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Hearts of Ishira (Hearts of Ishira Saga Book 1)

Friday, November 02, 2018Friday, November 02, 2018 admin

I didn't like the abrupt ending, but still loved the book. I hope there is a follow-up. Hearts of Ishira by Bethany Aan Arianna awoke to excruciating pain and screams somewhere nearby. Strange insects and flying creatures roamed the land. Then, from the shadows, other living things emerged — animals unlike anything Ri could have dreamed in her wildest fantasy. She had no idea where she was. She looked around and saw a corpse with a broken neck nearby. Ri noticed other women scattered around in the foreign landscape. All were naked, as was Ri.

Ri was fighting pain; she had a severely broken leg and broken ribs. She sent a mental cry for help and received a mental reply from a life form nearby. At last, Thorsani warriors arrived to help the band of women. While the men looked humanoid, they were very tall, with markings on the edges of their faces spreading into their hairlines. Ri caught just a glimpse of the bright green eyes of her savior before she passed out at his feet from her injuries.

The men busied themselves getting communicators on the women. There had been no females for their group for more than ten years. They examined the injured group of female creatures with interest as medics went to work attempting to heal the broken and injured. Bethany Aan created aliens that were kind, sexy, and appealing. I was impressed with the level of culture-building she was able to sprinkle into the novel. She introduced the world of Ishira only a small bit at this juncture, but did so beautifully and with great detail and wonderful explanation as to every area explored.

Her interpretation and knitting of the Thorsani culture into the fabric of the world of Ishira was extraordinary. I have never before envied a non-existent culture. The Thorsani had beautiful beliefs and a wondrously structured and respectful treatment of women and children. Aan clearly put a great deal of thought into the creation of this world. Additionally, the respectful addressing of various world marital customs was astounding. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

The opinions expressed are solely my own. This story started with a bang from page one and I was quickly immersed in the relationship drama of the couples. The plot is centred mainly around relationship dramas but it is offset by family tragedy, humorous moments and well timed cute domestic moments a 3. The plot is centred mainly around relationship dramas but it is offset by family tragedy, humorous moments and well timed cute domestic moments and passionate scenes. Issues Several things got in the way of my full enjoyment of this story such as the all round perfection of many of the characters except the bad guys.

They were also practically immortal and therefore perfect both inside and out. The perfection bordered on the ridiculous. It was all a bit much! Where were they taking them? Where are Hunter's missing brothers? I really hope that the author is planing a follow on book that ties all the loose ends otherwise it just doesn't make any sense. This book is perfect for lazy days to just snuggle up and go with the flow. A new take on a familiar tale I've read many stories with similar themes: It seems like a familiar story. But this is a fresh voice telling this tale and I very much enjoyed the new telling of it.

Ri and about 30 not sure on exact numbers wake up after a crash. As they look about, beyond the devastation, the oddly colored flora and very unusual fauna are a dead giveaw A new take on a familiar tale I've read many stories with similar themes: As they look about, beyond the devastation, the oddly colored flora and very unusual fauna are a dead giveaway that they aren't on Earth anymore. Those that have survived the crash are trying to help those that aren't yet awake and defend them from the rampaging bugs and new monsters attracted to the feast that just crash landed like a buffet.

The fact that the women are completely defenseless, a severe lack of weapons-and clothes, as well as their injuries leaving them highly vulnerable. Ri can sense help coming but all they have to battle back the beasts are sticks and yells. When help arrives it is to learn that there about aliens, men only, who crashed about a decade before the ladies. Things are about to get interesting. My geeky self loved all the day to day details.

From salvaged glass for greenhouses, to yarn creation, to discovering new edibles and yeast capture for breads. This wasn't just a quickie romance, this was about survival on a partially hostile alien world. This is about 2 cultures learning their differences and compiling information to work together. Solar power, geothermal, hyrdo power, crochet, knitting, weaving, food production and storage, habitation, survival. Add in the emotional trauma of abduction for the humans and near annihilation from a war for the aliens and it makes for a right interesting mix. These are not cookie cutter characters and the details added to the story give it life.

