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lifeinthebooklane's review
5.0
I knew Finn would be special - I didn't know he would make me cry, then cry again and maybe cry a few more times after that too!
I totally 'click' with this author's work, there isn't a book of hers that I haven't loved. There is just something about her writing that captivates me, draws me into the story and holds me there. I love the characters, the world-building and the plots, finding that each time we meet new Nmen, I'm desperate to read their stories too. In an attempt to keep this review spoiler free it may seem vague at times, but it's one of those stories that is jam packed with surprises and I don't want to ruin any of them.
The pace of the story kept me turning pages, I couldn't have predicted the many plot twists and I loved how there was so much more to this book than just Athena and Finn's story. I'm going to add here that I liked how those 'events' came at the end of the book rather than during it. This allowed me to concentrate on the 'romance' part and then get all excited again for where the stories will head in the future. The book is so well written, the prose flows smoothly and is also well edited. The characters almost step of the page they feel so complex and real.
Athena and Finn's story was wonderful, you'll need tissue's when you read Finn's back story, and when the exchange ends, and after the force of nature and possibly during the interview scenes too. It was fantastic to see a couple of characters from The Protector, as well as meeting a few new characters, who I'm hoping we will meet again. The only thing predictable about these books is how good they are. Each pair of characters, their story and the trials they face are always unique but always amazing too.
I totally 'click' with this author's work, there isn't a book of hers that I haven't loved. There is just something about her writing that captivates me, draws me into the story and holds me there. I love the characters, the world-building and the plots, finding that each time we meet new Nmen, I'm desperate to read their stories too. In an attempt to keep this review spoiler free it may seem vague at times, but it's one of those stories that is jam packed with surprises and I don't want to ruin any of them.
The pace of the story kept me turning pages, I couldn't have predicted the many plot twists and I loved how there was so much more to this book than just Athena and Finn's story. I'm going to add here that I liked how those 'events' came at the end of the book rather than during it. This allowed me to concentrate on the 'romance' part and then get all excited again for where the stories will head in the future. The book is so well written, the prose flows smoothly and is also well edited. The characters almost step of the page they feel so complex and real.
Athena and Finn's story was wonderful, you'll need tissue's when you read Finn's back story, and when the exchange ends, and after the force of nature and possibly during the interview scenes too. It was fantastic to see a couple of characters from The Protector, as well as meeting a few new characters, who I'm hoping we will meet again. The only thing predictable about these books is how good they are. Each pair of characters, their story and the trials they face are always unique but always amazing too.
wintergirl94's review
4.0
I think this is my favourite so far. I love Finn. He is the most flexible and open of the heros in this series so far. He and Athena are a great match and I loved that Finn moves to be with her which is new for the end men!
I will say I cannot WAIT for Laura and Magni.
I will say I cannot WAIT for Laura and Magni.
romanceandraindrops's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
africreole's review
5.0
The seducer got seduced
Finn wanted the curse that Athena placed on him lifted. He gave her five days equal to the five days he took from her when he kidnapped her. She used it as a time to educate him on relationships and how karma works. It was funny how Finn related to her. It shows that men are the same in the 25th century as they are in the 21st century. Neither one saw them falling in love with each other but that is what happens.
Not only are Finn and Athen dealing with their life but so is Laura and Magnie. The entire continent is in for a new awakening and is facilitating a reunion of two that have been separated for 400 years. This is really upsetting the apple cart for the Northlandlers who are anxious to be able to have wives but the Motlanders, who need to relearn their old opinions of the Northmen, To make matters worst, a big secret is revealed that will really upset people on both sides of the wall.
The book was well-written and plotted. Finn had me laughing throughout.
NOTE: The book was listened to in sync with Audible.com.
Finn wanted the curse that Athena placed on him lifted. He gave her five days equal to the five days he took from her when he kidnapped her. She used it as a time to educate him on relationships and how karma works. It was funny how Finn related to her. It shows that men are the same in the 25th century as they are in the 21st century. Neither one saw them falling in love with each other but that is what happens.
Not only are Finn and Athen dealing with their life but so is Laura and Magnie. The entire continent is in for a new awakening and is facilitating a reunion of two that have been separated for 400 years. This is really upsetting the apple cart for the Northlandlers who are anxious to be able to have wives but the Motlanders, who need to relearn their old opinions of the Northmen, To make matters worst, a big secret is revealed that will really upset people on both sides of the wall.
The book was well-written and plotted. Finn had me laughing throughout.
NOTE: The book was listened to in sync with Audible.com.
isitcake's review
fast-paced
3.0
Finn and Athena are good matches emotionally but they don't seem to have any common interests? Idk a very calm, spiritual character like Athena was just a bit boring to read about. What made this book interesting was learning about what has happened to religion in this world. After the Toxic War, the women did away with all religion but they needed something in place of it. They implemented spiritual counselors but over time too many people just called them priestesses. Like other professions, they are selected as children for their skill sets and developed into them. There are only ~10 priestesses so they have a lot of importance. I don't remember why but they live in Dutch windmills.
