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A nude man invades Luca Suarez's home and protects him from creatures who cannot exist.
Creatures hunting him.
The stranger can't tell Luca why. He can't even tell Luca his name.
He remembers nothing until the moment he sees Luca.
The only hint Luca has to the stranger's identity is a tattoo on his wrist: N o X
Nox doesn't know who he is, but he's sure of three things, his memory loss is temporary, the monsters chasing Luca are called Anubis, and his Alpha, Koda, sent Nox to protect him.
There's just one problem� Koda is Luca's brother who was murdered five years ago.
With each passing hour, Nox fills in the pieces painting an impossible truth. And with each passing hour, both men find themselves unexplainably attracted to each other.
Something Luca is willing to embrace because he has nothing left to lose.
And one Nox can't let happen because it could get Luca killed.
Nox is an HEA/HFN M/M paranormal, science-fiction romance.
But be warned, these are NOT the shifters you are used to reading about.
Creatures hunting him.
The stranger can't tell Luca why. He can't even tell Luca his name.
He remembers nothing until the moment he sees Luca.
The only hint Luca has to the stranger's identity is a tattoo on his wrist: N o X
Nox doesn't know who he is, but he's sure of three things, his memory loss is temporary, the monsters chasing Luca are called Anubis, and his Alpha, Koda, sent Nox to protect him.
There's just one problem� Koda is Luca's brother who was murdered five years ago.
With each passing hour, Nox fills in the pieces painting an impossible truth. And with each passing hour, both men find themselves unexplainably attracted to each other.
Something Luca is willing to embrace because he has nothing left to lose.
And one Nox can't let happen because it could get Luca killed.
Nox is an HEA/HFN M/M paranormal, science-fiction romance.
But be warned, these are NOT the shifters you are used to reading about.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2019
551 people are currently reading
2524 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Wilder
50books1,771followersGeorgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 728 reviews
May 11, 2019
Holy crap, that was some exciting action and intrigue, guys!
When the story began, Luca was sitting in his house waiting for leukemia to claim his young life, only to have a very large, very naked man enter his home and kidnap him.
Well, more like save him from gigantic wolf-like creatures hell-bent on murdering him. But potato po-tah-toe, right?
Over the course of the story, we found out how a group of scientists had found a bizarre substance capable of resurrecting the dead, bestowing on them the gift (and curse) of changing into terrifying, blood-thirsty creatures.
And scientists being scientists, took their experiments too far, unleashing their creations out into the world due to an unhealthy mixture of greed and stupidity.
The sudden death of Luca's older brother, Koda, who'd been resurrected by the scientists 5 years ago, set off a chain of events that placed Luca at the top of the evildoers "Must Have Item for Christmas" list, hence Big Naked showing up to rescue Luca from the Big, Evil Anubis Monsters.
The majority of the story was Luca and his would-be savior, Nox, fleeing from the monsters, and the military, while trying to get answers and find somewhere safe to stop running and settle down.
The book was told not only from Luca and Nox's points of view, but also by a kind, conscienced, retired scientist from the Anubis project, Dr. Reese Dante, and it was through his accounting that we learned most the history of "What The Hell Is Going On?" and why.
Nox had lost a lot of his memory, but as it returned in fits and starts, we found out even more, especially details concerning Luca's brother, Koda, the previous Alpha of Nox's Anubis pack.
While this story was built on the bones of previous werewolf shifter-themed books, it was distinct enough, with brand new magic and Egyptian lore, to read as something sufficiently new and enthralling that I was drawn in from page one, and my interest never waned.
Sometimes the specifics of how certain things happened left me slightly confused, but not enough to really complain very much.
What actually worked my last queer nerve was the frequency of the sex. Once it finally started, Sweet Baby Jesus, best keep the lube bottle refilled!
Eat... fuck.Steam is fine in my books, but at a certain point, I truly get pushed over a line and want to scream, "OMMFG, GET OFF OF HIM ALL DAMN READY, YOU AGGRESSIVE, DICK-CENTRIC MAN-BEAST!!!"
Sleep... fuck.
Shower... fuck.
Almost die... fuck.
BREATHE... FUCK.
This story did approach that screaming point for me.
The book ended with the guys 'maybe' settling down and 'maybe' having said "I love you", so I'd say it was an HFN, with the potential for more danger around the corner.
The last few paragraphs of the story did divulge "more" unresolved story line, so if the book does well, I do anticipate it becoming a series.
However, if the story were to end here, I felt that it did end at a good stopping point -- even if I'm praying pretty damn hard that there will be more books in this series.
4.5 stars, rounding up.
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April 10, 2019
5 ++++ Primal Stars
I don’t have the words to leave a review, other than to say my mind is blown, and I’m left breathless. Is it no wonder I have a crush on Adrienne Wilder?? She does this to me all the time!!
This was truly a unique story, and it ticked so many of my boxes (see my shelves).
At the end, the author says she will continue this as a series based on how well this book does. My 5- star rating is a “Hell yeah, I loved this book hard!� Please (begging on hands and knees) continue the series!!! I.NEED.MORE!!!
I don’t have the words to leave a review, other than to say my mind is blown, and I’m left breathless. Is it no wonder I have a crush on Adrienne Wilder?? She does this to me all the time!!
This was truly a unique story, and it ticked so many of my boxes (see my shelves).
At the end, the author says she will continue this as a series based on how well this book does. My 5- star rating is a “Hell yeah, I loved this book hard!� Please (begging on hands and knees) continue the series!!! I.NEED.MORE!!!
October 4, 2022
An utterly fresh and unique take on the shifter genre. Dark, gruesome, and brutal, but also heart meltingly sweet, and filled with real emotions. (and a ton of sex)
This is a MM pnr love story. It's hardcore and animalistic with alpha/beta dynamics. It takes place in the current world, where stupid humans decided it was a good idea to play around with an ancient book.
The science in this story hurt my brain.
*Update after reading book two. It was a huge crash and burn from the magic of this story. (I gave it two stars) However, I still highly recommend this story as a standalone as it was incredibly unique and the love story is beautiful.
This is a MM pnr love story. It's hardcore and animalistic with alpha/beta dynamics. It takes place in the current world, where stupid humans decided it was a good idea to play around with an ancient book.
The science in this story hurt my brain.
“All matter has a molecular structure.� “Yeah. That’s exactly what I said. But the ichor doesn’t. It doesn’t even have particles. The best we came up with was it’s what you get when you have enough one-dimensional points in a single place that you can actually see them.�Annnnd, my eyes glazed over. LOL! But really, don't let that scare you off. It's a smokin HOT beautiful love story of two men on the run from the law, and the incredibly creepy bad guys.
“You’re talking about string theory.�
He wanted to experience life, fall in love, grow old. He wanted to eat cake and get fat. He wanted a cat or a dog. He wanted friends. He wanted a job. To feel�.To feel everything. To be held, to hold, be touched. Luca just wanted to live.No cliffhanger, ends with hfn. Book two is a continuation with the same main characters.
*Update after reading book two. It was a huge crash and burn from the magic of this story. (I gave it two stars) However, I still highly recommend this story as a standalone as it was incredibly unique and the love story is beautiful.
