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Xerus Galaxy Saga #2
Falling Through the Black
SHE SURVIVED THE DESERT. HE’S REENTERED THE FIGHT. AND THE REBELLION IS RISING THROUGH IT ALL.
Leef Verus is back in the fight and on his way to the planet Neba to carry out the next part of his mission, but the clock is ticking. With Dot still in pieces and Talie out of commission, the next stage of the plan rests heavily on a young woman once thought lost to the desert.
Merritt fought the arid wastelands of Neba and survived, winning a place for herself in a ragtag family of misfits that have healed a part of her broken heart. Her life as a thief and part-time Rising supporter is enough for her, but all of that is put to the test when a roguish young man bursts in to shatter the tentative peace she’s come to expect.
With an increased military presence enforced by High King Praxin, tensions in the galaxy are high and the disparity between the wealthy and the working class continues to grow.
The Soldier finds himself in the midst of progressively difficult operations where not only are his skills tested, but his loyalties as well.
Through it all, the Rising, the underground rebel force, seeks to arrange the pieces of a complex puzzle of power. Their aim to overthrow King Praxin rests solely on self-sacrifice and the belief in their plans for peace, but is it enough?
Put to the test, Leef and Merritt must face the space-cold truth of where their loyalties lie, and if love really can conquer all.
Leef Verus is back in the fight and on his way to the planet Neba to carry out the next part of his mission, but the clock is ticking. With Dot still in pieces and Talie out of commission, the next stage of the plan rests heavily on a young woman once thought lost to the desert.
Merritt fought the arid wastelands of Neba and survived, winning a place for herself in a ragtag family of misfits that have healed a part of her broken heart. Her life as a thief and part-time Rising supporter is enough for her, but all of that is put to the test when a roguish young man bursts in to shatter the tentative peace she’s come to expect.
With an increased military presence enforced by High King Praxin, tensions in the galaxy are high and the disparity between the wealthy and the working class continues to grow.
The Soldier finds himself in the midst of progressively difficult operations where not only are his skills tested, but his loyalties as well.
Through it all, the Rising, the underground rebel force, seeks to arrange the pieces of a complex puzzle of power. Their aim to overthrow King Praxin rests solely on self-sacrifice and the belief in their plans for peace, but is it enough?
Put to the test, Leef and Merritt must face the space-cold truth of where their loyalties lie, and if love really can conquer all.
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
11 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
E.A. Hendryx
12 books191 followersE. A. Hendryx is an author, graphic designer, photographer, and podcaster living in Indiana with her husband, two dogs, and a cat named Pages. She writes fiction in multiple genres and spends more time on Instagram than she probably should. She grew up on a steady diet of Star Trek and Nancy Drew and believes that every idea is better in space.
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June 24, 2025Yep, this is my book, and while I won’t give it a star rating, I wanted to drop a review here to share how much I am excited for you all to read this second installment!
Leef is SUCH a fun character and, as I review my audiobook, I’m falling in love with him all over again!!
I hope you’ll enjoy this story as much as I did while writing it!
- Emilie
Leef is SUCH a fun character and, as I review my audiobook, I’m falling in love with him all over again!!
I hope you’ll enjoy this story as much as I did while writing it!
- Emilie
October 27, 2024
3 stars ✨
Like all sci-fi books I read, this one was also outside of my comfort zone. It didn’t help that I barely remembered any of the politics from the first book, but as this book continued I was able to piece along who everyone was and all the different planets.
I will say struggled a bit with the first person POVs? I don’t know why as that’s never normally a problem for me.
They fell a bit too quick for my tastes particularly with the noticing of muscles and curves. I didn’t really care for Leef as he reminded me too much of what’s-his-face from The Lunar Chronicles (way less suggestive comments coming from Leef’s mouth, though). He made some stupid decisions in this book that added to the plot and my stress level. I would say that I liked Talie more than her sister (so I was glad to see her at times throughout this book) but Mer started to grow on me—when she wasn’t repeating everything back she was told like a parrot. 😅
I totally called what was revealed in the epilogue and it makes me way too excited for the third book—which I knew I would read but wasn’t overly excited about due to not knowing who the main characters would be. I found myself humming in delight at being right about this twist, I’d like to say, haha. 😌
Main Content-
(Honestly not too much to list, most of my highlights/notes are all the made-up curses/language used throughout the story.)
At one point, Leef prays “to every god in the Verse” that he is doing something right; A mention of someone “playing god” with another’s life, There’s a handful of mentions of praying and “praying to the Verse” (& “pleading to”) and “the stars” for something to go well & “thanking the Verse” and “the stars” for something; “May the stars guide you” is said once; A mention of asking the stars something; A couple mentions of tales about angels; A couple mentions of ghosts & haunting someone; A mention of a smile that an evil man wears that the “devil himself” would wear; A mention of a spell over someone (Merritt’s lips casting a spell on Leef according to him); A mention of a faein (fairy?).
Some characters/people in this world have abilities (said to be genetic) such as:
phaseus – Someone with the ability to pass through solid objects.
seer – Someone with the ability to see future events. The strength of this ability varies from murky to clear visions, though most are not always completely accurate.
vizious – Someone with the ability to turn invisible.
gravless – Someone with the ability to control/manipulate gravity.
All of these are seen in this book through side characters and main characters.
Having to kill others (for the characters safety) and being relieved when they don’t have to kill another; Being hit/kicked/slapped, Being shot, Being held at gunpoint, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to a few sentences); Being shot at, gunfire, being chased (up to a few sentences); Kicking someone & knocking out another (up to a few sentences); Explosions; Seeing a dead body, others injured and bleeding, & hearing screams of a village being raided and killed (up to a few sentences); When shooting at others, the POV characters try to imagine that they aren’t shooting at real people but like it’s a video game.
