Okay, so for a long time I've been eyeing this book because of its cover and after read the back blurb I purchased the book, also I've had thoughts to creating my own world involving the Minotaur. So glad I did. First off let me start by saying that this is not a light and fluffy type of romance (in case you couldn't already tell). This book has a lot of content that could easily trigger people that are sensitive to the darker sides of romance and dominance. However, if you have read any of my books, you know I am not one of those people. So let's dive on in.
(Because this book has a lot I can dwell on, I am going to focus on the relationship between the characters, because I feel that if I touch on everything I will end up giving away the story and this is one I feel everyone should read.)
This book was everything I expected it to be. It was refreshingly original, dark, sexy, and some what taboo given the fact that the male MC is literally a bull man. Aldora and Vedikus Bathyr (love his name by the way) are characters that grip you from the very beginning. Aldora with her curiosity and her strength and Vedikus with his savagery and violent beauty that honestly made me swoon. Watching the two of them fall for each other was one of the most entertaining things I have done in a while. I devoured every page and before I knew it I was done with the book.
Aldora's character was that of a young towns woman who was basically trying to keep a low profile to keep from being feed to the Mist and the creatures that live within the labyrinth in it. Unfortunately for her, she gets caught talking to the labyrinth wall and ends up being a sacrifice. What I like about Aldora was that she didn't give in or up easily, she fought as much as one could in a world full of monsters to gain her freedom. It doesn't work but it was fun to watch her try.
Vedikus is just how I prefer my men to be, rough, raw, powerful, unforgiving, dominating, more beast than man. To watch a character that was birthed in blood, nursed in darkness and violence, take care of a human woman was endearing and made me love him even more. He is by far in my list of my favorite characters I have read in the paranormal world. He takes what he wants and makes no excuses.
Their journey takes them far and wide, farther and farther away from the world Aldora knows and into the darkness that Vedikus is made of. She is his prize and prisoner at first. As they are forced together they begin to connect with each other. I guess you can say this is another beauty and her beast story, another case of Stockholm syndrome, but in my opinion it was executed in a much better way. One, he didn't technically imprison her. Given that her world tossed her over the wall and left her to die, he in a sense saved her life and kept her alive when she would have been killed otherwise.Main difference already.
And then there was those sex scenes. (Fans self just remembering). Like I said before this book is not for the faint of heart. I wondered how the sex between the two of them would work given the size difference of various body parts but Naomi Lucas delivered hot and steam sex, sometimes bordering on violent, that left me feeling satisfied. Mainly because she never softened the characters animistic instincts when it came to sex. Vedikus is a more bull than man and as such more beast than man, so it only makes sense that sex with him is wild and raw. Again, not for the faint of heart or sensitive. While his feelings developed and he opened up, he never lost that raw side of him. He was tamed but untamed at the same times, rough but gentle to his lady. Sometimes I found myself wanting to touch his horns.
Overall, as I have said this book was a breath of fresh air for me. But I will say read at your own risk. It is a dark romance that can easily trigger people who are sensitive about issues like these. The plot is original and full of creatures that are barely seen is books. I can't wait to read the next book in the series because while I love Vedikus, I feel as if I haven't met my favorite Minotaur yet. I'm excited to see how this world continues to develop.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
All 2 for you in this series
See full series
From the Publisher
She was sacrificed... to ME
Enjoy a snippet below...
“I won’t be tricked by you,” she said.
Oh, female, but you already have.
Tricked. Lured. Brought forth to the flame, the unknown. A human. He had not expected a human, let alone a female to hear him say his rites. But now that it had happened and that the fortune of the gray moon looked down upon him, he knew what all his training had been for.
Only the strongest prowled the labyrinth barrier. Only the best hunted for the sacrifices that the humans made. His muscles rippled as sacred blood coursed through his veins.
Vedikus gripped his battle axe and drew it from its sheath. It was time to kill the others and assure his win.
The female was almost his...
Dive into the brutal world of Savadon
“Do you hear that?” he asked, leaning closer to her ear. She stilled for a moment and settled, her focus apparent. She was obeying him. He grasped her tighter. “Those are the sounds of approaching enemies, the beat of several orc drums. If you can hear them, then you’re too close, but what you don’t hear is far more terrifying.” Vedikus pressed into her, his lips hovering above her ear, and he felt the blood of those he’d defeated drip off him and onto her flesh, christening her first night in the mist.
She had no idea how fortunate she was.
“What you don’t hear are the barghests prowling closer, just down the path, or the goblins that await in the same vines you were in, the ghosts that will as likely kill you as they would possess you. A sacrifice happened here tonight and every creature within leagues will know by sunrise. Those who are addicted to human blood will hunt for you relentlessly. Some monsters never give up. I don’t.” He eyed her. “Will you scream?”
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
D E Savage
Mythical Beastly Magic!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2018
Kindle Customer
Not what I was expecting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2021