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Abbey goes shopping.
Tarak learns an important fact about human female biology.
Ami develops new (and somewhat scary) abilities.
Oh, and it's Christmas soon.

It's just another day in the life of our fearsome Kordolians and their human mates. A light-hearted peek into Tarak and Abbey's new life on Earth.

Sanctuary is a 43000 word "slice-of-life" novella set in the Dark Planet Warriors Universe. It ties in with the current series and has a HFN ending.

6 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 25, 2019

351 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

Anna Carven

59 books1,252 followers
Anna Carven is a daydreamer. So much so that she's decided to make a living from it.

She has a penchant for big bad alpha heroes who reserve their secret soft gooey centers only for their fated mates and treasured little ones.

To stay in touch and find out about future releases, you can find her on Facebook, or join the mailing list.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...

Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bQaHP5

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Community Reviews

5 stars
614 (53%)
4 stars
341 (29%)
3 stars
173 (14%)
2 stars
25 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Celestine.
952 reviews132 followers
April 22, 2019
A very well done novella that continues Tarak and Abbey's story in a slice of life vein. I can't get enough of these two for some reason.
Profile Image for phoebess.
1,521 reviews98 followers
April 10, 2019
I found Sanctuary boring and the ending underwhelming. I guess I was expecting something more (from the hints Tarak gave) and instead of that, I got Christmas. Oh, Christmas, how I adore you in novellas. #sarcasmhealsallwounds
Profile Image for ♠ TABI⁷ ♠.
Author 15 books513 followers
December 14, 2021
This was the messiest but also the best because of Rykal's hysterical laugh fit scene.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
March 30, 2019
My reading planning for the beginning of the weekend was perfectly scheduled with two new releases yesterday I preordered, then everything was sent upside down when I received Mrs Anna Carven’s newsletter.
A new story sets in the dark planet warriors world, even if it is was only a novella, I could not pass beside a Tarak/ Abbey new adventure.
There are few things to tell without reveling too much.
Just it was worth the time.
I do adore the Big Bad and his whole family and this read was a perfect romantic one softening the hard edge of the Kordolian ex-general while he is still a ruthless warrior ready to tear the universe apart if anyone threaten what is his.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,661 reviews227 followers
April 5, 2019
I have mad love for going back and seeing what sort of crazy, domestic shenanigans a couple are getting into after they've settled into blissful coupledom. Not that Tarak's life is especially blissful or anything. No, wait. I'm wrong. Abbey and Ami are his happy place. He's got the blissful thing down when he's with them.

But he's still a badass soldier for one of the most feared (former) empires in the known galaxy. So his version of bliss always seems to have a little edge to it. Which I like. I like a lot.

Holidays. The simple, everyday things that Abbey once took for granted. Scowling bodyguards. One somewhat tyrannical baby who has everyone (including those scowling bodyguards) wrapped around her finger. Family. Friends. And alien sensibilities in an otherwise human world.

ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
May 2, 2019
*WARNING* contains explicit adult situations
This is a novella, so it's rather short anyway. It has many steamy scenes instead of a lot story, which I an not a fan of. I haven't read any of this series before and I felt like I was missing a lot by not doing so. I can't say as I liked this very much, but I gave three stars because maybe I would have like it better if I had read the prior books in the series.
Profile Image for Netanella.
4,728 reviews38 followers
December 22, 2021
I am finally finished with this series! The main books in the series, particularly the early ones, were fun entertainment with well defined heroes and villains and some good, old fashioned, panty-melting sci-fi romance. These later vignettes, about the happily married couple and hybrid child, two years later, are strictly for completists. Unfortunately I found myself skimming whole sections.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,000 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2021
A lot of the sexy times because it's Abby and Tarak. This was a good read though. A great slice of life. It sets you up with the Dark Mercenaries and their purpose. We see the strange ability that is developing in Ami, their child. And it's Christmas. Tarak and Abby have gifts for eachother.
Profile Image for Angela Plumeria.
426 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2023
Wow, so touching and poignant, especially at the end. We get to see more of what goes on in The General’s mind and there are some surprises there! Loved everything about this, it was well worth waiting to read until it got closer to the holiday season. 🎄✨💫🌠
Profile Image for Amanda.
326 reviews14 followers
May 23, 2020
Mysterious

This was so very good but leaves me needing more. I love these books!!! I am ready and know there will be a book 9!!!
Profile Image for Shasha.
939 reviews30 followers
March 29, 2019
Slice of life

Those is a satisfying slice of life with them and their toddler. The teaser for another book has me intrigued!