Merritt has grown up trying to survive in a place that has called her worthless; Merritt has been a thief for most of her life & thinks about swiping things off of others; Merritt & Leef both lie to each other, themselves, and others (Leef lying is a common theme in this story and Merritt calling him out on always lying).
Mentions of executions, assassinations, murders, deaths, & poisons; Mentions of wars, rebellions, battles, torture, & treason; Mentions of innocents being killed & villages raided; Mentions of weapons, gunfire, being shot/being shot at, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & passing out (up to a few sentences); Mentions of explosions; Mentions of criminals, thieves, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of blackmail; A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of horror movies/videos; A couple mentions of jealousy.
A young girl was experimented on by her previous owners & because of that, she is part bionic and needing updates or she will die (there is a close scene of her dying, up to a handful of sentences); Mentions of genetic experiments & trying to make someone live forever.
Lots of made-up fictional curses/language, all of them could be replaced with an actual curse word and so I’m listing them here: By the Black, what in the Black, How in the Black, who in the Black, for the love of the Black, curse it all to the Black, Sands, sands-blasted, by the sands, how in the sands, Merciful sands, Stars, stars be merciful, stars-forsaken, star-blessed, stars-stupid, stars-born, stars-fine, stars-blasted, stars-forbid, stars alive, slag it all, slagged, slaggin’, by the waters, Verse knows, what in the Verse, why in the Verse, for the love of the Verse, for all that’s good in the Verse, Verse knows where, where the devil, voided idiot, who the blazes.
Other words like blasted, blazing, gah, dumb, idiot, ticked off, and stupid are used; Mentions of curses (said but not written out, including by Leef); Sarcasm & Eye rolling.
2 hand kisses,
3 hair kisses,
4 cheek kisses,
1 almost kiss (a few sentences),
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
3 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
2 kisses lasting a few sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few paragraphs (not heavy on the feelings or actions, but still a long kiss);
Remembering kisses (up to a few sentences); Staring at lips, Wanting to kiss, & thinking about kissing and almost kisses (up to a handful sentences each);
Touches, Embraces, Cuddling, Nearness, & Smelling (x2 couples, up to a few sentences); Blushes, Winks, & Flirting; Noticing (including curves and muscles, up to a few sentences); Attraction; Remembering touches, embraces, & nearness (up to a few sentences).
Merritt allows part of her form-fitting outfit to show to a guard in order to distract him (Leef thinks that she’s using all her assets for the mission); Merritt wonders if a bot has feelings for a human (thinking it would be an alternative universe and impossible); When Leef comments on the view, Merritt replies that he better not be looking at her butt (he says he isn’t); Merritt feels nauseous at the thought of being forced into a man’s bed (twice and for the sake of the plan, does not actually happen); A guy teases another about working out for the ladies.
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss; A few mentions of whistles & cat calls (some towards Merritt); A mention of a young woman’s selling herself to feed her children (no other details or comments on this is said); A mention of a young woman wanting to be alone with her boyfriend (and a shopkeeper closing up shop so that can happen); A mention of a dress’s low neckline.
Like all sci-fi books I read, this one was also outside of my comfort zone. It didn’t help that I barely remembered any of the politics from the first book, but as this book continued I was able to piece along who everyone was and all the different planets.
I will say struggled a bit with the first person POVs? I don’t know why as that’s never normally a problem for me.
They fell a bit too quick for my tastes particularly with the noticing of muscles and curves. I didn’t really care for Leef as he reminded me too much of what’s-his-face from The Lunar Chronicles (way less suggestive comments coming from Leef’s mouth, though). He made some stupid decisions in this book that added to the plot and my stress level. I would say that I liked Talie more than her sister (so I was glad to see her at times throughout this book) but Mer started to grow on me—when she wasn’t repeating everything back she was told like a parrot. 😅
I totally called what was revealed in the epilogue and it makes me way too excited for the third book—which I knew I would read but wasn’t overly excited about due to not knowing who the main characters would be. I found myself humming in delight at being right about this twist, I’d like to say, haha. 😌
Main Content-
(Honestly not too much to list, most of my highlights/notes are all the made-up curses/language used throughout the story.)
At one point, Leef prays “to every god in the Verse” that he is doing something right; A mention of someone “playing god” with another’s life, There’s a handful of mentions of praying and “praying to the Verse” (& “pleading to”) and “the stars” for something to go well & “thanking the Verse” and “the stars” for something; “May the stars guide you” is said once; A mention of asking the stars something; A couple mentions of tales about angels; A couple mentions of ghosts & haunting someone; A mention of a smile that an evil man wears that the “devil himself” would wear; A mention of a spell over someone (Merritt’s lips casting a spell on Leef according to him); A mention of a faein (fairy?).
Some characters/people in this world have abilities (said to be genetic) such as:
phaseus – Someone with the ability to pass through solid objects.
seer – Someone with the ability to see future events. The strength of this ability varies from murky to clear visions, though most are not always completely accurate.
vizious – Someone with the ability to turn invisible.
gravless – Someone with the ability to control/manipulate gravity.
All of these are seen in this book through side characters and main characters.
Having to kill others (for the characters safety) and being relieved when they don’t have to kill another; Being hit/kicked/slapped, Being shot, Being held at gunpoint, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to a few sentences); Being shot at, gunfire, being chased (up to a few sentences); Kicking someone & knocking out another (up to a few sentences); Explosions; Seeing a dead body, others injured and bleeding, & hearing screams of a village being raided and killed (up to a few sentences); When shooting at others, the POV characters try to imagine that they aren’t shooting at real people but like it’s a video game.
Merritt has grown up trying to survive in a place that has called her worthless; Merritt has been a thief for most of her life & thinks about swiping things off of others; Merritt & Leef both lie to each other, themselves, and others (Leef lying is a common theme in this story and Merritt calling him out on always lying).
