfolds had me laughing from the onset. Simone is a take no prisoners kind of gal with a bright sunny personality and lots of snark. The first meet between her and Janwar let me know I was in for a treat. The chemistry, humor, and admiration were so genuine.
From secondary characters to the rescue missions and the off ship investigative trips, I loved every freaking moment. The ship AI, the arena and battle scenes were fantastic. Honestly, I couldn’t stop listening.
Kristen Potter has narrated the series and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She does such a stellar job of capturing the characters’ emotions and personalities. From her pacing to her pitch, listening is a pleasure.
While this is the fourth audiobook, and I totally recommend you listen to them all. (I mean, you are only cheating yourself) Duvall, does a fantastic job of making each book in the series work as a standalone from romance to mission. She wraps things up before unmercifully teasing us with hints about the next book and romance before sending us on our way. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
dnf
June 21, 2024DNF
I got about halfway and was bored to tears.
Each new book by this author is more boring than the last one.
I like that the Immortal guardians are so bad ass, but every action sequence is milked to death. And the h is so cheerfully saccharin I got a tooth ache.
The whole story is really just the H and h getting aquainted but there's zero tension and zero chemistry.
The bad guys are very one dimentional.
I loved this author's work until a few years ago when it became so inoffensive it's now virtually flavourless.
All the h's seem the same.
Meh.
Gonna stop auto buying her stuff. : (
I got about halfway and was bored to tears.
Each new book by this author is more boring than the last one.
I like that the Immortal guardians are so bad ass, but every action sequence is milked to death. And the h is so cheerfully saccharin I got a tooth ache.
The whole story is really just the H and h getting aquainted but there's zero tension and zero chemistry.
The bad guys are very one dimentional.
I loved this author's work until a few years ago when it became so inoffensive it's now virtually flavourless.
All the h's seem the same.
Meh.
Gonna stop auto buying her stuff. : (
October 14, 2022
As with the first three books in Duvall's Aldebarian Alliance series, The Akseli focuses on what happens to one character following a Gathendien attack on the Kandovar. This book's focus is on Simone, an Immortal Guardian, and her time with space pirate, Janwar and those on his ship, the Tangata.
I'm an unabashed fan of all things written by Dianne Duvall. Her Immortal Guardians is one of my all-time favorites and I've enjoyed all the space exploration and expansion of the series with her Aldebarian Alliance series. While I wasn't as drawn to the romance of these two as much as those in the previous three installments, I still really enjoyed their interactions and shared battle scenes. And, I loved learning more about Janwar and a bit more about those on his ship.
I think I fell the hardest for Janwar's ship, the Tangata, which was spectacular with its wide open spaces, an amazing park and its merry band of rouge warriors. I hope we get to learn more about them all.
I like how Duvall brings us back to the moment of the attack, then branches off from there to explore what happened to those lost following it. I love meeting new species and learning about the scope of the world she's created. I'm anxious for whatever's next, which I'm guessing will focus either on Allison and M'kor or Liz and Kova. My vote is for Liz and Kova, who shared some touching scenes with Simone in this installment.
Full Rating: ✮✮✮✮½
I'm an unabashed fan of all things written by Dianne Duvall. Her Immortal Guardians is one of my all-time favorites and I've enjoyed all the space exploration and expansion of the series with her Aldebarian Alliance series. While I wasn't as drawn to the romance of these two as much as those in the previous three installments, I still really enjoyed their interactions and shared battle scenes. And, I loved learning more about Janwar and a bit more about those on his ship.
I think I fell the hardest for Janwar's ship, the Tangata, which was spectacular with its wide open spaces, an amazing park and its merry band of rouge warriors. I hope we get to learn more about them all.
I like how Duvall brings us back to the moment of the attack, then branches off from there to explore what happened to those lost following it. I love meeting new species and learning about the scope of the world she's created. I'm anxious for whatever's next, which I'm guessing will focus either on Allison and M'kor or Liz and Kova. My vote is for Liz and Kova, who shared some touching scenes with Simone in this installment.