September 7, 2019
Audiobook, Sept 2019: 5++!! Kirt Graves narrated the hell out of this!!
Original ebook review, April 2019:
AMAZING!!! 5++++ Stars!!!!
A contender for BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!
I loved this! What a huge departure for Wilder: sci-fi/paranormal/mystery!!! It had me at the edge of my seat! I couldn’t put it down!!
Secret Medical experiments? ✔️
Ancient Egyptian liquid?✔️
Shifters? ✔️
Defying the laws of physics?✔️
Death, dismemberment and chaos?✔️
Running for your life?✔️
Military involvement?✔️
Memory loss?✔️
Secrets, secrets, secrets?✔️✔️✔️
Unabated primal lust?✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Crazy alpha-beta ménage?✔️✔️
Dz?✔️
ܰ?✔️
DZ?✔️
Major twist?✔️✔️
MIND BLOWN?✔️✔️✔️
?✔️
DO I WANT THE SEQUEL?✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
The chemistry between the two MCs was OFF-THE CHARTS-CRAZY!! The sex was SMOKING HOT! The action, the violence, the intrigue....DANG!
I seriously need for Adrienne Wilder to write this sequel, because this is an AMAZING WORLD she has created and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg!!!
Original ebook review, April 2019:
AMAZING!!! 5++++ Stars!!!!
A contender for BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!
I loved this! What a huge departure for Wilder: sci-fi/paranormal/mystery!!! It had me at the edge of my seat! I couldn’t put it down!!
Secret Medical experiments? ✔️
Ancient Egyptian liquid?✔️
Shifters? ✔️
Defying the laws of physics?✔️
Death, dismemberment and chaos?✔️
Running for your life?✔️
Military involvement?✔️
Memory loss?✔️
Secrets, secrets, secrets?✔️✔️✔️
Unabated primal lust?✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Crazy alpha-beta ménage?✔️✔️
Dz?✔️
ܰ?✔️
DZ?✔️
Major twist?✔️✔️
MIND BLOWN?✔️✔️✔️
?✔️
DO I WANT THE SEQUEL?✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
The chemistry between the two MCs was OFF-THE CHARTS-CRAZY!! The sex was SMOKING HOT! The action, the violence, the intrigue....DANG!
I seriously need for Adrienne Wilder to write this sequel, because this is an AMAZING WORLD she has created and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg!!!
April 21, 2019
DNF @ 41%
Well, I didn’t understand the science really (the physic quantum or whatever it was) but I had high hopes that I would enjoy the romance but at this part still there wasn’t any trace of romance. And I got tired of hearing Nox’s thoughts (flashbacks) of him being with Koda. It really bothered me seeing their romance (or whatever they wanted to call it) considering . And you can see with those pages it’s a bit slow. I'm in the minority here so don't listen to me and read it, hope you enjoy!
Well, I didn’t understand the science really (the physic quantum or whatever it was) but I had high hopes that I would enjoy the romance but at this part still there wasn’t any trace of romance. And I got tired of hearing Nox’s thoughts (flashbacks) of him being with Koda. It really bothered me seeing their romance (or whatever they wanted to call it) considering . And you can see with those pages it’s a bit slow. I'm in the minority here so don't listen to me and read it, hope you enjoy!
dnf
April 17, 2019
DNF @20% and no rating
I really really wanted to like it... This kind of Shifter 101 Backwards - umm, different take on shifter stories - did sound really appealing and at the beginning I was completely hooked.
But then... I get that the switch between two storylines might be important for the worldbuilding and I'm pretty sure they will get together at some point. I might have even pulled through with it if it didn't get too... well, technical? (in lack of a better word) for me and the story lost me on the way.
Yep, I just realized it myself, thank you very much.
So maybe you can call it 33,33% language barrier, 33,33% my missing degree in quantum physics and 33,34% losing interest. I tried to just go with the flow, but since at 20% there was not even a hint at romance and this book is freakin' long, I decided to call it quits.
Most of my friends loved it, so blame it on me being the odd one out again. I'm sorry! :(
I really really wanted to like it... This kind of Shifter 101 Backwards - umm, different take on shifter stories - did sound really appealing and at the beginning I was completely hooked.
But then... I get that the switch between two storylines might be important for the worldbuilding and I'm pretty sure they will get together at some point. I might have even pulled through with it if it didn't get too... well, technical? (in lack of a better word) for me and the story lost me on the way.
"There isn't enough time for me to explain, and even if there was, you don't have the education to understand it."
Yep, I just realized it myself, thank you very much.
So maybe you can call it 33,33% language barrier, 33,33% my missing degree in quantum physics and 33,34% losing interest. I tried to just go with the flow, but since at 20% there was not even a hint at romance and this book is freakin' long, I decided to call it quits.
Most of my friends loved it, so blame it on me being the odd one out again. I'm sorry! :(
July 31, 2021
And no one owned Luca. Not even the Anubis. Luca was there to be worshipped.
To the Anubis that meant the world would not be right until Luca bled pleasure, exhaled lust, and whimpered in bliss. Until there was no fear, worry, concern, only the carnal desire rooted in the most primitive brain.
i know this book is going to be good but i didn't expect it would be that good. does that make sense? i wasn't simply ready for the greatness. i'm completely out of words right now. i was actually debating with myself to write this review tomorrow morning but i just can't seem to wait. i need to type this shit now before i lose my momentum, my adrenaline. a few days ago i challenged myself to read something out of my comfort zone, something i wouldn't really choose for myself. reading this was an experience. i'm not the biggest fan of books that require world building, i guess. those fantasy, sci fi etc etc? i never really touched them in my life. i don't wanna stress over reading because i consider this as my top hobby.
He rose to his feet. Just like the images of his predecessor painted on stone walls hidden under the desert. And just like them, he would rule, he would destroy, he would bring forth the underworld to obliterate those who dare harm the life he'd been created to protect.
for me, this is the best shifter/paranormal book that i have ever read. i got few more in my tbr but i know they won't touch this. i was lost in the world adrienne wilder created. i was entranced and highly invested. a lot of moments in this story got info dumpy but i still gobbled that shit up. my mind was busy mapping everything and everyone out. i love how this story is not the simple big guy saving his love interest. it was so much more. i loved the action scenes and the way these scenes made my heart palpitate. i was on the edge of my seat rooting for nox. the way nox handled these fuckers left and right to save luca was everything to me! the romance was top tier. i cried, i cringed, and just wanted for more. this story is highly sexual too because intimacy is a big thing for these characters. lastly, i wished there was a prequel pertaining to koda's two lives: one with his family and another with his betas. overall, i'm definitely putting this book as one of my top favorites for this year. if you're reading this review and you don't normally pick books like this, trust me on this one. i need the sequel asap!
September 5, 2019
This book was hot, long and super full of action. Even if I'm not a fan of fantasy, the wold building here was head spinning and well a little over the top. But I liked it!
I enjoyed the writing, the story, NoX and Luca. BUT I can't rate it with 5 stars. It was a page turner and even if I didn't really care for all the lab details, I kind of wanted to know what happened to Koda and I was curious about NoX!
There are A LOT of flashbacks from the past - experienced not only by NoX but also by Dr. Dante. Well I can't say I was really interested in Dr. Dante's POV, but at least we get NoX's and Luca's POV too, so this is always a plus for me.
