House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
fantastic!
I’m a huge fan of Naomi’s. I just started this series and I’m hooked. I cannot wait to read more about Xenobia. If you like this one definitely check out her other stories.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rise of House Valdis is my second time reading work from author Naomi Valkyrie. I started with the prequel to this story, House Valdis Origins: Xenobia. While not ‘necessary’ to read the prequel to this book, it was a quick read and I think worth it to really get to know the background of the main character, Xenobia.
I loved the way this story came together. With the descriptions, character developments and getting different points of view of the characters involved, it was so easy to feel the same feelings with them. The pages didn’t stop turning. This story seemed to have a little bit of everything! The author is incredibly imaginative and keeps you locked in until the end. I highly recommend to book lovers who love a strong female lead, where supernatural fantasy meets with sci-fi. It works!
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a book that was hard to put down. Who needs sleep anyway? I’m not always a big fan of multiple POV’s. However, when it’s done right, I actually LOVE it. This author does it right! You really get the feel for each character and get to know them well. The contrast between Xenobia and Matthew is extremely interesting and makes for a great read.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I first discovered this author while reading the anthology Aliens on Earth which is a limited-edition 12 books romance collection (if you haven’t read it yet I highly Recommend going to check it out. You might find a new favorite author or book Series). After reading that story, I just had to check out more from Naomi Valkyrie. Coming upon this story after seeing the cover (which I thought was cool ) I wanted to dive in and read. Which I’m not disappointed in the least. This book was beautifully written and the world and characters the author built are very well detailed and it’s awesome , it helps build a better picture with in your imagination 🥰 i also love the Multiple POVs. I am totally looking forward to reading more from this new but talented author.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rise of House Valdis is the first book in The House Valdis Series. It is an urban fantasy, paranormal romance with action, danger, sci-fi elements, superpowers, shifters, vampires, and aliens. The story centers around the MC of Xenobia, an alien, trying to fit in and seem normal. Xen has a heart of gold but will do anything to protect those she loves even if it means exposing her powers and who she really is. She is a character that you find yourself rooting for and feeling a connection with because of her empathy, compassion, and kindness. Make no mistake though, Xen is strong, feisty, and will fiercely protect those she loves. This book had me hooked from the first the few pages due to the author’s unique writing style and great world building. Looking forward to the next book!
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As with the prequel to this series, the author definitely knows how to pull you in from the beginning. This book is not what I expected at all. I do like the fact that not only are there two points of view (like the norm), but there are three which is unusual. It does give you the most out of the story and you will be more well-rounded in what’s going on in the story. The characters are very well developed and they do grow throughout the novel.
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book isn’t a disappointment from the last one. It has suspense, blooming romance, and comedy. It continues to draw you in until the very end. Come join the characters you’ve grown to love on this next part of their adventure.
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book two in the series did not disappoint. The ending from book one instantly had you excited for the next in the series and this was exactly what I hoping for. The book starts right back from where the previous book ended with the four leaving the realm. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about each character as the story is told in their individual point of views. This will always be one of favorite ways for character development to expand and it is done very well in this series. This is best to be read in order in the series but could potentially be read as a stand alone. This book continues to focus on the four main characters but brings back old and introduces new characters that help move the story along. It is very important to note that there are some very heavy topics in this book but it is written very well and there is a warning at the beginning off the book. Overall, great futuristic read that will keep you wanting more.
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Serrulata Saga, and it was just as incredible as the first! I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone as it picks up right where the first book left off. There is also a great amount of detail overall, which I absolutely love, so getting the feel of the first one would help tremendously. You get to experience this story from multiple points of view, and I love that because it lets you get into the character’s minds a bit more. The depth of the characters is something that I have a hard time finding anywhere else. The author expertly crafts each character, developing them at the perfect pace, and making them somehow both diverse and relatable at the same time. The flow of the story is seamless as I never felt jolted out by an oddly placed phrase or scene change. I lost an entire weekend reading this book, so clear a couple days ahead of time. If you like the dystopian sci-fi genre, this should hands down be your next read! I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Make sure to read the Gathering of the Four before the Test of the Four! It picks up right where the previous book ends. They have finally reached outside the Realm, into the unknown world. Leora continues to develop her magic. Leopold recovers from his injuries and is trying to heal from this past as well. Roland and Aurora continue their newly formed relationship. Old and new characters are added to the mix. I highly enjoyed Eve’s continued development in the story. I also enjoy the blurb before the chapter because it gives the readers hints about what is about to happen and helps the reader to piece the information together. More of the technology and the city is revealed in this book. It is set in the distant future with alternative events to our current day. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book from this series I have read and it is really peaking my interest. I usually tend to read romance but this series has been able to extend my reading interests. I find that the books really flow well from one another and that I could not put this book down. I really became enamelled in the characters and the adventure they are embarking on. I really like how the author is able to wind together adventure,intrigue and a dash of romance. I really felt drawn to the characters and the chemistry that is being built within this series. I really look forward to further books in this series to see how it evolves.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
Fantasy at a whole new level. Fast paced science fiction that will keep you glued to the end. Great characters with very detailed descriptive scenes. This author is on it, draws you in with great pace throughout. Looking forward to the next one.Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantasy at a whole new level. Fast paced science fiction that will keep you glued to the end. Great characters with very detailed descriptive scenes. This author is on it, draws you in with great pace throughout. Looking forward to the next one.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really loved this story. After reading the prequel House Valdis Origins: Xenobia I was super excited to dive into this series and boy this story did NOT disappoint. I cannot say enough time and time again the story-telling that this author does is unique and I love how this book totally had me sucked in from the first page to the end. Multiple POVs are used and you really get to know each character and how they are embedded as you turn each page. This book was hard to put down and I cannot wait until I dive into book 2.
