Great male narration, mediocre female narration, great story

The male narrator was amazing, but the female narrator didn’t work for me. It took me a bit out of the story whenever she started reading, and I kept feeling like it would have been told better if the male had read both.

I liked the characters, and the unique situation they were in, and there was a lot to buckle in for—in a good way. For me, I would reread the book, but I wouldn’t relisten to the audio version. It just didn’t work enough for me, and I don’t want to ruin a good story because of the narration.

I received a copy for my honest review.

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Maybe better read than listened to

I’ve been waiting for Allie’s, the kingmaker’s, story for a while. To know she would be paired with the emperor’s second son, after what happened at the end of the previous book, made me even more excited. And the author delivers the perfect mix of intergalactic politics and interspecies romance. Chef’s kiss.

Allie, like the other humans she traveled with, has been affected by the lusteal, but with a unique consequence: she becomes super smart when the lusteal is in full effect. She makes connections, finds solutions, guesses outcomes. She’s also bold and confident. She has one objective in the book: saving Humana, her planet, from an orbital change that would destroy it. And to do that, she decides she needs to meet with the emperor, Ranse’s older brother.

Ranse, as the second son, isn’t supposed to become his father’s heir, and he has been pushed on the side all his life. He became a blade, and now he’s running a night club where he entertains guests. But he’s decided that he’ll reveal his father’s murderer, and Allie may be a witness. So basically, when they meet, they’re convinced they’ll use each other to accomplish their goals. But the lusteal derails their plan. They sleep together and bond.

That’s when something unexpected happens, and I was all for it. Ranse, from a race of conquerors, a soldier with blades in his forearms, son of the most powerful man in the universe, submits to a lesser. He trusts Allie with important decisions, changes his home for her, claims he wants to explore her. She has total control over her. I love it when an alpha male devotes himself to the woman he loves.

I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, but let’s just say that Allie has a strong impact on the empire in this book. She basically changes everything. It was an interesting development because Allie is Black, and the slavery subtext wasn’t that subtle this time–the way the Arrisans exploits the universe for their own profit, and think less of other species, etc. So I loved the fact that Allie, of all people, had such power.

It doesn’t happen often, but for me, the narration brought the story down. The male narrator was perfect for Ranse, able to show his softer side as well as his dangerous side. I wasn’t a fan of the female narrator though, especially her male voice. She had some good moments, but oftentimes she droned on. It’s still a very good book but, as much as it hurts me to say, maybe better read than listened to.

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Loves it!

The story is simply outstanding. I have enjoyed the world building into book three and the mysteries of the empire revealed . Ranse and Allie had interesting dynamics and though the political machinations overshadow their romance it was a beautiful story. The reading was ok except the female narrator was mechanical and at times her male voice was simply too fake . I cannot wait for the next book in the series .

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I love this book!

I didn't read all books back to back, since they seem slow coming, but when I was inabook funk and looking thru my favorites, I realized this book was out. GAH so glad I did. the backstory, alien romance, mystery, relatability and eroticism was such a perfect blend! narrators were great! I listened at 1.25 speed

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Exciting

This was so good I enjoyed the series but this one is my favorite so far. Ranse and Allie are special and make a great team. They are easy to connect with and I love that together they get things done. This was super exciting with action adventure and romance. The narration was great. Hope there is more to come.

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Interesting Storyline

Quite an interesting storyline, the use of the word “lessers” could easily be used by some in our society right now; you know, the ones sitting on their pedestals. Narrators did a good job with characters. Will continue series.

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Best Power Couple Yet!

I didn't think I could get more obsessed with this series...and then Ranse happened. This is by far the best book in the series so far and the first two were OUTSTANDING. The political intrigue is top-notch and adds so much to the story. Ranse isn't like the other two Arrisans because nobles live by a different set of rules. He's still a blade, which is great, and his life is very unique. The Kingmaker really earns her title in this. My favorite line from her is, "What are you going to do? Vote no twice?"

The scenes where Ranse and Ali are working together are just so good. I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time.
JF Harding is next-level good, can't get enough of that guy's narration.

If you have not given this series a try, go back and listen from the beginning. I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could.
Ms. Night, respectfully, shut up and take my money.

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Emotional, Steamy, Exciting & Special

I absolutely adored Ranse and Allie's story! This is such a great series, and all of the couples are wonderful, but I did think these two were just a little bit special. I felt that both of these characters easy to care for and connect with. They each have a bit of baggage and that adds an enticing extra underlaying layer of emotion to this engaging story. I thought it was really wonderful to watch these two growing and "becoming" into who they were meant to be. They found the strength to do that in each other and that was really a very powerful and beautiful thing. A skillful combination of intense emotional, steam, drama, intrigue, danger, humor, sweetness, action, suspense and heart create an immersive world that feels different, yet somehow tragically relatable. Pair that with the complex characters that you can easily find pieces of yourself in, and you have yourself a read/series that melts your heart with the feels, has your temperature soaring and makes your pulse race. I do recommend that you enjoy all these books and in order because characters reappear, previous events are referenced and there is an overarching storyline playing out. Since this whole series is amazing this will not be a chore and it will increase your reading enjoyment all the way up to the maximum level. This book ends with a tantalizing and tempting tease of book four and let me just say, O.M.G! I can't wait. I also loved the narration on this audiobook. Having multiple narrators helps me firmly get into an audiobook. The performances given were excellent and I felt that the voices matched the characters well.

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A Fantastic Addition to a Superb Series!

I couldn't wait to get my hands and ears on the audiobook for Ranse after listening to Zai (book 2). Ranse takes us into the struggles of the ruling family of the Arrisian empire. Ranse is the second of three sons and the black sheep of the family. His father was recently murdered and Ranse is out for revenge. Allie could have the answers he seeks.

Allie is in a different situation than the heroines in books 1 and 2. Her exposure to lusteal amplifies her outgoing personality and creates some interesting situations for her and Ranse. Humans are Lessers in the Arrisian world. Allie is in a place where she can push for some changes for herself and the people of her planet. Allie is strong and perceptive. It is a pleasure to see her upend the Arrisian noble families and their opinions about Lessers.

Ranse and Allie definitely bring steam to their sexy times. I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship unfolded and grew. They are strong and engaging characters. The story is fast paced and chocked full of action. Starla Night does an excellent job of giving readers/listeners new and interesting facets of the Arrisian society in each book. We get a great setup and tease for book 4 at the end and I'm really looking forward to it.

Hazel Addison, J.F. Harding, and Thomas Locklear do an excellent job with the narration of Ranse. Their performances give each character a distinctive sound. Very well done.

Ranse is a fantastic addition to a superb series! Starla Night, bring us more Blades of Arris!

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Another great listen!

Another great story with some really talented narrators that bring Ranse to life. I always look forward to one of these audiobook because how they are read makes the whole story pop. Loved it!

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