She owes them her life. She’ll pay with her body.After she is caught trying to steal an artifact from an alien temple, Avalon is saved from a terrible fate by four veteran warriors, but the battle-scarred brutes make it clear they have no intention of setting her free. She belongs to them now, and one after the other they bring her roughly to heel, using and enjoying her beautiful body as … beautiful body as thoroughly and as often as they please.
Though their plan to rescue her goes smoothly, Avalon remains distrustful of these alien beasts, and her efforts to escape them soon earn her a painful, humiliating punishment. Despite her shame, she cannot hide her response to their touch, and before long she is screaming with pleasure as she is brought to climax again and again by acts she’d never thought she could enjoy.
Over the coming days, Avalon’s captors become her protectors, but will they be able to keep her safe when her life is threatened by the man who sent her to steal the artifact in the first place?
Publisher’s Note: Condemned is set in the same world as Ruled, but it is a stand-alone novel. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
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Devoured this one in like record time it was just that good.
so this is set in the same universe as ruled but is a totally separate story with a completely different set of characters involved and as such can be read as a standalone.
This is a reverse Harem romance with four males and one female.
So the males are all Mauleon (Captain Takk, Timin, Zo, Kondio) and the female (Avalon) is a Huleon a half breed mix of the former and human.
This has this author’s trademark heat and descriptive interactions combined with a very well developed cast of individuals all with very distinct personalities.
Our males here all have various physical and mental leftovers from a war that has raged rampant between the two opposing factions.
So Reverse Harem does tend to be a bit hit or miss for me and I am happy to impart that this here was definitely a total hit.
So when Avalon is caught trying to steal the claw of truth her sentence is severe.
The unit that originally apprehended her decide against there better judgement to aide in her liberty believing the sentence was unduly harsh.
So Captain Takk making a deal with the Huleon (Avalon) sets forth our journey into motion.
This also had a great underlying storyline and had no issues keeping my attention.
I adored all the Mauleon’s themselves some more than others and one in particular really did take a good while to grow on me: no mind he got there in the end.
I read this is one complete sitting back to back and enjoyed every part.
This does have some aspects of dub-consent which I do adore and was absolutely scorching in temperature.
It was super smokin hot, decadently dirty and my eyeballs are now in need of a good scrub.
On top of the heat, this was also incredibly sensual and emotive.
It was also told in multiple POV so you get a good all-round feel for all involved.
This really was a fabulous experience one that I am ever so happy to recommend.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Condemned: A Dark Sci-Fi Reverse Harem Romance.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
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This is a reverse harem book for people who don’t like reverse harem!
Condemned is unlike most (any?) RH story you will have read (or not read) before and it should be top of your TBR list. Reverse Harem has been one of those ‘things’ that seems to have become huge (no pun intended) in the romance world over the last few years. I have to say unless they are part of a series, for a variety of reasons, I had rather given up on them.
The vast majority of books in the genre have zero male character development and I have all on trying to remember which guy is currently featured or to find ANY plot in between all the sex scenes. Well Condemned turned all those preconceptions on their head. This author refused to stick to the formulaic 1 sex scene with each, a couple of MFM scenes and then one sex scene with all of them as the grand finale. No this author GAVE THE BOOK A PLOT! Imagine that, she actually wrote a story with action, adventure, dastardly plots against the heroine, sweet little moments, some darn kinky sex but not too much and 4 distinct male characters who actually quite liked the heroine! How dare she?!! (That last bit is tongue in cheek)
I really had a soft spot for Zo (who, for a sadist, was quite tender) and Kondio… Oh also the very troubled Timin and I guess, in the end, the aloof and cold Takk wasn’t too bad either. These men all had their own distinct personalities, their foibles, strengths and weaknesses. Four battle damaged, weary Mauleons looking for some peace and quiet in which to live out the rest of their days. And all it took to mend their broken souls was one unwanted, unloved and uninhibited Huleon girl thief called Avalon. Well that and rescuing her from certain death by impalement.
