Abandoned Shores: A Talionis Series Companion Novel

by C.J. Milacci

In a world shattered by chaos and divided by the brutal reign of the Raiders, one woman longs to break free from the shackles of her family's legacy.

Born into darkness and raised to become heir to the ruthless Raiders, Princess Catori yearns for a life beyond the violence and oppression that defines her existence. When she meets Micah, a riverboat captain with an unwavering sense of justice, she sees a glimmer of hope for a different future.

But her grandfather, founder of the Raiders, has a plan for Catori’s life that he refuses to relinquish. He’ll stop at nothing to see her become all he has prepared her to be, whether she wants that existence or not.

Will Catori and Micah ever escape to the safety of the new life they long for, or is Catori destined to become something she despises?

In this gripping companion novel set in the world of the Talionis Series, readers will be transported on a thrilling journey with Catori and her companions. Filled with action, suspense, and romance, Abandoned Shores is a story of survival, hope, and the power of love in the face of adversity.

Fans of dystopian fiction and epic romances will be captivated by this heart-pounding tale of adventure, danger, and the unbreakable bond between two unlikely allies.

Genres: Science Fiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2024

About the author

C.J. Milacci is the award-winning author of the Talionis Series, and she seeks to take her readers on a grand adventure that begins with a single word. As a referee, she is always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She is passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance. Always willing to get real about hard issues, C.J. also enjoys the cheesiest of puns. She chats about writing, her faith, bubble tea, and other fun adventures online (@cjmilacci) and at cjmilacci.com.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abandoned Shores pulls you in from page one. You’ll feel like you’re in the world, cheering for and battling alongside the protagonist. Fans of the Talionis series must buy this, and it is also a good intro to the series if you’re new!

[Karah Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a sequel!! Catori and Micah’s love story is absolutely captivating.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this. It is a standalone companion novel to the Talionis series, but easily my favorite. Slow born romance and high stakes adventure, with characters whose profound faith demonstrates God love and His ability to provide courage to do what is right.

[Ani Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed every stage of the novel, from the captivating opening scene featuring the dazzling Catori, to the most perfect ending. (Don’t worry - no spoilers - you’ll want to read it yourself!) I adore the friendships that Catori develops and the array of different personalities she encounters - the character development is spot on. Featuring a sweet romance, I couldn't be a bigger fan of this book!

[Diane Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abandoned Shores is a powerful, emotionally charged companion novel that stands firmly on its own while deepening the world of the Talionis Series. C.J. Milacci delivers a gripping blend of dystopian tension, romance, and character-driven storytelling that keeps the stakes high from start to finish.

Princess Catori is a compelling protagonist torn between the brutal legacy she was born into and the life she desperately wants to choose for herself. Raised by the Raiders and groomed to become something she despises, her internal conflict feels raw and authentic. Her struggle for autonomy gives the story real emotional weight.

Micah provides a strong counterbalance to Catori’s world. His steady sense of justice and quiet strength offer not just romance, but hope hope that something better is possible even in a broken world. Their connection develops naturally and feels earned, never overshadowing the danger and tension surrounding them.

What stood out most is the atmosphere: the constant sense of threat, the looming control of Catori’s grandfather, and the fragile promise of freedom. The action scenes are well-paced, the world-building is immersive, and the emotional moments land with impact.

This is a story about survival, choice, and love in the face of oppression and it doesn’t shy away from the cost of those choices. Fans of dystopian fiction with strong heroines, high stakes, and meaningful romance will find a lot to love here.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally rich, action-driven stories with heart.

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a gift card from a library reading program and knew I wanted to use it to get a copy of Abandoned Shores! I love the Talionis series, and after reading Fugitive of Talionis (book 2), I was excited to learn more about Catori. Abandoned Shores shares the story of her life leading up to where we meet her in Fugitive, and I loved seeing her grow throughout this companion novel. This novel takes readers through the world of the Raiders and explores more of the underground factions working against Talionis. I enjoyed the harrowing journey and the suspense woven into the story as friendships were built and loyalties tested. I found Catori’s struggles with faith and fear easy to relate to, and I loved the supporting cast surrounding her as she discovers truth and purpose. She certainly faced several painful situations that helped me think through my challenges. Her story will help me to face my fears and turn to my faith in God when storms arise. I highly recommend this series to young adult readers seeking engaging stories with inspirational and thought-provoking themes. This novel also includes a heartwarming slow-burn romance that adds depth to the story. Abandoned Shores is worth reading, especially if you’re already reading the main Talionis series!

[R [for Jesus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh.

I have no words.

This book fulfilled everything! A thrilling, heart-warming romance intertwined with exhilarating action. Edge-of-your-seat anticipation and an excitement that will leave you unable to put down Abandoned Shores.

Speaking from experience, CJ Milacci not only is a fantastic and inspiring writer but also a person of wonderful character and a joyful, passionate nature. Her heart is expressed in her books and I look forward to reading even more of her works of art.

As for Abandoned Shores, if you’re someone like me who is constantly on the lookout for clean romance that still has the same energy, charm, and intimacy we all adore, this novel won’t let you down. It isn’t only a brilliant read that leaves you unable to peel yourself away, but presents such extraordinary characters that will capture your heart and cause you to find true role models.

Trust me, you’ll melt and gasp and cry and laugh all at the same time, and all the while you never have to worry about inappropriate content, missing pieces of plot, lack of interest, or unimpressive writing skill. So just lean back, get cozy, and let this book take you on an endearing adventure you’re not likely to forget.

Wonderful job Miss CJ Milacci; incredible!

[Megan Schaulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Recruit of Talionis, I wanted to check out Milacci's standalone set in the same post-Demise world. I was intrigued by the "princess of the Raiders" and a riverboat captain.

This was a fun read in a unique dystopian world. The plot is simpler than Talionis and less heavy and distressing. The romance is heartfelt but completely appropriate for teens. It's a great tale of overcoming one's past and stepping out in courage to become who God made you to be. The story fully resolves, but I'm curious if Milacci will write more with these characters.

[Cooper Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean YA fiction novel. This book is an excellent companion novel for the Talionis Series that tells us about the past of a few characters we meet in the Talionis Series
Book Two. With a powerful adversary, and an even more powerful romance, this book will keep you on your toes and make you want to read the Talionis Series.
See my full review at "https://cooperhite.com/book-reviews/"

[Ashley Schaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catori was my favorite character in Fugitive of Talionis and I greatly enjoyed getting to see her origin story and learn more about her and the rest of the crew.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Having read her other books in this world, it was nice to understand more about Catori. The author has a great way of describing a scene and its characters—-wonderful!!

[Avie K :): · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS SO. FRICKING. GOOD.
This is going on my favorites bookshelf 1000%🥹😭🩵
Catori and Micah are literally the best. Love them so much.

[Kathy Brasby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abandoned Shores is a story of resilience, hope, and self-discovery set. Her characters make decisions that test their beliefs and their limits. The adventures are gripping and the many of characters engaging.

The novel offers moments of triumph and heartbreak layered with character-driven adventure.

Although Abandoned Shores takes place in the same world as Milacci’s Talionis series, the main character - Catori - has a smaller part in the Talionis series. Her central role of this story reveals her unwavering sense of justice as seen in the Talionis novels.

[Rachel Stracener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhh I love this book so much🥹🥹