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The Apprentice #2
Bright Star
*** 2019 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer's Choice Award ***
Where duty and passion collide.
A woman in peril. A ruthless warrior. A dangerous contract.
To avoid execution for her father’s crimes, Lilian embraced her one chance at survival and became the apprentice of the powerful warrior Lucius Mercio. In return for Lucius’ protection, Lilian yielded total control of her body, intellect, and will. The arrangement has saved Lilian’s life and set her on a path to redeem her honor. She is about to learn her trial has barely begun.
In the second volume in the Twelve Systems Chronicles Lilian’s enemies are more determined than ever to see her destroyed. A ghost from her past will imperil her future and threaten to destroy Lucius’ slowly developing trust. To survive the next set of challenges Lilian will need to find new reserves of courage, wit and determination.
When Lucius’ motivations and ambitions are revealed, they are far more extraordinary than Lilian imagined. His rivals are about to increase in number and ferocity as they seek to limit his expanding wealth and power. They will use any means to undermine and destroy his plans including his notorious apprentice. To advance his ambitions, Lucius must be more ruthless and devious than ever before. To succeed, Lucius requires Lilian’s brilliance. To make use of it, he must keep her alive. It is going to prove more difficult than he anticipated.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2014
About the author
E.G. Manetti
16 books157 followers
I write from the world around me, and the world around me is full of color.
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 15, 2019
Interesting, but I wish that there was more character development in either Lillian (the heroine) or Lucius (her pseudo-literal-slavemaster). In this second installment, Lillian is still super smart and yet kind of oblivious. Lucius is still eager to advance his power and use Lillian in any and every way he can. There's some small hints that their relationship is starting to advance beyond the typical slave/master apprentice/bondholder dynamic but I can't help but wish that it would develop faster. However, the eye-changing thing is an interesting reveal that hopefully will come into play more in future books.
I'll probably pick up the next one because something about this series does appeal to me, simply because it's so oddly different than any other sci-fi/corporate/historical romance book I have ever read (which really is none, because no other book combines those things LOL).
I'll probably pick up the next one because something about this series does appeal to me, simply because it's so oddly different than any other sci-fi/corporate/historical romance book I have ever read (which really is none, because no other book combines those things LOL).
April 20, 2023
*4.5*
One of the most original, complicated, and engrossing series I’ve ever read.
This series must be read an order, and at times it feels like you need an advanced degree to understand the world building.
Story components:
Power imbalances on multiple levels
Incredible world, culture, and character building
Non-romantic graphic M/F sex
Each chapter begins with ancient texts
Multiple religions and cultural beliefs
Complex mixing of political intrigue, espionage and ancient rituals
This is heroine who is treated horribly by society and her peers. She is at the bottom of the social pile. Somehow she finds the strength and fortitude to rise up through the ranks, supporting her younger sister, and her mother. She is accepted on a three year apprentice bond. (book one) Which is essentially becoming an indentured servant/slave to a high-ranking member of society. She must do whatever he asks, including spy work and having sex on the regular. In exchange, he pays her a sum that allows her to feed her family and send her sister to school.
No one is allowed to touch her, even her little sister who used to sneak into her bed for snuggles after a bad dream. It’s hard to wrap your mind around this kind of ownership.
I’m on the fence about my feelings about this world. How can you study a society and not judge them with your own upbringing and emotional lens. I found the hero so repulsive at times for the choices he makes. He’s not cruel to her, but she is certainly owned. It was hard to come to terms with the fact
Everything here is a political, financial, and societal move. The h allows him to move up faster because she is so highly intelligent. And what is going on with her eyes??!! My guess is she is stronger than them all, and the Gods have placed her through these trials to make her even that much stronger.
This series must be read an order, and at times it feels like you need an advanced degree to understand the world building.
Story components:
Power imbalances on multiple levels
Incredible world, culture, and character building
Non-romantic graphic M/F sex
Each chapter begins with ancient texts
Multiple religions and cultural beliefs
Complex mixing of political intrigue, espionage and ancient rituals
This is heroine who is treated horribly by society and her peers. She is at the bottom of the social pile. Somehow she finds the strength and fortitude to rise up through the ranks, supporting her younger sister, and her mother. She is accepted on a three year apprentice bond. (book one) Which is essentially becoming an indentured servant/slave to a high-ranking member of society. She must do whatever he asks, including spy work and having sex on the regular. In exchange, he pays her a sum that allows her to feed her family and send her sister to school.