We get a pregnant scythefox, a mousebot called Nibbles (who may just steal the show a little), assassins, a religious sex cult, a runaway ‘lovemaking’ machine and a strange prophecy that all add colour, texture and flavour to this wonderful story. We get salacious kinkiness, plenty of humour, a quirky plot that never fails to captivate or surprise and piercings. If you’ve ever read Terry Pratchett’s discworld and wished for something similar but naughtier, dirtier and with piercings then you will LOVE this book.
**Condemned has the same setting as Ruled, though there is no overlap between the two stories and it can be read standalone.**
Magnificent, Marvelous, Mauleons!!
Ms. Silverwood is back again with another story about her Marvelous Mauleons. If you aren’t familiar with them, then I suggest reading her recent release “Ruled” which introduced us to this catlike race.
This was an entertaining story that blended elements of mild bdsm, tech, and sci-fi in a world ravaged by war. Avalon survives in this world the best way she can as a thief and after a botched job, she ends up in the claws of four Mauleons. Takk, Kondio, Timin, and Zo are battle hardened warriors who each bear scars from the war as different as their attitudes and looks.
They find themselves becoming attracted to Avalon in ways none of them had ever thought they would experience again. What Avalon finds in the arms of these men is a chance at having friends and a family to call her own.
Decisions are made after her capture that send them all down a road to redemption and ultimately love. Along the way, they learn to adapt and change their preconceived notions of one another until it evolves into their own unique bond which includes amazingly HOT sex with claws!!
I love each warrior for different reasons, but I have to say that Zo is my favorite because he shows Avalon that she has value as a huleon, that she is more than just a half breed to be used and discarded. He also sports a Zendokai tattoo reflecting his belief in the Zendokai philosophy. This is the practice of self-control which becomes more difficult the longer he is in her presence.
Timin would be a close second because he brings out her protective instincts for reasons I won’t disclose as it would be a spoiler. Kondio comes across as a big, scruffy, ol’ kitty kat who would just love having his belly rubbed among other things. LOL!! And finally we come to Capt. Takk, the stern, fearless, leader of the group who distances himself the most from Avalon in the beginning.
Along with some very interesting side characters/creatures such as florses, a scythefox, mouse-bots, assassins, and love priests, this is a story of second chances, of healing, finding love when you least expect it, and finally a place in this world to call home.
Once again Ms. Silverwood has left a lasting impression on me with an amazing story and her unique imagination. I am constantly surprised at how I feel after reading one of her books. She slowly worms her way into my subconscious with her writing every time. I just adore her creative genius and cannot wait for her next release. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy romance with a touch of darkness and sci-fi.
Well if you like Alpha, rough and ready types with twitchy hands, a liking of tying women up and plenty of sexy times then youll love this book. Me i do and i did!
Thief Avalon (FMC) is tasked to steal The Claw of Truth a precious artifact but things dont go to plan and she ends up at the mercy of the Mauleons – Takk, Zo. Timin and Kondio an alien race she tried to steal from. The caper they go on as the guys decide to sell her off as a sex slave. I liked the dynamic between all of them. Avalon is not a submissive character in this book. She gave as good as she got. Which i liked about her. She played off well with the guys too. Its a quick but a good read too
*** Free book for an honest review ***
The first time reading a Book by this author but not my last. I was not sure if I would enjoy this book, but I really liked it. The hopeless not help less Avalon and here four mates made for a catchy read. If you like something different in your dark romance with lots of heat this is the book for you.
Free book for an honest review ***
It wasnt much story or plot. The spice was good though. A bit shocking, even for me that doesn’t get shocked often. I felt anxious for her, damn they sounded… Big.. Very big. Split a small woman in two kind of big. But wow. Had it been a little more plot it would have easily been 4 or 5 stars.
