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Population
Turns out that my alien overlord may be my only shot in this post-apocalyptic nightmare. Figures.
Abel
Eleven years after the sky opened up and aliens descended to ravage the world, Abel thought she had seen and experienced everything that this savage new land – Population – had to offer. Almost...
Shock is what she feels when the alien she robbed hunts her down. His corpse, though huge and glowing, had been mangled and left for the scavengers. She thought he was dead, but now he's back to recover what she's stolen and maybe take her life. Abel won't give up either so easily, because these are the only clues she has to where aliens have taken her little sister.
What she doesn't expect is to survive her encounter with this brutish, cocky alien, or that she might just have to band together with him to fight against even more dangerous predators. In doing so, Abel unlocks forgotten emotions of a world long past – things she never thought to experience.
Desire. Trust. Hope.
Kane
When the little human female attempts to save his life, he doesn't think much of it. But when she makes off with his sword and the key he has been searching for she demands his attention.
He hunts her, not expecting that one so small could be so hard to kill. And in dueling with her, and seeing her own determination to save her family, Kane finds it harder to want to push her away and too easy to want to keep her close and under his protection. But the new world that his kind has claimed for their own is harsh and relentless. In order to survive it and complete their parallel missions, they'll need to defy the prejudices of his superior race and work together as equals.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest, Population is an alien invasion, post-apocalyptic, SciFi romance with a strong black female lead kicking ass alongside a possessive, warrior Alpha. This full-length novel contains steamy sex and some violent elements and finds its HEA in book #2, Saltlands. Additional books are planned in the same universe from other characters' perspectives, including Generation 1 in 2020.
Abel
Eleven years after the sky opened up and aliens descended to ravage the world, Abel thought she had seen and experienced everything that this savage new land – Population – had to offer. Almost...
Shock is what she feels when the alien she robbed hunts her down. His corpse, though huge and glowing, had been mangled and left for the scavengers. She thought he was dead, but now he's back to recover what she's stolen and maybe take her life. Abel won't give up either so easily, because these are the only clues she has to where aliens have taken her little sister.
What she doesn't expect is to survive her encounter with this brutish, cocky alien, or that she might just have to band together with him to fight against even more dangerous predators. In doing so, Abel unlocks forgotten emotions of a world long past – things she never thought to experience.
Desire. Trust. Hope.
Kane
When the little human female attempts to save his life, he doesn't think much of it. But when she makes off with his sword and the key he has been searching for she demands his attention.
He hunts her, not expecting that one so small could be so hard to kill. And in dueling with her, and seeing her own determination to save her family, Kane finds it harder to want to push her away and too easy to want to keep her close and under his protection. But the new world that his kind has claimed for their own is harsh and relentless. In order to survive it and complete their parallel missions, they'll need to defy the prejudices of his superior race and work together as equals.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest, Population is an alien invasion, post-apocalyptic, SciFi romance with a strong black female lead kicking ass alongside a possessive, warrior Alpha. This full-length novel contains steamy sex and some violent elements and finds its HEA in book #2, Saltlands. Additional books are planned in the same universe from other characters' perspectives, including Generation 1 in 2020.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2015
About the author
Elizabeth Stephens
21 books881 followersElizabeth Stephens writes romance of the SciFi, paranormal and suspenseful varieties. Her favorite trope is enemies-to-lovers and she loves to world-build so much so that she sometimes gets lost in places that don't exist.
One year into her author journey, she's been shocked to see her books listed among Amazon's bestsellers in their categories. Still, her favorite pieces of fanmail are from BIPOC women expressing surprise and gratitude that they've found an author who looks like them and (does her very best!) to write books that make them feel included.
When she isn't tip-tap-typing away, you might find her getting her hands dirty on a pottery wheel, traveling as much as she can, or learning a new language. A Seattle native, after over 15 years spent in Johannesburg, Cairo, Beirut, Geneva, Addis Ababa, and Berlin, she's made her way back home with her loving husband and doggo, King Louis.
To find out more about her projects and upcoming releases visit her website at booksbyelizabeth.com.
One year into her author journey, she's been shocked to see her books listed among Amazon's bestsellers in their categories. Still, her favorite pieces of fanmail are from BIPOC women expressing surprise and gratitude that they've found an author who looks like them and (does her very best!) to write books that make them feel included.
When she isn't tip-tap-typing away, you might find her getting her hands dirty on a pottery wheel, traveling as much as she can, or learning a new language. A Seattle native, after over 15 years spent in Johannesburg, Cairo, Beirut, Geneva, Addis Ababa, and Berlin, she's made her way back home with her loving husband and doggo, King Louis.
To find out more about her projects and upcoming releases visit her website at booksbyelizabeth.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
January 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this and this author always delivers consistently for me. This is a post-apocalyptic alien romance. It’s set on Earth in a decimated world where the aliens the Heztoichen are now the masters. Years ago when they arrived they swiftly managed to take over for themselves. Called the others by the remaining scattered humans these huge humanoid aliens heal from their wounds and survive on blood.
Abel as she’s now calling herself is a human girl travelling with her friend and her daughter Ashlyn. All her family are dead and her group has dwindled. They are now travelling in what’s called the grey away from the alien's strongholds. Population is a dangerous place where only the strong and ruthless survive. The aliens are the least of their problems as gangs and scavengers also roam the area looking for easy pickings. Other humans are vicious as Abel has learned repeatedly. Witnessing an altercation between a group of others the target is left greatly incapacitated. The remaining others then kidnap Ashlyn and In the aftermath, tragedy occurs.
