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Ash Planet Warriors #2
Claimed by the Warlord: A Sci-Fi Alien Warrior Romance
She’s the female I can’t have. If I take her, she’ll die.
As Warlord of the largest tribe on Solgad, my obligations are many. With a new strain of ice fever running rampant among the freeraiders, the team of healers supplied by the Empire is a welcome relief.
Until one of them arrives at Noja with her body begging to be bred, the scent of her heat a dangerous temptation. I save her from a group of rutting Jal’zar warriors, only to lock her in a room with the deadliest of them: me.
I carry a terrible curse.
Every female I touch dies.
No matter how much I long for this woman, I can’t let my instincts put Jessica at risk. As a father, neither can I afford to open my soul to what will only end in heartbreak and loss.
I am a male doomed to remain alone.
Unable to afford love because no female had ever survived it.
Neither will she.
Claimed by the Warlord is a full-length novel, and the second book in the Sci-Fi Romance series Ash Planet Warriors, featuring a scarred, tortured hero, and a divorced woman who loves him anyway.
As Warlord of the largest tribe on Solgad, my obligations are many. With a new strain of ice fever running rampant among the freeraiders, the team of healers supplied by the Empire is a welcome relief.
Until one of them arrives at Noja with her body begging to be bred, the scent of her heat a dangerous temptation. I save her from a group of rutting Jal’zar warriors, only to lock her in a room with the deadliest of them: me.
I carry a terrible curse.
Every female I touch dies.
No matter how much I long for this woman, I can’t let my instincts put Jessica at risk. As a father, neither can I afford to open my soul to what will only end in heartbreak and loss.
I am a male doomed to remain alone.
Unable to afford love because no female had ever survived it.
Neither will she.
Claimed by the Warlord is a full-length novel, and the second book in the Sci-Fi Romance series Ash Planet Warriors, featuring a scarred, tortured hero, and a divorced woman who loves him anyway.
254 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2021
173 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
May 27, 2024
I ATE this book tf up!! If you don’t know I LOVE a tortured and scarred MMC
November 14, 2021
3.5 rounded up. It's not this book's fault that I didn't want to read the action stuff, only the romance. I suppose the world building was fine. Men with tails and horns and knots on their stuff... and a tail with a claw that they use to soulbond (painfully) with their women. And humming. And rutting.
Not sure if I like the cover tho. Wouldn't have gotten the book on cover alone. It's not how I see Katedo. (And what kind of name is that anyway?)
It was ok, all in all. Did not make me cry like it did my friend Mar :P
Not sure if I like the cover tho. Wouldn't have gotten the book on cover alone. It's not how I see Katedo. (And what kind of name is that anyway?)
It was ok, all in all. Did not make me cry like it did my friend Mar :P
February 15, 2024
4.25✨, 2.25🌶️
Claimed by the Warlord is Book 2 in V.K. Ludwig’s Ash Planet Warriors science fiction alien romance series. This book continues the overall plot that was initiated in the first book but features a different main couple in the lead character roles, although we were introduced to the Jal’zar alien warlord MMC, Katedo, in Book 1.
After Katedo’s marriage of convenience/arranged marriage didn’t work out from Book 1, the warlord has come to believe that long-lasting and eternal love is not for him, and has been ignoring and suppressing his mating and rutting instincts during heat cycles as a result. But with a new strain of ice fever targeting the Jal’zars, Katedo knows there are bigger problems to worry about (on top of keeping his wayward son safe).
Planet Earth sends a team of healers led by a virologist to see if they can help, as a continuing gesture of goodwill for the blossoming interspecies relations. So far, there’s already been at least one successful human and Jal’zar mating. Why not hope for more?
The virologist happens to be our FMC, Jessica, a divorced woman who left everything behind on Earth looking for a place to belong (and to do her job, of course). And what an INCREDIBLE FMC we have in Jessica! Again, she’s the human virologist sent from Earth to study and/or cure the new ice fever that has broken out across part of the Jal’zar species.
We love to see a highly capable and badass woman in STEM doing her thing and getting some good alien 🍆 in a science fiction romance! She is kind, caring, clear and open about her desires, and exceedingly patient – the perfect foil to the at times stubborn, resistant, and hot-and-cold warlord Katedo.
Katedo and Jessica are both older characters (although I’m not sure their explicit ages were ever given), more in the sense of that they both feel like mature, well-lived-in characters. Characters that are still figuring out themselves and their futures, sure, but just two solidly developed beings in terms of personality, backstory, and their place in the story.
Their romance was full of hot and cold tension, blossoming respect, and a final acknowledgement of the inevitable. Their chemistry was ON FIRE. Literally could feel the heat coming off the page. And not only was the romantic relationship between Jessica and Katedo well-explored, but the idea of family and family dynamics were beautifully present as well. It was heartwarming to see Jessica interact with Katedo’s son, Kam.
This is a great alien scifi romance that just keeps getting better and better!
Tropes:
📖Human FMC x alien MMC (interspecies romance)
📖Single dad (MMC has a son)
📖Soulbond/soulmates
📖Giving love another chance with the right person
📖“She’s mine” possessive MMC
📖Physically and emotionally scarred MMC
📖Slight worldbuilding, but romance is the focus
📖Pure and sweet family dynamics
Safety:
🦺 Slight third-act breakup/separation
🦺 OM has interest in FMC due to her heat and attempts a potential courtship, but the MMC shuts that shit down and tells him “she’s mine”. FMC has no real interest in OM, only has eyes for MMC
🦺 MMC had two past “loves”. MMC’s past loves are explained in a respectful way, but don’t take away and are way overshadowed by the MMC’s current feelings for the FMC
Spice:
🌶️Knotting-like alien anatomy (MMC)
🌶️Rutting/breeding frenzy/heats
🌶️More dominant MMC
🌶️Teensy primal play/CNC if you squint during a scene or two, more so just the undertones of the aliens’ sexual habits as species
Claimed by the Warlord is Book 2 in V.K. Ludwig’s Ash Planet Warriors science fiction alien romance series. This book continues the overall plot that was initiated in the first book but features a different main couple in the lead character roles, although we were introduced to the Jal’zar alien warlord MMC, Katedo, in Book 1.
After Katedo’s marriage of convenience/arranged marriage didn’t work out from Book 1, the warlord has come to believe that long-lasting and eternal love is not for him, and has been ignoring and suppressing his mating and rutting instincts during heat cycles as a result. But with a new strain of ice fever targeting the Jal’zars, Katedo knows there are bigger problems to worry about (on top of keeping his wayward son safe).
Planet Earth sends a team of healers led by a virologist to see if they can help, as a continuing gesture of goodwill for the blossoming interspecies relations. So far, there’s already been at least one successful human and Jal’zar mating. Why not hope for more?
The virologist happens to be our FMC, Jessica, a divorced woman who left everything behind on Earth looking for a place to belong (and to do her job, of course). And what an INCREDIBLE FMC we have in Jessica! Again, she’s the human virologist sent from Earth to study and/or cure the new ice fever that has broken out across part of the Jal’zar species.
We love to see a highly capable and badass woman in STEM doing her thing and getting some good alien 🍆 in a science fiction romance! She is kind, caring, clear and open about her desires, and exceedingly patient – the perfect foil to the at times stubborn, resistant, and hot-and-cold warlord Katedo.
Katedo and Jessica are both older characters (although I’m not sure their explicit ages were ever given), more in the sense of that they both feel like mature, well-lived-in characters. Characters that are still figuring out themselves and their futures, sure, but just two solidly developed beings in terms of personality, backstory, and their place in the story.
