A passion that defies the stars…Four weeks ago, ex-army Major Areg Sebi was thrown into prison. Now he’s on the scaffold, laying his head on the block. No public trial for the disgraced war hero. No cyborgs from the League of Realms to whisk him away. No help. No escape.A priestess chants a prayer for the major’s soul, even as a judge cries out, “Death to the traitor!”In the crowd below, … traitor!”
In the crowd below, laundry maid Etana Tidryn stares into Areg’s eyes. His lips were hot against hers last night. His hands roamed her body, worshipped her, pleasured her. She’s falling for him, hard and fast. She’s still hoping, even if he’s given up…
Can Etana transcend everything she knows — transcend life itself — to save him? Can she rise to meet her destiny?
THE TRAITOR’S BRIDE is the first novel in a series of 5 connected sci fi romances. This volume features Etana and Areg’s love story, and introduces readers to the world of Xereill.
“For sci-fi readers seeking racy, romantic, action-packed stories.” — Midwest Book Review
WHAT TO EXPECT:
– toe-curling romance
– scorching-hot love scenes
– friendship and family bonds
– a vivid, unique world
– page-turning action
“An excellent mix of humor, steam, sci-fi, fantasy, romance and intrigue that few authors can pull off.” — Love 4 Books Blog
WHERE TO START:
The Cyborg’s Lady — a prequel novella featuring two important characters, Linni and Keiron — is a good place to start. But you can dive straight into the main series, and read the novella later.
1. The Traitor’s Bride
2. The Commander’s Captive
3. The Dragon’s Woman
➤ A Night of Amity (newsletter-exclusive companion novelette)
4. The Samurai’s Lover
5. The Vestal’s Steward
If you like science fiction, fantasy and paranormal romance, you’ll love this “intoxicating spark to a series brimming with romantic fantasy and galactic warfare.” — Seattle Book Review
➜ Get your copy now.
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A hero deemed a traitor. A laundress fated to always be a laundress. A world where the temporary leader is willing to do anything to claim the world as his own forever. Even someone about to die is entitled to a miracle. Agen, the hero and Etana, the laundress fate is woven together in this remarkable story. There are lots of heart stopping moments in this book. It weaves a net and pulls you into the story. I am looking forward to reading the next story and recommend this one to anyone who likes a good love story that has a lot of challenges.
I found that this book nicely avoids the most common pitfalls that can plague the first in a new series. It drops us right into the heart of the action without spending pages and pages explaining the background before we get there. It then provides us with that background in nice conversational snippets as the story moves along without becoming pedantic about it. It’s populated with interesting characters that I look forward to finding out more about. Though, their good versus evil natures are a bit simplistic at this point; most of the characters we see in action seem very obvious which side they fall on. Knowing that this is part of a series of connected stories, I was prepared for the ‘bigger picture’ not to be fully resolved by the end. I wasn’t prepared for the abrupt and sudden stop where this book does end. After watching the relationship developing between Etana and Areg, I was hoping for something more for them. However, where we’re left makes me very anxious to see what comes next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
First time in reading this author with the military bit capturing my attention. When I open up I find out it is so much more than that mixed with sci-fy. This world is unique with prison being the focus setting filled with various characters. This made for unexpected reading not having encountered such as this. Your back will get up for what happens with Areg but you want to see where it leads. You also cross paths with Etana whom has her heart gives courage to do what must be done. The drama keeps you glued making this one you follow from beginning to end.
Futuristic tale of greed, corruption, evil, adventure, romance, suspense and mysticism. A lot of elements at play in this novel; certainly enough to keep any reader captivated. The two main characters do not have an easy go of things, especially the main male character. The main female character showers her strength upon the main male character, giving him unconditional support. Other supporting characters are well developed and spring to life just as well as the two main characters do. Another book follows so we are left in suspense as to how things will totally evolve for these, quite literally, star-crossed lovers. Til the next novel …
I received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest review.
Great world and character building. The story never turned quite in the direction I had in mind. It ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger 🙁 so I guess we will have to tune into the next story! 🙂 I enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to the next in the series!
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
Etana Tidryn is both sad and mad about the turn of events. She’s a great advocate for what she believes in. She’s also a very brave woman who wants more out of her life than what the government says. Areg Sebi is a man who has had to endure a lot for what he believes in – something that has gone on throughout history.
This is a story that shows that injustice can occur anywhere. You may think that you have a right to express your thoughts. The powers that be will always have something to say or do about that. But don’t that stifle your voice. As you can see, there’s a lot more going on than what’s between our main characters. But that can happen when an author is creating a world and the people in it.
When an author writes science fiction/paranormal the sky’s the limit. The possibilities of what this author can do is without end. It comes with a lot of pressure because the author has to create something that doesn’t exist. As readers we tend to compare things to what we know and see but here that’s not possible. And yet that’s not to say that I didn’t do that here. It made me think of the social injustice in our own history. And your mind can soar as to what may be possible outside our little planet.