No one is allowed to touch her, even her little sister who used to sneak into her bed for snuggles after a bad dream. It’s hard to wrap your mind around this kind of ownership.
I’m on the fence about my feelings about this world. How can you study a society and not judge them with your own upbringing and emotional lens. I found the hero so repulsive at times for the choices he makes. He’s not cruel to her, but she is certainly owned. It was hard to come to terms with the fact
Everything here is a political, financial, and societal move. The h allows him to move up faster because she is so highly intelligent. And what is going on with her eyes??!! My guess is she is stronger than them all, and the Gods have placed her through these trials to make her even that much stronger.
March 25, 2023
4.75 Stars
Holy crap.
The first book was difficult for me. The main problem is the amount of intelligence it takes to read this series. And boy did I feel that in the first book.
BUT! I Bow to Mistress Manetti for one HELL of a complicated and extremely well composed Sci-fi world. I swear this series has me so enthralled I am about to do something I NEVER do!
I am immediately going into the 3rd book.
The intrigues, the main characters, the world itself, everything has held me captive.
And the sex scenes are perfect. Not too much nor too little. Perfectly placed and very Steamy.
I HAVE to get the rest of the series because the 3rd book is the last one I own!
E.G. Manetti You have ENSLAVED my brain!
Holy crap.
The first book was difficult for me. The main problem is the amount of intelligence it takes to read this series. And boy did I feel that in the first book.
BUT! I Bow to Mistress Manetti for one HELL of a complicated and extremely well composed Sci-fi world. I swear this series has me so enthralled I am about to do something I NEVER do!
I am immediately going into the 3rd book.
The intrigues, the main characters, the world itself, everything has held me captive.
And the sex scenes are perfect. Not too much nor too little. Perfectly placed and very Steamy.
I HAVE to get the rest of the series because the 3rd book is the last one I own!
E.G. Manetti You have ENSLAVED my brain!
November 24, 2021
Amazing Series!
I am in awe of the wonderful world created by E.G.. Bright Star is an outstanding follow up to Volume 1. The character arcs are growing and expanding as more characters are added and the intrigue grows. Again the reader must get into the rhythm or the writing and I hope that is not discouraging readers from this series. It is well worth the investment to understand the minutiae. If one takes the time to savor these stories ,the characters and the world of The Twelve Systems the reader is transported on a wonderfully crafted quest.
I am in awe of the wonderful world created by E.G.. Bright Star is an outstanding follow up to Volume 1. The character arcs are growing and expanding as more characters are added and the intrigue grows. Again the reader must get into the rhythm or the writing and I hope that is not discouraging readers from this series. It is well worth the investment to understand the minutiae. If one takes the time to savor these stories ,the characters and the world of The Twelve Systems the reader is transported on a wonderfully crafted quest.
April 13, 2015
Another riveting installment in my new favorite space opera. Intrigue of the political and sensual variety abounds in this series, assuring fans of sexy, steamy sci-fi and major-key suspense will not be disappointed. Whereas the first book put me in mind of a sexy, fraught Hogwart's dynamic surrounding the hero, Lilian and her two study mate chums, by expanding her network of apprenticed collaborators here, Lilian creates a more "grown-up" circle and deepens her influence in the process. I did find myself wishing, at times, that there were more detailed hints at Lucius' grand scheme, and it's only at the very end of this book that we are privileged to another clue as to Gariten's past crimes and their ramifications for our hero. Stylistically, I hope to see fewer lengthy excerpts from treatises and histories and more original (but pithy) quotes or expositional elements to preface each chapter; also, boldface type on the titles of preface sources is distracting, especially when viewed directly above chapter subtitles. One can only hope that as these stories increase in popularity (as I'm certain they will), the author will be able to invest in some quality copy editing and proofreading: there are numerous enough misplaced apostrophes, dropped and extraneous articles and occasional misspellings to distract (this knee-jerk copyeditor) while reading. Minor points aside, I cannot wait for Book Three!
