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Human Pets of Talin - Origins #1
Creating Captivity
A chance encounter forges a symbiotic relationship between Talins and humans that will eternally entwine both groups’ lives.
When Ari Lee and her community signed a contract with Miox Minerals, an Orlok-owned company, they never expected to be abandoned on a remote mining outpost. After almost a year of no supply shipments or any messages from the company, the humans are getting desperate. They’re all underweight and facing the last of the food stores. Even worse, some of the biosystems are failing. Even if they can make the food last, the oxygen won’t.
Bazium embodies everything the Tomak Clan is famous a powerful warrior, clever soldier, and loyal Squad Leader. But he has a secret that’s killing him. He’s suffering from a rare disease. Only a deep sense of obligation to his family, clan, and species keeps him diligently working. He leads an elite squad of soldiers who secure areas captured during war. Left badly disillusioned and mentally suffering from the last assignment, he decides he’ll complete this last mission before quietly ending his own life. He would rather everyone think his suit failed on a derelict planet than be discovered dying of the shameful disease nicknamed the Fading.
Bazium’s squad runs across a site showing signs of life. Prepared for resistance, he and his warriors storm the facility only to find it inhabited by a small and helpless, unknown species. Bazium and his team decide to help the unfortunate creatures until they can figure out what to do with them.
As the leader of the miners, Ari needs to keep these warriors from killing everyone. Assuming they survive first contact, she needs to convince this new species to let the humans stay and work the mine. But how in the name of diamond drill bits will she do that without proper translation software?
What she doesn’t expect is to find herself and all the humans treated like simple-minded beasts of labor. As if she was a small pet from Old Earth, the leader of these warriors keeps purring and cuddling her.
Who knew purring could be so sexy? And it doesn’t help that he carries her around and constantly urges her to eat. This treatment might be a little annoying, but it is also adorable.
Then there’s the way this warrior makes her feel when he holds her and changes the tone of his purr. She never thought she’d find a non-human so damn attractive, especially someone she couldn’t even talk to! But this guy with his hard-armored body and rumbling purr is doing all kinds of crazy things to her libido. She’s not sure what her future holds, but she’s going to be sad if he’s not in it.
Although it’s part of a larger series arc, this novel can be read as a standalone and has an HEA. This book is meant for mature audiences of eighteen or older only.
When Ari Lee and her community signed a contract with Miox Minerals, an Orlok-owned company, they never expected to be abandoned on a remote mining outpost. After almost a year of no supply shipments or any messages from the company, the humans are getting desperate. They’re all underweight and facing the last of the food stores. Even worse, some of the biosystems are failing. Even if they can make the food last, the oxygen won’t.
Bazium embodies everything the Tomak Clan is famous a powerful warrior, clever soldier, and loyal Squad Leader. But he has a secret that’s killing him. He’s suffering from a rare disease. Only a deep sense of obligation to his family, clan, and species keeps him diligently working. He leads an elite squad of soldiers who secure areas captured during war. Left badly disillusioned and mentally suffering from the last assignment, he decides he’ll complete this last mission before quietly ending his own life. He would rather everyone think his suit failed on a derelict planet than be discovered dying of the shameful disease nicknamed the Fading.
Bazium’s squad runs across a site showing signs of life. Prepared for resistance, he and his warriors storm the facility only to find it inhabited by a small and helpless, unknown species. Bazium and his team decide to help the unfortunate creatures until they can figure out what to do with them.
As the leader of the miners, Ari needs to keep these warriors from killing everyone. Assuming they survive first contact, she needs to convince this new species to let the humans stay and work the mine. But how in the name of diamond drill bits will she do that without proper translation software?
What she doesn’t expect is to find herself and all the humans treated like simple-minded beasts of labor. As if she was a small pet from Old Earth, the leader of these warriors keeps purring and cuddling her.
Who knew purring could be so sexy? And it doesn’t help that he carries her around and constantly urges her to eat. This treatment might be a little annoying, but it is also adorable.
Then there’s the way this warrior makes her feel when he holds her and changes the tone of his purr. She never thought she’d find a non-human so damn attractive, especially someone she couldn’t even talk to! But this guy with his hard-armored body and rumbling purr is doing all kinds of crazy things to her libido. She’s not sure what her future holds, but she’s going to be sad if he’s not in it.
Although it’s part of a larger series arc, this novel can be read as a standalone and has an HEA. This book is meant for mature audiences of eighteen or older only.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2022
169 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 31, 2023
Creating Captivity
It's super interesting to read this book after having read the first series that takes place 500 years later. We get to see how the Talins first encountered humans and exactly how the relationship as pets played out. Even the first Talins knew that human pets were the Talin's answer to the complete lack of affection that Talin's had actually made law.
