Monday, April 6, 2015

E is for Essentially Human by Maureen O. Betita ( & Giveaway!)




Essentially Human, a story of Alien Encounters 

At eighty three years of age, Rachel Inez Astor threw herself from the bow of a cruise ship, only to wake up aboard an alien ship, restored to youth and cut off from the rest of the world. She adapts to her changed circumstances, growing to love the underwater realm. 
Twenty six years later, Federal Investigator Sam Montgomery inadvertently rescues her and finds himself taken aboard the submerged alien ship. He isn’t sure what to make of this woman or the aliens who care for her. Are they a threat? Is she? 
The world is full of paranoia, restricted freedoms and environmental catastrophe. With the advanced science and technology, the aliens hold the power to restore balance - if they can survive exposure to a frightened planet. They’ve planned to reveal themselves and have worked for decades to assimilate and prepare to meet humans face to face. The key rests with the reborn Ria, who is learning how to be human once more, and Sam, a man torn between a lifetime of lies and taking a chance on the unknown. 

My Review:

I have to start by saying that every time I start a new book by an author that I adore I'm always a little nervous if I've agreed to review the book. I'm always thinking "What if this is the one? What if this is the book that just isn't as good as the rest? or worse...What if this book is just terrible?".... Yea, I get paranoid like that. 

Fortunately Betita hits it out of the park again with Essentially Human. 

Essentially Human combines two of Betita's favorite subjects, aliens and the ocean, and combines them beautifully into a touching romantic adventure. 

The world the author creates, between the detailed descriptions to the solid world building, is amazing. Her scenes really pull me in and I feel like I'm right there with the characters. Some of my favorites scenes were when she had Ria 'relearning' her humanity through music. She really brought Ria's emotions to life.  Also Betita has the skill to make me want to stay and explore the world she has created long after the story is over. Essentially Human is a stand alone novel, however that won't stop me from hoping the author will revisit the earth she has created to share some more of its stories.

I really enjoyed her characters. Even the supporting characters leave you wanting more, but in a good way. You just know they have their own stories waiting to be told. (hint, hint) But not in such a way that it leaves them shallow or leaves the story feeling unfinished.  Personally though Ria was my favorite character in this one! I know, I know. She's the main female character. So she's supposed to be my favorite. But if you're an avid reader you know that isn't always the case. I liked the way the author really delved into Ria's psyche in regards to her reasons behind why she went overboard in the first place and how she worked to come to terms with it.

The other thing I really like about the book is how, while it IS a romance novel, it's not JUST about the romance. I know a large part of this is due to the fact that the author puts such an effort into the world she creates, as well as the characters.  

The ending is solid. While Essentially Human is one of three books that fall under the category the author titles Alien Encounters, it is actually a stand alone novel, so there is no cliff hanger. (Yay!)



This is definitely a 18+ book, it has some very adult themes. But otherwise I would refer it to anyone over 18.  It gets 5 outta 5 stars from me and I can't wait to pick up some more of the authors alien books. 



To find out more about Maureen and the rest of her awesome books check out her spotlight, guest posts and interview

Also Maureen has been kind enough to offer one of my lucky readers a chance to win a print copy of her book Essentially Human!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Also she has made the giveaway international! So no matter what continent you're on you can enter to win! If you can't wait to read Essentially Human click the link below the cover above to pick up your own copy today! or If you've already read Essentially Human, click here to see the rest of her books that are currently available!






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I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

4 comments:

  1. I'm actually quite intrigued at the title knowing, from your review, that this is about alien encounters. I wonder who it is referring to? I guess I should read the book, lol. Thanks for the awesome opportunity to win an awesome book!

    Postcards Crossing AtoZer #373 (as of today)

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    1. Thank you for stopping by! All the credit for the giveaway goes to the author Maureen! :)

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  2. Looks like a really interesting read! Thanks for sharing. Good luck with the rest of your A-to-Z posts.

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    1. Thank you! It was a great read. Of course everything I've read from this author has impressed me! Hope you took the opportunity to win your own copy!

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