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Imperial #1
Cassandra's Challenge
Alternative cover edition ASIN B00CKXWOM2
Cassandra Chamberlain has always stood out. It's hard not to at 6’1” and 165 pounds with jet black hair and sapphire blue eyes. And if that wasn’t enough she is also brilliant, graduating from Harvard at fifteen, teaching at MIT at nineteen and up for the prestigious Magellan Award at twenty five. But she’s never really fit in. Not with her peers, not with her contemporaries, only with her family. But everything changes when the Earth is attacked and Cassandra and her niece Victoria are the only survivors. Suddenly the smartest woman on the planet has to relearn everything. Everything she’s believed to be true is challenged and she has to learn to survive, not only for herself but for Victoria, because someone wants them dead.
Admiral William Zafar is the youngest Admiral ever in the Coalition fleet, the hero of the Battle of Fayal. At 7’1” he’s 325 pounds of Carinian male in his prime who is feared and respected throughout the fleet. He is a royal from the House of Protection, carrying its birthmark and considers its King one of his oldest friends.
But when the Regulians destroy a previously unknown planet leaving only two survivors he finds he's willing to risk it all to protect the woman he loves from the Regulians and the Carinian traitor that wants her dead.
Cassandra Chamberlain has always stood out. It's hard not to at 6’1” and 165 pounds with jet black hair and sapphire blue eyes. And if that wasn’t enough she is also brilliant, graduating from Harvard at fifteen, teaching at MIT at nineteen and up for the prestigious Magellan Award at twenty five. But she’s never really fit in. Not with her peers, not with her contemporaries, only with her family. But everything changes when the Earth is attacked and Cassandra and her niece Victoria are the only survivors. Suddenly the smartest woman on the planet has to relearn everything. Everything she’s believed to be true is challenged and she has to learn to survive, not only for herself but for Victoria, because someone wants them dead.
Admiral William Zafar is the youngest Admiral ever in the Coalition fleet, the hero of the Battle of Fayal. At 7’1” he’s 325 pounds of Carinian male in his prime who is feared and respected throughout the fleet. He is a royal from the House of Protection, carrying its birthmark and considers its King one of his oldest friends.
But when the Regulians destroy a previously unknown planet leaving only two survivors he finds he's willing to risk it all to protect the woman he loves from the Regulians and the Carinian traitor that wants her dead.
721 pages, ebook
First published April 20, 2013
207 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 31, 2020
.
I must confess i do like to re-listen to this one when I don't want to start something new.
It still has all the same flaws, but it's also still a fun read/listen. A strangely compelling fluffy space opera...
.................................................................................................................
Cassandra the know-it-all and William the hot older guy.
This book takes place in space... and that's about as sci-fi as it gets. There's the usual diaspora type reason for why the aliens so closely resemble Americans (not just Earthlings but specifically English speaking Earthlings) in looks, language and culture. The author doesn't even attempt to create a new culture for the Aliens. She just slightly changes words and I don't know why she even bothered with that. An American girl being rescued by an English man would have had more cultural differences.
But anyways, the author obviously just wants the story to be about the MCs and their 'epic' love. But the story is in no way epic or like a space opera, despite being so very very long. Twenty-two hours of audiobook, but it's very low stress even when stuff is happening, which isn't often. So good listening for when cooking, cleaning and driving etc. Like a fairy tale, where bad guys get their just desserts and good guys are just so darned good.
The start of the book was fun except for the Earth blowing up, of course. The characters were more dynamic, but then Cassandra becomes quite the know-it-all and is ALWAYS right and always giving out words of wisdom. By the last quarter of the book I was heartily tired of it!!!
The story reads a bit like a first draft of Grim with way too much repetition and descriptive minutia.
I did enjoy it, but have no intention of reading the sequel.
I listened to this on audio and there were different readers for the men, women and little niece; Ian Gordon, Jennifer Gill, Jess Friedman, Gary Gordon. The readers were good, except for the little girl's reader who was very wooden. But there were stupid sound effects in the background that got on my nerves. Every time a door opens it sounded like my oven timer going off. Very annoying! And why does the author feel it necessary to mention every time a door opens and closes???
I must confess i do like to re-listen to this one when I don't want to start something new.
It still has all the same flaws, but it's also still a fun read/listen. A strangely compelling fluffy space opera...
.................................................................................................................
Cassandra the know-it-all and William the hot older guy.
This book takes place in space... and that's about as sci-fi as it gets. There's the usual diaspora type reason for why the aliens so closely resemble Americans (not just Earthlings but specifically English speaking Earthlings) in looks, language and culture. The author doesn't even attempt to create a new culture for the Aliens. She just slightly changes words and I don't know why she even bothered with that. An American girl being rescued by an English man would have had more cultural differences.
But anyways, the author obviously just wants the story to be about the MCs and their 'epic' love. But the story is in no way epic or like a space opera, despite being so very very long. Twenty-two hours of audiobook, but it's very low stress even when stuff is happening, which isn't often. So good listening for when cooking, cleaning and driving etc. Like a fairy tale, where bad guys get their just desserts and good guys are just so darned good.
The start of the book was fun except for the Earth blowing up, of course. The characters were more dynamic, but then Cassandra becomes quite the know-it-all and is ALWAYS right and always giving out words of wisdom. By the last quarter of the book I was heartily tired of it!!!
The story reads a bit like a first draft of Grim with way too much repetition and descriptive minutia.
I did enjoy it, but have no intention of reading the sequel.
I listened to this on audio and there were different readers for the men, women and little niece; Ian Gordon, Jennifer Gill, Jess Friedman, Gary Gordon. The readers were good, except for the little girl's reader who was very wooden. But there were stupid sound effects in the background that got on my nerves. Every time a door opens it sounded like my oven timer going off. Very annoying! And why does the author feel it necessary to mention every time a door opens and closes???
August 18, 2024
I loved this book! It was a very long book, but well worth it to read!
*****Reread for the 3rd time*****
Last read on 7/13/2015
I still really love this book! It is a pretty long book (over 700 pages), but I get so involved and enjoy it so much that it doesn't seem like much time has passed.
*****Reread for the 3rd time*****
Last read on 7/13/2015
I still really love this book! It is a pretty long book (over 700 pages), but I get so involved and enjoy it so much that it doesn't seem like much time has passed.
February 8, 2024
A great entertaining read. Cassandra's Challenge's a true space-opera, with warfare, betrayals, conspiracies and murder attempts, all amidst a budding romance. With a very creative and fast plot Cassandra's Challenge didn't even feel that long despite its length. I took me sometime to pick it up; the idea of Earth's complete destruction did not seem very appealing but once I started couldn't stop.
M.K. Eidem's world-building of the Corinian world, with its four royal houses, was well done. The characters are nicely developed as well. Cassandra Chamberlain, a 6’1” woman is practically a genius, always had difficulty to fit in and had been lonely; Admiral William Zaffar, a royal from the House of Protection is much older and the perfect hero, protective and committed from the start. They were both likable, and despite the age difference, they make a believable couple.
Just don't expect more than the book intends to offer, a few hours of amusement. It's a read just for the fun of it. The major drawback of Cassandra’s Challenge, that bothered me from the start, was its terrible editing.
