Agraadax was shaken by recent events and the breeding facility closed, but it has done little to ease the simmer of unrest rippling through Agraak society. In Aminae, one of the dome cities scattered on the few arid patches of land of the swampy planet, factions are rising against the cruelties of the upper raniks that rule their society. Kaede is a male devoted to the cause. His entire life has … has become focused on easing the suffering of his people. He has no time for anything else in his life. A human give into his care is the worst kind of distraction…a distraction that promises love and pleasure.
Frankie arrived on Agraadax masquerading as man. No one knows, not even the men with whom she serves in the Intergalactic fleet. For five years, her sole purpose has been bent on discovering any information that she could regarding the fate of her twin sister, Alisha. When Frankie is forced into hiding with the aid of an Agraak male in the midst of a rising revolution, she is put on a path that may change everything for both of their species. Fighting side by side with by a male who stirs her passions and makes her question everything she thought she knew; Frankie begins to wonder how she’ll ever leave Agraadax without him.
more
Family means everything. That’s why Frankie is going to such extreme lengths to find her sister, hoping she will be safe and happy. If only she knew that in doing so, she would find her own happiness.
THE BLURB
Frankie’s sister was kidnapped years ago, rumours that she’s been forced into breeding alien babies alongside hundreds of other human women. Frankie doesn’t want to believe it, but she’s not about to sit around and wait for her sister to reappear. She’s going to rescue her herself. She goes undercover as a soldier in the Intergalactic Peacekeeper’s fleet. She’s changed everything about herself, including hiding her gender with pheromone sprays. No one know’s she’s a woman, including her closest companions and team.
Kaede is dedicated to the cause of helping those less fortunate than him. He’s spent years discreetly helping others, earning trusts and connections. When he finally get’s the opportunity to investigate the breeding facility outside of the city, he can’t miss his chance. He plans to find out what really is going on there, and help stop the injustice.
He just doesn’t expect to end up protecting the small human female…
TONE OF THE BOOK
Heart of the Agraak is fairly neutral to heavy toned; there is plenty of tension in the story to keep you hooked. If you were after a light-hearted read then The Heart of the Agraak will not be suitable.
This book calls back some of the seriousness of earlier novels in the series with its reference to some sensitive topics. As a reader you will explore encampments that house kidnapped women, used unwillingly to breed. You will read about topics of rape. You will read about gore, such as bloody handprints.SERIES SYNOPSIS
Heart of the Agraak is the sixth major book in The Mate Index series, with a few novellas dotted in between.
The novel is 265 pages long, making it approximately the same length of a standard romance (at 300 pages average).
The novel features a short section from the view point of a new couple. You can read more about the series on The Mate Index Series Review page.
REVIEW
Heart of the Agraak drifts back to some of the more gory details that were seen in the first few chapters of the first novel, The VaDorok: A Mate Index Alien Romance (The Mate Index Book 1) . Why? Because this novel much of the world plot line and tension that’s been seen in various novels will come to a head. After all, the title of the novel even implies an insight into “the enemy” that’s been hounding all the heroes so far in the series.
This novel is ripe with tension; everything from romantic interest right through to civil unrest. Heavy action scenes dot the entire novel, and I believe its the most heavy-fighting novel in the series so far. And the action is great! You can clearly imagine the monsters that stalk the characters throughout the swamps and the city.
The world building excels, being one of the books in the series with more culturally diverse and in-depth looks at how different the aliens are from humans. I loved how even the Agraak aliens differ depending upon their socio-economic status in society, varying from uptight nobles to humble villagers.
FINAL WORD
Heart of Agraak is an important novel in The Mate Index series, and one that shouldn’t be missed. It closes a world story-arc that’s covered five books as well as introduces several characters that will feature in later novels. It’s heavy action, thrilling and a brilliant read.
Our of all SJ Sanders Mate Index books, this one is my favorite. Something about a male from a species everyone has collectively agreed is so horrendous turn out to be the hero is appealing. I don’t think I will ever NOT pine for the hero.
From previous books in the Mate Index series I have come to despise the Agraak because of the cruelty they had carried out against the human females after abduction. Kaede is not your typical upper class Agraak male. He desires to gentle the suffering of his fellow Agraak and works towards that end. He hates the mate his mother has chosen for him and when he has the opportunity to visit the breeding center where the human females are kept he takes it. He gathers evidence against his people and the atrocities they practice. Frankie arrives on Agraadax masquerading as a man with the Union troops who were sent by the Intergalactic Council. She is searching for her twin sister, Alisha. When the Intergalactic Council’s plans go wrong, injured Frankie is rescued by a priest. Kaede takes Frankie deep into the swamps searching for the lost clans rumored to still reside there. An attraction they cannot deny blooms, but in the face of the coming revolution will it survive?
Heart of the Agraak drew me in from the very first chapter! Sanders has redeemed the Agraak for me. I hated them before this book, but I loved this story! Kaede and Frankie are unlikely allies and unlikely mates, but the secrets they discover in the swamp may help them to fuel a revolution for the Agraak race. Fabulous story! You really don’t want to miss reading this one! 5 stars
What a fascinating story!
This author has a talent for making the most unusual looking characters very appealing! The world-building is excellent, the characters come to life on the pages.
In a previous Mate Index story, the situation on Agraadax seemed pretty dismal. Too many people scraping by while a few elite raked in the benefits. Human women, in particular have been treated as disposable: use and toss. I love Kaede! I wasn’t sure I would: the Agraaks overall have not proven to be nice, let alone lovable. But he’s a genuinely good guy working for the betterment of the underserved population. Amid the chaotic battle that ensued when the Intergalactic forces landed, Kaede rescues Frankie. Watching the two of them develop their relationship is a delight. “You are in my heart, agishi” – what a beautiful way to say ‘I love you.’
The outcome of this story is satisfying on many different levels. I foresee a new era for Agraadax. I’d like to visit some of the characters we’ve met here again.