These events cause A chain reaction that will see Abel join forces with Kane as he pledges his assistance in locating Ashlyn. The two find themselves strangely drawn to one another and as much as Abel tries to fight her growing feelings she can’t help but fall deeper under Kane’s spell.
This was well written and an easy page-turner and loved the developing bond between Kane and Abel and these two definitely had plenty of chemistry together. This then ended in a cliffhanger so I’ll be diving into the next book straight away. This was highly imaginative with some great world-building but be aware it does deal with some dark subject matter I did like it a lot though and most definitely recommend.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 25, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Did anyone else notice the similarities between this and Angelfall? If the Others were Angels instead and Kane was named Raffe, then the books would be almost exactly the same for the first half of the book. No one else has commented on it, but it seemed almost freakishly similar in parts.
I did like Abel as a heroine, she was tough but not bloodthirsty or jaded. I liked that they commented multiple times on her kindness, as it was a nice feature in quite a dark world. Kane was pretty cool too, and quite funny. I didn't really like how quickly the romance developed, as it seemed too much for someone of Abel's background and it drew away from her goal of getting Ashlyn back. There was a bit too much focus on getting her ready for the gala too, I felt that I lost the point of it all.
I would have liked some more back story on the Others too, because they just seemed like Vampires. They didn't explain the weird changes to the sun or clouds either. All of this frustrated me, although I dd like the Notare and light aspect, that was pretty original. I would have liked a little bit more knowledge of the antagonist's motivations too.
There were quite a few spelling errors in the book too, which bugged me but not a huge deal.
I liked this book ok, but it did seem too similar in many ways to Angelfall and that was a far superior book.
Did anyone else notice the similarities between this and Angelfall? If the Others were Angels instead and Kane was named Raffe, then the books would be almost exactly the same for the first half of the book. No one else has commented on it, but it seemed almost freakishly similar in parts.
I did like Abel as a heroine, she was tough but not bloodthirsty or jaded. I liked that they commented multiple times on her kindness, as it was a nice feature in quite a dark world. Kane was pretty cool too, and quite funny. I didn't really like how quickly the romance developed, as it seemed too much for someone of Abel's background and it drew away from her goal of getting Ashlyn back. There was a bit too much focus on getting her ready for the gala too, I felt that I lost the point of it all.
I would have liked some more back story on the Others too, because they just seemed like Vampires. They didn't explain the weird changes to the sun or clouds either. All of this frustrated me, although I dd like the Notare and light aspect, that was pretty original. I would have liked a little bit more knowledge of the antagonist's motivations too.
There were quite a few spelling errors in the book too, which bugged me but not a huge deal.
I liked this book ok, but it did seem too similar in many ways to Angelfall and that was a far superior book.
October 2, 2021
The path to trust is forged in faith.I absolutely LOVED reading this story! If I had to pick something similar, I’d say it’s a cross between Beauty and the Beast, Twilight, mixed with Angelfall.
Aliens have invaded Earth over twelve years ago.
“You are aliens to us.”They look like humans, but most of the elite are over seven feet fall. The ruling class have these glowing orbs inside their chests which made me think of Iron Man. The world is set up almost like old-England feudalism. The poorest of the humans live in a place called Population, where they fight for their very existence. As with other books by this author, the world building is excellent.
“We were here first”
“I’m sure your indigenous communities said the same to their invaders.”
“That doesn’t make it right.”
“No. It makes history.”
Able is of mixed race, half black and half Cherokee heritage. I loved her strength! Just when you think she’s done for, she’ll surprise you and kick some more ass. Kane is ridiculously swoony for an alien dude.
“If I ever attempt to take from you that which you do not freely give, I give you every permission in this world to take may sword and gut me with it.”I do wish that there had been more of a build-up from them being enemies, to friends, to lovers. This part bothered me the most There were a few inconsistencies throughout the story but the core of Stephens writing is so damn good that those things didn’t bother me too much.
This is a slow burn of sorts, however, when things get hot, they get HOT. I’m still thinking about that kitchen scene.
I do wish the aliens in this story were more alien and less human-like. But then again, I loved stories like Cottonwood and The E.T. Guy and not everyone enjoys their insect/aliens. There is a crazy cliffhanger at the end of this book, so be prepared!
April 19, 2015
Passionate and invigorating! Population had me hanging on for dear life until the very last word. Definitely one of those books that you hate to put down. The imagery was impeccable, and the story kept me guessing. I always love a story that will surprise me, and this book did not let me down in that department. I name Population a MUST READ! Can't wait for the next book. Get to work Ms. Stephens.
April 13, 2017
3.5 stars
I really liked the world setting, the 'Other' race, the story behind what happened and the author really instilled a sense of desperation and hopelessness which set the atmosphere well. Having said that there were a few parts where the story dragged and I wanted to skim forward to find some action again past the underlying romance.
The end picked back up well and left me needing, not just wanting, to know what happens next.
July 1, 2015
I could not put this book down! This was recommended by a friend at work and did not disappoint. I can't believe that this is Ms. Stephens first book. The characters and story were well developed. I started this on a beach vacation and finished in about two days. Great book for adventure and romance. I can't wait to read the next chapter of Kane and Abel's story.
October 24, 2017
4.5 Stars
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway
Heart pounding, gritty, diverse, and violent. This book is a wild ride. It does start off slow but once you get through the world building and all that jazz, the story picks up and it never stops. Not once does this book you a chance to breathe. It keeps you on the tip of your toes and the edge of your seat. I being the romance fan that I am, was happy that amid everything else, we get some of that too.