M.K. Eidem's world-building of the Corinian world, with its four royal houses, was well done. The characters are nicely developed as well. Cassandra Chamberlain, a 6’1” woman is practically a genius, always had difficulty to fit in and had been lonely; Admiral William Zaffar, a royal from the House of Protection is much older and the perfect hero, protective and committed from the start. They were both likable, and despite the age difference, they make a believable couple.
Just don't expect more than the book intends to offer, a few hours of amusement. It's a read just for the fun of it. The major drawback of Cassandra’s Challenge, that bothered me from the start, was its terrible editing.
November 4, 2021
DNF
The completely over the top blurb actually made me want to read this.
That being said, present tense, past tense, the narrative third person POV and up to 3 characters's POV switched in the SAME sentence?
Unlike the heroine, I haven't graduated Harvard at 15 and sadly did not teach MIT at 19. Ergo I wasn't intellectually equipped to follow the author's peculiar—not to say bizarre—writing.
BRB, going back to school!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
The completely over the top blurb actually made me want to read this.
That being said, present tense, past tense, the narrative third person POV and up to 3 characters's POV switched in the SAME sentence?
Unlike the heroine, I haven't graduated Harvard at 15 and sadly did not teach MIT at 19. Ergo I wasn't intellectually equipped to follow the author's peculiar—not to say bizarre—writing.
BRB, going back to school!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
November 2, 2021
Re-reading so I’m not completely lost picking up the third in this series. (I really wish the author would update these covers)
This book is pure brain candy, with extra fluff. If there ever was an example of a true unicorn heroine, this is it.
Not to mention Admiral William Zafar, the Carinian who saves her life.
***********
Original review:
I absolutely loved this sweet story. Despite all the editorial issues and somewhat confusing and choppy dialog, it was a fabulous space opera. Yes, it was cheesy at times but overall, it simply made me happy to read.
Even though there is a huge age difference between the two main characters, it isn't that noticeable because Cassandra is so wise for her years. She speaks 22 different languages, she graduated from Harvard at 15, she taught at MIT at 19. Her genius is part of how the story is woven. I love a smart heroine!
And what can I say about William Zafar?
This book is pure brain candy, with extra fluff. If there ever was an example of a true unicorn heroine, this is it.
Cassandra Chamberlain has always stood out. It's hard not too at 6’1” and 165 pounds with jet black hair and sapphire blue eyes. She also speaks 22 different languages, graduated from Harvard at 15, and taught at MIT at 19.Don’t laugh too hard, her genius is part of the story. I loved every mushy, laughably bad, OTT, ridiculous plot, vanilla sex, glaringly obvious villain part of it!
Not to mention Admiral William Zafar, the Carinian who saves her life.
The youngest Admiral ever in the Coalition fleet, the hero of the Battle of Fayal. At 7’1” he’s 325 pounds of Carinian male in his prime who is feared and respected throughout the fleet.Side note. How much do we love the males of this species being in charge of birth control!!?
***********
Original review:
I absolutely loved this sweet story. Despite all the editorial issues and somewhat confusing and choppy dialog, it was a fabulous space opera. Yes, it was cheesy at times but overall, it simply made me happy to read.
Even though there is a huge age difference between the two main characters, it isn't that noticeable because Cassandra is so wise for her years. She speaks 22 different languages, she graduated from Harvard at 15, she taught at MIT at 19. Her genius is part of how the story is woven. I love a smart heroine!
And what can I say about William Zafar?
"Do you realize how precious you are to me? I thought I knew my place. What my life was to be, where it was going, was content with it. Then you entered my life. And I discovered I'd been living only half a life. You gave me love, honesty, trust and asked for nothing in return."This story is very dialog heavy, which I liked. I don't need pages and pages of detailed descriptions of how a ship is run. Just give me a story with some fabulous characters who grow and develop over time. Reading this book reminded me of those fantasy novels I read as a teen. Somewhat impossible stories, but they still leave you feeling hopeful for humanity, or alien life, as the case may be.
June 11, 2015
First I must say that I’ve enjoyed this book very much.
Second I have to say also that I didn’t enjoyed some little things in it.
The plot is extremely interesting and the pace of the story is good. But something was constantly bothering me, mainly the present tense.
It could be that I’m not used to it, but the constant descriptions of every single moment of the day gave me the impression that I was reading a very detailed diary: he says, she says, the wake up, the sit, they go… Let me get you a small sample:
He contacted High Command on secure channels relaying the information they’d obtained and his suspensions. He made contact with Lucas telling him about supper, and he notified Hutu of the number for supper and that one was a child.
Cassandra and Victoria arrive outside the Admiral’s quarters.
“So who’s going to knock you or me?” Cassandra’s suddenly nervous.
“I will.” Victoria knocks on the hatch. The hatch opens almost immediately.
“Lucas!” Victoria squeals jumping at him. Catching her he swings her up.
Cassandra smiles entering behind them.
You see what I mean?
I really couldn’t care less about some information we are given: for me it was totally irrelevant and superfluous.
Also, the construction of some phrases was weird. It could be my fault as it could be something only English speaking people can understand, but for me it was really strange and wrong:
They lips nearly touching.
------------------------------------
Your Union is valid its right, that’s why I agreed.
The love part of the story is also good: the love the main characters feel is evident, even if it starts like a case of insta-love, but since it’s a soul mate matter, I’ve understood.
I know it’s strange, but I skipped some love scenes: after a few they seemed repetitive. I could’ve done with less… :)
Still, I liked it and for me it has earned a full 4 stars! :)
Second I have to say also that I didn’t enjoyed some little things in it.
The plot is extremely interesting and the pace of the story is good. But something was constantly bothering me, mainly the present tense.
It could be that I’m not used to it, but the constant descriptions of every single moment of the day gave me the impression that I was reading a very detailed diary: he says, she says, the wake up, the sit, they go… Let me get you a small sample:
He contacted High Command on secure channels relaying the information they’d obtained and his suspensions. He made contact with Lucas telling him about supper, and he notified Hutu of the number for supper and that one was a child.
Cassandra and Victoria arrive outside the Admiral’s quarters.
“So who’s going to knock you or me?” Cassandra’s suddenly nervous.
“I will.” Victoria knocks on the hatch. The hatch opens almost immediately.
“Lucas!” Victoria squeals jumping at him. Catching her he swings her up.
Cassandra smiles entering behind them.
You see what I mean?
I really couldn’t care less about some information we are given: for me it was totally irrelevant and superfluous.
Also, the construction of some phrases was weird. It could be my fault as it could be something only English speaking people can understand, but for me it was really strange and wrong:
They lips nearly touching.
------------------------------------
Your Union is valid its right, that’s why I agreed.
The love part of the story is also good: the love the main characters feel is evident, even if it starts like a case of insta-love, but since it’s a soul mate matter, I’ve understood.
I know it’s strange, but I skipped some love scenes: after a few they seemed repetitive. I could’ve done with less… :)
Still, I liked it and for me it has earned a full 4 stars! :)
September 28, 2020
Una historia abarrotada de escenas triviales y muchas inconsistencias
Cassandra's challenge de M.K. Eidem Serie Imperial 1
Mí humilde opinión:
Una invasión alienígena destruyó la tierra y solo dos mujeres sobrevivieron al devastador ataque: Cassandra Chamberlain y su pequeña sobrina Victoria.