Mentions of executions, assassinations, murders, deaths, & poisons; Mentions of wars, rebellions, battles, torture, & treason; Mentions of innocents being killed & villages raided; Mentions of weapons, gunfire, being shot/being shot at, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & passing out (up to a few sentences); Mentions of explosions; Mentions of criminals, thieves, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of blackmail; A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of horror movies/videos; A couple mentions of jealousy.
A young girl was experimented on by her previous owners & because of that, she is part bionic and needing updates or she will die (there is a close scene of her dying, up to a handful of sentences); Mentions of genetic experiments & trying to make someone live forever.
Lots of made-up fictional curses/language, all of them could be replaced with an actual curse word and so I’m listing them here: By the Black, what in the Black, How in the Black, who in the Black, for the love of the Black, curse it all to the Black, Sands, sands-blasted, by the sands, how in the sands, Merciful sands, Stars, stars be merciful, stars-forsaken, star-blessed, stars-stupid, stars-born, stars-fine, stars-blasted, stars-forbid, stars alive, slag it all, slagged, slaggin’, by the waters, Verse knows, what in the Verse, why in the Verse, for the love of the Verse, for all that’s good in the Verse, Verse knows where, where the devil, voided idiot, who the blazes.
Other words like blasted, blazing, gah, dumb, idiot, ticked off, and stupid are used; Mentions of curses (said but not written out, including by Leef); Sarcasm & Eye rolling.
2 hand kisses,
3 hair kisses,
4 cheek kisses,
1 almost kiss (a few sentences),
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
3 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
2 kisses lasting a few sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few paragraphs (not heavy on the feelings or actions, but still a long kiss);
Remembering kisses (up to a few sentences); Staring at lips, Wanting to kiss, & thinking about kissing and almost kisses (up to a handful sentences each);
Touches, Embraces, Cuddling, Nearness, & Smelling (x2 couples, up to a few sentences); Blushes, Winks, & Flirting; Noticing (including curves and muscles, up to a few sentences); Attraction; Remembering touches, embraces, & nearness (up to a few sentences).
Merritt allows part of her form-fitting outfit to show to a guard in order to distract him (Leef thinks that she’s using all her assets for the mission); Merritt wonders if a bot has feelings for a human (thinking it would be an alternative universe and impossible); When Leef comments on the view, Merritt replies that he better not be looking at her butt (he says he isn’t); Merritt feels nauseous at the thought of being forced into a man’s bed (twice and for the sake of the plan, does not actually happen); A guy teases another about working out for the ladies.
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss; A few mentions of whistles & cat calls (some towards Merritt); A mention of a young woman’s selling herself to feed her children (no other details or comments on this is said); A mention of a young woman wanting to be alone with her boyfriend (and a shopkeeper closing up shop so that can happen); A mention of a dress’s low neckline.
July 21, 2025
THAT ENDING WAS NOT FAIR! Seriously, I finished reading this book at Realm Makers right across from the author. She laughed at my gobsmacked reaction to the twist at the end of the epilogue—assured that she had done her job and done it well! Seriously cannot WAIT for book three!!!
November 15, 2024
Well, I did not expect that plot twist, and no, I am not going to spoil it for you. All I can say is that once again E.A. Hendryx has written a brilliant young adult sci-fi novel that will keep readers of all ages on the edge of their seats.
Falling Through the Black is the sequel to the brilliant Suspended in the Stars and continues the story of Leef Verus and Mer and the endeavours of the Rising. Once again we are taken across a well-constructed galaxy with some exceptional world-building done by the author and we get pulled along an incredible tale of love, loyalty, power, deception, and more.
You will not be disappointed if you decide to read this book, although I would highly recommend starting with Suspended in the Stars if you haven’t read it yet.
I was given an advanced reader copy by the author, but the views and opinions are my own, and I will be waiting impatiently for the third book to be released.
Falling Through the Black is the sequel to the brilliant Suspended in the Stars and continues the story of Leef Verus and Mer and the endeavours of the Rising. Once again we are taken across a well-constructed galaxy with some exceptional world-building done by the author and we get pulled along an incredible tale of love, loyalty, power, deception, and more.
You will not be disappointed if you decide to read this book, although I would highly recommend starting with Suspended in the Stars if you haven’t read it yet.
I was given an advanced reader copy by the author, but the views and opinions are my own, and I will be waiting impatiently for the third book to be released.
November 12, 2024
Welllllllll, that ending has me excited for the next book!
In the second installment of the Xerus Galaxy Saga, Leef finds Merritt, the second of the Gravless princess twins, living as a thief and deeply invested in her found family of orphans on the desert planet, Neba, with no inkling of her true identity. Leef must win her to the cause of the Rebellion, a sister she scarcely remembers, and a mission that requires sacrifice and will alter the course of her life. The journey is fraught with adventures and near captures, as the Rebellion works to overthrow a tyrant and restore freedom to the galaxy ... all while Leef and Mer's attraction for one another grows.
It's a great clean romance/sci-fi, and it's one that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to my teenage daughter or anyone interested in trying a soft sci-fi. That being said, this one did take a while for me to finish. I found it more difficult to immerse myself in the story initially. This might have been due, in part, to quite a bit of switching in point of view (POV). While the story is largely Leef and Mer's, it also contains quite a few chapters featuring Talie, Renner, and an unnamed Soldier's POVs. There were a lot more working parts in this book - a galaxy-wide Rebellion requires a lot of moving pieces, after all, so our author was juggling multiple stories and setting up those to come. I understand this, but it also meant that my buy-in on this book wasn't immediate, and I actually finished several other books while reading this one. I was sitting at 57% complete for the longest time, but finally pushed through the last bit. (I'm so glad I did - the ending was well worth it.) I'm really looking forward to seeing how the author uses that ending to potentially alter the course of the Rebellion.
Well done, Ms. Hendryx! Can't wait to join the Kickstarter campaign for Rising from the Galaxy.
4.5 stars rounded up ...
Also, I hear that the first book, Suspended in the Stars , is on sale for .99 for a limited time.