The book also details the downsides of being owned as a pet. There is still a loss of choice but the pets are pampered and given every security. At one point, the FMC says, “You make me feel a strange combination of cared for and dismissed". Humans are treated as fragile and sadly stupid (we've destroyed our own planet and are heading towards extinction). It's the usual choice between safety and freedom and in a universe lacking any sort of compassion, it's extremely difficult for humans to survive at all.
It's well written and thoughtful and I always enjoy books that make my brain grow and take on new thoughts.
It's super interesting to read this book after having read the first series that takes place 500 years later. We get to see how the Talins first encountered humans and exactly how the relationship as pets played out. Even the first Talins knew that human pets were the Talin's answer to the complete lack of affection that Talin's had actually made law.
The book also details the downsides of being owned as a pet. There is still a loss of choice but the pets are pampered and given every security. At one point, the FMC says, “You make me feel a strange combination of cared for and dismissed". Humans are treated as fragile and sadly stupid (we've destroyed our own planet and are heading towards extinction). It's the usual choice between safety and freedom and in a universe lacking any sort of compassion, it's extremely difficult for humans to survive at all.
It's well written and thoughtful and I always enjoy books that make my brain grow and take on new thoughts.
July 4, 2023
3 stars
October 21, 2024
Human pets! Or at least the origin of how one alien society came to covet human pets! This was so unique and I had a BLAST. Some apocalyptic climate destruction of earth, some alien soldiers that live in a society where affection and companionship is shunned, and some human refugees that are down for a good cuddle. And boy do these aliens like to cuddle. If you’re going to give me an origin story that makes sense, I want it to be like this. Plus! I really loved that these alien dudes are like “for you to exist in our world, you have to be a pet” and all the miscommunication that ensues between the aliens and humans. Very excited to pick up the rest of the series!
July 28, 2025
Ari & Baz
I was disappointed that after all the buildup of possible issues of humans coming to Talarian, it was nothing special. They were accepted and loved almost immediately.
When I finished, there's a note from the author that says this is a spinoff from Talarians 500 years in the future. I remember reading that, so the fact this story seemed familiar made sense, I was worried this author got plagiarized.
I was disappointed that after all the buildup of possible issues of humans coming to Talarian, it was nothing special. They were accepted and loved almost immediately.
When I finished, there's a note from the author that says this is a spinoff from Talarians 500 years in the future. I remember reading that, so the fact this story seemed familiar made sense, I was worried this author got plagiarized.
January 16, 2023
Good
In a universe where Earth has been destroyed, Aria and her team of humans were workers at a mining facility. War caused it to be abandoned, and now they are all struggling to survive.
Bazium is a Talin warrior, and is suffering from the condition known as the Fade. When his ship discovers the humans, language issues cause confusion, but it’s not long before Bazium discovers that Aria might be the solution to his health crisis.
This is not a dark book, but it is set in a dark future. The humans in this tale are actually quite fortunate, and although they are considered pets, they aren’t treated as lesser (just lots of cultural confusion!).
It’s an amusing story at times, and it does have a few sexy scenes, but for the most part it’s an enjoyable sci-fi romance that tells the story of how humans came to be Talin pets.
Recommended for sci-fi romance fans.
In a universe where Earth has been destroyed, Aria and her team of humans were workers at a mining facility. War caused it to be abandoned, and now they are all struggling to survive.
Bazium is a Talin warrior, and is suffering from the condition known as the Fade. When his ship discovers the humans, language issues cause confusion, but it’s not long before Bazium discovers that Aria might be the solution to his health crisis.
This is not a dark book, but it is set in a dark future. The humans in this tale are actually quite fortunate, and although they are considered pets, they aren’t treated as lesser (just lots of cultural confusion!).
It’s an amusing story at times, and it does have a few sexy scenes, but for the most part it’s an enjoyable sci-fi romance that tells the story of how humans came to be Talin pets.
Recommended for sci-fi romance fans.
June 9, 2023
How did pets get to Talin?
Ari and her crew have been working on a mine since the demise of Earth but supplies and contact have stopped and they don't have that much longer. An unknown species of warriors land and Ari just hopes they don't kill or eat them all.
Bazium and his team are immediately taken by the humans and want to do everything possible to protect this defenseless species. The story unfolds how pets are created in Talin with all the interesting facts laid out. I've read all of the Pets of Talin series and this is a fantastic explanation of how pets were created. This is a standalone story with a HEA and a set up for more stories to come.
Ari and her crew have been working on a mine since the demise of Earth but supplies and contact have stopped and they don't have that much longer. An unknown species of warriors land and Ari just hopes they don't kill or eat them all.
