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Neglected Merge: A Fantasy Utopian Romance Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 105 ratings

She is a Wingless. He is a Winged One. They weren’t supposed to meet. But when fate brings them together, their lives are bound to change forever. As are the lives of the two different worlds they come from.

The worlds that have chosen not to have anything in common with each other. They live apart, by mutual agreement, on what is left of a shattered planet. Can two people persuade whole nations that reforms are better than inertia?

They say love is blind.

Sometimes, it is eye-opening.

Tauria believes she has found her balance living in a loveless society.

Doron has never doubted the rules set out by his ancestors.

It all is about to change when they catch a glimpse of the other world they have chosen to ignore. Still, the obstacles they must overcome might prove to be as impassable as the Mountains that separate the two worlds.

If you are given everything to be happy, can you follow a dream you aren’t supposed to have?

Read
“Neglected Merge”, the multi-award-winning novel with a unique utopian setting, to find out.

What readers are saying:

“No one writes like Eve Koguce that I have ever read”

“Their love story is
truly bewitching”

"pure escapism"

“out of the ordinary”

“…this book had me hooked”

“a striking new concept”

"well-crafted fantasy world"

“fascinating characters”

"…outstanding poetic language"

"unique theme"

“a distinct writing voice”

“thought-provoking”

“a wonderful read”


Literary awards:

Silver Medal in the 2021
Global Book Awards contest / Science Fiction & Fantasy category;

Finalist Award in the 2021
Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest / Fantasy General category;

Honorable Mention award in the 2021
Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest / Science Fiction & Fantasy category.

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From the Publisher

Neglected Merge Book 1
Tangle of Choices Book 2
Shifting Directions Book 3
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars 105
4.6 out of 5 stars 26
4.7 out of 5 stars 12
Price $3.99 $3.99 $2.99
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Neglected Merge is a work of fiction in the fantasy and science fiction, post-apocalyptic and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Eve Koguce. The work is intended for an adult reading audience due to its high concept content.Author Eve Koguce has crafted an interesting and well thought out work of fiction with plenty of emotion, romance, drama, and conceptual thinking to offer readers. One of the most essential features of this work was the talent the author displays in worldbuilding, through such details as the lore and culture of the new world of happiness. It was a striking new concept to see a post-apocalyptic novel painted in such bright tones, and then of course all the more satisfying when the cracks begin to show in the excellent plotline. The romance element will certainly please readers who enjoy fated lovers from far opposite corners of the world (or in this case, worlds). The dialogue was also very effective, serving to display the unique traits of the characters whilst moving the plot forward in a natural way. Overall, I would highly recommend Neglected Merge to fans of utopia/dystopia settings, futuristic romances, and for space opera fans everywhere." - ★★★★★ Readers' Favorite

From the Author

"Neglected Merge" is about people adapting to major and smaller changes. The book tells a story how two people from different worlds managed to ignite a spark of change and put into motion the process of revitalisation of relations between their estranged nations.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B092J7S3CV
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 13, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Neglected Merge
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 105 ratings

About the author

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Eve Koguce
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Eve has been in love with books for as long as she remembers herself. The typewriter her first attempts at writing had been made at still sits proudly on its shelf in the basement, and when she goes down there, she always has the urge to save it from its exile.

Eve has always been writing something. Diaries, letters, poems, short stories. She had even attempted to write a novel a couple of times when she was about thirteen. Still, there was always something more important than her writing. There was always “real life” reminding me of its undeniable claims. “You have to study, you have to work, there is no place for fruitless dreaming,” it whispered. And she moved forward as if running on rails she couldn’t step down from.

Eve had spent fifteen years, trying to fit into the office work pattern. Do you remember Kevin Kline in the “In & Out” movie – “men do not dance”? Well, that used to be her philosophy – real people don’t write books. They work, they build careers, they travel through the corporate jungle. And despite she was feeling miserable and out of place every day of that climbing-the-ladder process, she managed to build a relatively successful career after an ambitious shift from the private to the public sector. The job she had wasn’t boring. It was actually pretty exciting. She worked with internationally funded projects and met people from all over the world every day. But it failed to ignite a spark in her heart.