Their romance was full of hot and cold tension, blossoming respect, and a final acknowledgement of the inevitable. Their chemistry was ON FIRE. Literally could feel the heat coming off the page. And not only was the romantic relationship between Jessica and Katedo well-explored, but the idea of family and family dynamics were beautifully present as well. It was heartwarming to see Jessica interact with Katedo’s son, Kam.
This is a great alien scifi romance that just keeps getting better and better!
Tropes:
📖Human FMC x alien MMC (interspecies romance)
📖Single dad (MMC has a son)
📖Soulbond/soulmates
📖Giving love another chance with the right person
📖“She’s mine” possessive MMC
📖Physically and emotionally scarred MMC
📖Slight worldbuilding, but romance is the focus
📖Pure and sweet family dynamics
Safety:
🦺 Slight third-act breakup/separation
🦺 OM has interest in FMC due to her heat and attempts a potential courtship, but the MMC shuts that shit down and tells him “she’s mine”. FMC has no real interest in OM, only has eyes for MMC
🦺 MMC had two past “loves”. MMC’s past loves are explained in a respectful way, but don’t take away and are way overshadowed by the MMC’s current feelings for the FMC
Spice:
🌶️Knotting-like alien anatomy (MMC)
🌶️Rutting/breeding frenzy/heats
🌶️More dominant MMC
🌶️Teensy primal play/CNC if you squint during a scene or two, more so just the undertones of the aliens’ sexual habits as species
August 30, 2022
A more experienced and jaded couple. I liked it.
I also liked the author's approach to one of the most common tropes in the alien romance genre: .
Obviously it wasn't as harrowing emotionally as in This Other Eden, but I really enjoyed the fact that the reader was kept in the dark for the longest time, which made the reveal kinda unexpected. There were a few hints, but it wasn't in-your-face.
Usually authors air something like that way ahead of the time just to increase the reader's anxiety (and annoyance, most of the time), but VK Ludwig just slapped us with it later. She really doesn't tend to overwrite or overembellish her plots and character development.
I appreciate that restraint so much. Especially in a genre where purple flourishes are so rampant.
I also liked the author's approach to one of the most common tropes in the alien romance genre: .
Obviously it wasn't as harrowing emotionally as in This Other Eden, but I really enjoyed the fact that the reader was kept in the dark for the longest time, which made the reveal kinda unexpected. There were a few hints, but it wasn't in-your-face.
Usually authors air something like that way ahead of the time just to increase the reader's anxiety (and annoyance, most of the time), but VK Ludwig just slapped us with it later. She really doesn't tend to overwrite or overembellish her plots and character development.
I appreciate that restraint so much. Especially in a genre where purple flourishes are so rampant.
September 27, 2021
Wow this book gutted me! Omg Katedo 😭 I swooned for this broken, scarred warrior! And Jessica was amazing! Her relationship with Kam, Katedo's son, was so sweet.
This book almost made me tear up, and I have never cried at a book before, so that's saying a lot!
This book almost made me tear up, and I have never cried at a book before, so that's saying a lot!
July 10, 2024
Jessica + Katedo
Very good, but not my favorite in the series because of the trope. Widow/Widower romances can be hard, depending on how the past loved one is handled (which was good in this case) or when that is where the conflict is heavy. Jessica grew up an orphan and is the unlucky 3% of Earth's population that doesn't have a DNA link. She longs to be loved and belonged with a family of her own. And poor Katedo... he is so over protective over his own heart and his young son. Scared to live life at all, so he keeps Jessica at a distance for most of the book - that is were the dislike is.
Despite his past, Katedo was willing to slowly give Jessica what she wanted because he wants those things as well. But of course a third act conflict has to arise and I didn't love that. BUT I liked the resolution and it was still a good read, could have been a train wreck honestly.
Tropes: Widow, divorcee, single dad, scarred hero, secretsssss
Very good, but not my favorite in the series because of the trope. Widow/Widower romances can be hard, depending on how the past loved one is handled (which was good in this case) or when that is where the conflict is heavy. Jessica grew up an orphan and is the unlucky 3% of Earth's population that doesn't have a DNA link. She longs to be loved and belonged with a family of her own. And poor Katedo... he is so over protective over his own heart and his young son. Scared to live life at all, so he keeps Jessica at a distance for most of the book - that is were the dislike is.
Despite his past, Katedo was willing to slowly give Jessica what she wanted because he wants those things as well. But of course a third act conflict has to arise and I didn't love that. BUT I liked the resolution and it was still a good read, could have been a train wreck honestly.
Tropes: Widow, divorcee, single dad, scarred hero, secretsssss
March 17, 2023
》Short Review《
God this cover is not it, but the story! The story IS! Whew!
I loved everything! Jessica and Katedo had a wonderful love story. I ate up every bit.
I also loved the supporting cast, especially Katedo’s mom and son! They were perfect additions, and loved how they adored Jessica as well. Such a beautiful family unit.
The ending had me in tears, I thought it was well drawn out, in the way I wish the previous book had been.
If I were to change anything it would be I wish the beginning had drawn out a bit more the push-and-pull and jealousy, I wanted Katedo to fall into a bit more anguish as he pushed Jessica away. But that’s just me being a masochist! This was overall an incredibly well done story.
These alien romances just hit so right, y’all! Don’t be shy, try them out!
God this cover is not it, but the story! The story IS! Whew!
I loved everything! Jessica and Katedo had a wonderful love story. I ate up every bit.
I also loved the supporting cast, especially Katedo’s mom and son! They were perfect additions, and loved how they adored Jessica as well. Such a beautiful family unit.
The ending had me in tears, I thought it was well drawn out, in the way I wish the previous book had been.
If I were to change anything it would be I wish the beginning had drawn out a bit more the push-and-pull and jealousy, I wanted Katedo to fall into a bit more anguish as he pushed Jessica away. But that’s just me being a masochist! This was overall an incredibly well done story.
These alien romances just hit so right, y’all! Don’t be shy, try them out!
November 24, 2023
2.5 Stars.
Hmm didn't enjoy this one as much as Books 1 and 4 in this series, but it was alright I guess...
Hmm didn't enjoy this one as much as Books 1 and 4 in this series, but it was alright I guess...
Read
December 19, 2022DNF at 63%. I was into this story at first but I just can’t finish it. Not enough characterization and I don’t think I’ve ever been the biggest fan of Katedo. Not a fan of the cover either to be honest. I think my biggest problem is that the story is kind of boring, romantic suspense is almost zilch and nobody is earning anything and while I really liked Toagi’s story before and seemed to be onboard with these types of aliens, there is so much jizz in this one that the sex scenes kinda grossed me out in a big way. Jessica was fine though a little bland herself. Not super excited about book 3 but maybe I will just skip ahead to the last one, if I decide that I do want to continue the series.
September 8, 2021
He Walks🐺🍆⛲🔪🔫 Alone💔
ADULT Alpha Alien 👽Male Romance💕 and Alien Planet🌍 Adventure
Human Jessica💃💋 goes to Solgad🌍as a virologist from the Empire, to help figure out and create a cure for the ice fever that is running rampant among the natives on the planet🌍. She arrives at the only city of Soja, accidently in heat, and the huge horned and fanged warriors🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪 are ready to fight each other for her as soon as she arrives.
Katedo, the Jal'Zar Warlord🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪, wants to send her back immediately. He has enough trouble going on without vicious fights breaking out over this female.
He is of course highly attracted to her also, but he has had nothing but bad luck with every female he has attempted to mate. He does have a young son from one, but he is a trial to him every Day, and he is raising him alone because his mother was killed.
