Beyond The Shadows

Realms Beyond #2

by Jess Granger

Commander Yara has spent years living without the distraction of caring for anything - or anyone. It's a sacrifice she's willing to make. Yara has honed herself into the perfect heir to the Azralen throne, but a bloody coup could destory everything she's worked so hard for. She must return home quickly to prevent war, but the only ship available belongs to an Earthlen trader with no regard for authority - especially hers.

Cyn is a rebel, driven to protect those suffering at the hands of the Elite leaders of Azra. Using his alias to manipulate the lovely but icy commander onto his ship, he has to keep her from Azra long enough to ignite the revolution. But when he awakens a vibrant and feeling woman between that icy exterior, he gets more than he bargained for - love. Can Cyn find a way to convince Yara to join them, or will they get caught in a web of lies and deception that could tear them apart?

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Futuristic, Paranormal Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

I grew up in a small town in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley in California. As a kid, I spent most of my time reading, swimming, fostering my obsession with horses, and annoying my two brothers. I loved to write, though I’m pretty sure the only “book” I wrote as a child had something to do with a princess hiding behind a tapestry so she could sneak out of her castle because her brother was being mean and she wanted an adventure. I don’t think I ever finished that one, which is a shame.

My imaginative childhood grew into a thirst for knowledge and adventure that I’ve kept to this day. I love to travel and try new things. I worked as a balloon artist in restaurants, rehabilitated injured hawks and owls as a volunteer at a raptor management center, traveled all over the country during my trumpet playing days with the Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh, managed to wander to Europe to explore Germany, France, and Spain, and finally settled down with my wonderful husband to raise a couple of kids, a couple of cats and one fantastic All-American mutt.

Now my hobbies include making beer, birdwatching, and trying to tame my massive butterfly garden. I hope to bring you stories of love and adventure that entertain you as much as they have captivated me.

Reviews

[Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good sci fi romance Watch my video review

[Kristiej · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Beyond the Rain and was overjoyed to see a new Futuristic/SciFi author on the scene. I had barely finished it when I started thinking how much I wanted to read Cyn's story. He's the brother of Cyani, the heroine of Beyond the Rain and although we didn't get a chance to see to much of him, we did learn that he is the leader of a rebellion on the planet Azra, a matriarchal society where women rule. Unfortunately, the woman who is the current ruler was a tyrant who persecuted the people of Azra, subjecting many of them to horrendous living conditions, thus sewing the seeds of rebellion.

Yara is a member of the "elite", the highest class level who had been dispatched to hunt down Cyn, the leader of the upcoming rebellion. All this happened in Beyond the Rain, but I don't think you need to have read it to pick up where this book begins. I do recommend it though since it's a great book.

Beyond the Shadows starts up with Yara trying to find a way off the military base and return to Azra. But Cyn has arranged it that he has the only ship leaving and under his guise as Cyrus Smith, an Earthlan trader, he tricks her into walking into the trap he has set. But it doesn't take long for him to realize that Yara isn't the cold hearted woman he believed her to be. Stubborn yes, focused on her duty, indeed, but he is surprised to learn she also has a heart.

I'm in awe at how well done Ms. Granger has done with the character of Cyn. Although he comes from a place where women are the rulers and leaders, he doesn't lack in manly manliness for one moment. Rather he is alternately masculine, tender, brave, intelligent and in short, all things that make a great hero. He rose from the depths of despair to be a true leader of people. I ADORED him and I think many a reader will love him just as much as I did.

And just as well drawn as Cyn is, so is Yara. Due to the way she was trained her entire life, she is a loner who has never had the chance to enjoy life. Political intrigue rules her life. She has been led to believe that the lower echelon of Azra are criminals and degenerates who deserve the despairing life they lead. But as she and Cyrus travel to different worlds, her eyes are opened to many of the injustices in the galaxy, softening her to seeing that Azra may just be one of the worst offenders of them all.

The romance between Yara and Cyn is poignant and almost heartbreaking. They come from two very different places. His goal is to lead the rebellion against everything she has known and hers is to track down the rebel leader and maintain the status quo. Cyn is the first to fall for Yara, but he feels the weight of lying to her as to who he is and what his real goal is. Yara starts out as rather arrogant, a product of her upbringing and does her best to deny her growing feelings for Cyn. She knows he can't be a part of her future. You can feel the longing between them.