Full Rating: ✮✮✮✮½
October 12, 2022
the Askeli
Why this rating? Most series get boring after the 5th or 6th book. It’s like the author has lost interest but keeps writing to please fans. THAT cannot be said for Dianne Duvall. Each of her books is as new and exciting and pleasurable.
The characters are fresh and fully formed. You absolutely know someone like them. The story is a continuation of the series but the story of our h/H is what grabs you and holds your interest. I love the social context. It makes me feel as if it is happening in real time.
I would definitely recommend this book. But to fully appreciate it, you really need to start with the Immortal Guardian series. But whether you start at the beginning or just start here, you will not be disappointed.
Why this rating? Most series get boring after the 5th or 6th book. It’s like the author has lost interest but keeps writing to please fans. THAT cannot be said for Dianne Duvall. Each of her books is as new and exciting and pleasurable.
The characters are fresh and fully formed. You absolutely know someone like them. The story is a continuation of the series but the story of our h/H is what grabs you and holds your interest. I love the social context. It makes me feel as if it is happening in real time.
I would definitely recommend this book. But to fully appreciate it, you really need to start with the Immortal Guardian series. But whether you start at the beginning or just start here, you will not be disappointed.
October 15, 2022
I dont know. I have enjoyed this series SO much but this one just didn't do it for me. I found myself annoyed. It seems like Dianne Duvall's FMCs have a 'not like other girls' factor that I don't love. Yeah she loves to eat and kick a** and she gets along with his crew. Yeah ok. It worked in The Segonian which I LOVED and gave 5 stars. Hard to know if it's me and I just am in the process of interrogating my relationships to certain kinds of female main characters lately, or if this author just had a miss. Or both. Who knows. And also what is the deal with characters who are pirates and everyone is scared of them despite them never doing anything even morally grey? So he looks like what a pirate looks like on earth? Besides that he seemingly just cruises the galaxy doing nice things? Also the Gathendians are lame bad guys. They are not even all that scary-they seem to be like storm trooper level easy to kill-but I hate "the only good Gathendian is a dead gathendian" thing. There isn't Gathendian civilians somewhere on some planet just trying to live? We just want to wipe every last one out? They're just inherently evil to the core? Every one? Give me some motives. Some complexity. It's lazy. And kind of gross. The use of "the only good *blank* is a dead *blank*" is something I would have a character saying to show they were a bad person. But these apparently good characters just throw it around left and right. At least explain why we are supposed to support this?
October 17, 2022
AUDIBLE editions!! Kirsten Potter as always does a outstanding job narrating the story!! She is one of the best narrators I have ever listen too.
I really loved Akseli. I was really excited when I found out that it Janwar the space pirate and the Immortal Guardian Simones story!! I had been waiting for Janwar's story and believe me It Did Not Disappoint. Janwar is a great character in bk1 Lasarian.
Simone and Janwar were the perfect couple!! Simone was a Bad Ass IG and Janwar loved her for her passion and abilities to kick butt. I liked that Janwar romanced Simone and encouraged her.
I really loved Akseli. I was really excited when I found out that it Janwar the space pirate and the Immortal Guardian Simones story!! I had been waiting for Janwar's story and believe me It Did Not Disappoint. Janwar is a great character in bk1 Lasarian.
Simone and Janwar were the perfect couple!! Simone was a Bad Ass IG and Janwar loved her for her passion and abilities to kick butt. I liked that Janwar romanced Simone and encouraged her.
October 20, 2022
This one was so much fun, once you got past the ship blowing up, Simone having to get away from bad aliens and finally finding the good guys to help her out. Simone really embraced everything she saw/found/did once she was safe with Janwar and his guys. She also made a lot of them realize that what they thought was bad about themselves wasn't. I really loved how Simone kept surprising the hell out of all the guys with her skills as an Immortal.
As the crew looked for other survivors I liked the plan that they came up with. They had their work cut out for them when they were located. I was glad that every one made it and friends were found, even if in bad condition.