Jessica has nothing to go back for or to.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
Author Ludwig📚 has done a superior job of world 🌎building in this slow burn🔥 romance between Jessica💃💔, a human woman with her own sad reasons for leaving 🌎 Earth, and Katedo🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪, the deeply scarred Warlord of the underground city of Soja.
The ADULT scenes between Jessica💃💋 and Katedo 🐺🍆⛲🔪 are very graphic and numerous.
Great book! Wonderfully romantic, well written, and action packed story!
ADULT Alpha Alien 👽Male Romance💕 and Alien Planet🌍 Adventure
Human Jessica💃💋 goes to Solgad🌍as a virologist from the Empire, to help figure out and create a cure for the ice fever that is running rampant among the natives on the planet🌍. She arrives at the only city of Soja, accidently in heat, and the huge horned and fanged warriors🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪 are ready to fight each other for her as soon as she arrives.
Katedo, the Jal'Zar Warlord🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪, wants to send her back immediately. He has enough trouble going on without vicious fights breaking out over this female.
He is of course highly attracted to her also, but he has had nothing but bad luck with every female he has attempted to mate. He does have a young son from one, but he is a trial to him every Day, and he is raising him alone because his mother was killed.
Jessica has nothing to go back for or to.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
Author Ludwig📚 has done a superior job of world 🌎building in this slow burn🔥 romance between Jessica💃💔, a human woman with her own sad reasons for leaving 🌎 Earth, and Katedo🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪, the deeply scarred Warlord of the underground city of Soja.
The ADULT scenes between Jessica💃💋 and Katedo 🐺🍆⛲🔪 are very graphic and numerous.
Great book! Wonderfully romantic, well written, and action packed story!
September 17, 2022
I AM BACK IN AN ALIEN HOLE AND I NEVER WANT TO LEAVE. just leave me here, hanging in a nabu, feral over these aliens for the rest of my life, thank you.
this was SO GOOD, DUDE. i love my mesakkah aliens with every fiber of my being, but the jal’zar are just…truly something else.
this is all of the fun of IPB (sorry i can’t help but compare the two — they’re the only alien romances i’ve read, and they remind me so much of one another!), but with modern technology and delicious tension built by a higher-stakes plot. where IPB is mostly heartwarming and gentle, this series puts you through the emotional wringer, and it��s all the better for it.
this book takes a look at warlord katedo, a widowed father with a desperate fear of vulnerability, and jessica, a virologist who just wants to belong somewhere. their love story is SO SWEET and so riddled with angst, my eyes were misty at several points.
it’s just so good. and katedo’s son is a DELIGHT, the side characters are so FUN, and the story arc is moving and lovely in all the right ways. i would die for katedo, and if i’m forced to rank my top alien boyfriends, he is most assuredly a top 5 contender.
IF YOU LIKED IPB, READ THIS SERIES. you won’t regret it.
unless you have an aversion to, um, stingers… but even then, it’s worth it.
this was SO GOOD, DUDE. i love my mesakkah aliens with every fiber of my being, but the jal’zar are just…truly something else.
this is all of the fun of IPB (sorry i can’t help but compare the two — they’re the only alien romances i’ve read, and they remind me so much of one another!), but with modern technology and delicious tension built by a higher-stakes plot. where IPB is mostly heartwarming and gentle, this series puts you through the emotional wringer, and it��s all the better for it.
this book takes a look at warlord katedo, a widowed father with a desperate fear of vulnerability, and jessica, a virologist who just wants to belong somewhere. their love story is SO SWEET and so riddled with angst, my eyes were misty at several points.
it’s just so good. and katedo’s son is a DELIGHT, the side characters are so FUN, and the story arc is moving and lovely in all the right ways. i would die for katedo, and if i’m forced to rank my top alien boyfriends, he is most assuredly a top 5 contender.
IF YOU LIKED IPB, READ THIS SERIES. you won’t regret it.
unless you have an aversion to, um, stingers… but even then, it’s worth it.
May 26, 2022
I didn't hate this one, but it isn't my favorite in the series. This one is lost love and prev. child troupe.
It was almost too sweet for me. I wanted a little more ruggedness from my aliens. However, his son was freaking adorable and I loved the part where he used his son as a chick magnet to get the FMC to come to dinner with them.
I also loved how accepting of how his son was. He wasn't a jerk to the FMC, he truly liked her and was happy to meet her and have her join their family. So cute!
The mother was also hilarious in her meddling way, but the couple themselves were just a bit....eh. I felt like there could have been more to them. And I also feel like this entire book took place in his apartment, which was a little weird to me.
The story as a whole was good, but the romance between the MC's could have been a bit more for me.
It was almost too sweet for me. I wanted a little more ruggedness from my aliens. However, his son was freaking adorable and I loved the part where he used his son as a chick magnet to get the FMC to come to dinner with them.
I also loved how accepting of how his son was. He wasn't a jerk to the FMC, he truly liked her and was happy to meet her and have her join their family. So cute!
The mother was also hilarious in her meddling way, but the couple themselves were just a bit....eh. I felt like there could have been more to them. And I also feel like this entire book took place in his apartment, which was a little weird to me.
The story as a whole was good, but the romance between the MC's could have been a bit more for me.
August 21, 2021
Claimed by the Warlord is the second book in the Ash Planet Warriors series by VK Ludwig. It is a standalone, but for the best reading experience should be read after Stolen by the Warlord. Claimed is the story of Warlord Katedo whom we briefly met in book one when he had his intended human bride stolen from him. While he was willing to marry, he never intended on completing the true bond since he had already lost a spouse and didn’t want to put himself in that painful position ever again. Katedo’s intentions go flying out the window when he meets Jessica, the new human doctor that comes to his village - especially when her hormone suppressant breaks during transit and there is no way mask her going into heat. Katedo may be able to fight his body’s pull to Jessica, but his heart may not be so lucky.
