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Shadowdwellers #2
Seduce Me in Dreams
Dark. Mysterious. Sensual. When Bronse Chapel, the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia, begins to dream about a beautiful and exotic brunette, he wants to dismiss it as being induced by lack of sleep ... or perhaps lack of sex. But his instincts tell him it's something different, something far more dangerous.
Ravenna is the leader of the Chosen Ones, a small group of people from her village born with extraordinary powers. She doesn't know what draws her to Bronse's dreams night after night, but she senses that he and his team are in jeopardy. Ravenna can help him, but first Bronse must save the Chosen Ones from those who plan to use their powers for evil. Together, Bronse and Ravenna will be unstoppable. But Ravenna is hiding something that could endanger them all.
Ravenna is the leader of the Chosen Ones, a small group of people from her village born with extraordinary powers. She doesn't know what draws her to Bronse's dreams night after night, but she senses that he and his team are in jeopardy. Ravenna can help him, but first Bronse must save the Chosen Ones from those who plan to use their powers for evil. Together, Bronse and Ravenna will be unstoppable. But Ravenna is hiding something that could endanger them all.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
132 people are currently reading
5844 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Frank
61 books3,432 followersI live in Asheville NC and have written a book...or two...or is it ten?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
July 25, 2009
In the end I just couldn't work up the enthusiasm to finish this book. The writing isn't bad - just so slow that even the climactic action scenes seem to be going in slow motion. Over-used inner dialogue is one of the reasons I didn't finish JF's Nightwalkers series, and - although the first book, Ecstasy gave me hope - this one falls back into her old patterns.
Other reasons I didn't really like this one: the hero Magnus is the foster father of Trace, the hero of the last book, and for some reason I can't read about a hero/heroine with a fully grown child; also the hero is a priest in the Shadowdweller Sanctuary, and just that word makes me uneasy in a romance (I can't help it, I was raised Catholic); if you swapped out Drenna (their Goddess) for "God" or "Jesus", this book would become uncomfortably close to being an inspirational romance, and that seems at odds with some of the hot love scenes.
I'll probably still read the next book, because it features the royal Councellor Malaya and her guard Guin, but this one was a big miss for me.
Other reasons I didn't really like this one: the hero Magnus is the foster father of Trace, the hero of the last book, and for some reason I can't read about a hero/heroine with a fully grown child; also the hero is a priest in the Shadowdweller Sanctuary, and just that word makes me uneasy in a romance (I can't help it, I was raised Catholic); if you swapped out Drenna (their Goddess) for "God" or "Jesus", this book would become uncomfortably close to being an inspirational romance, and that seems at odds with some of the hot love scenes.
I'll probably still read the next book, because it features the royal Councellor Malaya and her guard Guin, but this one was a big miss for me.
April 20, 2011
This was a book I wanted to love. I miss the Jacquelyn Frank of old (Elijah... Gideon...), back when her books made sense and her characters were lickable. Now I want to punt the characters across the room. *sigh*
The idea was intriguing. It's a futuristic/SciFi idea with three worlds. The Interplanetary Malitia keeps the peace. I could buy into all of that. One thing that I do love about Frank is that she never lacks in imagination. I loved the worlds.
What hurt this book came down to basic story telling:
The head hopping was atrocious. It's like she didn't even try to write a scene from one POV. Instead of giving us clues to how the character was thinking (facial expressions, body language...), she'd simply jump into their head and tell us. ARG!!!!!
What it really lacked was an intriguing plot. The whole time it was, "Oh, noes! Someone's trying to kill me." Without the benefit of any real motive. When it comes down to telling the motive... she cheats and erases the dudes memory. WTF? Plotting needed to be tighter and the stakes needed to be higher.
There was over 100 pages before the MCs meet. Frank tries to make it better by having them "dream" of each other. BUT!!! I can't buy the fact that they fall in love/lust via these dreams when he only remembers one or two of them. Also, once they do meet, and are separated... why not dream then?! It reads more of a plot crutch if it's not consistent throughout the novel.
Plus, the characters were cardboard. I mean, really. The characters are not consistent. Not even the secondary characters remain consistent! It's like they all go through some kind of psychotic change halfway through the novel. I never got a sense of what the MCs wanted. What their goals where. WHO they were as people. Just that they were cream-their-pants-wet for each other and wanted to jump in the sack whenever possible.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
The idea was intriguing. It's a futuristic/SciFi idea with three worlds. The Interplanetary Malitia keeps the peace. I could buy into all of that. One thing that I do love about Frank is that she never lacks in imagination. I loved the worlds.
What hurt this book came down to basic story telling:
The head hopping was atrocious. It's like she didn't even try to write a scene from one POV. Instead of giving us clues to how the character was thinking (facial expressions, body language...), she'd simply jump into their head and tell us. ARG!!!!!
What it really lacked was an intriguing plot. The whole time it was, "Oh, noes! Someone's trying to kill me." Without the benefit of any real motive. When it comes down to telling the motive... she cheats and erases the dudes memory. WTF? Plotting needed to be tighter and the stakes needed to be higher.
There was over 100 pages before the MCs meet. Frank tries to make it better by having them "dream" of each other. BUT!!! I can't buy the fact that they fall in love/lust via these dreams when he only remembers one or two of them. Also, once they do meet, and are separated... why not dream then?! It reads more of a plot crutch if it's not consistent throughout the novel.
Plus, the characters were cardboard. I mean, really. The characters are not consistent. Not even the secondary characters remain consistent! It's like they all go through some kind of psychotic change halfway through the novel. I never got a sense of what the MCs wanted. What their goals where. WHO they were as people. Just that they were cream-their-pants-wet for each other and wanted to jump in the sack whenever possible.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
November 2, 2009
Ecstasy, book 1 in this series, was just an ok read for me, and after enjoying most of Frank's previous Nightwalkers series, I was more than a bit letdown, so I waited quite a while before getting Rapture. But I usually give a series a 2nd chance (unless the first is really bad!), so I finally picked it up. And through more than half the book, my thought was, 'this is ok, but I think I'm done with this series' - and then everything started happening! Turns out that Shadowdwellers have a latent '3rd gift', and for Daenaira it's being a berserker in battle. It certainly explains what seemed like self-destructive behavior through 8 years of being a slave. I thought it was great that Frank gave this gift to a female character! But stay away from Magnus - his gift is compelling truth in everybody just through skin-to-skin contact. (I would say that our court/legal system needs this, but they'd screw it up by asking the wrong or inappropriate questions!) And he certainly needed to start using his power - life in Sanctuary had become downright dangerous for everybody - except the ones trying to take over, of course.
August 23, 2011
I really adored the Nightwalkers series, thought the Shadowdwellers series was ok, but found Frank's last series both boring and kind of creepy. So, I was both hopeful and slightly apprehensive when I started this one. Unfortunately, I only got about 100 pages into it before deciding that it's a DNF.
The good: when Bronse and Ravenna are in scenes together, they have a really strong chemistry that reminds me of the sweet sensuality that made me like the Nightwalkers so much.
The bad: everything else
It starts off with 30 pages of world-building and character-developing via massive info-dumps. All telling, little showing. I will admit that I found Bronse's rapturous descriptions of his male team-members' physical prowess kind of entertaining in a "is Frank going to add m/m elements?" sort of way, but with the amount of head-hopping that went on I'm not sure it was intentional.
There's also the poorly done creative morphology - in addition to building worlds, Frank also builds words. Unfortunately, those words are along the lines of "nutria-treated water" -- because yes, having rodents involved in water treatment seems like a good idea. (Seriously, did this book have an editor?)
What finally made me give up, though, were the descriptions of Ravenna's physical abuse and sexual molestation by her captors. I fully admit to being squeamish, but honestly, I don't want to read about that garbage in my escapist literature - there's enough of it in real life. I'll tolerate it from a few authors, but here it just seemed exploitative, grotesque and physically unlikely (that Ravenna would live through it without extensive damage/medical treatment, I mean).
Anyway, I'm glad this was free (LTER program) but I'm sad that an author I used to adore is now going on my to-avoid list.
The good: when Bronse and Ravenna are in scenes together, they have a really strong chemistry that reminds me of the sweet sensuality that made me like the Nightwalkers so much.
The bad: everything else
It starts off with 30 pages of world-building and character-developing via massive info-dumps. All telling, little showing. I will admit that I found Bronse's rapturous descriptions of his male team-members' physical prowess kind of entertaining in a "is Frank going to add m/m elements?" sort of way, but with the amount of head-hopping that went on I'm not sure it was intentional.
There's also the poorly done creative morphology - in addition to building worlds, Frank also builds words. Unfortunately, those words are along the lines of "nutria-treated water" -- because yes, having rodents involved in water treatment seems like a good idea. (Seriously, did this book have an editor?)
What finally made me give up, though, were the descriptions of Ravenna's physical abuse and sexual molestation by her captors. I fully admit to being squeamish, but honestly, I don't want to read about that garbage in my escapist literature - there's enough of it in real life. I'll tolerate it from a few authors, but here it just seemed exploitative, grotesque and physically unlikely (that Ravenna would live through it without extensive damage/medical treatment, I mean).