My biggest gripe with this book.... there is a cliff hanger!!! I need the next book right now. Do NOT start this book without the second one on your kindle, shelf, whatever. I mean it, you will hate yourself if you can't jump into the next one. I know I am.
The character development is great and the plot moves along greatly. Something I love that I have found some authors have a problem with is the balance of the romance and the actual plot. That wasn't a problem here. The romance never once took away from the plot but instead it added to it wonderfully.
Overall, get this book and get through the first 25-30 pages and then it will suck you in and refuse to let you go.
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway
Heart pounding, gritty, diverse, and violent. This book is a wild ride. It does start off slow but once you get through the world building and all that jazz, the story picks up and it never stops. Not once does this book you a chance to breathe. It keeps you on the tip of your toes and the edge of your seat. I being the romance fan that I am, was happy that amid everything else, we get some of that too.
My biggest gripe with this book.... there is a cliff hanger!!! I need the next book right now. Do NOT start this book without the second one on your kindle, shelf, whatever. I mean it, you will hate yourself if you can't jump into the next one. I know I am.
The character development is great and the plot moves along greatly. Something I love that I have found some authors have a problem with is the balance of the romance and the actual plot. That wasn't a problem here. The romance never once took away from the plot but instead it added to it wonderfully.
Overall, get this book and get through the first 25-30 pages and then it will suck you in and refuse to let you go.
June 23, 2015
I have to admit, I LOVE this story. I also think I have a new book boyfriend. Kane, oh Kane, he is brilliant. And alien. But who cares. And Abel, what a heroine. She is feisty, fierce, loves her family and will fight to the death. Not a simpering, needy girl. There is so much action, fighting, romance and love in here that it is easy to stay up way to late reading. ( Yes I am guilty of it ). I will tell you it ends on a cliffhanger. But it is okay. Just means there will be more. All I can say is, buy it, get a beer ( or beverage of choice. It is hot here so cold beer worked for me ) snuggle down and begin.
November 8, 2015
The two stars is because the writing wasn't terrible (despite truly awful copy editing - this author needs a new copy editor!), and I liked the heroine, a strong woman of color. But I was disappointed in this book overall. While the author is a great storyteller, I thought it would be more apocalyptic/sci-fi, less alien romance and True Blood/Twilight fanfic. I would not have checked this out from the library had I known. The book's description on the back cover does not adequately describe this book.
October 19, 2015
Amazing. The writing style is phenomenal, descriptive, and honestly a work of art. The plot completely sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. This is definitely a must read. If you have any literary taste at all, read this book. Period.
August 6, 2021
Really Good Dystopian Romance
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the first book in a continuing series. There is a hideous cliffhanger but the next book is already available.
I really love a good dystopian story and this one is really good. It starts with Abel, Beck and Beck’s daughter Ashlynn running, hiding and scavenging, right on the limit of survival as they hunt for food and shelter whilst avoiding the gangs. Every moment brings danger and the possibility of death. The end of life as we know it happened when aliens came to Earth. The Others brought the end of civilisation and the beginning of war and suffering.
Abel’s sole purpose is to keep Beck and Ashlynn safe, she is the strong and brutal member of their party, Beck is the brains and little Ashlynn is the heart. When Ashlynn is stolen by the victor in a fight between Others, Abel vows to get her back. The defeated Other, Kane, lies dying so she steals his sword and, in an unusual moment of sympathy, hides him somewhere he can die in peace, never realising that Others don’t die so easily as humans.
This is the start of a strange partnership with Abel and Kane, as she tries to find Ashlynn, even if Abel doesn’t trust Kane as far as she can throw him, she finds that she needs him to survive.
I really liked the world-building in this book. It starts off so confused like the world in which they live. It’s a very slow journey to understanding the state of the world and how it got there, for both us and Abel. The author conveys the sense of hopelessness and fear really well.
Abel is a really interesting character. She’s came into adulthood after The Others arrived and has learnt that from hope and emotional connections comes nothing but pain and suffering so she tries to stay hard and emotionless, but often fails. She’s lost everyone she’s ever loved and is severely traumatised by her existence. She’s used to living life on a hair-trigger where violence can erupt at any second and nowhere is safe. Despite all of that she has moment of ‘weakness’ where she is kind, even knowing it could be the end of her life.
Kane is an enigma. He is one of The Others and as such is unknowable to Abel. He is a literal alien species and nothing was really told to the outside world before government and media disappeared. Despite his circumstances when Abel meets him, he has a sense of humour and is gentle with her. He is also protective. It is only when we are in the latter stages of the book do we start to really see Kane as he is and not just through Abel’s traumatised eyes. We only see him clearly when she does.
The plot is cleverly built. It starts with the hunt for Ashlynn and slowly evolves in other directions. The romance sneaks up on us as much as it does Abel. The pacing is excellent and kept me reading faster and faster as I worked my way through the chapters.
I really want to read the second book in the series now. I’d better download it immediately so I can find out what happens to them all!
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the first book in a continuing series. There is a hideous cliffhanger but the next book is already available.
I really love a good dystopian story and this one is really good. It starts with Abel, Beck and Beck’s daughter Ashlynn running, hiding and scavenging, right on the limit of survival as they hunt for food and shelter whilst avoiding the gangs. Every moment brings danger and the possibility of death. The end of life as we know it happened when aliens came to Earth. The Others brought the end of civilisation and the beginning of war and suffering.
