Book Review: Barbarian Alien (Ice Planet Barbarians, Book 2) by Ruby Dixon
When I stumbled upon Barbarian Alien, the second installment in Ruby Dixon’s captivating Ice Planet Barbarians series, I couldn’t resist the temptation to dive back into this wild, wintry world of intergalactic hijinks and unexpected romance. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book, I was eager to see how Dixon would continue to mix humor, heart, and a healthy dose of steamy alien interactions. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
Our fierce heroine, Liz Cramer, finds herself stranded on a brutal alien planet with a group of fellow humans, all while paired with the gruff, broody Raahosh, who believes she’s destined to be his mate. Yes, you heard that right! In a universe where survival hinges on a peculiar symbiont (which Liz humorously dubs her “cootie”), the stakes are high, but Dixon brilliantly weaves a tale that balances survival, humor, and romance.
What I loved most about Barbarian Alien was its exploration of resilience and transformation. Liz is unapologetically fiery, and her witty defiance kept me laughing out loud. Her struggle to adapt to her circumstances and feelings for Raahosh felt genuine and relatable. Dixon’s ability to develop such a complex character in a short time is commendable. The banter between Liz and Raahosh is sharp, and their emotional growth is lovely to witness. It’s not just about survival on an ice planet; it’s about finding warmth in unexpected places—like within each other.
The writing style is delightful, marked by Dixon’s signature caustic humor and engaging prose. The pacing expertly keeps the reader hooked, shifting seamlessly between moments of tension and comedic relief. I could hardly put it down! There were memorable quotes that made me chuckle, particularly when Liz laments “Why is my cootie such a jerk?” It’s this playful narrative that highlights the absurdity of their situation while grounding it in a relatable emotional struggle.
The stakes feel personal, and the book manages to balance its steamy moments with deeper themes of consent and vulnerability. I particularly enjoyed how the characters slowly learn to trust each other, which is a testament to Dixon’s ability to portray complex relationships amid the chaos of alien life.
In conclusion, Barbarian Alien is a whimsical blend of sci-fi romance that will resonate with fans of quirky adventure and heartfelt connections. If you enjoy witty heroines, steamy alien encounters, and humorous explorations of love, Liz and Raahosh’s story will capture your heart. This book left me with not only a smile but also a fervent wish to dive into the next adventure on this enchanting alien ice world. So buckle up, readers! This journey will have you eagerly flipping pages and maybe, just maybe, finding love in the most unexpected of places.
You can find Barbarian Alien: Ice Planet Barbarians, Book 2 here >>