Anyway, I'm glad this was free (LTER program) but I'm sad that an author I used to adore is now going on my to-avoid list.
March 30, 2026
if you're a fan of erotics and as little story progress as possible, that's your book
January 27, 2023
*rubs forehead* I wish better for heterosexuals I really do.
This book begins with an enormous info dump. Pages and pages of details that get laid on us all at once. In addition to lazy exposition, the author hops from head to head with barely a break in the story. The author squeezes every last detail from their heads and then moves on to the next. The inciting incident isn’t revealed until pages in.
The concept is actually promising if cliched: a military man with a strict code and a chosen one (literally they are called that) priestess. He’s all logic and reason, she’s all intuition and spirituality. They meet first in dreams which I thought was unique and a good way to get the hero off balance from the jump.
The execution of the plot though was lacking. I could not believe that the resolution to why the hero was targeted was a giant shrug emoji. It was so weird. There is a huge cast of characters that are very confusing and change as needed for plot convenience. The heroine’s brother goes from not a bad dude to spoiled and dramatic. We are not shown, just told this. Many of the other characters are so bland as to be interchangeable. And some make no sense. One Chosen One is called Domino because his hair is black and white. You are telling me that an alien race on a different planet has dominos? I’m so confused.
There is some weird shit about barbarians that seem coded as Middle Eastern? But I can’t be sure because it is so vague. But I think the nameless bad guys that have imprisoned the heroine are depicted as people of color, which hmmmm. Interesting choice. Nothing is interrogated regarding the government. The hero works for a militia group that seems to be persecuting the indigenous groups of three planets? But again, the details are so vague I am not even sure that is correct. The heroine is also indigenous if I am reading right, but is coded white. Very strange. You may think why do I care? Because if I am going to root for a soldier I damn well want to know what it is that they are fighting for. Still to this day im not sure.
If you took a shot every time gender essentialist language was used, you would be dead halfway in. ‘Male sounds’? ‘Female touch’? It goes on and on. I don’t know what authors mean when they say that. Describe, using your words, what kind of sound or touch. A male sound means nothing to me.
The ending is what pissed me off the most. The heroine is of course highly overpowered and the most special. And the book’s solution is to nerf her because why again? The hero literally says that she can never use her most special power because it would spoil her innocence and soft heart. I want to throw things. If my man doesn’t support me burning shit to the ground ESPECIALLY WHEN PEOPLE I LOVE ARE THREATENED, then he can die too. This man has killed how many? And he wants to judge her? He can take a long walk off a short pier. I could not believe the ending message was she’s too good to be a killer. You ma’am have lost my interest.
Don’t even get me started on the premise of the heroine being able to escape the entire time she was imprisoned but she didn’t because she wanted to wait for the hero to do it? Girl. If you don’t zap everyone and leave right now. I lost all patience at that point.
I just…don’t understand why you would want a man who doesn’t support your justified anger. Killing someone who tried to kill you and is actively trying to assassinate you and those you love is not bonkers. And she can do it with her mind? Girlfriend goals.
There is a weird subplot with a 16 year old that made me want to vomit. Just do not, I’m begging you, do underage shit in my adult novels. This is a 16 year old girl and a grown ass man. I don’t want to think about it!!!
This book begins with an enormous info dump. Pages and pages of details that get laid on us all at once. In addition to lazy exposition, the author hops from head to head with barely a break in the story. The author squeezes every last detail from their heads and then moves on to the next. The inciting incident isn’t revealed until pages in.
The concept is actually promising if cliched: a military man with a strict code and a chosen one (literally they are called that) priestess. He’s all logic and reason, she’s all intuition and spirituality. They meet first in dreams which I thought was unique and a good way to get the hero off balance from the jump.
The execution of the plot though was lacking. I could not believe that the resolution to why the hero was targeted was a giant shrug emoji. It was so weird. There is a huge cast of characters that are very confusing and change as needed for plot convenience. The heroine’s brother goes from not a bad dude to spoiled and dramatic. We are not shown, just told this. Many of the other characters are so bland as to be interchangeable. And some make no sense. One Chosen One is called Domino because his hair is black and white. You are telling me that an alien race on a different planet has dominos? I’m so confused.
There is some weird shit about barbarians that seem coded as Middle Eastern? But I can’t be sure because it is so vague. But I think the nameless bad guys that have imprisoned the heroine are depicted as people of color, which hmmmm. Interesting choice. Nothing is interrogated regarding the government. The hero works for a militia group that seems to be persecuting the indigenous groups of three planets? But again, the details are so vague I am not even sure that is correct. The heroine is also indigenous if I am reading right, but is coded white. Very strange. You may think why do I care? Because if I am going to root for a soldier I damn well want to know what it is that they are fighting for. Still to this day im not sure.
If you took a shot every time gender essentialist language was used, you would be dead halfway in. ‘Male sounds’? ‘Female touch’? It goes on and on. I don’t know what authors mean when they say that. Describe, using your words, what kind of sound or touch. A male sound means nothing to me.
The ending is what pissed me off the most. The heroine is of course highly overpowered and the most special. And the book’s solution is to nerf her because why again? The hero literally says that she can never use her most special power because it would spoil her innocence and soft heart. I want to throw things. If my man doesn’t support me burning shit to the ground ESPECIALLY WHEN PEOPLE I LOVE ARE THREATENED, then he can die too. This man has killed how many? And he wants to judge her? He can take a long walk off a short pier. I could not believe the ending message was she’s too good to be a killer. You ma’am have lost my interest.
Don’t even get me started on the premise of the heroine being able to escape the entire time she was imprisoned but she didn’t because she wanted to wait for the hero to do it? Girl. If you don’t zap everyone and leave right now. I lost all patience at that point.
I just…don’t understand why you would want a man who doesn’t support your justified anger. Killing someone who tried to kill you and is actively trying to assassinate you and those you love is not bonkers. And she can do it with her mind? Girlfriend goals.
There is a weird subplot with a 16 year old that made me want to vomit. Just do not, I’m begging you, do underage shit in my adult novels. This is a 16 year old girl and a grown ass man. I don’t want to think about it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2009
Great story about Magnus and Daenaira. She has been held as a slave for 8 years and suddenly out of the blue, guards show up and whisk her away to the Sanctuary. She has been abused and does not trust anyone. Magnus has no idea that she has gone through such torture, he simply wants a new handmaiden and the Gods sent him Dae. The relationship between the two of them is intense and very detailed. An additional plot about someone trying to take over the Sanctuary is also included, I think just the relationship aspect would have been enough. It was that good. But, the possible downfall of the Sanctuary was also very good and just added to the story. J. Frank is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is just plain good. I really liked this book and loved all the characters. J. Frank doesn't just give you tidbits of each character of importance, she gives you great details so you can understand why they do or say the things they do. I think that is another one of the reasons I like her writing so much.
December 3, 2012
I am trying my hardest to take this story seriously...It's been difficult to say the least. To start with I can't seem to move past the image I created of Magnus (the male lead) in Ecstasy the first of the Shadowdeweller series. In that book, the idea of him was the father figure – older, wiser, blah, blah, blah – now suddenly I am supposed to see him as a viable character to read about…BORING! To top that off Dae (female lead) is not a very interesting character either. I mean the potential is there but she is just such a bitch for no reason. I am not trying to say that physical and emotional abuse is nothing but she lashes out at everyone and it’s at the drop of a hat. It’s like Frank understands that the sort of abuse Dae has experienced changes a person and makes them slightly irrational in certain circumstances, but the way the story is written makes Dae just seem crazy. Everything is just so warped inside Dae’s head and I feel like Magnus…walking around in the dark.
March 18, 2011
First Reads Winner!!!
Ok so this was hard for me to get into at first. I am not a huge futuristic fan but I did enjoy this book and look forward to the next one. I loved that Rave and the rest of The Chosen Ones were so different. I do have to say that Rave's brother Kith was on my last nerve by the end of the book. But it did seem that he was maybe kinda trying not to be such a spoiled pain in the ***. Bronse the commander was pretty cool and I loved how his team all worked together like a family.
So basically Bronse dreams of Ravenna and she is trying to tell him something important but he thinks he may be loosing it. What is she trying to tell him? Well I cant say cause it pretty much makes the whole book and I cant give that away. But I will say there is plenty of action lots of hot lovin and pretty good characters. The secondary characters are pretty cool too. I think I have a crush on Ender though.. lol Hope he has a book.
Ok so this was hard for me to get into at first. I am not a huge futuristic fan but I did enjoy this book and look forward to the next one. I loved that Rave and the rest of The Chosen Ones were so different. I do have to say that Rave's brother Kith was on my last nerve by the end of the book. But it did seem that he was maybe kinda trying not to be such a spoiled pain in the ***. Bronse the commander was pretty cool and I loved how his team all worked together like a family.