February 2, 2016
Bright Star by E.G. Manetti
This is book two in E.G.Manetti’s epic Apprentice Trilogy (book three is expected next year). I thought this was a well-constructed story and not having read book one was not actually a disadvantage although it left me wanting to read book three to find out what happens to Lilian and her master Lucius next. You know me, I hate spoilers with a vengeance, so I won’t go there! Suffice it to say that an Apprentice is a kind of indentured assistant or bondswoman (bondsman if male) who sells their services as a personal assistant for a three year period. The duties include those of a carnal nature so it is more in line with slavery than apprenticeship in our world.
E.G.Manetti’s characters are well drawn and seeing their personalities develop through the course of the story is interesting. Lilian grows from being quite fearful at the start to quite confident at the end and Lucius, her owner, mentor and protector, is responsible for that. Their relationship is not one you would expect from master and slave and the love scenes are just that; explicit, erotic and yet tastefully written.
The world constructed here is complex and well thought out, a kind of sci-fi, space warrior with ancient Roman overtones. The story is full of politics and intrigue and makes a fascinating read. Copy is not perfect, but errors are few and minor and did not affect my enjoyment of the story which pulled me in more as time progressed. At the point of writing this, I am eagerly awaiting book three. I want to see what transpires between Lucius and Lilian, find out who the traitor is and hopefully see Lilian reinstated as a warrior with honour. Time will tell!
A five star read for me.
This is book two in E.G.Manetti’s epic Apprentice Trilogy (book three is expected next year). I thought this was a well-constructed story and not having read book one was not actually a disadvantage although it left me wanting to read book three to find out what happens to Lilian and her master Lucius next. You know me, I hate spoilers with a vengeance, so I won’t go there! Suffice it to say that an Apprentice is a kind of indentured assistant or bondswoman (bondsman if male) who sells their services as a personal assistant for a three year period. The duties include those of a carnal nature so it is more in line with slavery than apprenticeship in our world.
E.G.Manetti’s characters are well drawn and seeing their personalities develop through the course of the story is interesting. Lilian grows from being quite fearful at the start to quite confident at the end and Lucius, her owner, mentor and protector, is responsible for that. Their relationship is not one you would expect from master and slave and the love scenes are just that; explicit, erotic and yet tastefully written.
The world constructed here is complex and well thought out, a kind of sci-fi, space warrior with ancient Roman overtones. The story is full of politics and intrigue and makes a fascinating read. Copy is not perfect, but errors are few and minor and did not affect my enjoyment of the story which pulled me in more as time progressed. At the point of writing this, I am eagerly awaiting book three. I want to see what transpires between Lucius and Lilian, find out who the traitor is and hopefully see Lilian reinstated as a warrior with honour. Time will tell!
A five star read for me.
June 30, 2014
The continuing epic story of the twelve systems, a complex and intricately crafted world which centres on Lilian and Lucius, but with a supporting cast of interesting characters who each had their own specific voices and personalities, an admirable job considering the number.
Political and commercial intrigue intermixed with proud warrior and religious traditions provide a book that isn't an easy read, you have to concentrate on this one, but once read, I wanted to go back and pick up on the parts you missed the first time round.
I gave this one another star compared with the first book as the characters come to life a little more as their background are explained, I particularly liked the spymaster and Rebecca and I hope E. G. expands upon their story further in the next book.
Political and commercial intrigue intermixed with proud warrior and religious traditions provide a book that isn't an easy read, you have to concentrate on this one, but once read, I wanted to go back and pick up on the parts you missed the first time round.
I gave this one another star compared with the first book as the characters come to life a little more as their background are explained, I particularly liked the spymaster and Rebecca and I hope E. G. expands upon their story further in the next book.
September 14, 2014
Extremely well written book that has a fabulous Scifi world build, a complicated and engrossing plot will great, great characters. This second book is better than the first, which is saying something. I can not wait for the third book.
Some may find the formal wording strange - I think it fit the story and world very well. The world build reminds me of feudal Japan in its social structure, with a bit more movement up and down the social ladder.
Death to Martin, may his shrunken head dangle from the Warleaders belt!
Some may find the formal wording strange - I think it fit the story and world very well. The world build reminds me of feudal Japan in its social structure, with a bit more movement up and down the social ladder.
Death to Martin, may his shrunken head dangle from the Warleaders belt!
September 27, 2020
Some of you may remember my review of The Cartel from last year. It began The Apprentice Series. Now, with volume 2 completed, I am happy to share that Bright Star does not disappoint.
