emmelnie's review
4.0
Dungari Rise is something you don’t see too often nowadays, an epic romance. It depicts a large and complex world, as Earth has been invaded by aliens who treat humans as workforce and disposable fodder for any interests they may have. The crux of this book is the relationship between Synika, a human woman, and Tuvari, a Dungari male.
Synika is selected for a Dungari prince’s harem in a rite called the Choosing Ceremony. I loved the way the harshness and pure politics of a harem was illustrated in Dungari Rise. Real-life harems were hotbeds of backstabbing, positioning, and plotting, and elements of that come through in this book. Tuvari, a guard in that harem, does experience somewhat convenient insta-love, but that’s necessary to explain why he, as a male of the overlord species who’s supposed to stop any human rebellions, would take on the challenges that he does for Synika.
And that was my major quibble with this book, and what pulled my rating down a bit—Synika is consistently put into dangerous and sometimes horrific situations and always saved at the last second by Tuvari or others with him. After a while, it became improbable and somewhat predictable for me. I was more satisfied when, in a later stage of the book, those dangers led to actions that I hope are setting up future books in this series.
While Dungari Rise is a complete romance, Landis is just starting to explore the world of this Dungari invasion of Earth. I hope there are future books in this series telling the stories of some of the couples hinted at in Dungari Rise, while moving the larger story of this fascinating struggle forward.
Synika is selected for a Dungari prince’s harem in a rite called the Choosing Ceremony. I loved the way the harshness and pure politics of a harem was illustrated in Dungari Rise. Real-life harems were hotbeds of backstabbing, positioning, and plotting, and elements of that come through in this book. Tuvari, a guard in that harem, does experience somewhat convenient insta-love, but that’s necessary to explain why he, as a male of the overlord species who’s supposed to stop any human rebellions, would take on the challenges that he does for Synika.
And that was my major quibble with this book, and what pulled my rating down a bit—Synika is consistently put into dangerous and sometimes horrific situations and always saved at the last second by Tuvari or others with him. After a while, it became improbable and somewhat predictable for me. I was more satisfied when, in a later stage of the book, those dangers led to actions that I hope are setting up future books in this series.
While Dungari Rise is a complete romance, Landis is just starting to explore the world of this Dungari invasion of Earth. I hope there are future books in this series telling the stories of some of the couples hinted at in Dungari Rise, while moving the larger story of this fascinating struggle forward.
book_lover_97's review
4.0
Sometimes there is so much darkness, it is hard to find the light.
This is one of those books, that has incredibly dark and trigger themes including rape, suicide, and a forced harem.
This is a good book, but is an emotionally heavy read.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.
This is one of those books, that has incredibly dark and trigger themes including rape, suicide, and a forced harem.
This is a good book, but is an emotionally heavy read.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.
inkedbookdragon's review
4.0
https://inkedbookdragon.blogspot.com
What a deliciously naughty read! Great characters. Well written. Sexy scenes ensconced in a complex and powerful story. Would highly recommend.
What a deliciously naughty read! Great characters. Well written. Sexy scenes ensconced in a complex and powerful story. Would highly recommend.
anjali_abraham's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Violence
Minor: Blood and Suicide
lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
This is the first book I have read by this author and I wasn't sure if this was going to be another one of those 'taken by the hot alien' type reads. Whilst there is nothing wrong with those books, indeed I've read and enjoyed many of them, this had more depth and a story line beyond the romance. In fact, as much as I love it, the cover does not do the book justice.
On the surface this is the story of Synika, a human female, and Tuvari, a Dungari male. However it is also about the atrocious treatment of human females by the Dungari, desperate to find females with whom they can reproduce. Most humans aren't aware of the true implications of 'The Choosing' and the horrific fate that awaits some of the young girls involved. I wouldn't describe it as a dark read, since Tuvari is a kind and gentle hero, not a twisted anti-hero. However it does cover some very dark topics, though not in graphic detail.
The story had excellent pace, with some very good plot twists. I found the style of writing really easy to read and was quickly drawn into the story, reading it in almost one sitting. I really enjoyed the book and am hoping this is the first book in a series as there are some very interesting characters and situations I'd love to see explored further. Not only did we meet Synika and Tuvari, but I'd love to see more of Izzy, Cynthia, Holnar, Yuri and Bimi.
On the surface this is the story of Synika, a human female, and Tuvari, a Dungari male. However it is also about the atrocious treatment of human females by the Dungari, desperate to find females with whom they can reproduce. Most humans aren't aware of the true implications of 'The Choosing' and the horrific fate that awaits some of the young girls involved. I wouldn't describe it as a dark read, since Tuvari is a kind and gentle hero, not a twisted anti-hero. However it does cover some very dark topics, though not in graphic detail.
The story had excellent pace, with some very good plot twists. I found the style of writing really easy to read and was quickly drawn into the story, reading it in almost one sitting. I really enjoyed the book and am hoping this is the first book in a series as there are some very interesting characters and situations I'd love to see explored further. Not only did we meet Synika and Tuvari, but I'd love to see more of Izzy, Cynthia, Holnar, Yuri and Bimi.
lindas_bookstoread's review
5.0
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book. I have not read many paranormal romances aside from vampire or shape shifters. This was my first alien romance, and won't be my last. This was my first Nikki Landis book, and won't be my last. I'm enjoyed my first vacation into this sub-genre! Synika and Tuvari meet by chance, as Tuvari is captured by the Spectres. Tuvari knows he is in the company of his life-long, ONLY mate, against his culture. He will move the heavens and the earths to be sure she is protected, and that his lineage continues. They face major oppostions, but they persevere. Tuvari is an unbelievably attentive mate. He is so in love, it is amazing! And sweet! My first alien encounter; so glad I found a FIVE!
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