Abel’s sole purpose is to keep Beck and Ashlynn safe, she is the strong and brutal member of their party, Beck is the brains and little Ashlynn is the heart. When Ashlynn is stolen by the victor in a fight between Others, Abel vows to get her back. The defeated Other, Kane, lies dying so she steals his sword and, in an unusual moment of sympathy, hides him somewhere he can die in peace, never realising that Others don’t die so easily as humans.
This is the start of a strange partnership with Abel and Kane, as she tries to find Ashlynn, even if Abel doesn’t trust Kane as far as she can throw him, she finds that she needs him to survive.
I really liked the world-building in this book. It starts off so confused like the world in which they live. It’s a very slow journey to understanding the state of the world and how it got there, for both us and Abel. The author conveys the sense of hopelessness and fear really well.
Abel is a really interesting character. She’s came into adulthood after The Others arrived and has learnt that from hope and emotional connections comes nothing but pain and suffering so she tries to stay hard and emotionless, but often fails. She’s lost everyone she’s ever loved and is severely traumatised by her existence. She’s used to living life on a hair-trigger where violence can erupt at any second and nowhere is safe. Despite all of that she has moment of ‘weakness’ where she is kind, even knowing it could be the end of her life.
Kane is an enigma. He is one of The Others and as such is unknowable to Abel. He is a literal alien species and nothing was really told to the outside world before government and media disappeared. Despite his circumstances when Abel meets him, he has a sense of humour and is gentle with her. He is also protective. It is only when we are in the latter stages of the book do we start to really see Kane as he is and not just through Abel’s traumatised eyes. We only see him clearly when she does.
The plot is cleverly built. It starts with the hunt for Ashlynn and slowly evolves in other directions. The romance sneaks up on us as much as it does Abel. The pacing is excellent and kept me reading faster and faster as I worked my way through the chapters.
I really want to read the second book in the series now. I’d better download it immediately so I can find out what happens to them all!
August 18, 2015
Title: Population
Author: Elizabeth Stephens
Cover Artist: Amygdala Art
Publisher: Vantage Point Books
Reviewer: Sean
Genre: Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Type: Romance
Pairing: Heterosexual
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: 2 Stars
Book Rating: 5 Stars (5 / 5)
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Blurb:
Lawlessness, violence and desperation are all that is left of the world following the coming of the Others. Abel exists only within the boundaries that her rules allow — rules that she created to keep her alive. But when her best friend’s daughter is taken by the Others, she can’t keep playing by the rule book. Instead, she must begin a life defining journey that will test her survival techniques and challenge her ability to find what she has always feared: hope.
Review:
Population was an amazing read! So many things had happen from the beginning to the very cliff-hanging ending. I loved it. Of course I was being a baby brat when I reached to the end of the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of cliff-hanging type of book, but hey, the sequel will be out in April 2016. I guess I will have to be very patient and wait for it to be released. I really want to know what happened to all characters! Abel was a strong woman in the novel. She was a true survivor. She had gone through hell since the world went insane.
The novel was original as well. Sure, there were plenty of stories that had a similar concept of how the world went apocalyptical. But the creatures the author created was more than original. The life style people had to survive was not what I had seen in a book or a film in the past so this novel scored an A plus when it came to originality.
There were plenty of actions that kept me on a tip of the cliff. I just had to keep on reading and reading until I reached the end. Of course I was being a baby brat when I read the last page. I so didn’t see it coming, but it made me even more excite to read when the second book come out. I probably will end up re-reading it before starting second book.
I really dig Kane out of all characters. Kane was different from his own people and he was just awesome. I couldn’t explain why because I would spoil the novel for you. You just had to grab a copy and read Population. It was that good! It had horror, action/adventure, romance, and a mix of sci-fi and fantasy thrown in for a good measure. This was a type of book I’d easily pick up and fell in love with the world the author created easily. I can’t wait to find out more about Abel and Kane in second novel!
I highly recommended if you enjoy a novel with a strong heroine. It had plenty of action and a good touch of romance so it would be a good fit for any readers. Don’t wait too long to check this one out!
Author: Elizabeth Stephens
Cover Artist: Amygdala Art
Publisher: Vantage Point Books
Reviewer: Sean
Genre: Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Type: Romance
Pairing: Heterosexual
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: 2 Stars
Book Rating: 5 Stars (5 / 5)
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Blurb:
Lawlessness, violence and desperation are all that is left of the world following the coming of the Others. Abel exists only within the boundaries that her rules allow — rules that she created to keep her alive. But when her best friend’s daughter is taken by the Others, she can’t keep playing by the rule book. Instead, she must begin a life defining journey that will test her survival techniques and challenge her ability to find what she has always feared: hope.
Review:
Population was an amazing read! So many things had happen from the beginning to the very cliff-hanging ending. I loved it. Of course I was being a baby brat when I reached to the end of the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of cliff-hanging type of book, but hey, the sequel will be out in April 2016. I guess I will have to be very patient and wait for it to be released. I really want to know what happened to all characters! Abel was a strong woman in the novel. She was a true survivor. She had gone through hell since the world went insane.
The novel was original as well. Sure, there were plenty of stories that had a similar concept of how the world went apocalyptical. But the creatures the author created was more than original. The life style people had to survive was not what I had seen in a book or a film in the past so this novel scored an A plus when it came to originality.
There were plenty of actions that kept me on a tip of the cliff. I just had to keep on reading and reading until I reached the end. Of course I was being a baby brat when I read the last page. I so didn’t see it coming, but it made me even more excite to read when the second book come out. I probably will end up re-reading it before starting second book.
