A mech in love is capable of truly dangerous things. On the day JI finds Fern, the human female stabbed by the judge, she shoots him, twice.Though he was once a three-story battle mech, JI is now a man, with a man’s desires. How eagerly Fern climaxes when held down, leashed, and stimulated, or taken roughly from behind.He needs to study her … and the care, feeding, and mounting of females.War … her … and the care, feeding, and mounting of females.
War intervenes. If no one opposes him, the judge will litter the land with the dead and have his final, perverted revenge on Fern.
But what can an ex-battle mech do when he’s merely a man, apart from beat the ground with his fists and scream?
Love will surely transcend this evil, or at least show JI how to tear the judge, limb from limb.
This is a dark romance and includes rough, kinky sexual scenes. If you don’t understand where dark stories can go, this might not be for you.
This is the last book in The Machinery of Desire series.
Though it is possible there will be spin-off stories, they won’t be part of the series.more
Fast paced, filthy, funny, frenzied and fabulous. An exciting, humorous and often thought provoking conclusion to this epic series.
I’m probably (OK definitely) going to take a while to get to the crux of this review, so I’m going to lay down now how much I LOVED this book, how gripping the story was, how fabulous the characters were, how hot the sex was and how sad I am that the series has ended. Whilst this can be read as JI and Fern’s stand alone story, reading the series will give you a better understanding of where all the other characters fit, along with how and why certain events happen.
“I fuck therefore I am. He would rewrite Emery’s ideas on what made
a self- aware AI.”
Acquired Possession , book #1 of the Machinery of Desire series was my first ever Cari Silverwood read. (Actually that’s a slight fib, My Romance Curse was the first but since that was written on a whim and a dare I’m not counting it here.) I saw adverts for that book, downloaded a sample and immediately 1-clicked to purchase the book as soon as I got to the end of the sample. I haven’t looked back since – I’m still not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing 😉
“Girl,” he sucked in air. “This was my best idea. I hope you and Aunt M
have a better one.”
Now to return to feeling lost and despairing.
It seemed late in life to take up biting his nails.
Each book in the series has brought something new to the story of Aerthe and it’s inhabitants. Each tale has opened our eyes to a new facet of what life is like for its people. They’ve also contained some downright filthy and perverted sex scenes, and boy are they wonderful to read. Now normally I’d be bleating on about the amazing world building skills of the author, but in Exquisite Possession she took things in a different direction. We had a story that looked inwards at what makes us human and what constitutes a good or a bad person, rather than focusing on the outwards.
“Still learning how to human … Some days he seemed a cross between
her perfect Dom and a teenager.”
JI/Osta was a mechanoid, a sentient robot for want of a better description. He took over a ‘human’ body (or technically a Scav body) in Book 2 of the series. Fern is a human, dragged through time and space, otherwise known as a portal, to become a blood slave to the Mekkers. Only Fern stabbed the judge who ruled that they weren’t ‘sentient’ enough to have rights and ended up being ejected from their landship broken, battered, bruised and close to death. So it’s fair to say that both characters come with a fair bit of baggage.
The first part of this book focuses on JI and his battles with the fantasies he has about Fern. Fantasies that include pain, humiliation and domination. Fantasies that just perhaps Fern might have too.
“With a thrill to top what already had grabbed his balls … he realized
Fern could be his experiment. His little experiment on sex.
Little being more due to her size compared to his, not to what was possible.
Because there was everything. Possibilities seemed endless. He, an
ex-mech with control of a girl.”
JI goes through a lot of soul searching, but it never felt too introspective or naval gazing. Usually because CS would always drop in some of her wonderful humour when things started getting a little too serious.
“I would never hurt you more than you want,”
This was much more of a love story than any of the other books, possibly with the exception of Blue and Sassik’s story. It still retained dark edges and some very extremely kinky play, some of which involved the surgical implantation of blunt spikes around a certain part of JI’s anatomy. However JI was always far too caring to ever truly be a bad man, and given Fern’s traumatic past he was the perfect hero for both her and us. That didn’t stop him from using the connection both he and Fern had with the mechlings to his own benefit.
“Is a part of you still Osta? The thinking part of you?”
“No. I’m not him at all. I told you that.”
He wanted to ask her if that would scare her more than she could bear
but didn’t dare to. Because the answer might scare him.
The second part of the story is more ‘traditional’ sci-fi action, if being strung up naked on the nose cone of a war ship, your body pierced by countless wires, could ever be considered traditional. Like all truly great books, lots of strands and easter egg clues all wove together to bring a very satisfying ending to this amazing series. Did I also mention that there is a lot of very hot, kinky and lust filled sex?