Bazium and his team are immediately taken by the humans and want to do everything possible to protect this defenseless species. The story unfolds how pets are created in Talin with all the interesting facts laid out. I've read all of the Pets of Talin series and this is a fantastic explanation of how pets were created. This is a standalone story with a HEA and a set up for more stories to come.
March 30, 2024
This is the story of the first humans of Talin. It is laid out differently to the Pets of Talin series, but anyone who has read them will likely enjoy this insight into how the Talins myths on human care came about.
TW mention of death, but not on page. Also violence/injury.
The humans, when found, are reaching the end of their capabilities. They have been abandoned on a mining planet, with no way to leave the planet, and supplies have stopped coming due to war.
A team of talin discover them when doing a preliminary visit to this planet that now belongs to the Talin empire. But what are they to do with this small, fragile species?
TW mention of death, but not on page. Also violence/injury.
The humans, when found, are reaching the end of their capabilities. They have been abandoned on a mining planet, with no way to leave the planet, and supplies have stopped coming due to war.
A team of talin discover them when doing a preliminary visit to this planet that now belongs to the Talin empire. But what are they to do with this small, fragile species?
December 20, 2022
Creating Captivity
This is a fantastic story! Simply superb! The author is going back to the beginning of the history between Talons and Humans. Absolutely wonderful if a bit scary. Is this what the human race has to look forward to? We see science fiction become science fact all the time now!
An excellent book!
This is a fantastic story! Simply superb! The author is going back to the beginning of the history between Talons and Humans. Absolutely wonderful if a bit scary. Is this what the human race has to look forward to? We see science fiction become science fact all the time now!
An excellent book!
December 20, 2023
everyone is homosexual or bisexual including aliens
Lots of language that is about gender fluidity and homosexuality but somehow the same sex relations lead to children. It’s confusing and doesn’t help the romantic aspect of the story. I guess I don’t care for a main character in a m/f romance to be sexual with men. Just a personal preference
Lots of language that is about gender fluidity and homosexuality but somehow the same sex relations lead to children. It’s confusing and doesn’t help the romantic aspect of the story. I guess I don’t care for a main character in a m/f romance to be sexual with men. Just a personal preference
March 5, 2023
4.5 stars. This was so much better and different than I thought it would be. I was not prepared for how heartbreakingly sweet this series is. I just finished the next two books and plan to keep on.
Read on KU
Read on KU
December 25, 2022
Interesting, but too long.
July 19, 2023
This is becoming a favorite. I love this world. It's so interesting. Love the Talins and their little humans. Keep it coming. I've just about read every one of these books.
September 17, 2024
This book took me by surprise with how much I loved it! I couldn't put it down! Some tropes and themes you'll find in this book:
•An Alien species that's flourishing meets a group of humans on the decline
•Hurt/Comfort
•Tough, militant Alien Males with a gooey center
•Scent Mate Bonds (Fated Mates)
•Mating Oil (that enhances spicy time)
•Language Barrier
•Human FMC's that band together
•Alien MMC's that are intrigued and entranced with humans
This book was about an Alien species that was raised without soft emotions. I loved seeing how humans taught them and gave them the excuse to really feel. Love is a new concept to these aliens, but they're quick to catch on. The mating bonds were like a taboo concept in the aliens culture, but I liked how the alien MMC's threw caution to the wind to scent bond with their females.
I also loved seeing the character dynamics between the humans. It honestly reminded me of Ice Planet Barbarians (Ruby Dixon) or the Sea Sand Warlords (Ursa Dax), with how the FMC's acted with each other as a whole. As for the fierce militant nature of our overly protective Alien MMC's, they reminded me of the Raider Warlords of the Vander (Tana Stone) a little bit. This book also reminded me of Hearts Prisoner a little bit. In that book, a human female scientist is studying an alien MMC that she falls for. But with this book, it's like the roles were reversed and it's the aliens who are studying and observing the humans. Literally if you could take all four of these books/series, you'd have Creating Captivity as their baby (or pretty close to). One last night to note here about the character dynamics was how freeing love was in this book. I loved how all forms of love and relationships were equally as important in this book.
Moving onto worldbuilding, I absolutely loved how unique and fresh this story was. From the mine to the ship to the alien culture and medicine, I loved how well thought out everything was. The whole concept that aliens are learning about humans felt so new. I almost felt like I was learning things right along with the aliens!😅 And vice versa with the alien technology, it was just really fun! I also loved the reports at the start of each chapter. It was such a cool way to see humans moreso from the aliens' point of view.
Overall, I enjoyed this so much more than I was anticipating! I can't wait to read book two!
