About This BookHaven 1: AscendCommand Warship 1 is home to one of the most feared males in the multi-verse. Zha Quin Tha is Sire to his people, next in line to the throne. He rules his military with an iron hand. His people, the Cruestaci, are a warrior race who bow to no one and no thing. They’ve been deemed too violent to be an ally by the Unified Consortium Defense — the organization … organization responsible for keeping peace between all peoples and worlds. Zha Quin didn’t care what their opinion was. He was only violent when necessary — like when provoked, or if his planet was threatened, or a weaker people overrun, or he was just irritated in general. Like now, slavers had crossed into the territory of Cruestace. He’d been called in to intercept and return the kidnapped women on board to the Consortium for return to their home worlds. Little did he know, his whole existence was about to be turned upside down. One little, human female was about to teach him a thing or two about survival, patience, and trust.
One large room — every wall, the entire floor, even the ceiling covered in mats. This is now Vivian’s home. Her world extends no further than the end of the chain that keeps her anchored in the center of the room. She’s learned how to use that chain as a weapon. She had to — her captors find great sport in taunting her, abusing her, hurting her. She’s exhausted, nearly starved, injured and if truth be told — not long for this world, whatever the hell world it is. All she’s got left is her pride, and she’ll be damned if she gives that up to any of her alien captors. They want to play — she’ll play — and she’ll make sure they pay for it in bruises and pain the next day. They may win, but they’ll think twice next time. Days run together, no hope of ever being freed. Survival seems pointless, until she finds herself face to face with the largest, scariest male she’s ever seen. So be it — she’s got nothing to lose — she’ll fight him, too. Maybe this time her misery will finally come to an end. She has no idea this male is different. This male is stronger than the rest. This male will be her Haven.
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I so wanted to be rescued by a big red alpha alien with horns after reading this book. I wasn’t sure how I would like this story as I usually do not like alien stories. This one was one of the few that grabbed my attention and I could not put it down. The story flowed so well, and was so believable that you would think you would hear about the troubles on the news. I can’t wait to visit this far alien world again.
This book held my interest from start to finish and I quickly became invested in the main characters, the story, and the world building. There were many times throughout the book, I found myself thinking ‘this is so good’! The writing was excellent and I could hardly put the Kindle down. I loved Kitty and the way Quin indulged Vivian and treated her with love and concern. The fact that he was much older than Vivian didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story.
When you are reading science fiction or fantasy, fiction of any kind really, the reader needs to make a willing suspension of disbelief at times to buy into the story. My pet peeves with alien romances include seven foot aliens mating with “tiny” females barely over five feet. Then there are the horns. How does a guy with horns sticking out past the back of his head lay down or sleep? Yet in the story Quinn does indeed lay on his back in bed with Vivian on top of him. Did that stop me from enjoying the story? Absolutely not! I made a simple suspension of disbelief. To me, the story was that good.
As a writer and indie author, there were many times that I wished that I had written something this good. While some of the critical reviews found the characters one dimensional, I found them just the opposite, because Ms. Neeley did the one thing that writers are always told to do—show by their actions and what they say rather than tell.
This is my first read by this author, and I will be looking at some of her other works as well. I am looking forward to more of this series as well.
I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next in the series
Very interesting read! Leave me wanting more
HORNS ARE THE NEW SEXY!!!
Title: Haven 1 (Ascend)
Series: Book 1 of new series??? (I don’t know but I sure hope so!)
Author: Sandra R. McNeeley
Designation: Full-Length Novel, Can Be Read As Standalone, No Cliffhanger #sciencefiction #fantasy #romance #spaceopera
My Rating: Four Sexy Stars****
I’m somewhat confused about the actual title for this book, but I have to assume the title is either Ascend, Book 1 of the Haven Series, or Haven, Book 1 of the Ascend Series. Regardless of its actual designation, I just hope there’s more! lol… I adore science fiction, love sexy aliens, completely addicted to action, adventure, suspense, and intrigue, and simply can’t live without a daily infusion of romance, so when I can find it all in one great read, I’m in heaven! And that’s exactly what Sandra Neeley delivered in Haven 1: Ascend. There’s so much I truly enjoyed about this book. The concept was creative, the storyline and plot were extremely imaginative, the world building was extraordinary, exceptionally detailed and vivid, the technology and jargon were mind-blowingly and astonishingly inventive, but the element I loved most was the large cast of engaging and very endearing characters. Overall, I thought the book was well-crafted, but – yeah, yeah, there’s always a but – the third-person omniscient narrative was, at times, a little problematic. Admittedly, a traditional third-person omniscient narrative with its all-knowing, all-seeing, ‘god’s-eye-view’ narrator, who seems