After her son was born, she had a unique chance to stop and rethink not only what she’d achieved so far, but what she really wanted from life. She made a decision to leave her old life behind, and she has never regretted it.

Since then, Eve Koguce has published six books.

The Neglected Merge fantasy romance/drama trilogy:

- Book 1 “Neglected Merge”

- Book 2 “Tangle of Choices”

- Book 3 “Shifting Directions”

Books set in Latvia:

- “Finding Your Way”

- “The Accidental Cop”

Women's Fiction:

- "Broken Chances"

Eve would love to connect with her readers and hear their thoughts about her books. Please find Eve on social media:

X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
105 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book a fascinating blend of romance and fantasy, with well-developed characters and beautiful prose. They appreciate its thought-provoking elements, with one review highlighting its captivating theories of world development, and consider it an appealing read. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with several customers noting it feels slow.

33 customers mention "Romance"30 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, describing it as a fascinating blend of fantasy and a mesmerizing modern tale.

"...and the story flows as follows: ‘An inspirational thought-provoking futuristic fantasy romance - the story of fated lovers developed against a..." Read more

"...The story starts with a significant and intriguing event when Doron (the winged man) falls on Tauria's floor, which is extremely unusual because the..." Read more

"...Koguce skillfully weaves themes of love, hope, and societal reform into this captivating narrative, challenging the characters—and readers—to..." Read more

"There is a lot to like about this fantasy novel. A unique story with great world building...." Read more

22 customers mention "Thought provoking"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with great world building and interesting discussions about political and social problems.

"...Mystery and a sense of otherworldliness is now established and the story flows as follows: ‘An inspirational thought-provoking futuristic fantasy..." Read more

"...turns of events and the development of romance with heated and passionate moments. I enjoyed it a lot and was really intrigued by some of the events...." Read more

"...Eve Koguce does not waste time with tropes or manufactured drama that serve only to extend the eventual ‘coupling’ that comes only at the very end...." Read more

"...As Tauria and Doron’s love grows, so does the potential for transforming their divided societies, but the obstacles before them are as vast as the..." Read more

13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an appealing and relaxing read, with one customer noting the author's unique writing style.

"...NEGLECTED MERGE is a successful debut novel by a writer of interest. Grady Harp, April 21" Read more

"...All in all, I enjoyed the book. The author has her unique style that somewhat reminds me of the books of the previous centuries with its formal..." Read more

"...people, their lives, and where they come from that makes this a fascinating read...." Read more

"This is a very good read. The story has a unique word building and very well created and strong characters...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...filled with fights and high speed chases, but it is a deep dive into characters and worlds, along a fully satisfying adventure!..." Read more

"...With its richly built universe, complex characters, and thought-provoking questions about conformity and change, Neglected Merge is a perfect read..." Read more

"...The characters are developed well, and we learn a lot about who they are and their ways of life...." Read more

"...The story has a unique word building and very well created and strong characters. Also, the themes of unity and change were something I liked...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its beautiful prose and unique word building, with one customer highlighting its poetic range of expression.

"...There is a definite poetic range of expression in Eve’s writing, evident in the opening lines of this engaging novel – ‘Wings. Black wings...." Read more

"...The story has a unique word building and very well created and strong characters. Also, the themes of unity and change were something I liked...." Read more

"...In the background of the main beautifully written story, a reader can dive into wise and profound musings, challenging questions, and captivating..." Read more

"Neglected Merge is a unique romantic fantasy that is beautifully written and a thoughtful exploration of cultural perfection...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pace"2 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's pace, with several noting it is slow, while one customer describes it as fast-moving.

"...It also dragged the pace down, which caused me to want to skim in a lot of areas...." Read more

"...It was slow, where it should be slow to enjoy perfect descriptions of sceneries, backgrounds, and subtleties of international politics and the..." Read more

"...On the other hand, I must also say that I found the pacing a bit slow...." Read more

"...mind, that draws you in and keeps you moving with crisp, clean, fast-moving prose...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Latvian author Eve Koguce has found her true calling in writing books, having found her dream to be away from the corporate world. She and her family live on the coast of the Baltic Sea and she fancies horse riding, nature, history – and of course, literature. NEGLECTED MERGE is her debut novel – a fantasy romance with a flavor of futurism.