Xenobia is a protector and wants to come do right making sure women are safe and not being targeted or abused. When Xen rescue’s a girl named Maggie, this opens up a chain of events that could possibly put her in danger if anyone truly found out what she is. Can Xen keep everyone safe when they need her without exposing to much…
This is a great urban fantasy story and I highly recommend this book. Fantastic Read!
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Sci-Fi Fantasy is intense and will have you hooked with the twists and turns. I love strong leads like this one. Xenobia is enlightened enough to understand and appreciate the fact that she is different than others. Her past experiences taught her to be extra cautious around others, limit the amount of people who know about her abilities and never show her true colors.
I found the introduction of a wolf shifter and vampire quite intriguing and Xenobia’s personal response to them had me chuckling.
I enjoyed learning more about Xenobia’s world and abilities, as well as those belonging to the other supernatural beings. The meditation and dreams sequences were also a bit trippy which I enjoyed.
I hope to read more from this author since I enjoyed the last two titles. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the continuation of the first book Gathering of the Four. Could be read as a standalone but I highly suggest going and reading the first book you won’t regret it. This still follows the Four main characters Leora, Aurora, Leopold, and Roland and their journey learning about what was kept from them. I think Leora might be my favorite but check back with me after the third book 🥰 it was a slower read at times but I think reading to the end was worth it, we definitely get some questions answered. But then we also get left with need to know more answers lol so I can’t wait to see more of this Incredible world. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first time I’m reading a work by this author A.E Bennett, and omg it was sooooooo good. Like I’ve only found a handful of post-apocalyptic book series that I really enjoy. Even though it is a post apocalyptic world, it’s more like it’s in the Olden days way back when lol. I liked how we get to see from not one or two POVs but four, it makes things all the more intriguing. It’s hard for me to choose a favorite character just yet🥰 they are all interesting and well built.I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series. On to the second book🥰
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Test of the Four: Book Two of The Serrulata Saga by A.E. Bennett. I have loved this series. Its a sci fi, dystopian with a little romance thrown in which is not my favorite genre but this series has sucked me in. It picks right up after book 2 and the four have just crossed the border and escaped the Realm. Once inside after not having a lot of problems crossing it seems they run into every problem possible. They have enemies but find a few allies along the way and Leopold ends up hurt. They are chased, captured, in different times and places, fighting with everyone and it seems like they are in constant battle. There is a lot of sex in this book as well, vivid sex so be aware. Its a fun book to see the growth and development of all the characters and see what happens to them. The writing is so well done that I felt like I was inside the book with the characters which is always amazing. I do recommend reading the first book to get a good read on all the characters and the story itself. This is a pretty long read so be prepared for that. Its well worth it
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62792062-test-of-the-four” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Test of the Four (The Serrulata Saga, #2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664196059l/62792062._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62792062-test-of-the-four”>Test of the Four</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21380380.A_E_Bennett”>A.E. Bennett</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6284589390″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A 4.5 read<br />I was lucky enough to be able to move straight onto the second in the Serrulata Series after completing the first, and like the fist it is a really well written dystopian story.<br />The four consisting of Leora, Rolland, Aurora and Leoplod continue to grow their relationships, hone their magic and try to make sense of the world outside of the Border of the Realm as they head to New York which is now a fable. Whilst there continues to be issues within the Realm.<br />Relationships grow and meld, and the characters develop as consistently as in the first book. The world is described in such a way that you can almost see it. <br />Another really good dystopian read.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rise of House Valdis is the first book in the House Valdis series. It’s an exciting urban fantasy featuring plenty of action and romance! I’ve enjoyed other books by this author so I knew I was in for a treat with some fascinating characters and LGBT+ romance.