You know from here Simone, Janwar and the guys are going to have lots of adventures going forward.
As the crew looked for other survivors I liked the plan that they came up with. They had their work cut out for them when they were located. I was glad that every one made it and friends were found, even if in bad condition.
You know from here Simone, Janwar and the guys are going to have lots of adventures going forward.
April 15, 2025
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Simone is an Immortal Guardian who was asked to accompany Prince Taelon, Lisa, and their baby Abby back to his home world of Lasara. With her are 4 more Immortal Guardians and 10 gifted ones. The gifted ones hope to find love matches amongst the Lasarans and help repopulate their world after a virus released by the Gathendiens makes them sterile instead of killing them. Something the asshats had tried to do on Earth but instead of dying, the virus caused some humans to become vampires and others (gifted ones) to become Immortal Guardians. When the Gathendians attack the ship, Simone and all of her friends are scattered in escape pods. Simone promises revenge and that’s when the Tangata with Janwar and his crew show up. Let the fun begin.
Oh, holy shit. I love all the books in this series and the Immortal Guardians, but Simone may just be my favorite character yet. And that’s saying something. Dianne Duvall crafts books that bring all the emotions to the table. There’s the excitement of battle, tension, steaminess, friendship, love, grief, and vengeance with delightful humor expertly threaded through it all. I never tire of the variety of situations that come up in each book, but there are two in this one that I just had to read several times and I’m sure I’ll go back and read several more. The characters are so life-like I expect them to step off the page. The dialogue flows smoothly, the plot is tight, and each book in the series can be read as a stand alone. But why would you deny yourself the sublime pleasure of hours of entertainment obtained by reading the books that came before? You wouldn’t so I know you’ll take my advice and start with Darkness Dawns and work your way all through the line up. Lose yourself in these worlds and don’t look back. Trust me.
3/26/2025 ~ Continuing the series around my birthday re-read.
Simone is an Immortal Guardian who was asked to accompany Prince Taelon, Lisa, and their baby Abby back to his home world of Lasara. With her are 4 more Immortal Guardians and 10 gifted ones. The gifted ones hope to find love matches amongst the Lasarans and help repopulate their world after a virus released by the Gathendiens makes them sterile instead of killing them. Something the asshats had tried to do on Earth but instead of dying, the virus caused some humans to become vampires and others (gifted ones) to become Immortal Guardians. When the Gathendians attack the ship, Simone and all of her friends are scattered in escape pods. Simone promises revenge and that’s when the Tangata with Janwar and his crew show up. Let the fun begin.
Oh, holy shit. I love all the books in this series and the Immortal Guardians, but Simone may just be my favorite character yet. And that’s saying something. Dianne Duvall crafts books that bring all the emotions to the table. There’s the excitement of battle, tension, steaminess, friendship, love, grief, and vengeance with delightful humor expertly threaded through it all. I never tire of the variety of situations that come up in each book, but there are two in this one that I just had to read several times and I’m sure I’ll go back and read several more. The characters are so life-like I expect them to step off the page. The dialogue flows smoothly, the plot is tight, and each book in the series can be read as a stand alone. But why would you deny yourself the sublime pleasure of hours of entertainment obtained by reading the books that came before? You wouldn’t so I know you’ll take my advice and start with Darkness Dawns and work your way all through the line up. Lose yourself in these worlds and don’t look back. Trust me.
3/26/2025 ~ Continuing the series around my birthday re-read.
January 23, 2023
'Nunca me había sentido así antes, Simone. Y tengo miedo que un día termine, que te vayas a Lasara, y no te vuelva a ver. Pero el miedo nunca me ha impedido perseguir lo que quiero. Y te quiero. Quiero cada minuto que pueda tener contigo, incluso si estamos sentados uno al lado del otro en el puente, tomados de la mano.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Akseli de Dianne Duvall serie
Aldebarian Alliance libro 4
Argumento:
Simone ha cazado y matado vampiros psicóticos noche tras noche durante cientos de años y necesita desesperadamente un cambio. Cuando el líder de los Guardianes Inmortales le ofrece la oportunidad de proteger a diez mujeres mortales que se están aventurando a otro planeta, ella se sumerge y descubre que viajar al espacio y conocer increíbles razas alienígenas es tan emocionante como esperaba... hasta que un ataques enemigos. Simone salva a todos los que puede antes de que la empujen a una cápsula de escape y la nave explote.
