freelunch's review against another edition
5.0
Read as part of the complete Machinery Of Desire series set available from Amazon.
I enjoyed this more than the first book. Cari writes D/s really well and the world-building here is great, great enough that I actually said "world-building" in a review!
Read the trigger warnings, if you feel you can handle it then *do* check out this series. Very recommended!
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this more than the first book. Cari writes D/s really well and the world-building here is great, great enough that I actually said "world-building" in a review!
Read the trigger warnings, if you feel you can handle it then *do* check out this series. Very recommended!
4.5 stars
lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition
5.0
This book had a different feel to Acquired Possession, whilst still being as captivating and well written. A large part of this is due to it being mostly written from the hero, Sawyer's, POV but also because it is set in the Scav 'part' of Aether. I'm also pleased that this was the case, as now I'm wondering both what will happen in Book 3 and when it will be out as I'm desperate for more of this world.
It was interesting to 'see' the male perspective on all the dubious consent and dominance 'stuff' and it involved my emotions in a very different way to Emery's story. I still felt the emotions and empathised with both characters, but I usually 'connect' more to the female character just because it is easier to put myself in her shoes. That in no way affected my enjoyment of the book, it was still full of action, had amazing pace and was incredibly steamy and it allowed this story to take us more into the world of Aether and its people.
Sawyers battles with his base desires, Scav expectations and his own morals turned him from what could have been a despicable individual into quite an attractive, and definitely one heck of a sexy, anti-hero. Despite the dubious consent aspects, and even at the start when he was still very angry, his scruples led him to protect and take care of Ari. I loved those moments, when he wasn't conscious of his actions, where he would hold her close to him for comfort.
We had enough of Ari's viewpoint to know she is an intelligent, feisty, caring and deep down brave woman. She is also a little naive and a lot confused by the lust she has for Sawyer and his treatment of her. That treatment and Sawyer's behaviour was depraved at times but somehow, given the setting, it felt acceptable, especially as he often battled with his conscience or drew a line where the Scav wouldn't have. This along with JI's emotional/mental growth raised some deep questions on how the thoughts and actions of society - or a lack of morals by those in charge, can affect our own behaviours. It posed similar questions or warnings to those raised by The Lord of the Flies.
There were so many unexpected twists in this story that it kept me gripped. That ending - it came out of nowhere for me, but it was perfect for the relationship Sawyer truly wanted with Ari. JI's ending was even twistier - and send disturbing shiver's down my back., he (it?) is no longer the person that Emery knew and cared for.
I can't even begin to guess where this story is heading but I know I can't wait for the next book.
It was interesting to 'see' the male perspective on all the dubious consent and dominance 'stuff' and it involved my emotions in a very different way to Emery's story. I still felt the emotions and empathised with both characters, but I usually 'connect' more to the female character just because it is easier to put myself in her shoes. That in no way affected my enjoyment of the book, it was still full of action, had amazing pace and was incredibly steamy and it allowed this story to take us more into the world of Aether and its people.
Sawyers battles with his base desires, Scav expectations and his own morals turned him from what could have been a despicable individual into quite an attractive, and definitely one heck of a sexy, anti-hero. Despite the dubious consent aspects, and even at the start when he was still very angry, his scruples led him to protect and take care of Ari. I loved those moments, when he wasn't conscious of his actions, where he would hold her close to him for comfort.
We had enough of Ari's viewpoint to know she is an intelligent, feisty, caring and deep down brave woman. She is also a little naive and a lot confused by the lust she has for Sawyer and his treatment of her. That treatment and Sawyer's behaviour was depraved at times but somehow, given the setting, it felt acceptable, especially as he often battled with his conscience or drew a line where the Scav wouldn't have. This along with JI's emotional/mental growth raised some deep questions on how the thoughts and actions of society - or a lack of morals by those in charge, can affect our own behaviours. It posed similar questions or warnings to those raised by The Lord of the Flies.
There were so many unexpected twists in this story that it kept me gripped. That ending - it came out of nowhere for me, but it was perfect for the relationship Sawyer truly wanted with Ari. JI's ending was even twistier - and send disturbing shiver's down my back., he (it?) is no longer the person that Emery knew and cared for.
I can't even begin to guess where this story is heading but I know I can't wait for the next book.
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