Elixir of Eternity by A. Kine

After Lily has resigned to her situation, she tries to make the best of it. There is still quite a bit she does not understand. She is determined and curious though. She uses all the facts from Greek mythology and religion to understand how things work and why they are how they are. She is a human bride for the gods. She is expected to fulfill certain physical needs. The more she understands about her current world and the previous one, the more she realizes that a clash between the two could be detrimental and possibly imminent. Will Lily continue to cope as more is demanded from her on so many fronts? How will Ox’s departure impact her relationship with Wolf? Is she the or just an elixir of eternity?

This is a sequel to White Harvest. The journey of Lily’s adjustment to her new normal continues. There is a stark difference between the angry and explosive woman she was when she was first brought into the fold and the stoic monument she is now. She is more assertive but also more open minded to all the weird and disturbing things she encounters and is subjected to. However, often the reader gets to see her old self. An example is when she finds out that Wolf has implanted a ‘worm’ in her. Her old self shows in the way she consistently rejects it for an extended period. You can feel that the rejection is half hearted though. It is almost as if she has developed explicit trust in her ‘captors’. Or perhaps she is just resigned as there is no escaping now.

Ox’s character does not change much until his sort of animalistic side is shown. When Lily is implanted, he caves into his carnal needs, which is a deviation from the paternalistic character we are used to from White Harvest. Wolf is a multi dimensional character. His domineering and macho element is mixed in with a softer side that Lily admits to loving. His crude way of speaking is perfectly suited to his personality. The author has done a great job with the characters. Their dialogue and reactions as well as interactions with ach other are well suited to their characters therefore leaving a sharp mental image of what/who they truly are. 

Just like White Harvest, this book is a treat. It is obviously deeply disturbing for a human being especially due to the mental images the vivid narration conjures up. It is well written and well sculpted to fit the genre. The romance, albeit unusual, is heartwarming and beautiful in its own uniquely paranormal way. The author has stepped his game from the first installment. There is more intrigue. The excitement is palpable. The plot is well executed. With stainless syntax and excellent command of the language, this book will convey exactly what it is supposed to. It is a relatively quick read. The perfect companion for a long flight. All that is required of you is an open and forgiving mind. Five stars for a vast improvement from what was already a brilliant story. Kudos for injecting a sense of normal emotion while still maintaining the otherworldly quintessence. Elixir of Eternity is definitely worth a read.