* I received a ARC for my honest review. My opinions are my own *
Avalon is caught trying to steal an artifact from an Alien Temple. She is saved by four Alpha Mauleon warriors. Takk, Kondio, Timin, and Zo who have plenty of battle scars from the war. Each warrior has a different way of expressing their attraction to Avalon. There is lots going on in the story with strange creatures, (a florses, scythfox, mouse-bots), assassins, healing, a priest, betrayal, spankings, steam, second chances, and a place to finally call home. I love the stories that Cari Silverwood writes. I look forward to the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Dark Sci-Fi Reverse Harem Romance story that kept me turning pages. Avalon is a Huleon girl who has been forced to steal a relic from a temple by her uncle. She gets caught by four veteran Mauleon warriors. Takk the leader of the four, the others are Kondio, Timin and Zo. I was not putting this book down until I was finished reading it. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Whenever Cari asks me if i’d like another story,i check my calender first.
Because it always feels like it’s my birthday,and she gave me the perfect present……again!
This beauty is in the same world as Ruled,and if you liked that gem,you are going to love this one!
Avalon,a Huleon girl,is forced to steal a relic from a temple by her uncle and gets caught by 4 veteran Mauleon warriors. Takk,the leader of the four. And Kondio,Timin and Zo. Proper punishment for this crime should be death,but she’s given a choice. Belong to these 4 mauleons,be theirs in every sense of the word until they deliver her at Omage,where priests have a use for her in their prayers. Or die. Guess what choice she makes….
But these warriors are in for a surprise,because Avalon isn’t your average little thief,she’s not just a Huleon,she has efsana as well. And it affects all of them as they journey towards Omage.
For the first time in her life,Avalon feels like she belongs.
Kondio,Timin and Zo find themselves caring about this little thief,even as they love hurting her….in a good way.
Takk has trouble accepting he’s affected by this little Huleon,but falls for her anyway.
Leaving her with the priests is going to hurt them all…..
There are,however,forces at work to ensure Avalon dies. An assassin called J’kai is following them. But will she succeed? I mean four warriors? Against one assassin? Then again….they have to know she’s there first,and they don’t…..
The twists and turns kept me glued to the pages,and i couldn’t stop reading until the very last word. The eye for detail Cari has,it blows my mind!
The world build,the gadgets,animals,everything.
Soooo good!
That’s why i love this story.
Not just the evil kinkiness. Nope.
Not just the delicious things these warriors come up with to treat a helpless little thief. Nope.
It’s the full picture that does it.
Each and every time!
Wow! Unbelievably hot Reverse Harem, Condemned was enjoyable to read with an even pace, the writing is fluid (there’s even a touch of humor) with plenty of smutty scenes that were never boring or repetitive. The MMCs felt not like clones but all have a distinct personality (Takk, Takk, Takk…mmmm!) and the heroine was pretty coherent, feisty and funny.
There are similarities with the Omegaverse genre in the dynamics between the h and the male characters, but no knots and no mention of omegas/alphas/betas. Also, the MMCs are not human but mauleons and the heroine is a huleon (a hybrid).
The story is seen from different POVs, I loved that, you can understand where all the characters came from and how their past has molded them.
I highly recommend this book for RH lovers who don’t expect a sweet romance and can enjoy hot, insanely kinky sex with a touch of dub-con/non-con.
Set in the same world as Ruled, This book is a stand-alone but for full reading pleasure and back story I would recommend you read Ruled first.
Featuring a band of 4 ( wonderfully/humanly flawed and individual) retired Mauleon war veterans and one feisty half mauleon/half human girl thief, set up by her uncle to collect a relic that will prolong the war between humans and Mauleons.
This book checked all my book loving buttons. It’s original, engrossing and oh so freaking ( emphasis on the freaky ) smexcy! What’s better than one Mauleon book boyfriend?…FOUR!! Yup she did it.. a reverse harem/poly, scifi/bdsm set on a dystopian war riddled world.
Filled with flashes of Cari’s fantastic humour! Throw in a spear reference or two, a cute mouse bot and a load of snarky/verbal sparring and you have found one brilliant read and an exceptionally happy bookpimp.
Another book with Mauleons…so you know I had to read this! Avalon is a Huleon (half Mauleon, half human) who finds herself in some serious trouble, and with four smokin’ hot Mauleon men to handle her, things are sure to get combustible! I love the intensity of these scenes! This is the perfect kind of PNR I love to read, and it’s one that I highly recommend to those who love that level of heat and raw passion. This is separate from Ruled, but it’s in the same world. With naughty shenanigans in abundance, Condemned definitely kicks up your adrenaline!
