Great sci-fi/fantasy novel with intriguing characters
352026
Really great vampire story set in modern times. Butler is an excellent writer.
383536
I actually liked this book for many reasons: interesting while believable world setup, fun characters and, of course, the plot.  Sadly, the book ended with a lot of mysteries remaining - but then again, I now really want to read the next part. Overall, an excellent sci fi novel that does grab you and doesn't let go.
2562915
A great second book in a very promising series.

I am a hardcore sci-fi fan and have literally read hundreds of sci-fi books and this series ranks near the top of my favorites list (next to the forever war, the Ender books and Ready player one). It has excellent character development and a great story line with plenty of realistic action. I was lucky enough to only pick up the first book in this previously unknown series about four weeks ago (and read it in one sitting) and after finishing it, actually walked to my computer strait away in order to check if I could download the next book immediately, only to find I had to wait a few more weeks. But this wait was certainly worth the time :)
1170255
Imaginative and other-wordly, this sci-fi novel is  intriguing in its interplay of characters and story line. It's a page turner!
3657131
A very imaginative sci fi read that is actually sci fi, not fantasy.  The main character is saved by an outside force and given a new body that heralds a new era--he seems to be a mixture of all "races", symbolizing the need for all the people of the earth to work together against an outside threat. People meeting him see him as mostly like themselves--interesting, because the people meeting him are all different.  It has a lot to say about our prejudices.  There is a lot of action, some psychology and philosophy, and a lot of introspection, a touch of nearly-superhuman ability,as well as a bit of (unrealized on the pages of the book) romance. I couldn't put it down.  I can't wait to start on the next book in the trilogy!
344318
BLOODLUST is an intriguing fantasy book where a potential romantic relationship happens to play a pivotal role.

Characters: I'll admit I love Ivy and Lukor. A barbarian and a goliath, they couldn't be more different. Yet, at the same time, they are much more alike than you might expect. Two strong characters facing incredible challenges, Nicole created them so they were still relatable.

Relationships: When Lukor and Ivy first meet, they form an uneasy alliance. As the book continues, the relationship continues to evolve as you learn more about the world where they exist. In the grand scheme of things, their relationship is both the driving force behind certain events and secondary to the big picture. The relationships of the main characters with those of their own species and members of the other species are key to the story, especially where you're never quite sure whom to trust.

Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed: Ivy and Lukor aren't perfect. They are conflicted. As a reader, you're constantly wondering what decision they are going to make, and how it will pan out in the grand scheme of things. This is one of the elements that kept me reading.

World Building: The world of BLOODLUST is far different from ours. Though the humans play some small part in the story, Nicole built a world full of fantastical elements. There were a few times that I got a bit disoriented, but overall the world came together well, and I was always able to figure things out.

Final Rating: 4 stars. I really enjoyed BLOODLUST, and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy.
2970028
This is definitely a sci-fi fantasy book. After reading the first book in the series I had no trouble following the concept of this book. I like how the story is wrapped around the long lost dead daughter Ur. How she is in control of what happens next. The Girl From Ipanema is very interesting  and a great adventure traveling between time and space. It was easy to follow and unique in its own way. There were many characters but because I had read the first book I knew the backstory and didn't need a lot of information to start with. Ajax Minor develops his characters with depth and complexity. He shows a flair for originality. I enjoyed this book and others will too.
1189400
I pretty much read it in one sitting because I was so entranced by the world and it fed my hunger for what I've been looking for in a good Science Fiction/Fantasy novel.

Off the bat, I think the reason I enjoyed this book so much was because I believe I am the exact target audience for it. I'm a QWoC who bloody loves elemental magic incorporated in my fantasy and this book had EVERYTHING a girl like me could ever dream of. It had a mostly LGBTQ cast of characters(i think only one main character wasn't, I read it a while ago so I can't remember) and four out of seven of the main cast were PoC. So I don't think I took a second to breath while I read this book. Oh and it had a F/F pairing with the two main characters Celosia and Ianthe(who's a WoC) which I fangirled to death over!

The story follows Celosia, or Daybreak, a nickname she earned by being a failure. It was nice to have a heroine introduced that wasn't necessarily this chosen one, but instead a heroine with a bad reputation with following through with an important mission. Because of that she was sort of like the laughing stock, so the book was centered on her having to prove herself worthy again.

Kiran's magic system was on point and the world building took me so many places that I felt like this was a world i wanted to get lost in. This story reminded me of a mixture of FullMetal Alchemist(because of the incorporation of military elements and how it weaved in with folks with abilities) and The Legend of Korra(because of the technology elements compared to ATLA)

My favorite characters were Adan(i'd even say Adan was number #1) and of course Celosia and Ianthe because their relationship was so cute and easy to root for. I'd recommend this book for ALL lovers of fantasy, especially if you like reading books with well-thought out detail and an amazing cast of non-default characters.