I'm happy with how things settled in the end, after a lot of suspense and tension between the main characters. So 4 solid stars from me!
I enjoyed the writing, the story, NoX and Luca. BUT I can't rate it with 5 stars. It was a page turner and even if I didn't really care for all the lab details, I kind of wanted to know what happened to Koda and I was curious about NoX!
There are A LOT of flashbacks from the past - experienced not only by NoX but also by Dr. Dante. Well I can't say I was really interested in Dr. Dante's POV, but at least we get NoX's and Luca's POV too, so this is always a plus for me.
I'm happy with how things settled in the end, after a lot of suspense and tension between the main characters. So 4 solid stars from me!
September 17, 2021
I was very excited to read it after having loved the previous book I read by this author. And I chose a totally different genre to see her styles.
And wow. The author actually writes them different. This book is totally different in terms of history, the world and the emotions that you will have when you read it with respect others of her books.
I liked. But I have to say that I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if i had read it at another time maybe? One has to be hopeful. 🤷♀�
It took me time to understand how the world building worked, and I think I did manage to understand it in the end (I think). 🤔
I'm not going to lie and say that each thing made sense, and that it gave answers to almost everything, because no. So I'll just say that the world building is okay.
As for the characters... I only remember the name of the mcs. That is all. During the book, the end and until now, I forgot what role the secondary characters played. Like. I.Really.Forgot. who. they. were. while. I. Was.reading. them. 🤡🤡
I could not connect with the romance nor the mcs.
I feel like my expectations played on me? Idk, but well. 🤷♀�
And wow. The author actually writes them different. This book is totally different in terms of history, the world and the emotions that you will have when you read it with respect others of her books.
I liked. But I have to say that I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if i had read it at another time maybe? One has to be hopeful. 🤷♀�
It took me time to understand how the world building worked, and I think I did manage to understand it in the end (I think). 🤔
I'm not going to lie and say that each thing made sense, and that it gave answers to almost everything, because no. So I'll just say that the world building is okay.
As for the characters... I only remember the name of the mcs. That is all. During the book, the end and until now, I forgot what role the secondary characters played. Like. I.Really.Forgot. who. they. were. while. I. Was.reading. them. 🤡🤡
I could not connect with the romance nor the mcs.
I feel like my expectations played on me? Idk, but well. 🤷♀�
October 21, 2019
Adrienne Wilder builds a dark and intriguing world, and Kirt Graves makes it come alive in the audio version of NoX. The characters, the story line, the romance! From the moment this one starts, the pace is fantastic, and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy it than by listening to the stunning audio version of NoX.
Kirt Graves� rough and gravelly voice is absolutely perfect for Nox. He’s forceful and domineering, but when the romance starts up in earnest? Ohmygod! Nox is a demon in the bedroom, and Kirt Graves absolutely nails it. Afraid and bewildered early in the story, Luca gradually evolves into a confident, capable young man, and Mr. Graves portrays this transition beautifully.
The premise that scientists are exploring unorthodox ways to cure fatal illness, or even dabbling with resurrecting the dead, is frighteningly close to reality. Adrienne Wilder cleverly blends Egyptian lore with modern science and a touch of magic, to create an event that’s just close enough to possible to make my skin crawl.
This is an intricate story, alternating between the present day and flashbacks to earlier events. Told from both Luca and Nox’s points of view, we get their perspectives on their growing understanding of the mystery, as well as their blossoming love affair.
Wilder also includes Dr. Reese Dante’s story. As one of the original scientists on the project, his descriptions of how the Anubis Project developed are key to the story line. Reese is an intriguing character. I love his emotional account as he reveals previous events throughout the novel, and he has a strong sense of values and a huge heart.
I can’t possibly review this novel without praising Adrienne Wilder’s incredible skill at writing erotic love scenes. The chemistry they create between Nox and Luca is intense, and the sex between these two men goes beyond explosive. NoX is an absolutely gorgeous romance.
No one builds a better series than Adrienne Wilder, and with the way the story wraps up I’m hopeful more stories in this universe are on the way. I’d love to see where Nox and Luca go from here, but I’ve got a feeling we haven’t seen the last of Dr. Dante� fingers crossed!
Kirt Graves� rough and gravelly voice is absolutely perfect for Nox. He’s forceful and domineering, but when the romance starts up in earnest? Ohmygod! Nox is a demon in the bedroom, and Kirt Graves absolutely nails it. Afraid and bewildered early in the story, Luca gradually evolves into a confident, capable young man, and Mr. Graves portrays this transition beautifully.
The premise that scientists are exploring unorthodox ways to cure fatal illness, or even dabbling with resurrecting the dead, is frighteningly close to reality. Adrienne Wilder cleverly blends Egyptian lore with modern science and a touch of magic, to create an event that’s just close enough to possible to make my skin crawl.
This is an intricate story, alternating between the present day and flashbacks to earlier events. Told from both Luca and Nox’s points of view, we get their perspectives on their growing understanding of the mystery, as well as their blossoming love affair.
Wilder also includes Dr. Reese Dante’s story. As one of the original scientists on the project, his descriptions of how the Anubis Project developed are key to the story line. Reese is an intriguing character. I love his emotional account as he reveals previous events throughout the novel, and he has a strong sense of values and a huge heart.
I can’t possibly review this novel without praising Adrienne Wilder’s incredible skill at writing erotic love scenes. The chemistry they create between Nox and Luca is intense, and the sex between these two men goes beyond explosive. NoX is an absolutely gorgeous romance.
No one builds a better series than Adrienne Wilder, and with the way the story wraps up I’m hopeful more stories in this universe are on the way. I’d love to see where Nox and Luca go from here, but I’ve got a feeling we haven’t seen the last of Dr. Dante� fingers crossed!
May 9, 2019
Unbelievable ... WOW I absolutely loved this. Dark, gritty and consuming. There was so much detail and depth in this book I really felt like I connected with Luca & Nox. Their love for Koda, and his love for them was obvious and the sacrifice only made it even more palpable. Luca was a beautiful soul and I loved Nox’s possessive nature around him. What started as loyalty and a mission, became a true journey into love - something unknown to Nox. Loved, loved, loved this ❤️
June 21, 2022
Still enjoyed it, but not quite as much as the first time around. Very interesting, still, though.
----- Original Review May 2019----
This book is exactly what I needed to end my book slump. Unique and engaging, I was kept in its thrall, from beginning to end.
Luca Suarez is a dying man. He's been fighting leukemia since childhood and he knows his days are numbered. In fact, he would welcome death at this point. His brother is dead, taken from him much too soon, and his parents died in an accident a year ago and with them went his will to fight. He's a dead man walking, and he's made his peace with that. At least as much as any 19 year old, who has barely lived, can.
Nox doesn't know who he is, only that he's a monster and has been charged - by Luca's brother, Koda - with protecting Luca at all costs. His memory comes back in bits and pieces, but often lacks context. With Nox's arrival comes a generous helping of danger, mystery, and sex appeal that Luca could not ignore even if he wanted to, and he really doesn't want to.
Seems the feeling is mutual.