This was such a wonderful, heart wrenching story! I actually enjoyed it much more than the first. The storyline was fantastic and the emotional rollercoaster ride experienced through Katedo and Jessica’s hopes and fears was compelling to read. Katedo is a leader that bears the weight of the world on his shoulders from the loss of his previous wife as well as the responsibility of leading. He is attracted to Jessica, but fears the vulnerability their bonding will do to both of them. Jessica has her own baggage to deal with. Consistently left behind her whole life, first by her family and then by her ex, she constantly deals with fear that she isn’t enough. The chemistry between them is strong from the start and the smexy times are super hot. LOVED this story and can’t wait to read Zerim’s book next!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Fated mate
Angst: 😰😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
This was such a wonderful, heart wrenching story! I actually enjoyed it much more than the first. The storyline was fantastic and the emotional rollercoaster ride experienced through Katedo and Jessica’s hopes and fears was compelling to read. Katedo is a leader that bears the weight of the world on his shoulders from the loss of his previous wife as well as the responsibility of leading. He is attracted to Jessica, but fears the vulnerability their bonding will do to both of them. Jessica has her own baggage to deal with. Consistently left behind her whole life, first by her family and then by her ex, she constantly deals with fear that she isn’t enough. The chemistry between them is strong from the start and the smexy times are super hot. LOVED this story and can’t wait to read Zerim’s book next!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Fated mate
Angst: 😰😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
August 17, 2021
The writing and editing of the ARC version of the manuscript was clean, with no typos that I found and beautiful sentences and paragraphs. The author really showcased her writing chops in this novel. The world building was incredibly vibrant, with the language, values, and culture of the hero’s people coming to life. The characterization was excellent, with both hero and heroine being sympathetic individuals with nuance, strengths, and weaknesses. The development of the romantic relationship was sweet and heartfelt, while at the same time being filled with internal conflict. The heat level in this romance was three chili peppers. The plot was well drawn without detracting from the main focus on the relationships and characterization. The pacing flew by. I read this novel in one sitting. This novel had a high level of well justified angst and high stakes throughout, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This novel used the Afraid of Loss trope and the Mating Bond trope. The world building, plot, and pacing were all five stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also five stars. The only complaint I had with this book was the fact that it wasn’t longer. I therefore gave this novel a combined rating of five stars. This novel had a fabulous Happy Ever After ending that left me with a tear in my eye, especially the closing paragraph. I recommend this novel to readers who want to read romances with profound life lessons to teach about love and relationships. I greatly anticipate reading the next novel in this series when it releases. I will buy myself keeper copies of this novel, in both paper and ebook format if possible.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 27, 2021
This was such a great read! It's based around two broken characters, resistant to losing more and with goals that are opposite. This brings great emotional angst to the story but there's hope with the help of a very cute kid. He added a great dimension to the story and I loved watching everything unfold. This book can be read as a stand-alone but book one was just as awesome, so don't miss out ;) Now to be patient for the next book... ;)
September 5, 2021
Moving past the pain
This book hurts so good! I love the depth of emotion the author has captured with the characters. They each held their own pain and only together are they able to overcome it. I really enjoyed getting a more in-depth look into this particular warlord and what motivates him, and Jessica is an absolute joy to read and learn about. These two might have been the focus of the story, but everyone, from Kam to the baby, added personality and character to such an amazing read. I was so sad at the low points and overjoyed at the highs. This book is a fantastic weekend read, but be prepared with tissues. You are going to shed happy and sad tears, but each one that drops enhances the experience. I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
This book hurts so good! I love the depth of emotion the author has captured with the characters. They each held their own pain and only together are they able to overcome it. I really enjoyed getting a more in-depth look into this particular warlord and what motivates him, and Jessica is an absolute joy to read and learn about. These two might have been the focus of the story, but everyone, from Kam to the baby, added personality and character to such an amazing read. I was so sad at the low points and overjoyed at the highs. This book is a fantastic weekend read, but be prepared with tissues. You are going to shed happy and sad tears, but each one that drops enhances the experience. I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
November 14, 2021
This is one of the better books I’ve read in a loooong time. Omg this was good, so good. Everything just worked perfectly. The world-building, pacing, character development, just everything was on point. It was beautiful and well-written. I am SO GLAD I found this. It really helped me through the reading slump I’ve been in.
Definitely read this.
Definitely read this.
September 9, 2021
This is a beautifully written story of two 'broken' people, Katedo and Jessica. This has incredible world building and characterizations. The story is captivating and moving with a rollercoaster of emotions and hot steam. This is an excellent read.
April 22, 2023
Skipped the sex scenes but the story was super cute and liked the depth of the alien ‘fated mates’ trope. The author brought in more free will than most and I find this allows for a deeper connection between the characters
August 29, 2024
I love a book where our characters get a second chance at life. Our sweet MMC was so scared of ruining anything good in his life, but she was able to reassure him and be the best person for him and his son. It was so cute!
September 12, 2021
I read the first book in this series, and while it was a good book, I felt that it fell a little short. This second book really made up for that.
Based on my observations from the first book (and subsequently this one), this new series is heavily inspired by Zoey Draven's Horde Kings of Dakkar series . It isn't a complete rip-off, and it doesn't plagiarize by any means. But the influences are clear to see - the depictions of the mounts they use, the nomadic groups, having a capital city where most of the citizens live, the completion of a trial (singular) to become a warlord, one leader being in charge of an entire group with a second in command, having said leader expected to take a female mate (each with given titles of respect), etc.
But this author has managed to flesh out an entirely different story compared to Draven's series. There are enough differences to make it totally unique and the first two books have been a great start to this series. This book in particular can be read as a standalone, however it is recommended to read the first book in the series as it introduces us to the H, and gives context to other events that take place later on.
The H is Katedo, a warlord of the planet Solgad. He is a single father, and has been a widow for much longer . His son Kamenji, insisting to be called his self-appointed nickname Kam, is eight years old. As a result of his wife's passing, Katedo has become overbearing and overprotective of his son. Katedo believes this is the best way to keep him safe, but it comes at the cost of their relationship straining as Kam grows older and insists on doing things on his own . Kamenji has grown increasingly restless and harder to contain as of late, and it's all Katedo can do to keep him safe and under his protection. But his efforts are in vain - Kam still manages to sneak out and get into trouble no matter who Katedo assigns to keep watch over him. Not even Katedo's mother Neshta is of any help . And to make matters worse, the human healers sent by the Empire arrive in the capital city of Noja, and one of them is in estrous, which has the potential to send every male in the immediate vicinity and beyond into a mating frenzy.
The healer in question is Jessica, who's actually a virologist sent to study the new variant of a disease that has run rampant among the plains. She arrives with a team of other humans, the rest of which being the healers. The disease, called "ice fever", is highly contagious and almost always fatal . Jessica has agreed to travel to Solgad, specifically Noja, to study the new strain of the fever at Noja's medical facilities and assist in the development of a vaccine. But unbeknownst to anyone else, she is pining her hopes on becoming a mate for a warrior in Noja, and has packed literally everything she owned into numerous suitcases for relocation purposes. By the time Jessica lands on Solgad, every male in the building can literally smell her, including Katedo .
Because of the volatile and frenzied reactions unmated men have to the scent of a woman's estrous, women are provided with suppressant injections that mask their scent when their menstrual cycles start. When they meet for the first time, Jessica informs Katedo that her injections broke during transit and are unusable. This results in Katedo escorting Jessica off the transporter with his second-in-command, a female named Sevja . When he separates Jessica from the others by temporarily housing her in his private chambers, what follows is a prolonged yet valiant effort Katedo puts forth to distance himself from Jessica and curb his ever-growing attraction to her, which ultimately proves to be a losing battle.
I'll be honest, despite Jessica being a woman of color, I had a hard time connecting with her character. I thought she was well written, but I felt her back story wasn't very fleshed out. From what we learn, Jessica and her ex-husband divorced an undisclosed amount of time before she came to Solgad . But there's nothing about how they met, where they met, or even what he looked like, not to mention how long they were married. Adding to this, the name of Jessica's ex-husband is never once mentioned throughout the entire book. To me, this implies that this aspect of her character doesn't serve a purpose other than being a point of commonality between her and Katedo, since this means both were mated in the past but are mated no longer.
And whatever her previous life might have been on Earth is almost nondescript . I'm assuming the additional info about Earth given from her back story will be built upon in the coming books, but in this one, it didn't seem like it was relevant to her character development.
I really connected with Katedo, however. His struggles as a single father, witnessing his relationship with Kamenji grow more and more distant each day, and going through the literally soul-agonizing pain of losing his wife really shaped his character. Initially, when Katedo discovered that she was in estrous, he was absolutely adamant that Jessica returned to Earth . And Katedo had a good reason for pushing her away and keeping his distance - he has blamed himself for the death of his wife for literal years. He explains to Jessica and reminds himself more than once that the pain he went through when she died nearly killed him. And since her death, he has refused to take another mate despite always wanting another child. And he firmly believes he is cursed, not wanting to go through the soul-crushing pain of losing a mate again with Jessica should anything happen to her that he cannot help.