So basically Bronse dreams of Ravenna and she is trying to tell him something important but he thinks he may be loosing it. What is she trying to tell him? Well I cant say cause it pretty much makes the whole book and I cant give that away. But I will say there is plenty of action lots of hot lovin and pretty good characters. The secondary characters are pretty cool too. I think I have a crush on Ender though.. lol Hope he has a book.
July 26, 2009
I started the Shadowdwellers series and I have to say, they just keep getting better and better. I cant wait to get my hands on the third one now!
Daenaria was abused and held slave by her family. Magnus, the head Sanctuary priest is called by Drenna, the goddess of darkness, to replace his handmaiden that had betrayed him just six weeks before. Magnus doesnt want to replace her but when Drenna sends him dreams that shows the situation becomming more and more dire for everyone the longer he waits, he has no choice but tot listen. Problem is, Darnaria isnt co-operating like the good little handmaiden she was supposed to be.
A lot of Drama, lots of sex, a laugh or two and a very erotic lesson on a different use for a sari.
Daenaria was abused and held slave by her family. Magnus, the head Sanctuary priest is called by Drenna, the goddess of darkness, to replace his handmaiden that had betrayed him just six weeks before. Magnus doesnt want to replace her but when Drenna sends him dreams that shows the situation becomming more and more dire for everyone the longer he waits, he has no choice but tot listen. Problem is, Darnaria isnt co-operating like the good little handmaiden she was supposed to be.
A lot of Drama, lots of sex, a laugh or two and a very erotic lesson on a different use for a sari.
July 27, 2011
I am so glad I started this series now and didn’t wait like I’ve done with Ms. Frank’s Nightwalkers series, which I’ve yet to start. This second book in the series captivated me just as much as the first, but in a whole different way. Ecstasy, the first book, dealt with the three ‘scapes for the Shadowdwellers as the hero and heroine find each other and fight for a life together and it was as intriguing, adventurous, and romantic as could be. This book, however, deals more with the betrayal that drove Ecstasy, the awakening of both the hero and heroine in several ways, and still gives us a look at those ‘scapes but in more narrow window.
Magnus is the head priest and founder of Sanctuary, the religious haven for the twin monarchs of his people, the other penance priests who teach their children, and the handmaidens who serve side by side with those priests. He is still trying to come to terms with the betrayal of his previous handmaiden who was lured by those wanting to take over Sanctuary and nearly killing both Magnus and Ashla, his new daughter-in-law. Trust is something he now harbors close to the vest and gives to no one without merit.
His goddess has led him to a new handmaiden, Daenaira, whom he finds out is a former slave, a fact that horrifies him. Slavery is against their law, and seeing what it has done to this young woman pushes him even more to gain her trust. He learns very quickly Dae herself can also push his buttons more than anyone has ever done. His patience is put to the test time and time again, along with his temper, and finally everything between combusts. And those are some of the best scenes in the book.
Daenaira is at first skeptical that freedom is now hers. But after learning who Magnus is and where she is to serve with him, she tries to conform to what is expected of her, but Magnus himself is the one who creates such fury and burning in her she can’t help but lash out. As she comes to know and care for the people of Sanctuary, however, she begins to feel that this peaceful and beautiful place can actually be her home. Only after the traitors who are killing the priests one by one are stopped, however, and she’s going to be part of that no matter what Magnus thinks.
Magnus and Dae are fun to read, though most of the time their situation is dire. But once they turn that corner and become lovers, they are a pair to be reckoned with. Getting there, though, is where the great reading comes in. Magnus has not had sex in at least 200 years. He chose to keep things platonic, so to speak, with his previous handmaiden. Dae, of course, being a slave has never had the experience of sex at all. Watching these two come alive in each other’s arms is full of sizzle, charm, and romance.
They both have to learn how to trust and are put to the test very thoroughly throughout the hunt for traitors. Their need for control is also tested, and they must learn to give both trust and control to each other. We get to know more of the priests in Sanctuary a little better this time around, along with a number of other secondary characters, all of whom I hope eventually get their own books. The villains running around this place wanting more of anything and everything they don’t deserve finally get what’s coming to them, and I really enjoyed a couple of those endings. The fight scene at the end in Dreamscape is quite compelling and happens at the same time another betrayal is happening in Realscape, but things are not always what they seem to be.
This is one terrific series, and Pleasure, the third book, is out next month. I can’t wait.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Magnus is the head priest and founder of Sanctuary, the religious haven for the twin monarchs of his people, the other penance priests who teach their children, and the handmaidens who serve side by side with those priests. He is still trying to come to terms with the betrayal of his previous handmaiden who was lured by those wanting to take over Sanctuary and nearly killing both Magnus and Ashla, his new daughter-in-law. Trust is something he now harbors close to the vest and gives to no one without merit.
His goddess has led him to a new handmaiden, Daenaira, whom he finds out is a former slave, a fact that horrifies him. Slavery is against their law, and seeing what it has done to this young woman pushes him even more to gain her trust. He learns very quickly Dae herself can also push his buttons more than anyone has ever done. His patience is put to the test time and time again, along with his temper, and finally everything between combusts. And those are some of the best scenes in the book.
Daenaira is at first skeptical that freedom is now hers. But after learning who Magnus is and where she is to serve with him, she tries to conform to what is expected of her, but Magnus himself is the one who creates such fury and burning in her she can’t help but lash out. As she comes to know and care for the people of Sanctuary, however, she begins to feel that this peaceful and beautiful place can actually be her home. Only after the traitors who are killing the priests one by one are stopped, however, and she’s going to be part of that no matter what Magnus thinks.
Magnus and Dae are fun to read, though most of the time their situation is dire. But once they turn that corner and become lovers, they are a pair to be reckoned with. Getting there, though, is where the great reading comes in. Magnus has not had sex in at least 200 years. He chose to keep things platonic, so to speak, with his previous handmaiden. Dae, of course, being a slave has never had the experience of sex at all. Watching these two come alive in each other’s arms is full of sizzle, charm, and romance.
They both have to learn how to trust and are put to the test very thoroughly throughout the hunt for traitors. Their need for control is also tested, and they must learn to give both trust and control to each other. We get to know more of the priests in Sanctuary a little better this time around, along with a number of other secondary characters, all of whom I hope eventually get their own books. The villains running around this place wanting more of anything and everything they don’t deserve finally get what’s coming to them, and I really enjoyed a couple of those endings. The fight scene at the end in Dreamscape is quite compelling and happens at the same time another betrayal is happening in Realscape, but things are not always what they seem to be.
This is one terrific series, and Pleasure, the third book, is out next month. I can’t wait.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
June 14, 2012
3.5 STARS
Absolutely loved the plot
Completely original and different from what I have been reading lately, which is not an easy thing to achieve as I've read almost EVERYTHING in this genre. Surprises are always welcome. It got a bit confusing from time to time because it was a very complex world building and many new characters to get to know, but I ALWAYS love a new challenge. Maybe I liked this so much because all the reads I've been reading lately in this genre were a bit predictable and common, so this new elaborated plot with its compelling and intriguing characters was an interesting novelty. I also really enjoyed the 'Militia' element. How the author played mixing reality and fiction. In this installment we get introduce to the specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia,a group of people highly trained to do impossible tasks. While they work helping 3 different worlds, we constantly get the feel of authenticity.
Still, some things I didn't like...
I'm not rating this series any higher because of the main couple and because I still felt like it was too much information. I might like a challenge but with this book it was more than that... it kinda felt like a huge mistake from the author to give so much information in only one book. I did understand everything, but many things could have been omitted and the essence of the series would have stayed the same. Then my problem with the main couple is that while they were cute together, I never got to feel a strong connection between them. This was probably because so little time goes on from when they get introduced till the end of the story. I prefer my romances to develop in a longer timeline so this way we feel like we have been present while it evolves and matures, it's just makes me feel closer to them because you get that feeling that you know them, it just gets more personal.
Important observation...
It still was a great introduction to a new series. First books in series usually come with too many information, so this feeling isn't new.
I noticed many have rated other books from this author -which are not a part of the Nightwalkers series- really low. I just don't know why... I really love the way Jacquelyn Frank writes and how much importance she gives to her world buildings. I really appreciate how she takes her time to write intricate and elaborated plots. Her books always captivate me. I just know I will never find them boring or dull, specially never predictable, and I adore that about this author. Can't wait to read the next.
Absolutely loved the plot
Completely original and different from what I have been reading lately, which is not an easy thing to achieve as I've read almost EVERYTHING in this genre. Surprises are always welcome. It got a bit confusing from time to time because it was a very complex world building and many new characters to get to know, but I ALWAYS love a new challenge. Maybe I liked this so much because all the reads I've been reading lately in this genre were a bit predictable and common, so this new elaborated plot with its compelling and intriguing characters was an interesting novelty. I also really enjoyed the 'Militia' element. How the author played mixing reality and fiction. In this installment we get introduce to the specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia,a group of people highly trained to do impossible tasks. While they work helping 3 different worlds, we constantly get the feel of authenticity.