Lilian continues in her bond to Lucius. The apprentice has endured many a harrowing trial in the first installment and her tribulations are far from over in The Apprentice Volume 2.
As vowed by her bonding, Lilian must endeavor to put Monsignor's will and interests of paramount concern. Her brilliant mind aids her in her work and soon Lucius's business interests receive a hefty boost in the form of a synthetic Vistrite known as Mercium. Thanks to Lilian, The Serengeti Cartel stands to gain considerably from the new Mercium that will allow some of the lower technology to be powered more cost efficiently.
In addition, work is going forward on The Bright Star initiative that will forge forward a new era in space travel beyond the 12 systems. Indeed, these are very exciting times.
However, things are far from perfect for Lilian. Though she seems to have managed to impress Lucius and remains in his favor, there are many others of equal rank in this honor bound society that will never see Lilian for anything more than a foul doxy. Will she fair well and endure these turbulent times?
I quite enjoyed this second installment in The Apprentice Series. In fact, I would even venture to say that Bright Star is a marked improvement from its impressive predecessor. The world building continues as Manetti includes more canons from the 5 Warriors, as well as some very insightful entries regarding Vistrite mining in the Crevasse. In addition, Lilian's character gets some further development that helps the reader relate with her on a new level. The erotica is toned down in this sequel, but the writing of the sex scenes has also improved-evoking the physical response one would expect from literature of this nature. All in all, Bright Star is a delightful read for fans of science fiction and a sequel worth reading.
Lilian continues in her bond to Lucius. The apprentice has endured many a harrowing trial in the first installment and her tribulations are far from over in The Apprentice Volume 2.
As vowed by her bonding, Lilian must endeavor to put Monsignor's will and interests of paramount concern. Her brilliant mind aids her in her work and soon Lucius's business interests receive a hefty boost in the form of a synthetic Vistrite known as Mercium. Thanks to Lilian, The Serengeti Cartel stands to gain considerably from the new Mercium that will allow some of the lower technology to be powered more cost efficiently.
In addition, work is going forward on The Bright Star initiative that will forge forward a new era in space travel beyond the 12 systems. Indeed, these are very exciting times.
However, things are far from perfect for Lilian. Though she seems to have managed to impress Lucius and remains in his favor, there are many others of equal rank in this honor bound society that will never see Lilian for anything more than a foul doxy. Will she fair well and endure these turbulent times?
I quite enjoyed this second installment in The Apprentice Series. In fact, I would even venture to say that Bright Star is a marked improvement from its impressive predecessor. The world building continues as Manetti includes more canons from the 5 Warriors, as well as some very insightful entries regarding Vistrite mining in the Crevasse. In addition, Lilian's character gets some further development that helps the reader relate with her on a new level. The erotica is toned down in this sequel, but the writing of the sex scenes has also improved-evoking the physical response one would expect from literature of this nature. All in all, Bright Star is a delightful read for fans of science fiction and a sequel worth reading.
January 24, 2019
3.5/5.0
Because this series is so interconnected and continues the over-all storyline of Lilian, an "apprentice"(ei: slave) to Lucias Mercio. My reviews will be continuations, as well (just not time to re-cap earlier opinions which still stay strong.)
In this installment the sexual subjugation is still just as offensive but not quite as frequent. Lucias, thankfully, is not a cruel man - just a demanding one. This makes the reading a bit less disturbing but no less uncomfortable. Readers continue to learn and love Lilian even more in this book. Her strength and integrity make her such a sympathetic character that it becomes even harder to read of what she must do at Lucias's command. Our abhorrence of how she must give in without question to his sexual demands is amplified because he has a wife and children that he loves! We jump from his frequent sexcapades with Lilian to chapters with him loving and enjoying his wife - YUCK!!!
Now - to be fair - in their society, this is an accepted situation that no one questions. The problem, as I see it, is that while that may be so - any woman in OUR society cannot help but take extreme offense at the situation. Lilian has NO choice in the matter yet we must watch her as she becomes more attached to him and then read about him with his loving wife.
Still, aside from that HUGE problem for me, the rest of the story is so well-written and enthralling that I could hardly put it down! The author has so deftly wound LIlian and her plight into the reader's hearts that we must keep reading if only in hopes that she will overcome and find happiness.