Sola, temiendo que algunos, si no todos, de sus amigos hayan sido asesinados, jura buscar venganza.
A pesar de su feroz reputación y su propensión a violar la ley, Janwar ha entablado una amistad con el primitivo príncipe Taelon de Lasara. Cuando la nave del príncipe es destruida, Janwar se une a la enorme misión de búsqueda y rescate de toda la Alianza Aldebarian y pronto localiza la nave Gathendien que lanzó el ataque. Sin embargo, sucede algo extraño cuando él y su tripulación se acercan sigilosamente. Las formas de vida en el interior comienzan a perecer, dos o tres a la vez en rápida sucesión. Para su sorpresa, alguien más llegó primero a la nave: una de las mismas mujeres de la Tierra que esperaba rescatar.
Fascinantemente feroz, Simone se une a Janwar y su tripulación para buscar a sus amigos desaparecidos y causar estragos entre aquellos que desean hacerles daño. También abre los ojos como platos, deja caer la mandíbula y provoca risas y travesuras mientras destierra el cansancio del mundo de los guerreros y hace que cada día parezca una nueva aventura. La amistad que crece entre Janwar y Simone rápidamente se convierte en amor. Pero los guerreros enemigos a los que se enfrentan son tenaces y cuentan con más armas en su arsenal de lo que sabe la alianza.
¿Podrán Janwar, Simone y una tripulación tan pequeña vencerlos?
Mi humilde opinión:
The Akseli es la cuarta entrega de la serie Aldebarian Alliance. Un romance de ciencia ficción con mucha acción, aventura, pasión y humor.
Estaba impaciente por leer el libro de Simone y Janwar, y me terminó encantando la aventura que vivieron juntos en el Tangata!
Un pirata del espacio parecido a Jack Sparrow? Dudaba pero creo que se hizo más referencia a las trenzas largas del cabello que otra cosa así que a pesar de que un par de veces las chicas lo señalaban como parecido al pirata del Caribe, yo me lo imaginaba con otro rostro. No hay dobles de Sparrow para mí, lo siento. Janwar era un encanto y honorable a pesar de que la reputación no lo pintaba nada bien. El se ocultaba tras el pirata malo pero la historia era muy diferente. Como el nombre del libro lo señala, conocemos a la raza alienígena los Akseli y la difícil historia del héroe. Todo eso estuvo muy bien. No podía no querer cada vez más a Janwar con cada capítulo que pasaba. Su personaje me gustó.
Simone le hizo justicia a las mujeres guardianas Inmortales. Dura de matar, de gran corazón y con su característico humor. En general, como me pasa con los personajes masculinos, me suelen gustar las heroínas de DD.
Me gustó la parte en que Simone utiliza su don de émpata y le transmite emociones al guerrero Yona Valok para que experimentara emociones por primera vez, ya que la raza no puede. Disfruté mucho la forma en que ella se hizo amiga de toda la tripulación del Tangata. Y sí que pateó traseros y sorprendió a todos con todas sus habilidades. Después del ataque enemigo al Kandovar, ella fue directo a la nave de los Gathendiens y les tendió una trampa. Se vengo por sus amigos y fue muy impresionante! Y cuando se ofrece a luchar en la arena con el Dotharian? No podía parar de reírme! Fue genial!
El romance sigue siendo dulce, apasionado y sin complicación. Todas las parejas de la serie se llegan a entender bien y tienden a ayudarse mutuamente. Me gusta tal cual es sin mayores dramas. La pareja que hacen Janwar y Simone fue muy divertida de leer.