I love Cari’s mind. I really do. Her world building and characters have really endeared themselves to us, her fans. This book is no exception. This book has some really great broken characters, who are all trying to redeem themselves in one way or another. They just happen to find themselves doing it together whether they intended it to or not. And man, I’ve read a lot of HOT sex scenes or talk/explanations of sex acts but one of the one Cari has in the book got me questioning how it’s possible at all. Well, maybe not humanly possible but our characters are not human, at least not all of them, hehehe. That last part though…the suspense! I’m guessing I know who’ll have a story, eventually, LOL. Enjoyed this book so I hope you’ll give it a try too!
Pleasure is her punishment!
Avalon is a hybrid and is not accepted by either of her species. Manipulated, betrayed and set up to die, she finds “freedom” with the four that rescue her, for a price.
Takk, Timin, Zo, and Kondio will all claim, discipline and ultimately love her.
But the road is fraught with dangers, issues the men deal with from their time in the army, religious fanatics, assasins, denied feelings and uncontrollable phermones!
Hot, sexy, chemistry laden with curl your toes sex scenes, great characters, action, danger, and an intruiging world, this is a must read!
This is the second story in Cari Silverwood’s Mauleon world and it’s just as enticing as the first one but with an extra twist. Our spunky heroine has to deal with not one but three alpha Mauleons. I enjoyed Ms. Silverwood’s first foray into reverse harem. I have to say that the genre can be hit or miss for me. However, it really worked in the context of this story, especially because Cari Silverwood took the time to develop each male’s character. While I am partial to Zo, I appreciated and understood all male characters and their unique relationships with the heroine. As always with Ms. Silverwood’s stories, you can expect a sizable serving of heat and an engaging plot that will keep you glued to your kindle. I can’t wait for more Mauleon fun!
Cari Silverwood has a talent for world crafting that draws me in each and every time. Ruled made me so curious about the setting and history of her story. Condemned continues that fascination. The fact there are countless intriguing characters with such a rich and deep story just keeps me coming back for more. I really liked our thief, Avalon, in this book, with her sassy, independent personality, and still so vulnerable, and in need of the protection the four mauleons offer. It’s a daunting offer, to be sure, but still… beggars can’t be choosers. Each man is so distinct, with their own personality, and motivation, done so artfully and easily. It never feels formulaic, which I like. If you’re a fan of science fiction, or unique worlds and engrossing stories with some nice steaminess included, then definitely check this book out.
Condemned is Cari Silverwood’s best book yet! Her books only keep getting better! I zoomed through it! In other words, I couldn’t put this book down! This is a reverse Harem book there are 4 Mauleon battle worn Warriors Kondio, Zo, Takk and Timin. Plus 1 Avalon who is Huleon – ½ human ½ mauleon with a very human in appearance but not a human.
Avalon stole “The Claw of Truth” now she finds that she has been captured by these Mauleon warriors. Taken to court and sentenced to die. The Mauleon warriors that captured her are to take her to her execution place. They work out a scheme to save her. And what unfolds is Hot, Hot, Hot!!!
Cari has been known to push boundaries. Which I love about her books.
I think that Condemned was less about pushing boundaries and more about the story. If you count reverse harems as not pushing the boundaries.
Cari Silverwood you slay me! 5+ stars! Loved it!!!
This is an extremely interesting, complex, sexy Sci-Fi story that takes us on an adventure that begins with a young woman stealing an artifact important to two civilizations. Unfortunately for her, she is captured and sentenced to death. The four wounded, yet brave soldiers (mauleons) who captured her feel any life is better than no life, so in exchange for her obedience and her body, they save her.
The four soldiers have been to war and each carries his own scars and his own view of the world. But somehow they have merged into a functioning family. I love to watch how the men speak to each other and how they accept each other’s strengths and flaws. I love the way they save and accept and train Avalon. I love the way Avalon sees the beauty of each man and how she responds.