Interesting Enjoyed the story. There is a lot of world building before relationship building, or at least the core of the romance in the story. Characters and supporting characters are well thought out.

The second half the story captured and retained my attention better than the first half. I am docking a star for promising a second book and not delivering! I want to know what happens with Sean and the other two brothers! Wish there was more to the story! Can't get enough of these characters! I'd like to start by saying I avoided this book because the description didn't really flag my attention but as an avid sci-fi romance reader I've had it recommended to be on more than a few occasions. I'm so glad I took the time to read it, I got into the story line and enjoyed the length of the story with the extended character development.

It reminded me more of the The Last Hour of Gann in the sense that Bethany Aan wanted to build an alien landscape and took her time discussing the struggles I'd like to start by saying I avoided this book because the description didn't really flag my attention but as an avid sci-fi romance reader I've had it recommended to be on more than a few occasions. It reminded me more of the The Last Hour of Gann in the sense that Bethany Aan wanted to build an alien landscape and took her time discussing the struggles of pioneers that have crash landed, not in the rape-y sense which is a part of Gann.

My heart goes out to the author and her struggles with taking her life back from a series of health problems. I hope that the audience for Bethany Aan 's books remain supportive through her journey and that at some point in the future she'll be back in a position to be publishing again. A note to the potential reader, if you enjoy a good sci-fi romance and are looking for perhaps a bit more character development and tad less insta-sex this book is a good choice!

It could use a little more editing, but it's quite an enjoyable romp. Beware it's a bit cliffy, if you're impatient for resolution you might be happier waiting for Bethany Aan to announce the publication date for the sequel before you read as it may be a grueling wait. Give me more I would give this book a 4. It's a good story it's got a little action some suspense love plenty of steamy times included. One who can restore your energy with his own brand of mental powers and delicate touch, even as you wish you had the power to refuse but to whom you feel no threat?

What if this is because you crashlanded on a planet far away from the Earth's Solar System, only to be rescued by sexy, cat-like alien males wishing only to see to you and your companions healing and comfort? Hearts of Ishira is unlike any book I've ever read before and wow, am I glad I ventured into this previous unknown arena with Hearts.

Bethany Aan combines the bold, the sassy, and the erotic with a science fiction twist most impressively and I applaud the workings of her oh-so-talented creative abilities. As a reader of many different genres, this is one I'm glad I decided to try. Further, I'm glad my maiden voyage into this genre was reading Hearts of Ishira. Not to be redundant, but I intentionally titled my review, "Bold, sassy, and imaginative prose with saucy spice", because this is exactly what I found the heart of Hearts of Ishira to be. My only peeve was the tale ended, as all good stories certainly should , with a cliffhanger intended to prompt the reader to impatiently wait for Book 2.

Hearts of Ishira: Book One in the Hearts of Ishira Series

It was almost like having a ton of foreplay, only to be left in the lurch without the climax, so to speak. I, for one, cannot wait for Book 2 in this series! Apr 26, Xi rated it did not like it Shelves: Ok I need to get the negatives out first because certain things about this book annoyed me almost to the point of being infuriated. My first big problem was reading through pages and pages of how the heroine was treated like crap in society on earth but is nothing short of wonderful and perfect on her new planet.

I am all for heroines having big personalities 2. Added to this it was made out that if you didn't like or do something the heroine enjoyed it made you stupid, less caring or something along those lines. I also didn't like the way the writer treated some sensitive issues, for example the heroine thinks she's of no value on this new planet because on earth she was of no value due to the fact she couldn't have children, I don't know if it was supposed to come across that way or if she was just trying to make the reader understand how the heroine felt due to her experiences.

There were more issues with earth that the writer vocalised through the heroine that I felt the writer could have been handled more delicately and less like throw away comments. Saying all this maybe there were things I liked about this book. I enjoyed the character development of the the brothers and the fun relationship between them. The writer's description was literally out of this world sorry for the bad joke as I really felt like I was an onlooker to these characters and what was going on.