This book ended on a cliffhanger which i don't mind at all because it felt more like a resolved cliffhanger. I know I'm going to run out and get the second book once it comes out because i have to find out what happens next!

***An ARC was offered in exchange for an honest review.***
57881
This is a wonderful novel for sci-fi fans, and even those that are only recently getting into the genre.  The concepts are not necessarily so far ahead of today's science (theory) that it just seems completely  unbelievable.  The only criticism that I have for it is that there are sooo  many characters introduced and that the novel jumps between them soooo  frequently that I sometimes had a difficult time keeping them straight.  But otherwise a great novel.  I'm eagerly searching for the next in the  "Hunted Earth" series.
Invictus!
2962143
eHuman Deception by Nicole Sallak Anderson is a well-crafted sci-fi action-adventure novel, the second of her eHuman Trilogy series that picks up where the first tale left off. Andersons storyline is based on an intriguing scientific premise, buffered by a solid cast of characters and energized by a fast-paced series of events that makes this a space opera you won't want to miss.

Flattery will get you everywhere in my case. And in my case, the author created a Broadway Turk Superstar character named after my pro wrestling alter ego. The Turk is introduced as a wrestler who also does some extracurricular bodyguard work for a couple of the major protagonists in the novel. I suppose theres something about having multiple personalities  indie author Rhoda DEttore had a John Reinhard in her book, Newborn Nazi. These characters exhibit an antihero quality that brings a gray area into stories that fundamentally discuss good vs. evil. And thats great for reading audiences who may have trouble deciding where their own sentiments lie.

In this case, we find Edgar Prince and his One World Government engaged in a war of genocide against any and all who resist his authority. Of course, with humanity being as stubborn as oxen, his minions set out to annihilate all carbon-based life forms that stand against his dominion. As we saw in the first novel, the resisters are able to transcend their corporeal trappings by developing a form of eHumanity. This allows carbon life forms to translate into energy-based beings by harnessing their chi power. Its a novel concept that we haven't seen before, and Anderson may have locked into something unique within the overworked and often redundant sci-fi genre.

Back to the future  Dawn teams up with Adam Winter on a quest to see if any humans remain alive after Edgar Princes regime is overthrown. Only the general consensus is that Prince is alive and well somewhere as eHumans are winding up missing or dead with unsettling frequency. Evelyn Prince, Edgars rebellious daughter, realizes that her father is planning to regain control of the planet. Only her Collaborative Government finds itself in a race against time to uncover Edgars scheme. Adam is forced into an uncomfortable alliance with his rival Origen as they race to not only stop Edgar but to save Dawn when she becomes a prime target for the evildoers.

Theres plenty of sci-fi high-tech discussion on tap, along with some good old Shakespearean pathos and fast-paced action to keep even the casual reader turning the pages. For readers of all ages, eHuman Deception by Nicole Sallak Anderson is a worthy alternative to the latest Star Wars rehashes. Its guaranteed to keep you locked in tighter than Broadway Turk Superstars patented Iron Deathlock.
4076888
Bloodlust is a fascinating book; part sci-fi, part fantasy, part political expose'. Sal is a rarity, a pure Iliri. The humans have taken over the planet in their quest for metals. They have cross-bred the Iliri making them pets and using them for their own purposes. They are treated worse than animals. Sal as a purebred can never fit in with humans. She stands out with her white skin, ears located more on the  top of her had, as well as razor like teeth. She doesn't act quite human either, her senses are better and she has an animal like streak. She's has always been a slave, but has a chance at a better life in the military, especially if she is chosen to be a member of the Black Blades, an elite force. The Blades consist of their Lieutenant Blaec, his First Officer Arctic, Shift, Razor, Zep, and the assassin Cyno. The Blades are an elite force with a secret; they all have Iliri blood. And they have found their Kaisae, a female to rule their pack.

This is a coming of age book of sorts. Sal has no knowledge of the Iliri and has always tried to be as human as possible. Blaec looks human and while he takes advantage of his Iliri traits, he has hidden his heritage. Cyno's Iliri side has left him nearly a wildman. Sal brings the group closer while also presenting new problems. She has personal relations with more than one of the men and a couple more seem interested. This is a reverse harem, so she will end up with several of the men. She makes the group stronger, better, but may end up destroying them if not careful.