    There is a definite poetic range of expression in Eve’s writing, evident in the opening lines of this engaging novel – ‘Wings. Black wings. They are everything she sees, the only thing she’s able to look at. The world around, versatile, and fragmented, focuses solely on one object. After an abrupt flap, time stops, and all she sees are wings. Time loses sense, becomes indefinite. She can only stand and look. Realisation comes later. Seconds or hours later, Tauria does not know. He fell through the open window of her sitting room, and the contrast was astounding. One moment she was making a cup of coffee, sorely needed to clear her head after a long night out, and the net Winged One, the first she had seen in her life, was filling the extremely limited space of her flat.’

    Mystery and a sense of otherworldliness is now established and the story flows as follows: ‘An inspirational thought-provoking futuristic fantasy romance - the story of fated lovers developed against a backdrop of a new post-apocalyptic world painted in bright tones. A fortuitous meeting of Tauria, an independent woman living in one utopian-style world, and Doron from high society of the other world, is destined to be the new beginning for both worlds. Tauria, aged 32, lives in the society that seems to believe that happiness is a universal concept. People, who had survived the near apocalyptic experience, have built a whole new world full of pleasure and easiness. It is designed to make everyone feel happy every minute of their lives. Work brings satisfaction, hobbies are encouraged, relationships are supposed to bring out only positive emotions. Does it matter that things that don’t fit into the general happy pattern get discarded and disappear? Things like friendship and commitment. Things like true love. It is supposed to be enough with lightness and never-ending joy. But there are two worlds now. They are forced to exist side by side. Can they find a way to live together? The Chinese proverb says: “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” What will the people of two worlds, so utterly different and at the same time so similar, choose?’

    Eloquent and imaginative, This novel invites us into a different space – a space rich in experiences and feelings. NEGLECTED MERGE is a successful debut novel by a writer of interest. Grady Harp, April 21
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The story takes place in an intriguing dystopian setting where two worlds have merged, bringing two races of people together: the wingless and the winged ones. Even though they now occupy the same planet, the two races live separate lives and don't have any contact with each other until a winged man falls on the floor of a wingless woman's apartment by accident, kick-starting a romance and a cascade of events that will change the world forever.

    I liked the premise and found it interesting and thought-provoking. Even though the title of the book says 'utopian', upon closer inspection the world of the wingless turns out to be deeply dissatisfying despite being technologically advanced and safe. The world of the winged ones is ruled by completely different principles, but the rigid rules imposed on the members of society disregarding their personal preferences and differences is what the two worlds have in common.

    The protagonist and the POV character is Tauria, the woman who falls in love with a winged man. What I liked about her was that she was an independent thinker who didn't blindly accept the norm. She wanted more and she was willing to fight for it. She was determined and focused on her goals, but she always thought about the consequences of her actions for other people. However, I personally prefer a flawed character who makes mistakes and isn't always perfect. Tauria was instantly good at everything she tried, everyone liked her, she always had the right thing to say and immediately had a good idea that everyone accepted even in the most unusual situations. Maybe this type of character is typical of romance, and I'm sure there are readers who enjoy it. I personally would prefer to see her struggle and stumble in the multiple challenging situations that she had to deal with throughout the book.

    The story starts with a significant and intriguing event when Doron (the winged man) falls on Tauria's floor, which is extremely unusual because the winged and the wingless don't cross the borders of each other's domains. The characters fall in love while Doron stays in Tauria's apartment for a few days to let his wing heal. What I liked was how the simple things about Tauria were described through Doron's perspective. He was fascinated by the fluidity of emotion on her face and by her fidgeting because it was so unlike winged women's behavior. I thought it was really perceptive because the things that other people like about us might be the things we don't even pay attention to and don't consider strengths. What I didn't understand was how quickly the intense and deep love developed between the characters. The mutual fascination, desire and curiosity they had for each other made sense to me and I liked how it was depicted. But because they spent very little time together and didn't really know each other, it was strange to me that they decided they wanted to be together for life and went on without seeing each other for a whole year while they were working on changing the rules of their worlds. Again, maybe it's normal for the genre, but it would make more sense to me if their love developed gradually while they stole secret meetings with each other, unable to stay apart.