Cassandra y Victoria se encuentran de repente bajo la protección de los Carinian. Una raza guerrera que inventó detener el ataque a la tierra.
El Almirante William Zafar es el Almirante más joven de la Coalición de la Flota de Planetas Unidos y el héroe de la Batalla de Fayal.
Desde que las dos mujeres de la tierra suben a su nave se vuelven importantes para él.
Y no permitirá que nada les ocurra porque hay quienes quieren dañarlas.
Hay un plan peligroso que deben descubrir y detener antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
Ya había leído antes a M.K Eidem, su serie Tornians me gustó mucho y este libro me pareció interesante hasta...
Cassandra's challenge fue eterno, en serio, me pareció que lo leí una eternidad y hubo momentos en que casi lo abandono!
El comienzo fue confuso, todo sucede en un flash. La tierra es atacada por una raza extraterrestre y de repente aparece otra diferente que va al rescate.
Me costó ponerme al día con lo que estaba sucediendo.
Todo el comienzo poco creíble y ridícula por cómo exterminan a la humanidad completa.
No acabé de entender a los carinian y su mundo porque eran detalles sueltos y no explicaba claramente.
Pensamiento aparte...
Me sorprendió lo rápido que en el primer encuentro de Cassandra con Lucas uno de los carinian hijo de William, no entienda su idioma y dos segundos después ya él le pueda entender. No hay explicación para su rápido entendimiento del idioma!
Por momentos me olvidaba que estaba leyendo ciencia ficción romántica hasta que me daba cuenta que iban en una nave por el espacio.
Faltó más elementos del género.
Es ridículo lo fácil que la protagonista acepta a los extraterrestres por más que se vean como humanos. La raza humana y su familia desapareció para siempre y ella lo tomó como si nada.
Y ridículo también cómo de pronto se estan besando ella y William para luego comenzar una relación de la nada.
Hubo partes que no estuvieron mal pero después se puso pesado con tantas escenas domésticas... la comida, las habitaciones, el baño, la ropa etc toda una rutina descriptiva que me terminé hartando de William y Cassandra en un punto.
Me gusta lo descriptivo pero esto ya pasaba a la exageración. Y las escenas de sexo? Repetitivas! No había creatividad allí por no mencionar los diálogos.
Lo del complot poco emocionante como también lo de Cassandra para tomar su lugar como verdadera Reina.
La historia y los personajes no estaban mal pero creo que estuvo mal como se presentó todo. Al leer era difícil de seguir por cómo se desarrollaba la historia o cómo no se desarrollaba porque a mucho le faltaba desarrollo.
Le daré una oportunidad al libro de Victoria.
October 27, 2020
The plot, characters, intensity, all those important things are worthy of a 5-star rating. This really is an epic space opera with plenty of twists and galaxy-spanning intrigue. Please read it.
And try to ignore the crazy head-hopping that involves almost everyone who walks by - this is not 3rd person omniscient, this is riotous changes in perspective with no transitions. In addition, the sex scenes are short, intense, repetitive, and eventually boring.
But the adventure is excellent! I will read the next one.
And try to ignore the crazy head-hopping that involves almost everyone who walks by - this is not 3rd person omniscient, this is riotous changes in perspective with no transitions. In addition, the sex scenes are short, intense, repetitive, and eventually boring.
But the adventure is excellent! I will read the next one.
May 26, 2017
Loved it before the tense updated, the love continues.
Wow, just wow.
I found Grim and Cassandra quite enjoyable, I've re-read both multiple times already which tells me that I've fallen in love with characters, plot and setting. I tend to ignore reviews that focus not on the story but on editing, grammar etc because I can usually read past those issues (otherwise I would have nothing to read, big publisher or self/indie published).
Cliffhangers though...fortunately not in either of these books. I'm very happy that I took the chance on MK's books as well as some other authors that also got slammed for editing.
5/27/14 - Updated version with tense change - even easier to slide into the story. Thanks Michelle!
Original version - "Admiral William Hale Zafar turns from his command center. At 50 cycles he is the youngest Admiral ever in the Carinian fleet and currently commands the Battle star Retribution with an accompaniment of five battleships as they patrol the border. He’s 7’1” and 325lbs of solid Carinian male, his lush dark hair just starting to gray at the temples and while not long is not cut militarily short. His startling violet eyes look to Falco."
Revised version - "Admiral William Hale Zafar turned from his Command Center. At 50 cycles, he was the youngest Admiral ever in the Carinian fleet and currently in command of the Battle Star Retribution with an accompaniment of five battleships as they patrolled their border. He’s 7’1” and 325 pounds of solid Carinian male, his lush dark hair just starting to gray at the temples and while not long, was not cut militarily short. His startling violet eyes looked to Falco."
cross-posted amazon, goodreads, shelfari
Wow, just wow.
I found Grim and Cassandra quite enjoyable, I've re-read both multiple times already which tells me that I've fallen in love with characters, plot and setting. I tend to ignore reviews that focus not on the story but on editing, grammar etc because I can usually read past those issues (otherwise I would have nothing to read, big publisher or self/indie published).
Cliffhangers though...fortunately not in either of these books. I'm very happy that I took the chance on MK's books as well as some other authors that also got slammed for editing.
5/27/14 - Updated version with tense change - even easier to slide into the story. Thanks Michelle!
Original version - "Admiral William Hale Zafar turns from his command center. At 50 cycles he is the youngest Admiral ever in the Carinian fleet and currently commands the Battle star Retribution with an accompaniment of five battleships as they patrol the border. He’s 7’1” and 325lbs of solid Carinian male, his lush dark hair just starting to gray at the temples and while not long is not cut militarily short. His startling violet eyes look to Falco."
Revised version - "Admiral William Hale Zafar turned from his Command Center. At 50 cycles, he was the youngest Admiral ever in the Carinian fleet and currently in command of the Battle Star Retribution with an accompaniment of five battleships as they patrolled their border. He’s 7’1” and 325 pounds of solid Carinian male, his lush dark hair just starting to gray at the temples and while not long, was not cut militarily short. His startling violet eyes looked to Falco."
cross-posted amazon, goodreads, shelfari
September 18, 2013
2.5 stars
You will find yourself screaming about the mistakes in this story!!!
REALLY needs an editor and proof-reader!!! In those departments, this book is a monumental disaster! It's something problematical on almost every page... so many that I got sick of making notes about them on my Kindle.
The story is fairly good, though. The author makes the mistake of putting in *every little thing*, and there are also the formulaic blunders from new authors - constant showers, for one. The smex scenes aren't very good. The 50 yr old space guy with the 24 yr Earth old girl didn't ring my bells much either.
I think that with some help, this author could do fairly well with future books because the imagination is there. However, I wouldn't recommend buying this one unless it's corrected or unless you have a very high tolerance for messy writing.
You will find yourself screaming about the mistakes in this story!!!
REALLY needs an editor and proof-reader!!! In those departments, this book is a monumental disaster! It's something problematical on almost every page... so many that I got sick of making notes about them on my Kindle.