Such a sad time. What makes it a sad time? The fact that this is the very last book in The Machinery of Desire series. But, cry not, and do rejoice, because it’s a heckuva ride and a fantastic book.
There’s a lot that goes into the book, and it is a pre-requisite that you have read the other 3. JI’s story winds its way through the whole series, and you aren’t going to know how far JI has come unless you know where he started. And while he goes through a lot of changes in this book, think of how many more changes you would miss by not reading the first books. I mean, he starts out as a huge battle mech and ends up a scav chief.
This isn’t just JI’s story, it’s also Fern’s story. We haven’t seen Fern since the first book, where she was brutalized and left for dead by the evil judge, who is now up to something very bad. She survived with help, and is now hanging with a group of grounders, helping to keep them safe. When she first sees JI, all she knows is that he’s a scav, and she shoots him. Twice. But, when JI sees Fern, who he promised to find, he comes up with all kinds of things to do to her. I mean with her. No, I really did mean to her. Including bringing back Ryke’s spears. Yes, they make their return, and they are awesome.
Like any Cari Silverwood book, there are a lot of layers and levels. It’s what makes everything fascinating to read. Really, truly a fantastic book, and the perfect end to wonderful series.
The fourth book in the Machinery of Desire series and it features my favorite characters of the entire series JI.
I loved reading about JI internal struggles and his experiences with being no longer machine. He has these feelings and emotions which are foreign to him and he has to deal with somehow. And the same time he still responds very logical to a lot of things.
Fern was an interesting character. She has dark desires which JI is able to tap into. And they discover them together.
It is a book full of action and those last couple of chapters just blew my mind. I couldn’t read fast enough.
This is the last book in the series so everything comes together and most loose ends get tied up.
I was excited to read this as I always wanted to have Fern’s story after she was disposed of in Acquired Possession. Fern is a strong character who is a survivor and I loved her story and her new romance with JI – who is now a new man. As always from Cari Silverwood this is a unique and exciting story of how Fern and JI enact revenge on the judge. Throughout it all they also learn how to love and depend on each other.
Sadly, this is the last book of the Possession series.
Coming back to Aerthe I was quickly submerged into this fascinating, raw world.
From the first page I stumbled upon old acquaintances.
JI, the mech turned man, struggling to find the meaning of life in his newly acquired body, and Aunt M, his mech sidekick with a mind of his own. Fern, the earth woman stabbed and discarded by Judge Ormrad, and her mechlings.
When those two finally meet it has a resounding impact. An impact that not only defines their personal relationship, but also the future of Aerthe.
To follow them and their interactions on the way to the growing settlement of New Hope, is an excursion into Ms Silverwoods unique style of narration. Meticulously descriptive, imaginative and always irreverently skirting, but never ever falling into, the “ordinary”.
When the pivotal showdown finally comes, wreaking devastating loss, it turns out JI and Fern are the ones to determine the future of Aerthe.
Again, very, very well done Ms Silverwood!
Fern made a big impression, with a memorable entrance at the beginning of book one in the series. She’s a human who fought back, stabbing the judge. I’m happy she’s getting her own story. Same with JI. He hasn’t had it easy either. This is a good book with a rich backstory to draw on. It’s also pretty kinky.
This story may not be to everyone’s taste. It draws on many genres—scifi, dystopian, erotica– mashing them together. It has darkish, mature themes with some shocking parts, but it’s not as realistic or grim as other books the author’s written, like her Dark Hearts series, Wolfe or even Preyfinders. It’s a little off-beat with all the mech, cyborg, AI, alien stuff. It’s as filthy as you’d expect, although the sex gets a little weird at times.
You really should read the previous books in the series, but I think it’s ok on its own. You won’t get all of the references, but if you don’t want to invest the time required to catch up, you can still enjoy it. That’s my personal opinion; others would disagree
This Series has been amazing. Reading this book the final in the series is sad but also an amazing read. The way the author draws you into the world that is created is simply amazing in itself. A must you must read these books in order. The world of JI. Having to deal with no longer being a machine. Seeing the struggles he was having yes becoming human. Also, dealing with how people perceived him. Was he evil is he good? Then we have Fern. JI and her romance they had. Her with her wants and desires and with JI becoming a man and being able to feel what Fern needs. Love their story. All of the characters that are written seem to jump off the page and include you in what there part is in the story. This world that the author has created is amazing and never disappoints. I am sad to see the series come to an end. But Cari Silverwood takes you from the beginning showing you a world that only existed in her mind and brought it to a series of 4 books. No longer in her mind when reading these you are now seeing this world and all that is there. Bravo one of the best reads I have read. The is a MUST READ!!!
Machinery of Desire, Book 4. Is this the beginning, the end—or both?