There is a lot of focus on sex within the story. The author works sexual bonding into the story and the Anubis is a very primal creature who craves stimulation - the more the better. Hunting, fighting, and fucking are the things the Anubis craves over everything.
O is two parts� sci-fi, one part thriller, three parts sex (very very hot sex), with a dash of mythology. Suffice it to say, this story felt almost tailor made to my tastes.
The story is told with three POV's to help build the world. Luca, Nox, and a secondary character named Dr Reese Dante. Dr Dante is the only one with any idea of what's going on and why, so we learn a lot from him, but there is still so much we don't know and the ending definitely makes that clear. As far as Nox and Luca's relationship, N ends on an HFN note, because, even though Luca and Nox want to try to settle down, they don't know, yet, if they will ever really be able to stop running. I dearly hope we find out.
----------------------------
Review copy of NOX was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
----- Original Review May 2019----
This book is exactly what I needed to end my book slump. Unique and engaging, I was kept in its thrall, from beginning to end.
Luca Suarez is a dying man. He's been fighting leukemia since childhood and he knows his days are numbered. In fact, he would welcome death at this point. His brother is dead, taken from him much too soon, and his parents died in an accident a year ago and with them went his will to fight. He's a dead man walking, and he's made his peace with that. At least as much as any 19 year old, who has barely lived, can.
Nox doesn't know who he is, only that he's a monster and has been charged - by Luca's brother, Koda - with protecting Luca at all costs. His memory comes back in bits and pieces, but often lacks context. With Nox's arrival comes a generous helping of danger, mystery, and sex appeal that Luca could not ignore even if he wanted to, and he really doesn't want to.
Seems the feeling is mutual.
There is a lot of focus on sex within the story. The author works sexual bonding into the story and the Anubis is a very primal creature who craves stimulation - the more the better. Hunting, fighting, and fucking are the things the Anubis craves over everything.
O is two parts� sci-fi, one part thriller, three parts sex (very very hot sex), with a dash of mythology. Suffice it to say, this story felt almost tailor made to my tastes.
The story is told with three POV's to help build the world. Luca, Nox, and a secondary character named Dr Reese Dante. Dr Dante is the only one with any idea of what's going on and why, so we learn a lot from him, but there is still so much we don't know and the ending definitely makes that clear. As far as Nox and Luca's relationship, N ends on an HFN note, because, even though Luca and Nox want to try to settle down, they don't know, yet, if they will ever really be able to stop running. I dearly hope we find out.
----------------------------
Review copy of NOX was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2025
4.5*
This is a shifter read with a huge difference.
I’m a fan of fantasy, paranormal and shifter reads but I’ve never read anything quite like this.
Life has not been kind to Luca Suarez. He’s nineteen and dying of cancer. From eight years old his life has been full of hospital stays as he’s battled Leukaemia. He lost his only sibling Koda and last year both his parents passed.
Luca is alone, he’s never really lived, never loved and he’s dying. Alone.
His life changes in a flash. One night a man storms into his life, he knows who he is and he’s followed by large wolf like creatures.
And the chase begins.
The man has NoX tattooed onto his wrist but he’s no memory of who he is. All he knows is he has to protect Luca.
“Then those things? Those wolves.�
“They weren’t wolves.�
When Luca thought about it, those things had only been wolflike, the same way they were doglike. “Then what were they?�
“I…� The man scrubbed his face. There was just enough light to accent the tension in his features. “I’m not sure.�
Luca pressed his palm against his right eye for a moment. “Is there anything you do know?�
“I know you’re not safe. I know they want you. And I know they won’t stop until they have you.�
“And how do you know all that but not what they are?�
“Your brother told me.�
“Koda.� Luca made it a statement.
Ԩ.�
“He told you.�
Ԩ.�
“Koda died five years ago.�
The man nodded then shook his head......
The “wolves� are actually Anubis. And this is an intriguing and fascinating story.
Why not 5*?
I spent the first half of the book desperately wanting Luca and NoX to get together. I spent a lot of the second half wanting to throw cold water on them. I loved it when they finally came together. But I ended up skimming a lot of the sex scenes towards the end because it was too much and it was slowing the story down.
I’m hoping the author continues this series it’s unique and I can’t wait for more.
June 2, 2019
WOW! I am just speechless after reading this amazing book, so much that I don't even know how to explain myself in a review. But here goes!
Luca, not even 21 years old yet, is dying of leukemia when suddenly one night, a large naked man appears and whisks him away, explaining that he is trying to save his life from these huge, wolf-like, horrific beasts who are out to get him. Luka calls the man Nox, based on the tattoo that he wears, and he must learn to trust Nox as they navigate their escape and plan what to do.
We learn that the government discovered something that they shouldn't have and decided to use it - because, of course they would, right? Their plan ultimately backfired on them, creating these super-powerful, nearly indestructible beings, from the ichor that possess the body, turning them into creatures called Anubis (after the Egyptian god.). In my mind I kept picturing it as the army of Anubis from the Mummy sequel mixed with Venom.
I can't even put into words how amazing the world building and action was in this! It was like a high-speed action movie, everything was so vividly described and planned out. We had two main plots through the majority of this story - along with some flashbacks woven in, and then the two stories meet near the end. I just loved Luca and Nox, how tentative they were, how fearful Nox was of hurting him, and their chemistry together is just scorchingly hot, and completely combusting.
If the author reads this - please, please, please continue writing this amazing world! Although I could be very happy with how this ends for Luca and Nox, at the same time, I want to see more with the way the final chapter ended!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Luca, not even 21 years old yet, is dying of leukemia when suddenly one night, a large naked man appears and whisks him away, explaining that he is trying to save his life from these huge, wolf-like, horrific beasts who are out to get him. Luka calls the man Nox, based on the tattoo that he wears, and he must learn to trust Nox as they navigate their escape and plan what to do.
We learn that the government discovered something that they shouldn't have and decided to use it - because, of course they would, right? Their plan ultimately backfired on them, creating these super-powerful, nearly indestructible beings, from the ichor that possess the body, turning them into creatures called Anubis (after the Egyptian god.). In my mind I kept picturing it as the army of Anubis from the Mummy sequel mixed with Venom.
I can't even put into words how amazing the world building and action was in this! It was like a high-speed action movie, everything was so vividly described and planned out. We had two main plots through the majority of this story - along with some flashbacks woven in, and then the two stories meet near the end. I just loved Luca and Nox, how tentative they were, how fearful Nox was of hurting him, and their chemistry together is just scorchingly hot, and completely combusting.
If the author reads this - please, please, please continue writing this amazing world! Although I could be very happy with how this ends for Luca and Nox, at the same time, I want to see more with the way the final chapter ended!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2019
It was ok for me. I've read a lot of sci-fi, fantasy, and pnr. So, for me, it didn't quite measure up. But I think that for people not used to reading those genres, this may be a real surprise treat.
I didn't feel like the romance kicked in until the end of the story. And it's a long story. I'm sorry to say I had to do a lot of skimming in order to finish it. If I were to categorize this book into a romance genre, I'd call it erotica. A lot of sex with little connection.
I liked the beginning and I liked the end. There were paragraphs scattered throughout that I also enjoyed. I kept wondering if it was the same person writing, because I'd get to a sex scene or a dialogue and it felt completely different to me from the ongoing plot.