The story is fairly good, though. The author makes the mistake of putting in *every little thing*, and there are also the formulaic blunders from new authors - constant showers, for one. The smex scenes aren't very good. The 50 yr old space guy with the 24 yr Earth old girl didn't ring my bells much either.
I think that with some help, this author could do fairly well with future books because the imagination is there. However, I wouldn't recommend buying this one unless it's corrected or unless you have a very high tolerance for messy writing.
December 5, 2015
2.5
This is the usual human/alien romance with a little twist and it worked! The plot was interesting, the I liked the characters but What I didn't like were the tedious description of the hero and heroine's day, hour, minute and second of their existence! This is just annoying filler. The author also needed an editor or a proof-reader, it would have made the book so much more enjoyable. Apart from these issues, this book was an entertaining read to pass the time.
This is the usual human/alien romance with a little twist and it worked! The plot was interesting, the I liked the characters but What I didn't like were the tedious description of the hero and heroine's day, hour, minute and second of their existence! This is just annoying filler. The author also needed an editor or a proof-reader, it would have made the book so much more enjoyable. Apart from these issues, this book was an entertaining read to pass the time.
November 16, 2015
Cassandra Chamberlain may be one of the smartest people on Earth, as evidenced when she's nominated for the prestigious Magellan Award, but it all means nothing when Earth is attacked by aliens who systematically kill every man, woman, and child leaving the planet for all practical purposes dead. By a fluke Cassie and her niece Victoria are saved by a different alien race who confront the invaders too late to save the planet from destruction but rescue the two sole survivors who now have no home to go back to.
William Zafar is a decorated war hero and Admiral in the Coalition of United Planets Fleet whose reputation for ruthlessness and cunning have most fearing him but it means little when confronted by a refuge from a backwards planet who refuses to cower to his authority. To think she demands rights and privileges is laughable until she receives the rights and privileges she presses for. Nobody argues with the Admiral and lives to tell about it, until Cassie. Her strong backbone and obvious love for her niece leave Admiral Zafar yearning for something he knows he can't have, especially as the reason for Earth's destruction starts to come to light.
History and the past will prove that it's not coincidence that Cassie and William have met up and that their future can right the wrongs of the past if they're strong enough and love enough to confront political intrigue and challenge status quo .... together.
* * * * *
I'm gonna start off my thoughts on this book in a round about way. Question: have you ever read a story/book that you consider to be perfect or have you ever read a book that you use to judge all other books against because, for you, that book was as close to perfect as one could be? Did you go so far as to get a signed print edition that you've put in a special place of honor because it was .... well ... perfect?
OK. Such an animal for me has never existed but it's fun trying to find it. S.E. Smtih is as close as I've gotten to being an author to hit all my personal sweet spots in a story as most of her female leads are awesome and probably would be my BFF if they existed in the real world. The male leads ain't nothing to sneeze about either. ;) One day I hope to meet Susan to which I equate to meeting royalty and will probably trip over my tongue in fan girlish mode because I love her books that much. Choosing Riley is hands down near the top of all time fav books I've read and yes I have a signed print book encased in glass as proof. lol.
I first read a book by Ms. Eidem when I read Grim. That was a diamond in the rough that showed promise but did have issues. Since then I've come to really enjoy the follow up works by this author and have had her on my close watch list for new releases as the author has improved her craft with each and every book. I lost interest though after I picked up Jacinda's Challenge and found it hard to follow to the point I stopped reading at about 25%. Didn't rate or review it as that's not my way. Here's the kicker. I thought that book was a new installment in the Torian's series but as I didn't recognize any of the characters and got utterly lost I stopped. Silly silly Rosebud. I now realize my mistake so of course it all makes perfect sense now.
Bottom line.... always make sure you verify a series as authors do multitask. lol.
This was a lengthy novel that really didn't seem to be. I didn't look at the page count until I finished and then noticed it had been like 700 pages. That's a testament to the author that I was drawn in from cover to cover without experiencing any book drop scenes. Actually was getting agitated near the end as I didn't want it to end. Luckily there are two more installments to look forward to. :)
The main characters. Older guy/younger woman scenario. Nothing wrong with the way it was handled. Respect was given and received and a healthy dose of animal chemistry between the two solidified my opinion these two worked as a couple. The adult content scenes didn't stick out as being too over the top or forced. Actually felt like a genuine progression of their relationship that made sense. For those who like to know the degree of kinkiness and extremes to look forward to. Vanilla sensual mutually satisfying scenes that have some heat but won't leave you looking for any battery operated devices or cold shower relief.
The cast of characters are diverse and varied. Each reader will migrate to those secondary characters who they liked more than others which is a good thing as variety is the spice of life so most readers will find one or two favs though I'm a biggie fan of Hutu and really really really would have liked more depth to his character. Of course Lucas & Victoria are the main back up characters as they will be featured in Victoria's Challenge. Kind of pervy in that Lucas was 27 and Victoria 9 in this story but isn't the first time I've seen that angle so I guess the jury's out.
The world building (as this was a first in series installment) had enough depth to give me what I needed to know to understand about Carina, Regulians, Houses, etc but would have appreciated more of an overall picture to appreciate the circumstances. Unfortunately, this gets into spoiler potential as my thoughts had to do with how the story played out and why I had doubts so I'll just leave it with a vague house of cards reference and move on.
My issues were with lack of follow through and details. The story was long enough that not giving closure to even secondary characters miffed me (yes I have other words but miffed is the word of the day so I'm using it lol). Non spoiler examples. Educator. Love or hate her, she was a character. I wanted to know if she stayed or went to her cabin as everyone left. Ensign Paa. Team. Can't figure out something regarding this and it bugs me because peers aren't always as forgiving as others.
Back to my opening round about start to my review. Not everyone is gonna agree that this book was a home run. Hit it out of the ball park with the ball reaching outer space territory for me. Loved the experience of reading an adventure SFR story that included imperfect characters who found their soul mate and refused to allow the outside world to get between them. They make mistakes but didn't allow those mistakes to sever their bond or allow for advancement in career or position to dictate their actions. I'm good with that and while I might have had issues with portions for whatever reason I'm thrilled with the story as a whole and am looking forward to sinking into Victoria's Challenge though I'm hard pressed to think how the author can make that work based on this book's ending. Only time will tell I guess.
On the remote chance the author herself is reading my review though. Any possibility of getting a signed print book? I have a place all picked out in my personal library to display it.
:D
William Zafar is a decorated war hero and Admiral in the Coalition of United Planets Fleet whose reputation for ruthlessness and cunning have most fearing him but it means little when confronted by a refuge from a backwards planet who refuses to cower to his authority. To think she demands rights and privileges is laughable until she receives the rights and privileges she presses for. Nobody argues with the Admiral and lives to tell about it, until Cassie. Her strong backbone and obvious love for her niece leave Admiral Zafar yearning for something he knows he can't have, especially as the reason for Earth's destruction starts to come to light.
History and the past will prove that it's not coincidence that Cassie and William have met up and that their future can right the wrongs of the past if they're strong enough and love enough to confront political intrigue and challenge status quo .... together.
