I was hoping this would be amazing and epic, but meh it was a drag and boring.
I did finish the book so yay.

Much more explicit than I thought it would be and I am not fully comfortable reading about books with mentions of drug use but I loved the gang/crime elements of this read and the relationship!

As someone who's not opposed to fan fiction, either reading or writing it, I have to admit that I've never really seen the appeal of A/B/O stories. However, as much as this story did end up falling into a lot of the reasons why I don't particular care for them, it was also a little surprising to me, too.

The reason I picked this book to read is because the plot sounded amazing. In reality, as good as it was, not a whole lot happened, and it was no where as good as it sounded before delving in. Or, more specifically, not as impactful on the characters as I would have preferred it to be considering how heavy it was. I feared that as soon as the sex scenes started to happen, the plot would fall by the wayside and nothing but sex scenes would happen, and although that was partially true, unlike the few fanfics and awful novels I've attempted to read of this nature prior to this, the plot continued all the way to the end and didn't just slip into nothing, so points to the author on that front - this was one of the surprising things about the book for me, so this is a plus.

The writing was far from poor, but it wasn't amazing, either. Grammar and spelling were all in order, and obviously the author and/or an editing team did a good job with it, but I feel like a wider range of vocabulary would have gone a long way, especially around the 'romance' subplots. Like, for example, there were two 'romances' within the story, but neither was distinct from the other, it was as if names had merely been switched around, and especially when it came to the sex scenes. The use of words was clinical, redundant, and also kind of awkward and stiff. It was the same thing repeated again and again rather than a larger variety of words used and names for things, and it never really went beyond this part goes here and, oh, look, sex scene is complete. I've read fan fictions where there have been sex scenes, most of which I have little to no interest in, but that have been written with beautiful strings of prose that make it easy to get through, less clinically vulgar, and that are never the same thing twice, but, sadly, this book fell short of that. If I have to read through a sex scene, then fair enough, but when there's one after the other, at least make them all stand apart from one another, especially if there's more than one couple involved. I guess that's one of the reasons why A/B/O doesn't appeal to me much, amongst other things, as I don't care for sex scene after sex scene after sex scene. I would much rather rich, believable characters placed in a world that comes to life around them and an engrossing plot, and, I have to say, I wouldn't apply any of these things to this book. The characters all had different things going for them, but they were defined by those things to make them stand apart rather than having traits and characteristics that were shown to make them stand out as people, and most of the time they were reduced to which role as a sexual partner they were born as, and since I don't enjoy that aspect of it, I guess that's a reason why I found this less satisfying. The only other thing that made them stand out, and that was used a lot throughout the book, was their appearances, which seemed to emphasis on skin colour much of the time - I'm all for diversity in characters, but it seemed to be over the top with it, like, forcing the point that not everyone should be assumed to be a white person. To me, if you introduce a character, give them a rich background and little details that make them stand out, and if you weave into that their race or culture, etc., then you don't generally forget it half-way through the book and therefore shouldn't need reminding.

The characters were one dimensional, there to serve a sexy purpose, basically, and nothing more, which is a shame, but also, I guess, what the general audience of A/B/O stories probably are used to and therefore don't expect more. The world was a little different, but also didn't add up at times, which was a let down - it was like an amazing plot concept was there, but the effort of extending it and thinking on all the little details to make it feel more real were lacking. It was set in the far future, clearly based on our world with a brief mention at one point about how all humans were wiped out, yet the technology wasn't overly advanced, and the weapons would have been considered ancient, plus cars like we know them wouldn't fit into this world where supplies and resources aren't the same, either. To me, it's the little details that make an amazing fictional world to live in for a while, and when it's lacking for believable aspects, it kind of pulls you out of that world every time you try to break back into it. Basically, I think it's a shame, considering what a good plot the book has that the characters weren't more three-dimensional, and this is especially disappointing considering the fact that it switches POV from a handful of characters and they all just sound the same, monotone and characterless, to the point where third-person omniscient might have been better to use rather than third-person limited. The plot was complete with everything that was started getting wrapped up, which was more than I'd hoped for all things considered, so that was a plus, but I also feel like more could have been done with it, the world explored a bit more. Honestly, I've never understood why having A/B/O dynamics automatically seems to mean not having deep characters and believable worlds - why can't there be all of it rolled into one? Romance novels in general, to be fair, that aren't sex-based things, they lack a strong plot that holds up throughout, a world to be pictured and enjoyed, and much beyond this one couple and their drama.

Also, aside from anything else, A/B/O generally comes from the notion that this is how wolves and therefore werewolves work, right? And I was a bit miffed by the fact that none of this was ever explained, especially since every werewolf book has its own brand of werewolf, or whatever it is that leads to A/B/O occurring. Basically, the magic system, it was never explained, at all, and the rules of it weren't really made clear, except for how alphas claim their omegas by biting the 'mating gland'. I might have expected more in terms of characters, world-building, and plot than I ought to have done from this book, but surely making the magic system clear is essential? Other than humans having been wiped out at some point, we don't know if they were werewolves (I can only assume that's why race they come from, anyway), or how this system works beyond three status types based around how their sex lives are not their own. This, if anything, is the one thing I will criticise that wasn't just me reading in the wrong genre, to be honest, because I think this is important to the story itself and it was missing.