But his self-imposed isolation later serves as a double-edged sword. Jessica and Kamenji bond and connect on a level that almost makes Katedo envious with how close they had become in such a short time. Jessica not only grows to love Kamenji, but she falls for Katedo just as quickly. She is put off by his distancing from her, but she is persistent enough that the two can't ignore their growing attraction for long. This eventually leads Katedo to revealing something he had intended to keep hidden from Jessica until her next heat - . When he reveals this to Jessica, she is so hurt that she decides once her assignment in Noja is over , she will be returning to Earth instead of joining him on the plains .
On top of all this, the other healers that Jessica arrived with on Solgad are almost never mentioned. There's one healer, a Jal'zar male who was in Noja prior to their arrival, that has a brief interaction with Jessica . Only one of the human healers is named, and it's mentioned in one chapter a few times, so sparingly I don't even remember it. And there's no mention of what became of these healers in the epilogue either. Did they stay in Noja? Did they stay on Solgad at all? Did they get on the next transport heading to Earth? Did some of them join tribes??
Overall, this was a solid 3.5/5 stars for me. I thought it was a really nice story , but Jessica's lack of a substantial back story prevented me from really connecting with her. And although the loose ends and random bits of information about Earth and the "Gaia bonds" felt out of place in the broader context of the story, I'll definitely be on the look out for the next in the series.
Based on my observations from the first book (and subsequently this one), this new series is heavily inspired by Zoey Draven's Horde Kings of Dakkar series . It isn't a complete rip-off, and it doesn't plagiarize by any means. But the influences are clear to see - the depictions of the mounts they use, the nomadic groups, having a capital city where most of the citizens live, the completion of a trial (singular) to become a warlord, one leader being in charge of an entire group with a second in command, having said leader expected to take a female mate (each with given titles of respect), etc.
But this author has managed to flesh out an entirely different story compared to Draven's series. There are enough differences to make it totally unique and the first two books have been a great start to this series. This book in particular can be read as a standalone, however it is recommended to read the first book in the series as it introduces us to the H, and gives context to other events that take place later on.
The H is Katedo, a warlord of the planet Solgad. He is a single father, and has been a widow for much longer . His son Kamenji, insisting to be called his self-appointed nickname Kam, is eight years old. As a result of his wife's passing, Katedo has become overbearing and overprotective of his son. Katedo believes this is the best way to keep him safe, but it comes at the cost of their relationship straining as Kam grows older and insists on doing things on his own . Kamenji has grown increasingly restless and harder to contain as of late, and it's all Katedo can do to keep him safe and under his protection. But his efforts are in vain - Kam still manages to sneak out and get into trouble no matter who Katedo assigns to keep watch over him. Not even Katedo's mother Neshta is of any help . And to make matters worse, the human healers sent by the Empire arrive in the capital city of Noja, and one of them is in estrous, which has the potential to send every male in the immediate vicinity and beyond into a mating frenzy.
The healer in question is Jessica, who's actually a virologist sent to study the new variant of a disease that has run rampant among the plains. She arrives with a team of other humans, the rest of which being the healers. The disease, called "ice fever", is highly contagious and almost always fatal . Jessica has agreed to travel to Solgad, specifically Noja, to study the new strain of the fever at Noja's medical facilities and assist in the development of a vaccine. But unbeknownst to anyone else, she is pining her hopes on becoming a mate for a warrior in Noja, and has packed literally everything she owned into numerous suitcases for relocation purposes. By the time Jessica lands on Solgad, every male in the building can literally smell her, including Katedo .
Because of the volatile and frenzied reactions unmated men have to the scent of a woman's estrous, women are provided with suppressant injections that mask their scent when their menstrual cycles start. When they meet for the first time, Jessica informs Katedo that her injections broke during transit and are unusable. This results in Katedo escorting Jessica off the transporter with his second-in-command, a female named Sevja . When he separates Jessica from the others by temporarily housing her in his private chambers, what follows is a prolonged yet valiant effort Katedo puts forth to distance himself from Jessica and curb his ever-growing attraction to her, which ultimately proves to be a losing battle.
I'll be honest, despite Jessica being a woman of color, I had a hard time connecting with her character. I thought she was well written, but I felt her back story wasn't very fleshed out. From what we learn, Jessica and her ex-husband divorced an undisclosed amount of time before she came to Solgad . But there's nothing about how they met, where they met, or even what he looked like, not to mention how long they were married. Adding to this, the name of Jessica's ex-husband is never once mentioned throughout the entire book. To me, this implies that this aspect of her character doesn't serve a purpose other than being a point of commonality between her and Katedo, since this means both were mated in the past but are mated no longer.
And whatever her previous life might have been on Earth is almost nondescript . I'm assuming the additional info about Earth given from her back story will be built upon in the coming books, but in this one, it didn't seem like it was relevant to her character development.
I really connected with Katedo, however. His struggles as a single father, witnessing his relationship with Kamenji grow more and more distant each day, and going through the literally soul-agonizing pain of losing his wife really shaped his character. Initially, when Katedo discovered that she was in estrous, he was absolutely adamant that Jessica returned to Earth . And Katedo had a good reason for pushing her away and keeping his distance - he has blamed himself for the death of his wife for literal years. He explains to Jessica and reminds himself more than once that the pain he went through when she died nearly killed him. And since her death, he has refused to take another mate despite always wanting another child. And he firmly believes he is cursed, not wanting to go through the soul-crushing pain of losing a mate again with Jessica should anything happen to her that he cannot help.
But his self-imposed isolation later serves as a double-edged sword. Jessica and Kamenji bond and connect on a level that almost makes Katedo envious with how close they had become in such a short time. Jessica not only grows to love Kamenji, but she falls for Katedo just as quickly. She is put off by his distancing from her, but she is persistent enough that the two can't ignore their growing attraction for long. This eventually leads Katedo to revealing something he had intended to keep hidden from Jessica until her next heat - . When he reveals this to Jessica, she is so hurt that she decides once her assignment in Noja is over , she will be returning to Earth instead of joining him on the plains .
On top of all this, the other healers that Jessica arrived with on Solgad are almost never mentioned. There's one healer, a Jal'zar male who was in Noja prior to their arrival, that has a brief interaction with Jessica . Only one of the human healers is named, and it's mentioned in one chapter a few times, so sparingly I don't even remember it. And there's no mention of what became of these healers in the epilogue either. Did they stay in Noja? Did they stay on Solgad at all? Did they get on the next transport heading to Earth? Did some of them join tribes??
Overall, this was a solid 3.5/5 stars for me. I thought it was a really nice story , but Jessica's lack of a substantial back story prevented me from really connecting with her. And although the loose ends and random bits of information about Earth and the "Gaia bonds" felt out of place in the broader context of the story, I'll definitely be on the look out for the next in the series.
December 30, 2022
5/5 I absolutely loved this, sparks joy, gives serotonin, would read again.
And I see book 3 was released this week so off to read that next!
And I see book 3 was released this week so off to read that next!
May 6, 2025
3 stars
Jessica was a virologist who's working on the ice fever problem. She came into heat on the her first day and Katedo had to whisk her off to his quarters to ensure her safety from other males.
Katedo had very bad luck when it came to women. His first love died when he was young, then his wife and mother to his child, Kam, was taken and killed by freeraiders. So even though he was drawn to Jessica, he had to stay away. On the other hand, Jessica's ex husband just up and left her one day when everything was fine, and all she wanted now was a soulbond and a permanent family of her own.