Because this series is so interconnected and continues the over-all storyline of Lilian, an "apprentice"(ei: slave) to Lucias Mercio. My reviews will be continuations, as well (just not time to re-cap earlier opinions which still stay strong.)
In this installment the sexual subjugation is still just as offensive but not quite as frequent. Lucias, thankfully, is not a cruel man - just a demanding one. This makes the reading a bit less disturbing but no less uncomfortable. Readers continue to learn and love Lilian even more in this book. Her strength and integrity make her such a sympathetic character that it becomes even harder to read of what she must do at Lucias's command. Our abhorrence of how she must give in without question to his sexual demands is amplified because he has a wife and children that he loves! We jump from his frequent sexcapades with Lilian to chapters with him loving and enjoying his wife - YUCK!!!
Now - to be fair - in their society, this is an accepted situation that no one questions. The problem, as I see it, is that while that may be so - any woman in OUR society cannot help but take extreme offense at the situation. Lilian has NO choice in the matter yet we must watch her as she becomes more attached to him and then read about him with his loving wife.
Still, aside from that HUGE problem for me, the rest of the story is so well-written and enthralling that I could hardly put it down! The author has so deftly wound LIlian and her plight into the reader's hearts that we must keep reading if only in hopes that she will overcome and find happiness.
March 15, 2017
This is not fluff, not light and easy, and for me, with a rather deceptive classification. While the Sci-Fi and romance aspects are practically non-existent, these books make it up in spades for this shortfall in other areas. With complex world building, complicated socio-economic structure, written in a formal and highly formalized language and style, full of intrigue and machinations The Apprentice series will either engross or frustrate you. I found myself in a first category even though some trends did frustrate me initially - after a while, both frequent and repetitive “sex times” and constant “milord” became a white noise which I kept skipping or ignoring in pursuit of the story-line (a small detail became a point of amusement for me: in a highly technological universe, with specific nomenclature for measurements, the distance is still measured in inches and feet , prevalent in America rather than more Universally accepted decimal – based metric system). I am caught - hook, line and sinker.
February 27, 2017
I wrote it, so I think it's great.
January 27, 2019
Reviewed in the 1-2 bundle.
May 18, 2016
I enjoyed the first book, so I went into this sure I'd like it to - and I was not disappointed. If anything, I liked this one better!
The story of Lillian continues where the last left off. Apprenticed to Lucius, Lillian is the center of political intrigue and the target of hatred because of her father's mistakes, but she glides through both with her head held high. No wilting flower, Lillian is strong and intelligent - her ability to find patterns and note discord are an immeasurable benefit to Lucius - but at the same time she is still feminine enough to be believable, with just the right amount of strength and weakness to make her feel like a real person.
Though there is detailed sex scenes, I don't think they are as frequent in this book as the first, allowing more time for the meat of the story. I enjoyed getting to see more of Lucius and his family, and the explanations given for why he is taking full advantage of his apprentice also made me feel a bit easier about it. Though having relations with apprentices while being married is acceptable - even expected in their culture - there were still moments in the first book where I thought "Yes, but..." However, those are gone in the second.
I can't review this without taking a minute to comment on Manetti's world building. Can I say WOW? The world is so detailed, so fleshed out, so full - complete with their own words for things (such as "riser" for elevator - and instead of hours in the day they have "bells" and instead of weeks "Sevendays" etc.), a detailed history (each chapter opens with snippets from "historical documents"), a well thought out mythology that blend history and n doubt fancy, the universe is so detailed that I would expect to see it on a television show. In fact, I was telling a friend about it and they misunderstood me and thought it was. As this is something that is so often lacking in books, I can't rave about it enough, especially when you consider it's not the work of a team of writers - but ONE talented author!
The story of Lillian continues where the last left off. Apprenticed to Lucius, Lillian is the center of political intrigue and the target of hatred because of her father's mistakes, but she glides through both with her head held high. No wilting flower, Lillian is strong and intelligent - her ability to find patterns and note discord are an immeasurable benefit to Lucius - but at the same time she is still feminine enough to be believable, with just the right amount of strength and weakness to make her feel like a real person.
Though there is detailed sex scenes, I don't think they are as frequent in this book as the first, allowing more time for the meat of the story. I enjoyed getting to see more of Lucius and his family, and the explanations given for why he is taking full advantage of his apprentice also made me feel a bit easier about it. Though having relations with apprentices while being married is acceptable - even expected in their culture - there were still moments in the first book where I thought "Yes, but..." However, those are gone in the second.