Still, some things I didn't like...
I'm not rating this series any higher because of the main couple and because I still felt like it was too much information. I might like a challenge but with this book it was more than that... it kinda felt like a huge mistake from the author to give so much information in only one book. I did understand everything, but many things could have been omitted and the essence of the series would have stayed the same. Then my problem with the main couple is that while they were cute together, I never got to feel a strong connection between them. This was probably because so little time goes on from when they get introduced till the end of the story. I prefer my romances to develop in a longer timeline so this way we feel like we have been present while it evolves and matures, it's just makes me feel closer to them because you get that feeling that you know them, it just gets more personal.
Important observation...
It still was a great introduction to a new series. First books in series usually come with too many information, so this feeling isn't new.
I noticed many have rated other books from this author -which are not a part of the Nightwalkers series- really low. I just don't know why... I really love the way Jacquelyn Frank writes and how much importance she gives to her world buildings. I really appreciate how she takes her time to write intricate and elaborated plots. Her books always captivate me. I just know I will never find them boring or dull, specially never predictable, and I adore that about this author. Can't wait to read the next.
June 19, 2016
I loved Ecstasy though honestly I read it so long ago I don't remember a thing about it. I'm spending 2014 trying to get up to speed on many of the series I've started and left behind for new series. Therefore I had Rapture and Pleasure on my list to read in April. When I first started reading Rapture, I didn't remember anything about the Shadowdwellers world except that Magnus was Trace's father and this book revolved around Magnus and the priests themselves.
I can honestly say that this book was hot and I found Daenaira's sexual awakening to be sweet, sexy as hell and extremely well-written. I simply loved Magnus and his tender care and feelings for Daenaira, even against his own will. After Karri's betrayal, he really really didn't want another handmaiden and he didn't want to have any real affection for her either. This is a sweet love story about finding the One, realizing that fact and making it work for both of them while continuing to perform religious duties.
I liked the fact that these priests (and handmaidens) were expected to teach relationship and sexual insight to their Sanctuary students. It's a far cry from abstinence which honestly doesn't help anyone (hence all the priests that are rapists). I felt this book put a new face on religion and doing the right thing for the right reasons. I'm not a religious person but this book really worked for me.
I'm off now to read Pleasure and see what happened to Sagan.
I can honestly say that this book was hot and I found Daenaira's sexual awakening to be sweet, sexy as hell and extremely well-written. I simply loved Magnus and his tender care and feelings for Daenaira, even against his own will. After Karri's betrayal, he really really didn't want another handmaiden and he didn't want to have any real affection for her either. This is a sweet love story about finding the One, realizing that fact and making it work for both of them while continuing to perform religious duties.
I liked the fact that these priests (and handmaidens) were expected to teach relationship and sexual insight to their Sanctuary students. It's a far cry from abstinence which honestly doesn't help anyone (hence all the priests that are rapists). I felt this book put a new face on religion and doing the right thing for the right reasons. I'm not a religious person but this book really worked for me.
I'm off now to read Pleasure and see what happened to Sagan.
March 22, 2011
First the things I liked. Bronse & Ravenna. Bronse is a special-ops commander (that's not the correct terminology, he's a part of a unit ETF, or something like that), and a guy with a good childhood, but with a broken marriage. He was okay, but I was more intrigued by his friends Lasher & Ender, who seemed more complex (and more tortured).
Ravenna, for the sheltered life she led, is mature and strong. She's taken care of her entire family, has no insecurities, and looses her temper only once in the entire book (I'm not counting the times when she was under the influence of drugs). She is pretty perfect. And that's my only problem with her.
I know that doesn't sound like I liked them, I did, but they are not so memorable.
Now, I had a few problems with the book. So, every character has a first name, last name and a nickname, and the author keeps mixing them up. It took me awhile before I finally managed to sort everybody out. Also, the POVs from Bronse's squad in the beginning were, I won't say unnecessary, but in that point of the book I didn't know them at all, and it was hard to concentrate on what they were thinking/saying.
And don't forget Kirth, Ravenna's brother. You know that feeling when you simply wish you could reach into the book and beat a character into a bloody pulp, well Kirth would definitely deserve it. He was so annoying and immature!
It was obvious when I reached the end of the book, that the next one in the series Seduce Me in Flames, will be tightly connected to this one (or at least I hope it will be). We know who the bad guy is, but we don't know his motives, and there is a part of the story behind everything that is missing.
All in all:
3.5 stars.
Ravenna, for the sheltered life she led, is mature and strong. She's taken care of her entire family, has no insecurities, and looses her temper only once in the entire book (I'm not counting the times when she was under the influence of drugs). She is pretty perfect. And that's my only problem with her.
I know that doesn't sound like I liked them, I did, but they are not so memorable.
Now, I had a few problems with the book. So, every character has a first name, last name and a nickname, and the author keeps mixing them up. It took me awhile before I finally managed to sort everybody out. Also, the POVs from Bronse's squad in the beginning were, I won't say unnecessary, but in that point of the book I didn't know them at all, and it was hard to concentrate on what they were thinking/saying.
And don't forget Kirth, Ravenna's brother. You know that feeling when you simply wish you could reach into the book and beat a character into a bloody pulp, well Kirth would definitely deserve it. He was so annoying and immature!
It was obvious when I reached the end of the book, that the next one in the series Seduce Me in Flames, will be tightly connected to this one (or at least I hope it will be). We know who the bad guy is, but we don't know his motives, and there is a part of the story behind everything that is missing.
All in all:
3.5 stars.
April 18, 2011
It always takes me a bit a bit to get into Jacquelyn Frank's books. I think this is because she jumps right into these unique worlds and she tends to give a lot of information. Not only about the worlds, but about the characters too. This sometimes takes my brain a bit to get into because I am taking in so much information and I don't want to get lost. Once I got over that speed bump, the book picked up momentum and I was hooked!
I think my one complaint is she kept jumping between using Masin's given name and his nicknam (Lasher). I think she did it for a few other characters as well. This would sometimes jar me out of the book while I stopped and figured out who I was reading about.
All and all, this was a great book. I loved Bronse and Ravenna together! The secondary characters were interesting as well and gets you really excited for the future books to come. This is another great start to a Jaquelyn Frank series and I am looking forward to the next book to come!!
I think my one complaint is she kept jumping between using Masin's given name and his nicknam (Lasher). I think she did it for a few other characters as well. This would sometimes jar me out of the book while I stopped and figured out who I was reading about.
All and all, this was a great book. I loved Bronse and Ravenna together! The secondary characters were interesting as well and gets you really excited for the future books to come. This is another great start to a Jaquelyn Frank series and I am looking forward to the next book to come!!
October 10, 2009
Book 2 in the paranormal romance series Shadowdwellers, about a race of supernatural people who are instantly incinerated if they are exposed to direct sunlight. Their cities are underground, in old mining tunnels. This is Magnus's story - Magnus is their religious leader. He falls in love with Daenaira, a former slave, who helps him unravel a complicated corruption web within their religious institution.
It's a solidly written, passionate, romance with some hot scenes, but th story never really grabbed me and sucked me in the way I like. Good, but not amazing.
It's a solidly written, passionate, romance with some hot scenes, but th story never really grabbed me and sucked me in the way I like. Good, but not amazing.
November 29, 2009
A WORLD WHERE THERE ARE REALMS OF DARKNESS AND MAGNUS THE HEAD PRIEST
OF SANCTUARY WHERE ORDER IS PRIZED AND SIN MUST BE PUNISHED - WHO HAS
JUST LOST A HANDMAIDEN AND IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER - BUT HE DOES NOT
COUNT ON THE LITTLE SPITFIRE HE IS PRESENTED WITH.
WONDERFULLY DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - BEAUTIFULLY PENNED CHARACTERS - I
LOVED DAENAIRA WITH ALL HER TROUBLED PAST AND THE WOEFULLY INEPT
ATTITUDE MAGNUS HAD ON HIS IDEAS WITH HER. FIGHTING THEIR DESIRES
AND THE ENEMY WITH ALL THE TREACHERY SUCKS YOU RIGHT ON IN.
BRILLIANT.
OF SANCTUARY WHERE ORDER IS PRIZED AND SIN MUST BE PUNISHED - WHO HAS
JUST LOST A HANDMAIDEN AND IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER - BUT HE DOES NOT
COUNT ON THE LITTLE SPITFIRE HE IS PRESENTED WITH.
WONDERFULLY DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - BEAUTIFULLY PENNED CHARACTERS - I
LOVED DAENAIRA WITH ALL HER TROUBLED PAST AND THE WOEFULLY INEPT
ATTITUDE MAGNUS HAD ON HIS IDEAS WITH HER. FIGHTING THEIR DESIRES
AND THE ENEMY WITH ALL THE TREACHERY SUCKS YOU RIGHT ON IN.
BRILLIANT.
August 26, 2009
This series is getting so good. I loved Magnus and Dae, there were so many great twists in this book. Emotional, hot and just really good!