In the second installment of the Xerus Galaxy Saga, Leef finds Merritt, the second of the Gravless princess twins, living as a thief and deeply invested in her found family of orphans on the desert planet, Neba, with no inkling of her true identity. Leef must win her to the cause of the Rebellion, a sister she scarcely remembers, and a mission that requires sacrifice and will alter the course of her life. The journey is fraught with adventures and near captures, as the Rebellion works to overthrow a tyrant and restore freedom to the galaxy ... all while Leef and Mer's attraction for one another grows.
It's a great clean romance/sci-fi, and it's one that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to my teenage daughter or anyone interested in trying a soft sci-fi. That being said, this one did take a while for me to finish. I found it more difficult to immerse myself in the story initially. This might have been due, in part, to quite a bit of switching in point of view (POV). While the story is largely Leef and Mer's, it also contains quite a few chapters featuring Talie, Renner, and an unnamed Soldier's POVs. There were a lot more working parts in this book - a galaxy-wide Rebellion requires a lot of moving pieces, after all, so our author was juggling multiple stories and setting up those to come. I understand this, but it also meant that my buy-in on this book wasn't immediate, and I actually finished several other books while reading this one. I was sitting at 57% complete for the longest time, but finally pushed through the last bit. (I'm so glad I did - the ending was well worth it.) I'm really looking forward to seeing how the author uses that ending to potentially alter the course of the Rebellion.
Well done, Ms. Hendryx! Can't wait to join the Kickstarter campaign for Rising from the Galaxy.
4.5 stars rounded up ...
Also, I hear that the first book, Suspended in the Stars , is on sale for .99 for a limited time.
February 21, 2025
Epic action, high stakes, characters that steal your heart, the perfect Star Wars and Lunar Chronicles vibes--this book has it all. I think I might love this even more than the first book, and that is saying a lot. I'm forever obsessed with this!!
March 29, 2025
Guys I can’t even process the end of this book! I will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the final installment of the Xerus Saga.
This book had everything, a winning like able hero (who is maybe a little too flirty for his own good), a strong yet soft female lead (whose story is much more than it appears), and winning side characters who will captivate your heart and never let go.
The breakneck speed of this plot and all the intricate details are so well done and executed that you won’t be able to look away for long! If you love political intrigue, this book has it in spades, along with numberless cool gadgets and plot twists that will have your jaw dropping (like mine did).
I cannot recommend this series enough! Pick this books up, you won’t regret it!
This book had everything, a winning like able hero (who is maybe a little too flirty for his own good), a strong yet soft female lead (whose story is much more than it appears), and winning side characters who will captivate your heart and never let go.
The breakneck speed of this plot and all the intricate details are so well done and executed that you won’t be able to look away for long! If you love political intrigue, this book has it in spades, along with numberless cool gadgets and plot twists that will have your jaw dropping (like mine did).
I cannot recommend this series enough! Pick this books up, you won’t regret it!
November 13, 2024
4.75 rounded up!
This was an absolute blast of a time. I enjoyed Suspended in the Stars a lot. But I really, really enjoyed Falling Through the Black!
I had big expectations for it and it delivered and then some. The journey throughout the book for Leek and Merritt was so much fun. Going through the obstacles they encountered and the struggles was suspenseful and tense. There's tons of action here too that keeps it very fast-paced. I enjoyed the romance here more than SITS as it just felt a bit more natural to me as the story progressed. That ending though, holy cow! Didn't see that coming and I can't wait to see where we're going from here!
This was an absolute blast of a time. I enjoyed Suspended in the Stars a lot. But I really, really enjoyed Falling Through the Black!
I had big expectations for it and it delivered and then some. The journey throughout the book for Leek and Merritt was so much fun. Going through the obstacles they encountered and the struggles was suspenseful and tense. There's tons of action here too that keeps it very fast-paced. I enjoyed the romance here more than SITS as it just felt a bit more natural to me as the story progressed. That ending though, holy cow! Didn't see that coming and I can't wait to see where we're going from here!
December 14, 2025
As a second book in a trilogy, don’t read this before reading the first one. This is an excellent continuation of this series. It follows another couple in the fight for the galaxy, but provides a few scenes of what our first couple is up to. There are appearances of several characters from the first book, plus the addition of new characters (which assume is a set up for book 3).
I’m so glad that I waited to read this until the trilogy was complete. The ending is one that makes me want to dive right into the next book.
I’m so glad that I waited to read this until the trilogy was complete. The ending is one that makes me want to dive right into the next book.
May 22, 2025
A great follow-up to Suspended in the Stars! I didn’t think I would enjoy this couple as much as the first, but they were entertaining and lovable. And the action was fantastic. There were so many surprises and twists that kept me turning pages!
December 17, 2025
A fun second installment of a space fantasy series! Full review later.
December 17, 2024
After absolutely loving the first book in this series, you can bet I was itching to read this sequel of the Xerus Galaxy Saga! And it definitely didn’t disappoint.
I will say, this one took me a bit longer to get into than I expected, mostly because there’s a lot of setting up at the start of it. Which was intriguing, but had me more wondering and anticipating how it was all going to come together than being captivated by the story. But then it all started to come together, and secrets and backstories started being hinted at, and I just had to keep reading! Leef and Merritt were just so much fun together, especially Merritt’s determination not to like Leef, while totally liking him.
I’m not a huge fan of sci-fi, and honestly don’t read it too often, but this series has me captivated and I cannot WAIT to read the rest. The author has a way of pulling you into the characters’ lives and making you truly care about them – complete with laughter and the occasional (or not so occasional, in this case) tears. She really knows how to tug on a reader’s heart!
If you love a good sci-fi saga or space drama – or even aren’t so into sci-fi but love a brilliantly-written story of love, family, romance and adventure – definitely check this one out. It’s beautiful.