•An Alien species that's flourishing meets a group of humans on the decline
•Hurt/Comfort
•Tough, militant Alien Males with a gooey center
•Scent Mate Bonds (Fated Mates)
•Mating Oil (that enhances spicy time)
•Language Barrier
•Human FMC's that band together
•Alien MMC's that are intrigued and entranced with humans
This book was about an Alien species that was raised without soft emotions. I loved seeing how humans taught them and gave them the excuse to really feel. Love is a new concept to these aliens, but they're quick to catch on. The mating bonds were like a taboo concept in the aliens culture, but I liked how the alien MMC's threw caution to the wind to scent bond with their females.
I also loved seeing the character dynamics between the humans. It honestly reminded me of Ice Planet Barbarians (Ruby Dixon) or the Sea Sand Warlords (Ursa Dax), with how the FMC's acted with each other as a whole. As for the fierce militant nature of our overly protective Alien MMC's, they reminded me of the Raider Warlords of the Vander (Tana Stone) a little bit. This book also reminded me of Hearts Prisoner a little bit. In that book, a human female scientist is studying an alien MMC that she falls for. But with this book, it's like the roles were reversed and it's the aliens who are studying and observing the humans. Literally if you could take all four of these books/series, you'd have Creating Captivity as their baby (or pretty close to). One last night to note here about the character dynamics was how freeing love was in this book. I loved how all forms of love and relationships were equally as important in this book.
Moving onto worldbuilding, I absolutely loved how unique and fresh this story was. From the mine to the ship to the alien culture and medicine, I loved how well thought out everything was. The whole concept that aliens are learning about humans felt so new. I almost felt like I was learning things right along with the aliens!😅 And vice versa with the alien technology, it was just really fun! I also loved the reports at the start of each chapter. It was such a cool way to see humans moreso from the aliens' point of view.
Overall, I enjoyed this so much more than I was anticipating! I can't wait to read book two!
October 27, 2023
read as a standalone, i have a few grievances. at the beginning of each chapter there is a little paragraph or two that is a part of the report that was written on the mission that the humans were discovered on. as these report sections cover what happens that chapter and is featured at the very beginning, it occasionally contains spoilers for what happens in the chapters. i enjoy the little synopsus vibe and how it shows the way talins learn more and more about human behaviour, but the chaper spoiler parts are not fun. i feel like they could have been done a little better.
there is also the matter of the way the humans decide to run away without fully conversing their options with the talins. at first they decide to run because they are unsure about the talins true intentions with them when the collars are put on them and they dont have the ability to translate and converse. however, as time passes translation conversing becomes a viable option and yet the topic of the collars intentions is not discussed properly between humans and talins till AFTER the escape plan. instead it is only briefly discussed poorly thru very minimal single word translations and then not clarified via words again. also, im a little upset that the idea of some staying and some leaving was not thought of at the very beginning (thats always one of my pet peeves tho when a large group has to make a similar kind of decision)
in addition, the book description clearly leans on baz suffering from the fading illness as one of the main plot points, but is actually rarely and briefly touched upon. i was really hoping it would lean more into the depression angle and be a meaningful plotpoint but ultimately it was kinda just..... sprinkled on as an afterthought instead of carefully woven into the plot
there is also the matter of the way the humans decide to run away without fully conversing their options with the talins. at first they decide to run because they are unsure about the talins true intentions with them when the collars are put on them and they dont have the ability to translate and converse. however, as time passes translation conversing becomes a viable option and yet the topic of the collars intentions is not discussed properly between humans and talins till AFTER the escape plan. instead it is only briefly discussed poorly thru very minimal single word translations and then not clarified via words again. also, im a little upset that the idea of some staying and some leaving was not thought of at the very beginning (thats always one of my pet peeves tho when a large group has to make a similar kind of decision)
in addition, the book description clearly leans on baz suffering from the fading illness as one of the main plot points, but is actually rarely and briefly touched upon. i was really hoping it would lean more into the depression angle and be a meaningful plotpoint but ultimately it was kinda just..... sprinkled on as an afterthought instead of carefully woven into the plot
June 5, 2025
I came for intergalactic drama and sizzling tension. I stayed because I couldn’t believe how fast the wheels fell off this space bus.
So, let me just say—the description of Creating Captivity (Human Pets of Talinn)? Chef’s kiss. It promised morally gray aliens, forbidden connections, cultural clashes, and the kind of sci-fi spice that makes you hide your Kindle in public. I was READY. I even made tea. I thought I was getting a high-stakes alien romance with complex characters and a dash of “oh no, I’m falling for my captor but also plotting my escape” energy.