Read
November 11, 2011I loved all 3 of this series, the idea was very original and the plots were fast moving with just enough twists and turns.
January 26, 2025
There is literally nothing of substance in this book. When people are talking about ai replacing creative industries in the future, I usually disagree, but for books like this, 100% bro 😭😭😭
- characters like Trick who seemed important but the author just forgot about later
- I didn’t care for Kith but the author ruined his character just so he could serve as a foil for Bronse. He was just a kind little brother but then he turned into this privileged man child sex fiend? All so Bronse and Ravenna can have their girl boss moments putting him down.
- Idk what to think of this specificslly but the boomer/millennial characterization of woman and men are so obvious.
- For example “… after awhile he believed he’d found the rare fortune of a woman worth asking to marry”, self-evident cringe
- “Bronse’s eyes [then his eye description]. They were like a woman’s eyes some would say for their sheer prettiness. Actually, no one would say that, they wouldn’t dare” double whammy cringe, since when are eyes gendered😭, and what big alpha Bronse can’t possibly be described to have pretty eyes or even worse a WOMANS EYES 😱😱😱, why is that an insult to a man?
- The sex power play follows the idealized manosphere perspective of the sexually mature experienced hardened man who has a past versus the innocent sexy virgin who is a powerful woman but implicitly knows her worth enough to not sleep around with men
- “Juice sticks” being the joke term for lobotomizing weapons casually mentioned and never again is insane
- Empath being used seriously kills me everytimr
- I hâte smut description, “when his lavender eyes flashed angrily …”, “curious topaz eyes…” , “growling impatience” it’s so characteristic that the stereotypes just write themselves
- Generational societal roles of women are so complicated and paradoxical. A “good” woman is sexually innocent and yet naturally capable at it and also interested in it, mother-like meaning wise, and nurturing? And not to mention also has to be intelligent, and experienced, but not enough to know better than men. For Rave, she is a virgin that loves her first kiss from Bronse and is sexually talented despite her inexperience (which is impossible), she is mother-like because she takes care of her clan as head priestess but conveniently she’s not actually a mother because ofc she had to be written as a virgin. And lastly, she is powerful and intelligent but lacks real world experience, relative to the main man and so has to be protected. Sexual but not too much, mother-like, and intelligent but not too much.
- I also find that eroticism is portrayed so weirdly for women. A sexy man is mainly assured, forthcoming and active, we see Bronses sexiness described in his actions and only briefly once by the description of his body. While a sexy women is observed by men and her beauty is inherent, ornamented as well by her purity. Her sexiness is purely in her body and spirit and not of her initiative and actions
- ““That hot little blush that was everything innocent about her and everything passionate as well.”
- “What I need is the beauty of a woman who trusts me” what are you even saying author
- “But he wouldn’t rush her or skip any niceties just because his body couldn’t stop screaming demands at him”. Men portrayal of sexuality is unrelenting again while women’s are more capricious
- “… trying not to crush her precious little skull when the sensations overwhelmed him” again, more infantilisation
- “Pervert, Bronse retorted. Deflowerer, Lasher responded”. Please never write again Miss Author.
- Raves whole thing about Bronse is that he’s a rough but good guy and how he only uses violence when justified. Bro he’s literally a self described adrenaline junkie assassin who, shortly after they start having sex, has an emotional outburst that manifests as aggressively and “grabbed her by both arms and slammed her up hard against his body so hard that the air left her lungs in a sudden gust”. Oh and then she likes it lmfao
-
I also won’t talk about the smut but it’s not great either 👍. I have no idea who the target audience is really more for, man or woman? I’m not sure. Anyways, to avoid. Give me back my life.
- characters like Trick who seemed important but the author just forgot about later
- I didn’t care for Kith but the author ruined his character just so he could serve as a foil for Bronse. He was just a kind little brother but then he turned into this privileged man child sex fiend? All so Bronse and Ravenna can have their girl boss moments putting him down.
- Idk what to think of this specificslly but the boomer/millennial characterization of woman and men are so obvious.
- For example “… after awhile he believed he’d found the rare fortune of a woman worth asking to marry”, self-evident cringe
- “Bronse’s eyes [then his eye description]. They were like a woman’s eyes some would say for their sheer prettiness. Actually, no one would say that, they wouldn’t dare” double whammy cringe, since when are eyes gendered😭, and what big alpha Bronse can’t possibly be described to have pretty eyes or even worse a WOMANS EYES 😱😱😱, why is that an insult to a man?
- The sex power play follows the idealized manosphere perspective of the sexually mature experienced hardened man who has a past versus the innocent sexy virgin who is a powerful woman but implicitly knows her worth enough to not sleep around with men
- “Juice sticks” being the joke term for lobotomizing weapons casually mentioned and never again is insane
- Empath being used seriously kills me everytimr
- I hâte smut description, “when his lavender eyes flashed angrily …”, “curious topaz eyes…” , “growling impatience” it’s so characteristic that the stereotypes just write themselves
- Generational societal roles of women are so complicated and paradoxical. A “good” woman is sexually innocent and yet naturally capable at it and also interested in it, mother-like meaning wise, and nurturing? And not to mention also has to be intelligent, and experienced, but not enough to know better than men. For Rave, she is a virgin that loves her first kiss from Bronse and is sexually talented despite her inexperience (which is impossible), she is mother-like because she takes care of her clan as head priestess but conveniently she’s not actually a mother because ofc she had to be written as a virgin. And lastly, she is powerful and intelligent but lacks real world experience, relative to the main man and so has to be protected. Sexual but not too much, mother-like, and intelligent but not too much.
- I also find that eroticism is portrayed so weirdly for women. A sexy man is mainly assured, forthcoming and active, we see Bronses sexiness described in his actions and only briefly once by the description of his body. While a sexy women is observed by men and her beauty is inherent, ornamented as well by her purity. Her sexiness is purely in her body and spirit and not of her initiative and actions
- ““That hot little blush that was everything innocent about her and everything passionate as well.”
- “What I need is the beauty of a woman who trusts me” what are you even saying author
- “But he wouldn’t rush her or skip any niceties just because his body couldn’t stop screaming demands at him”. Men portrayal of sexuality is unrelenting again while women’s are more capricious
- “… trying not to crush her precious little skull when the sensations overwhelmed him” again, more infantilisation
- “Pervert, Bronse retorted. Deflowerer, Lasher responded”. Please never write again Miss Author.
- Raves whole thing about Bronse is that he’s a rough but good guy and how he only uses violence when justified. Bro he’s literally a self described adrenaline junkie assassin who, shortly after they start having sex, has an emotional outburst that manifests as aggressively and “grabbed her by both arms and slammed her up hard against his body so hard that the air left her lungs in a sudden gust”. Oh and then she likes it lmfao
-
I also won’t talk about the smut but it’s not great either 👍. I have no idea who the target audience is really more for, man or woman? I’m not sure. Anyways, to avoid. Give me back my life.
February 15, 2013
Okay, as ive said repeatly this book is amazing. There basically is no words to describe why I find this book so damn amazing, unless of course you read it for yourself
Rapture is about a world were, well okay, this book comes in series, but ive only ever read this one in the series.
This book is about a women who has been enslaved for the past eight years. She not just treated like a normal slave, were you would expect doing the unpleasant chores. But no she has to do intolerable things, as if she doesn’t do it, or argues she gets electrocuted. How? You might ask, shes in shakles, burning her skin day and night.
Shes learnt to never trust anyone, only herself. Shes not a woman who pitys her circumstances, she embraces it. She lets not one take any shit. She doesn’t allow being touched. Shes a pure hellion. She fight, even if she gets punished for it. Her spirit refuses to be burnt out. It stays light, pure light.
Her names Dae
Mangus, his man. Not just any man, hes a man whos a believer, a warrior who never gives in. who have unbelievable faith. He’s a priest. Not just the normal, any kind of priests, this guy is endurably amazing. Hes been through hell and high. Hes had his faith tested, he comes close to breaking but hes never given up.
He gives the pure evil souls the change for repentance. If they refuse, he kills.
He fights to the death, he fights for purity. There no guy like Mangus.
The sanctuary he so loves, is being tested. Is being turned from what he once hoped it to be. He wanted the place to be a sacred , safe place. A place where he can train students, teach them about physical and emotional strolls through earth. He doesn’t just teach the pleasantries, not just him, but the priests and handmaids teach students all about sex! Yes that right I said sex. And it doesn’t stop there! They don’t just teach it with words they are very show and tell lessons. If you get what I mean.
This book is about finding the culprit to the one who is behind all the schemes, all the death, all the injures and corruption in the holy place.
But things don’t turn about how they expected, well for any of them to say the least.
Dae gets taken to the sanctuary, its almost like a helping, new turning point for her. But at first she doesn’t know this. She thinks shes being sold to another person whos going to use just as badly as before.
Mangus, the high priest is obviously very shocked to hear about Dae past. Don’t think that she easily gave the information, it was a pure struggle.