I'm glad I read it because I was so very curious. This story seemed way out of the norm for this author. For that alone I have to give kudos. However, I'm not sure I'll continue the series.
I didn't feel like the romance kicked in until the end of the story. And it's a long story. I'm sorry to say I had to do a lot of skimming in order to finish it. If I were to categorize this book into a romance genre, I'd call it erotica. A lot of sex with little connection.
I liked the beginning and I liked the end. There were paragraphs scattered throughout that I also enjoyed. I kept wondering if it was the same person writing, because I'd get to a sex scene or a dialogue and it felt completely different to me from the ongoing plot.
I'm glad I read it because I was so very curious. This story seemed way out of the norm for this author. For that alone I have to give kudos. However, I'm not sure I'll continue the series.
April 15, 2019
I can honestly say that this book blew my mind! I loved it! The story just sucks you in, and you have to KNOW what happens next. The connection between Luca and NoX is out of this world - it's intimate, raw and savage but underneath it all is the feeling of all encompassing love and devotion. It started so slow but the intensity grew, and there were moments when I couldn't help but hold my breath.
This new shifter concept is astounding. It's a mystery that is sort of explained but still raises questions. I want to know what happens next. The fact that the story was told from both sides - that of the pursued shifter and his charge and that of a scientist who was the beginning of their creation makes this so compelling. You know more than NoX and Luca, and while you travel this difficult road with them as they try to survive, your heart breaks from the truth. It was a tough journey that exposed every human emotion, that showed that even beast can have honor and showed the strength and bravery when faced with impossible.
This isn't fluffy or sweet. This is passionate, violent, gritty but oh so satisfying. And the ending brings more questions, and uncovers truths that leaves you speechless and wanting more! Stunning book! You have to read it! I highly recommend it!
This new shifter concept is astounding. It's a mystery that is sort of explained but still raises questions. I want to know what happens next. The fact that the story was told from both sides - that of the pursued shifter and his charge and that of a scientist who was the beginning of their creation makes this so compelling. You know more than NoX and Luca, and while you travel this difficult road with them as they try to survive, your heart breaks from the truth. It was a tough journey that exposed every human emotion, that showed that even beast can have honor and showed the strength and bravery when faced with impossible.
This isn't fluffy or sweet. This is passionate, violent, gritty but oh so satisfying. And the ending brings more questions, and uncovers truths that leaves you speechless and wanting more! Stunning book! You have to read it! I highly recommend it!
June 1, 2025
First read
Second read
😭😭so good. would be a great help if there was an index that came along with it though💀.
"Nothing mattered at that moment except Luca. Nothing existed except him. Luca didn’t just want Nox, he needed him, and from the moment Nox slipped his tongue into Luca’s mouth he’d sentenced himself to live only for him."
Second read
😭😭so good. would be a great help if there was an index that came along with it though💀.
August 27, 2021
AMAZING!!!
The Narration: 3.5 Pants Off
I’m not a huge fan of this narrator but the story is so good that I didn’t even care.
The Narration: 3.5 Pants Off
I’m not a huge fan of this narrator but the story is so good that I didn’t even care.
July 20, 2024
absolutely incredible, amazing, showstopping, spectacular and completely obliterated my “everything i pick up is boring� streak🤞😩🙏
even just the first chapter had me SATTTTTT�.it read like i was watching a tv series, but like specifically an hbo max tv series so you know it’s QUALITY, i mean that’s how good it fucking flows, it’s like i was literally seeing the video in my head.
it’s got all these elements of like loosely egyptian mythology based shifters, with a fascinating, very unique lore that unravels throughout the book between all these fast paced action scenes, tender & primal & sexy moments from luca and nox while they’re on the run, and easily digestible (thank god😅) scientific explanations from dr dante�.and the way luca and nox are connected is just so interesting and had me itching to learn more�.ugh it’s just all so fucking intricate and well thought out�.all these little details planted so perfectly, it might blend into the background at first, but later you’ll be like “💡oh holy fuck”�..it’s insane, edge of ur seat, staying up till 4 am stuff.
it’s 3 povs, which i was unsure of at first how much i would like having a pov from dr dante, who’s not one of the mmcs, but i fucking LOVED them!!! his pov is one of the most interesting parts of the book bc you get all this background info on the anubis and you always learn something that makes you go “oh my godddd� and just spurs you to keep reading and never put down the book🤣 it’s definitely plot heavy, but in a way that you don’t even realize bc the book is sooo good you can’t stop devouring it�.the last 2 chapters of the book were absolutely mindblowing, this can’t look away kind of action that like punches you in the face like surely it can’t get crazier and then it does!!!! fuck it was a blast!!! my adrenaline is pumping just writing this🤣🤣
and i’m so glad my girl megan put this book on my radar and let me talk out everything going on in the book with her(🫶🤗🤗🫶) bc it was WILD and so much fun!!! but beware this mf is 500+ pages and only 12 chapters which translates into the occasional 2 hour chapter😭 lots of breaks for pov changes in the chapters so it’s not thatttt bad but still💀 anyway LOVED LOVED LOVED!!!!
even just the first chapter had me SATTTTTT�.it read like i was watching a tv series, but like specifically an hbo max tv series so you know it’s QUALITY, i mean that’s how good it fucking flows, it’s like i was literally seeing the video in my head.
it’s got all these elements of like loosely egyptian mythology based shifters, with a fascinating, very unique lore that unravels throughout the book between all these fast paced action scenes, tender & primal & sexy moments from luca and nox while they’re on the run, and easily digestible (thank god😅) scientific explanations from dr dante�.and the way luca and nox are connected is just so interesting and had me itching to learn more�.ugh it’s just all so fucking intricate and well thought out�.all these little details planted so perfectly, it might blend into the background at first, but later you’ll be like “💡oh holy fuck”�..it’s insane, edge of ur seat, staying up till 4 am stuff.
it’s 3 povs, which i was unsure of at first how much i would like having a pov from dr dante, who’s not one of the mmcs, but i fucking LOVED them!!! his pov is one of the most interesting parts of the book bc you get all this background info on the anubis and you always learn something that makes you go “oh my godddd� and just spurs you to keep reading and never put down the book🤣 it’s definitely plot heavy, but in a way that you don’t even realize bc the book is sooo good you can’t stop devouring it�.the last 2 chapters of the book were absolutely mindblowing, this can’t look away kind of action that like punches you in the face like surely it can’t get crazier and then it does!!!! fuck it was a blast!!! my adrenaline is pumping just writing this🤣🤣
and i’m so glad my girl megan put this book on my radar and let me talk out everything going on in the book with her(🫶🤗🤗🫶) bc it was WILD and so much fun!!! but beware this mf is 500+ pages and only 12 chapters which translates into the occasional 2 hour chapter😭 lots of breaks for pov changes in the chapters so it’s not thatttt bad but still💀 anyway LOVED LOVED LOVED!!!!
dnf
December 23, 2019DNF @ 2%. Yeah, I made it to page 7. At which point I put down the book and looked up the author's info on her ŷ page, to see whether English was her native language. To my surprise, it is.