SPOILER ALERT: This series should DEFINITELY be read in order. If you don’t, you’ll miss characters and backstory that are absolutely essential. If you haven’t read the first three books, this review may contain spoilers.
Since when does a three-story tall battle mech have a goal, any goal? He’s just a mech after all. But he’s also sun-mad. And…and…how, when did he go from a mech to an organic? Oh, who cares? Jl will do ANYTHING to find Fern. Oh, he finds Fern, and what the hell? Has everyone gone nuts? Something’s going on. But what? Then there are the judge and Aunt M! And people say Jl’s mad? When the final showdown comes, everyone’s forgotten Aerthe. Just what does she have in mind? Does it matter? Nothing’s ever survived Aerthe’s wrath. What could possibly be different this time?
I love this series! Cari Silverwood is a genius. Ever since I read Acquired Possession, I’ve been hooked. Each book takes you deeper into this alternate reality that’s simultaneously bizarre and realistic. This book, this entire series, breaks all the rules. Is it sci-fi? Is it paranormal? Is it erotica? Yes, to all the above. And, I kid you not. This is so hot and steamy I have no clue why my Kindle didn’t melt! Jl is one of the most brilliant, confused, and off-the-charts passionate characters Ms. Silverwood’s ever created. He’s obsessed with learning everything, especially sex! Fern is damaged, scarred, yet takes no crap, and is incredibly independent. How can you not love both of them? And, OMG, Aunt M! What a character! The rest of the supporting characters make this a work of beauty! Cari Silverwood’s writing can’t be pigeonholed into any one category! This is the perfect conclusion to one of the most unique erotic sci-fi series I may have ever read! Congratulations, Ms. Silverwood! You’ve outdone yourself, and this book deserves so much more than five stars!
A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language, sexual scenes, and a few darkish themes. If you don’t enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. Check the book blurbs and reviews available on Goodreads and Amazon. Please use them before buying this book. I love this book, and am so sorry this is the last in the series. I’ve loved this entire series, and. I think you will too!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
Exquisite Possession is the 4th and last book in The Machinery of Desire Series. This is Fern and JI story.
JI was a Mekker that tookover Osta’s human body now making him a mech-humanoid. Fern is a human woman and JI has taken her for his pet.
The rest of the series:
Acquired Possession
Claimed Possession
Branded Possession
Exquisite Possession has a perfect conclusion to this series of dark kinkiness and debauchery.
If this is your first trip to the wonderful, dark, kinky, engaging, sometimes humorous, always exciting, compelling and deep imagination of Ms. Silverwood welcome to a new reality in a distant/alternative universe. Do yourself a hugh favor and read the series from the beginning, only to enjoy this series completely. While this book can stand alone, the other books in this series are a treat to read as well.
JI a mech/humanoid, while appearing human has a journey to learn about emotions, choices, loyalty, lust, love and more! The object of his desires and feelings, both dark and light is Fern. Left for dead, mutilated and betrayed she is subject to her own dark needs. Be prepared for some intense, intriguing, sexy, kinky scenes! Can they give each other what they need and want? Can they survive the lies, evil, torture, betrayal, dangers, war, temptations and enemies all around? Is there hope for them and this world?
I freaking love this series! JI transforms from being a mech to having human thoughts, emotions and desires, dark desires. I love that Fern was paired up with him. The way JI had to come to terms with the odd feelings going through his mind, the kinky sex drive that flowed through him, all while he and Fern took on the Judge, it was a phenomenal ending to a thrilling series. I really enjoy this darker writing, and definitely hope to see more!
A great ending to a great series
Read as part of the complete Machinery Of Desire series set available from Amazon.
And here’s the payoff. Great story, great characters, great sex and a movie-blockbuster-worthy climactic battle.
Well done, and thank you Cari! Very highly recommended – the whole series that is, don’t start here.
This book is a continuation of the Machinery of Desire series and continues the story only this time JI and Fern are the main characters. The previous stories MUST be read in order for this amazing book to be understood.
JI has had a pivotal part through this series but this time he is no longer a Mechling but is also no inhabiting a human body. I loved watching this turnabout with him as he struggles to discover his new body and urges. Throughout the series, Fern has been an underlying character and a motivator. Her plight was not at all pleasant. It was interesting to watch JI come to terms with his baser urges in regards to how he felt in regards to Fern. I really appreciated the author in creating a BDSM relationship even in this unusual setting and keeping it authentic. He truly wanted to know where the line was between pleasure and pain.
