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Xian Warriors #6

Varnog (Guerriers Xi)

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L’âme tourmentée d’une bête

Conçu pour être un monstre sans âme assoiffé de sang, Varnog choisit plutôt de mener une vie honorable. Dès l’instant où il rejoint l’Avant-Garde, il n’a d’yeux que pour une femme. Petite et d’apparence délicate, elle éveille en lui ses instincts protecteurs et un profond désir pour quelque chose qu’il ne pourra jamais avoir. Toutefois, Linette n’a guère besoin de sa protection. La pilote d’élite et Officier supérieur de l’Avant-Garde est une véritable dure à cuire. La guerre finale contre le général kryptide se dressant à l’horizon, Linette et lui sont appelés à aider à préparer l’Avant-Garde et ses alliés pour cet ultime affrontement.

Mais comment le peut-il lorsque ses moindres instincts exigent qu’il massacre ceux à qui il a prêté allégeance ? Comment peut-il persévérer lorsque de nombreux membres de la Coalition le perçoivent, lui et ses frères, uniquement comme les parasites qu’ils étaient à l’origine ? Quel espoir existe-t-il pour lui si réclamer la seule femme à avoir jamais touché son cœur pourrait la transformer en une abomination encore plus terrible que celle qu’il croit être ?

362 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2020

223 people are currently reading
431 people want to read

About the author

Regine Abel

73 books2,652 followers
USA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.

​Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.

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5 stars
555 (61%)
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81 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Ira.
1,155 reviews130 followers
June 12, 2021
The best in the series, so far!
In my opinion, even better than Bane’s story.
He was also, one of the bad guys before he join The Vanguard.
So, many of the coalitions still suspicious towards him 😬

Varnog was created in a lab, part of those ugly experiments done by Bane’s father.
His original life form is so far different from what he is now. But it does made him special and feels low at the same time. The poor thing had been in love with the heroine for years but felt, he wasn’t deserve her, and he also saw her had a big crush to a guy who he calls a brother 🥺.

The good things is, this storyline doesn’t become an angsty read, LOL.
It’s a SciFi romance, Ms. Abel stirs the story nicely and the heroine can see how special he was actually, and didn’t afraid to show him how she feels about him.

Also, this is when the current wars as we know it ended, full with stars fightings and all coalitions involves in this big wars. Eventhought still many deaths, but more had been avoided because of the hero’s special powers. Had to thank that horrible villain to created him in this way, probably! 😳😬😂.

So, if you like SciFi romance, don’t wait, this is a very enjoyable series! 😘

❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Mary S..
937 reviews10 followers
May 13, 2020
Oh my goodness!! I knew that when we get that chance to read Varnog story that it was going to be good. but I did not imagine how good it will be. Ms. Abel she for sure doesn’t disappoint Varnog story was beyond of what I was expecting it to be he is an awesome species of a male. And Linette that woman was a bada** for a half pint that she was. This series was a fabulous and awesome read.love every single moments this warriors, dragons, scelks had and the happiness they found with their women.
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,381 reviews330 followers
July 23, 2021
Quick(ish) Review - Xian Warrior series (spoilery, you've been warned)

Book-specific

Varnog: One of the strangest additions to this ‘verse wee the Scelk and I gotta say Varnog was the snarky yet torturedanti-hero that I have such a soft spot for. Such an unusual start, and his romance with Linette clicked and built more slowly than the other books. Plus the payoff to the overarching storyline makes this tops in my ratings.


Overview of series: I have mixed feelings on this series, but it's the worldbuilding that keeps me coming back. It's an interesting concept, a race of warrior hybrids, made up of Kryptid(giant bug)/dragon/human whose souls can be transferred to Shells, so they can face incredibly dangerous battles, die and still come back in a new Shell. So much of the way the heroines interact with them is due to their psychic powers, which manifest differently depending on their ethnic backgrounds (Caucasian women are Vessels, Black/Brown women are Portals and Asian women are Shields). It's a touchy subject, to break down their powers based on race, but by the same token, I'm not upset at exploring a world where differences are acknowledged and celebrated rather than trying to homogenize everyone's experience. If nothing else, I find it a unique way to look at this 'verse and to build this big conflict of good vs evil with Kryptid General Khutu, the Big Bad of the series, who's hell bent on galaxy domination, of course.

When it comes to the romance, that's where the biggest issues I have with the series comes into play. One of the foundations of this 'verse is the heroes know immediately if the heroine is their soulmate. Now, I can get down with insta-love on occasion, but I want that to be the beginning, not the end all-be all of their stories. Too many go straight to forever love, and I'd rather watch them work for it. But I'll go more into that below.