I really admire authors who tackle this genre. Although they are bound by the rules of a romance story, other than that, they make up their own worlds, their own rules, their own types of people. And Jess Granger excels at making this world she has created totally believable. As readers, we are excited to find new authors who write well written stories that can take us away from our daily lives when we need to 'get away'. And I'm very excited to have found Jess Granger. Even if you don't normally read this genre, I HIGHLY urge you give this book a try. It represents everything I love about this genre. As with her first book, once again she knocked this one out of the park. As much as I loved her first book, I think I love this one just a tiny wee bit more.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon , a reading enthusiast I met through Twitter is a big fan of this series, and I asked her to do a joint review.

Cyn is a rebel at heart, and wants to start a revolution to remove the Elite, the leaders of his home planet Azra from a position of power. Azra is a female dominant planet, and Commander Yara is the one woman in his way to achieving this goal. The upper classes of Azra have no idea the lower classes are ready to revolt. The people of Azra like Yara, and her transition to leader would be very easy, but Cyn doesn't want that. He needs the lower class to have reason to strike, and he has a plan. Yara needs to return home to her planet, and Cyn has been secretly watching her for months. He makes his ship the only one available to take her home and he hides his true identity. Reluctantly, Yara boards on his ship, and the two of them have days of basically sitting and staring at each other as they travel back. It is during this time they test each other's nerves, and reluctantly get to know each other. Before arriving in Azra, Cyn makes a stop on a different planet, Gansai knowing his ship is in need of desperate repair, and also wanting to delay the return of Yara for as long as possible. As Yara becomes suspicious, Cyn tries to stall but his plans go awry when Yara is kidnapped. Cyn has already lost a love to these brutal tortureers in the past, and deep down his attraction to Yara drives him to desperate measures.


Sharon: I read Beyond the Rain when it came out last year and fell in love. It was the first sci-fi romance I'd read and ended up rereading it a few times. I think I was missing that particular genre from my reading repertoire. I was a huge fan of sci-fi movies and TV shows but only a few books were ever enjoyable to me. I'd been hesitant to try a sci-fi romance (I'm fairly new to reading romance books in general) but the excerpts and descriptions on Jess' Butterfly Blog really pulled me into the world she created. I ended up winning Beyond the Rain from her but then bought an extra copy as well as a digital copy. Yeah, I guess you could say I liked it.

You know how sometimes a sequel can be disappointing or a let down? I was worried that Beyond the Shadows would be like that. For me, it was as good, if not a little better than Beyond the Rain and I just didn't think that was possible. I'll admit that I adored Beyond the Shadows. I know you had a problem with one particular aspect though Mandi.


Mandi: I don't read a lot of futuristic romances. Really the only one I can think of at the moment is Ann Aguirre's Jax series. I really should though because I very much enjoy the worlds these authors create. While I liked Beyond the Shadows and I found the hero and heroine to both be very fun to read about - there is one aspect of this book that kind of killed the romance for me. We have Cyn who is hiding his identity from Yara. These two definitely have an attraction towards each other and then it starts to go deeper. When the moment comes when Yara wants to take their physical relationship to the next level, Cyn KNOWS by having sex with her, eventually the truth will come out about his real identity and she will be hurt. But he goes through with it anyway. And guess what, that very next morning Yara discovers the truth. We have seen this play out in romance over and over again. It is just too predictable and it really took away what could have been a strong romance between these two characters.

Otherwise, I did enjoy this world and these characters. Yara in particular stands out to be a strong female. What are some of you high points Sharon?


Sharon: I enjoyed the first couple of chapters immensely because they made my inner Star Wars fangirl squee. I was reminded of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker having to book passage on a ship to get off of Tatooine and they were stuck with that smuggler, Han Solo.

Other high points dealt with what Yara and Cyn had to go through to trust each other during several difficult situations. You see a very tender side of Cyn when he has to do something distasteful to try to get Yara freed after she'd been kidnapped. You also get to see Yara internally struggling with her emotions when she realizes what's going on. When they finally arrive in Azra toward the end of the book, you get to see Yara have to trust Cyn (and she now knows he's Cyn) and then Cyn has to trust Yara even as each of them is struggling with feelings of betrayal by the other. Those were such powerful scenes to me that I felt them in the pit of my stomach.

I guess it's funny that I would find the high points of the book being the "trust" scenes when Cyn is keeping his true identity from Yara knowing she's out to kill him. However, I think the way he acts during those crucial moments are who he really is and therefore even though Yara doesn't know his real name, she still knows the man.