* * * * *
I'm gonna start off my thoughts on this book in a round about way. Question: have you ever read a story/book that you consider to be perfect or have you ever read a book that you use to judge all other books against because, for you, that book was as close to perfect as one could be? Did you go so far as to get a signed print edition that you've put in a special place of honor because it was .... well ... perfect?
OK. Such an animal for me has never existed but it's fun trying to find it. S.E. Smtih is as close as I've gotten to being an author to hit all my personal sweet spots in a story as most of her female leads are awesome and probably would be my BFF if they existed in the real world. The male leads ain't nothing to sneeze about either. ;) One day I hope to meet Susan to which I equate to meeting royalty and will probably trip over my tongue in fan girlish mode because I love her books that much. Choosing Riley is hands down near the top of all time fav books I've read and yes I have a signed print book encased in glass as proof. lol.
I first read a book by Ms. Eidem when I read Grim. That was a diamond in the rough that showed promise but did have issues. Since then I've come to really enjoy the follow up works by this author and have had her on my close watch list for new releases as the author has improved her craft with each and every book. I lost interest though after I picked up Jacinda's Challenge and found it hard to follow to the point I stopped reading at about 25%. Didn't rate or review it as that's not my way. Here's the kicker. I thought that book was a new installment in the Torian's series but as I didn't recognize any of the characters and got utterly lost I stopped. Silly silly Rosebud. I now realize my mistake so of course it all makes perfect sense now.
Bottom line.... always make sure you verify a series as authors do multitask. lol.
This was a lengthy novel that really didn't seem to be. I didn't look at the page count until I finished and then noticed it had been like 700 pages. That's a testament to the author that I was drawn in from cover to cover without experiencing any book drop scenes. Actually was getting agitated near the end as I didn't want it to end. Luckily there are two more installments to look forward to. :)
The main characters. Older guy/younger woman scenario. Nothing wrong with the way it was handled. Respect was given and received and a healthy dose of animal chemistry between the two solidified my opinion these two worked as a couple. The adult content scenes didn't stick out as being too over the top or forced. Actually felt like a genuine progression of their relationship that made sense. For those who like to know the degree of kinkiness and extremes to look forward to. Vanilla sensual mutually satisfying scenes that have some heat but won't leave you looking for any battery operated devices or cold shower relief.
The cast of characters are diverse and varied. Each reader will migrate to those secondary characters who they liked more than others which is a good thing as variety is the spice of life so most readers will find one or two favs though I'm a biggie fan of Hutu and really really really would have liked more depth to his character. Of course Lucas & Victoria are the main back up characters as they will be featured in Victoria's Challenge. Kind of pervy in that Lucas was 27 and Victoria 9 in this story but isn't the first time I've seen that angle so I guess the jury's out.
The world building (as this was a first in series installment) had enough depth to give me what I needed to know to understand about Carina, Regulians, Houses, etc but would have appreciated more of an overall picture to appreciate the circumstances. Unfortunately, this gets into spoiler potential as my thoughts had to do with how the story played out and why I had doubts so I'll just leave it with a vague house of cards reference and move on.
My issues were with lack of follow through and details. The story was long enough that not giving closure to even secondary characters miffed me (yes I have other words but miffed is the word of the day so I'm using it lol). Non spoiler examples. Educator. Love or hate her, she was a character. I wanted to know if she stayed or went to her cabin as everyone left. Ensign Paa. Team. Can't figure out something regarding this and it bugs me because peers aren't always as forgiving as others.
Back to my opening round about start to my review. Not everyone is gonna agree that this book was a home run. Hit it out of the ball park with the ball reaching outer space territory for me. Loved the experience of reading an adventure SFR story that included imperfect characters who found their soul mate and refused to allow the outside world to get between them. They make mistakes but didn't allow those mistakes to sever their bond or allow for advancement in career or position to dictate their actions. I'm good with that and while I might have had issues with portions for whatever reason I'm thrilled with the story as a whole and am looking forward to sinking into Victoria's Challenge though I'm hard pressed to think how the author can make that work based on this book's ending. Only time will tell I guess.
On the remote chance the author herself is reading my review though. Any possibility of getting a signed print book? I have a place all picked out in my personal library to display it.
:D
February 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
Holy crap this book was so long...over 700 pages.
I love M.K. Eidem's stories; especially the Tornian series. But I'll say this again...she desperately needs an editor. As usual, there were numerous typos, wrong words and bad sentence structure. This book also needs to be condensed. Many parts were really drawn out and repetitive.
Overall, I liked the premise but the execution could have been better.
Holy crap this book was so long...over 700 pages.
I love M.K. Eidem's stories; especially the Tornian series. But I'll say this again...she desperately needs an editor. As usual, there were numerous typos, wrong words and bad sentence structure. This book also needs to be condensed. Many parts were really drawn out and repetitive.
Overall, I liked the premise but the execution could have been better.
July 31, 2022
What can I say I always have an urge to reread this series.
September 5, 2015
2.5 Stars
The Earth has been destroyed, the only two survivors are Cassandra Chamberlain and her nine year old niece Victoria. They barely survived, only saved as the Carnians, the alien race trying to save them, managed to pick them up as they were helping one of their fighters who had crash landed. Cassandra and Victoria are taken under the wing of Admiral William Zafar, but the danger doesn’t stop even when they leave earth and the attack behind, and William must protect the woman he now realises is his life mate and her small niece.
There’s nothing I love more than a little bit of an alien invasion, especially when that alien invasion is tall dark and handsome. So, I was fully prepared to fall in love with this book and series as much as I have with M.K. Eidem’s Tornian series. However, as much as I enjoyed this Cassandra’s Challenge I myself found it a little challenging in places.
When I read a sci fi romance, I do find that I have to suspend my disbelief a little more than I would do with any other genre, and this book tested my suspension to the max. Earth had just been destroyed, everyone you know and love has been killed in an unexpected and unprovoked attack…I expected more of a reaction from Cassandra than what I got.
However, genocide or not, I read this book for the romance and sexy alien times and it did managed to deliver. Cassandra and William’s romance was sudden and at first felt more manufactured than a natural progression, but I did enjoy seeing them together. Their romance had Kristen Ashley kind of time line, they got together quickly and the book was them establishing their relationship with the everyday trials and tribulations of life, with a few alien attacks, treason and a possible lost queen thrown in.
I think I enjoyed this book, not as much as her Tornian series. But, I definitely liked it enough to have bought the next one in the series and give it a whirl, what can I say, I am a complete sucker for a gorgeous alien!
September 10, 2013
I liked the story but there is obvious editing flaws which made it a bit difficult to get in to the rhythm of the book which had me taking breaks.The characters are likeable and some moments you feel the pain of both Cassandra and Victoria for the loss they have suffered. the romance between Cassandra and William is a roller coaster ride of one mistake, from one or the other, the side characters are good and little Victoria is adorable. the love scenes are hot and numinous, the bad guys crimes are so heinous that you want retribution and you'd be gunning for them to be found. in all a good book it would be better with another proof read;)
May 17, 2019
Meh.
September 15, 2013
For anyone who read my review of Grim by the same author - I think they found an editor. This book isn't perfect - it still has the consul/console problem but it's dramatically better.