This is a very hetero-specific series, which I find limiting, and there's moments when the sex scenes happen that aren't as sexy as intended (feeling any kind of fire/burning during sex isn't my bag, but hey YMMV).

So in closing, I'm kind of middle of the road on this series because of the romance aspect, even if I am fascinated with the world it inhabits.
Profile Image for Nancy Reads Romance.
1,106 reviews34 followers
January 8, 2024
This book was nothing short of EPIC! Varnog was a strange creature. Crafted by the Kryptids to destroy their enemies, the Scelks become a very valuable ally to the Vanguard. Varnog is completely taken with the petite pilot, Linette. But how could she ever love a creature such as he? During a huge mission to defeat General Khutu the pair becomes acquainted and more. This story was AMAZING! Something happens when Varnog and Linette complete their mating and it was one of the coolest scenarios I’ve read in recent history. I love this series and this book brings all 5 prior stories to their culmination. Loved Varnog! Do not miss this story! 5 stars
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,081 reviews29 followers
May 12, 2020
An amazing story!
Linette is a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Well, to be fair, I think anyone who is part of Vanguard must be. They live an incredibly dangerous life as the galaxy’s peacekeepers. Linette is a talented pilot - she loves to fly!
Varnog. He’s the leader of the Scelks, is uniquely attractive, but looks as dangerous as he is. I love learning more about him, and watching Linette and him fall in love.
Detailed plans, collaborations, intense training, split-second timing are all required on their next mission. The intensity is incredible, the outcome never guaranteed. When you’re reading a story like this, it’s really hard to let ‘real life’ interfere! Sit back and enjoy this crazy rollercoaster ride filled with adventure and hot romance.
Profile Image for Natasha Books.
1,580 reviews95 followers
February 21, 2023
Si bien me pareció interesante lo que aportan los Skells a la historia, no terminé de engancharme con la protagonista. El final... Pues no fue lo que esperaba, me pareció correcto, pero todo sucedió demasiado rápido. Mucho bucle. Sigo queriendo continuar la saga, pero con un poquito menos de emoción.
En fin, nos leemos prontito.
Profile Image for EYLEEN.
407 reviews45 followers
August 10, 2023
«Protect the weak, defend the innocent, give hope to the helpless.» Vaya, no cualquiera puede. Las cosas como son.

Honestamente esperaba un poco más en las batallas pero no me puedo quejar porque Linette es más de naves que de peleas (que igual lo hace), así que se entiende que el enfoque sobre ella sea más en cosas de navegación y estrategias aéreas que en luchas físicas. Del final... Si me sentí un poco shockeada porque no me podía creer que fuera el "fin" pero a la vez me alivié porque después de tantos libros no me iba a aguantar más de la misma guerra interminable de siempre por varios libros más (los que le siguen). Así que espero entusiasmada por el nuevo curso que tomará seguramente la saga, las nuevas sorpresas que vendrán. También puedo asegurar que de entre todos los libros de esta saga que he leído por ahora, los que más me gustan son los de: Doom, Bane, Varnog.

Uno de cada "especie" jajajaja ni me había dado cuenta, y cada uno también es el primero en tener su historia de amor de los de su especie lol 🤣🤣♥️
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,157 reviews36 followers
May 22, 2020
Varnog is a member of the Vanguard instead of being the monster he was created to be along with his brothers. Linette is also a member of the Vanguard and a pilot. She's small but needs no protecting as she's tough. These two dance around each other but the attraction is too strong to ignore for long. As things come to a head, the two must decide what to do about the things going on in their lives. Another awesome read in this series and world.

I received a copy of this book from the author and am leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susana.
387 reviews6 followers
May 12, 2020
My last reading has been a pretty dark romance and I definitely needed a change. And Varnog has been the perfect book to forget the real world and get lost among true alien love, dangerous species and galactic adventures.

I’ve enjoyed a lot the story of Varnog and Linette while they try to focus on their mission defending live and fighting evil General Khutu. I think Linette is incredibly brave and goodhearted since she’s able to see beyond the scary and not so appealing looks of Varnog and find what she was looking for. I’d be terrified of alien Varnog appearance but he’s also so shy, considerate, sweet, respectful and humble that I can see why the little human Linette is willing to risk everything.