But don’t worry Mangus went to get penance for the injustice.
Dae has this fiery sprit. She know how to fight, she lives to fight. As she comes to the holy place she unravels mystery. She becomes a helping hand to Dae.
Obviously shes not just a happy helping hand. Shes gourgous and hot, and test Mangus limits. He finds this one enticing.
Its hard to describe how to put this. The way the books written, its very enticing. Mangus teaches Dae about sex. But remember not just with words!
They both uncover who is responsible for the disaster. The way the work together, the way this book is written… there’s just no words to describe how could I find this book.
There is clearly pure love in this book. This story is not s story to be forgotten.
Rapture is about a world were, well okay, this book comes in series, but ive only ever read this one in the series.
This book is about a women who has been enslaved for the past eight years. She not just treated like a normal slave, were you would expect doing the unpleasant chores. But no she has to do intolerable things, as if she doesn’t do it, or argues she gets electrocuted. How? You might ask, shes in shakles, burning her skin day and night.
Shes learnt to never trust anyone, only herself. Shes not a woman who pitys her circumstances, she embraces it. She lets not one take any shit. She doesn’t allow being touched. Shes a pure hellion. She fight, even if she gets punished for it. Her spirit refuses to be burnt out. It stays light, pure light.
Her names Dae
Mangus, his man. Not just any man, hes a man whos a believer, a warrior who never gives in. who have unbelievable faith. He’s a priest. Not just the normal, any kind of priests, this guy is endurably amazing. Hes been through hell and high. Hes had his faith tested, he comes close to breaking but hes never given up.
He gives the pure evil souls the change for repentance. If they refuse, he kills.
He fights to the death, he fights for purity. There no guy like Mangus.
The sanctuary he so loves, is being tested. Is being turned from what he once hoped it to be. He wanted the place to be a sacred , safe place. A place where he can train students, teach them about physical and emotional strolls through earth. He doesn’t just teach the pleasantries, not just him, but the priests and handmaids teach students all about sex! Yes that right I said sex. And it doesn’t stop there! They don’t just teach it with words they are very show and tell lessons. If you get what I mean.
This book is about finding the culprit to the one who is behind all the schemes, all the death, all the injures and corruption in the holy place.
But things don’t turn about how they expected, well for any of them to say the least.
Dae gets taken to the sanctuary, its almost like a helping, new turning point for her. But at first she doesn’t know this. She thinks shes being sold to another person whos going to use just as badly as before.
Mangus, the high priest is obviously very shocked to hear about Dae past. Don’t think that she easily gave the information, it was a pure struggle.
But don’t worry Mangus went to get penance for the injustice.
Dae has this fiery sprit. She know how to fight, she lives to fight. As she comes to the holy place she unravels mystery. She becomes a helping hand to Dae.
Obviously shes not just a happy helping hand. Shes gourgous and hot, and test Mangus limits. He finds this one enticing.
Its hard to describe how to put this. The way the books written, its very enticing. Mangus teaches Dae about sex. But remember not just with words!
They both uncover who is responsible for the disaster. The way the work together, the way this book is written… there’s just no words to describe how could I find this book.
There is clearly pure love in this book. This story is not s story to be forgotten.
August 6, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
I have always wanted to read a book by Jacquelyn Frank. I think a lot of that has to do with the sexy covers. So when I found this on audio recently I decided to give it a try. I actually had NO clue what the story was about going into it so I was a bit surprised to find it had a bit of a sci-fi romance theme.
I do think in general those are hard books to write without getting a little cheesy, but I think Ms. Frank managed to write an interesting enough story. Of course we have an interplanetary military force of sorts, and one of the best teams is led by Bronse Chapel. He's your typical military guy. He lives, breathes and sleeps his job. He's good at what he does, but usually not much else. He is a bit lacking in the communication and interrelations department, and he only manages to have a good rapport with his team members. He tried the marriage thing, didn't work. But now, someone inside his own organization wants to kill him. He doesn't even know what he did, what he knows or why they want to eliminate him.
There's someone out there that senses his dilemma though, and she needs his help to escape herself. She is Ravenna, a member of the Chosen Ones, which we slowly learn about throughout the book but will become very important I think in later books. They are powerful beings. Each one has a different power. Her power is visions, to be able to see the future. She was captured along with her brother. And she knows Bronse is destined to come rescue her.
She first comes to Bronse in his dreams. Beautiful, ethereal, at first he thinks he's going crazy. But she leads him to her. They are immediately enamored of each other, even though they have to hide it so others don't suspect that he knew who she was before the rescue. His job, and his teams', is to protect the Chosen ones they've managed to rescue and to unmask and defeat whoever is trying to kill Bronse.
The pace of this book was a little slow for my taste, and it definetely had a certain something missing (spark?) that I can't put my finger on. The world building was really good, I do want to read more about where it will go from now on.
I also think it's worth mentioning that this book changes perspectives throughout the book with some of the team members. So at times you might yourself in the head of the first in command, or the pilot, etc. At times it was interesting, at times it felt a bit out of place and non-related.
And onto the side characters, I'm intrigued to read more about all the Chosen ones. A lot of them are still young, so it might seem wrong, but I actually thought it was really cute to see Ravenna's younger sister crushing for Masin, Bronse's first in command.
To sum it up, I did find it interesting, it had some hot scenes, I liked the hero, the heroine was ok, and the world is interesting enough for me to continue on reading!
I have always wanted to read a book by Jacquelyn Frank. I think a lot of that has to do with the sexy covers. So when I found this on audio recently I decided to give it a try. I actually had NO clue what the story was about going into it so I was a bit surprised to find it had a bit of a sci-fi romance theme.
I do think in general those are hard books to write without getting a little cheesy, but I think Ms. Frank managed to write an interesting enough story. Of course we have an interplanetary military force of sorts, and one of the best teams is led by Bronse Chapel. He's your typical military guy. He lives, breathes and sleeps his job. He's good at what he does, but usually not much else. He is a bit lacking in the communication and interrelations department, and he only manages to have a good rapport with his team members. He tried the marriage thing, didn't work. But now, someone inside his own organization wants to kill him. He doesn't even know what he did, what he knows or why they want to eliminate him.
There's someone out there that senses his dilemma though, and she needs his help to escape herself. She is Ravenna, a member of the Chosen Ones, which we slowly learn about throughout the book but will become very important I think in later books. They are powerful beings. Each one has a different power. Her power is visions, to be able to see the future. She was captured along with her brother. And she knows Bronse is destined to come rescue her.
She first comes to Bronse in his dreams. Beautiful, ethereal, at first he thinks he's going crazy. But she leads him to her. They are immediately enamored of each other, even though they have to hide it so others don't suspect that he knew who she was before the rescue. His job, and his teams', is to protect the Chosen ones they've managed to rescue and to unmask and defeat whoever is trying to kill Bronse.
The pace of this book was a little slow for my taste, and it definetely had a certain something missing (spark?) that I can't put my finger on. The world building was really good, I do want to read more about where it will go from now on.
I also think it's worth mentioning that this book changes perspectives throughout the book with some of the team members. So at times you might yourself in the head of the first in command, or the pilot, etc. At times it was interesting, at times it felt a bit out of place and non-related.
And onto the side characters, I'm intrigued to read more about all the Chosen ones. A lot of them are still young, so it might seem wrong, but I actually thought it was really cute to see Ravenna's younger sister crushing for Masin, Bronse's first in command.
To sum it up, I did find it interesting, it had some hot scenes, I liked the hero, the heroine was ok, and the world is interesting enough for me to continue on reading!
March 11, 2018
This book elicited two reactions from me at any given moment:
AND
The DECENT:
Interesting premise that clearly sets the stage for a potentially long series as the MANY side characters that were introduced eventually receive their own HEA.
The BAD:
There were a TON of side characters. On the hero's side you have about three or four characters who we learned a good deal about which makes me think they are going to have their own books. One the heroine's side is like another 6. Too many for a first book. And certainly too many for such a short book.
Tropes - Instalove/virginal heroine/alpha hero: I'm pretty sure only about two days in majority of this book. Toward the end there was a "two weeks later" kind of thing but I point all that out to say that the hero and heroine didn't have a ton of interactions and yet here we are with an HEA. The alpha is supposed to be an expert military infantryman and yet can't seem to get his head together around the heroine. I actually can't stand heroes that lose their head to lust despite the fact that the circumstances are completely inappropriate. Which brings me to my next point...
The UGLY:
The initial displays of affections and thoughts trailing off to erotic places felt very off to me. For example: Meanwhile I'm like dude, can we address this trauma before you start mauling her??!! and another time: To be honest, I think I liked the hero best in his interactions with everyone except the heroine.
The most weird and egregious to me was the relationship that seems to be developing between Ophelia and Lasher. but I'm like Jacquelyn Frank if this is your idea of how to get a couple started...GROSS.
2 - I'm not continuing this series - stars
AND
The DECENT:
Interesting premise that clearly sets the stage for a potentially long series as the MANY side characters that were introduced eventually receive their own HEA.
