The Experiment by Alicia Nordwell

61kkMbCW1pL._SL1350_Title: The Experiment

Series: Saving Caeorleia 01

Author: Alicia Nordwell

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (270pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62798-354-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27th January 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In the distant future, humans wage war against the alien planet Caeorleia, with no tactic off-limits if it will help the humans get their hands on Caeorleia’s resources. Ask Ryker. He thought he volunteered for a simple experiment that would help his government in the war. He didn’t realize sadistic doctors would turn him into the experiment—by injecting him with blood from a captured Caeorleian, Seral Iorflas.

Nor did Ryker realize he’d be sent to sabotage a planet full of the very beings his world is battling, beings who kill humans on sight. But then, thanks to the experiment that irrevocably changed him, he isn’t exactly human any longer—and with each passing day, as his blood bond with Seral strengthens, he’s less and less sure as to whose side he’s on.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4625

Review: Ryker thought he was signing up for a simple experiment, living for 5 years in a dome which mimic’s an M class planet’s environment to see if the planet was worth fighting for… instead he is abused and experimented on and then left on the planet to spy. Ryker is sacrificed so the scientists and the military can find a way to destroy the Caeorleiran’s and take the plant for the human’s. Now bonded to Seral Ryker has to learn to trust, as he falls for the Ceaorlerian but danger lurks as the human’s continue their war.

Well guys this is a true treat, cracking open this book was like being taken to the far reaches of space to witness a human man who has been used, abused and experimented on by his own government being taken in by an alien race and finding home. This is truly an incredible story that has a damaged hero, a determined lover, unseen danger, betrayal, a plan to end war and an unexpected rescue… I couldn’t put this book down till I’d read the last page in the wee hours with a grumpy hubby whining about having to get up for work soon.

Ryker was desperate when he spotted the ad for an ecological study, it sounded ideal but soon enough he found the truth… the scientist were sadists and his life would be changed forever. Seral was captured by the Nelhos, humans, and experimented on, the humans managed to link him to a male who is his tzui, (beloved), but Seral cannot blame his tzui for the circumstances as the male has been badly abused. These two make a wonderful couple but they have many hurdles in their relationship, the biggest being that Ryker is no longer human, but not quite Caeorleiran either. They face adversity and disbelief as they try to find a way to stop the war and the dangers don’t just come from the humans.

This is an incredibly written story, we are pulled in from the first page as we feel Ryker’s fear and pain, we follow along as Ryker learns to trust his isit, (beloved), and finds a home and family he never had. We see some brilliant surprise twists that really knock your socks off, we see some great action as Seral, and Ryker try to put an end to the human threat. There are many characters that we meet who play some great parts, the ones we love and trust, the ones who seem dodgy and sneaky and the ones who hide behind a mask until the last moment before showing their true colors. We also manage to meet two of Ryker’s fellow volunteers who will play their own parts in future stories *I can’t wait*.        

I have to recommend this to those who love science fiction, brilliant storylines, wonderful characters, danger, betrayal, great settings, a great relationship with its own problems and the promise of more to come. Oh and if you are like me and want the next great story now, then head over to Alicia Nordwell’s site and take a peek at Adverse Effects Dade’s story in serial… be quick I am sure it won’t be long before it’s snapped up and taken down 🙂 .