Wonderfully written. This book gives more insights of the Xian Warriors world and how all the characters are finding their place. Every species adapt and form friendships and links the best they can while fighting their battles in a hard and changing planet. Of course, ship chasing, fights, experiments, mind controlling, cool powers, unexpected twists and steamy scenes fulfill the pages of this entertaining reading. And my favorite, true lovers that just mate with her one and only, forever <3

*I voluntarily reviewed this book for an honest review*
182 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2020
I’ve been patiently waiting for Varnog’s book 😆. I knew who his mate was, Linette, but I was afraid it would take her longer to realize/see how incredible he is. I’m so very happy to say once her eyes were opened to him, she didn’t let anything hold her back, she was all in. He loved her so much but didn’t feel worthy of her, it seemed as if he felt she was sacrificing to be with him, whereas she never felt that way. There is a lot of action, but also a lot of emotion. Linette’s love and personality, her actions, show Varnog that he means everything to her. His actions for the past few years have shown her the same. There were so many times I was scared, angry, sad and joyful- I was a freaking roller coaster of emotion. And the gift she gets from Varnog- the greatest ever! I absolutely loved this book, highly recommend it and I really hope there are more stories to come.
Profile Image for Tina.
725 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. I highly recommend this book and this series.
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
659 reviews11 followers
May 24, 2020
Third time I have written this review. I have 0 idea why Amazon refuses to post my review, as they have posted all others for THIS Series .....
In this last book of the XIAN WARRIORS epic stories, we finally get Varnog and Linette's story...

Linette is a valued member of the Vangard . Her role as Soul Catcher to Xian Warrior Wrath ,is as important as her flying any aircraft in their fleet. Many times she has wondered how she scraped by in a fire fight with the Kryptids . She is a marvel !!
On a former missions , she and her Vangard brothers and sisters were assisted by the Dragons - born sons of the Kryptid General Khutu, and the first Soul Catchers of the Vangard many years ago , - and the Scelks- former " experiments " of the general. These experiments were supposed to be mindless parasites hell - bent on the destruction of all Xians. But BANE , the son of Khutu and soul catcher Elisa, helped the Scelks to become more then just evil personified. He gave them love and hope that they could be better. Deserve better.

Varnog , the leader of the Scelks, is every bit of contrary. He is abrupt, snarky, touchy, and Always has a comeback to your questions in a way that makes you want to slap his face off his very well put together shoulders !! He will go the extra mile for those He considers family and friends.I
He doesn't suffer foolishness in his world .

He also has a darkness,that he has to keep strict control of. He knows that , even though many of his brothers have mated, he would not be worthy of a female. Especially not his crush , a female pilot of the Vangard, who has flying in her veins . The very last thing he wants to do , is cause Linette any type of pain by associating with him and his monster.
As the kryptid war comes up to its final battle, Linette , and Varnog find themselves working together. Spending time together. Laughing , and talking. ....
Will Linette be able to show Varnog how beautiful a soul he really is before it's too late ??? Or will they both be caught in the generals final scheme??
I thought that this book was an incredible experience and I know that this is supposed to be the end, but ......
Maybe there will be more !! And if not , I am certain that Miss Abel will show us other fantastic worlds to come !!
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,676 reviews228 followers
October 17, 2020
(Don't even ask me how I keep doing this, but apparently my thing lately has to been to randomly read a series out of order and then wonder why there are references to people/couples and issues I have no memory of. Thanks, 2020. I blame you and you're a fricking peach. Anyway...)

While not the end of the series (yes!), this book closes out the war against General Khutu and ends the stranglehold of terror he's had on both the galaxy and the Kryptid people. It's not pretty, but the things the General did to further his own agenda were even more horrific and it had to be done.

But let's talk about Varnog and his special lady. Not wanting to put any pressure on Linette since his people are barely tolerated by some in the Coalition, Varnog has kept his feelings about her secret. Sure, there are those who have figured it out and you can't really hide emotions from an empath, but he's been nothing but professional and proper with the lady in question.

A little gentle nudge in the right direction, though, and suddenly Linette is noticing that Varnog is a whole lot of sweet and sexy and she's kinda digging him. With the threat of the final battle of a very bad war on the horizon, Linette and Varnog begin to explore their feelings for one another.

But, you know, war and all that. So basically things aren't easy and then there are some unforeseen biological issues that have to be dealt with and IT'S ALL OKAY BECAUSE IT TURNS OUT PERFECTLY IN THE END.