Hasta ahora todas las historias de la serie son aventuras que me absorbieron y no podía dejar de reír o suspirar o se me aceleraba el pulso con los peligros acechando. Me encanta el ambiente en el eso, con las naves y la tecnología alienígena. Los personajes son lindos y quiero conocer a todos más. Como en la serie Immortal Guardians se está formando una gran familia aquí y me encanta!
Los Gathendien son una amenaza mortal. Varias mujeres con dones y otras razas de aliens ya han sido capturadas por ellos para sus macabros experimentos. Esa parte no me gusta, por eso quiero que Wonick rescate a Rachel! Él es un Cyborg!? Ya quiero seguir leyendo esta serie!
October 25, 2022
I love this author, so this is “it’s me and not the book”. I liked it, but didn’t love it. Main reason is it felt insta-lovely to me. It isn’t a case of them saying I love you after two days. More that I didn’t feel the love connection when they said the words. I guess I need a little mystery and it was obvious who the couple was going to be from the outset. (No, I don’t read blurbs from my one-click authors so I can be a little surprised). Anywho, so they were together and I didn’t feel the spark between them. For me, it was two characters you knew were going to end up together because that’s the direction the story is headed. I’m probably not explaining it right. For me- if they’d waited longer and the testing of their relationship (like possibly death), would have sparked that knowledge that they wanted each other, it would have been more authentic for me. All and all, I think I’ve read too much to be amazed anymore. Still, I’ll listen to the next installment. If it’s more true insta love or it’s like a carbon copy of other installments just replacing characters, I may stop reading further installments like I did with the BDB author.
The narrator was good.
The narrator was good.
October 16, 2022
Very curious for the next book. At the end of this one we briefly meet an Akseli cyborg who’s in contact with Rachel, one of the Immortal Guardians who escaped the ship before it blew up. She’s in an escape pod headed to the cyborg home planet and running out of air. But, the cyborgs were persecuted back on the Akseli home planet and fled to this secret planet years ago, and now they will shoot down anyone who approaches in order to keep themselves secret. The couple from this book convinced one of the cyborgs that humans (specifically the Immortal Guardians and gifted ones that were headed to Lothar) are trustworthy and would even be sympathetic to the cyborg’s plight since they were often feared and despised on Earth like them. The cyborg they spoke to agreed to try to save her and convince his leader not to kill her simply for stumbling on their secret home.
October 12, 2022
Aldebarian Alliance series great read
Its mix paranormal, sci fi, adventure, romance with characters that you look forward to seeing in the next novel and secondary characters you can't wait til they get their own book. Humor, is also a good part of the stories, I'd read the first in Immortal Guardians and have been hook by that and the connecting series Gifted Ones, Aldebarian Alliance, For those who want good series to follow you are unlikely to be disappointed by Dianne Duvall
Its mix paranormal, sci fi, adventure, romance with characters that you look forward to seeing in the next novel and secondary characters you can't wait til they get their own book. Humor, is also a good part of the stories, I'd read the first in Immortal Guardians and have been hook by that and the connecting series Gifted Ones, Aldebarian Alliance, For those who want good series to follow you are unlikely to be disappointed by Dianne Duvall
October 18, 2022
Fabulous Space Romance
I love the worlds Duvall has created. She gives me rich characters and plots, and when the Immortal Guardians had secured earth she send them into space, which is so cool. My favorite of these books is Segonian, but Simone’s tale is powerful as it sets up future books and the hunt for the rest of the 10 earthlings. Can’t wait to read/listen to more. Kristen Potter is a fabulous narrator.
I love the worlds Duvall has created. She gives me rich characters and plots, and when the Immortal Guardians had secured earth she send them into space, which is so cool. My favorite of these books is Segonian, but Simone’s tale is powerful as it sets up future books and the hunt for the rest of the 10 earthlings. Can’t wait to read/listen to more. Kristen Potter is a fabulous narrator.
October 12, 2022
These are always too short…
I WANT MORE! This story perfectly weaves all of the feels for our Immortal Guardians we loved from their series and brings everything into space. I loved this story just as much as the others but I’m telling you Dianne, we need more! You’re just too good at what you do!