The BAD:
There were a TON of side characters. On the hero's side you have about three or four characters who we learned a good deal about which makes me think they are going to have their own books. One the heroine's side is like another 6. Too many for a first book. And certainly too many for such a short book.
Tropes - Instalove/virginal heroine/alpha hero: I'm pretty sure only about two days in majority of this book. Toward the end there was a "two weeks later" kind of thing but I point all that out to say that the hero and heroine didn't have a ton of interactions and yet here we are with an HEA. The alpha is supposed to be an expert military infantryman and yet can't seem to get his head together around the heroine. I actually can't stand heroes that lose their head to lust despite the fact that the circumstances are completely inappropriate. Which brings me to my next point...
The UGLY:
The initial displays of affections and thoughts trailing off to erotic places felt very off to me. For example: Meanwhile I'm like dude, can we address this trauma before you start mauling her??!! and another time: To be honest, I think I liked the hero best in his interactions with everyone except the heroine.
The most weird and egregious to me was the relationship that seems to be developing between Ophelia and Lasher. but I'm like Jacquelyn Frank if this is your idea of how to get a couple started...GROSS.
2 - I'm not continuing this series - stars
March 22, 2011
I received this book on Goodreads First Reads.
I have to say one reasons I entered this ARC giveaways was because I was a big fan of her Nightwalkers Series. But this book...though I really did love the world she created in general, I couldn't help feeling...that it was slow, why I don't know, but there was definitely something missing in it for me.
Bronse Chapel, 'the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia', I found was very, well to say the least he held high appeal to me, total alpha male, and we see him first carrying Trick his wounded team member across the very dangerous desert planet. So hero, leader, dangerous, sexy, who could want more from our main man? Also, he is getting dream warnings from a 'Chosen One', Ravenna, but not just a Chosen One, she is the leader, they are a group of people with special gifts. She knows something bad is going to happen with Brones and his team, and will help him, but first he has to help the Chosen Ones. And not that I didn't like her but I didn't love her, and felt I couldn't really connect with her. But I do think her and Bronse was very suited for each other, they were both very strong and dedicated in there own ways.
It has already been mentioned, and speculated that it may be cleared up after final editing, that there is a lot of information that is being given out, in the beginning of the book. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I felt it kind of distracted me from the story in general, and made it slower.
Also, the names and nicknames, I didn't find that to tedious, but it did kind of bother me. And the switching perspectives of the team. One moment it was Bronse, then Lasher/Masin, ect. I didn't, not like learning about them, they did intrigue me, and they didn't switch to many times but I have never much liked book that switched to much.
Another thing I am curious about is Domino, one of the Chosen Ones. I hope he has his own book he really intrigued me since I first got his description, black and white hair? Sounds hot to me :p
Altogether I really did like the book, and I definitely recommend it to you Jacquelyn Frank lovers out there. I do think I will try to pick up the second book when it comes out, to see what happens.
I have to say one reasons I entered this ARC giveaways was because I was a big fan of her Nightwalkers Series. But this book...though I really did love the world she created in general, I couldn't help feeling...that it was slow, why I don't know, but there was definitely something missing in it for me.
Bronse Chapel, 'the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia', I found was very, well to say the least he held high appeal to me, total alpha male, and we see him first carrying Trick his wounded team member across the very dangerous desert planet. So hero, leader, dangerous, sexy, who could want more from our main man? Also, he is getting dream warnings from a 'Chosen One', Ravenna, but not just a Chosen One, she is the leader, they are a group of people with special gifts. She knows something bad is going to happen with Brones and his team, and will help him, but first he has to help the Chosen Ones. And not that I didn't like her but I didn't love her, and felt I couldn't really connect with her. But I do think her and Bronse was very suited for each other, they were both very strong and dedicated in there own ways.
It has already been mentioned, and speculated that it may be cleared up after final editing, that there is a lot of information that is being given out, in the beginning of the book. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I felt it kind of distracted me from the story in general, and made it slower.
Also, the names and nicknames, I didn't find that to tedious, but it did kind of bother me. And the switching perspectives of the team. One moment it was Bronse, then Lasher/Masin, ect. I didn't, not like learning about them, they did intrigue me, and they didn't switch to many times but I have never much liked book that switched to much.
Another thing I am curious about is Domino, one of the Chosen Ones. I hope he has his own book he really intrigued me since I first got his description, black and white hair? Sounds hot to me :p
Altogether I really did like the book, and I definitely recommend it to you Jacquelyn Frank lovers out there. I do think I will try to pick up the second book when it comes out, to see what happens.
June 24, 2010
Daenaire “Dae” has lived and been treated as a slave by her Aunt and Uncle for the last couple of years. She evens wears a shock collar to prevent her escape and to enforce her obedience. Her Aunt and Uncle are tired of her and sold her to the highest bidder, the shocked her into unconsciousness so she won’t fight them. The next moment she awakens she is in Sanctuary, the church of the Shadowdwellers led by the High Priest Magnus.
Magnus enforces the law of his people and their rulers Tristan and Malaya. He informs Dae that he gets visions sometimes from the Goddess Drenna and that he needed to save her, so she was to become his handmaiden. Dae don’t trust easily after what she’s been through, but for some reason she knows that Magnus can be trusted and finally find some peace in her life.
Magnus has some enemies and they want him dead. But they didn’t counted on Dae’s love for Magnus and she is willing to do anything to keep him save.
Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank is the second novel in her Shadowdwellers Series. I have to say I liked this book better than the first one. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like Ecstasy with characters Trace and Ashla, but their story was slow.
Magnus and Dae are a strange couple, she has been a slave at her Aunt’s and Uncle’s and he is the High Priest of Sanctuary and has been celibate for quite some time. Magnus isn’t planning of giving up his celibacy in the near future, but Dae has other plans. When she finally accepted her fate, she decides that she doesn’t want to be Magnus handmaiden in name only, she wants it all. So she’s taking some secret lessons they teaches at Sanctuary and hope she can seduce Magnus.
Jacquelyn Frank created a fabulous world where Shadowdwellers cannot live in the light and have to live underground, where it is dark constantly. The only way they can take light is in the Dreamscape, but we already know that they cannot stay long because they will go mad.
I have to say I like the world and the characters en I’m really looking forward to read the next novel. Hopefully we will read more about one of the rulers Malaya and her bodyguard Guinn. I believe they are perfect for each other.
Magnus enforces the law of his people and their rulers Tristan and Malaya. He informs Dae that he gets visions sometimes from the Goddess Drenna and that he needed to save her, so she was to become his handmaiden. Dae don’t trust easily after what she’s been through, but for some reason she knows that Magnus can be trusted and finally find some peace in her life.
Magnus has some enemies and they want him dead. But they didn’t counted on Dae’s love for Magnus and she is willing to do anything to keep him save.
Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank is the second novel in her Shadowdwellers Series. I have to say I liked this book better than the first one. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like Ecstasy with characters Trace and Ashla, but their story was slow.
Magnus and Dae are a strange couple, she has been a slave at her Aunt’s and Uncle’s and he is the High Priest of Sanctuary and has been celibate for quite some time. Magnus isn’t planning of giving up his celibacy in the near future, but Dae has other plans. When she finally accepted her fate, she decides that she doesn’t want to be Magnus handmaiden in name only, she wants it all. So she’s taking some secret lessons they teaches at Sanctuary and hope she can seduce Magnus.
Jacquelyn Frank created a fabulous world where Shadowdwellers cannot live in the light and have to live underground, where it is dark constantly. The only way they can take light is in the Dreamscape, but we already know that they cannot stay long because they will go mad.
I have to say I like the world and the characters en I’m really looking forward to read the next novel. Hopefully we will read more about one of the rulers Malaya and her bodyguard Guinn. I believe they are perfect for each other.
February 24, 2011
I thought Seduce Me in Dreams was pretty good, and even though Franks takes her paranormal romance act to a sci-fi setting this time, Seduce Me in Dreams very much fits her formula which means that Seduce Me in Dreams falls a bit more on the steamy side of the steam vs story balance.
Seduce Me in Dreams kicks off with an attention grabbing opening as our alpha male hero Commander Bronse piggy-backs a critically wounded special forces team member out of hostile territory on a dessert planet. The next few chapters bog down as we are brought up to speed with our hero's history, get up close and personal with several members of his team, and as Franks introduces our petite yet powerful heroine Ravenna who visits our hero in his dreams long before they meet in the flesh. I would have been happier if I'd gotten the in-depth bios a little later in the story once I was a bit more invested in the characters - since there were a lot of good ones among Chapel's team and Ravenna's little family of psychics.
But once the story got going, I found that I really liked Bronse despite being conflicted at times about the way that Ravenna causes him to loose his center and his focus, and how after a big speech to Ravenna about how he has been taught to cherish woman before they 'join' for the first time, he is no where as considerate during their second encounter. I didn't connect as well with Ravenna, she is so busy being strong all the time that I thought she was a little flat, but I am hugely hero-centric so that wasn't a deal breaker for me.