Katedo's and Jessica's relationship was pretty cute. The addition of Kam being adorable to help their relationship along was also very fun to read. The first time they had sex together, Katedo had pricked her in the rib, which usually meant that they had a soulbond. But he didn't hum for her then, so the connection didn't happen. Katedo made her his wife essentially and doted on her, but he never let her know that he lied to her. When she found out, she was devestated and decided to leave him. She was supposed to go to the lab while Katedo break the news to his son, but she went after him in the last minute, accepting that they could be together without the soulbond. She fell and hit her head and was in a coma.
Katedo went to see her after deciding that he'd give her the soulbond. The healers told him that her soul was wandering around, lost. So he decided to sting her right then while she was unconscious. Also, she was pregnant. Jessica regain her consciousness and they made up.
There were so many angst potential in this book but it wasn't developed. Like, Jessica should've wondered if he's giving her the soulbond just because she's pregnant or something idk.
The main "action" plot of the book was neglected so bad. Jessica did very little work and she didn't achieve anything regarding the ice fever. Katedo had some warlord work and there was battle with the freeraiders toward the end but I didn't really see the importance for the world building. I felt that it was there to confirm the love plot, re-affirm Katedo that the soulbond would only bring pain if one of them dies.
This book was mainly about their relationship, which I wouldn't mind if it had set itself up to be just that. But introducing the world building stuff and not really giving readers some type of goal achievement drowned the book a bit.
Jessica was a virologist who's working on the ice fever problem. She came into heat on the her first day and Katedo had to whisk her off to his quarters to ensure her safety from other males.
Katedo had very bad luck when it came to women. His first love died when he was young, then his wife and mother to his child, Kam, was taken and killed by freeraiders. So even though he was drawn to Jessica, he had to stay away. On the other hand, Jessica's ex husband just up and left her one day when everything was fine, and all she wanted now was a soulbond and a permanent family of her own.
Katedo's and Jessica's relationship was pretty cute. The addition of Kam being adorable to help their relationship along was also very fun to read. The first time they had sex together, Katedo had pricked her in the rib, which usually meant that they had a soulbond. But he didn't hum for her then, so the connection didn't happen. Katedo made her his wife essentially and doted on her, but he never let her know that he lied to her. When she found out, she was devestated and decided to leave him. She was supposed to go to the lab while Katedo break the news to his son, but she went after him in the last minute, accepting that they could be together without the soulbond. She fell and hit her head and was in a coma.
Katedo went to see her after deciding that he'd give her the soulbond. The healers told him that her soul was wandering around, lost. So he decided to sting her right then while she was unconscious. Also, she was pregnant. Jessica regain her consciousness and they made up.
There were so many angst potential in this book but it wasn't developed. Like, Jessica should've wondered if he's giving her the soulbond just because she's pregnant or something idk.
The main "action" plot of the book was neglected so bad. Jessica did very little work and she didn't achieve anything regarding the ice fever. Katedo had some warlord work and there was battle with the freeraiders toward the end but I didn't really see the importance for the world building. I felt that it was there to confirm the love plot, re-affirm Katedo that the soulbond would only bring pain if one of them dies.
This book was mainly about their relationship, which I wouldn't mind if it had set itself up to be just that. But introducing the world building stuff and not really giving readers some type of goal achievement drowned the book a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2024
📕 64%
- Love declared and they’re together and so much of the book still left. I’m worried. I really like the MMC. Once he was committed, he was FULLY committed. I like men who don’t leave their women in doubt of where they stand and what they are about. No mind games.
📕 67%
- I take back everything I said. I do not like this MMC. He has just betrayed my love and trust. I cannot believe I believed in him.
📕 79%
- The betrayal. The agonising betrayal. 💔 How do you come back from this? This.. He.. He broke something in her. Whatever was left after her divorce? He broke the rest.
📕 80%
- Argh. She’s willing to fix it. She doesn’t know he doesn’t want to ever do so. I really hope the author doesn’t give us some sped up “oh I’ve just realised I can’t live without you” type conclusion to this because this right here deserves so MUCH more than that to fix. I will be severely disappointed if their resolution doesn’t match the amount of anguish I am carrying right now because of this third act fight. I like this FMC and want more for her. So much more.
Even without the mating bond, the zovazay as they call it, there will still be pain if they lose each other. The zovazay makes their relationship deeper and also protects her from other males during her heat. His claiming to love her but being unwilling to bond her in a society like theirs is unacceptable. If she’s also didn't want it, then fine. But she does. Giving her the title of queen (urizaya) doesn’t make up for it.
📕 84%
- Fine. I know he didn’t do it with malice and it was his fear, I KNOW. But gosh, it’s heart wrenching still.
📕 98%
- Fine. I am satisfied with this ending.
📕 Tropes/Themes:
🌷Alien Romance
🌷Dual PoV (First Person)
🌷MMC is a single father
🌷Accidental Claiming / Claiming Sting (via tail)
🌷Rutting / Humming / Heat (Estrous) - Not Omegaverse
🌷Open Door
🌷Spice 🌶️🌶️
🌷Pregnancy
🌷Book 2 in Series / Standalone (Better when read in order)
🌷Happily Ever After
Overall: 3.8⭐️
Not gonna lie, I felt that betrayal from the MMC but funny enough, the anguish added more flavour to the book. I forgive him for his traumatic response in the end because it was a cute HEA. Plus his son humming for the FMC was just the sweetest thing.
- Love declared and they’re together and so much of the book still left. I’m worried. I really like the MMC. Once he was committed, he was FULLY committed. I like men who don’t leave their women in doubt of where they stand and what they are about. No mind games.
📕 67%
- I take back everything I said. I do not like this MMC. He has just betrayed my love and trust. I cannot believe I believed in him.
📕 79%
- The betrayal. The agonising betrayal. 💔 How do you come back from this? This.. He.. He broke something in her. Whatever was left after her divorce? He broke the rest.
📕 80%
- Argh. She’s willing to fix it. She doesn’t know he doesn’t want to ever do so. I really hope the author doesn’t give us some sped up “oh I’ve just realised I can’t live without you” type conclusion to this because this right here deserves so MUCH more than that to fix. I will be severely disappointed if their resolution doesn’t match the amount of anguish I am carrying right now because of this third act fight. I like this FMC and want more for her. So much more.
Even without the mating bond, the zovazay as they call it, there will still be pain if they lose each other. The zovazay makes their relationship deeper and also protects her from other males during her heat. His claiming to love her but being unwilling to bond her in a society like theirs is unacceptable. If she’s also didn't want it, then fine. But she does. Giving her the title of queen (urizaya) doesn’t make up for it.
📕 84%
- Fine. I know he didn’t do it with malice and it was his fear, I KNOW. But gosh, it’s heart wrenching still.
📕 98%
- Fine. I am satisfied with this ending.
📕 Tropes/Themes:
🌷Alien Romance
🌷Dual PoV (First Person)
🌷MMC is a single father
🌷Accidental Claiming / Claiming Sting (via tail)
🌷Rutting / Humming / Heat (Estrous) - Not Omegaverse
🌷Open Door
🌷Spice 🌶️🌶️
🌷Pregnancy
🌷Book 2 in Series / Standalone (Better when read in order)
🌷Happily Ever After
Overall: 3.8⭐️
Not gonna lie, I felt that betrayal from the MMC but funny enough, the anguish added more flavour to the book. I forgive him for his traumatic response in the end because it was a cute HEA. Plus his son humming for the FMC was just the sweetest thing.