Some readers may give up on an author because her book just has a lot going on. But this one is the beginning of what is coming next. I want to see where this author is going to lead her readers. Plus anything that has me sitting with my feet up with a blanket to keep me warm can’t be all bad. Then to find that the author left me hanging… Good thing the wait isn’t too long to see what comes after the cliffhanger.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Etana is a curious mix of innocence and trouble – strong-willed and quite intelligent and a bit crafty she is a menial in her society – the lowest of the low
Areg is a decorated soldier who has been charged with treason – he is high born yet his views are eyes wide open – He is also everything I enjoy in a lead male character – strong of will, dedicated, protective, and he has a brain too.
Brought together by a twist of circumstance both will be tested in ways neither could have envisioned
This is a very detailed and suspenseful read
It is the first in series so we are given a brief introduction into the vast universe and key players as well
I enjoyed the universe that Nichols created – I found it to be comprehensive and elaborate
Both the main and the supporting characters are detailed and specific – which for this type of series is a plus +
Mixed the two together and we have a complicated and engaging read that definitely entertains and engages the reader
This does end on a bit of a cliff hanger -though being a series I expect this
The Traitor’s Bride is the first book that I have read by Alix Nichols and is the first book in the Keepers of Xereill Series.
There is a glossary provided at the back of the book. My wish is that it was at the beginning because I knew nothing of it until I completed this book and it would have been nice to refer to it while reading The Traitor’s Bride. It is a complicated world that Alix Nichols has created.
We first meet Major Areg Sebi (Lord Sebi) as he is being whipped he has been branded a traitor. Fortunately for Lord Sebi, Etana doesn’t believe the allegations against him. Etana found a loophole that could just save Areg. I won’t say more because if you like Sci-Fi romances I would recommend reading The Traitor’s Bride. I enjoyed this book and did find it a page-turner to see what is going to happen next in this make-believe world.
There are going to be 5 total books in this series and all releasing this year. The next book in this series will be coming out in less than a month. So, no long waits here.
Wow this is a fantastic read. Four weeks ago, ex-army Major Areg Sebi was thrown into prison. Sentenced to death. Etana Tidryn is a laundry maid. Can this be stopped can his life be changed. This is a fantastic read. That had me on the edge of my seat. And is a real page turner. The Author has created a fantastic read and the story has twists and turns. I definitely recommend this read.
Shauna Joesten
This first book in the Keepers of Xereill by Alix Nichols was definitely an entertaining science fiction action adventure with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. The book held my interest from the first pages through the last, even as it had a couple of scenes described that almost make the ready have an internal cringe, as they are dark, grisly and plain old gross. The characters are slowly developed and their traits expanded as the story progresses, which of course, leads to the next book in the series. The ending definitely does NOT answer some of the readers’ questions, as it is a good cliff-hanger for sure. There is also a hint of magic and powers to be further explored and developed in future books. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from BookFunnel.
I loved this Sci-fi/Paranormal series opener by Alix Nichols who was a new author to me. Interesting and unique storyline and characters. This does end in a cliffhanger and I’m anxious to see what comes next.
Wow! I love this new world Alix has created! She’s taken her knack for amazing characters and mixed it with the Sci-fi Romance Genre! I love the connection between Areg and Etana, and the sacrifices they are willing to make for the other. A page turning adventure filled with corruption, heros, family, friends, and love. The storyline is unique and intriguing. Full of excitement, mystery, and wonder. The possibilities are endless! I can’t wait to see where this series takes us! I still have a book hangover! While I usually despise cliffhangers, Alix presented us with enough crumbs to tide us over until the release of book two in a month, which promises to answer all of our questions about Areg and Etana.
I found this book to be quite complex yet interesting to read.
There are twists & turns, suspense, intrigue, danger, enemies, devious plans, deceit, politics, military conflict, vendettas, false accusations, escapes, & recapture.
The characters are well-developed and realistic with their emotions. The story-line and plot is well-thought out and written but sadly this book ends in a major cliffhanger.
This half a book is better than most
I’m voluntarily reviewing ARC of this book from Hidden Gems, and the opinion expressed is my own. I’m an Alix Nichols fan, and I was keen to read her first foray into the SF romance sub-genre. As expected, the authors smooth and polished writing, combined with her bright imagination, set up a complex and intriguing new world of interplanetary politics, military conflicts, power-grabs and plots within plots within plots. At the center of it all, Lord Areg Sebi, war hero and member of a noble house, is falsely accused of treason and condemned to death. Unexpected aid from a lowly laundry maid, Etana, allows him to escape – only to be re-captured. This strange cycle repeats itself with variations throughout the book, and then it ends. BAM – just like that. It’s a no resolution, no explanations, just “I quit writing here and I’ll finish it in a couple of months” CLIFFHANGER ENDING. I hate that. I think blatant cliffhangers like this are a marketing ploy and a form of disrespect to the reader. What’s here is a worthwhile story, characters with unplumbed depths and complexities, and a hot and beautiful romance, as far as it goes. But it doesn’t go to the end, or even a logical temporary resting point, and I’m torqued. For the sake of those who will persist despite the cliffhanger, I’m giving this three stars. For readers like myself, I’m giving it the cold shoulder. As for reading the sequel – probably not.