to know everyone’s thoughts all the time, is my least favorite method of story-telling. It’s an excellent device to build character development in stories/sagas with a large cast and can be an enjoyable experience, but when not executed skillfully and consistently, it can be confusing, distracting, disappointing, and quite disorienting for the reader. I much prefer third-person limited or multiple with the perspectives more discernible or clearly defined, preferably by scene or chapter, which was not the case in much of this story, hence the reason for four stars rather than five. Despite my omniscient induced reader whiplash, I felt compelled to turn every page. I was immediately smitten with the two protagonists, Warship Commander and future Sovereign of the planet Cruestace, Zha Quin Tha Mel Mo’Kok, and recently rescued human abductee, Vivian Bartholomew Stevenson. The Cruestaci were a warrior race and their Psi persona, a state into which they transform when angry or in battle, were feared throughout the galaxy, and Quin was the most alpha of them all. He was gruff, growly, grouchy, built like a tank, and had sexy horns! Oh my! Yet, all it took to give this fierce warrior an attitude adjustment was one small, fiery, rescued female prisoner from Earth, who outsmarted him and his men at every turn. Vivian was an absolute riot! I LOVED Vivi! She was beautiful, highly intelligent, snarky, sassy, spunky, brave, courageous, and such a little fighter. And she instantly melted Quin’s cold, warrior’s heart. Sigh… The interaction and dialogue between these two were beyond entertaining and their chemistry was so hot it sizzled. I had so much fun laughing at their antics as these two danced around each other, Quin constantly chasing Vivi, trying to woo and protect her, and Vivi always one step ahead of him and everyone else on the ship. But Quin turned out to be nothing but a big gooey marshmallow, at least when it came to Vivi, and Vivian was wickedly smart and had a heart of gold. So sweet! And Quin really had his work cut out for him because there were evil machinations on a galactic scale at play and heinous villains at every turn, determined to steal Vivi back.
So, did I like this book? Yes, I loved it! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Would I recommend this book? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain profanity, explicit sex, and violence. I became completely immersed in the first few pages and simply could not stop reading. There were some very dark elements included in the story but, in my humble opinion, were well balanced with a generous measure of laugh-out-loud humor. I giggled, snickered, snorted, sniffled, sobbed, fumed, and shook my fists in anger throughout the entire book. This is a full-length science fiction romance that I would definitely classify as a space opera, can be read as a standalone, and does NOT end with a cliffhanger. I so hope this is a new series and have my fingers crossed for a follow-up book soon in which we see more of Quin, Vivi, Missy (the ship’s A.I.), and Kitty, Vivi’s new alien pet! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! If you enjoy high-octane science fiction filled to the brim with action, adventure, danger, drama, intrigue, suspense, angst, passion, and steamy romance, then this book is screaming your name. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
I love it.
I keep picturing her running down the corridor carrying the Kitten, away from her guards and past him. makes me laugh every time.
This is the first book in her new series Haven 1. The characters are very believable. The story and world building are wonderfully done. You will find it hard to put it down once you start reading. I recommend any of Sandra Neeley’s books. She does not disappoint.
Triggers. Great start to what looks like a long series. And I’ll be there until the end.
The first book in a new series by Sandra R. Neeley and I enjoyed it very much.
What I love most about the author writing is her characters. They are unique, complex and layered. Never perfect, because who is and that makes them more real.
Vivian is a survivor and I loved how she kept her sweetness, compassion and humor. And Quinn warmed my heart with how he didn’t push Vivian and did everything he could do to make her feel safe and trust again.
This book contains violence and sexual content.
I loved this story. Vivian must have lived through a literal hell in that room and even close to death she fights. The author did a great job painting a disgustingly descriptive picture of the room Vivian is found in, and describing her appearance. Any reader wouldn’t be able to NOT feel empathy for what Vivian must have lived through.
Zha Quin is the commander of the Cruestaci warship and next in line for the throne. Zha Quin didn’t want to rule, he preferred space. Zha Quin board the ship that Vivian is on because of a command from the Unified Consortium Defense saying there were kidnapped women in board that needed to be returned to their home planets. The Consortium had an odd heightened interest in a female slave on the ship.
This shows the strength of willpower for one little human female. It tells us that just because someone looks scary doesn’t always mean they are. I liked the way Zha Quin’s approach to Vivian was written. I think it was an original idea to have Vivi find a cat like pet while in space with nothing but stars around. I had a nice chuckle when reading the scene of Zha Quin’s mothers unexpected visit.
There are so many great things about this book from the characters to the plot and storyline that you can’t regret reading it. I will be eagerly awaiting book 2.
Is it checkmate when treachery stacks the deck against pawns in a galactic chess match?