August 26, 2021
Just finished my 2nd book by this author and I am completely fascinated by her writing - the lush descriptions of the world these incredible characters inhabit is as captivating as the nuances in the storyline. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to discover her work, but I’m going to enjoy reading her catalog of previously published books!
Katedo is a powerful Warlord who didn’t give the best impression of who he is when he first appeared in Book 1 of this series, but wow does he shine in this book!
He has suffered tragic losses and the pain of love lost has caused him to fear more loss, so he keeps himself tightly constrained against the possibility of love. He is a single father to a very bouncy and energetic boy who pushes against the protective restraints his father has enforced, Katedo is obsessive about protecting against physical and emotional danger. Kamenji is an awesome addition to this story and one who helps to propel the story and the main characters to grow.
Jessica is a virologist from Earth who also has suffered tragically and seeks out a soul deep connection, and a family. She is ovulating when she arrives in Noja and Katedo reacts violently when he smells her sweet scent, possessive male on the edge of being out of control.
The author spins a story that brings these two equally flawed characters together whose wants are equally valid, but completely incompatible, causing emotional angst as they navigate a relationship neither of them can resist. The levels of emotion and the sexual tension are both intense. This angst is balanced with the sweet relationship Jessica develops with Katedo’s young son Kamenji, and how their relationship pushes Katedo to rethink and expand his perspective.
This is a story that delves into life lessons as the character develop and grow. This is a beautiful and intelligent story, entertaining and engaging with such a fantastic ending. I’m going to emphasize this is story has an emotional impact and will stay with you long after you finish the book.
I received an ARC from the author and Hidden Gems, I am voluntarily leaving a review. I am so looking forward to Book 3 of the series I’ve marked it’s release date on my calendar!
Katedo is a powerful Warlord who didn’t give the best impression of who he is when he first appeared in Book 1 of this series, but wow does he shine in this book!
He has suffered tragic losses and the pain of love lost has caused him to fear more loss, so he keeps himself tightly constrained against the possibility of love. He is a single father to a very bouncy and energetic boy who pushes against the protective restraints his father has enforced, Katedo is obsessive about protecting against physical and emotional danger. Kamenji is an awesome addition to this story and one who helps to propel the story and the main characters to grow.
Jessica is a virologist from Earth who also has suffered tragically and seeks out a soul deep connection, and a family. She is ovulating when she arrives in Noja and Katedo reacts violently when he smells her sweet scent, possessive male on the edge of being out of control.
The author spins a story that brings these two equally flawed characters together whose wants are equally valid, but completely incompatible, causing emotional angst as they navigate a relationship neither of them can resist. The levels of emotion and the sexual tension are both intense. This angst is balanced with the sweet relationship Jessica develops with Katedo’s young son Kamenji, and how their relationship pushes Katedo to rethink and expand his perspective.
This is a story that delves into life lessons as the character develop and grow. This is a beautiful and intelligent story, entertaining and engaging with such a fantastic ending. I’m going to emphasize this is story has an emotional impact and will stay with you long after you finish the book.
I received an ARC from the author and Hidden Gems, I am voluntarily leaving a review. I am so looking forward to Book 3 of the series I’ve marked it’s release date on my calendar!
August 25, 2021
Katedo knows what it's like to have loved and lost . . . and he'd rather have never loved at all. When his arranged marriage is interrupted, it's frankly a relief. Conversely, Jessica is so eager to find a sense of love and belonging that, when it doesn't seem forthcoming on Earth, she jumps at the chance to travel to Solgad and live among the close-knit Jal'zar people instead. With such different perspectives, is there anything powerful enough to make the two see eye-to-eye once they're no longer blinded by their passions?
The first book of this series, STOLEN BY THE WARLORD, took place almost entirely out on the dangerous plains of Solgad and depicted a simpler way of life. This time around, the tribe in question resides in Noja, their technologically advanced capital city. Katedo was clearly a great and well-respected leader, but it was the depth of affections that he held toward his son that revealed his true nature. I loved that Jessica was a self-sufficient scientist and that the important virology work she was doing continued to be addressed throughout the book rather than set aside once romance bloomed. I was actually surprised that I found myself wishing that a bit more time was spent developing Katedo and Jessica's relationship in the beginning because I wanted to know more about what they saw in each other. However, I recognize that the many stops and starts in their romance were fitting given Katedo's history.
Side characters, both new and old, all had their moments to shine, which helped me to be fully invested in what happened to them over the course of the story. With how the plot ends, I'm sure that the next book in the series will spotlight some returning characters as well. I'm already looking forward to catching up with our two warlord couples and their families again.
I received an advanced reader copy of CLAIMED BY THE WARLORD and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The first book of this series, STOLEN BY THE WARLORD, took place almost entirely out on the dangerous plains of Solgad and depicted a simpler way of life. This time around, the tribe in question resides in Noja, their technologically advanced capital city. Katedo was clearly a great and well-respected leader, but it was the depth of affections that he held toward his son that revealed his true nature. I loved that Jessica was a self-sufficient scientist and that the important virology work she was doing continued to be addressed throughout the book rather than set aside once romance bloomed. I was actually surprised that I found myself wishing that a bit more time was spent developing Katedo and Jessica's relationship in the beginning because I wanted to know more about what they saw in each other. However, I recognize that the many stops and starts in their romance were fitting given Katedo's history.
Side characters, both new and old, all had their moments to shine, which helped me to be fully invested in what happened to them over the course of the story. With how the plot ends, I'm sure that the next book in the series will spotlight some returning characters as well. I'm already looking forward to catching up with our two warlord couples and their families again.
I received an advanced reader copy of CLAIMED BY THE WARLORD and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 9, 2023
Stolen by the Warlord ✾ 4.5 Stars
Claimed by the Warlord ✾ 3.5 Stars
Bound to the Warlord ✾ Between 4.5 and 5 Stars because I can't decide yet.
Tormented by the Warlord ✾ 2.5 Stars
This book wasn't as interesting as the rest but it was sweet. It explored more about the relationship among several characters and how Katedo had to let go of his old guilt in order for him and the rest of his family to move forward and begin the next chapter of their lives.
Since the vert first book, I knew Katedo was a drama king. Like, please, just take a look at this:
"I carry a terrible curse.
Every female I touch dies."
Settle down, William Levy (that's the name of a telenovela actor).
So between his inner struggles that were the main plot and some action happening, I got bored. There were some parts I laughed so much because it reminded me of the humor in Vandalar Concubines Series from the same author but other than that, it was an okay read.
I guess this book can be defined for its small moments, so here's a little list with the things I enjoyed.
-How Jessica felt so happy to be bounded, for the first time, I started to tear up with her (ONLY FOR IT TO BE A FUCKING LIE)
-How truthful yet mischievous was Katedo's mom
-How Kam grew to love Jessica and vice versa
-How Katedo started to let go of his fear and started being more involved in Kam's desire for new experiences
-How Katedo's mom wanted for his son to find love
p.s.: JUSTICE FOR TAKAY! The poor guy was being cock-blocked left and right lmao
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2021
Ah, Katedo and Jessica. Where do I start...
(First I have to say I am slowly perishing because I have been waiting for Razgar's book ever since we met the damn grumpy bastard in book one and I have already started book three AND IT ISN'T HIS STORY and I am big mad. He is a dick and I want to see him fall in love SO BAD...*shakes fist at sky*)
Anywho... Back to Katedo and Jessica...
Once again I feel like the character growth and development happened in SPADES in the MMC and the FMC's was much smaller, less significant and not really pertinent to the story. While I love to see a man learn and grow I also want the woman to do the same and not just do some kind of weird self sacrificing shit with her heart where she decides she will fully commit to the male, even if he can't.