Another overall arc of the story that I really liked was how Yara grew as a person. She grew up in a relatively sheltered and very clean environment. The people of Azra are either privileged and can live high up in the trees or are scum and raised in filth on the ground. Many of the people who live high in the trees feel that only criminals live on the ground and so therefore deserve the nastiness they are forced to live in. Yara was raised to believe that. She never knew that innocent people and children were being forced to live on the ground.

There is a scene in Beyond the Rain where Cyn rescues several children from the environment they are living
in. That's who he is and that's why he is pushing for a revolution. Yara has the blood of the Goddess of Justice in her, so when she is faced with several different injustices, her instinct is to fight to make them better. It's not what she's supposed to do as one of the Elite.

I feel very fortunate that I haven't read so many romances that the "hide the real identity from the other person and then they find out" trope has been overdone for me. I didn't have a problem with that aspect at all. I do wish Cyn had told Yara the truth rather than her having to find out on her own but I get the feeling not many romance books are written like that. I know there are a number of romance readers who love secret or mistaken identity books so I hope they'll give Beyond the Shadows a try.


Mandi: He definitely acts as himself while masking his identity, and in the end, Yara realizes this and she knows no matter what identity he wears, she is getting Cyn. I will definitely be following this series for the world Jess Granger is building is very unique. Before I go, I do have to mention my most favorite character in the book - Bug - Cyn's AI "pet." Bug can communicate with Cyn and is very overprotective and he provides many scenes that made me laugh.

Overall, I say Beyond the Shadows is a solid futuristic romance book - with one snag in the romance for me, it otherwise is a good read. I give it a 3.5/5.


Sharon: Mandi, since Bug is your favorite character, you'll definitely have to read Beyond the Rain. He isn't introduced until later in the book but he ends up helping to save the day. Overall, Beyond the Shadows is almost a perfect read for me. I'd give it somewhere between 4.5/5 and 5/5.

[Netanella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I love the whole Glenn Danzig look of the cover with the tats and the studded bracers. But the dude needs a forehead.

Cyn, the twin brother of Cyani from the first novel, takes on the Elite of his homeworld and foments revolution. Yara is the Elite bloodhunter sent to take him down, but instead slowly learns of the real shadows that haunt her world and those of other planets whose people have been subjected.

There's lots of cool imagery in this book, particularly the treed canopy world of Azra, and the platform challenge scene, both of which reminded me of the movie Flash Gordon.

What I truly enjoyed about both novels is the real storytelling involved, creative worldbuilding, the emotional connections between the characters. I will definitely seek out the third book if there is one...how about Xan's story?

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jess Granger does it again, writing a great romance with a well-developed sci-fi setting. The author continues to write main characters that are very appealing~ heroes with character and heroines who are strong without turning hard. There is plenty of well-written action and some deeper issues to ponder. I especially like how Ms. Granger gets the reader to contemplate the subjugation of one sex by turning the well-known scenario on its head~ it's the men of Azra who are kept "in their place."