This author is exceptional at world building. Truly one of the best in the industry today. Even though this is Sci-Fi, and everything is not of this world, she still portrays it in a way that I can envision it as if it was in my own house. I LOVE this. It adds a certain quality to it that it makes it more authentic. I am not going to get into the storyline itself because it needs to be read for itself and to not have any spoilers. What I will say though is that if I thought Ryke (previous character) was kinky then I was wrong because sweet holiest of titfires, he has NOTHING on JI on the kink side. This author can write some BDSM kink like no one else. I have no idea where she gets some of these ideas from but I just got to say that I hope she never loses them because they were EVERYTHING. I discovered turn-ons that I didn’t even know I had.
That being said, Ryke is still my main man from this series (although JI is REALLY close) and this conclusion is everything I could have wanted in this series. I loved getting glimpses of the previous characters in some shape or form and having all my questions answered. I am sad to see this story end but at the same time I look forward to whatever devious and kinky (always kinky) story that this author will write in the future. I am hoping more Mesmers (and know she is rolling her eyes at this) but it cannot hurt to ask!
Damn HOT! This is the fourth book in the series. I must advise that if you have not read the previous three books in the series, it is highly recommended. I should know since I have only read the first book in trying to get ready for this release. As I was in a rush to read it, I haven’t read book two or three. I plan to go back and read them though. You can still read this book but I found that I missed out on what happened up to this book. I know both of the main characters as they were introduced in book one. Fern was a tragic character that I always wonder what happened to her. JI was the brilliant but pacifist war machine. However it seems many things have occurred to both of them since that first book.
I really love this world that Cari Silverwood has created. I was first introduced to it by another novella in an anthology. It really intrigued me but as she released other books, I got into reading the newer release and had not had the chance to go back. The mysterious world of Aerthe, the mekkers, the scavs, the mechlings…fantastic world building! Please do check out the whole series if you are kind of like me cause I am certainly going back to read the rest of the books in the series!
Exquisite Possession just wow, if you’re reading Cari Silverwood you just have to love the way her mind works, how the story swims around and she can put in on paper and just wow us. She did that with her latest release.
Exquisite Possession an ongoing story of Mechs, humans and well a mix of others in a world that Cari created just for them. You could get away with just reading this one, its amazing detail and flow of the story are great. It’s a busy read with darkish undertones, but it’s an easy read.
Love how the writer created JI’s personality even though its mixed in with Osta’s, you can tell when it’s all his own. The need that Fern has, she’s shocked that it can be so easily met all her tamping down didn’t help much. I laughed at their antics, it was fun and different. Unique but all Cari. Aunt M freaking rocks! Kinda reminded me of another sassy AI in previous books.
Alien sex! whew OMG, *fans face* close your eyes and put yourself in Fern’s place. *grins* yeah all about that D. Really though its an amazing story with a bit of this and some of that, we even here from our previous fav characters. Grab it, read it and enjoy.
Exquisite Possession is the final book in a sci fi series so unique and exciting I’m a bit sad to read the last pages. The story of Fern and JI offer so many different emotions, so much heat and conflict and depth it just shows once again how wonderful an author Cari Silverwood is. Ever since the intriguing set up of Acquired Possession I’ve been caught by these books, in such an interesting alternate reality setting. Even the supporting characters are engaging! I’ve always enjoyed dark romance and erotic books in science fiction or fantasy settings but Cari hits it out of the park with this series.
Fair warning, read these in order or you will miss large chunks or backstory and parts will not make much sense. Also it contains dark erotic scenes, rough kinky situations so, if you can’t handle that, this book and the rest in the series are not for you.
For everyone else – grab book 1 and hold on for a wild, wonderful ride.
Wow – Speechless
I don’t think this could have ended any different – it was the perfect ending to Ji’s story – You can rest assured we have not heard the last from Aerthe – (Or at least I hope not – I have so many questions and needs -there are some secondary characters that I would love more of)
Exquisite Possession is Ji’s story and it was everything I hoped for and so much more. I have always had a soft spot for him – his character was endearing from book one and watching him develop and “humanize” has been such a fantastic journey- a bit sad to see it end – leaves me feeling a bit “wiffly-waffly”
This is the fourth book in this series and you must (not an option here) read the previous three books to truly get the depth of depravity and evil that thrives on this side of the portal. This is not for the faint or those who do not normally bathe in the glow of depravity – This is fantasy! (wanted to throw that out there because yeah ) – Ji promised to find Fern and he intends to keep that promise even if Fern is not so on board with this idea. Fern is such a strong and independent heroine – she has survived the evil of the Judge and she has built herself a life despite the harsh reality she finds herself in- like all of the women within this series – she will only expose the soft of her underbelly to an Alpha worthy of her strength.
“A World of immorality and daily carnage”
– just resting there
– one click away
– waiting for you to explore