The first few chapters take place in same time as book 1 where Finn had tied her naked to the bed. She had been nonstop trying to escape and she made a comment about being naked rather than wearing his shirt to sleep in, so that's why he tied her down naked. Then she speaks in Latin and tells him she cursed him that he'd never find satisfaction with a woman. Then it cuts to black and skips to the present! grr! This is after the school field trip to the Motherlands, Khan and Pearl have made progress to have Nmen visit the Motherlands as representatives and Finn is one of them, but first he wants to go to Athena for her to remove the "curse." She agrees but demands he spend 5 days with her as payback for the 5 days she was hostage with him. He agrees and each day she gets under his skin a bit more to discover why Finn uses jokes and humor to cover his emotions.
Turns out Finn was smaller in school and their teacher, Johnson, raped him and other boys. One time he tries again but this time Magni had joined the school and he stopped him, then let Finn punish Johnson. Finn punched him to death. It's their shared secret and bond of their friendship. Athena is shocked but understanding and loves him anyway. This is a switcheroo from the other books, Athena is the one who loves Finn and only wants him but Finn had been adamant that she shouldn't fall in love with him and he's been a player up until now. After the 5 days she sends him off, even though they both love each other, because as a priestess she can't leave the Motherlands and he's not allowed to stay. Finn is extremely upset but continues on with the tour. He does manage to track down Laura, Magni's wife, and convince her to come home. On the last day as they are at the border and about to head back, a strong earthquake hits that destroys a huge portion of the border wall and collapses many buildings in the city. Finn goes back to Athena to discover part of her home has fallen on her. She nearly dies but he saves her.
After the earthquake everything has changed. This is the Nmen's chance to invade, but Khan and Pearl have made so much progress with the slow integration. They use this time to negotiate with the Motlanders that:
- The council will consist of at least 10% men and this will grow over 20 years to 50%
- Over that time woman will also be seen as equal in the Northlands and by the end of 20 years Pearl will be co-ruler with Khan
- Nmen will be allowed to live in the Motherlands starting with 10 men in the first year, 90 in the second, increasing until 1000 men are living there by the end of 5 years
Finn is allowed to be one of the first 10 men and he and Athena get married and go live back in the Motherlands in her windmill.
The other side plot was meeting 15-year-old Motlander Tristan who looks suspiciously a lot like Finn. A patenity test reveals he's actually his son. Boulder tells Finn how the sex-bots collect their sperm so there's tons of Nmen children out there.
Turns out Finn was smaller in school and their teacher, Johnson, raped him and other boys. One time he tries again but this time Magni had joined the school and he stopped him, then let Finn punish Johnson. Finn punched him to death. It's their shared secret and bond of their friendship. Athena is shocked but understanding and loves him anyway. This is a switcheroo from the other books, Athena is the one who loves Finn and only wants him but Finn had been adamant that she shouldn't fall in love with him and he's been a player up until now. After the 5 days she sends him off, even though they both love each other, because as a priestess she can't leave the Motherlands and he's not allowed to stay. Finn is extremely upset but continues on with the tour. He does manage to track down Laura, Magni's wife, and convince her to come home. On the last day as they are at the border and about to head back, a strong earthquake hits that destroys a huge portion of the border wall and collapses many buildings in the city. Finn goes back to Athena to discover part of her home has fallen on her. She nearly dies but he saves her.
After the earthquake everything has changed. This is the Nmen's chance to invade, but Khan and Pearl have made so much progress with the slow integration. They use this time to negotiate with the Motlanders that:
- The council will consist of at least 10% men and this will grow over 20 years to 50%
- Over that time woman will also be seen as equal in the Northlands and by the end of 20 years Pearl will be co-ruler with Khan
- Nmen will be allowed to live in the Motherlands starting with 10 men in the first year, 90 in the second, increasing until 1000 men are living there by the end of 5 years
Finn is allowed to be one of the first 10 men and he and Athena get married and go live back in the Motherlands in her windmill.
The other side plot was meeting 15-year-old Motlander Tristan who looks suspiciously a lot like Finn. A patenity test reveals he's actually his son. Boulder tells Finn how the sex-bots collect their sperm so there's tons of Nmen children out there.
mepayne15's review against another edition
5.0
Sweet!!
Athena and Finn's book is so sweet!! I love how they slowly fall in love, even though they are denying it's even happening. My favorite part is Finn's life changing discovery! I love how he wakes up super early in the morning to do the test. It had me laughing out loud!
Athena and Finn's book is so sweet!! I love how they slowly fall in love, even though they are denying it's even happening. My favorite part is Finn's life changing discovery! I love how he wakes up super early in the morning to do the test. It had me laughing out loud!
ciaramcd's review
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bittie_bee's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Child abuse