This second book in the Realms Beyond series will make more sense to the reader if they've read the first one, Beyond that Rain. That's no hardship, however, because Beyond the Rain is also a fantastic book.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't measure up to the first book for me. I found it to be a little boring until the last 50 or so pages when Cyn forced Yara to take her blinders off and introduced her to the atrocities that were common place on Azra. It was interesting to see Yara react to the reality of just what was going on her planet. Of course her recent experiences allowed her to understand things on more than one level. The revolution happened in a way that looks to bring true change, not just exchange one bad system for another and had the added bonus of not allowing innocent people to die left and right.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story, the action, and the characters. There were some surprises. The first couple if chapters made my inner Star Wars fangirl squee. An amazing book and Cyn is an awesome hero. Loved it.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is the second book in the Realms Beyond duology. I read the first book before reading this one and I do recommend that reading order, though there are not a lot of overlaps in the story. I think it gives background for the story which would be helpful.
Yara, the main character, is arrogant at first and I had a hard time liking her. Later, she was a little less so, but the reason for that change was not really brought out. She and Cyrus, the other main character, did fight a common enemy, but the author could have tied that into Yara respecting Cyrus at least for his battle skills. Cyrus is attracted to Yara, but it is hard to say why.
Yara comes from a planet where women are the rulers and men are lesser. There is a reference to a sexual experience she had when she was younger where a man had been submissive. However, the dominance issue did not become an issue between Yara and Cyrus and I thought it should have been addressed.
There are several references to Cyrus’ memory being encyclopedic or near perfect. It almost vaguely seemed enhanced, but later it was explained that he was born with it. It was not a part of the first book which was about his twin. Though twins can be different and obviously boy/girl twins are fraternal, I thought that it was a little chauvinistic of the author to give him this type of memory and not to his twin.
Cyrus also had an amazing back story where he is a chameleon like ability to play different roles. He plays a character in the first book and a different character in this book. However, given that he grew up on his home planet until his teen years in highly deprived circumstances and then says he grew up on Earth after that, I thought the author should have explained how he was able to develop those skills. There are references to traveling that he did, etc. The book does not give his age but based on clues in this book and the last, I would assume that, at most, he is in his early 30s. Most likely, late 20s. That is a lot of living. Definitely possible, but a little explanation would have rounded out his character.
Later in the book, Cyrus and Yara arrive on their home planet which is about to have a rebellion. Yara has the support of several of her cohorts but has not been on the planet for 10 years. Their loyalty is not explained. Given this is set in a universe with space travel, etc, you would think that Yara would have visited her planet or would have been in touch with her peers. In addition, it seemed a simplistic view of politics. The higher in power someone is in their society, generally, the more deception and alliances are a factor. Yara seemingly did nothing to develop herself as a future leader.
I liked Bug, the little AI device in the story.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a gripping story full of pain and sadness but also tenderness and love. yaha discovered what type of leader her people needed her to be. I loved that cyn wasn't intimidated by her position of power nor tried to dominate her through force or sex. I gave it four stars because the end really brought this story home. they represented two divided societies and by kissing her in front of everyone instead of fighting her, he gave her the strength she needed to command with justice and compassion.he let her rule because he believed in her. you don't see that in a lot of romances. the guy is always the dominant one. a very sweet and powerful ending.

[Juliana Knight Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story started out a little slow and I wasn't sure I'd like the two main characters as much as I did. Once I learned more about them and their motivations, it was easier to feel engaged in their story. Granger did a great job writing a sci-fi, fantasy, romance novel.

[Amanda Romreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is fast paced, has the bad-boy thing going for those that like that type, and there is space sex.

Full review here: http://castoffcovers.blog/2019/07/21/...

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cyn is the rebel leader, known better as Cobra, who longs to free the lower classes of his home planet of Azra from the ruling class run by a female dominated society. Cyn was raised on Earth after his mother escaped from Azra and will stop at nothing until the evil Grand Sister, who rules Azra with an iron fist, is stopped. His plan is to kidnap Commander Yara, the heir to the Azralen throne.

Yara needs passage on a ship back to Azra before her rival Palar tries to take over. Yara longs to bring peace and harmony to Azra and feels she can as the next Grand Sister. But she is stranded on a military base and has no one to turn to. Unfortunately the mysterious Cyrus Smith offers to take her home for the right price. Because Yara has run out of options, she and her scout, the feline Tuz will go with him.

Cyn enjoys pushed Yara's buttons by calling her pixie (because of her green colored hair) and keeping important facts about his past and who he is from her. Yara doesn't trust him as far as she can throw him, but she learns fairly quickly that this Earthlen male has her back when pirates attack them and she is taken hostage and to be sold as a sex slave. Cyn's feelings for Yara have grown into something deeper where he has to decide how honest he should be and convince her to join him and his people to stop a revolution that could kill many.

Beyond the Shadows (Realms Beyond #2) is perfect for those science fiction fans that enjoy intergalactic action and suspense with two warrior type characters. Even though Cyn is deceitful to Yara, right up to the moment where they act on their desire for one another, he knows he can't lose focus on his mission. Too many lives are at stake and that is where Yara is given a hard choice to make. Yara is one amazing heroine who doesn't back down from danger. But there was some confusion on my end in regards to Yara's important status. Because Yara is next in line to rule a planet, why would she be alone all and vulnerable, without any bodyguards, since she knows she has a rival who wants to get rid of her? The way Cyn was able to reach her and convince her to trust him is shaky even with the reasoning given.

Cyn and Yara are equals in almost every way from the way they fight to the way they love. There aren't many love scenes, but the tension and attraction between these two is definitely there. These are two characters you can get behind and root for. I continue to look forward to more future books from Jess Granger and found Beyond the Shadows to be an enjoyable read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking for this book forever! I finally decided to buy it at the Borders that was closing which I got for 30% off!!!

The first book I haven't read for awhile so I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to get into the book but this wasn't the case. While it is connected the stories don't really cross over story lines or delve to much into what happened previously. However some of Cyn's reasoning will not be understood or Yara's upbringing not be understood if you haven't read the first story since it is from a female (Cyanni Cyn's sister) like Yara's point of view which explains a lot of the culture of this world.