After getting to know Xenobia in the prequel, it was fun to see how her life on earth had developed and learn what she can do with her powers. There are also plenty of new characters to meet – I particularly liked Matthew who we learn a lot about as the story progresses.
There are plenty of threats as Xenobia tries to protect the various characters who’ve ended up under her care. She has some difficult decisions to make as she works out how to keep everyone safe, including deciding who she can trust to help her.
I’d recommend this series to readers who are fans of the author, and anyone who’s looking to get into an urban fantasy with superb world building. This book gets five stars from me!
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia is the prequel to the House Valdis urban fantasy series. It is a short story that introduces Xenobia, one of the main characters in the series, and gives some of her backstory. I would say it’s not essential reading to enjoy House Valdis but it has been helping me to understand Xenobia’s motivations and behaviour.
This is quite a dark story as Xenobia and her friend Urd are subjected to slavery and violent treatment. It’s fast paced and there is plenty of action as Xenobia tries to find a way out for herself and Urd. There are moments of hope and lightness – one of my favourites sees Xenobia and Urd dancing around their room. This helps keep the story balanced.
This book gets four stars from me! I’d recommend reading it if you plan on reading the House Valdis series although it has quite a different feel in terms of pacing and genre. It really is a short read and will get you ready to delve into the series!
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s been seven years since Xenobias best friend, Urd, was murdered right in front of her. In a rage, Xenobia ended up killing everyone involved. She has tried to move on not wanting to be a killer but when she sees women being mistreated, she can’t control her rage. Xenobia is not human. She is an alien from another world. Her true form being blue hair with black hair and black eyes. She also has powers. She can tap into people’s emotions.
When Xenobia witnesses a young woman being abused by two men, Xen loses control and pours guilt into them causing them to end each other’s lives. The woman being in rough shape and unconscious, Xen decides to bring her back home to heal her.
A police officer, named Matthew, shows up with questions for Xenobia. He knows she isn’t what she appears to be and she knows more about the case than she lets on. Xenobia has taken it upon herself to be a healer and mentor to all kinds of different women but only her closest friend knows what she truly is. It may be time that Xenobia shows her true self to save these women once and for all but at what risk?
I loved the prequel that was a novella of Xenobia’s Origin. You do not need to read it to follow along with this book but if you want to know more about Urd and Xenobia’s life, I recommend reading it! Meanwhile, this book was even better. Naomi Valkyrie is an amazing writer. They know how to hook you right from the beginning and keep you hooked throughout the book. This author is quickly raising themselves up to one of my top 3 authors I love!
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot wait for book 3 and I only just finished book 2! This book picks up where book 1 left off so I definitely recommend reading them in order but you don’t have to. I love the world building and character growth in this one. And they even have a few steamy parts! This one is filled with action, drama, tension, mystery and so much more. You do get to read from multiple POV’s which I always enjoy. You get some questions answered from book 1 but more questions arise in this one. I am super excited to see where the author takes us in this series!
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Xenobia refuses to have a serious relationship with She found Javier beating Maggie five years ago, and Xenobia attacked him. Only Maggie knew that she wasn’t human. Maggie and the girls who were “employed” by Javier left as well. Xenobia had also borrowed some of his money. Despite this being a past issue, Javier has sent Mr. Smith to insist she return the women. Mr. Smith claims Javier has his daughter because of a debt of $100,000. Javier told him that if the girls were returned, then his debt would be excused and his daughter would not be harmed. Xenobia gave Mr. Smith the money, and he set up an exchange. Before he left for the exchange, Mr. Smith told Xenobia that his daughter’s name was Mercy. Something told Xenobia he didn’t think he would survive the exchange.
Xenobia receives a phone call: “Save Mercy.” Xenobia uses her power to keep him alive so he can learn where she is. She felt him die. Xenobia has to hurry to save Mercy. She arrives to find two men raping Mercy, and she intervenes by using her power to make the men commit suicide. Mercy is wounded, and Xenobia takes her back to the brothel house. She realizes that Mercy isn’t going to survive. Xenobia realizes Mercy needs blood. She uses her own to rescue Mercy, despite not knowing if there will be any unintended side effects.
The following day, Detective Matthew Winters questions Xenobia about a body that had her business card. Xenobia denied knowledge of the body. Matthew questions her about Mercy. Xenobia denied knowing her.