Read in KU
Profile Image for Crystal.
28 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2019
Tarek Alkadian...

Is one of my favorite alpha male characters. I just love this series! And hearing about “Big Bad” again was an absolute treat. Anna Carven has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I wait on pins and needles for the next installment to the Dark series.
490 reviews
March 28, 2019
Hit the spot

I have been craving new Kordolian stories, so I was thrilled when I saw this little glimpse in the lives novella was released. It’s not a big or heavy plot and action addition. It’s just a simple sweet sort of broad update touching base mainly on Abbey, Tarak and Ami’s day to day lives. It was really nice to have several other characters we’ve already got to know in previous books included. Especially Ashrael who is my other favorite Kordolian besides Tarak.
Things I disliked in here: How dramatic Abbey was about her period. The mood drastic mood swings and the way it was presented, I really thought she was going to be pregnant. But nope, just her period starting and it was super dramatic crying and moods.
But then again Abbey in general is my least favorite character from this series. She gets on my nerves and I don’t think she carries herself as classy as she should to be on someone like Tarak’s side. I picture him with someone totally different. But whatever, Tarak and the other Kordolians make me love this series and come back for more and more!
Profile Image for Anastasia.
64 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2019
Love

I love these books!!! Love!!! I love these characters and the love love between them. What a heartwarming beautiful story. I can’t get enough. I hope the series never ends!
Profile Image for Kimberlee.
941 reviews46 followers
July 20, 2021
I will never get tired of reading about Tarak and Abbey and their precious Ami.
Profile Image for Vixen.
293 reviews
August 11, 2020
Really raising a monster

Ok through the whole book I couldn’t get over how they really are raising a monster. Abbey calls her child a monsterling, yeah that’s because she gives in to whatever the child wants to avoid a tantrum. Her tantrum causes a scene in public that turned dangerous, which only didn’t have dire consequences because Tarak had protection in place for his warriors. Yet no punishment or talking to the child instead she’s rewarded with a treat. The mother doesn’t teach the child simple manners such as please, and when she chides her, the child ignores her as does as she pleases. She gets the premonition that she will be even more trouble when she grows up that she will even clash with her father. Yeah that’s because she’s a weak mother that is raising a selfish person with no thought to the consequences of her actions. The whole premise is that she is a gentle mother that is a really loving mother. No, gentle doesn’t mean a pushover and loving doesn’t mean no discipline. Even Tarak mentions that even though he likes control he finds the child uncontrollable. So I couldn’t even enjoy how awesome Tarak otherwise is, because I find them to be incompetent parents.
760 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2025

**MINOR SPOILERS**
This novella is part of a plethora of books, novellas, and at least two spin off series related to Dark Planet Warriors. I do not recommend it as a standalone. It is a novella about Tarak and Abbey, who generally feature in every book. Their story encompassed 3 books of the original series.
The novella shows a bit about the life of Tarak and Abbey. Abbey goes shopping and is faced with prejudice against her own child who is half alien/half human. She also finds out that her daughter, Ami, has a special skill.
Tarak and Abbey are wonderful together. I like their relationship very much. I am glad the author is establishing Abbey as having an affinity with plants, using her skills, and working with them.
At the very end of the novella, you find out why the novella is titled the way it is. It is touching.
The pace of the novella is fast. The point of view alternates between Tarak and Abbey.
I think it would be nice for the author to include a reference list in the books. Included could be the names of the different male and female main characters, planets mentioned, aliens mentioned, and maybe a few word translations (siv, etc) that the Kordolians use.
I plan to continue reading the series.
Profile Image for Sonja.
990 reviews24 followers
August 19, 2019
I knew what to expect going into this, but it still ended up being kind of boring. Well, at least when we got Abbey's point of view. What we got from her was so mundane and not all that interesting. The only time I enjoyed her was when she confronted some crazy old lady attacking Kalan. Though it did take her long to do something. Fortunately while we get the doting and sweet side of Tarak with Abbey's POV, when we get his we do get the fierce, violent, and controlling side of him I just love. Yeah, I love this hot, blood-thirsty, master of the galaxy. I don't even have a problem with all that he keeps from Abbey because, really, can you blame him?