I loved the first book and I must say that this one was just as good! When authors deal with tough situations without making it too easy to resolve or rush the story I really am satisfied. All through this book you know that the two are at odds with each other politically (he wants to over throw her and her government so the poor can be helped)and can't see how they can overcome it. The whole build up to the end and the final resolution to this was great and was not rushed or feel unrealistic.

I did feel that Yara should have been able to tell sooner that Cyrus was Cyn but I gave her the benefit of the doubt because she was being bombarded with feelings she hadn't felt before and where really not allowed her in culture. I loved Tuz the cat and Bug the two side kicks and the interactions with them and each other were really funny.

The relationship was built pretty slow and simmered between the two of them and they didn't get into the sexual right away which I like in a story like this. They needed to trust each other before a relationship could start. I don't know how to say it but Cyn was so sweet yet...dominant(?) to Yara and while he didn't want to get involved he knew he was and didn't push it with Yara like some alpha males can.

Space Stories are so few in the romance genre and good ones with sizzling scenes, good world building, and a great story are even more rare. It was no wonder this book was hard to find. I so hope this author writes more whether in this series or in a totally different world. She just needs to write more!

[Cyp · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where the female population ruled,

Yara was all set and ready to ascend the throne. Cyn has gathered and amassed an entire nation ready to rebel against the Grand Sister, the Matriach, and the Elite.

When Cyn "kidnaps" Yara, she was forced to see the ugly side of her beloved Azra; Being sold to the flesh traders and all that. And when it was time to choose sides, she chose him, and conveniently for the greater good of Azra.

Yara's journey towards the great realization that not every part of Azra was ruled as justly and orderly as she was taught in Training was fraught with a lot of doubts, but there was the humor bits that leveled the seriousness. All those snark comments from the cold Yara was funny in a serious way, haha, if that even makes sense. She is a good fighter, and she lives up to her regal bloodline of Yarine the Just(if i remember her name correctly..which i dont think i did..oh well). But under all that, she is rather naive and soft(in a good way), which made her rely on Cyn a lot in the outside world(universe in this case) and ultimately falling in love with him in the end.

Cyn is a headstrong, INCREDIBLY witty, protective, selfless, heartwarming, loving, brainy man. He is awesome. He leads the rebellion like a true leader, he talks like a charmer, he loves so swoon-worthy-ly, and yeah the list goes on.

The Grand Sister(or the Grand Bitch, as Cyn calls her), was plenty wicked. I mean, this is one of those books where they portray the real ugliness of the baddies of humankind with less reservations. And her ending was WOO! COOL! READ THAT PART!! She had more than what..20 knives thrown into her!

The ending was kind of weird..but still very satisfactory. It ended without the war that seemed so inevitable. The final fight was wicked, i totally loved it. It lasted long enough for my violent side to be sated enough:)

Overall: The fighting bits were vivid, suspenseful and i totally fell in love with both of them when they fought. The lovey dovey part wasn't overly mushy and excessive.

.:THIS IS A BOOK TOTALLY WORTH READING:.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this entire book in two sessions. Once I picked it up I could hardly put it down! I enjoyed the first novel in this series just as much as this one. Tuz (Yara's cat) annoyed me a little at times, but it didn't take away from the story. The chemistry between Yara and Cyn was really well written. I like how conflicted both of them are, drawn into this narrative where they have to ride a thin line between right and wrong, and decide each moment what they're going to do with the gray areas they've been given. But, just as real life does, things test them, and test their relationship. It was fantastic to read, almost as though I were watching a movie, as all the dots got connected, and suddenly everything made sense at the end. No spoilers here, read it for yourself - I highly recommend it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent SF read - has a nice balance between the action and relationship subplots and characters you would like to know. I loved the first book and this one equaled and even surpassed it. Cyn [the hero:] is frighteningly intelligent and powerful but still vulnerable. Yara [the heroine:] has been brainwashed into the elitist policies - women, especially Elite women, rule by the right of superiority.

Cyn has been fomenting a revolution to bring justice and equity to the planet. Pretending to be from Earth, Cyn intercepts Yara before she can return to take her place as the most likely heir to the Grand Sister [ruler:]. Over time the adventures they share bring them steadily closer, and Yara begins to recognize injustice and Cyn begins to hope she'll forgive his deceptions...