I can't review this without taking a minute to comment on Manetti's world building. Can I say WOW? The world is so detailed, so fleshed out, so full - complete with their own words for things (such as "riser" for elevator - and instead of hours in the day they have "bells" and instead of weeks "Sevendays" etc.), a detailed history (each chapter opens with snippets from "historical documents"), a well thought out mythology that blend history and n doubt fancy, the universe is so detailed that I would expect to see it on a television show. In fact, I was telling a friend about it and they misunderstood me and thought it was. As this is something that is so often lacking in books, I can't rave about it enough, especially when you consider it's not the work of a team of writers - but ONE talented author!
September 9, 2014
There is incredibly rich world building in this offering from E.G. Manetti. There is also a little bit of everything in terms of genre. To me, that's a good thing. There is high fantasy, erotic elements, building romance and epic story lines. The relationship between Lillian and Lucius is well earned throughout the story and it's interesting to watch them (especially Lillian) evolve.
I would echo other reviewers who commented that this is not an easy read. It is enjoyable to be sure, but this is one I'd recommend for a reader who wants to settle in with something substantial. The author provides a glossary and I used it heavily.
3.5/5
I would echo other reviewers who commented that this is not an easy read. It is enjoyable to be sure, but this is one I'd recommend for a reader who wants to settle in with something substantial. The author provides a glossary and I used it heavily.
3.5/5
August 15, 2015
Bright Star is the second in the Apprentice trilogy and a great successor to the first book. Lilian and Lucius continue their dance as apprentice and bondholder. Lilian continues to try to prove her worth to her master and Lucius continues to use his apprentice to further his own ends while trying to keep her from harm. The intrigue was well written and will keep you guessing throughout the book.
The storyline is great, the characters believable and the story an engaging read. Can’t wait to see how this story plays out in volume 3.
The storyline is great, the characters believable and the story an engaging read. Can’t wait to see how this story plays out in volume 3.
March 10, 2014
LOVED. Excellent sequel to the Cartel. Lillian is even more captivating. What she has to go through and how she handles it all. And Lucius always unpredictable and exciting. New characters and situations that are really great. I can't wait for Book 3!
June 10, 2015
"Bright Star" is a science fiction diorama brilliantly crafted to meet the ever growing science fiction enthusiasts.
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 30, 2019
Every time I come back to the Twelve Systems, I get totally engrossed by this world. From its minor details, to speech patterns, to intricate social histories and hints of preternatural abilities amongst certain people, the author has built a universe so complete that you're able to totally immerse yourself in it as you read. After I finished book one, I mentioned the story and characters would stick with me, and that's still true. I find myself thinking about Lilian and her plight at random times throughout the day in a way that I really haven't experienced with other heroines.
In my review of the first in the series, I categorized it as high brow Sci-Fi Erotica as opposed to a Romance. While I still wouldn't file this under your traditional "Romance", I wouldn't say book two is Erotica, either. This installment is more smart Science Fiction featuring intrigue, complexities, and layered characters with some rather smexy sexytimes throughout. (I could absolutely see this a show on HBO. Just please don't give it to Benioff and Weiss from GoT to adapt, lol.)
In Bright Star, I found myself even more drawn to Lucius' spymaster, Trevelyan. I dig how he pushes back against some of the accepted ways of this world, including Apprentice Bonds, which are similar to indentured servitude with a sexual contract.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles (and the amazing world building) sucks you right in. I look forward to reading more of this series, which has had one of its later books earn a spot as a 2019 RONE Award Finalist. ☺
In my review of the first in the series, I categorized it as high brow Sci-Fi Erotica as opposed to a Romance. While I still wouldn't file this under your traditional "Romance", I wouldn't say book two is Erotica, either. This installment is more smart Science Fiction featuring intrigue, complexities, and layered characters with some rather smexy sexytimes throughout. (I could absolutely see this a show on HBO. Just please don't give it to Benioff and Weiss from GoT to adapt, lol.)
