beckiebookworm1974's review
4.0
So this was surprisingly in-depth and such an imaginative read that managed to exceed my actual expectations massively.
Fabulous world building that built a sense of curiosity within me this managed to grab my attention here almost instantly.
I actually raced through "The Game Warden's Mate" and though not completely perfect I was invested and onboard here right from the onset.
So this is definitely one for the aliens that look like aliens crowd and in case your wondering that's certainly moi: In fact, that is initially what captured my interest here.
It reminded me very slightly of a Sci-Fi Hungers Games but with Aliens.
So, This one was quite slow burn in nature which did actually fit the narrative provided and seemed wholly believable to me.
"The Game Wardens Mate" Focuses much more on the storytelling and build-up itself and less on the actual romance developing, don't mistake me that was there but it just seemed more of a secondary concern to what was actually taking place, in this case, survival.
I myself would maybe have liked to see a bit more sizzle and spice between Esme and Xrez than I did I felt this was a tad lacking in that particular department: on the other hand, I also liked that this had such depth and substance to it and didn't rely solely on the smut to sell this story.
I also really appreciated the longer length of this novel as I felt this gave the story time to develop naturally without any sense of rushing with the unfolding drama.
I adored Esme as a character really appreciating her resilience and fortitude in the face of such an extreme and frightening situation: I felt the further she progressed here the more she evolved and grew as an individual.
Realising along with Xrez her strength of character, Xrez who had initially pegged her as pathetic and useless because of her species gradually realises she is so much more than what she first appeared.
There was also a much deeper message and implications to impart here beyond the superficial surface stuff.
The ethics and morality alone here behind this type of illegal enterprise are huge and totally make you question that just because something has been running for years and has become the norm so much so that you're desensitised to the whole unsavoury and immoral business model doesn't actually make it an ok practice.
This is the trafficking of individuals both Alien and human and lets not even mention the fact that humans are meant to be a protected species here, whichever way you look at things here its a form of exploitation: Whether it be by mate or servant it's all unwanted bondage.
I liked that this entertained me but equally it also made me think.
A few observations from my camp, I felt that Esme forgave Xrez much easier than I was expecting her to and also accepted her fate in regards to her family without much distress also thought it strange that she didn't inquire in more depth as to the fate of her previous companions considering her previous attachment to some of them and the lengths she went to avoid be treated any differently than them: Maybe they will get there own journey that would be nice.
I also loved the conclusion here I think that it wrapped events up quite nicely.
Finally, The book title here I thought was really catchy indeed but I must admit I was less a fan of the cover art used but in the scheme of things, this is actually a pretty minor detail.
So that about sums this up this was a really imaginative endeavour that snook up on me catching me unawares.
This intergalactic game of Hunter and prey was quite the unexpected gem.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of "The Game Warden's Mate"
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
audiobookmel's review
4.0
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
The Game Warden’s Mate was a new-to-me author that I found from an online book club, POC Paranormal, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors, or well, this site has a Facebook group that is doing book club reading. This is the first book and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The story starts off a bit slow, as the humans wake up on an alien planet (though they aren’t aware of that fact when they first wake up). Once they figure out what’s going on and The Hunt actually starts, things get really interesting.
Xrez’s father just died and he is left with running The Hunt, an illegal game where aliens from all over the universe are captured and forced to go through tough environments while being hunted. There are different rules for each of the three levels and the stakes get higher on every level. His father’s last game ended up in the hands of Xrex and the “prey” is all human, which make the hunt even more illegal as humans are protected because humans aren’t as sophisticated as the other species.
Esme wakes up on this alien planet with several other humans of varying backgrounds. From a rich man who thinks daddy can buy his way out, to a woman with her dog, a Marine right out of Afghanistan, and even a mother with her two young children.
I quickly like Esme. She’s a smart and independent woman, but quickly decides she needs to help out the mother (Miranda) and children, as does the Marine (Ben). This group of five (when you count the children) work together to make it through the game.
Xrex is very concerned with his father’s idea of a hunt with only humans, so he joins the game to give them a bit of help to ensure that at least some make it through the first level. This is not something the game wardens have ever done, as it might appear as they are throwing the game. It amazes him the resourcefulness of humans.
I had a great time with Esme and Xrex. They make a great couple. I was also a big fan of the secondary characters. Not just Ben and Miranda, but Bradliix, Xrex’s assistant was great too. I’m glad to see that a second just came out. I will also be looking into more stories from this author.
Oh, I should also mention that Xrex is a very hairy guy. His home planet is extremely cold. He kinda has a Bigfoot look to him (not used in the book, but what it sounded like to me and from the cover of the book).
The Game Warden’s Mate was a new-to-me author that I found from an online book club, POC Paranormal, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors, or well, this site has a Facebook group that is doing book club reading. This is the first book and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The story starts off a bit slow, as the humans wake up on an alien planet (though they aren’t aware of that fact when they first wake up). Once they figure out what’s going on and The Hunt actually starts, things get really interesting.
Xrez’s father just died and he is left with running The Hunt, an illegal game where aliens from all over the universe are captured and forced to go through tough environments while being hunted. There are different rules for each of the three levels and the stakes get higher on every level. His father’s last game ended up in the hands of Xrex and the “prey” is all human, which make the hunt even more illegal as humans are protected because humans aren’t as sophisticated as the other species.
Esme wakes up on this alien planet with several other humans of varying backgrounds. From a rich man who thinks daddy can buy his way out, to a woman with her dog, a Marine right out of Afghanistan, and even a mother with her two young children.
I quickly like Esme. She’s a smart and independent woman, but quickly decides she needs to help out the mother (Miranda) and children, as does the Marine (Ben). This group of five (when you count the children) work together to make it through the game.
Xrex is very concerned with his father’s idea of a hunt with only humans, so he joins the game to give them a bit of help to ensure that at least some make it through the first level. This is not something the game wardens have ever done, as it might appear as they are throwing the game. It amazes him the resourcefulness of humans.
I had a great time with Esme and Xrex. They make a great couple. I was also a big fan of the secondary characters. Not just Ben and Miranda, but Bradliix, Xrex’s assistant was great too. I’m glad to see that a second just came out. I will also be looking into more stories from this author.
Oh, I should also mention that Xrex is a very hairy guy. His home planet is extremely cold. He kinda has a Bigfoot look to him (not used in the book, but what it sounded like to me and from the cover of the book).
danni_faith's review
This is certainly a taste-defining book for me. I've always said that I love sci-fi romances and this fits the bill, but I now know exactly what I like. I want a sci-fi romance that's a series with an overarching plot in which each book inches closer to a conclusion. I also want the tone to be dark and serious.
A.M. Griffin kept my attention. I have nothing negative to say about the book. I would have liked more sex, and that's about it. I was impressed by how complete the setting felt. Griffin had multiple alien races, advanced technology, and cultures. The action balanced well with moments of romance.
This book isn't my cup of tea, admittedly. I'd recommend this book for others who like lighter sci-fi romances.
A.M. Griffin kept my attention. I have nothing negative to say about the book. I would have liked more sex, and that's about it. I was impressed by how complete the setting felt. Griffin had multiple alien races, advanced technology, and cultures. The action balanced well with moments of romance.
This book isn't my cup of tea, admittedly. I'd recommend this book for others who like lighter sci-fi romances.
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