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The Cradle Common #1

ALC provided by Simon Maverick Audio

Author: Nicci Harris

Narrators: CJ Bloom and Sean Masters

We are a thousand years in the future and war, climate change and genetic manipulation has changed civilization as we know it. In a “Brave New World” kind of way, citizens have accepted set roles and in turn they will be taken care of and given “a meaningful purpose”. The world is now The Cradle and humankind is The Cradled Common. 

Aster is a Silk Girl, a human bred to adore and pleasure and to provide healthy heirs to the Trade. She caught the eye off Rome, the king. Genetically enhanced Rome has basically lost all his humanity, until this tiny creature worms her way into his heart, awakening feelings he never knew he had. Now they both want things they are not supposed to have. Love is a foreign concept in this world. But Love can take down any regime, especially if the one in love is the King. 

I tried to categorize this one and the best I got was dystopian, sci-fi, dark romance. I’m blown away by the world building, the characters, the lore. 

I love Aster and I wanted her to have all the good things, especially to find love in Rome’s arms. They have a “fated mates” element to them and you just want to see them be able to be together. 

Although this is the first one in a series,and it ends kind of abruptly, you don’t get too frustrated as there is no cliffhanger for Aster and Rome. We know that a lot of things are coming, especially because they are making fundamental changes in the world they live in. It’s one epic story!

The audiobook is narrated dual style by CJ Bloom and Sean Masters and they couldn’t be more perfect. CJ shows Aster’s innocence and vulnerability while also showcasing her strength and compassion. Sean’s booming and commanding voice fits the larger than life, domineering Rome to a T. These two paired together made this an incredible audio experience! 

Now I need Tuscany’s book!!!

Thanks, @simonmaverickaudio for the audiobook!

Content notes: cannibalism, genital mutilation, castration, forced sterilization, gore, violence, power imbalance, animal deaths, bullying, hunting