This is some damned clunky writing. Distractingly so. Awkward phrasing, commas in the wrong places, weird word choices. Like this: With every step the man took, the muscles running down his thick arms and powerful thighs rippled with valleys. Valleys? Okay. Valleys that ripple. Whatever.
I don't think I can bear to read another page of this, and there are 519 more to go. This is my first experience of Adrienne Wilder's work, and may well be my last.
This is some damned clunky writing. Distractingly so. Awkward phrasing, commas in the wrong places, weird word choices. Like this: With every step the man took, the muscles running down his thick arms and powerful thighs rippled with valleys. Valleys? Okay. Valleys that ripple. Whatever.
I don't think I can bear to read another page of this, and there are 519 more to go. This is my first experience of Adrienne Wilder's work, and may well be my last.
April 14, 2019
Wow, that was one wild-ass, adrenaline filled ride. I freaking loved it. Quite the unique shifter story and I really hope there’s more, because I am definitely here for it!
September 25, 2019
OH. MY. FUCKING. GOD.
This.
This is exactly what I needed to read but didn't know.
IT WAS AMAZING.
This.
This is exactly what I needed to read but didn't know.
IT WAS AMAZING.
August 3, 2024
“I shouldn’t be here.� Nox threaded his fingers through Luca’s hair. “Yes, you should.�
I don’t even know where to start with this book. Adrienne Wilder has created something so special, so thrilling and downright addictive that
WHAT I LIKED
EVERYTHING. Nox and Luca and the pull they felt towards each other, the writing style (so fucking good), the world building� I absolutely adored (and highlighted) every inch of this book and I’m so glad to have found it. Definitely my best read of 2024. My heart is full☺️🥰
“You found me.� How could he not? “I will always find you.�
July 31, 2021
4.5 "I need the sequel" 💫
Yes, I am really disappointed in myself. We had this gem of sci-fi in MM romance since 2019 and I didn't know. Worse, I kept it pending for months even after knowing that Kirt Graves was the narrator. 🙉 🙉 🙉
Summary-
The story starts with Luke, who has lost his parents and brother and has been fighting with leukaemia since childhood. He is shocked when the stranger, who could not remember even his own name, saves him from the wolf-like creatures. The stranger whom we know as NOX has very fragmented memories but he is sure that his only purpose is to save Luke from wolf-like creatures called Anubis.
What burned through Nox had no name. It wasn’t a cultured, coherent human emotion. It wasn’t even primal. Because it had been made long before the stars formed. Incapable of remorse. Incapable of affection. Incapable of anything but recognizing what it wanted and taking it.
I don't want to be partial but I loved the story as much as I loved the narration by Kirt Graves.The narration gets me going in the initial stages when I felt I am tossed in the middle of a sci-fi movie and could barely make sense of words like genetic coding and quantum physics.😂😂😂
Again, this is my first book by Adrienna Wilder so I am not sure about her usual writing style. But in this book, she created a dark and intriguing setting full of adrenaline-filled action. The book is lengthy, so we get the minute details of this original story which is a unique blend of sci-fi and Egyptology. She has also dedicated much time to character development. Not only Luke and NOX but also some secondary characters. Like, it was very clever of her to introduce Reese, the scientist who created Anubis. Through his POV we get to understand the story better as NOX's memory was not fully formed and Luke was as clueless as readers.
The romance between NOX and Luke has a feel of the shifter romance as it was primal, intense and in short explosiveeeeeee.🤩🤩
The love scenes/smut were exceptionally good and more so when I could enjoy them in the deep voice(for NOX) by Kirt Graves.
The sequel is supposed to come in Spring 2021, am I wrong in assuming that the book/blurb is late or does Adrienna Wilder live in the southern hemisphere???
Yes, I am really disappointed in myself. We had this gem of sci-fi in MM romance since 2019 and I didn't know. Worse, I kept it pending for months even after knowing that Kirt Graves was the narrator. 🙉 🙉 🙉
Summary-
The story starts with Luke, who has lost his parents and brother and has been fighting with leukaemia since childhood. He is shocked when the stranger, who could not remember even his own name, saves him from the wolf-like creatures. The stranger whom we know as NOX has very fragmented memories but he is sure that his only purpose is to save Luke from wolf-like creatures called Anubis.
What burned through Nox had no name. It wasn’t a cultured, coherent human emotion. It wasn’t even primal. Because it had been made long before the stars formed. Incapable of remorse. Incapable of affection. Incapable of anything but recognizing what it wanted and taking it.
I don't want to be partial but I loved the story as much as I loved the narration by Kirt Graves.The narration gets me going in the initial stages when I felt I am tossed in the middle of a sci-fi movie and could barely make sense of words like genetic coding and quantum physics.😂😂😂
Again, this is my first book by Adrienna Wilder so I am not sure about her usual writing style. But in this book, she created a dark and intriguing setting full of adrenaline-filled action. The book is lengthy, so we get the minute details of this original story which is a unique blend of sci-fi and Egyptology. She has also dedicated much time to character development. Not only Luke and NOX but also some secondary characters. Like, it was very clever of her to introduce Reese, the scientist who created Anubis. Through his POV we get to understand the story better as NOX's memory was not fully formed and Luke was as clueless as readers.
The romance between NOX and Luke has a feel of the shifter romance as it was primal, intense and in short explosiveeeeeee.🤩🤩
The love scenes/smut were exceptionally good and more so when I could enjoy them in the deep voice(for NOX) by Kirt Graves.
The sequel is supposed to come in Spring 2021, am I wrong in assuming that the book/blurb is late or does Adrienna Wilder live in the southern hemisphere???
July 3, 2020
Hmm... I don't know what I should say about this book. A little surprised at all the 5 stars. this one for me is OK, 3.5 rounded up.
I give it credit for being original - I love everything Egyptian and this one uses the Anubis mythology. I've also always liked Anubis. So points for originality.
The story was good, lots of action, ongoing mystery (that doesn't end with this book).
There were some editing mistakes. Sometimes the writing was choppy. Like POVs shifted within the same sentence! Jarring.
The stuff between Koda and all his betas, incl. Nash, the "love"...was... well, not entirely sure why we had to go into all that detail. Esp. since Koda is Luca's bro. The back story around the brothers was pretty much missing and I know more's to come, but I thought we could have had more to show the close connection even more. Just seemed like Koda was a means to an end, it's Luca that matters. But poor Koda suffered so much...
Anyway, will prob check out the next book if there is one.
I give it credit for being original - I love everything Egyptian and this one uses the Anubis mythology. I've also always liked Anubis. So points for originality.
The story was good, lots of action, ongoing mystery (that doesn't end with this book).
There were some editing mistakes. Sometimes the writing was choppy. Like POVs shifted within the same sentence! Jarring.
The stuff between Koda and all his betas, incl. Nash, the "love"...was... well, not entirely sure why we had to go into all that detail. Esp. since Koda is Luca's bro. The back story around the brothers was pretty much missing and I know more's to come, but I thought we could have had more to show the close connection even more. Just seemed like Koda was a means to an end, it's Luca that matters. But poor Koda suffered so much...
Anyway, will prob check out the next book if there is one.
dnf
April 20, 2019dnf at 57% and not rating
Not sure yet if I'm giving up on it for now or for good.