What I got was 300+ pages of:
📦 A plot so thin you could use it to roll a cigarette
👽 Aliens with the emotional depth of a soggy tortilla
🙃 A main character who switches moods like she’s changing Spotify playlists
📉 World-building that felt like it was scribbled on a napkin mid-lunch
The “human pet” concept could’ve been a fascinating dystopian dive into power, autonomy, and connection. Instead, it was like the author Googled “weird alien kink” and said, “Yep, that’ll do.” And not even in a fun, trashy way! Just confusing, occasionally cringey, and somehow both over-the-top and boring at the same time.
Also, the pacing? Imagine getting on a rollercoaster that just slowly crawls in a circle while someone whispers exposition in your ear. Forever.
In summary: This book catfished me. The description gave “sci-fi drama with edge.” The content delivered “space Stockholm Syndrome fanfic without the fan or the fic.”
Do I regret reading it? Absolutely.
Will I read book two? …Also yes, but only because I need to know how deep this rabbit hole goes. Send help.
So, let me just say—the description of Creating Captivity (Human Pets of Talinn)? Chef’s kiss. It promised morally gray aliens, forbidden connections, cultural clashes, and the kind of sci-fi spice that makes you hide your Kindle in public. I was READY. I even made tea. I thought I was getting a high-stakes alien romance with complex characters and a dash of “oh no, I’m falling for my captor but also plotting my escape” energy.
What I got was 300+ pages of:
📦 A plot so thin you could use it to roll a cigarette
👽 Aliens with the emotional depth of a soggy tortilla
🙃 A main character who switches moods like she’s changing Spotify playlists
📉 World-building that felt like it was scribbled on a napkin mid-lunch
The “human pet” concept could’ve been a fascinating dystopian dive into power, autonomy, and connection. Instead, it was like the author Googled “weird alien kink” and said, “Yep, that’ll do.” And not even in a fun, trashy way! Just confusing, occasionally cringey, and somehow both over-the-top and boring at the same time.
Also, the pacing? Imagine getting on a rollercoaster that just slowly crawls in a circle while someone whispers exposition in your ear. Forever.
In summary: This book catfished me. The description gave “sci-fi drama with edge.” The content delivered “space Stockholm Syndrome fanfic without the fan or the fic.”
Do I regret reading it? Absolutely.
Will I read book two? …Also yes, but only because I need to know how deep this rabbit hole goes. Send help.
December 29, 2023
Overall: 3.5
The Good: h is pampered, taken care of
The Bad: scenting oil from cheek, drips into hair and h spreads it all over, humans are considered weak and fragile, stupid decision to leave the aliens who took care of them and get hurt
Story Summary: a group of humans gets rescued by aliens, they are touchstarved and bond with humans but need to convince keep them as pets to allow them on their planet
Tropes, theme: pets, affection, alien
Readability, writing, pace: 3.5 easy to read
Feels: 3 mild amusement over the aliens marvelling over humans
Closure: 3 the group of humans settle with the aliens, law for humans as pets, leaves opening for future books to change the law
Character/plot focused: both
Perspective POV: dual
Characters: ok, at least fleshed out
Hero: 3.5 Bazium is caring, patient, affectionate, gentle, protective
Heroine: 3 Ari is the leader of the group, should have been making smarter decisions
Romance, relationship: 3 the h jumps on H quite quickly, hugging etc because the aliens are touchstarved
Instalove: from the H
Push/Pull: no
Separation: h runs away after group voting, a very stupid decision
Safety: yes
Steam Scale (amount, description, lenght, buildup): 3 average
Reread: maybe
The Good: h is pampered, taken care of
The Bad: scenting oil from cheek, drips into hair and h spreads it all over, humans are considered weak and fragile, stupid decision to leave the aliens who took care of them and get hurt
Story Summary: a group of humans gets rescued by aliens, they are touchstarved and bond with humans but need to convince keep them as pets to allow them on their planet
Tropes, theme: pets, affection, alien
Readability, writing, pace: 3.5 easy to read
Feels: 3 mild amusement over the aliens marvelling over humans
Closure: 3 the group of humans settle with the aliens, law for humans as pets, leaves opening for future books to change the law
Character/plot focused: both
Perspective POV: dual
Characters: ok, at least fleshed out
Hero: 3.5 Bazium is caring, patient, affectionate, gentle, protective
Heroine: 3 Ari is the leader of the group, should have been making smarter decisions
Romance, relationship: 3 the h jumps on H quite quickly, hugging etc because the aliens are touchstarved
Instalove: from the H
Push/Pull: no
Separation: h runs away after group voting, a very stupid decision
Safety: yes
Steam Scale (amount, description, lenght, buildup): 3 average
Reread: maybe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
3.5 stars. Cute story; glad I finally read it. I avoided it for a while cause I didn’t like the idea of humans as pets, but that’s more of a legal loophole to get the Talin government to allow them onto their closed planet.