Putting all that aside my favourite thing about this book has to be the furry creatures that some people kept as pets, I can't even tell you how much I want one or how much I wish they were real! Jun 14, Crystal rated it it was amazing. I loved this book. I didn't know if I would be able to get through it when I saw how many pages it was. The author done an amazing job writing this book and doing such a tremendous with all the characters and the high tech stuff that was in this book. I know that there are still some things that didn't get answered but man it was great.

It took me thirteen hours to get this book read and I didn't want to put it down not even for a second. Arianna was such a strong woman even at times that she tho I loved this book. Arianna was such a strong woman even at times that she thought she wasn't. Bev helped her some and with those two in charge of the human women then you knew they would be in good hands.

Hunter is the kind of man that I would love to have. Someone that can read my mind and know exactly what I want. Jace is a great man too, I won't leave him out. In this book there were one female to two, three, or four males. I think that is what made the book more interesting. It was great to see two different species come together and try to live in peace and harmony. Made me wish I was there instead of on Earth. Everyone had great jobs and no one felt that they weren't needed. Even when some of the women weren't comfortable. There is just so many things that happened in this book and I know the author did a lot of research and you can tell.

Everything was explained very well and I never thought it was over my head and I was never lost. This book was exciting. It was full of adventure, suspense, and hot scenes. I just don't know what else to say. I knew that I better write this review as soon as I got it done. I have found another awesome author and I can't wait to read more from her. Thank you for giving this book to me to review and giving me the pleasure of reading it and learning about a whole new world. I can't explain everything that I am feeling right now. Just thank you so much. Oct 22, Summer rated it really liked it Shelves: I enjoyed this one.

The author really came up with some new and unique ways to create familiar things clothing, sugar, etc from alien flora and fauna. I had fun exploring and creating these things with the characters.

Hearts of Ishira: Book One in the Hearts of Ishira Series by Bethany Aan (4 star ratings)

I feel like a lot of scifi authors pass up the chance to have a lot of fun and be truly creative when writing about an entirely new planet with new lifeforms and plantlife. I also like exploring the endless possibilities when it comes to alien cultures and their ideas about moral I enjoyed this one. I also like exploring the endless possibilities when it comes to alien cultures and their ideas about morality and beauty.

I didn't so much enjoy the multitude of unanswered questions I'm left with. I'd be perfectly content to move on to the next book seeking answers I also didn't love love that the mc had psychic abilities, I usually like my heroines straight up human. Nov 14, Lee rated it it was amazing Shelves: I loved this book, it's rare to find a book that's so well written that whilst you're reading it you are transported to the world and are living the story along with the characters but Ms Aan has managed that here.

It's a sweeping tale with lots of characters to enjoy and get to know, and a brand new world to discover. Unlike some books in this genre this book didn't feel rushed or all about the sex, although it was steamy enough in places, but felt more well rounded as a story and as much about I loved this book, it's rare to find a book that's so well written that whilst you're reading it you are transported to the world and are living the story along with the characters but Ms Aan has managed that here.

Unlike some books in this genre this book didn't feel rushed or all about the sex, although it was steamy enough in places, but felt more well rounded as a story and as much about the adventure of it all as the love story, I also loved the reference to "Menolly" a favorite of mine too, Ms Aan you have a new avid fan. If you liked M.

Eidem's Grim you will love this, my only complaint is that book 2 isn't out yet! Aug 14, ValerieC rated it really liked it Shelves: It's a good book, but unless book 2 is ever written, I wouldn't recommend buying a cliffhanger. I didn't like the abrupt ending, but still loved the book. I hope there is a follow-up. First in series An absolutely fantastic book. Quite epic in length. Telling the story of a group of women who wake up on a strange planet fighting off alien wolf like animals. Ri calls out mentally for help and hunter answers Having crash landed some ten years earlier whilst fleeing a brutal race commander hunter and his battilion of soldiers had settled their fate to be one of isolation and loneliness Action packed and really funny at times this book was so enjoyable.