I like the worldbuilding, I'm intrigued by the scientific part of the story, Luca and Nox are interesting characters, but I don't like this sort of primal relationship they have.
Not sure yet if I'm giving up on it for now or for good.
I like the worldbuilding, I'm intrigued by the scientific part of the story, Luca and Nox are interesting characters, but I don't like this sort of primal relationship they have.
June 18, 2019
There are some authors whose writing, characters and world-building fascinate me and Adrienne Wilder is among them. Even when she uses tropes I’m not comfortable with, like really not, I’m tempted to give it a try. Yes, I enjoy her writing that much.
So, with her wild imagination - no pun intended…OK, may be a bit intended -, this author delivers a fascinating paranormal, shifter story. Oh Boy, buckle up : it's quite a ride !!!
Luca is 19, alone and lonely - missing his dead parents and even more his dead brother, Koda -, and is dying. These circumstances led him to cross the path of Nox, a man full of mystery and intensity, claiming to be there on Koda’s request to protect him against "big, scary" creatures.
Luca and Nox embark in a wild chase for survival and “destiny�, while being pursued by “unconventional� terrorists (hey...paranormal story, hence the “unconventional�), and military. No more details : it’s better appreciated when going with the engaging flow of revelations.
I was fully engaged despite all the paranormal stuff and shifter stuff (OK, to do so, I blocked my mind when it became too “animalistic� because, no, no, no…definitely not for me), some graphic violence and rough, like very rough sex. Yep, really out of my comfort zone.
Why was I so engaged then ? Because the world building and intrigue are fascinating, the way the author unravels the story, with details alternatively given bit by bit by Nox to Luca , and by Reese, a scientist helping the military trying to understand what's going on, kept me glued. And finally, the bound between Nox and Luca was undeniable and intense.
Is it over ? No, according to the author ending notes : there’s more to come. Will I give it a shot if so ? Well, with Adrienne Wilder’s amazing imagination and intense writing in play, I will seriously think about getting out of my comfort zone...once again.
ARC of “NOX� was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So, with her wild imagination - no pun intended…OK, may be a bit intended -, this author delivers a fascinating paranormal, shifter story. Oh Boy, buckle up : it's quite a ride !!!
Luca is 19, alone and lonely - missing his dead parents and even more his dead brother, Koda -, and is dying. These circumstances led him to cross the path of Nox, a man full of mystery and intensity, claiming to be there on Koda’s request to protect him against "big, scary" creatures.
Luca and Nox embark in a wild chase for survival and “destiny�, while being pursued by “unconventional� terrorists (hey...paranormal story, hence the “unconventional�), and military. No more details : it’s better appreciated when going with the engaging flow of revelations.
I was fully engaged despite all the paranormal stuff and shifter stuff (OK, to do so, I blocked my mind when it became too “animalistic� because, no, no, no…definitely not for me), some graphic violence and rough, like very rough sex. Yep, really out of my comfort zone.
Why was I so engaged then ? Because the world building and intrigue are fascinating, the way the author unravels the story, with details alternatively given bit by bit by Nox to Luca , and by Reese, a scientist helping the military trying to understand what's going on, kept me glued. And finally, the bound between Nox and Luca was undeniable and intense.
Is it over ? No, according to the author ending notes : there’s more to come. Will I give it a shot if so ? Well, with Adrienne Wilder’s amazing imagination and intense writing in play, I will seriously think about getting out of my comfort zone...once again.
ARC of “NOX� was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2019
A review.
5 stars
Honestly, I am not sure where to begin this review. I can say with certainty that author Adrienne Wilder takes the wolf-shifter paranormal trope and sets it on its ear with this novel. This book is creative, brilliantly crafted, exciting, and absolutely riveting. I devoured this 500 plus page book in two days and it took me that long only because I had to sleep and eat occasionally. While there were several passages that had some fairly hefty science jargon and explanations of everything from quantum physics to the bending of time and space, I never felt overwhelmed by the explanations offered up. Instead, these moments in the text blended seamlessly with the action. There were definitely some very violent and gore-filled passages, but the author forewarns us that is going to happen and again they never felt gratuitous, but rather part of the attempt by NoX to keep he and Luca alive and safe.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety .
5 stars
Honestly, I am not sure where to begin this review. I can say with certainty that author Adrienne Wilder takes the wolf-shifter paranormal trope and sets it on its ear with this novel. This book is creative, brilliantly crafted, exciting, and absolutely riveting. I devoured this 500 plus page book in two days and it took me that long only because I had to sleep and eat occasionally. While there were several passages that had some fairly hefty science jargon and explanations of everything from quantum physics to the bending of time and space, I never felt overwhelmed by the explanations offered up. Instead, these moments in the text blended seamlessly with the action. There were definitely some very violent and gore-filled passages, but the author forewarns us that is going to happen and again they never felt gratuitous, but rather part of the attempt by NoX to keep he and Luca alive and safe.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety .
April 17, 2019
4.25 stars!
Before anyone freaks out over the "Major Character Death" tag, just know that they don't stay dead, so it's not a permanent death.
And wow. I've finally finished this, after over a week. Two days was spent reading another book, so it technically took me 6 days. Still a long time it took me.
It wasn't too much a detriment to my enjoyment of this that it was so slow, but I'm still taking off some because it did take me awhile to get into this. First it was just slow, and there was a lot of world building - ultimately important overall to understand the story, but still not exactly entertaining to read the exposition of Dr. Dante's parts. I ultimately loved Reese Dante, the scientist who had been a part of New World Genetics and a part of this experiment before he left because of the unethical practices of it, but at first when I didn't know him it was just taking away from Nox and Luca and just spewing - yes, important, but still - information at me and It was kinda boring most of the time.
But anyway, this was an interesting, weird, crazy story that really picked up the second half, especially the last 20 percent, and I ultimately gave this 4 stars for the slowness and sometimes boring, dragging parts of the first half and just the overall weirdness of the story, idk quite how to explain it.
Luca Suarez is 19, almost 20 and waiting to die. He's been battling leukemia since he was 8 years old, gone into remission twice and it still came back. His parents died in car wreck the year before and his brother, Koda, died 5 years previously - also a little much, like wow, how much fucking misery can you pile on here?
But it turns out that Koda, while he did die...also kinda didn't. Because of that whole New World Genetics thing and Dr. Dante being a part of the scientific team that found something not of this world called the ichor, and used it to bring people back to life. Only it wasn't so nice and easy bringing them back. And Koda was the Alpha, the one they were able to bring back and then somehow use his blood or whatever to bring back others, who were his betas. Without Koda, they would all lose their minds and body and let the ichor take over completely. Koda was able to calm them down.
It's never fully explained why these...different kind of Anubis (what the ichor is called when it changes them into the "wolf" form and whatnot) that weren't dead before they were changed or something, went after Luca. Which I'm guessing a second book would delve into.
But like the book says, Koda didn't tell Nox much before he ordered him to do what he did, so they don't know the details. Like before all this happens Luca is a young human guy waiting to die from cancer. Like what was so special about him that these Anubis were coming after him? I mean yeah he's a special person because of course - he's Koda's brother, and Koda was special too - but he wasn't an Alpha, he was dying, he was just plain ol' human, so idk. Maybe Koda wouldn't let them at himself so they were gonna go after Luca? Although that still doesn't make sense all that much, so idk.
