Beyond the Red by Ava Jae

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae
Series: No
Publisher: 
Publication Date: March 1st 2016
Source: Publisher (Edelweiss)

Alien queen Kora has a problem as vast as the endless crimson deserts. She’s the first female ruler of her territory in generations, but her people are rioting and call for her violent younger twin brother to take the throne. Despite assassination attempts, a mounting uprising of nomadic human rebels, and pressure to find a mate to help her rule, she’s determined to protect her people from her brother’s would-be tyrannical rule.

Eros is a rebel soldier hated by aliens and human alike for being a half-blood. Yet that doesn’t stop him from defending his people, at least until Kora’s soldiers raze his camp and take him captive. He’s given an ultimatum: be an enslaved bodyguard to Kora, or be executed for his true identity—a secret kept even from him.

When Kora and Eros are framed for the attempted assassination of her betrothed, they flee. Their only chance of survival is to turn themselves in to the high court, where revealing Eros’s secret could mean a swift public execution. But when they uncover a violent plot to end the human insurgency, they must find a way to work together to prevent genocide.

Beyond the Red had so much potential and the storyline sounded like it was going to be amazing, but unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy it.

Beyond the Red follows Kora - the alien queen - and Eros - a half blood rebel soldier. Kora is the first female ruler of her territory, but her people are calling for her twin brother to be the one on the trhone. Kora is determined to prove to her people that she is the best person to rule. Eros is a solider who is hated by both aliens and humans due to being a half blood. When Eros is captured, Kora gives him two options: either become her bodyguard, or be executed. 

For a story full of betrayal, political unrest and attempted assassinations, I found it extremely boring and also very predictable. I really wanted to enjoy this because it sounded so good, but I just couldn't get into the story and I ended up skimming through most of it. Not only was it boring, I was getting completely sick of Kora and Eros. Every time they were together - and I mean every. single. time - their thoughts were just full of how they want to kiss, but oh no they shouldn't because they just can't and I really didn't care! It was tiring reading about how they just couldn't possibly kiss each other and it all got a bit repetitive. And that was most of their thoughts about each other for the whole damn book. Also, Eros's storyline was extremely predictable and I'd guessed what was going to happen with him pretty early on.

Overall, Beyond the Red just wasn't for me. I found it boring and repetitive, and I just didn't enjoy it, no matter how much I wanted to. There hasn't been anything mentioned about a sequel yet, but if there is one, I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.