I WANT MORE! This story perfectly weaves all of the feels for our Immortal Guardians we loved from their series and brings everything into space. I loved this story just as much as the others but I’m telling you Dianne, we need more! You’re just too good at what you do!
January 1, 2023
Didn't expect to read this one so soon, but I'm glad I did. I really loved Simone and the cast of characters that made up the crew. There's a scene where Simone fights uhh what I guess you could call an angry King Kong and it's an amazing scene, truly. I loved it. She loved it. Definitely recommend this one.
October 12, 2022
Another great book to the series.
I was so excited with this release! After all the sneak peaks I couldn’t wait to read this book.
It was a lovely, funny, action packed book.
And, she did it again! Finished the book and hook me up to the next one. How does she do that? It was one chapter… that’s it! And now I can’t wait for the next book to me out.
I was so excited with this release! After all the sneak peaks I couldn’t wait to read this book.
It was a lovely, funny, action packed book.
And, she did it again! Finished the book and hook me up to the next one. How does she do that? It was one chapter… that’s it! And now I can’t wait for the next book to me out.
October 14, 2022
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just like the other 3, The Akseli is a great story. Full of action, and adventure, the story is well written, the characters coming to life in the authors hands. This is a fantastic series, and each book is a brick in the fabric of the storyline being woven. As with the others, I could not put this one down, and I’m now ready for book 5 😉😂.
Just like the other 3, The Akseli is a great story. Full of action, and adventure, the story is well written, the characters coming to life in the authors hands. This is a fantastic series, and each book is a brick in the fabric of the storyline being woven. As with the others, I could not put this one down, and I’m now ready for book 5 😉😂.
October 11, 2022
Excellent!
I loved Janwar and Simone! This is the only alien series I have ever read and I am loving it. I can't wait to read what Dianne Duvall writes next.
I loved Janwar and Simone! This is the only alien series I have ever read and I am loving it. I can't wait to read what Dianne Duvall writes next.
October 11, 2022
Fantastic read, absolutely love this series, can't wait for the next one.
October 11, 2022
I really enjoy this series. This is one of my favorite books in the series so far. Good humor, well written and engaging story.
October 12, 2022
amazing!
I cried, I laughed, I cried again! It was a amazing addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next one. Please write faster!!!! 🤣
I cried, I laughed, I cried again! It was a amazing addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next one. Please write faster!!!! 🤣
June 28, 2023
Love this series! These books are full of action, suspense, romance, and kickass women. Highly recommend this and the audio. Brilliant!
September 25, 2024
4 stars.
This was a really good UF romance set in space. My main issue for the first 1/2 star was Simone was the same personality as Eliana from the Segonian only a little more hopped up and similar setting and plot with the ship too though a good UF on where the Gathendian went and where their outpost might be. This friendship with the crew was similar but the men were very different. They all have their issues as they are on a "pirate" ship
2024- This is such and repeat of Segonian with the same character traits from our two main characters. Yes, Janwar is a pirate but really it is all anti-politics of his world. So a good guy. I didn't hear one thing that was pirate-y. So just outcast in reality. Simone is the exact character of Eliana even her "that is so cool" and other comments. Seems like lazy writing but... I still love the story and ended up rereading it twice now as the story is a different story with very similar character fixing different situations. Still if you read the Segonian, you will find a lot of repeat. Meh... still enjoy it.
Reread
September 2024
May 2023
October 2022
This was a really good UF romance set in space. My main issue for the first 1/2 star was Simone was the same personality as Eliana from the Segonian only a little more hopped up and similar setting and plot with the ship too though a good UF on where the Gathendian went and where their outpost might be. This friendship with the crew was similar but the men were very different. They all have their issues as they are on a "pirate" ship
2024- This is such and repeat of Segonian with the same character traits from our two main characters. Yes, Janwar is a pirate but really it is all anti-politics of his world. So a good guy. I didn't hear one thing that was pirate-y. So just outcast in reality. Simone is the exact character of Eliana even her "that is so cool" and other comments. Seems like lazy writing but... I still love the story and ended up rereading it twice now as the story is a different story with very similar character fixing different situations. Still if you read the Segonian, you will find a lot of repeat. Meh... still enjoy it.