The Talins have eschewed all things soft and caring, and don’t even raise their own children anymore. When these 8-foot tall, hard alien warriors find soft, delicate humans who enjoy being cuddled, it fills a hole in their lives they didn’t realize was such a huge need.
Sure, the humans aren’t thrilled about being classified as pets, but they have translators and talk to the Talins, they’re kept with their fellow humans unless they agree to go live elsewhere, and they live a life that’s well provided for them, when the only other options are either slavery by some species or working long days for food and board without pay for other species.
Personally, I think I could be okay with the arrangement initially as a means to skirt around their laws forbidding other species onto the planet, but after a few years I’d be campaigning to change things. It would irk me to carry on conversations with the Talins about anatomy, astrology, physics, etc, and still only be classed as a pet, to not be able to own property or have jobs. I wonder if the later series (this is a prequel series) might address that.
The Talins have eschewed all things soft and caring, and don’t even raise their own children anymore. When these 8-foot tall, hard alien warriors find soft, delicate humans who enjoy being cuddled, it fills a hole in their lives they didn’t realize was such a huge need.
Sure, the humans aren’t thrilled about being classified as pets, but they have translators and talk to the Talins, they’re kept with their fellow humans unless they agree to go live elsewhere, and they live a life that’s well provided for them, when the only other options are either slavery by some species or working long days for food and board without pay for other species.
Personally, I think I could be okay with the arrangement initially as a means to skirt around their laws forbidding other species onto the planet, but after a few years I’d be campaigning to change things. It would irk me to carry on conversations with the Talins about anatomy, astrology, physics, etc, and still only be classed as a pet, to not be able to own property or have jobs. I wonder if the later series (this is a prequel series) might address that.
August 15, 2023
Sometimes you read a book that makes you deeply question your tastes and life choices. This was one of those books.
This book featured a romance between the human FMC and alien MMC. It was not as dark as the title and description would lead you to believe. If you can get past the HUGE power imbalance between the main characters, then the romance is actually quite sweet.
I would say this book does fall into a sort of “darker romance” to me just because of the power imbalance in the relationship required a bit of suspension of reality for me to really enjoy the romance.
I didn’t really enjoy how helpless and powerless humans were depicted as in this book. The humans had no agency or control over their lives, but for the most part really didn’t want to have more agency. I really wanted them to exert more control and stand up for themselves more often. Humans may not be as physically strong as this alien species, but they could have been seen as have other strengths (beyond their friendliness?) such as cleverness.
I think this was a fun and different book, but wasn’t really for me
This book featured a romance between the human FMC and alien MMC. It was not as dark as the title and description would lead you to believe. If you can get past the HUGE power imbalance between the main characters, then the romance is actually quite sweet.
I would say this book does fall into a sort of “darker romance” to me just because of the power imbalance in the relationship required a bit of suspension of reality for me to really enjoy the romance.
I didn’t really enjoy how helpless and powerless humans were depicted as in this book. The humans had no agency or control over their lives, but for the most part really didn’t want to have more agency. I really wanted them to exert more control and stand up for themselves more often. Humans may not be as physically strong as this alien species, but they could have been seen as have other strengths (beyond their friendliness?) such as cleverness.
I think this was a fun and different book, but wasn’t really for me
October 8, 2023
The premise of the book was really interesting and I was engaged throughout the beginning - but I got bored pretty quickly. I stuck it out until the end but even with the fact that these are some of the last humans and end up as pets to big scary dangerous aliens, I didn't *feel* any tension or jeopardy. A smidge of tension with the human's mining base life support dying, but the Talins immediately saved the day and ta da! Everything is fine. The fact that the Talins have to make the humans 'pets' to save them because of bureaucratic sci fi government reasons is supposed to drive the plot for most of the book and the humans aren't happy about it and I can tell what the author is trying to do. But the Talins are so sweet it didn't feel consequential.
If you read this you can expect: a sweet romance filled with insta-obsession from alpha males, purring, males/females who smell delicious and taste delicious (you know what I mean), falling into bed/sex because the purring and smells and tastes are just too good, and OTT tending by males for their females to the point of infantilization (which if you like daddy/little girl stuff this is along that spectrum)
Don't expect: real angst, danger, or imo any sexy pet play
If you read this you can expect: a sweet romance filled with insta-obsession from alpha males, purring, males/females who smell delicious and taste delicious (you know what I mean), falling into bed/sex because the purring and smells and tastes are just too good, and OTT tending by males for their females to the point of infantilization (which if you like daddy/little girl stuff this is along that spectrum)
Don't expect: real angst, danger, or imo any sexy pet play
June 11, 2024
4 Stars~
This was a very throughout book and I think it had a little bit of everything: action, drama, romance, world-building, DRAMA, politics. And more drama. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
The reason why I'm not giving it 5 stars it's because I wasn't invested in the main couple's relationship. I think other secondary characters stole the show on that aspect and I wish we could have gotten their point of view, too🥺 on that same note, the spicy scenes featured a substance...😆 I think I've never read about it before in other books and, let's say, it was a revelation for me. However, because I wasn't invested in this couple the scenes were just okay at best.