Overall, I'm clearly not the kind of person who enjoys sex-based stories at the expense of character and plot development, and I also don't much care for the idea of class and status of who you are and the kind of life you live being biologically predetermined, nor do I care for the inequality that comes with it or the fact that omegas are simply there for sex purposes of the alpha or how betas complain that they get the worst deal out of the three roles, which is when I'll then point back to the omega and ask again why betas get it so bad. It doesn't do it for me, and, unfortunately, because I'm not so easily entertained by the A/B/O side of things to be distracted from the lack of development with the world-building beyond what it is and how there's not an awful lot there to the characters, this book clearly wasn't written for me. If this is the sort of thing you're into, then I'm pretty sure this is one of the better ones, though, because I've come across far worse over the years. It was an okay book that I read from start to finish without too much trouble, which I struggle to do with books that don't interest me much, and the writing wasn't awful, so I'm not going to say it was awful and not recommendable, but it simply wasn't for me is all. I think if I were to really get into and enjoy a book like this, I would expect the character depth and more world-building exploration to go along with it, and as it seems those things don't naturally go hand-in-hand outside of the rare gem, then even I would have been surprised if I walked away from this screaming about how much I loved it. It wasn't awful, it just wasn't for me, but the plot concept was good, there just wasn't enough of it or enough of it that was shown to impact on the main characters for my liking without it boiling down to status and roles and sex. And, to be fair, I didn't hate it, and I did enjoy it enough to finish it, so that counts for something, but when I picked it out, I had hoped to like it that little bit more, and because of that the only real disappointing factor is that I had expected to love a genre of 'romance' stories that had never done too much for me before, so that was all on me rather than the book itself.

This is one of those books that grew on me. I wasn't sure about it in the beginning, but the more I read, the more I liked both Dom and Lin.

Beyond the growing attraction between Dom and Lin, there was a growing tension between the northern, central and southern empires. Peace between these empires was tenuous with little trust between them. That tension grew even stronger when an old threat made an appearance, one that Dom had personal reasons for wanting to eliminate. Nothing is ever exactly as it seems though and things took some interesting twists and turns.

The smexiness in The Empires of Luxor City was definitely page scorching, but the battle, unique world building, interesting alliances and danger really kept the pages turning. Pretty intense for an author's first book. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Sasha Hope.

In general, I liked the story, but there were a few things that prevent me from giving it a higher rating. One that is mostly stylistic is the inclusion of other character's POVs toward the end of the book for only a chapter each. I sort of understand why it was done in some cases, but not all. That's just something I don't like personally, though. The writing was overall decent, though the quality definitely bounced around a bit.. There were some basic plot inconsistencies that irritated me, but they weren't giant gaping plot holes, at least. I didn't feel like the two characters really LIKED each other at all, and that was my biggest issue. It's not insta-love but it feels like never love to me. There's plenty of lust, sure, but it just... didn't work for me.

The Empires of Luxor City by Sasha Hope was definitely a surprise to me because I expected an Alpha wolf story. My mistake here but it was a pleasure surprise to know that it is a LGBTQ story set in an Omegaverse! I liked Lin and Dom's relationship, however, I did expected more from Lin's backstory... Dom made it such a big deal at the beginning of the story that I thought something more will come up.

I received an eARC copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This has no impact on my review/thoughts.

The Empires of Luxor City
by Sasha Hope
Genre :LGTBQ romance ( m/m )
Rating :3

In the aftermath of his father’s funeral, Dom Wesa, the new Alpha of Luxor City’s Central Empire, stumbles upon an Omega in desperate need of help. The Omega, Lin Vasiliev, wakes to find he’s been taken into Dom’s home to be rehabilitated. Dom thinks the young addict may have information about the illicit drug trade going on in his Empire. He gets Lin sober to question him only to discover that Lin is new in town and ignorant of Luxor’s laws.

Dom and Lin are both suspicious of each other at first for their own reasons, but as that wariness wears away a deep attraction develops between them. Dom dotes on Lin, leaving the once stone-broke Omega bathed in finery he never could have imagined. They start planning for Lin’s upcoming heat, when they will be driven together by their kindling bond and strong compatibility as an Alpha and Omega pair. However, in the midst of their swelling romance, Luxor’s most notorious Alpha reappears sparking a gang war that threatens to turn the entire city into a battleground.

My thoughts
Would I recommend it :yes ( but only to the ones you love reading this type of romance since I know it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First off I should give a worrying that there is mentioning of taking drugs and having a drug habit so if you feel like it's something that can be harmful you or if you feel like the type of romance it is isn't something you can either handle or don't like to read them this isn't for you.
Now on to what I thought of it, the story was well written and the characters was likable that it made the story that more enjoyable to read, and it wasn't a fast romance , the author give the characters a chance of getting to know one and other before they got together , I should also point out that is set in a world where there are alphas, betas and omega and that the world is so much different from ours. Because of how it set up each section of the map has a mob leader or as they call them rulers that rule over that section and it does tell how and why it happened .Plus while it does take awhile to get into the story you find out more about Dom and his family as well as how his and Lin's story come to life and wither their meant to be together or not. But this story isn't just about their romance it's also about what is going on behind the scenes , where there are secrets that are going to come out . With that said I want to thank NetGalley for letting me read and review it .