WARNING POSSIBLE SPOILERS
This is an epic. Cassandra first finds/rescues a crashed alien male and patches him up, returns him to his rescue ship and due to an attack goes with them (rescuing a niece on the way) and then sees the Earth destroyed. Most books might have ended the drama there and just had a romance following. But no, we get that with dramatic extras. Our heroine is actually a descendant from the race of her rescuers (their missing princess) so now she is a returning princess. Again some books could have just added that. But wait there's more. We discover the destruction of the Earth was part of a plot to take our a potential challenger to the throne and also kill a current heir to a throne (there's more than one throne). So we're on a justice crusade to take down the bad guys, challenge the customs that you have to marry inside your House (different ruling families) and get to an HEA.
This book packs a lot of punch.
I liked Cassandra and Victoria. They are both highly intelligent and use this knowledge to improve their situation and help where they can. I like that their loss - family, friends, the planet - isn't swept away on the road to the HEA but is dealt with each and every time it appears. Further, I liked that it wasn't just an isolated crying jag and then we're all better. Instead, realistic things trigger memories and grief. I liked that neither Cassandra or Victoria became a victim. New surrounds and unfamiliar customs didn't make them meek. They sought to stand for themselves.
I liked our happy couple William and Cassandra. They truly do challenge and support each other. They stand together. This doesn't mean that everything is perfect for them. They have arguments - normal ones really. William is a strong man used to leading - he's an admiral, but I wouldn't call him an alpha in the typical sense. I think he's more mature than that.
I have two criticisms. One was how fast they ended up in bed and some of their sex scenes. Specifically, a lot of them to me, didn't seem to get rid of the clothes first. I know this seems pedantic, but on reading some, she's wearing trousers, standing, but just seems to lift her leg and their having sex. And clothes on this planet don't have any melt/retract/disappear functions - they're just clothes. The other relates to the world building. As in Grim we have some Earth things pop up like "limisins" instead of limousines. And this is for a flying stretch vehicle. This struck me as slack on the part of the author with regards to the world building. It let down all the creativity that has come before.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and I'm looking to find out if there are more books by this author.
WARNING POSSIBLE SPOILERS
This is an epic. Cassandra first finds/rescues a crashed alien male and patches him up, returns him to his rescue ship and due to an attack goes with them (rescuing a niece on the way) and then sees the Earth destroyed. Most books might have ended the drama there and just had a romance following. But no, we get that with dramatic extras. Our heroine is actually a descendant from the race of her rescuers (their missing princess) so now she is a returning princess. Again some books could have just added that. But wait there's more. We discover the destruction of the Earth was part of a plot to take our a potential challenger to the throne and also kill a current heir to a throne (there's more than one throne). So we're on a justice crusade to take down the bad guys, challenge the customs that you have to marry inside your House (different ruling families) and get to an HEA.
This book packs a lot of punch.
I liked Cassandra and Victoria. They are both highly intelligent and use this knowledge to improve their situation and help where they can. I like that their loss - family, friends, the planet - isn't swept away on the road to the HEA but is dealt with each and every time it appears. Further, I liked that it wasn't just an isolated crying jag and then we're all better. Instead, realistic things trigger memories and grief. I liked that neither Cassandra or Victoria became a victim. New surrounds and unfamiliar customs didn't make them meek. They sought to stand for themselves.
I liked our happy couple William and Cassandra. They truly do challenge and support each other. They stand together. This doesn't mean that everything is perfect for them. They have arguments - normal ones really. William is a strong man used to leading - he's an admiral, but I wouldn't call him an alpha in the typical sense. I think he's more mature than that.
I have two criticisms. One was how fast they ended up in bed and some of their sex scenes. Specifically, a lot of them to me, didn't seem to get rid of the clothes first. I know this seems pedantic, but on reading some, she's wearing trousers, standing, but just seems to lift her leg and their having sex. And clothes on this planet don't have any melt/retract/disappear functions - they're just clothes. The other relates to the world building. As in Grim we have some Earth things pop up like "limisins" instead of limousines. And this is for a flying stretch vehicle. This struck me as slack on the part of the author with regards to the world building. It let down all the creativity that has come before.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and I'm looking to find out if there are more books by this author.
April 9, 2015
A long, but great story (if able to overlook multiple grammatical and
editorial issues)
If you are the type of person that every little punctuation, spelling and grammatical error bothers you, this book may not be for you because there are TONS in this book. Aside from that, however, the storyline is incredible. The plot was exciting and fast paced. The characters were solid and had great depth as well. This was a very long book, and I feel it could have been easily downsized, because there were a lot of unnecessary details, but I still enjoyed this book thoroughly. I've loved this writers previous work, and this one was no exception. I look forward to checking out the other book in this series!
editorial issues)
If you are the type of person that every little punctuation, spelling and grammatical error bothers you, this book may not be for you because there are TONS in this book. Aside from that, however, the storyline is incredible. The plot was exciting and fast paced. The characters were solid and had great depth as well. This was a very long book, and I feel it could have been easily downsized, because there were a lot of unnecessary details, but I still enjoyed this book thoroughly. I've loved this writers previous work, and this one was no exception. I look forward to checking out the other book in this series!
September 14, 2015
<3
Overlong and with too many editing problems. The smexy time weren't well written (ripetitive and confusing), and characters were too perfect.
But nonetheless good story.
Overlong and with too many editing problems. The smexy time weren't well written (ripetitive and confusing), and characters were too perfect.
But nonetheless good story.
September 3, 2015
The Earth has been destroyed, the only two survivors are Cassandra Chamberlain and her nine year old niece Victoria. They barely survived, only saved as the Carnians, the alien race trying to save them, managed to pick them up as they were helping one of their fighters who had crash landed. Cassandra and Victoria are taken under the wing of Admiral William Zafar, but the danger doesn’t stop even when they leave earth and the attack behind, and William must protect the woman he now realises is his life mate and her small niece.
There’s nothing I love more than a little bit of an alien invasion, especially when that alien invasion is tall dark and handsome. So, I was fully prepared to fall in love with this book and series as much as I have with M.K. Eidem’s Tornian series. However, as much as I enjoyed this Cassandra’s Challenge I myself found it a little challenging in places.
When I read a sci fi romance, I do find that I have to suspend my disbelief a little more than I would do with any other genre, and this book tested my suspension to the max. Earth had just been destroyed, everyone you know and love has been killed in an unexpected and unprovoked attack…I expected more of a reaction from Cassandra than what I got.
However, genocide or not, I read this book for the romance and sexy alien times and it did managed to deliver. Cassandra and William’s romance was sudden and at first felt more manufactured than a natural progression, but I did enjoy seeing them together. Their romance had Kristen Ashley kind of time line, they got together quickly and the book was them establishing their relationship with the everyday trials and tribulations of life, with a few alien attacks, treason and a possible lost queen thrown in.
I think I enjoyed this book, not as much as her Tornian series. But, I definitely liked it enough to have bought the next one in the series and give it a whirl, what can I say, I am a complete sucker for a gorgeous alien!
Reviewed by Suzanne
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September 28, 2013
This was a very good story. Cassandra and William are a kick-ass couple once they each learn to trust each other. Grim (also by M.K. Eidem ) was published August 30,2013 and also was a wonderful story. It is obvious that the author has a lot of talent and a good imagination.