In Bright Star, I found myself even more drawn to Lucius' spymaster, Trevelyan. I dig how he pushes back against some of the accepted ways of this world, including Apprentice Bonds, which are similar to indentured servitude with a sexual contract.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles (and the amazing world building) sucks you right in. I look forward to reading more of this series, which has had one of its later books earn a spot as a 2019 RONE Award Finalist. ☺
August 28, 2015
Bright Star: The Apprentice Volume 2 is an epic novel of the Sci-Fi genre. It's heroine Lilian is a young warrior indentured to Lucius, the Monsignor of one of the cartels. She is to be his apprentice for a total of three years. She has sworn to surrender her loyalty, mind, and body to his services. Under Lucius' guidance, she grows from a fearful girl into a force to be reckoned with.
E. G. Manetti's Bright Star: The Apprentice Volume 2 is extremely well written. It's elements of political intrigue, erotica, and suspense make it difficult to put the book down. I look forward to Volume 3.
E. G. Manetti's Bright Star: The Apprentice Volume 2 is extremely well written. It's elements of political intrigue, erotica, and suspense make it difficult to put the book down. I look forward to Volume 3.
February 9, 2019
3,5 stars
Still really good. Furthermore, we get to know new characters who are not part of the cartels. We go out of Serengeti tower. Kudos for that. We meet several new characters, Lucius's children, Thabita... all are interesting. Helena's seer habilities are very interesting too.
Lilian's resilience, honor, and stoic nature is still very interesting. We have also Katleen's point of view, another good point.
Nickolas!
What bothered me:
Such a series must be read in order; impossible to start in volume 2 or 3. Often, the authors place recaps of the previous volumes. When you read the series as it is published, with months between the release of each volume, those recaps are very useful. When you reads the series once it has been fully published and you binge it, these recaps are sometimes very annoying, but a wise reader understands that it is inevitable (personally, I have an excellent memory, and even if my reading of the previous volume goes back several months, I still find that there is too much recaps, the thread of the story is enough for me to remember). But in this one, I was chocked by the fact that the author has copied/pasted several passages of volume 1, reminders of general informations. Word for word. I can tolerate recaps, but please, take the time to rephrase those informations. I'm not talking about the informations on the top of every chapter; those are history books's excerpts from this universe, it's logical that they are identical. But in the chapters, I'm not ok with that. It's the reason for my 3,5 stars. Without this, the story is a 4 stars hands down.
Did I started volume 3? You bet!
Still really good. Furthermore, we get to know new characters who are not part of the cartels. We go out of Serengeti tower. Kudos for that. We meet several new characters, Lucius's children, Thabita... all are interesting. Helena's seer habilities are very interesting too.
Lilian's resilience, honor, and stoic nature is still very interesting. We have also Katleen's point of view, another good point.
Nickolas!
What bothered me:
Such a series must be read in order; impossible to start in volume 2 or 3. Often, the authors place recaps of the previous volumes. When you read the series as it is published, with months between the release of each volume, those recaps are very useful. When you reads the series once it has been fully published and you binge it, these recaps are sometimes very annoying, but a wise reader understands that it is inevitable (personally, I have an excellent memory, and even if my reading of the previous volume goes back several months, I still find that there is too much recaps, the thread of the story is enough for me to remember). But in this one, I was chocked by the fact that the author has copied/pasted several passages of volume 1, reminders of general informations. Word for word. I can tolerate recaps, but please, take the time to rephrase those informations. I'm not talking about the informations on the top of every chapter; those are history books's excerpts from this universe, it's logical that they are identical. But in the chapters, I'm not ok with that. It's the reason for my 3,5 stars. Without this, the story is a 4 stars hands down.
Did I started volume 3? You bet!
March 27, 2019
I'm going to try and write a review that will do this book more justice than I did when reviewing book #1.
Because now, I've found what I really liked in this addictive series : control.
A world that fell into anarchy and that regained some balance through intense control : castes, ranks, speech, strictures, punishments and so on.
A heroin who's a genius and tries to hide it, who merely escaped death and who keeps a tight control over herself.
I also love the universe that the writer created : the history, religion, manner of speech, it's all very creative. The heroin's mother is a seer, a bit disturbed in the head, and I would be very curious to watch those paintings on her bedroom wall.
But most of all, I love the rebellion (of course, it's not a real rebellion, rather an alliance) that all those almost slaves who have very few rights are leading without appearing to do so. A powerful seigneur or protégé is bothering one of them ? They unite, find his or her weakness and reveal them through devious means !