I really dig Kane out of all characters. Kane was different from his own people and he was just awesome. I couldn’t explain why because I would spoil the novel for you. You just had to grab a copy and read Population. It was that good! It had horror, action/adventure, romance, and a mix of sci-fi and fantasy thrown in for a good measure. This was a type of book I’d easily pick up and fell in love with the world the author created easily. I can’t wait to find out more about Abel and Kane in second novel!
I highly recommended if you enjoy a novel with a strong heroine. It had plenty of action and a good touch of romance so it would be a good fit for any readers. Don’t wait too long to check this one out!
October 25, 2021
Population -
This book floored me and took me by surprise. I’m not usually a sci-fi romance reader. Alien and human love is not my thing. But this book right here opened up my eyes (not to mention the Heroine is a Women of Color 🤩).
This is a good September through October read. Loads of action, hella gory moments, and devastating heartbreaks. At first, I was a little unsure if the story would keep my interest but right when Kane came appeared in the story and looked at her Abel I literally swooned. And what happened to Becks!!! had my attention there too 😢. Author Stephens had me from there on and would not let me go. This book was action-packed and hot tamale spicy. I enjoyed this book so much. Best H&H of the year! All in all an exciting read. So now on to book two because yeah there is a hell of a cliffy, but no worries because the second book is out.
Happy Reading!
This book floored me and took me by surprise. I’m not usually a sci-fi romance reader. Alien and human love is not my thing. But this book right here opened up my eyes (not to mention the Heroine is a Women of Color 🤩).
This is a good September through October read. Loads of action, hella gory moments, and devastating heartbreaks. At first, I was a little unsure if the story would keep my interest but right when Kane came appeared in the story and looked at her Abel I literally swooned. And what happened to Becks!!! had my attention there too 😢. Author Stephens had me from there on and would not let me go. This book was action-packed and hot tamale spicy. I enjoyed this book so much. Best H&H of the year! All in all an exciting read. So now on to book two because yeah there is a hell of a cliffy, but no worries because the second book is out.
Happy Reading!
February 9, 2017
I couldn't finish it. The writing is very good. But I just wasn't ready or interested in a dystopian Beauty and the Beast type romance novel. I just couldn't handle one more page of reading about Abel and her yearning for Kane's sweaty, glowing, powerful chest or her feelings of confusion seeing him in silk pants and nothing else. When you strip away the dystopian future and the alien race taking over the world, it's just basically a Beauty and the Beast Harlequin romance novel.
April 10, 2017
This novel was barely okay. I found the plot very predictable, and the characters were pale imitations of characters in much better novels. Also, the book needs some serious editing. For example, on page 1, the main character (Abel) describes Ashlyn's "pale heart-shaped face," but on page 3 she says Ashlyn has "hard lines in a square face." In addition, on page 2 Abel states that Ashlyn has "glossy blue eyes," but on page 9 she says Ashlyn has "dark brown eyes." As I said, barely okay.
November 21, 2020
This book was simply extraordinary. Some of the best characters I’ve ever read. Abel is such an original, strong, smart woman. Her journey was brutal and I loved her attitude. When you got yo see her vulnerabilities it felt so genuine. My heart was racing for most of this book. I cried. I laughed. I swooned. Then that cliffhanger had me shouting NOOOOOO!! Straight into book two. Who needs sleep.
March 12, 2021
The unfinished writing style and the writing errors make it hard at times to read this book. So you really have to be lenient if you decide to give this a try.
It is actually a shame, because I really liked the characters and the story. This could have been really great.
It has never seen an editor and wasn’t proof read at all. It can’t be.
The first 50% were interesting, although it was like reading the first draft and not a finished book. The descriptions were incomplete, which made it hard to imagine the book world and certain scenes. Many Inconsistencies support that theory of an unfinished, not edited version, published too early.
There is a gala in three days time, she is told, one day later they go to the gala. They talk on that gala for 30 hours, twice. She doesn’t like to drink alcohol, yet drains three glasses in a row like shots. There are plenty of those errors and irregularities.
That is just sloppy.
I sometimes wished to have been given those books before, whipping out my red pen and getting down to business. That would be satisfying. More so than reading this unripe script now.
All this happened after about 50% into the book. And not only the plot presents holes, but also the characters suddenly act out of character.
While before the romance tagged along the interesting plot, suddenly everything is solely focused on the lead females emotions of having a childlike crush. The plot completely forgotten. Her immature and single minded thought process is the definition of feeling embarrassed for someone else. Scenes where she acts clumsy are probably meant to be humorous, they are not, irritating and shameful is more precise to what I felt. She only has him in her head and even the first kiss is happening with an audience, very weird in my book.
To experience new and unknown things doesn’t stand synonymous for being immature and child like. Or that females have to lose their brain cells. I don’t know why authors always do that. It is like the YA card excuses characters of acting like hormonally unbalanced individuals.
Let me tell you, it does not.
Scenes where she flees with high heels down the corridors, a survivalist like her would have dumped those early on. Letting someone manhandling her, what we got to know and learned of her character, she wouldn’t have let anyone touch her like Tasha did.
That she doesn’t ask where Ashlyn could be?
If she is ok or even alive, that someone would be able to find that out and get more information?
How he plans to get to her by attending a gala? It is her whole purpose at the moment to free Ashlyn, at least that is what the author wanted to make us believe. Yet, the character only focuses 24/7 on her little crush she has developed over Kane.
There is a fog blanketing the whole world/country. At times the author seems to forget that when describing sceneries or while driving and looking out of cars. At the gala they talk for 30 hours, twice?
