Zai

Starla Night

Nov 2021 · Blades of Arris Book 2 · Wendy Lynn Clark Publishing

About this ebook

I will destroy all threats to the empire with unrelenting force. Even if that threat comes in the form of a weak, fragile lesser with night-black hair and beguiling eyes.

 

The blades. Elite forces of the empire, nightmare to all servant-world residents just trying to scrape by. Of course I have to flee when my medical ship comes under attack.

But my escape pod is captured by their ruthless leader.

His face is hidden in an assassin’s cowl. Metal sai weapons are fused to his wristbones. He can fly between spaceships like an owl and execute enemies through a hull.

Yet according to him, I’m the dangerous one.

His people’s lust metal has gotten in my blood. They’ll tear each other apart trying to get to me. And then? Because they can’t understand their feelings, they’ll tear me apart, too.

So he’s taking me to the Arsenal, a massive station teeming with his blades, where I’m one papercut away from unleashing hyperviolent zombie hordes.

Well, okay.

I’m lucky he’s the one who captured me. He senses the lust metal inside me, he understands the desires burning us both with unrelenting need, and he’s completely unaffected.

Or, well, mostly...

*** Contains unique alien shifters, fierce passion, and loyal warriors who find their fated mates in the stars. Each full-length book is a complete romance with an epic happily-ever-after. Claim your conqueror today!

Tropes: Alien conqueror, protective hero, fated mates, soul mates, alien shifter, love potion, different worlds, woman in peril, forced proximity, wearing his mark/bite, kidnapped, class warfare, forbidden love, stranded, fangs

Ratings and reviews

I don't think there is any better word to describe this book than EPIC. An epic romance is backed by a epic story filled with taut drama, rich emotion, nerve stretching tension, keep you guessing intrigue and many stunning twists and revelations. I simply adored Esme and Zai and I fell for them so hard. Zai was super swoon worthy to me. His devotion to his duty and his strong moral compass was sharply and yet, so very beautifully balanced with his affection, desire and genuine need to care for Esme. Esme herself, was a bit quirky and immensely clever. Her self doubts and emotional baggage made her easy to connect with and to relate to. Together I felt that they created a true super couple. I felt there was a poignant sweetness to their relationship that appealed to me so strongly. This book delivers a enticing blend sweet and spicy that has your heart a gooey mess while your temperature is rising. While Zai and Esme's romance is a standalone read, there is an overarching story that is unfolding over this series. Personally, I would recommend that you read book one first. It will help you see the bigger picture, introduce you to characters that reappear throughout and in my opinion, simply increase your own overall enjoyment and understanding of everything and everyone. This book sets up the next one quite nicely and I am seriously anxious to get my hands on it just as soon as I can. This is my frank, freely posted review.

Wow, this book really packs a punch from start to finish. Zai and Esme are thrown together when the ship she’s travelling on is attacked. She’s a lesser, he’s a blade, not just a blade but The General Master, his first intention is to give her to the Science Officers. However, he recognises the lusteal that is in her and realises that he wants to protect her. This story is fast paced, well written with great characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Of all of Starla’s characters these are my absolute favorite! I’ve read all of her works and thus far Zai and Esme’s story is at the top of my list, I could not put it down. Zai’s character has the weight of an empire on his shoulders and the stress of it is taking its toll. Esme’s character is just incredible, she is in a really horrible situation but manages to find a friend in spite of her circumstances. I love Zai’s asking Esme to “tell him the things”, I wish I had someone telling me everything would be ok. This is a wonderful book, and I love how it paints a picture for book 3. Starla is an amazing story teller and her series’s always end with incredible detail, nothing is left out. I highly recommend this book, and the whole Blades of Arris series!