Even though this had a lot of fluff and wasn't bad, it still wasn't up to par with the rest of series. Honestly though, I'll take anything more of Tarak you can give me.
Profile Image for Fran.
2,442 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2019
Every book in the Kordolian series is great. This is just a little piece of the pie about Tarak and Abbey and Ami and a little slice of their life hopefully to remind us there are more Kordolians out there who need stories. Abbey is trying her best to raise her half human/Kordolian child in a human way, wanting Ami to have some great childhood memories about what it's like to have some fun - it's Christmas time and sine Tarak doesn't give a crap about any human holiday Abbey goes above and beyond to help him enjoy it.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,080 reviews29 followers
April 12, 2019
A delightful taste of life with Abbey and Tarak
Abbey is feeling the stress of being a mom. I can certainly understand the feeling, though her circumstances are so very unique. She is strong and capable, but a good rest makes her even better. I love seeing her and her entourage making their way through the mall.
Tarak is simply amazing. He manages to take care of business (keeping humans safe) and still come home to give his precious family his undivided attention. I love his vacation surprise! It’s a quick, but highly entertaining read. I love it!
10 reviews
April 15, 2019
Loved it. Again, spellbound by the author's gift of storytelling. I really enjoyed the continuing story of Abby and Tarank as their stories include more characters each with their own stories to tell as they weave in and out of each other's lives.

I highly recommend reading these books. Greatly entertaining. These books are well written. The author keeps the reader captivated all the way to the end.!
Profile Image for La Shon.
123 reviews10 followers
September 16, 2020
I read this book coming off of a major book hangover to get into something light and easy. This was exactly that... a great breath of fresh, comforting air. Love this entire series and even though this book was sightly repetitive with the I still give this a 5/5. Nice read.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,010 reviews153 followers
September 22, 2023
a bridge between series

We get some love from the first/favorite couple from the Dark Planet Warriors and Darkstar Mercenaries. We see how they have a shopping trip. Handle someone that defies the Warriors protection of Earth. We see how they celebrate the holidays. This was a glimpse into what’s to come from the warriors and mates. We see what has been a blessing for some. This was the bridge between the two series but we don’t forget the ones that got us to this point.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,851 reviews20 followers
January 26, 2024
Good

A bridging novella between Dark Planet Warriors, and Dark Star Mercenaries series, this features Abbey and Tarak, their daughter Ami, and a series of events during their everyday lives on Earth. It’s set about a year after the end of the Dark Planet Warrior series, and is a fun glimpse into the lives of the Kordolians after the fall of their Empire.
It’s short, and sweet, and an enjoyable addition to the world Anna Carven has created.
226 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2019
Abbey & Tarak

A update on Abbey & Tarak. Life goes on with their daughter, Ami, now in her terrible 2's. Tarak continues to fight the evil in the world and his pass. Abbey tries to bring normalcy into her life and family. Looking forward to the next installment of the Darkstar Mercenaries and the women who make them almost human.
76 reviews
April 1, 2019
Just a morsel of an awesome series

So happy to have a new Dark Planet story to read. Just love the interaction between Tarak and Abbey, such a dynamic couple. Reading this makes me want to re-read the entire series again, it's just THAT good. Love the first division warriors, so excited for the next one, thank you Anna!!
Profile Image for Tina.
723 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2019
Sanctuary

I just love Abby and Tarak. Getting into this story was so easy and pleasurable. I always love reading about all the Couples and what they are doing now. I can't wait to read the next book coming out and I would highly recommend this series and all the ones of the Dark planet warriors.
95 reviews
April 14, 2019
Really needed this

Great continuation of the Dark Planet series. Needed this because it instantly get you right back into the series (but it might make you want to reread them anyway). This is a actual story not a snippet of time as I thought from the blurb.
Highly recommend but you HAVE to read the series first.
💖💖
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

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