Unfortunately she apparently doesn't have either a proof reader or an editor. If I didn't enjoy her story telling abilities, I would have deleted the book for the grammar errors alone. It's worse than reading a middle school essay. If you have decent reading comprehension skills then you will enjoy this book, however if you are easily annoyed by things like console and consul being mixed up then you might want to fortify yourself first.
Four Stars for the story!! It's wonderful story and the characters are well developed and yes, I would buy another of M.K. Eidem's space operas. (even though that probably makes me a bit of an masochist) Meanwhile I'll send prayers to the Muse of Literature in the hopes that this author finds both a proof reader and an editor.
Unfortunately she apparently doesn't have either a proof reader or an editor. If I didn't enjoy her story telling abilities, I would have deleted the book for the grammar errors alone. It's worse than reading a middle school essay. If you have decent reading comprehension skills then you will enjoy this book, however if you are easily annoyed by things like console and consul being mixed up then you might want to fortify yourself first.
Four Stars for the story!! It's wonderful story and the characters are well developed and yes, I would buy another of M.K. Eidem's space operas. (even though that probably makes me a bit of an masochist) Meanwhile I'll send prayers to the Muse of Literature in the hopes that this author finds both a proof reader and an editor.
June 25, 2015
Although I gave the book two stars the writer has potential but needs work and not just with editing. SPOILER***She has a distant character arrive on earth and give the Sumerians writing 2800 years ago. She needs to add another 2000 years to it for it to work. Then at the end of the book she refers indirectly back to this character as 200 cycles ago after telling us a cycle is the same as a year.
She also has the aliens speak English except for a few token words just because. Apparently we are to believe that all human-like civilization speak it. Why English and not French, Spanish, or so many other languages I don't know. In many places it is very stilted. And then we can talk about the times she does things like use ridicules instead of ridiculous. If you don't have an editor get a friend to read the book, read it out loud you might catch some this yourself and also you might end up removing some the stiltedness from it. Still she has something she just need work.
She also has the aliens speak English except for a few token words just because. Apparently we are to believe that all human-like civilization speak it. Why English and not French, Spanish, or so many other languages I don't know. In many places it is very stilted. And then we can talk about the times she does things like use ridicules instead of ridiculous. If you don't have an editor get a friend to read the book, read it out loud you might catch some this yourself and also you might end up removing some the stiltedness from it. Still she has something she just need work.
October 15, 2018
This book was totally awesome. It captured my interest right from page 1 through to the end of the book. It had everything I require in a good book...action, romance, a bit of sci-fi, good plot and the characters were just so believable and they just seemed to be suited for each other. They had their problems..after all she is a human from earth and he is from a different planet and had lots of adjustments to make . I highly recommend this book. I highly recommend all the books from this author M.K.Eidem. This book is Cassandra's Challenge and the next book is Victoria's Challenge. There is another series by M.K. Eidem..just the one book called Grim. That is great book too. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed reading it.
September 26, 2016
I'm a sucker for fantasy / sci-fi stories with a bit of real life in them. In Cassandra's Challenge, Cassandra has been swept off Earth by what turns out to be an alpha alien. Cassandra is tremendously smart - Mensa level, but with plenty of common sense and the knowledge that comes from being the daughter and grand-daughter of SAS type soldiers.
What makes Cassandra a better than normal action heroines is her love and caring for her 9 year old niece, who is the only other human rescued up by the aliens. Putting a nine-year old's needs before one's own is a challenge, if not the challenge the title references. Somebody has to put the girl to bed and calm her nightmares before attempting any dering-do.
What makes Cassandra a better than normal action heroines is her love and caring for her 9 year old niece, who is the only other human rescued up by the aliens. Putting a nine-year old's needs before one's own is a challenge, if not the challenge the title references. Somebody has to put the girl to bed and calm her nightmares before attempting any dering-do.
December 21, 2014
I loved the story. Finally an author who is developing the story and characters in time and there is a plot. The choice of words used might need some thought and change in other books since I am not expecting an alien race 5000 light years to say "fuck" or develop so similar to our society.
A destroyed Earth I was not expecting but worked. The relationship between William and Cassandra started fast but had enough time to grow with the story. M K stories are becoming my favorite. I am waiting now for more. Some might criticize the spelling errors or not enough editing but not me. I just loved the story and ignored the errors. MK will work on them in time.
A destroyed Earth I was not expecting but worked. The relationship between William and Cassandra started fast but had enough time to grow with the story. M K stories are becoming my favorite. I am waiting now for more. Some might criticize the spelling errors or not enough editing but not me. I just loved the story and ignored the errors. MK will work on them in time.
September 26, 2017
Why did I wait so long to read this??!!!
February 2, 2024
DNF @ %5
I took a chance on this book even though I was kind of put off by the author listing the MCs heights and weights in the blurb and then again in the first chapter. Look, unless your POV character is a sentient robot who instantly scans everyone they meet and calculates their height, BMI and weight, there’s no way they’d have access to that kind of specific information. It’s a perfect example of telling when you should be showing. Instead, the characters should be described relative to one another and the environment e.g. “he was a head taller,” “she only came up to his collarbone” “he had to stoop to get through the doorframe” etc.
The writing is so, so immature, it’s kind of embarrassing. The author uses way too many exclamation marks and all-caps in dialogue, ending sentences with one or two or three as they see fit. The story is that the earth is destroyed by aliens and the FMC and her little niece are the only two humans to be rescued—pretty unbelievable, but a good writer could’ve made it work. Personally if I wanted this to be my story hook, I would’ve made the FMC an astronaut on the ISS, that way we wouldn’t have to deal with the issue of how the alien rescuers managed to touch ground with their ships but only saved 2 people.
Sadly, this author did not do such a thing, and the first chapter of this daring rescue is dedicated to the how and why, which is very silly.
No universal translator needed for this one; these aliens speak English. Yes, it’s outright stated that the alien language and writing system is “similar to” ours. That’s not all! They use a 24 hour clock and their years are seemingly the same as ours. The alien medical ward apparently looks “not that different than any emergency room on Earth”, and so do the sinks and showers (psst! Running fresh drinkable water straight into the drain is wasteful even on Earth, let alone on a spacecraft when you have a limited supply, and faucets don’t work in zero-gravity). The FMC is immediately left alone and permitted to wander onto the bridge and engineering areas unescorted. Luckily she’s a super-genius Mary-Sue, graduated Harvard at 15, and is capable of reading and comprehending 1000-page technical documents in a single night, otherwise her being there would be ridiculous!
Every single plot point and emotional moment is simultaneously rushed and yet unbelievably dull. There is no salvaging this one.
I took a chance on this book even though I was kind of put off by the author listing the MCs heights and weights in the blurb and then again in the first chapter. Look, unless your POV character is a sentient robot who instantly scans everyone they meet and calculates their height, BMI and weight, there’s no way they’d have access to that kind of specific information. It’s a perfect example of telling when you should be showing. Instead, the characters should be described relative to one another and the environment e.g. “he was a head taller,” “she only came up to his collarbone” “he had to stoop to get through the doorframe” etc.