Speaking of hero material, I really loved Bronse's second in command Lasher and he is clearly positioned to take the lead when the series continues with Seduce Me in Flames. And with a great deal of the series setup out of the way, I am actually looking forward to seeing where Franks takes Lasher and Bronse's new and expanded team next time round.
(I received a free advance reading copy of this book through the Amazon Vine)
Seduce Me in Dreams kicks off with an attention grabbing opening as our alpha male hero Commander Bronse piggy-backs a critically wounded special forces team member out of hostile territory on a dessert planet. The next few chapters bog down as we are brought up to speed with our hero's history, get up close and personal with several members of his team, and as Franks introduces our petite yet powerful heroine Ravenna who visits our hero in his dreams long before they meet in the flesh. I would have been happier if I'd gotten the in-depth bios a little later in the story once I was a bit more invested in the characters - since there were a lot of good ones among Chapel's team and Ravenna's little family of psychics.
But once the story got going, I found that I really liked Bronse despite being conflicted at times about the way that Ravenna causes him to loose his center and his focus, and how after a big speech to Ravenna about how he has been taught to cherish woman before they 'join' for the first time, he is no where as considerate during their second encounter. I didn't connect as well with Ravenna, she is so busy being strong all the time that I thought she was a little flat, but I am hugely hero-centric so that wasn't a deal breaker for me.
Speaking of hero material, I really loved Bronse's second in command Lasher and he is clearly positioned to take the lead when the series continues with Seduce Me in Flames. And with a great deal of the series setup out of the way, I am actually looking forward to seeing where Franks takes Lasher and Bronse's new and expanded team next time round.
(I received a free advance reading copy of this book through the Amazon Vine)
April 9, 2011
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
1)The author did a great job expressing the passion between two people. You could read w/o using your imagination to get a rise out of your body.
2)Favorite part was the rescue of Ravenna and Kith
3)Adventure; taking the reader to different locations; space station; different planets
4)Chapter 3 was when my interest peaked. Appreciated the way the author set up the characters in chapter 1
5)Moments between Bronse and Ravenna (ooh la la)
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
1)Names used interchangeably too many times; sometimes you thought four people were in the conversation when in fact there were only three; very very confusing.
2)The book was classy enough w/o using the "p" word or the "c" word; other words could have been used
3)Breaks in the names of characters; one character introduced as Masin "Lasher" Morse in beginning of book and later re-introduced as Lt Commander Lasher Morse
4)First time Ravenna and Bronse kiss should have been a teaser. Instead it was hot and heavy
WHAT I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO READ ABOUT IN THE BOOK
1) Introduce character and for the remainder of the book use one name or reference to one term i.e., Lasher or Lt Commander depending on who was doing the talking
2) Would have loved to read about each Chosen One using their talent behind the backs of the military team and later showing their talents to the military team after they had used the talents in various situations. This would have allowed the uniqueness of the characters to stand out and would have made them more personal to the reader.
3) Will there be a book two because I don't know why a particular character wanted to be assassinated
4) The name Han Abjurdoon, a Shiasha was mentioned but reader did not get to meet him
1)The author did a great job expressing the passion between two people. You could read w/o using your imagination to get a rise out of your body.
2)Favorite part was the rescue of Ravenna and Kith
3)Adventure; taking the reader to different locations; space station; different planets
4)Chapter 3 was when my interest peaked. Appreciated the way the author set up the characters in chapter 1
5)Moments between Bronse and Ravenna (ooh la la)
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
1)Names used interchangeably too many times; sometimes you thought four people were in the conversation when in fact there were only three; very very confusing.
2)The book was classy enough w/o using the "p" word or the "c" word; other words could have been used
3)Breaks in the names of characters; one character introduced as Masin "Lasher" Morse in beginning of book and later re-introduced as Lt Commander Lasher Morse
4)First time Ravenna and Bronse kiss should have been a teaser. Instead it was hot and heavy
WHAT I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO READ ABOUT IN THE BOOK
1) Introduce character and for the remainder of the book use one name or reference to one term i.e., Lasher or Lt Commander depending on who was doing the talking
2) Would have loved to read about each Chosen One using their talent behind the backs of the military team and later showing their talents to the military team after they had used the talents in various situations. This would have allowed the uniqueness of the characters to stand out and would have made them more personal to the reader.
3) Will there be a book two because I don't know why a particular character wanted to be assassinated
4) The name Han Abjurdoon, a Shiasha was mentioned but reader did not get to meet him
June 8, 2012
In all honesty I want to like this book, but it's taking me FOREVER to finish the audiobook. Well forever by my standards. I always have issues with fantasy stories on other worlds because they require SO much world building and I start to get bored and uninterested.
I'm going to muddle through and hopefully finish this by tomorrow. Hopefully!!
I'm a bit more than halfway through the audiobook now and I just keep thinking that this can't be the same author who gave me great stories like Jacob, Noah, Adam, Damion, etc... This seems like it's written by a first time author. I'm a bit disappointed by that since I loved the aformentioned books. Moving on.....
two hours left in the book and I swear I can't wait for it to end, this shit is torture.....
awe damn this just got worse. I hate when the author uses certain words for shock value. This story didn't have the grit to get away with using the word "pussy". The hero curses occasionally yes, but he isn't raunchy enough to get away with using pussy. I cannot wait for this book to be done.
All Done!!
I really enjoyed The Nightwalker books and I was hopefull that I'd like this book too, but alas I was really disappointed.
Narrator - 2
Story - 1
The narrator gave an over the top performance giving a bad story a very cheesy feel. I won't condemn her for her narration because I'm sure even the fabulous Xe Sands, Phil Gigante, or Tavia Gilbert couldn't have done this story any good.
I'm going to muddle through and hopefully finish this by tomorrow. Hopefully!!
I'm a bit more than halfway through the audiobook now and I just keep thinking that this can't be the same author who gave me great stories like Jacob, Noah, Adam, Damion, etc... This seems like it's written by a first time author. I'm a bit disappointed by that since I loved the aformentioned books. Moving on.....
two hours left in the book and I swear I can't wait for it to end, this shit is torture.....
awe damn this just got worse. I hate when the author uses certain words for shock value. This story didn't have the grit to get away with using the word "pussy". The hero curses occasionally yes, but he isn't raunchy enough to get away with using pussy. I cannot wait for this book to be done.
All Done!!
I really enjoyed The Nightwalker books and I was hopefull that I'd like this book too, but alas I was really disappointed.
Narrator - 2
Story - 1
The narrator gave an over the top performance giving a bad story a very cheesy feel. I won't condemn her for her narration because I'm sure even the fabulous Xe Sands, Phil Gigante, or Tavia Gilbert couldn't have done this story any good.
April 1, 2011
This is first book in Ms. Frank's " Three World " series and is a significant departure from her original works. Being a HUGE fan of Jacqueline's, but not really onto sci-fi, I entered this with some trepidation. This series takes place in a completely alien setting, there is no connection to Earth whatsoever. Which I will admit, is normally not my cup of tea, but whoooo-hooo. She could write medical journals and I'd read em.
Bronse Chapel is commander of an elite team of the Three World military peacekeepers. They are the cream of the crop. Bronse starts having disturbing dreams of impending death and this is where he encounters Raveena. Raveena is the high priestess of the Chosen Ones. A group of psychically powerful individuals living in a temple on a primitive planet in the three world system. Raveena and her younger brother, Kith, have been betrayed by her people. They were given to a nomadic tribe of barbarians to give to a vicious warlord as a gift. Raveena knows Bronson is her savior, but will he arrive in time.
Loved the two main characters, her heroines are always strong, and the heroes, waaaaay hot. Bronse has coal black hair, and lavender eyes. Yummmo. The chemistry is smoking hot, and her love scenes could deep fry chicken. The other characters, both crew and the Chosen ones are intriguing and captivating, especially Domino, he's a sexual empath with black and white hair. Love me some Oreo's. I wouldn't miss the rest of this series for a stack of lottery tickets. Well done, well done.
Bronse Chapel is commander of an elite team of the Three World military peacekeepers. They are the cream of the crop. Bronse starts having disturbing dreams of impending death and this is where he encounters Raveena. Raveena is the high priestess of the Chosen Ones. A group of psychically powerful individuals living in a temple on a primitive planet in the three world system. Raveena and her younger brother, Kith, have been betrayed by her people. They were given to a nomadic tribe of barbarians to give to a vicious warlord as a gift. Raveena knows Bronson is her savior, but will he arrive in time.
Loved the two main characters, her heroines are always strong, and the heroes, waaaaay hot. Bronse has coal black hair, and lavender eyes. Yummmo. The chemistry is smoking hot, and her love scenes could deep fry chicken. The other characters, both crew and the Chosen ones are intriguing and captivating, especially Domino, he's a sexual empath with black and white hair. Love me some Oreo's. I wouldn't miss the rest of this series for a stack of lottery tickets. Well done, well done.
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