Seriously? Again? Unbelievable! Seems the Cruestaci are fine as cannon fodder. But they’re sure as hell not enough for anything else! Zha Quin Tha Tel Mo’ Kok, Sire of Command Warship 1, is fed up. Leader of the Cruestaci military, why are he and his crew doing this again? But not even Quin knows how this mission will irrevocably change his life! Kidnapped from Earth, Vivian’s been a slave with females of every species across the multi-verse. Filth and disease surround them. Despite vicious beatings, abuse of every kind, and unrelenting horror, Vivi’s still a force to be reckoned with. Command Warship 1 makes quick work of the slaver ship. Dealing with the women aboard should be a piece of cake. So just how is it that one tiny human defeats Quin’s bravest warriors? Quin himself storms in and, a moment later, his soul is lost. But this isn’t possible! Dragged to Quin’s ship, Vivi screams, fights, and wields the one weapon available to her, but she’s no match for Quin. Determined to win the trust of the little human, Quin soon learns she’s so much more than she appears. But none of this makes sense. As Quin and the other Cruestaci probe for answers, they realize this is a maze of labyrinthian proportions. And Vivi’s at the center of that maze. The perpetrators also know all too well how to play Quin and the Cruestaci. When Vivi’s lured into mortal danger, Quin’s fury knows no bounds. She’s beyond his reach. The creature who first stole his Vivi now holds her life in his hands again! Even Command Warship 1 is helpless! Quin’s willing to pay any price for his Ehlealah. But Vivi may be gone forever! Can anything save her from the ultimate destruction awaiting her? Quin’s vengeance may just destroy everything, including Vivi! Can there be some celestial intervention powerful enough to save not just Vivi but the entire multi-verse?
Sandra Neeley’s taken another turn into the unknown and astounded me yet again! This new world is utterly breathtaking. It isn’t just a simple sci-fi tale of aliens versus humans. The deepest, darkest emotions and actions that can inhabit any soul abound. Xenophobia, duplicity, hatred, cruelty, the basest acts and desires, all put in an appearance. But the counterpoint also lights this book like a beacon. The ultimate heights of light, peace, joy, pleasure, and reconciliation are also woven into one of the most remarkable books I’ve read. Quin is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. For so long, he’s focused on one thing. He may be next in line for Cruestace’s throne. Destroying the Consortium would be a treat. His own heart dried up and died long ago. Nothing holds meaning except Command Warship 1 and its crew. Then, out of nowhere, there’s Vivian. But Vivi’s no typical heroine. Abuse, terror, a nightmarish existence have all but destroyed her. Despite those horrors, her spine is iron. She’s been tempered by the fires of hell and come out the other side a warrior. While these two dominate the story, it would be incomplete without Ba Re’, Kol, Xallen, Bart, and the rest of the supporting characters. Vennie is one of the most conflicted, funny, and unique characters I’ve ever encountered. (And to find out about Vennie, you’ll have to read the book!) Sandra Neeley has again created a singularly exceptional universe, and I adore it! Congratulations, Ms. Neeley! Saying I loved this book is a vast understatement!
A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language, sexual scenes, and some dark themes. If you don’t enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and all booksellers’ websites. Please use these resources. I urge you to leave a review, but with a proviso. Please don’t leave a negative review when you know you won’t enjoy the book. It’s not fair to the author. She works hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you’ll object to a book’s subject matter before you buy it, you’re doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
Haven 1: Ascend was EXCEPTIONAL! I say this because I was up until 5 am reading. As in I could NOT put the book down! It is a story of the strength of the human spirit. I loved the male lead Quin who was so careful with his damaged mate. And Vivi, Vivian is one of my favorite characters ever! I was up all night because there was terror, there were tears, there was love and there was humor. FANTASTIC doesn’t cut it for this book, Sandra Neeley! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series about Kol!!
An exciting new series begins!
From its stunning beginning to the thrilling finale, Haven 1: Ascend defines courage in adversity. Vivian captured my attention in the first scene, and I followed her growth on board Command Warship 1 under the watchful care of Zha Quin Tha. It was a thrill to see her rise above her circumstances and take control of her destiny. I loved seeing her growing trust of Quin morph into love!
Such a book! Excellent world-building and character development. I’m eager to read more in this promising series.
This was AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! DID I SAY AMAZING? my first time reading this author! All I can say is wow! I would have never found out about her if I wasn’t bored and just glanced at a recommendation from on my kindle app of all places! I’m a huge sci-fi paranormal romance fan and I always gobble them up and it’s been a while since I found a good one. My lord the synopsis of this story snagged me and once I started I couldn’t stop! This story got its hooks into me and it just ripped the top of my dome off and poured itself in! Such amazing world building! Such amazing character building! I loved Vivian! I loved Quin! All the other characters her guards, hell the cook! Kitty! Even missy was snarky! Lol mrs Neeley you amazing human you! I am an instant fan and will now inhale your work! Blue dude! I cannot wait for you and Ada’s HEA!
Finally! A story that realistically portrays the trauma a woman would experience if she had been captured by mean spirited aliens. And instead of her rescuer immediately humping her, we get a devoted warrior ready to slay planets for her, and yet wait for her to feel the same as he does. It’s invigorating to read an author who writes enough pages that she can pay attention to the details of feelings and recovery. This story held my attention all the way through, and I read it in one day.
One of my favorite books by Sandra Neeley. I love the dynamic between the hero and the heroine. I really don’t want to spoil it, but she really gives him a run for his money 😉 heh heh heh .
If you love sfr, you HAVE to read this one.