The beginning of each chapter had portions of a report written by the Talin and their experience with humans. While I absolutely LOVED the concept of it (you'll have to read it to fully understand this), it became a lil repetitive. For some portions it just read as if the author was struggling to come up with different things which is understandable because there are 30 chapters.
If you absolutely hate series, this one's for you. All characters in this book have a conclusive storyline and it seems none of them will get sequels.
✋️
🛑
⚠️↘️SOME SPOILERS↙️⚠️
The book had some typos. I've compiled some of them just in case it helps the author:
Page 22
"Mexican Spanish, Porto Rican Spanish, and American English that made up the mother tongue of New Rico."
Page 43:
"she’d experienced both [of] those sensations at the same time."
Page 82:
She was happy to report that like his face, he dick tasted like hazelnuts and sexiness.
Page 181:
"She was shaky and was able to [stay]ed in position because Baz held her there."
This was a very throughout book and I think it had a little bit of everything: action, drama, romance, world-building, DRAMA, politics. And more drama. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
The reason why I'm not giving it 5 stars it's because I wasn't invested in the main couple's relationship. I think other secondary characters stole the show on that aspect and I wish we could have gotten their point of view, too🥺 on that same note, the spicy scenes featured a substance...😆 I think I've never read about it before in other books and, let's say, it was a revelation for me. However, because I wasn't invested in this couple the scenes were just okay at best.
The beginning of each chapter had portions of a report written by the Talin and their experience with humans. While I absolutely LOVED the concept of it (you'll have to read it to fully understand this), it became a lil repetitive. For some portions it just read as if the author was struggling to come up with different things which is understandable because there are 30 chapters.
If you absolutely hate series, this one's for you. All characters in this book have a conclusive storyline and it seems none of them will get sequels.
✋️
🛑
⚠️↘️SOME SPOILERS↙️⚠️
The book had some typos. I've compiled some of them just in case it helps the author:
Page 22
"Mexican Spanish, Porto Rican Spanish, and American English that made up the mother tongue of New Rico."
Page 43:
"she’d experienced both [of] those sensations at the same time."
Page 82:
She was happy to report that like his face, he dick tasted like hazelnuts and sexiness.
Page 181:
"She was shaky and was able to [stay]ed in position because Baz held her there."
July 23, 2025
Rating: 4⭐/5
Spice: 2.5🌶️/5
Did I cry?: No
Format: Kindle
Review:
I need the alien girlies to get on this series! I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I originally was looking for something with a language barrier and this had that, but it gelt like until they figured it out there wasn’t a ton of communicating which ended up being fine because I still genuinely liked the book. The aliens that find the humans live in a society that basically leave them touch starved and they are just so happy and willing to be around beings that hug, kiss, hold hands, etc. Its honestly really cute to see everyone interact. I liked our FMC and thought she was a good leader and enjoyed seeing her fall for the MMC. The MMC was a little one dimensional, but I still enjoyed their relationship and watching him dote on the FMC. The whole having to categorize humans as pets was a really interesting concept, that I’m honestly still processing. This world was fun to be in, there was a large cast of characters with different personalities, and it was a good intro to this universe.
Spice: 2.5🌶️/5
Did I cry?: No
Format: Kindle
Review:
I need the alien girlies to get on this series! I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I originally was looking for something with a language barrier and this had that, but it gelt like until they figured it out there wasn’t a ton of communicating which ended up being fine because I still genuinely liked the book. The aliens that find the humans live in a society that basically leave them touch starved and they are just so happy and willing to be around beings that hug, kiss, hold hands, etc. Its honestly really cute to see everyone interact. I liked our FMC and thought she was a good leader and enjoyed seeing her fall for the MMC. The MMC was a little one dimensional, but I still enjoyed their relationship and watching him dote on the FMC. The whole having to categorize humans as pets was a really interesting concept, that I’m honestly still processing. This world was fun to be in, there was a large cast of characters with different personalities, and it was a good intro to this universe.
November 27, 2024
I loved this book. I’ve read some of books in the second series about Talins finding humans and how they are considered pets is already established, so it was so much fun to get this origin series about how and why that way started started!