And did I forget to mention the hot sex with devious, clever milord Lucius ?
Addictive, completely addictive, I'm on to the next book.
Because now, I've found what I really liked in this addictive series : control.
A world that fell into anarchy and that regained some balance through intense control : castes, ranks, speech, strictures, punishments and so on.
A heroin who's a genius and tries to hide it, who merely escaped death and who keeps a tight control over herself.
I also love the universe that the writer created : the history, religion, manner of speech, it's all very creative. The heroin's mother is a seer, a bit disturbed in the head, and I would be very curious to watch those paintings on her bedroom wall.
But most of all, I love the rebellion (of course, it's not a real rebellion, rather an alliance) that all those almost slaves who have very few rights are leading without appearing to do so. A powerful seigneur or protégé is bothering one of them ? They unite, find his or her weakness and reveal them through devious means !
And did I forget to mention the hot sex with devious, clever milord Lucius ?
Addictive, completely addictive, I'm on to the next book.
April 14, 2019
With about a million over-sugared “good” characters and text-book villains, the story of indentured Lilian plods along in uncertain direction. I rather like it, but I have no idea where it is supposed to go. Are we waiting for Lilian’s bond time to end? Is that the arc? Or is it about whether she will get her Lucius? Or a larger story about toppling the strange social system? Political and perhaps even spaceship battles?
I can’t deny it’s captivating, but with all these quite well fleshed-out (if sugary) characters, exciting (if convoluted) intrigue, and decent (if a bit strange) language, it could have been truly excellent with a clearer sense of where this all is going. The author is great at building and then releasing tension, but it stays small tension, small intrigue, because we never get to see the purpose. I get the strong feeling she is building up to something, and would have appreciated a glance at what that is.
I can’t deny it’s captivating, but with all these quite well fleshed-out (if sugary) characters, exciting (if convoluted) intrigue, and decent (if a bit strange) language, it could have been truly excellent with a clearer sense of where this all is going. The author is great at building and then releasing tension, but it stays small tension, small intrigue, because we never get to see the purpose. I get the strong feeling she is building up to something, and would have appreciated a glance at what that is.
September 8, 2015
1st - I received this book in return for my review. 2nd - I had a hard time choosing between 3 or 4 stars. This book is detailed - think game of thrones meets star wars. Wow - the detail that goes into this book was a little over whelming for me. I also had a hard time with the choppyness(is this even a word) of the story. There are a lot of characters and a lot to keep track of. I like to read them and leave them - this book lingers with you - you want to know more and feel more and figure out where all this is going. I am fairy certain I know where some of it is going, but not all of it.....
June 8, 2016
I'm still skipping the chapter intros - and bought the next book before I'd finished this one. Binge reading a new-to-me series is great.
June 4, 2022
Master strategist!! Wow! Am blown away by the complexity of this world , the characters and all the plot levels! What skill. Lillian’s and Lucius’ private time is as rewarding as their commerce time and all the details of Lillian’s home life with her sister, Amman and their spirituality make this an unbelievably plausible and deeply satisfying read. So many levels. I can’t find one inconsistency in behavior, intrigue or development. A Game of Thronish take on a very complex galaxy. I read the kindle version and loved this entire series So much I am going to buy the hard copies.
September 7, 2020
Great Aries, moves fast
Interesting drama and solutions
Interesting drama and solutions
August 7, 2022
4.5
The storyline continues to draw the reader into the action. For me the draw would be better if the scenes weren’t interrupted frequently by the MCs sexual interludes.
The storyline continues to draw the reader into the action. For me the draw would be better if the scenes weren’t interrupted frequently by the MCs sexual interludes.
March 8, 2024
Excellent sci fi adventure
The world building is phenomenal, the writing and story are enthralling, Lilian's consortium is entertaining, and I'm in love with this series. Although there is romance, this series is more adventure/ thriller oriented, which is my favorite type of sci fi romance. The erotic interludes are important to the story and integral to the world building.
The world building is phenomenal, the writing and story are enthralling, Lilian's consortium is entertaining, and I'm in love with this series. Although there is romance, this series is more adventure/ thriller oriented, which is my favorite type of sci fi romance. The erotic interludes are important to the story and integral to the world building.
Want to read
October 9, 2017***I won this book in the Erotica Group Anniversary Celebration***
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