    After that, the plot slows down while both characters get down to work to change the world so that they can be together. I liked their determination and found that part of the book relaxing and cozy in some moments. For me personally, it lacked emotional tension and conflict, which, again, might be because I'm used to reading sci-fi and fantasy, but I'd love to see the characters encounter more obstacles, both internal and external.

    However, the second half of the book provided more conflict, tension, unexpected turns of events and the development of romance with heated and passionate moments. I enjoyed it a lot and was really intrigued by some of the events. It ended somewhat abruptly for me without bringing closure to a few events that were interesting and significant. The main romance plot line was well developed and ended in the place that felt right to me, but there were at least two additional stories that, to my mind, deserved more attention.

    All in all, I enjoyed the book. The author has her unique style that somewhat reminds me of the books of the previous centuries with its formal dialogue and the tone of the narrative. Taking into account that it's a debut, I think the author has a lot of potential.

    You might enjoy the book if you are into fantasy romances, don't mind a slow start and enjoy a relaxing read that goes into the details of the characters' lives.

Top reviews from other countries

  • S. S. Frankowska
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I believe that the world ‘beautiful’ really bests summarizes this story, as this is how it felt to me in every aspect. From the characters, world building, story development, through my favorite part – writing style. The author seemed to plot in very poetic descriptions effortlessly and naturally, what gives the book a unique style; as if you could tell that it’s not only the book that is driven by the romance, but the author is a romantic herself.  

    What I really loved about the plot, was that although it was love that drove the motivation of the main characters, it wasn’t the only plot in the story. I truly enjoyed the political set up between two nations, and the lifestyles introduced at both sides of the mountains. It was probably because of Tauria’s busy work-life that she felt very authentic and relatable.
    Last point that I should definitely mention is around themes the story goes through, and sometimes hard questions, such as the key one here: what is happiness? What makes people happy? While there may never be only one simple answer to these, I really loved how the author attempted to provide with at least one of the possible answers through Tauria’s story.

    I very much recommend this book to fantasy romance readers, who look for a romantic driven plot that carries more than just a romance itself. That said, it is a story about finding a true love in the world which neither demand it nor expects it anymore. I definitely enjoyed it a lot and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
  • H. M. Mills
    4.0 out of 5 stars Effecting Change
    Reviewed in Australia on August 27, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Neglected Merge is a story based on the love that grows between Tauria, a 32 year old woman living in a uniquely changed world and Doron the winged one from over the mountains in a society governed by order and law.
    When Doron turns up at Tauria's home unexpectedly and injured, they begin to use the time it takes for him to heal to get to know one another and grow closer. They must change their cultures norms in order to be together. It's a rocky journey to travel.
    I did find the writing a little disjointed and ideas need to be further fleshed out, but the storyline is solid and there are many lovely descriptive passages.
    Well done Eve Koguce
  • Jennifer Collins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-Provoking Fantasy Romance
    Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "Neglected Merge" is a captivating novel set in a distant future where two worlds have merged into one, resulting in the coexistence of two races - the Winged and the wingless (humans.) The story follows Tauria, a woman in her 30s working a mundane government job, whose life takes an unexpected turn when Crown Prince Doron from the Winged Nation crashes into her apartment. Literally. Through the window.

    The developing romantic relationship between Tauria and Doron serves as a catalyst for them to challenge their beliefs and the system they live in. The vivid world-building in the novel is commendable, with both nations being well-portrayed. The author's description of the winged civilization is particularly beautiful and immersive.

    What sets this story apart is its thought-provoking nature. The novel prompts readers to contemplate the possibilities of the future and question the balance between order and creativity. As Tauria and Doron navigate their relationship and the complexities of their intertwined worlds, the reader is drawn into a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, identity, and societal norms.

    Overall, "Neglected Merge" is a captivating read that seamlessly blends romance, fantasy, and social commentary. It is a thought-provoking and engaging story that will leave readers pondering the intricacies of human nature and the potential for change in a world shaped by merging civilizations.
  • A. M. Smith-Nochasak
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story of love, of reaching for one's dreams, of changing the world
    Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Neglected Merge, set two hundred years after an apocalyptic event that ruptured the world, is classified as a fantasy romance. The emerging love of Tauria and Doron is though, much more than a simple romance, for it becomes the catalyst by which two worlds must face "the winds of change."