It was so precious how Bazium and his crew tried so hard not to scare this new species they encountered. They were definitely the perfect crew to find the humans as others pm might have just not cared or would have immediately started treating them harshly. So from the beginning you see the character of Bazium and his crew. And Ari was a great leader! She recognized the good in these strange aliens and was willing to accept help and care for her people. These are two groups of really great people who learn how to mesh lives. Ot was not easy and there were quite a few bumps along the way, but they get there. And you get to experience the HEA of several side couple along with the main couple. So sweet, steamy, and such a good story.
It was so precious how Bazium and his crew tried so hard not to scare this new species they encountered. They were definitely the perfect crew to find the humans as others pm might have just not cared or would have immediately started treating them harshly. So from the beginning you see the character of Bazium and his crew. And Ari was a great leader! She recognized the good in these strange aliens and was willing to accept help and care for her people. These are two groups of really great people who learn how to mesh lives. Ot was not easy and there were quite a few bumps along the way, but they get there. And you get to experience the HEA of several side couple along with the main couple. So sweet, steamy, and such a good story.
September 17, 2023
“Humans as pets” plots are always kind of weird for me- add sex into the mix and it can quickly become all kinds of icky. Power imbalances, mandatory cognitive dissonance, and implausibility aside, it’s the idea of someone being sexually attracted to a pet that just really skeevs me out.
That said, this was a cute book. It’s not erotica so the sex scenes can be skimmed or skipped without taking away from the overall story.
That said, this was a cute book. It’s not erotica so the sex scenes can be skimmed or skipped without taking away from the overall story.
March 8, 2024
different
The story is written in third person, multi point of view between two characters, through a very clinical eye, despite being a romance story. It has a feel of despondency, where you know what the character of the chapter is thinking and feeling but there is disconnect with the reader. The field reports at the beginning of each chapter are a bit odd and take some getting used to as well. While not a bad story it does take some getting used to.
The story is written in third person, multi point of view between two characters, through a very clinical eye, despite being a romance story. It has a feel of despondency, where you know what the character of the chapter is thinking and feeling but there is disconnect with the reader. The field reports at the beginning of each chapter are a bit odd and take some getting used to as well. While not a bad story it does take some getting used to.
June 7, 2024
I preferred the other books in this series by this author but this book (and the other two that make up this series) focuses on when humans are first discovered so it contains a lot more language barrier issues compared to others in this series. This book will be more enjoyable for people who haven’t read the other books in the series but still kept the same light hearted nature of the other books
February 23, 2025
Unusual fun book
Unlike many alien romance books, this put an entirely different spin on human and alien interactions. It was cleverly written and very well developed. I love the way the entire book was its own story, yet left open the possibility of more to come. The characters, even the ones who weren't good, were endearing. It was also a thoughtful commentary on social development.
Unlike many alien romance books, this put an entirely different spin on human and alien interactions. It was cleverly written and very well developed. I love the way the entire book was its own story, yet left open the possibility of more to come. The characters, even the ones who weren't good, were endearing. It was also a thoughtful commentary on social development.
December 18, 2022
Origin stories rock!
I love the Talin books that this author had written previously. Getting to see where everything started is the icing on the cake. I can not wait for the next book in this series and look forward to more books from this author and from whichever world they plan to take me to.
Highly recommend!
I love the Talin books that this author had written previously. Getting to see where everything started is the icing on the cake. I can not wait for the next book in this series and look forward to more books from this author and from whichever world they plan to take me to.
Highly recommend!
December 18, 2022
Excellent origin story for the main series
But both series may not be to some people's tastes. There is graphic sex and humans kept as pets. Earth is gone, and humans are going extinct. Creating offers a believable group of humans having to make choices about their continued existence in an unfeeling galaxy.
But both series may not be to some people's tastes. There is graphic sex and humans kept as pets. Earth is gone, and humans are going extinct. Creating offers a believable group of humans having to make choices about their continued existence in an unfeeling galaxy.
June 19, 2023
Lots of "Oh! That's why that is!" I like the humans getting agency from the start, and the justification for the whole mess makes a lot more sense after reading this one.
As more of these books emerge, they increase in entertainment value. The downside is that the Talin are looking markedly different than the aliens in the first few books.
As more of these books emerge, they increase in entertainment value. The downside is that the Talin are looking markedly different than the aliens in the first few books.
April 11, 2025
dnf @ 45%
lots of typos, this needed to be proofread better
it was insta-lust which i didn't expect and was put off by
way too many characters. honestly I didn't care for most of them, they weren't particularly fleshed out
No idea why the humans had to plot an escape together, it just came up randomly without any serious planning. likely to create some artificial tension.
lots of typos, this needed to be proofread better
it was insta-lust which i didn't expect and was put off by
way too many characters. honestly I didn't care for most of them, they weren't particularly fleshed out
No idea why the humans had to plot an escape together, it just came up randomly without any serious planning. likely to create some artificial tension.
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