by Ilona Andrews
Series: Alphas #0.5
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
From Ilona Andrews—#1 New York Times bestselling author of Magic Shifts and the Kate Daniels novels—comes a stark, seductive tale of a world torn asunder by supernatural gifts and irresistible passions...
Karina Tucker is driving a van of children home from a field trip when an unplanned detour to a seemingly ordinary rest stop changes her life. There, she witnesses a world beyond humanity’s sight, of frightful powers and chaos, where she is in death’s grip... before an irresistibly dangerous male saves her—only to take her captive.
For she is a rare commodity in the shadowy realm she’s entered.
Karina soon finds herself caught in a violent civil war where those with inhuman powers strive to destroy each other without mercy. And it becomes all too clear that she must make a choice: submit and become a pawn, or take hold of her own destiny and fight for survival against impossible odds.
Alphas: Origins originally appeared in Angels of Darkness
Origins by Ilona Andrews has sat on my Kindle since its release in April 2016 and was originally published it in the anthology, Angels of Darkness. Since I usually listen to Andrews, this got lost in the shuffle and in my quest for reads discovered it on my Kindle!
Origins offered a unique story with parallel universes, aliens and kick-ass shifters in a good vs evil situation. Andrews always impresses me with their vivid imagination and unique world-building. This novella is a prequel to the Alphas series with a paranormal romance vibe to it.
The story offers a romance, plenty of action and a satisfactory ending regarding our characters while setting things up for a series. Andrews delivered a dark tale that pulled me in with its science-fiction elements, off-world premise with unique magic and characters.
While this is a novella it had all the elements of a full-length story, and I devoured it in a single sitting. I found the war ridden planet and Karina’s new digs interesting. The whole Matrix vibe was cool and left me craving more.
I wish it had been full length to allow the relationship to develop. There were a few chuckles about superheroes and watching Karina Tucker give attitude to a man three times her size was hilarious. We see transformation and growth from our heroine. We also bear witness to the changes she brings to those around her.
Since Origins, was published in 2016, my question is this, “Why aren’t there any books in the Alphas series? If you know anything please pass along info in the comments below.”
Origins by Ilona Andrews was an off-world prequel that left me craving more of the Alphas world. #ebook #paranormal #urban Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia-Savannah Roach
That’s my greatest struggle with novellas. I so often wish that they had been full length and developed things a bit more. Nonetheless, it sounds like you still really enjoyed this one!
Kimberly
She succeeding in giving us a full story though
blodeuedd
I did not even know about this one!
Kimberly
Right. I forgot I had it.
Teresa Mary Rose
I have been meaning to read this author for so long now! I know so many people love them and I am such a sucker for paranormal romance. Shame there doesnt seem to be more to this series. Great review!
Kimberly
Ooo I hope you try her works. I love all of her series.
Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Hmm, I’ll have to go see if I have this novella as well. Sounds like a solid read from the Andrews duo but you do have me curious about the status of the series. 😉
p.s. Lex is going to be in Dallas for BB…I’m a maybe but leaning towards a yes. 🙂
Kimberly
Yes, I know wifey is going..we just need you to come too. I will be poolside drinking margaritas!
Bookworm Brandee
Alright, I’ll come drink margaritas poolside. 😉 Seriously, I’m gonna be there. Got my ticket and everything!
Kimberly
Wahoo! I am looking forward to seeing everyone 🙂
Laura Thomas
I just checked and I have this too. Not sure if I want to read it because you mention no other book news about the series? Oh heck, I know I’ll cave now. I love your review, Kim.
Kimberly
Well apparently we all bought it but never left reviews. 🙁
Anne
I read this a long time ago. I don’t think there will be any more which is sad but they write so many wonderful things. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
That truly is sad.
Lover Of Romance
Lovely review darling. I LOVE this pair writing team, but I haven’t read this one yet. Sounds fantastic though.
Kimberly
Yes, sometime it pays to scroll through your Kindle
Sophia Rose
I’ve noticed this one now and then, but keep passing it over to catch up on Kate Daniels, Innkeeper, Edge, and Hidden Legacy series. I’ve got their first Kindred novella too. Good to know this one was good stuff, too. I will get to it eventually. And, yay for one more off the dusty Kindle shelf. 🙂
Angela Adams
“I wish it had been full length to allow the relationship to develop.” — I’ve had that reaction to several short stories I’ve recently read. Thanks for the post, and have a great weekend!
Kimberly
Yes, but somehow they managed to create 2 worlds.
Lorna
I still haven’t ventured farther than the first Kate Daniels book. I actually bought a couple from another series and still they just sit in my tbr. Glad you liked this one and I wonder why no other books.
Kimberly
We so need to fix that Lorna!
Lisa
I am new to this site and found a lot of books to keep me reading. Any suggestions for the first book I should read?
Kimberly
Hi Lisa, What is your favorite genre? Adult or YA?
Melliane
Hmm I’m not sure I’ve read this one
Kimberly
Double check it was a good one.
Angela
It’s been a while since I’ve read this one. It was interesting and darker then what I’m use from them. I liked it and would like to dig deeper into the world too. Thank’s for the review!
Kimberly
I hope we get more!
Melanie Simmons
I’m a huge fan of Ilona and Gordon’s imagination. They frequently surprise me with how they are able to create such interesting worlds and even weirder monsters to go with their fantastic characters. I think I have this somewhere on my Kindle too. I’ll have to give it a try. I don’t think I’ve read it.
Kimberly
Yeah, I was in a mood and scrolling through books on my Kindle when I saw it and was like, wait I haven’t read that.
Debbie Haupt
OOh a tasty tidbit for only $2.99 I may have to put this on my Kindle Kim. Thanks!
Kimberly
I am hoping we get more.