As a guardian for his colony, Julian Sawyer travels to Earth to bring back the Chosen: women who possess energy potent enough to help revitalize his people. The stunning, silver-clad beauty who strides into his club one night radiates a sensual magnetism unlike any he's encountered, and Julian realizes that Asia Callahan is not just Chosen, she is his kindra: his one true mate.
For months, Asia has tracked the beautiful and mysterious Julian across the country, convinced that he's behind the disappearance of her sister and a dozen other women. She's prepared to believe he's a ruthless killer, but when she presents herself as bait, she discovers that the truth is far more shocking. Taken to a strange, hazardous realm she never knew existed, Asia will face the ultimate choice-between abandoning the life she's always known and forsaking a passion as dangerous as it is powerful.
©2010 Jacquelyn Frank (P)2012 Tantor
"Frank's world-building is exceptional, and the fast-paced plot never lets up." (Publishers Weekly)
bookworm
"AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR US P/ROMANCE FANS"
J.F. has such a brilliant imagination to create these levels of worlds alongside our own and, as far as I am concerned, she is my new number 1 author. She's a gifted artist who paints the scenes with her words for our imagination to take us on such a pleasurable journey of discovery into these new cultures that have awesome characters, mythical beasts, desperate desires, and they all have a diversity of laws and needs. Alongside all these things, there is also a great budding intense romance that has it's threats, villains and dangers too.
Yes, the heroine Asia, in totally dislikable, but she's come from a rough place but it's part of her job being a tough bounty hunter that she's seen the worst of life and - she's not happy because she's been kidnapped and taken to a totally different level of life where it's occupants are literally dying for her.
If you're like me - a Paranormal/Romance junkie, then you're gonna luv luv luv this new series and, if you haven't already downloaded her other books, then I suggest you'll luv those too. As for me, I'm off to listen to book 2 with a smile on my face knowing it's just gonna be wonderful.
Worth a credit? I've already spent 14 credits on her books and don't regret any - so for me, it's a YES they've definitely been worth it and I hope Audible, and J.F., keep them coming.
"Anti-Heroine"
Difficult to finish. Jacquelyn Frank has created a great premise which is spoiled by a cold, selfish female lead whose only redeeming qualities remain physical strength and prowess, even at the conclusion. It is hard for this reader to accept Asia as the heroine in a romantic novel when every action, including the defense of her sister, is motivated by self-interest. And Chloe is the villainess? It's impossible to tell which character I disliked more.
Sadly, more promising characters, including Julian and Kenya with their strength of character and compassion, were not the focus of this first installment of a new series.
Hard to rate a novel where one element destroys all the positive aspects - great story, great narrator, great hero and interesting cast of minor characters. Jacquelyn Frank remains one of my favorite authors, but she missed the boat with this anti-heroine.
I spin my own wool and knit. Listening to audiobooks while I craft is one of my favorite things. I'm hooked.
"Fell Short of 5 Stars"
Before you read my take on this book, there's a couple of things about me you should know. I love paranormal romances, but I am not a huge fan of the super tough chick heroines that are rampant within the genre. Sometimes it can be done right, when the author gives them certain vulnerabilities, needs or longings that only the hero can fulfill. For me, though, it seems to be done badly more often than well. Such was the case with Asia, the heroine in this book, and in this case, it was done so badly that the more you listen, the harder it is to separate the really good world building and storyline in this book from the really bad portrayal of the heroine. Other reviewers have summed Asia up fairly well, so I won't go on about that. I will say though, it tarnished what is otherwise a wonderful bit of genre fiction.
I would still recommend the read for those who love J.Frank and those who love paranormal romance. It is the first book in a series that features some really great world building, and enormous potential for some great plots, twists and turns.
"Jaded Much?"
Ugh, I don't know. Asia is too Jaded I just felt like I wanted to beat her up through the whole book. Then the epiphany of love dawns on Asia at the end and the book and then the book is pretty much done.
Yes I love her nightwalker series Jacob is my favorite by Jacquelyn Frank
I guess Asia fighting Chloe
no I don't think this would make a good movie, needs more substance then just a really pissed off jaded woman becoming a savior to a race of people....There is already a movie like that...its called "Hancock"
I am noticing a pattern of Franks novels...all of the Villians are women (Ruth,Chloe, Kendra Dea ) that are taken down with a righeous group of men and their mates...what is the deal with that?
"Another Great Series"
If you liked Jacqueln Frank's "Nightwalker" series, you will love this book. It's the begining to another great series. While it is different from the Nightwalker series, it has just as many interesting people, plots and sub-plots to it. Xe Sands does a great job of narrating it and is very good with both male and female voices. Jacquelyn does a very good job of writting and developes very interesting people and situations. I now have to wait on pins and needles for the next in this series and waiting is not one of my strong points. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
OD
"A really good sci-fi romance...."
I wasn't sure I would like this, but took a chance on it. I was continually surprised by the twists and turns in the story, and I enjoyed the character internation. Pretty good narration. Definitely worth a credit for a first in the series.
"GREAT READ"
Great new story! I am ready for book 2. I love how the author made a whole new world with such a different culture. This is no ordinary romance and I had a hard time going to sleep since I wanted to listen to the whole thing. This book is not the 5 hour length it says it is. The book is about 8-9 hours long so well worth a credit. Not a hot steamy romance but I believe if it were, it would have taken away from the story. There are moments of passion but it is just the right amount. This is one I will listen to again.
"Better than I expected!"
Yes, I'd recommend this book. I'd also say buy you a hard copy. This is one I'd read over and over again.
I liked finding out that Julian had never had sex with any of the girls he's taken. It was the one surprise I didn't see coming.
She does a wonderful job with the male voices! I like that she makes you "see" them as well as feel and hear them.
This whole series made me rethink how I see other's who are "different" from me. If you let your mind go...you can read between the lines and see how we are all prejudice and bias toward other races, creed, colors and classes.
"Surprisingly Exciting!"
An interesting Paranormal Romance title. I would be interested in continuing the series.
Black Dagger Brotherhood or Lords of the Underworld, but with hot aliens.
I liked that the narrator conveyed emotions convincingly. You could really feel rage and the tremor in a character's voice.
The narrator sounded too feminine for the male voices, but that is alright because her timing was impeccable as well as her tone.
I got a bit flustered and almost teared up at times.
This is a surprisingly satisfying and interesting first book of a series. No stone was left unturned and I finished it with an immense sense of achievement and satisfaction. The protagonist is a strong, independent woman and I love books like these.
"Hunting has possibilities"
This is an interesting leap into a new paranormal realm. The environment built for this story is clever and challenging. This is not a typical underworld or otherworld. The female lead Asia is a strong and interesting character and despite her troubled past and she manages to give the hero a run for his money. Julian for all of his honor does need to loosen up and that's what makes the relationship between the two spark. It is that spark that carries you through the story. There is the hot and steamy romance between the two that will keep you inthralled. If you enjoyed the NightWalker series than you will enjoy the start of this new series. Yes I think it is worth a credit.