I really enjoyed both books - there is a setup for a third book so I'm hoping there will be more. Order is not hugely important but reading Rain first will make a few points clear that would be fairly murky without it.

Beyond the Rain (2009)
Beyond the Shadows (2010)

[Charlee Allden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently won an autographed copy of Beyond the Shadows at Jess Granger’s Butterfly Blog. I was very excited because this is second in a series and picks up characters I fell in love with in Beyond the Rain.

Yara is focused and determined. The weight of her world is on her shoulders. But when she is captured and given to slavers, she isn’t so focused on her goals that she can’t push aside her own concerns to offer compassion to a young boy whose spirit is nearly broken.

Cyn seems like a rogue but he is a tender-hearted rebel with a cause, a changeable chameleon, resourceful and wise, and oh so sexy. He is just as determined to save their world as Yara, but he believes the only way to do that is to thwart Yara’s plans.

A richly developed world (universe really) and characters with more layers than an onion. Cyn and Yara both have cool but very different sidekicks/pets that add a touch of humor.

[Karagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the first, Beyond the Shadows is filled with a colorful assortment of characters that each play into the charms and quirks of the heroes, Cyn and Yara. Cyn is a guy so deceptive that even his allies wonder what name to address him with. Meanwhile, Yara proves herself to be anything but the cold Elite she has been trained to be.

The best of this book is by far the witty trades between the two which kicks off the book and continues for a good while until everything turns serious and continues at a steady, enjoyable pace. Can't complain much about the intimate scenes. What girl doesn't love a guy chanting her name?

In the end, though, I gotta say Beyond the Rain remains my favorite of the two.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, quick read. I finished it in a few hours becuase I didnt' want to put it down. I'm impressedby Jess Granger's second book. I couldn't give it the 5 stars I gave to Beyond the Rain, just because it didn't have me weeping. How sad is it that now I reserve the 5 star category for books that make me a snotty mess? Beyond the Rain definietly did that. Beyond the Shadows didn't quite take me that far but it was a great book with an engaging storyline, admirable hero, feisty heroine, despicable nemisis, adorably annoying sidekick, and believable world building. If I could, I'd give it 4.5 stars.

I'm looking forward to Jess' next book, which looks like it might not be out until next year.

[Bethany Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not explain how much I loved this book! I have yet to read the first one, not realizing that this was the second in the series, but while reading it, one could hardly tell. The author did a great job of filling in the missing pieces. Yara and Cyn were a great coupling in my opinion. The characters were personable, and you actually had to remind yourself that they aren't human. How the romance blossoms is fantastic. It really gets you into the book! I couldn't put it down! I recommend this book to all romance lovers, and even science fiction ones too because there is a lot of paranormal activity in this book.

[Nenya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not reading this one... There was this bit of interaction between Cyn, the h's brother in the first novel, H of this one, and... Nu (a captain/commander of Pyri). And I'm not sure how much I'll like this character. Yes, he rescues children and all that, he's a regular charmer and rescuer-in-a-cape... I just don't like rakes :|. And this guy has just over-the-top -goodness to justify being a rake.

I'm being harsh. eh... maybe I'll read it... just not right now.
_________________________-
2016/08/28: skim read. not too bad

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first book (Beyon the Rain) and I couldn't put the book down. I was captivated by the whole society imagined by Jess Granger. Her story reminded me of Dune. I loved how Yara and Cyn came together and fell in love over time, getting to know and trust each other. It was differet from the love at first side and refreshing. Excellent read and a great story. I am looking forward for more, maybe Xan story.

[LIZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. Not as good as Granger's first book (Beyond the Rain). But it was still well done. It was more political and more alien jargon, but you get the point and love story. It was a bit more predictable, but still lovable.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

That rare gem - a good sci-fi romance! Great book, lovely characters and seems like a set-up for another sequel at the very end? I'm going to have to do some digging and see if there is anything more by this author!

[Tamara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The premise was interesting and the beginning was great, but somewhere in the middle I lost interest. I really disliked the characters and really didn't care what happened to them.

[Hbeebti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was good. But for me not as good as the first. Yara got on my nerves. lol Cyn was well just yummy good. Loved their trackers (pets).

[Anne Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider Jess a net-friend, so my rating is not precisely unbiased. {Smile}

[Stacy McKitrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful - read it quickly!

[Karen Desmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out a bit too much like the first book, and the end was just fairytale, but the rest in between was the same fun, fast-paced writing. No setup for another sequel, bummer!