Matthew knew that Xenobia was lying. He could smell Mercy and sense Xenobia’s distress when he questioned her. As a wolf shifter, his senses were heightened. There was more about Xenobia that intrigued him as well. Later that evening, Matt falls asleep, and his dream shows Xenobia at the crime scene. Matthew returns to the brothel. He has one question for Xenobia.
“What are you?”
The Rise of House Valdis is a unique fantasy romance story involving Xenobia Valdis, Matthew Winters, and the women they have taken a vow to protect. The vivid details given to the characters display their strengths and insecurities as they face danger from humans and other supernatural creatures. The attraction between Xenobia and Matt is palpable, but they both carry baggage from the past that they have to face before diving into a relationship. The alternating perspectives of the characters made it easy to relate to the inner turmoil they faced. The plot is unpredictable, and the multiple twists kept me fully invested in the book. Readers who enjoy romance novels with magical creatures will enjoy Naomi Valkyrie’s The Rise of House Valdis. This series shows amazing promise to become a favorite for me.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the prequel to this series and been introduced to Xenobia I was looking forward to reading this novel, and I was not disappointed. This was a real page turner with an original and intriguing storyline and great characters all of whom are a bit quirky. Xenobia arrived on Earth seven years ago and was given a new start with only her best friend Maggie knowing who she really is. However, when Maggie is beaten Xen reacts and her split-second decision leads to her true nature being exposed. Xen must choose whether to keep her secrets or decide that her chosen family is worth exposing her secrets for. I liked the multiple POV’s as it meant I felt engaged with all the main characters. I also liked how the story includes LGBTQ relationship dynamics. Whilst the setting is brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative making me feel fully immersed in the story. Can’t wait for book two!
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The story starts where it left off with the first book in the series. I was happy to see the four of them were still together. There is a lot of things going on in the realm that seems scary. There’s a lot more action and crazy stuff happening. You might think it’s all too much but the author does a great job of pulling the story together you won’t want to stop reading. Overall a good dystopian novel that kept my attention. The four main characters might be hurting and conflicted but their relationships sure help them get through those tough times.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read shorter novellas from the author and so I was excited to read her debut novel. I was able to read the prequel first, and while it’s not necessary to enjoy this book, I highly recommend it to give you a better understanding of Xen and why her second chance is so important to her. I really enjoyed the multiple POV’s, it gave a lot of insight into what the other characters were thinking and feeling. Xen continues to be dynamic and intriguing heroine who you want to see succeed in everything she does. The author did a great job of combining fantasy, sci-fi, and romance into a storyline that you won’t want to stop reading until the end. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great book!
Xenobia (aka Xen) has moves to earth about 7 years ago to escape her past and start over. She however has many secrets and skills that the people on earth do nor have and would be either scared of or try to take advantage her powers so she keeps them her most guarded secret except from her “family” on earth.
Unfortunately one decision may change everything and she may find she has to expose her special powers to save her family.
This book is multi pov and the chapters are quick and the POV changes regularly. Lots of Paranormal activity including wolf vampire and much more and so much attention to detail and character building made this story shine. Well done
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an interesting starter to this series. I enjoyed the story and multiple POV’s. Xen makes the story quite interesting. The author did a really good job of keeping the writing creative and interesting. Once I was in, I was all in until the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next story.
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is the second in a series. While it could stand alone as the characters are in a new environment, outside of the Border, it would be best read in order. Overall, the story continues following Leora, Aurora, Leopold, and Roland as they learn more than they have been taught and more about the world they live in as well. There are many peripheral characters, some returning and some new. I wanted to just read more of Leora’s story but struggled with heavy handed doses of many of today’s hot button topics. I can’t wait to read more about Leora and her journey and hope more of their journey will shine through.
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Xenobia is a young woman who is expected to live a life of servitude and as such, she has been enrolled into an academy to train her in everything she needs to know and all she wants to do is stay hidden in plain sight and not get into trouble. The only problem is that she cannot risk getting to know the girl who she shares her room with, not because of worry for her safety, but because of her reaction if they leave.
One day, a girl moves into her room called Urd and she immediately feels like she wants to get to know her, even though it is a terrible idea, but she does anyway and it all goes well until a person with extremely high privilege and abhorrent tasted arrived to take Xenobia and Urd away. This spurs the two on to escape, but will they be able to, it will trouble find them anyway and to what lengths will Xenobia go to to protect her friend?
This is a short story with plenty of action and emotional turmoil packed into it’s pages and is a brilliant novella by this author.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