While I was given an advanced copy by the author, the views and opinions are definitely my own and I totally would have written them regardless. I just couldn’t wait until release day to read the book :)
I will say, this one took me a bit longer to get into than I expected, mostly because there’s a lot of setting up at the start of it. Which was intriguing, but had me more wondering and anticipating how it was all going to come together than being captivated by the story. But then it all started to come together, and secrets and backstories started being hinted at, and I just had to keep reading! Leef and Merritt were just so much fun together, especially Merritt’s determination not to like Leef, while totally liking him.
I’m not a huge fan of sci-fi, and honestly don’t read it too often, but this series has me captivated and I cannot WAIT to read the rest. The author has a way of pulling you into the characters’ lives and making you truly care about them – complete with laughter and the occasional (or not so occasional, in this case) tears. She really knows how to tug on a reader’s heart!
If you love a good sci-fi saga or space drama – or even aren’t so into sci-fi but love a brilliantly-written story of love, family, romance and adventure – definitely check this one out. It’s beautiful.
While I was given an advanced copy by the author, the views and opinions are definitely my own and I totally would have written them regardless. I just couldn’t wait until release day to read the book :)
April 22, 2025
A book that doesn't fall victim to middle book syndrome.
"Any life, no matter how grand or how humble, is valuable to the one living it."
I have the biggest soft spot for character driven stories, and Emilie doesn't disappoint. Leef is my favourite character in the Xerox Galaxy Saga. With expert level quips, Leef had me snickering over and over. However underneath his charm and charisma, he has the biggest heart. Leef's also an extremely skilled individual - he flies spaceships, has a knack for working with/programming technology, excels in collecting intel, keeps his cool in intense situations, and can slip into a new identity as easily as changing sweaters.
Although Emilie explores the topic of loyalty to one's duty over personal desire in Suspended through the Stars, she continues this theme in Falling through the Black. Leef and Merritt have a similar end goal, but they play very different roles. At first, Leef views his relationship with Merritt as a means to a beneficial end for the galaxy. However as his feelings grow, Leef faces the challenge of protecting the rebellion or the woman he's unintentionally fallen in love with. I was on the edge of my seat watching the events unfold, and my heart broke multiple times for Leef and Merritt as they struggle to deny their own wants to protect the lives of others.
Last, Leef and Merritt are my new favourite fictional couple. Their romance is a much slower burn than Talie and Renner's in book 1. I was a huge fan of their contrasting dynamics. Leef is a spy with seemingly divided loyalties and Merritt is a scrappy orphan who survived being abandoned on a desert planet. They are characters with deep rooted trauma who have learned to survive by keeping others at a distance. However, the more they work together, it is clear they not only challenge each other, but they bring out each other's strengths. It was truly beautiful to watch their relationship develop. This is a top tier romance (swoon worthy, but clean)!
If you are looking for a story with dynamic characters who capture your heart, a plot with tons of twists and turns, pacing that will keep you reading late into the night, and a slow burn romance that provides so much satisfaction - you'll want to read FTTB, immediately! I cannot wait for the conclusion this fall!!!
"Any life, no matter how grand or how humble, is valuable to the one living it."
I have the biggest soft spot for character driven stories, and Emilie doesn't disappoint. Leef is my favourite character in the Xerox Galaxy Saga. With expert level quips, Leef had me snickering over and over. However underneath his charm and charisma, he has the biggest heart. Leef's also an extremely skilled individual - he flies spaceships, has a knack for working with/programming technology, excels in collecting intel, keeps his cool in intense situations, and can slip into a new identity as easily as changing sweaters.
Although Emilie explores the topic of loyalty to one's duty over personal desire in Suspended through the Stars, she continues this theme in Falling through the Black. Leef and Merritt have a similar end goal, but they play very different roles. At first, Leef views his relationship with Merritt as a means to a beneficial end for the galaxy. However as his feelings grow, Leef faces the challenge of protecting the rebellion or the woman he's unintentionally fallen in love with. I was on the edge of my seat watching the events unfold, and my heart broke multiple times for Leef and Merritt as they struggle to deny their own wants to protect the lives of others.
Last, Leef and Merritt are my new favourite fictional couple. Their romance is a much slower burn than Talie and Renner's in book 1. I was a huge fan of their contrasting dynamics. Leef is a spy with seemingly divided loyalties and Merritt is a scrappy orphan who survived being abandoned on a desert planet. They are characters with deep rooted trauma who have learned to survive by keeping others at a distance. However, the more they work together, it is clear they not only challenge each other, but they bring out each other's strengths. It was truly beautiful to watch their relationship develop. This is a top tier romance (swoon worthy, but clean)!
If you are looking for a story with dynamic characters who capture your heart, a plot with tons of twists and turns, pacing that will keep you reading late into the night, and a slow burn romance that provides so much satisfaction - you'll want to read FTTB, immediately! I cannot wait for the conclusion this fall!!!
August 18, 2024
A fabulous sequel to Suspended in the Stars (aka SITS)!
I liked this book more than the first one! It’s SO GOOD! 🤩
In this second book of the Xerus Galaxy Saga, we get to know Leef much better. I absolutely love Leef! There are so many layers to him. It’s fun to see some of them pulled back, revealing what’s really underneath all his charisma and charm. He’s my new favorite character! We also meet Talie’s twin Merritt, as well as several other new characters.
There’s also more world building, plenty of intrigue, and exciting space adventure in this scifi story. Oh yeah, there’s also a little romance that’s sweet and clean; just a few kisses, nothing too descriptive.
For a multiple POV book, the author does a fantastic job of leaving clues along the way so you don’t forget which POV you’re currently reading.
In order to prevent leaving any spoilers, I shall my review at that!! Just as for SITS, I’d recommend FTTB to older teens and adults who enjoy good scifi-fantasy!