It is a nightmare. The thought process and conversations suddenly have the capacity of a 12 year old. I don’t know what happened.
This book is riddled with these nonsense. The author can do so much better.
It is actually a shame, because I really liked the characters and the story. This could have been really great.
It has never seen an editor and wasn’t proof read at all. It can’t be.
The first 50% were interesting, although it was like reading the first draft and not a finished book. The descriptions were incomplete, which made it hard to imagine the book world and certain scenes. Many Inconsistencies support that theory of an unfinished, not edited version, published too early.
There is a gala in three days time, she is told, one day later they go to the gala. They talk on that gala for 30 hours, twice. She doesn’t like to drink alcohol, yet drains three glasses in a row like shots. There are plenty of those errors and irregularities.
That is just sloppy.
I sometimes wished to have been given those books before, whipping out my red pen and getting down to business. That would be satisfying. More so than reading this unripe script now.
All this happened after about 50% into the book. And not only the plot presents holes, but also the characters suddenly act out of character.
While before the romance tagged along the interesting plot, suddenly everything is solely focused on the lead females emotions of having a childlike crush. The plot completely forgotten. Her immature and single minded thought process is the definition of feeling embarrassed for someone else. Scenes where she acts clumsy are probably meant to be humorous, they are not, irritating and shameful is more precise to what I felt. She only has him in her head and even the first kiss is happening with an audience, very weird in my book.
To experience new and unknown things doesn’t stand synonymous for being immature and child like. Or that females have to lose their brain cells. I don’t know why authors always do that. It is like the YA card excuses characters of acting like hormonally unbalanced individuals.
Let me tell you, it does not.
Scenes where she flees with high heels down the corridors, a survivalist like her would have dumped those early on. Letting someone manhandling her, what we got to know and learned of her character, she wouldn’t have let anyone touch her like Tasha did.
That she doesn’t ask where Ashlyn could be?
If she is ok or even alive, that someone would be able to find that out and get more information?
How he plans to get to her by attending a gala? It is her whole purpose at the moment to free Ashlyn, at least that is what the author wanted to make us believe. Yet, the character only focuses 24/7 on her little crush she has developed over Kane.
There is a fog blanketing the whole world/country. At times the author seems to forget that when describing sceneries or while driving and looking out of cars. At the gala they talk for 30 hours, twice?
It is a nightmare. The thought process and conversations suddenly have the capacity of a 12 year old. I don’t know what happened.
This book is riddled with these nonsense. The author can do so much better.
March 4, 2021
This book had the potential to be good, but it fell short in so many ways. In the first few chapters I was really interested to see where the story would go and I liked Abel as a strong female character. The decisions she made were usually well thought out, but once she met Kane I feel like everything just went downhill from there.
First of all, the aliens are basically just human vampires and its extremely unoriginal. I felt myself cringing reading these parts because its just been done so many times before. I was expecting the aliens to be something more...but they weren't. It was very disappointing.
The romance moved way too fast and did not fit Abel's character. She seemed to be written as a character who approached situations and relationships with other people tentatively. When she met Kane she just dived straight in, ignoring her rules for survival and I felt this was extremely out of character. I found Kane really annoying, his character was so flat and underdeveloped. There also could have been more elaboration on Abel's backstory, especially with Becks and Ashlyn.
First of all, the aliens are basically just human vampires and its extremely unoriginal. I felt myself cringing reading these parts because its just been done so many times before. I was expecting the aliens to be something more...but they weren't. It was very disappointing.
The romance moved way too fast and did not fit Abel's character. She seemed to be written as a character who approached situations and relationships with other people tentatively. When she met Kane she just dived straight in, ignoring her rules for survival and I felt this was extremely out of character. I found Kane really annoying, his character was so flat and underdeveloped. There also could have been more elaboration on Abel's backstory, especially with Becks and Ashlyn.
April 22, 2018
This book is fantastically amazing and kept me enraptured from the very first page!! An adventure in this post-apocalyptic world, Abel has known nothing but tragedy in a world after The Others invaded earth. Leaving humans to scavenge what's left of what they don't claim. The surroundings are savage and the people more so. Abel is on a mission to rescue her best friend's daughter on a dying promise, who's now all that's left of their family group. But choosing to save one of The Others named Kane, turns out to be a help and a burden to her. As she discovers a completely different and startling way of life outside of Population since the world's end and unlikely help in finding Ashlyn. I am stunned at how amazing the world building in this was crafted and the thoroughly indepth characters that brought life to the pages. Through the sorrow and joy of this story, I could not put it down. I can't wait to read what's I store for the second one.
April 10, 2019
What a good surprise ! It's on my "favorites" shelf :)
I enjoyed this story set in an apocalyptic world on Earth ruled by The others: giants from a foreign planet. The heroine is a real pleasure, she is funny, a real fighter, she's caring, she is... adorable.
To my sci fi fans: it's not an original or detailed view of the future, plus, it switches to "medieval kingdom mode" haflway through the book, so the futuristic tone is a bit lost. It's still enjoyable.
To my romance fans : this romance is all kinds of great, there is no instant sparkle and I believe the characters actually develop a good friendship before stepping into love, there is no waiting for the ridiculous obstacles or the fairy tale ex machina, it's so good !
To my "petites natures", soft hearts: there are rapes, some sex and gory details.
I recommend this book and I'll read the second one.
I enjoyed this story set in an apocalyptic world on Earth ruled by The others: giants from a foreign planet. The heroine is a real pleasure, she is funny, a real fighter, she's caring, she is... adorable.