Luca and Nox were interesting as well. I gave off some for their relationship as well, because while they eventually got to "I love you" I'm not quite sure I felt that yet. This book, I think, barely qualified as a romance. I ultimately tagged it as such because of those feelings we get between Luca and Nox, but it was almost just physical at first. And with why Nox had to have sex because of the Anubis and everything, it made me (and Luca) question if Nox himself could or did have feelings for him. I would have liked more between them to really feel like the I love you was earned. They were together practically the whole book and yet there wasn't a ton of conversation.
And I mean, I know they were on the run and had a lot more important things going on than chatting, but...if you're gonna have them fall in love, I'd like to really see that happen. I started to really feel feelings between them near the end, for sure, but for me they weren't quite at "I love you" I just wanted more, personally.
But overall, as weird and slow as it was, it was an interesting, engaging story, especially at the end. This is a pretty long book, but I've read longer, so it was just the world building that made it slow for me at times. So ultimately a 4.25 star read rounded down.
If there is a next in this series I will definitely read it. I'm interested to see where this story goes.
Before anyone freaks out over the "Major Character Death" tag, just know that they don't stay dead, so it's not a permanent death.
And wow. I've finally finished this, after over a week. Two days was spent reading another book, so it technically took me 6 days. Still a long time it took me.
It wasn't too much a detriment to my enjoyment of this that it was so slow, but I'm still taking off some because it did take me awhile to get into this. First it was just slow, and there was a lot of world building - ultimately important overall to understand the story, but still not exactly entertaining to read the exposition of Dr. Dante's parts. I ultimately loved Reese Dante, the scientist who had been a part of New World Genetics and a part of this experiment before he left because of the unethical practices of it, but at first when I didn't know him it was just taking away from Nox and Luca and just spewing - yes, important, but still - information at me and It was kinda boring most of the time.
But anyway, this was an interesting, weird, crazy story that really picked up the second half, especially the last 20 percent, and I ultimately gave this 4 stars for the slowness and sometimes boring, dragging parts of the first half and just the overall weirdness of the story, idk quite how to explain it.
Luca Suarez is 19, almost 20 and waiting to die. He's been battling leukemia since he was 8 years old, gone into remission twice and it still came back. His parents died in car wreck the year before and his brother, Koda, died 5 years previously - also a little much, like wow, how much fucking misery can you pile on here?
But it turns out that Koda, while he did die...also kinda didn't. Because of that whole New World Genetics thing and Dr. Dante being a part of the scientific team that found something not of this world called the ichor, and used it to bring people back to life. Only it wasn't so nice and easy bringing them back. And Koda was the Alpha, the one they were able to bring back and then somehow use his blood or whatever to bring back others, who were his betas. Without Koda, they would all lose their minds and body and let the ichor take over completely. Koda was able to calm them down.
It's never fully explained why these...different kind of Anubis (what the ichor is called when it changes them into the "wolf" form and whatnot) that weren't dead before they were changed or something, went after Luca. Which I'm guessing a second book would delve into.
But like the book says, Koda didn't tell Nox much before he ordered him to do what he did, so they don't know the details. Like before all this happens Luca is a young human guy waiting to die from cancer. Like what was so special about him that these Anubis were coming after him? I mean yeah he's a special person because of course - he's Koda's brother, and Koda was special too - but he wasn't an Alpha, he was dying, he was just plain ol' human, so idk. Maybe Koda wouldn't let them at himself so they were gonna go after Luca? Although that still doesn't make sense all that much, so idk.
Luca and Nox were interesting as well. I gave off some for their relationship as well, because while they eventually got to "I love you" I'm not quite sure I felt that yet. This book, I think, barely qualified as a romance. I ultimately tagged it as such because of those feelings we get between Luca and Nox, but it was almost just physical at first. And with why Nox had to have sex because of the Anubis and everything, it made me (and Luca) question if Nox himself could or did have feelings for him. I would have liked more between them to really feel like the I love you was earned. They were together practically the whole book and yet there wasn't a ton of conversation.
And I mean, I know they were on the run and had a lot more important things going on than chatting, but...if you're gonna have them fall in love, I'd like to really see that happen. I started to really feel feelings between them near the end, for sure, but for me they weren't quite at "I love you" I just wanted more, personally.
But overall, as weird and slow as it was, it was an interesting, engaging story, especially at the end. This is a pretty long book, but I've read longer, so it was just the world building that made it slow for me at times. So ultimately a 4.25 star read rounded down.
If there is a next in this series I will definitely read it. I'm interested to see where this story goes.
June 17, 2019
5+++ Ingenious!!
The blurb says it: one man is dying The other is a man who died to live.
Luca is kidnapped/saved by an unknown man who has one order: keep Luca safe.
The man lost parts of his memory, he has a tattoo which says NoX so that’s what he’s now been named by Luca.
Keeping him safe is almost impossible, Luca is chased by monsters called Anubis, luckily NoX has specialties of great power. The one order comes from NoX his alpha Koda, Koda is Luca’s brother who was murdered five years ago...! So here you understand there is something huge going on.
Parallel this story runs an other one, where we get to know more about the why, how it all began, and where it maybe could go.
An immensely thrilling story. Talking about a book with amazing content!
A giant story in every possible way.
Bit by bit the shell is peeled off to the core of what it’s all about.
You could feel there was something VERY important.
The building up with tension and anticipation was almost unbearable and a great part is also the sexual tension, attraction, and anticipation, between Luca and NoX.
When they are together something out of proportion is happening, no words how intense it was.
I’m utterly speechless. What a journey, what a revelation, what a way of writing!
ALL the parts of this book were grandiose. The creatures, the characters, and their characteristics, the environments, the atmosphere, the passion, the angst, all the layers, the immense stunning plot, the way how this all is written down, is from a whole other dimension.. stunningly done!
Highly recommended!!
The blurb says it: one man is dying The other is a man who died to live.
Luca is kidnapped/saved by an unknown man who has one order: keep Luca safe.
The man lost parts of his memory, he has a tattoo which says NoX so that’s what he’s now been named by Luca.
Keeping him safe is almost impossible, Luca is chased by monsters called Anubis, luckily NoX has specialties of great power. The one order comes from NoX his alpha Koda, Koda is Luca’s brother who was murdered five years ago...! So here you understand there is something huge going on.
Parallel this story runs an other one, where we get to know more about the why, how it all began, and where it maybe could go.
An immensely thrilling story. Talking about a book with amazing content!
A giant story in every possible way.
Bit by bit the shell is peeled off to the core of what it’s all about.
You could feel there was something VERY important.
The building up with tension and anticipation was almost unbearable and a great part is also the sexual tension, attraction, and anticipation, between Luca and NoX.
When they are together something out of proportion is happening, no words how intense it was.
I’m utterly speechless. What a journey, what a revelation, what a way of writing!
ALL the parts of this book were grandiose. The creatures, the characters, and their characteristics, the environments, the atmosphere, the passion, the angst, all the layers, the immense stunning plot, the way how this all is written down, is from a whole other dimension.. stunningly done!
Highly recommended!!
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