NO. NO MA'AM. We do NOT take less than what we give. This is a frustrating and slightly touchy subject for me and I am going to rant for a second. Why is it commonplace in romance books for women to do all the self sacrificing, the emotional labor, and the compromising??? WHY? He literally lies to her, hides things from her, omits SO MUCH, and when it comes down to it she chases after him anyway? NO. Gah, just for once I would love to see a FMC stand up for herself and say NO, DAMMIT, I DESERVE MORE. Alas, the only reason she didn't fold in is because she wasn't able to because of... something that happens in the story and I don't want to leave a spoiler but lets just say Katedo did not redeem himself in my opinion.
Way to wait for the last minute when it is literally a choice of life and death there, buddy.
Meanwhile, I am fantasizing about Razgar already... so...
I liked this book and it did keep my attention and I was invested in their story but something fell a little flat for me that kept it from being a 5 star like book one.
(First I have to say I am slowly perishing because I have been waiting for Razgar's book ever since we met the damn grumpy bastard in book one and I have already started book three AND IT ISN'T HIS STORY and I am big mad. He is a dick and I want to see him fall in love SO BAD...*shakes fist at sky*)
Anywho... Back to Katedo and Jessica...
Once again I feel like the character growth and development happened in SPADES in the MMC and the FMC's was much smaller, less significant and not really pertinent to the story. While I love to see a man learn and grow I also want the woman to do the same and not just do some kind of weird self sacrificing shit with her heart where she decides she will fully commit to the male, even if he can't.
NO. NO MA'AM. We do NOT take less than what we give. This is a frustrating and slightly touchy subject for me and I am going to rant for a second. Why is it commonplace in romance books for women to do all the self sacrificing, the emotional labor, and the compromising??? WHY? He literally lies to her, hides things from her, omits SO MUCH, and when it comes down to it she chases after him anyway? NO. Gah, just for once I would love to see a FMC stand up for herself and say NO, DAMMIT, I DESERVE MORE. Alas, the only reason she didn't fold in is because she wasn't able to because of... something that happens in the story and I don't want to leave a spoiler but lets just say Katedo did not redeem himself in my opinion.
Way to wait for the last minute when it is literally a choice of life and death there, buddy.
Meanwhile, I am fantasizing about Razgar already... so...
I liked this book and it did keep my attention and I was invested in their story but something fell a little flat for me that kept it from being a 5 star like book one.
June 9, 2022
If you love good alien romance I highly recommend this series. I loved this series so much that I binged it without reviewing each one individually.
I love this strange world that Ms. Ludwig has created.
This series follows the Garrison Earth series. You don't have to read that series to enjoy this one but I highly recommend it. Especially read book 5. CHAINED in that series because it takes place on Solgad and starts a timeline in the Ash Planet Warriors series.
The planet Solgad experiences solar flares so often that the surface has turned to ash. The people, known as the Jal'zar live on the surface in 5 tribes each led by a warlord. The tribes occupy giant mother trees much like in the movie Avatar. Yet they have an underground city carved out of rock and caves where they have advanced technology and medicine. Each tribe rotates living there for 2 months out of each year helping to maintain it while still being able to live as one with the planet during the other 8 months of the year. They have shaman/healers as well who have the gift of foresight and powers to mind meld with animals. On the surface of the planet they ride giant, hairless cat-like beasts with black skin.
The Jal'zar suffered under the occupation of the Vetusians for years until an accord was reached. Now the Vetusians and the Empire of Earth want to settle things with the Jal'zar through political marriages that don't go according to plan. The women don't end up marrying the males they were promised to because love trumps politics. Their preconceived beliefs about sexual compatibility between species are tossed out the window.
Each book concentrates on one of the warlords and should be read in order because characters and circumstances carry over into the next book.
This story was about Katedo and Jessica.
I love this strange world that Ms. Ludwig has created.
This series follows the Garrison Earth series. You don't have to read that series to enjoy this one but I highly recommend it. Especially read book 5. CHAINED in that series because it takes place on Solgad and starts a timeline in the Ash Planet Warriors series.
The planet Solgad experiences solar flares so often that the surface has turned to ash. The people, known as the Jal'zar live on the surface in 5 tribes each led by a warlord. The tribes occupy giant mother trees much like in the movie Avatar. Yet they have an underground city carved out of rock and caves where they have advanced technology and medicine. Each tribe rotates living there for 2 months out of each year helping to maintain it while still being able to live as one with the planet during the other 8 months of the year. They have shaman/healers as well who have the gift of foresight and powers to mind meld with animals. On the surface of the planet they ride giant, hairless cat-like beasts with black skin.
The Jal'zar suffered under the occupation of the Vetusians for years until an accord was reached. Now the Vetusians and the Empire of Earth want to settle things with the Jal'zar through political marriages that don't go according to plan. The women don't end up marrying the males they were promised to because love trumps politics. Their preconceived beliefs about sexual compatibility between species are tossed out the window.
Each book concentrates on one of the warlords and should be read in order because characters and circumstances carry over into the next book.
This story was about Katedo and Jessica.
August 16, 2021
What an incredible book! This author is such a pro! She grabs you from the beginning and just doesn't let go! She has built a marvelous world for us on the Ash Planet. And her characters are so beautifully written that they just come to life, so full of raw emotion that you can feel their pain.
Warlord Katedo has known much loss, including the loss of his soulmate, mother of his eight year old son. He feels the guilty responsibility of her death, and now feels that anyone he loves is at risk. He has the reponsibility for his son, his mother, all the people of his tribe, and now the lives of the healers sent to him by the Empire, to aid them in getting a new strain of Ice Fever under control.
Jessica, a virologist who was sent from earth with the healers, has known loss, too. Orphaned at a young age and then abandoned by her husband, Jessica just wants to belong. She feels that maybe she can find her place among the Jal'zar.
As much as I loved Katedo and Jessica, I was also captivated by the subcharacters: Kamenji...adorable, Neshta...lovably meddlesome, and Sevja...one of a kind friend and colleague.
There is a wonderful plot that builds you up, tears you apart, and then puts you back together again. From first to last page, the book is emotional and intense. And, by the way the love scenes are super discriptive and HOT!
If you haven't read the intro book for the series, "The Ash Planet Warriors" and Book 1, " Stolen by the Warlord," you should! This book is fine as a stand alone, but there is so much back story that you will miss without those. And the series is too good to miss out on any of it!
Warlord Katedo has known much loss, including the loss of his soulmate, mother of his eight year old son. He feels the guilty responsibility of her death, and now feels that anyone he loves is at risk. He has the reponsibility for his son, his mother, all the people of his tribe, and now the lives of the healers sent to him by the Empire, to aid them in getting a new strain of Ice Fever under control.
Jessica, a virologist who was sent from earth with the healers, has known loss, too. Orphaned at a young age and then abandoned by her husband, Jessica just wants to belong. She feels that maybe she can find her place among the Jal'zar.
As much as I loved Katedo and Jessica, I was also captivated by the subcharacters: Kamenji...adorable, Neshta...lovably meddlesome, and Sevja...one of a kind friend and colleague.
There is a wonderful plot that builds you up, tears you apart, and then puts you back together again. From first to last page, the book is emotional and intense. And, by the way the love scenes are super discriptive and HOT!
If you haven't read the intro book for the series, "The Ash Planet Warriors" and Book 1, " Stolen by the Warlord," you should! This book is fine as a stand alone, but there is so much back story that you will miss without those. And the series is too good to miss out on any of it!
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