Introduction to the Lymerian Saga
For readers seeking a fresh spin on vampire-like mythology mixed with science fiction, Bianca Sierra-Luebke offers a fascinating, self-published YA universe. Writing under her full name and occasionally credited as Bianca Sierra, this Quad Cities-based librarian and educator has crafted an intricate lore centered on the Lymerians—an ancient, blood-sustained alien race living secretly among humanity. With advanced technologies, complex legal systems, and rigid social hierarchies, her books blend futuristic concepts with the grandeur of neo-classical societies.
Rather than relying on typical fantasy tropes, Sierra-Luebke's narrative builds on high stakes, political intrigue, and intense character conflicts. If you are ready to dive into this hidden world of Slayers, command structures, and forbidden bonds, navigating the reading order correctly is key to fully appreciating the depth of the world-building.
The Recommended Reading Order
Currently, the series follows a straightforward release pattern. While the second book delves deeply into historical timelines, the author structures the mystery so that it unfolds best through publication order. Here is the recommended path to follow:
- The Replacement (2018): The entry point of the series. This novel establishes the modern-day rules of the Lymerian society, the high stakes of their secrecy on Earth, and introduces the key characters Angelica, Merrick, Clara, and Victor.
- Remember (2019): The second installment. While continuing the narrative, this book heavily explores the alternate history of the Lymerians and features extensive flashbacks detailing the thousands of years Clara, Victor, and Merrick spent on Earth before the events of the first book.
- Resolution (Forthcoming): The planned third volume of the series (referred to in early author planning and database entries as Resolute). This book is set to continue the main storyline, bringing Clara's saga and the overarching conflict to its high-stakes climax.
Understanding the Chronology and Lore Caveats
A common point of discussion among readers is how to approach the timeline of Remember. Because the second book reveals the ancient origins of the main Lymerian characters—spanning several millennia of alternate history on Earth—some readers wonder if it can be treated as a prequel and read first. However, reading Remember before The Replacement is highly discouraged for several reasons:
- Spoiler Risks: Remember acts on the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the tragic events, character motivations, and world rules established at the end of the first book. Reading it first reveals crucial plot twists.
- World-Building Foundation: The Replacement does the heavy lifting of explaining the biological mechanics of the Lymerians, the transition process from human to alien, and the role of the Slayers. Remember expands on these concepts but does not re-explain them from scratch.
- Emotional Resonance: The complex love triangle and political tension among Clara, Victor, and Merrick in the second book carry much more weight once you have seen the consequences of their actions in the modern era.
Key Characters of the Lymerian Saga
Understanding the major players will help you keep track of the political and emotional drama that drives the plot:
- Angelica: The human protagonist of the first book. Driven by her deep, forbidden love for Merrick, she makes the ultimate choice to undergo a painful, irreversible transformation to join the Lymerians.
- Merrick: A mysterious Lymerian who struggles with the strict rules of his society. His relationship with Angelica sets the entire plot of the series in motion.
- Clara: A central figure in both books. As the most talented and ruthless commander of the Lymerian Slayers, she is tasked with enforcing their laws and overseeing transitions, while harboring a complex history of her own.
- Victor: An elite Slayer and the only warrior capable of matching Clara's prowess in battle. His history with Clara and Merrick spans centuries, forming the core of the lore's emotional backstory.
What to Know Before You Start
Before cracking open the first page, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind about Sierra-Luebke's work:
First, the series is a blend of genres. Do not expect standard gothic vampire fiction; the blood-drinking aspects of the Lymerians are tied to their alien biology and science fiction origin story, rather than supernatural curses. The society is high-tech but operates under ancient, classical-style laws, creating a unique aesthetic contrast.
Second, as an indie author with a background as a librarian and educator, Sierra-Luebke writes with an emphasis on YA themes of identity, loyalty, and questioning authority. While the first book focuses heavily on Angelica's transition and immediate danger, the second shifts focus toward broader political landscapes and historical scope. The books cannot be read as standalones; they are pieces of a single, continuous story arc that requires sequential reading.