THIS. This is the chaotic energy I’ve been missing since Liz and Raahosh lol.

Maddie gave me strong Nesta Archeron vibes. And the more I think about Maddie as Nesta-like, the more I see her sister, Lila, as the Feyre in this situation. I don’t know if that’s crazy…. But it makes sense in my head. And, on principle, that means I actually love Maddie more.

Maddie is kind of an outcast in the tribe. Her initial introduction was… not pleasant and she left a bad first impression. With her sister returned home and happily mated, Maddie feels even more like she is not needed, and she must cope with everything that has changed. (And she goes through a very internalized growth arc with this.)

I love that Maddie is so fierce and open with her sexuality. Her “I’m here for a good time, not a long time” mentality in the beginning was so refreshing lol. Also love that Hassen doesn’t quite understand that and plans to bone her into submission (aka woo her into becoming his “pleasure mate”) And because Hassen has been exiled, she feels a kinship with him. They are both alone. Both isolated. A sweet friendship (with benefits) blossoms. Which of course leads to them catching feelings. And these two outcasts find happiness together.

Maddie is chaotic, willful, and a bit abrasive…. And I love how Hassen sees all these things and thinks she is strong, fierce, and utterly perfect for him.

Don’t get me started on all of the things that happen in the overall storyline because I WAS CRUSHED. MY HEART WAS BRUTALIZED. I WAS SHEDDING REAL TEARS FOR THESE BIG BLUE ALIENS. But it is also very exciting to see what happens next.

Series Rankings:
Book 1: Ice Planet Barbarians - (Georgie/Vektal) 3 ⭐
Book 2: Barbarian Alien - (Liz/Raahosh) 4.25 ⭐
Book 3: Barbarian Lover - (Kira/Aehako) 3.75 ⭐
Book 4: Barbarian Mine - (Harlow/Rukh) 4 ⭐
Book 5: Ice Planet Holiday - 3 ⭐
Book 6: Barbarian's Prize- (Tiffany/Salukh) 4.25 ⭐
Book 7: Barbarian's Mate - (Josie/Haeden) 4 ⭐
Book 8: Barbarian's Touch - (Lila/Rokan) 4.5 ⭐
Book 9: Barbarian's Taming - (Maddie/Hassen) 4.5 ⭐