Olivia

I enjoyed this one , and its twists and unusual ending. Not adding any spoilers but I’m not sure it should be listed as a romance, although there was romantic elements. Olivia was pretty kick ass in my opinion.

This is the second book I have read in as many weeks featuring a kidnapped young woman named Olivia. One of my favourite authors, R Lee Smith, penned this particular one, it is set in one of the wonderfully imaginative worlds that RLS is supreme at creating.Olivia is one of a group of young women who, in the dead of night, are spirited away from their homes by the Gullan - a species of bat people who live in caves. The women have been nabbed in order to attempt to repopulate Gullan society and prevent extinction - disease has prevented the successful birthing of offspring among their own kind. In this story there is none of the 'straight up and down heroine is plucked from her world and transplanted to a different world with nary a glance behind her'. Our group of women have realistically different reactions, one of the women loses her mind, another turns to violence, one takes the ultimate way out. Olivia is one of the women who adapts to the situation. Olivia not only adapts but also becomes something of a leader among the women and the Gullan, initially because she is paired with the Gullan's leader.This is an interesting and in some ways unsettling read and it left me with conflicting feelings about Olivia. I admired her and approved of a lot of her behaviour. However, in the second half of the story I sometimes felt that she left me behind a little, I did not always understand her behaviour or motivation. There are quite a few harrowing incidents but also some moving ones and certainly plenty to enjoy. The Gullan society is so very well drawn that it was easy to be swept along in their world.The end of the story felt unresolved, I did not so much enjoy the lead up to the final chapters, in particular the supernatural aspects, which on occasion had me confused. The end felt uncertain enough for me to put my own interpretation on matters, maybe this is what the author intended. To be sure this a substantial and absorbing read. For those familiar with R Lee Smith's work you can be assured that, as always, with a stunning attention to detail she has created an in depth world with striking characters both human and Gullan.This is a 4* to 4.5* read and one of those that my thoughts have returned to every now and then as I find myself re-assessing my belief of what the overall message is. This is a book that I anticipate re-reading.

I liked this book. Not as much as Gann or Heat but still worth 5 stars. This is not a boy meeets girl - or girl meets bat - story and I dont like to say it is epic but it certainly was full of living and people. It is gritty and "realistic" but I laughed and cried and at the end I was sorry to leave them all.The Gullans, the bat people, are dying out and they believe if they take human mates then these unions will produce viable young so they steal 17 young women. This is Olivia's story but it is also the story of the different reactions of the other taken women and their new mates and the rest of the people in the tribe. Obviously some of the unions become caring and some do not. The Last Hour of Gann and Heat follow the main characters quite faithfully but this book is much more about the community and its problems. There is also a supernatural element, more so than in the other books.I read a review before reading it where the reviewer said there was no HEA and so the she stopped reading at 60%. I am sorry but eventually I did look ahead so I sort of knew something about what was to come but I found the unfolding events to be absorbing enough so I continued and I think the end was fine. A bit sad and a bit happy. You will just have to read it.

Olivia is another cracker of a R Lee Smith book. It's hot and heavy and super messed up. It is however, indicative of her earlier writing, where you find a lot (and I mean a LOT) of sex - some of it perhaps unnecessary. I can see that as a piece of constructive criticism, one could argue that Heat, Olivia, and perhaps the Arcadia series are a little sex and shock heavy. But man, they're still worth every darn penny.(to be fair, she could write me a grocery list and I'd read it....so I know, I am biased here. Still, loved it!)Giant sexy bat men that kidnap a kickass heroine to ensure the propagation of their species? Prophecies, gods and goddesses getting right in there and raising hell? Messy, wonderful life? YES! Another excellent adventure.

Another absolute stonker from R. Lee Smith. I'm annoyed it's taken until my nearly 32 years of existence to only just stumble onto these brilliant books and this author. Lots of uncomfortable triggers in this book but I'm not faint of heart. Everytime I read one of these books I always think the last was my favourite, I've been harbouring an all consuming love the beautiful dead but now I'm all about Olivia! What a gal! Reaffirming all men are somewhat simple base creatures but we love them in spite of it, whether they be just man or god.I'm now going to find another one of her books because there's always a sad emptiness when I'm not reading one.Literally not being melodramatic about it. Her books are THAT good.

Erotic HorrorThis is one of my five star books. I cant sleep, eat or do anything else when im reading this author.I love the gritty romantic horror of how they write.If you like a bit of bite to your book then this is for you.BTW... these are not short books they are long and epic, but never boring.

I can't recommend this book enough, Olivia pulls you in and doesn't let go until you finish the book. It was worth every penny :-)

First 1/4 was great but it quickly became boring and repetitive. Found myself skim reading the last half just to see how it ended. Not up to the authors usual high standards!

This is difficult to review. I inhaled it in about 5 hrs. I had thought that The Last Hour of Gann was exceptional, but this was probably equal, just on another scale. Both had great heroines, but this one had many more heroes. A few disappointments, ( V, was one). There were way too many loose ends with a number of characters. But I understand, this was her first book.I don’t care to reveal any episodes of the story, only that if you take a chance to read it, the 700+pages become minor. It’s fantastic! You almost need to take notes it’s so good. Sadly, this author doesn’t write many books, but I can see why, it’s too deep, rich, so much research. You just don’t want it to end 😥

Very talented author. It was fantastical and fun and disturbing and heart wrenching…. Love, power, passion, compassion, greed ,kindness the list goes on. This author touches on all human emotions. Story lines and plots are wonderful. I need to find all she has ever written !

Brilliant story for those that like unusual human/alien stories. It is very long but worth the 1000 or so pages. I couldn't put it down though there were some parts where she went a bit wild and whory but all part of the story. ***Spoiler alert*** I wish the ending had more though as it seemed she could go back even or is this room for a follow on?

I’m not really into fantasy but I stumbled on this one after I read another of this authors and I can’t say I’m all that disappointed. 17 human females are abducted by bat~men no not Batman, bat~men, to breed in an effort to save their dying species. The story is so complex and filled with mystery, magic, love in the weirdest situations, gods and mortals, honour, deceit, death, strength and weakness, monsters and beasts, dark murderers and unlikely hero’s. I got so involved in this story I kept dreaming about it when I slept or napped. It got 4 stars because I felt like the ending was a bit lacklustre or sharp and I would have really liked an epilogue. It ended and I actually said out loud “ oh, wait! That can’t be it?!?!” I guess it finishes and ties most things up but it leaves you feeling like there should have been more. Also I’m kinda thinking where do I get me a bat~man? Lol

I love Ms Smith other works bu Olivia was not for me. I was able to get about half way through before I gave up. I could not connect in anyway to the characters and couldn't care what happened to them. Very odd for a Smith book as she usually has a very strong voice that grabs me and doesn't let go. If this was your first experience with this author, don't give up! Try Heat, Cottonwood or The Last Hour of Gann instead.