This book definitely gets a full 5 stars from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a Kickstarter backer, I was given the opportunity to be one of the volunteer final pass proofreaders. I enjoyed finding as many sneaky errors as I could, sharing them with the author so she could fix them before sending the ebooks out to all the other backers. Hopefully, we caught them all! This in no way obligated me to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
I liked this book more than the first one! It’s SO GOOD! 🤩
In this second book of the Xerus Galaxy Saga, we get to know Leef much better. I absolutely love Leef! There are so many layers to him. It’s fun to see some of them pulled back, revealing what’s really underneath all his charisma and charm. He’s my new favorite character! We also meet Talie’s twin Merritt, as well as several other new characters.
There’s also more world building, plenty of intrigue, and exciting space adventure in this scifi story. Oh yeah, there’s also a little romance that’s sweet and clean; just a few kisses, nothing too descriptive.
For a multiple POV book, the author does a fantastic job of leaving clues along the way so you don’t forget which POV you’re currently reading.
In order to prevent leaving any spoilers, I shall my review at that!! Just as for SITS, I’d recommend FTTB to older teens and adults who enjoy good scifi-fantasy!
This book definitely gets a full 5 stars from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a Kickstarter backer, I was given the opportunity to be one of the volunteer final pass proofreaders. I enjoyed finding as many sneaky errors as I could, sharing them with the author so she could fix them before sending the ebooks out to all the other backers. Hopefully, we caught them all! This in no way obligated me to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
November 12, 2024
WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK WAS THAT ENDING, EMILIE?!
Full review to come when I calm down.
5⭐️ read this book
*release day! I should probably write my full review now
Falling Through The Black hit my very high expectations and then exceeded them. Following the paths of Leef and Merritt as they make their way to the capital planet, we find out more about The Rising, and just how deep the deception in King Praxin goes. It is full of action, heartache, romance, secrets, deception, twists, and the reminder that no matter what, you are not alone. The ending had me absolutely reeling and I cannot wait for book 3 next year!
Don’t sleep on this YA science fantasy! It’s one of my favorites and I cannot recommend it enough!
Full review to come when I calm down.
5⭐️ read this book
*release day! I should probably write my full review now
Falling Through The Black hit my very high expectations and then exceeded them. Following the paths of Leef and Merritt as they make their way to the capital planet, we find out more about The Rising, and just how deep the deception in King Praxin goes. It is full of action, heartache, romance, secrets, deception, twists, and the reminder that no matter what, you are not alone. The ending had me absolutely reeling and I cannot wait for book 3 next year!
Don’t sleep on this YA science fantasy! It’s one of my favorites and I cannot recommend it enough!
November 26, 2024
I am a big fan of shows/movies like Star Trek and Star Wars and some of the older Doctor Who. And I loved the Brandon Sanderson skyward series along with Aladdin. So this book ticked a bunch of boxes for me.
Plus, I love fantasies like Star Wars where characters have fantasy powers but it’s set in the future.
Merritt is a great character. She’s determined to help her orphan “family” in the desert and she’ll do anything to protect them, including steel. She’s determined and independent yet still soft and feminine.
Leef. I love the way he evolves in this one. In the first book, he comes across as kind of a Han Solo type, but Han Solo and Captain Kirk and Mal from Firefly plus the Doctor all rolled into one.
Their mission is definitely a dangerous one, and when things went sideways (as they do in a good story), I felt so bad for them. The author has done a great job of getting all four main characters in this series into a lot of trouble and I can’t wait to see how they get out of it in the next one.
I did not feel like this book suffered from middle book syndrome, where a lot of events have to happen to set up the third book. I felt like the characters had a good arc. Merritt must learn to trust, and Leef is having to learn to trust as well in his own way.
A great read. No spice but still romantic.
I bought a special edition copy on Kickstarter, so as you can see in the picture, I got some extra artwork.
Plus, I love fantasies like Star Wars where characters have fantasy powers but it’s set in the future.
Merritt is a great character. She’s determined to help her orphan “family” in the desert and she’ll do anything to protect them, including steel. She’s determined and independent yet still soft and feminine.
Leef. I love the way he evolves in this one. In the first book, he comes across as kind of a Han Solo type, but Han Solo and Captain Kirk and Mal from Firefly plus the Doctor all rolled into one.
Their mission is definitely a dangerous one, and when things went sideways (as they do in a good story), I felt so bad for them. The author has done a great job of getting all four main characters in this series into a lot of trouble and I can’t wait to see how they get out of it in the next one.
I did not feel like this book suffered from middle book syndrome, where a lot of events have to happen to set up the third book. I felt like the characters had a good arc. Merritt must learn to trust, and Leef is having to learn to trust as well in his own way.
A great read. No spice but still romantic.
I bought a special edition copy on Kickstarter, so as you can see in the picture, I got some extra artwork.
November 26, 2025
Action, adventure, and a cliffhanger that will have you gasping! That's my take away from book two in the series!
Once again I enjoyed the narration of the many characters! Surprisingly, I didn't have to guess who was who, they did that good of a job. I felt the emotions and high energy from both and can't wait to listen to book three!
Leef once again stole the show in his cocky yet endearing way! You want to be annoyed with him, but he has the ability to charm the socks off of anyone! We learn some interesting information about him in this story!
Mer may be the younger twin, but her life has been one of survival! She's got grit and gumption. When Leef tells her what she needs to do, she's not sure if it's possible, but she's willing to give it a go. When push comes to shove, she's determined to save those she loves, even to her detriment!
I loved these two together and can't wait to get more of them in book three. I enjoyed that Talie and Renner show up throughout the story as she's healing after the end of book one!
The Soldier makes his appearance throughout this story and it's an interesting twist that leads us into book three! I can't wait for his story and the epic conclusion to this series!
Once again I enjoyed the narration of the many characters! Surprisingly, I didn't have to guess who was who, they did that good of a job. I felt the emotions and high energy from both and can't wait to listen to book three!
Leef once again stole the show in his cocky yet endearing way! You want to be annoyed with him, but he has the ability to charm the socks off of anyone! We learn some interesting information about him in this story!