I really enjoyed seeing how the girls and the guys grew into each other and learnt to accept and cherish their differences. I really really hope book 2 is somewhere on the horizon. Because the world building in this book is so colourful and descriptive. Apr 19, Anne Conley rated it it was amazing.

I just finished reading Hearts of Ishira, a sci-fi romance of epic proportions. Made me wish she was my wife. I'll admit, science fiction's not really my thing. I prefer the classics, Arthur C. Clarke, Space Odyssey type stuff. But there were enough other elements in Hearts of Ishira to make it a compelling read for me. Once I got used to the furry aspect of the men on this plan I just finished reading Hearts of Ishira, a sci-fi romance of epic proportions.

Once I got used to the furry aspect of the men on this planet, it was pretty cool. Stroking their backs to emit a growly purr…Yummy. The female MC and one of the male MCs were empaths, able to read minds and feelings. Admit it, it's every girls' dream to have a mate who can read her mind. Boy to girl ratio. Busted out social norms.

This is the beauty of sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal: Aan made some beautiful rules in this book. The species of men colonizing the planet that Ri's spaceship crash-landed on preferred the older, wiser, curvier women to the twenty-something sticks that accompanied her. The valued women and family above all else in their society, and they all worked together as a team. A great antagonist… a click this 6.

While reading this book, I did some serious reminiscing to back when I first discovered Jane M. Aul's Clan of the Cave Bear series. Back at home, Ri had been a weirdo for knitting, crotcheing, and spinning her own yarn. On the new planet, her textile crafts were an asset, and she and the men created tools for her to use in her creations.

Lots and lots of great sex 9. There was so much about this book to like. There was only one aspect of the book that I didn't like, and would be remiss if I didn't share it in the review. The POV shifts were jarring at times, sometimes switching within a paragraph. It seemed to get better as the novel went on or maybe my brain just got used to it. I can see the challenges in writing multiple POVs from empaths, "She could tell he sensed…" but it was distracting to me.

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Overall though, this was an intense read. It was action packed, and had great pacing. If I didn't have kids and a husband constantly demanding food and attention, I would have definitely read it faster. I will keep these characters in my thoughts for a while. Sep 16, Michelle Willms rated it really liked it Shelves: Hearts of Ishira by Bethany Aan Arianna awoke to excruciating pain and screams somewhere nearby. Strange insects and flying creatures roamed the land.

Then, from the shadows, other living things emerged — animals unlike anything Ri could have dreamed in her wildest fantasy. She had no idea where she was. She looked around and saw a corpse with a broken neck nearby. Ri noticed other women scattered around in the foreign landscape. All were naked, as was Ri.

The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Oct 31, Mercy rated it liked it Shelves: It seems to me the authour had restarted writing it several times as there were inconsistencies and plot holes. A lot of stuff could have been deleted as to not to water down the book. So we start with women waking up in a strange place with no knowledge how they got there. Our main heroine immediately shows us she is psychic and reaches out to ask for help meanwhile she is protecting the women she had no knowledge of with one severely broken leg.

They kept referring to her as an old woman when she was, in fact, only 35, that is hardly an old woman. Also, I believe the author was in her early twenties as she manufactured a woman that wanted to be old but was young and kind of immature. Anyway, the book keeps exploring those new male aliens that have descended from cats and have furry backs end of differences , they kept getting to know each other sharing their cultures where unsurprisingly the men can easily share a woman.

And they wanted to have a blended family? Two women share males? I felt tricked and disappointed.

Saga - Book Two - Deluxe Hardcover – Book Review

Especially when the way to deal with the problem was to tell the women 'you are no longer on Earth no need to follow your moral standards'. Where could we put the line here? I'm what I'm and my feelings are valid and forcing the women the stay with the men when their first wife has come back home is hurtful and telling them they have no way to live on their own is wrong. You are taking their choice, their beliefs.

Instead of dealing with her on several occasions she was under Protocol? This is supposedly a BDSM theme running in the background. Her males made her walk naked and do chores. They didn't like her yet she ends up pregnant by the end. Bo-hoo on them on overcoming their aversion to sticking it in her.