Typical of Cari Silverwood, this story is filled with adventure, beautifully filthy erogenous sex, comedic elements, harsh yet caring soldiers and a young woman learning to become a part of a “family”. There are twists and turns and surprises throughout this story that just made me want to read it forever.
condemned is Silverwood ‘s entry in the ever popular reverse harem genre, and it’s significant in its unique simplicity. Avalon is a young woman part of a group of thieves stealing an antique. She gets double crossed and caught by a group of world weary former mauleon soldiers who take a liking to her. This is a story about redemption among the lower class…a road trip with broken people looking for a new reason to live life to its fullest.
The men are complex and interesting. Silverwood uses the horrors of war to bring these men together in a way no one else might understand. They all have injuries…some worse than others. The camaraderie is genuine and the personalities varied. In reverse harem stories, the toughest thing is outlining the men well enough so they don’t blur together. It’s easy to see the men only as a group. But Silverwood creates four very distinct men here, also allowing Avalon time with each (and the reader) so she sees them as individuals. The relationships grow in honest ways.
I loved Zo desperately, and his Zendokai philosophy. This philosophy is outlined and explained by him, and I have to say I found it fascinating. I found this general description online:
The Zen Do Kai philosophy encompasses the principle of “if it works, use it” and as such contains elements of a variety of other martial arts. Zen Do Kai uses kata as a form of discipline during training and these kata have been selected for the aid in rudimentary development of stances and techniques.
The most interesting part of this discipline is how it’s changed and evolved over the decades. It has a hierarchy and ethical code that is unique to martial arts. To read about Zo using it in a world where technology has almost died reminds me that education and learning can live through anything. Even a quarantined world where computers aren’t there and “Google” no longer exists. It makes me wonder where he lessened about it.
There’s an underlying suspense to The story that is realky secondary to the road trip. It almost doesn’t matter, but it ends in a very sweet way. The road trip was the story. I was crazy about the detailed scenes between Avalon and her men. Each gave insight into who they are at their core. And it wouldn’t be a Silverwood story without some crazy bots and a prophecy that may or may not end the world. She has a distinct sense of humor that hits me just right, and THAT SCENE at the religious temple, (read it, you will know when you see it) omg it made me laugh.
The writing also distinguishes itself from your average reverse harem story. So much of it is almost poetry:
“He had the righteous arm today. He had been chosen to do this and he would prevail. Which would he kill? Who would he harm? The girl of course would die. He danced his fingertips down the hilts of the poisoned daggers in their sheaths beneath his uniform coat. Expertly made, perfectly balanced, they cut the air as they ran through it, unerringly true.”
And yes, there are scenes that will make your kindle blush. I love the blurb that Silverwood has to describe her books at the end of the story:
“Cari Silverwood is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling writer of kinky darkness or sometimes of dark kinkiness, depending on her moods and the amount of time she’s spent staring into the night. When others are writing bad men doing bad things, you may find her writing good men who accidentally on purpose fall into the abyss and come out with their morals twisted in knots.”
She writes with abandon and recklessness here…with freedom to unburden her mind and not worry about who judges. It’s as if she’s indulging in her character’s deepest desires and gleefully walking across the hot coals to share it with us. And I’m gleefully waiting on the next chapter in her deliciously delightful darkness with a tantalizing twist.
Thrilling and Intense!
WOW! This is an amazing, thrilling and intense story by a fantastic author. This story is packed full with action, suspense and a WHOLE lot of steam!! It kept me on the edge of my seat (squirming).
The main characters in this book are absolutely fantastic and well written. Avalon is an extremely strong and fierce woman who has had to do illegal things in order to survive a world run by Mauleons (big and strong warrior beasts). Avalon ends up in the very capable claws of four sexy warriors, Takk, Kondio, Timin, and Zo. These warriors are intense and battle hungry. And they know exactly what Avalon needs and are not afraid of showing her! They each are different in their own ways and show Avalon sides of themselves that they don’t show often. Their interactions are explosive and extremely intense and steamy. I loved each and every one of them! They each have their own unique quirks and ways to devour a woman!
You will definitely need to practice your one-handed reading before diving into this book! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for more!
Highly recommend.