The Xian Warriors are pretty darn awesome and the women they match with are more than capable of holding their own against them and anything the galaxy throws at them. GOOD STUFF!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for JML.
1,299 reviews24 followers
May 25, 2020
The Xian warriors is one of my favorite series. I never fail to fall in love with the warrior and wish I was the sexy sassy female warrior that becomes their soul mate. Each story is busting with action, intrigue and so much passion. I really love Regine Abel 's version of fated mates. Her world building is amazing and the character development is wonderful. They become people you care about and can't wait to see again in another story. This one is no different. Varnog was one of the characters I was hoping would get his own story. He ' s an intriguing character, who didn't ask to be born yet takes his tormented soul and becomes a leader to his people. Someone worthy someone who has risen above what his maker envisioned and became something magnificent. Linette, is one of the best pilots in the Vanguard and the soul catcher of Wrath. She's petite but explosive and no one kicks ass or flies better than she does. When Linette finally sees Varnog's interest in her she runs full steam ahead to see where their relationship can go. Linette, makes it her mission to make sure Varnog sees his worth and knows he's loved and her warrior shows her utter devotion. I don't want to give too much away, but the evil Kryptid General just gets worse and his insanity grows. There are a few moments where my heart stops and then beats again. Where my heart melts and love and passion take flight. There are so many other warriors I hope get their happy endings as well and I hope Ms.Abel will continue to write about these amazing warriors and the women who love them. I highly recommend this whole series of you haven't read it as well as this story. It will whisk you away for a few hours, quarantine will fade into the background and you'll be cheering for the Xian warriors and hoping for more 💖💖💖
Profile Image for Sofía G.
80 reviews
July 16, 2024
Me intrigó de más por la inconsistencia de la portada y que el protagonista ya no fuera un Guerrero Xian ni un Dragón, tengo que admitir que si estuvo bastante interesante y la pareja principal me pareció bastante tierna. Amo la continuidad de las demás relaciones de los guerreros mientras se descubren cosas nuevas sobre las habilidades de los resultantes experimentos de Khutu; sin embargo con ese final estoy bastante preocupada del tema central que tomara el siguiente libro de la saga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Suz.
2,293 reviews74 followers
November 17, 2020
Not my favorite in the series. I am feeling impatient with the "my man" and "my woman" repetition. I also flipped through a fair amount of the sex in this. I liked the resolution to the long arc, though.
Profile Image for Sara Emme.
522 reviews13 followers
February 12, 2024
Questa serie continua a stupirmi positivamente. Sto amando ogni volume, questo dedicato a Varnog e Linette è uno dei più coinvolgenti fino ad ora! ❤️
Più amore, accettazione delle diversità e Regine Abel per tutti!
Profile Image for Mila.
210 reviews22 followers
May 30, 2023
Lo terminé ayer por la noche y quedé super feliz.

Muy bueno ❤️💗
2,374 reviews20 followers
May 28, 2020
Totally Five Stars

This book was awesome with enough action, adventure, conflicts, sorrow, drama, love, and hot steamy scenes that sizzles but not over the top with awesome characters? Loved the the series and I hope this isn't the end of the series because it's awesome. Definitely a must buy and very highly recommended series?
Profile Image for Mercy .
545 reviews13 followers
May 24, 2020
Definitely a mistake to start a series by book 6. I was missing a lot of information. There is some nice premise and world development. The male's species is a mix between a parasite organism attaching itself to children and then snuffing their personality and taking over the body, in time the parasites developed a higher function and have a conscience. They do not like for any other body to be taken over a parasite like theirs. So they help the rebellion and try to live on their own but all other beings hate and fear them. Cue a woman that overlooks every bad thing they symbolise and fall in love.
I didn't find the story enchanting, mostly boring, and the rebellion stuff just made me roll my eyes.
Profile Image for Sofia.
458 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2020
Excellent story.
Profile Image for Vania Nunes.
2,346 reviews51 followers
May 23, 2024
The war against the Kryptids seems to be reaching its final climax. A well-crafted plan could put an end to General Khutu's evil reign. Everything needs to be done with precision, and using every weapon each participant - Warriors, Soulcatchers, Portals, Shelters, Hybrids and Scelks - can have.

The Scelks were created exclusively to be a weapon of destruction, of the worlds and especially against the Xian warriors.
But with the abandonment of the Hybrids - commanded by Bane - from the Kryptids side to the Xian, the not very numerous group of Scelks also went to the other side. However, after a particularly difficult battle for the warriors (with several deaths), the Scelks were still regarded with suspicion by many Vanguard participants.
Because he was also a skilled empath and could feel the animosity - sometimes even hatred - of other people - Varnog used verbal attack as a form of defense.
Sabra had earned the respect of the Scelk leader, but the only woman who possessed his complete heart was Linette.