This book has been published in and is supposed to have a sequel at , something that hasn't happen even 3 years later. I hope that if it does come out the authour would be a much better one, more experienced and easier to read. Jun 15, Lynn Reynolds rated it it was amazing. I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

There are also other women there with her. This book shows how resilient people can be in situations that they have no control over. My favorite I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also learned that should you ever get into trouble, you want someone like Ri on your side. I loved how Bethany plays up how some of the young women belong to a sorority. Women in sororities, when I went to college, were seen as being very snobby, very ditzy, or both. Bethany also makes one of them, Amy, a royal pain. Amy sees herself as more than she is.

She could have been a character that overtakes the story but Bethany does a great job of putting her in scenes at just the right time. I did feel that this is not a book to take to the beach with you. You will get yourself so immersed in the world of Ishira that everything else around you will disappear. I had a hard time at work when I would try to read this on my lunch hour — I kept trying to talk myself into reading just one more page.

This is better for when you are doing a staycation. Hunter, Jace, and the other men on Ishira all seem larger than life but not too different from us. Bethany makes everything seem believable. She must have done a lot of research to get her world created — from the food they eat to the plants that can or cannot be used. She also makes Arianna very smart with a lot of knowledge that can be used for survival.

If Bethany had made this a story all lovey-dovey right from the minute that Ri comes in contact with Jace and Hunter, I think she would have lost her readers.

But by creating Amy the reader has no choice but to keep reading because you will want to see if she gets what she deserves. Our author also gives us the perfect ending that leads into book two. I look forward to when it comes out. Jan 24, Hayat rated it really liked it Shelves: This story started with a bang from page one and I was quickly immersed in the relationship drama of the couples.

Hearts of Ishira

The plot is centred mainly around relationship dramas but it is offset by family tragedy, humorous moments and well timed cute domestic moments a 3. The plot is centred mainly around relationship dramas but it is offset by family tragedy, humorous moments and well timed cute domestic moments and passionate scenes. Issues Several things got in the way of my full enjoyment of this story such as the all round perfection of many of the characters except the bad guys.

Hearts of Ishira starts off just the way I think a novel should begin. It begins with a mystery. Arianna awakens in a strange forest with no memory of how she arrived. She soon sees other women who are similarly injured and with no memory. Through a special power that Ri possesses she is able to feel the other inhabitants of the plant and knows that they only wish to help the women. Through advanced technology and the charming [ ; ] nature of the Thorsani men the women must adjus Brief Summary: Through advanced technology and the charming [ ; ] nature of the Thorsani men the women must adjust to their new home and figure out how and why they are there.

This novel has everything I love: Ri has become possibly my favorite heroine of all time because she is determined and strong enough to want to contribute and be productive in her new society despite her various injuries while still being feminine and warm enough to welcome the love of not one but two men. The planet of Ishira is so well described that I felt like I could accurately see everything that the characters saw. The opening scene reminded me a little of Lord of the Flies where one person takes control Ri and someone tries to take over. In this analogy one girl, Amy, can only be connected to Roger.

Not even Jack, but Roger. The hatred and complete insanity that is Amy increased the action and mystery of the novel for me because she is so determined to bring Ri down. Some things that might be a caution or deterrent for some people is the women to men ratio and the custom of the Thorsani that results in menage and the catlike qualities of the men. Hearts of Ishira is definitely on my top five books of the year, possibly top ten ever.

I literally stayed up until 3 am to finish this book. I received this novel through LoP on Goodreads. Jul 10, Anna rated it it was amazing Shelves: I've always been a fan of this book. This year is the year of rereads for me and I'm enjoying every minute: My first love for this book came from Reread: My first love for this book came from the message about body image if felt the author was trying to portray, having the men LOVE bigger girls and think they were beautiful and how they helped Ri and Bev get over their self-doubt was refreshing.

I also just loved how honest the men were, it was a picturesque world in terms of the men. I was a little confused in the beginning, but it slowly everything fell into place and I started to LOVE Ishira and the Thorsani warriors.