Hot and heavy M/M Omega romance with a bad boy hero you want to hate but fall in love with instead!!

This is a unique ABO due to the AU it's set it. It's near futuristic and everything is controlled by various mafia families. Lin is a lost omega that is struggling with addiction and Dom is the savior that sweeps him out of the dark and into the golden tinted light. But while Dom's world is full of luxury, it's also dangerous and Dom will have to fight if he wants to keep Lin safe. There's very little relationship drama but good heat and a sweet HEA, so why not give it a chance?

A very well-written story with engaging characters and a page-turning storyline. I was drawn in from the very beginning and found myself reading it straight through in one sitting.

Dom Wesa is a new alpha when he discovers Lin.... Lin is an addict being beaten by a drug dealer. Fortunately for Lin this happens on Dom's turf. What happens next surprises Lin (when he's finally awake and are). Dom takes Lin in and helps him to detox. During their brief time together, they begin to get to know one another and are certainly attracted.

Dom is dealing with the pressures of his life. He has a strained relationship with his family, an interloper back in his territory and still... even after his father's death Dom finds himself dealing with the way their relationship impacted him.

There's a lovely central relationship in this book between Dom and Lin. The Alpha/Omega bond is well written and the chemistry and is definitely there!

There's also a mystery of sorts going on throughout this story! You'll quickly find yourself wondering what happened to Dom's brother.

This is a great combination of love, supernatural beings and mystery and suspense.

This was very good! I loved how different it was, it was refreshing. I loved Dom and Lin, and Dom’s brother! So happy to see both omegas got a happy ending.

I'm so happy I FINISHED this book! Had it not been a NetGalley ARC, I would have DNF'd it.

Why? You ask. Well, there are a few reasons. Let's begin, shall we?

First, the writing was uneven. It went from purple prose to very simplistic prose. It was like writing style whiplash. The problem is that I like neither of the two kinds.

Second, the author threw in tertiary POV's later in the book. Often for just one chapter. Find another way to show us the story instead of opening up another character's head so we can look inside. Writing is creative. Create.

Third, there was ZERO chemistry between the two MC's. Their meeting and subsequent relationship was built on a preposterous situation which was only briefly addressed. Our Omega is a heroin addict and our Alpha comes in and decides to detox him by himself. At his house. Without medical supervision. What? Alpha man rules an empire but he decides to bring in a strung out omega off the street? I'd forgive that if there was any chemistry between the two. There wasn't.

Fourth, there were several (many) inconsistencies that took me out of the story. Alpha rules a criminal empire, but people follow laws? In other neighboring empires people are called murderers. Um, yeah....that's what criminals do. It's like a criminal boss thing to do. Kill people. The world building made no sense.

Fifth, no. I really don't want to go on. I was ready to throw in the towel early on, but I stuck it through the drugs, the heats (without knotting), the rescues, the killing, the mate bonding bites, the bombs and the kitchen sink. The second half did improve, but slightly.

I was drawn in by the cover and the description. Silly me, always thinking that something shiny on the outside will be just as captivating on the inside.

My rec? It's a brave effort, but I'd skip it until this writer matures.

**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an unbiased review**

the aftermath of his father’s funeral, Dom Wesa, the new Alpha of Luxor City’s Central Empire, stumbles upon an Omega in desperate need of help. When I started reading I couldn't put it downSasha Hope is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

(I got this book in exchange for an honest review)

First I have to say how surprised I am about how much I loved this story. All I've read before I asked for it was that it's an Alpha/Beta/Omega story and that it's an m/m story. Didn't know anything else but I was interested so I gave it a try. Turns out, I've really enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to keep reading. This is why I give it a 5 stars because everyone who knows me, knows how long I usually take with novels. So, when this happens, it's a 5 star just for that alone. But I also really liked the world and the characters, which, as always, is the most important thing for me.
To keep the summary short, this book is basically about Luxor City, which is devided into 3 empires. The northern, the central and the southern empire. Each of those empires has a leader and they don't particularly like each other. The main story plays in the central empire, where we have Dom Wesa, the Alpha and leader and his empire has a big drug issue on the streets and he likes to keep it under control. When he hears something happening outside with a few people involved, he goes to check it out just to see some poor boy being bullied by some other people and when those people see Dom, they run away. The poor boy is an Omega and a drug addict and Dom made it his mission to get this boy clean just to interrogate him about how and where he got the drugs to put an end to it and this is how our story here starts.
I loved Dominik as a leader, I loved his relationship with Lin and I liked how much was happening in just that one book. The world and how it got corrupted by certain leaders and how they got it resolved and the end and everything was just great. I truly enjoyed this book a lot.

I also liked to read the authors note and to see how much she likes to use diversity in her books and you can totally see this just with the different ethnicities in this book alone. Definitely wanna read more by this author. I don't know if this is a debut novel or not but I'm nonetheless excited for more.