Linette might be short in height, but she had unquestionable fighting prowess and was one of the Vanguard's best starship pilots.
She had a crush on Reaper, Bane's brother, but knowing that the Hybrids could also immediately identify their soulmates, the distance Reaper kept showed that they weren't each other's mates.
But after a presentation of a new training with the objective of the final confrontation in the war, Linette starts to pay more attention to the Scelks leader, who had a beautiful physique (although he was not as big and strong as the warriors), was very intelligent , and had unique gifts.
Their approach in training makes Linette discover a new side of Varnog that no one else knew. Yes, he could be very loyal and careful not only to his people, but he had a special fondness for Bane, whom he considered his leader and a brother.
Varnog, for his part, is touched to be able to spend hours with the woman he loves, even though he thinks he doesn't stand a chance with her, knowing that she has a crush on Reaper, a Hybrid soldier with a far more complex appearance similar to a human.

Obviously the reader knows that the romance between Linette and Varnog will continue. However, the species differences are greater.
Xian were created by Dr Xi having human DNA.
Hybrids were created with a higher percentage of dragon DNA, but as they were a copy of the Xian, they also had something human.
Scelks, however, while bipedal, were an entirely different species.
It wasn't the point for them to develop feelings - in fact, they were meant to be cold destroyers.
But since being treated with respect by Bane, their loyalty to the hybrids has grown enormous.

From the first time Varnog saw Linette, he fell in love, but he never imagined having the possibility of spending hours in her company, much less being the target of her interest.
But it happens. And as with all the humans women who mated the soldiers and had some changes in their own bodies, the changes also occur with Linette. But the big surprise: what could happen?

From there, we learn about the delicate and special Varnog's abilities, and what he was capable of.
The story speaks out loud of tolerance, respect, affection, loyalty.
And also what can happen when the war is about to come to an end.
Who will be sacrificed and die so that others can have peace?

Tense moment.

And as I imagined, Varnog's story was beyond interesting and surprising. And one question remains in the air: what else needs to happen?
10 stars
Profile Image for Blue Rose.
1,531 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2020
Epic

There could be no better end to such a fantastically woven tale. The characters all coming together to finally defeat that ultimate evil was so well done. I wouldn't mind a little short story to chase away the book hangover. I'd like to see Wrath woo his mate. I felt a little bad he was a bit like a side note.
3,323 reviews30 followers
June 17, 2020
Varnog

So many characters and species to wrap my head around but lots of romance with even more bloody warfare. Compassion is a big theme and I am a fan.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,264 reviews27 followers
June 16, 2021
I was a little disappointed. Still enjoyed it but I do love me a misunderstood bad boy and I just didn’t get that with Varnog, certainly no where near the way I did Bane. Having finished the series (I think it’s done) there have been tidbits about him in other books that would have served him well told during his own story…but I’m the reader, not the author. Quelle dommage.
226 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2020
The End

Love the entire series. Some of the stories more than others. This last book ties all the loose ends into a nice bow. Definitely start with the first book Doom. A big👍for the Xian Warriors and their human mates.
Profile Image for Shauna.
356 reviews7 followers
January 19, 2022
Soooooo good!!! Am already going thru withdrawals bcuz series is over ;(

Update: this is not the end:)
Profile Image for Desert Lumens.
621 reviews12 followers
September 6, 2020
What the hell am I to do now?

One of the greatest series ever told has just ended..... now what?? Regine, you’re supposed to keep this series going! I’d gladly read about them fighting space pirates and the flesh trade! Anything to keep reading about this glorious world you have created! Also I had high hopes between Shulia and Rogue! Especially how he picked her... disappointed there.... Yeah for Kwan!!! All I will say there. Also Khutu you mother trucker you got what you deserved! Oh man I was about to give this book 2 stars for the ending I was so mad lol.... boy was I wrong. One of the best endings I could have imagined! Please!!! Read this series! Do yourself a favor!! Also, people described Xerath as being so beautiful.... that drawing had your boy going oh hell no lol.... although she looked so innocent crossing her arms like that hahaha. Still, I absolutely loved this series. So profound and wonderfully amazing. Linette and Varnog just had off the charts chemistry. So happy for Reklig as well! Another missed opportunity for a book! Also, what about Tyonna, Reaper and we totally never saw what happened with Dread and Myriam! Then I guess it truly was a mistake saying Victoria was pregnant. They never mentioned her having another child again. Last but not least Stran... there’s a few loose ends and a few opportunities for more books, novellas etc! Even a spin off series!! I’m dying for more content! I only hope and pray for more in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

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