    Tauria lives in a future that has evolved from life as we know it. There is contentment, productivity, and job satisfaction. Open-ended relationships have replaced the pressures of marriage. There is intimacy, but one does not ask personal questions. It is a comfortable life.

    When the upheaval shook the continents two hundred years before, Doron's culture, possibly from another dimension, surfaced, but the two cultures have long ago ceased dialogue. This other culture has a different world view: marriage is a sacred bond, vegan eating habits are observed, and emotional displays simply do not take place. They also have wings and are able to fly. It seems they have a technology that would make flight possible for others, which becomes significant to the plot.

    Tauria and Doron meet in a chance encounter, and they fall in love. To be together again, however, they will somehow have to bring their worlds together. And when they do, both worlds must re-evaluate all they knew to be true, and work, not to preserve a way of life, but to build a way of life that all can live with.

    We learn about both worlds mainly through the reactions of each culture to the other. Doron is puzzled by the outlook in Tauria's world; Tauria needs time to adjust to Doron's reserve, to read the more subtle signals of his people. The Winged guests in Tauria's world are both intrigued and baffled by the openness they find. And Tauria, in her new world, misses the colour and emotion and sense of purpose she had at home.

    At the same time, Tauria has never "fit in" back in her old world. As the novel develops, we see her growing into the person she was perhaps meant to be. We can appreciate, too, her dilemma as her dreams are coming true, but she seems increasingly restricted.

    I enjoyed the scenes in which the delegations discuss topics like "early twenty-first century literature." I find myself agreeing as I read Tauria's thoughts: "For Tauria, every story put on paper was alive, and every story existed by its own rules. She felt they were acting as intruders, taking away something valuable from what other people's imaginations had created." (p. 216)

    Tauria's mentor Alfred is a most appealing character with his his wit, gentle sarcasm, deep wisdom, and appreciation for life. Abelia, Doron's sister, is delightful in her eagerness for a full life, which she sees embodied in Tauria.

    There will be hard times as both worlds work to overcome the obstacles that surface when an almost forgotten faction from the past emerges. I look forward to reading the next instalments to follow their progress.

    There is not in-depth preliminary world building, but this allows us to experience the worlds as the characters do -- as something new and surprising. Through their thoughts and interactions, we develop understanding beside them. We also catch glimmers of the cataclysmic event of the past, and this seems to suit the mood of the story; the characters are not caught up in that past, but living very much in the present. (if they had reflected more carefully, the faction mentioned above might have been managed differently.)

    The author's style has been noted by some, and as an English teacher, yes, I noticed that nonstandard English forms were used. They were, however, used consistently as part of the story. And what a delightful story it is! A story of love, of reaching for one's dreams, of changing the world -- contemporary romantic heroines are world builders, after all, and that makes them memorable.
  • Lubov Leonova
    5.0 out of 5 stars Will love still exist in 200 years?
    Reviewed in Canada on May 23, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I absolutely loved reading ‘Neglected Merge’. This is a slow-paced story that gave me the similar vibes as classic literature. 
    Koguce gives a look at the possible ‘utopian’ future where society is guided by rules rather than by heart desires. However, the rules lose its power on a day when the sparkle of love connects 2 people from 2 different Worlds.

    Tauria, a 32-year old woman, represents a modern independent woman who lives in a society where all the rules are targeted to force human happiness. While Tauria is helping serve this society as a government employee, she can’t help herself asking a question, “Why am I unhappy then?”
     
    On the other hand, Doron lives in a traditional, ‘old-fashioned’ world where the traditions are sacred. This is a monarchy where the traditional marriage is the only possible form of relationship between 2 adult people. As well as Tauria, he is trapped in a society where the emotions are wiped as something ‘unnecessary.’

    By reading Koguce novel, I enjoy learning about the path the two characters walk together, slowly discovering what happiness means what it takes.
    Also, I have a chance to look at two different approaches that are present in today’s real World and compare them with their possible shape in 200 years from now. 

    If you’ve ever wondered, “What is happiness? Does marriage still make sense? Is love worth breaking the rules?” Then read this amazing book to discover your answers.

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