Reread
September 2024
May 2023
October 2022
November 1, 2022
First of all let me tell you the picture on the front of the book looks NOTHING like the description given to Janwar. The book picture was much better. Janwar has braids and braids all over his head and falling down his back, Like David of The Immortal Gradians. To me, there's nothing worse that a MAN with a head full of braids. BUT that's just me.
This was about Simone who men Janwar when she proceeded to kill a ton of Gathendiens with plans to steal their battleship. Janwar watched her as she pushed off the ship to catch the transport thee Gathendiens tried to get away in. He and his men watched in disbelief. Janwar said he'd like to meet this "man" and maybe recruit him. It was too funny when they brought the damaged transport on board Tangata.
There is explicit sex in this but I've gotten to the point that I just flip right be that because once you've read a sex scene you've read them all. Unless you're reading erotica then we're talking about a whole 'nother story. (Eww) The F-bomb is used 4 times.
As for the narration: I don't know what I'd do if Kirstin Potter stopped reading these. Stop listening to Dianne Duvall, I guess.
This was about Simone who men Janwar when she proceeded to kill a ton of Gathendiens with plans to steal their battleship. Janwar watched her as she pushed off the ship to catch the transport thee Gathendiens tried to get away in. He and his men watched in disbelief. Janwar said he'd like to meet this "man" and maybe recruit him. It was too funny when they brought the damaged transport on board Tangata.
There is explicit sex in this but I've gotten to the point that I just flip right be that because once you've read a sex scene you've read them all. Unless you're reading erotica then we're talking about a whole 'nother story. (Eww) The F-bomb is used 4 times.
As for the narration: I don't know what I'd do if Kirstin Potter stopped reading these. Stop listening to Dianne Duvall, I guess.
September 22, 2025
Yes yes yes
It's awesome and amazing and so freaking good I devoured it in one seating! I absolutely love this book and series, I cannot wait to read more! So much humor and the descriptions are beyond wonderful!
It's awesome and amazing and so freaking good I devoured it in one seating! I absolutely love this book and series, I cannot wait to read more! So much humor and the descriptions are beyond wonderful!
January 16, 2024
I really enjoyed the story. The H/h are great and I like the rest of the crew. Well worth reading.
November 11, 2022
Looking for an edge-of-your-seat, romantic suspense, sci-fi adventure that will knock your socks off? The Akseli is definitely the book to check out. There are space battles, sword fights, alien monsters, narrow escapes, action behind enemy lines on an ice planet, an A.I. program that can actually be considered a secondary character, and a romance that made my little heart go pitter-patter.
That list is only a tiny fraction of what made this story stand out as it amazed and enthralled me and had me listening to the audio version twice – some scenes, thrice. Lest a reader worry that it’s all flash-bang action, I assure you that there are tender moments, sweet moments, character dialogue that made me sniffle and my heart hurt for some of the guys in the scenes. Janwar’s crew each have their own story, and I will tell you, every single one needs their own HEA. You want tortured heroes? Men who’ve been hurt, scorned, made examples of and treated as pariahs by either their culture or their families? My heart broke for each of these brave men that Janwar now calls family. They all have good hearts, are actually noble and, even having chosen an unorthodox career in order to survive, have resisted becoming villains and instead kept their honor and are fiercely loyal to Janwar and to each other. How could the heroine NOT fall in love with Janwar and his ‘family’?