I loved the world building and the history introduced into the story. The characters are complex, conflicted. Sal and Blaec most of all. It was frustrating, yet understandable. The dynamics, the warring instincts, the struggle for dominance, the fear over acceptance, the love; all of these issues balanced with military tactics and battles as well as the everyday discrimination struggles Sal faced made for a very entertaining book. The suspense near the end kept me up reading late into the night. I loved the book and look forward to more with Sal, Blaec, and the rest of the Blades.
4272353
Currently one of my favorite fantasy novels. I'm excited to see there's more on the way for this series and that V.E. Schwab is going to pick up the few loose ends she left in ADSOM. I can't talk about this book without giving away major plot points, so just know that if you love fantasy or science fiction you're going to love this book. It has vibes that remind me of  Dr. Who at times, and then it gets into some seriously close to Narnia quality concepts, it's smart and creative and even though it's about all these different worlds it really does a good job of showing what a "Small world" it is after all. Everything is connected, after all. I can't wait for the sequel!
521653
I like this new series by Kevin J. Anderson.  I enjoyed the first book of the series.  The second book of the series is even better and moves at a better pace than the first one did.  I enjoy his characterizations and descriptions.  He writes just the right amount to give a clear picture without becoming tedious.
Personally, I want to see more from Jess Tamblyn's POV but I'm not the author so I'll just have to like what I get.  :)
Very original plot and creation of tension between races!  Recommended to anyone who is looking for good scifi/fantasy.
2200551
This science fiction title has a mix of sci-fi as well as fantasy, with some religious undertones that will get you thinking.  The author has an engaging writing style that quickly gets you into the story and was hard to put down.  The technology in the future wasn't too over the top (you could get your hands around it), and the author wound it up nicely and it could either be a standalone novel or possibly continue on with a sequel  if there is a sequel, Id probably buy it just to see where the authors imagination takes us next.

I originally picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion vs. the normal Kindle price of $5.99  I certainly received more than $5.99 worth of entertainment value.  If you like a sci-fi book with a mix of fantasy, I would recommend this one.
638272
Well-written, great characters, multiple races, interesting world, intriguing plot, complex emotion and dense relationships. Looking forward to the next one.
305179
4.5 STARS!
I really liked this novel. A close friend suggested it and I decided to take a chance. James Rollins combines the best traits of science fiction and fantasy, giving scientific, modern day reasons to rationalize mystical occurrences in the book. I really enjoyed that. Most of all, I loved the characters and their realistic personas. I thoroughly enjoyed Painter Crowe, and hope to see him in future novels by this author. I loved Saffy, and I loved Omaha. I cheered for him to make things right with her. Enjoyed the gritty fight scenes and action immensely.
That's the positive, now here's the negative. While I enjoyed the technological melding of fantasy and science, sometimes I felt as if it flew over my head. That isn't why I dropped a star. I had a real problem with how quickly Painter fell in love and believed the sudden love triangle detracted from the amazing story going on here. Otherwise, this is a fantastic read.
1863106
I think was a really good book, The concept was clear, the character were described in good details, hardly any errors made. I love how it intertwined Sci-fi with some fantasy in it.

This books starts out with a little bit of a prologue into the story, at first you're kind of like "Um what's going on?" but then you get into the actual story, where is starts out with a young man named Quade.  He's on a planet, acquiring information on some of the uncharted "nexus's" which are basically tamed black holes, used for quicker space travel amongst the planets in the universe or multiple universes. He lives on the planet Bethel, he is in love with the Keystone's Daughter and future Keystone, named Trina. Who is a loving and caring woman, one who doesn't have a belly button. She cares for her people and makes sure they are well taken care of.  Clea is Trina's best friend, Clea also has a friend named Avalon who is a muse and is only seen by Clea, and anyone he wishes them to see him, or is in need of a muse.

Quade also has been having weird dreams and has been hearing strange voices which makes him think he's going insane.  Well come to find out he's not going insane it just two entities that work for the gods named Echo & mimic... they're quite funny I think. But they guide Quade through realizing he has a destiny, and guides him through it. Avalon is Clea's guide to her destiny which, she refuses to acknowledge. Quade is a chosen one, as well as Clea, I think Trina is another one, but not quite sure on that.

Clea is a well known smuggler so most of the book, she's out smuggling goods for a guy named Ryder. Possible enemy? or possible Lover? or possible aly? who knows.

They are chosen to fight the SanFear a formless creature made by the gods in their first attempt at creation. It goes and seeks what it can and sucks the energy out of everything on the planet, and caught in space.

Their destiny is too destroy this, Quade isn't sure he truly believes in his destiny until the Keystone is possessed by one of the SanFear. Then while Clea is still refusing her destiny, Quade is on a mission to find what he needs to rescue the Keystone, and his beloveds father. And Well Trina, she's basically clueless in all this.

At the end of the book, however it comes to where Clea can't get home, and Quade ends up getting the SanFear out of the Keystone, but is being hunted by the Keystones guard for attacking, the keystone.  It basically cuts off with Trina sitting with her father, Quade gone no one knows where, and Clea stuck in space cause the planet has been shut down for travel due to the attack on the Keystone.

I hope more is answered in the next book, and I can't wait to see what unfolds next.