Mer may be the younger twin, but her life has been one of survival! She's got grit and gumption. When Leef tells her what she needs to do, she's not sure if it's possible, but she's willing to give it a go. When push comes to shove, she's determined to save those she loves, even to her detriment!
I loved these two together and can't wait to get more of them in book three. I enjoyed that Talie and Renner show up throughout the story as she's healing after the end of book one!
The Soldier makes his appearance throughout this story and it's an interesting twist that leads us into book three! I can't wait for his story and the epic conclusion to this series!
November 26, 2024
I have put down my book after finishing & I'm just needing to pause! My mind is falling apart from the little twists & turns from the story of Mer, the twin of Talia. First thing I am going to say is do not read Falling into the Black without reading Suspended in the Stars first. If you don't have Suspended in the Stars, please read it first!
In Suspended in the Stars, we met Leef, who is our main male character in the story of Mer, in Falling into the Black. This book was amazing as we met the gravless inability one of the twins, Merritt. We are pulled completely into the story of the rebellion and the consequences that Merritt has lived with, not knowing that she was a Princess and a twin sister to the one destined to rule. We follow Leef and learn so much from him about even his origin and his past.
Pick this book up knowing that you are going to be unable to forget or want to put down the story of the Leef & Mer out in the stars and space racing to put into place the next piece for the Rebellion's plan to save all in the Stars! E.A. Hendryx has done another amazing job and I can't praise it enough!
In Suspended in the Stars, we met Leef, who is our main male character in the story of Mer, in Falling into the Black. This book was amazing as we met the gravless inability one of the twins, Merritt. We are pulled completely into the story of the rebellion and the consequences that Merritt has lived with, not knowing that she was a Princess and a twin sister to the one destined to rule. We follow Leef and learn so much from him about even his origin and his past.
Pick this book up knowing that you are going to be unable to forget or want to put down the story of the Leef & Mer out in the stars and space racing to put into place the next piece for the Rebellion's plan to save all in the Stars! E.A. Hendryx has done another amazing job and I can't praise it enough!
October 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE
-YA science fiction
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: kisses
-⚠️: nondescriptive violence
I loved this one just as much as I loved the first in the series. In this book, we're mostly following Merritt and Leef, but it does have multiple POVs, so we also hear from Talie again and The Soldier. Leef is such a flirt, but it was sooo lovely seeing him open up to Merritt and let her in. There were so many reveals about different characters, and I was engrossed the whole time. And THEN, Mrs. E.A. Hendryx goes and leaves us with that epilogue. Um, ma'am??? WHAT?! All I can say is that I'm very glad November 4th is only a month away. I won't have to wait long until book three is in my hands!
Favorite Quotes:
-Whether visible or not, we've all got scars.
-We need others in this life. Accepting help doesn't make us weak—it makes us wise.
-"Love does not wait for the right time. It barges in and takes charge over our hearts when we least expect it."
-"Fear doesn't encourage loyalty. Only love and respect can do that."
-"I know the measure of you, Leef. I've seen the parts you hide from the world, and they don't scare me. If anything, they make me love you more."
GENRE
-YA science fiction
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: kisses
-⚠️: nondescriptive violence
I loved this one just as much as I loved the first in the series. In this book, we're mostly following Merritt and Leef, but it does have multiple POVs, so we also hear from Talie again and The Soldier. Leef is such a flirt, but it was sooo lovely seeing him open up to Merritt and let her in. There were so many reveals about different characters, and I was engrossed the whole time. And THEN, Mrs. E.A. Hendryx goes and leaves us with that epilogue. Um, ma'am??? WHAT?! All I can say is that I'm very glad November 4th is only a month away. I won't have to wait long until book three is in my hands!
Favorite Quotes:
-Whether visible or not, we've all got scars.
-We need others in this life. Accepting help doesn't make us weak—it makes us wise.
-"Love does not wait for the right time. It barges in and takes charge over our hearts when we least expect it."
-"Fear doesn't encourage loyalty. Only love and respect can do that."
-"I know the measure of you, Leef. I've seen the parts you hide from the world, and they don't scare me. If anything, they make me love you more."
August 13, 2025
I was excited to get into this world again. To see if Talie recovered and where the rebellion was going to go in the future. I liked seeing where Mer came from and how it contrasted with her sister’s life. There were a lot of great space elements, interesting technology, and out of this world abilities. My biggest drawback was there was too much yearning. I don’t mind a bit of longing, but it seemed like every scene we had to go through again how Leef and Mer wanted to be with each other but couldn’t. There were some great romantic moments, but I think scaling back the yearning would have made them stand out more. There was a lot of other intense things going on, and those should have taken precedence over analyzing our feelings again and again. The ending was exciting, and the final twist amped up the excitement for the next book.
December 20, 2024
5 of 5 Stars
E. A. Hendryx did an amazing job on this book. This galactic story had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The characters were all so unique. Merritt, so much like her sister, was stubborn and feisty. She starts off unsure of her place, but in the end accepts who she is. It was so much fun following Leef on his journey. He’s such a happy, friendly guy despite his troublesome past which came as quite a shock. I’m pretty sure my mouth dropped when I read it. This book also contained a bunch of fun supporting characters. Although the ending did close most topics, I have to admit I was disappointed that two people didn’t reunite yet. Perhaps in the next book. I anxiously await the final book in the trilogy.
E. A. Hendryx did an amazing job on this book. This galactic story had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The characters were all so unique. Merritt, so much like her sister, was stubborn and feisty. She starts off unsure of her place, but in the end accepts who she is. It was so much fun following Leef on his journey. He’s such a happy, friendly guy despite his troublesome past which came as quite a shock. I’m pretty sure my mouth dropped when I read it. This book also contained a bunch of fun supporting characters. Although the ending did close most topics, I have to admit I was disappointed that two people didn’t reunite yet. Perhaps in the next book. I anxiously await the final book in the trilogy.