The Gathendiens are back being their dastardly, disgusting, vile, smelly selves – they are the perfect villains. They hate everyone and are bent on genocide towards any civilized planet that has something that they want. And they are not the only characters with defunct moral compasses – a reader finds out there are more deviant, greedy, power-hungry beings that will do anything for power and/or money. One of them reminds me of a character from the second set of Star Wars movies, and the other, is too close to a real-life villain. But I won’t go there. This novel is about a hero and heroine who defy and overcame incredible odds, all in order to rescue victims and friends from evil aliens. The story is about Janwar and Simone falling in love even while in the thick of things. It’s about a man who becomes better, stronger, more focused and more heroic all because of the love of a strong woman with a zest for life and adventure. It’s about acceptance, embracing differences and finding common goals. All of that is woven in throughout the novel with excellent storytelling skill.
If fans listen to the audio version, they are in for an experience of delight, entertainment, laughter and being 100% engaged and invested in every character’s wellbeing. The narrating talent of Ms. Potter is second to none. Each character has their own voice and Ms. Potter uses her voice skills flawlessly. I’ve yet to experience another narrator with her consistent range and ability to express emotions only through voice. Yes, the writing has to have it first, and it does, but the narration explodes the story into brilliant life. It’s one of the reasons that, when it comes to Ms. Duvall’s books, I purchase them in all three formats, audio, print and ebook. I’m always so satisfied, I find it well worth the investment.
The Akseli is a star-quality novel that gives readers a top-notch reading experience that thrills and entertains non-stop, all the way to the perfect and romantic happy ever after ending, with an irresistible hook for the next adventure in the series. Sign me up! I simply can’t get enough of this wonderful universe Ms. Duvall has created through the Aldebarian Alliance. It’s a book addiction worth having.
That list is only a tiny fraction of what made this story stand out as it amazed and enthralled me and had me listening to the audio version twice – some scenes, thrice. Lest a reader worry that it’s all flash-bang action, I assure you that there are tender moments, sweet moments, character dialogue that made me sniffle and my heart hurt for some of the guys in the scenes. Janwar’s crew each have their own story, and I will tell you, every single one needs their own HEA. You want tortured heroes? Men who’ve been hurt, scorned, made examples of and treated as pariahs by either their culture or their families? My heart broke for each of these brave men that Janwar now calls family. They all have good hearts, are actually noble and, even having chosen an unorthodox career in order to survive, have resisted becoming villains and instead kept their honor and are fiercely loyal to Janwar and to each other. How could the heroine NOT fall in love with Janwar and his ‘family’?
The Gathendiens are back being their dastardly, disgusting, vile, smelly selves – they are the perfect villains. They hate everyone and are bent on genocide towards any civilized planet that has something that they want. And they are not the only characters with defunct moral compasses – a reader finds out there are more deviant, greedy, power-hungry beings that will do anything for power and/or money. One of them reminds me of a character from the second set of Star Wars movies, and the other, is too close to a real-life villain. But I won’t go there. This novel is about a hero and heroine who defy and overcame incredible odds, all in order to rescue victims and friends from evil aliens. The story is about Janwar and Simone falling in love even while in the thick of things. It’s about a man who becomes better, stronger, more focused and more heroic all because of the love of a strong woman with a zest for life and adventure. It’s about acceptance, embracing differences and finding common goals. All of that is woven in throughout the novel with excellent storytelling skill.
If fans listen to the audio version, they are in for an experience of delight, entertainment, laughter and being 100% engaged and invested in every character’s wellbeing. The narrating talent of Ms. Potter is second to none. Each character has their own voice and Ms. Potter uses her voice skills flawlessly. I’ve yet to experience another narrator with her consistent range and ability to express emotions only through voice. Yes, the writing has to have it first, and it does, but the narration explodes the story into brilliant life. It’s one of the reasons that, when it comes to Ms. Duvall’s books, I purchase them in all three formats, audio, print and ebook. I’m always so satisfied, I find it well worth the investment.
The Akseli is a star-quality novel that gives readers a top-notch reading experience that thrills and entertains non-stop, all the way to the perfect and romantic happy ever after ending, with an irresistible hook for the next adventure in the series. Sign me up! I simply can’t get enough of this wonderful universe Ms. Duvall has created through the Aldebarian Alliance. It’s a book addiction worth having.
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