To my sci fi fans: it's not an original or detailed view of the future, plus, it switches to "medieval kingdom mode" haflway through the book, so the futuristic tone is a bit lost. It's still enjoyable.
To my romance fans : this romance is all kinds of great, there is no instant sparkle and I believe the characters actually develop a good friendship before stepping into love, there is no waiting for the ridiculous obstacles or the fairy tale ex machina, it's so good !
To my "petites natures", soft hearts: there are rapes, some sex and gory details.
I recommend this book and I'll read the second one.
January 18, 2022
Mad Max with vampires
I noticed readers have complained about the heroine acting like a teenager, but that's one of the things I don't have a problem with. Even though Abel is 22, some of her immaturity is understandably stunted because of the apocalypse. She still kicks ass, she's not too stupid to live, so her only major flaw is some of her emotional qualities are lacking.
My actual complaint is the romance progressed out of nowhere and I wish there were a few more scenes of them together before the relationship. If it's fast because of her stunted emotional growth or his alien-ness, then there should have been at least one mention of their reasoning to the quick progression.
Ends on a cliffhanger
No mating tropes
I noticed readers have complained about the heroine acting like a teenager, but that's one of the things I don't have a problem with. Even though Abel is 22, some of her immaturity is understandably stunted because of the apocalypse. She still kicks ass, she's not too stupid to live, so her only major flaw is some of her emotional qualities are lacking.
My actual complaint is the romance progressed out of nowhere and I wish there were a few more scenes of them together before the relationship. If it's fast because of her stunted emotional growth or his alien-ness, then there should have been at least one mention of their reasoning to the quick progression.
Ends on a cliffhanger
No mating tropes
May 5, 2015
Situated somewhere between Twilight and The Hunger Games, Stephens' "Population" soars as a result of meticulous character development and eerie atmosphere. In an exciting roller coaster ride, this new young author swiftly switches pace from action to romance (and vice versa) and explores social themes like class and oppression in young adult language. It is also the first novel in this genre to include a multi-ethnic female main character.
January 16, 2016
Once past the sample introduction, the tale simplifies into a beauty and the beast romance. Not quite what I was expecting and since my taste veers more to sci-fi than romance, felt that the pieces that drew me in to begin with , dystopian future after societal breakdown, were soon left behind for smooth sheets and fireplaces. The writing was good and the salacious prose fairly well delivered, so my stars reflect the content not the author's writing skill. I finished the book in record time, just to see where the story would end. But it was not to be as I was left with a cliffhanger - a series in the making - but not one to be read by me.
July 25, 2015
I will have a full Review on my blog but some initial thoughts:
This book has a very unique world building style. It's very easy to think you "know" the world the author is building but she has some unique twists I didn't see coming. I really liked the main character Abel. She is very much a survivor but she battles against her emotions as she decides to track down a young girl she was traveling with who has been taken by one of the Others.
The author does a great job of giving just enough information to keep you intrigued and lots of adrenaline inducing action scenes! A great resd!
This book has a very unique world building style. It's very easy to think you "know" the world the author is building but she has some unique twists I didn't see coming. I really liked the main character Abel. She is very much a survivor but she battles against her emotions as she decides to track down a young girl she was traveling with who has been taken by one of the Others.
The author does a great job of giving just enough information to keep you intrigued and lots of adrenaline inducing action scenes! A great resd!
October 19, 2015
I enjoyed this book immensely, however, I wanted more. I wanted to spend more time with Abel and Kane, exploring their relationship. I read and reread the book, hoping to tease out a little more, hoping that I skipped something that will be revealed in a subsequent reading. I am mad for the second installment.
November 13, 2020
Interesting story by huge trigger for violence.
ARC.
ARC.
January 3, 2021
This was pretty good! I ended up reading it in one night. It's action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. Not much steam. It alludes to sex and gives vague details but I wish there was a little bit more oomph. There were a few parts that I felt were rip offs of a particular movie, Zombieland. The heroine and her family have a list of rules that they follow to keep them alive during the post apocalyptic world. Rule 11 just happens to be double tap, like in zombieland. Otherwise, it was all pretty entertaining and a fun read. Very suspenseful. Ends on a HUGE cliffhanger, but book two is out so I don't mind so much. Hero is an alien who crash landed onto earth because their planet was dying. I wish we knew more about the main characters. I feel like we only have facts - has a brother, has a family, sarcastic, handsome, chest glows...really we don't learn anything else about the hero and the heroines situation is similar. We get a few glimpses into her past but idk, I was hoping for more. But then again, in a post apocalyptic world, stuff like hobbies and dislikes don't seem so important. Also, the sex felt really zero to sixty. One second they were kissing, the next he was about to enter her before noticing she was panicking (where we learn about her rape). I didn't feel any sexual tension leading up to this, and the heroine acted kind of like a 16 year old when she was around the hero with his shirt off. Felt kind of insta love/lust to me, although they didn't say they loved each other till the very end. AND he tricks her into marrying him without her knowledge(and I think he did it because he was jealous! Which makes it even worse) and leaves her in the dark about major decisions that concern her which isn't cool(she has no idea why she drinks his blood, no idea what to expect at the gala, etc).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
“The path to trust is forged in faith.”
5 Stars because me & Kane getting married ♾ 😜
This is the kind of story that requires patience because the more you read, the more questions you have. I think the Authors did a good job on building this word and revealed answers piece by piece but still holding some secrets because it’s a Marathon not a sprint.