The writing is so, so immature, it’s kind of embarrassing. The author uses way too many exclamation marks and all-caps in dialogue, ending sentences with one or two or three as they see fit. The story is that the earth is destroyed by aliens and the FMC and her little niece are the only two humans to be rescued—pretty unbelievable, but a good writer could’ve made it work. Personally if I wanted this to be my story hook, I would’ve made the FMC an astronaut on the ISS, that way we wouldn’t have to deal with the issue of how the alien rescuers managed to touch ground with their ships but only saved 2 people.
Sadly, this author did not do such a thing, and the first chapter of this daring rescue is dedicated to the how and why, which is very silly.
No universal translator needed for this one; these aliens speak English. Yes, it’s outright stated that the alien language and writing system is “similar to” ours. That’s not all! They use a 24 hour clock and their years are seemingly the same as ours. The alien medical ward apparently looks “not that different than any emergency room on Earth”, and so do the sinks and showers (psst! Running fresh drinkable water straight into the drain is wasteful even on Earth, let alone on a spacecraft when you have a limited supply, and faucets don’t work in zero-gravity). The FMC is immediately left alone and permitted to wander onto the bridge and engineering areas unescorted. Luckily she’s a super-genius Mary-Sue, graduated Harvard at 15, and is capable of reading and comprehending 1000-page technical documents in a single night, otherwise her being there would be ridiculous!
Every single plot point and emotional moment is simultaneously rushed and yet unbelievably dull. There is no salvaging this one.
March 10, 2017
I only finished this book because I was mentally keeping a list of all of the things I didn't like about it. Worst. World building. Ever. In fact, the only thing alien about the setting and characters were; a traumatized nine year old who has consistently compliant behaviors excepting the occasional whine(definitely alien), and an adult caregiver of said nine year old who is totally fine with a grown man deciding a nine year old is his "life mate," and becoming obsessed with her safety. It was implied this is some kind of mystical connection but still, eww. Those things were alien even though the characters were born on earth. Now the list of things in the alien world that were not alien at all and were in fact not significantly different from western culture is so long I wouldn't have room to write it here so lets look at basics: They speak a language that is similar to English so that the alien word for limousine not only sounds so similar as to be nearly identical, the actual limousine looks the same but without wheels. Years and months are comparable to earth seasons as is the amount of hours in a day. They have a wedding ceremony that is identical except the color the bride wears and she walks herself down the aisle. They have similar family structures, military hierarchy, food, architecture, transportation, plants, money, shopping etc...
I thought it was weird how frequently the writer mentioned the characters getting showers. And I guess there may be some women out there who are instantly aroused every single time their man wants them but I kind of doubt it. Also, come on... she's getting off on all these no foreplay quickies(definitely alien). I like a book better when the sex is more realistic. Like what if she were to say, "not right now, I just did my makeup and we have to leave in a minute," and he were to say, "Okay, you have a point. Rain check?" Not exactly exciting stuff when written like that but written well, it might make think they are simmering. On a side note I was just assuming all the rooms were sound proofed because apparently Cassandra yells stupid stuff when they're having sex. If not, that poor kid. My biggest irritant was this...Why Didn't She Just Show Off Her Magical Color-changing Birthmark? I mean, there were lots of times where it could have been the easiest way to get support. She could have even sworn people to silence so she could spring her birthmark at the most dramatic moment, but no, she doesn't really use the revelation of her birthmark to good effect. I think the story would have been shorter if she had, which would have made it better. And lastly, I listened to this book as an audiobook and the narrator had as much variation in tone as did the teacher in Farris Bueller's day off. Bueller... Bueller... Plus every now and then he sounded New Jersey. Ovah instead of over, Nevah instead of never etc.
That is all.
I thought it was weird how frequently the writer mentioned the characters getting showers. And I guess there may be some women out there who are instantly aroused every single time their man wants them but I kind of doubt it. Also, come on... she's getting off on all these no foreplay quickies(definitely alien). I like a book better when the sex is more realistic. Like what if she were to say, "not right now, I just did my makeup and we have to leave in a minute," and he were to say, "Okay, you have a point. Rain check?" Not exactly exciting stuff when written like that but written well, it might make think they are simmering. On a side note I was just assuming all the rooms were sound proofed because apparently Cassandra yells stupid stuff when they're having sex. If not, that poor kid. My biggest irritant was this...Why Didn't She Just Show Off Her Magical Color-changing Birthmark? I mean, there were lots of times where it could have been the easiest way to get support. She could have even sworn people to silence so she could spring her birthmark at the most dramatic moment, but no, she doesn't really use the revelation of her birthmark to good effect. I think the story would have been shorter if she had, which would have made it better. And lastly, I listened to this book as an audiobook and the narrator had as much variation in tone as did the teacher in Farris Bueller's day off. Bueller... Bueller... Plus every now and then he sounded New Jersey. Ovah instead of over, Nevah instead of never etc.
That is all.
September 5, 2025
The Earth has been destroyed and there are only two survivors, Cassandra Chamberlain, and her niece Victoria. They were saved by the Carnians, an alien race that was trying to save the earth from the Regulians. Cassandra and Victoria are taken under the wing of Admiral William Zafar and his son, Lucas, but the danger follows them from Earth.
I love alien invasion stories and William and Cassandra’s story was an enjoyable one. Their relationship is an instant love one as they are Life Mates, and it is very abrupt. There is almost no lead up to these two becoming a couple, which I didn’t love, but I did still enjoy their relationship and how they handled things. Also there is a large age gap between these two with Cassandra being 25 and William being 50, but I didn’t really notice it because Cassandra is a genius and very mature so I couldn’t imagine her with someone in their 20s.
I liked Cassandra for the most part. She was smart, caring, and determined to get justice for the destruction of Earth. But while I liked how strong she was, I was expecting more emotion for everything she had been through and lost. William was the strong, protective alpha male. I really liked him, especially how he quickly adopted Victoria as his own even though he already has kids.
As with all of Eidem's books you need to expect plot holes in the story but I read these for the romance between the characters, not a solid plot line. If you like her writing then pick up this series, it’s not for everyone but there is still some magic in this series as well.
TW: invasion and destruction of earth; death of family; grief; poisoning of a child;
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
I love alien invasion stories and William and Cassandra’s story was an enjoyable one. Their relationship is an instant love one as they are Life Mates, and it is very abrupt. There is almost no lead up to these two becoming a couple, which I didn’t love, but I did still enjoy their relationship and how they handled things. Also there is a large age gap between these two with Cassandra being 25 and William being 50, but I didn’t really notice it because Cassandra is a genius and very mature so I couldn’t imagine her with someone in their 20s.
I liked Cassandra for the most part. She was smart, caring, and determined to get justice for the destruction of Earth. But while I liked how strong she was, I was expecting more emotion for everything she had been through and lost. William was the strong, protective alpha male. I really liked him, especially how he quickly adopted Victoria as his own even though he already has kids.
As with all of Eidem's books you need to expect plot holes in the story but I read these for the romance between the characters, not a solid plot line. If you like her writing then pick up this series, it’s not for everyone but there is still some magic in this series as well.
TW: invasion and destruction of earth; death of family; grief; poisoning of a child;
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
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