June 11, 2025
5 of 5 Stars
E. A. Hendryx did an amazing job on this book. This galactic story had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The characters were all so unique. Merritt, so much like her sister, was stubborn and feisty. She starts off unsure of her place, but in the end accepts who she is. It was so much fun following Leef on his journey. He’s such a happy, friendly guy despite his troublesome past which came as quite a shock. I’m pretty sure my mouth dropped when I read it. This book also contained a bunch of fun supporting characters. Although the ending did close most topics, I have to admit I was disappointed that two people didn’t reunite yet. Perhaps in the next book. I anxiously await the final book in the trilogy.
E. A. Hendryx did an amazing job on this book. This galactic story had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The characters were all so unique. Merritt, so much like her sister, was stubborn and feisty. She starts off unsure of her place, but in the end accepts who she is. It was so much fun following Leef on his journey. He’s such a happy, friendly guy despite his troublesome past which came as quite a shock. I’m pretty sure my mouth dropped when I read it. This book also contained a bunch of fun supporting characters. Although the ending did close most topics, I have to admit I was disappointed that two people didn’t reunite yet. Perhaps in the next book. I anxiously await the final book in the trilogy.
November 12, 2024
I thought the first book in the series (Suspended in the Stars) was great, and this one just builds on that even more! It creates an even richer world and introduces new characters and a new romance into the mix. The galaxy feels even more expansive with the new settings and different worlds visited. The personalities of Merrit and Leef are very different from Talie and Renner from the first book, and to me, that makes it more enjoyable. A perfect mix of familiarity from the first book and uniqueness to their romance story. I plot was equally exciting and equally different. I loved every moment of it, and highly recommend this story for fans of Sci-Fi/Fantasy and romance!
September 1, 2025
I enjoyed Leef being one of the main characters. He has a super fun character voice and a lot of layers. Merrit is also a fun character, and I liked how Hendryx juxtaposed her character with Tallie while also having their similarities.
The romance was a little toned down in Falling Through the Black compared to the first book, which I did appreciate. It’s never inappropriate in either book, but I’m just not much of a romance reader. 🙂
The found family themes were great, and the ending is sure to leave readers ready for what happens in the third installment in The Xerus Galaxy Saga.
Cautions: moderate/heavy romance; several kisses; brief mild innuendo; non-graphic moderate violence
The romance was a little toned down in Falling Through the Black compared to the first book, which I did appreciate. It’s never inappropriate in either book, but I’m just not much of a romance reader. 🙂
The found family themes were great, and the ending is sure to leave readers ready for what happens in the third installment in The Xerus Galaxy Saga.
Cautions: moderate/heavy romance; several kisses; brief mild innuendo; non-graphic moderate violence
November 20, 2025
Very good and entertaining YA sci fi space romance. I liked the narrators for the audiobook, the female narrator is fantastic! The story is entertaining and kept me engaged throughout. I think I liked book 1 in the series slightly better but enjoyed this one a lot too.
The characters are well written. There's great dialogue between the two and the use of robots with personalities was excellent! The book has intrigue and the main character Merritt is a princess so this is a royal sci fi space romance! Very fun.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series which should be the final book.
The characters are well written. There's great dialogue between the two and the use of robots with personalities was excellent! The book has intrigue and the main character Merritt is a princess so this is a royal sci fi space romance! Very fun.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series which should be the final book.
August 22, 2024
This is the second of the Xerus Galaxy saga. You’ll definitely want to read Suspended in the Stars first, because this one builds on all the characters and settings of book 1. I was a little slower getting into this book than the first one, getting used to new characters added to the story, and different settings. However, the plot pulled me in, and I had a hard time putting it down. It’s going to be difficult to wait for the third book in the series! This is the kind of science fiction that I really like.
October 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this, though not as much as the first one. I almost did three stars but I did really like it so settled on four! I felt like we needed some more character development. While ready I was a little frustrated why we didn’t know more about the prince, but the ending made sense and brought the rating up for me!
One thing I think I kinda wish the author had done which could have been so cool, is make Merritt and evil sister! That would have been such an interesting plot!
But I’m excited to see how everything wraps up in the 3rd book!
One thing I think I kinda wish the author had done which could have been so cool, is make Merritt and evil sister! That would have been such an interesting plot!
But I’m excited to see how everything wraps up in the 3rd book!
September 22, 2024
I was able to get an early copy of this book and I couldn’t be more thrilled with it!
A perfect continuation of Suspended in the Stars. I was a little worried since we were now following different characters but Leef and Merrit are perfect in every way. They have the best sort of relationship.
The story was non stop and kept my interest. I cannot wait for the resolution of this story with the next book.
A perfect continuation of Suspended in the Stars. I was a little worried since we were now following different characters but Leef and Merrit are perfect in every way. They have the best sort of relationship.
The story was non stop and kept my interest. I cannot wait for the resolution of this story with the next book.
December 20, 2024
This was such a great book!!! Kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next…the main characters are amazing together…and the humor is fantastic!!! The ending though….wow…
Can I say that I loved this book even more than the first in the series (which is also fantastic!!)…can’t wait for the third in the series!!!
I read this as a beta reader, but did purchase the hardback during the author’s kickstarter…these thoughts are my own.
Can I say that I loved this book even more than the first in the series (which is also fantastic!!)…can’t wait for the third in the series!!!
I read this as a beta reader, but did purchase the hardback during the author’s kickstarter…these thoughts are my own.
August 3, 2025
I could weep with joy. This is a fabulous sequel to the first book. I really liked Leef so seeing that he’s one of the main characters with a POV made me so excited. I lost my mind over the plot twists. It’s very rare that a book makes me want to squeal or stare at the wall or freak out but this book gave me all of the emotions. Leef and Mer are just the sweetest babies. The hurt/comfort was so good. I need to read every one of Hendryx’s books now, the writing is exquisite.
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