Abel is a strong warrior who��s focus is survival for her and the two people she has left. One thing about Abel is she’s gonna fight. I swear she was always bleeding and injured, meanwhile Kane just wanted her to chill & let him make her life easier. *cues scene where Abel tells Kane that he can hit her in lieu of an apology and Kane looks at her like she lost her mind😭😭😭.
I loved how the switch flipped from enemies to friends to lovers. Kane was a protector and he just kept getting sweeter. He began to recognizes that life was ridiculously difficult for Abel while she was in population and the affects how to interacts with others. Love wasn’t a luxury she could indulge in before she met Kane.
What I didn’t like was the divide between Alien & Human & the humans in population🥺. I don’t know if I was supposed to find the relationship between the Royal Aliens and their servants endearing but it was a no for me. Hoping for a revolutionary in the future that results in equality.
5 Stars because me & Kane getting married ♾ 😜
This is the kind of story that requires patience because the more you read, the more questions you have. I think the Authors did a good job on building this word and revealed answers piece by piece but still holding some secrets because it’s a Marathon not a sprint.
Abel is a strong warrior who��s focus is survival for her and the two people she has left. One thing about Abel is she’s gonna fight. I swear she was always bleeding and injured, meanwhile Kane just wanted her to chill & let him make her life easier. *cues scene where Abel tells Kane that he can hit her in lieu of an apology and Kane looks at her like she lost her mind😭😭😭.
I loved how the switch flipped from enemies to friends to lovers. Kane was a protector and he just kept getting sweeter. He began to recognizes that life was ridiculously difficult for Abel while she was in population and the affects how to interacts with others. Love wasn’t a luxury she could indulge in before she met Kane.
What I didn’t like was the divide between Alien & Human & the humans in population🥺. I don’t know if I was supposed to find the relationship between the Royal Aliens and their servants endearing but it was a no for me. Hoping for a revolutionary in the future that results in equality.
December 17, 2017
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway
4.5 Stars but I round up where needed.
Heart pounding, gritty, diverse, and violent. This book is a wild ride. It does start off slow but once you get through the world building and all that jazz, the story picks up and it never stops. Not once does this book you a chance to breathe. It keeps you on the tip of your toes and the edge of your seat. I being the romance fan that I am, was happy that amid everything else, we get some of that too.
My biggest gripe with this book.... there is a cliff hanger!!! I need the next book right now. Do NOT start this book without the second one on your kindle, shelf, whatever. I mean it, you will hate yourself if you can't jump into the next one. I know I am.
The character development is great and the plot moves along greatly. Something I love that I have found some authors have a problem with is the balance of the romance and the actual plot. That wasn't a problem here. The romance never once took away from the plot but instead it added to it wonderfully.
Overall, get this book and get through the first 25-30 pages and then it will suck you in and refuse to let you go.
4.5 Stars but I round up where needed.
Heart pounding, gritty, diverse, and violent. This book is a wild ride. It does start off slow but once you get through the world building and all that jazz, the story picks up and it never stops. Not once does this book you a chance to breathe. It keeps you on the tip of your toes and the edge of your seat. I being the romance fan that I am, was happy that amid everything else, we get some of that too.
My biggest gripe with this book.... there is a cliff hanger!!! I need the next book right now. Do NOT start this book without the second one on your kindle, shelf, whatever. I mean it, you will hate yourself if you can't jump into the next one. I know I am.
The character development is great and the plot moves along greatly. Something I love that I have found some authors have a problem with is the balance of the romance and the actual plot. That wasn't a problem here. The romance never once took away from the plot but instead it added to it wonderfully.
Overall, get this book and get through the first 25-30 pages and then it will suck you in and refuse to let you go.
January 30, 2019
4.5 stars
My husband went to Seattle for a trip this past year and he found himself in the Elliot Bay Book Company. He asked the staff to give them an unexpected/underrated book that his wife would love (after he told her some of my favorite genres). He came home with a stack and this and the second book were on top. That's true love, people.
I picked it up blind, not really knowing the premise but general assumptions by the book cover. Apocalyptic and possibly zombies were my guesses.
So, apocalyptic was an easy and right guess but everything else was a surprise. I loved how the back story slowly came to focus. There's no information dump. You're thrown in the middle and slowly learn how we came to this situation.
Most importantly I loved "Abel." She was pretty much a kick-ass heroine who instantly grabbed my attention. She really carries you through the story rooting for her.
*Spoiler-ish* - My only complaint is the ending. The last chapter was a bit of a mess. Slightly confusing descriptions and blow-by-blows that are hard to visualize. And the ending: cliffhanger. Not my favorite but I can only see it as the transition to the next book in the series.
My husband went to Seattle for a trip this past year and he found himself in the Elliot Bay Book Company. He asked the staff to give them an unexpected/underrated book that his wife would love (after he told her some of my favorite genres). He came home with a stack and this and the second book were on top. That's true love, people.
I picked it up blind, not really knowing the premise but general assumptions by the book cover. Apocalyptic and possibly zombies were my guesses.
So, apocalyptic was an easy and right guess but everything else was a surprise. I loved how the back story slowly came to focus. There's no information dump. You're thrown in the middle and slowly learn how we came to this situation.
Most importantly I loved "Abel." She was pretty much a kick-ass heroine who instantly grabbed my attention. She really carries you through the story rooting for her.
*Spoiler-ish* - My only complaint is the ending. The last chapter was a bit of a mess. Slightly confusing descriptions and blow-by-blows that are hard to visualize. And the ending: cliffhanger. Not my favorite but I can only see it as the transition to the next book in the series.
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