Blinding Light

by Lola Malone

The Imperials of Helion rule their world with violence.

Cyprian Creighton is desperate.

Adopted when he was a baby, he has lived his entire life being an outcast. Different. A shy introvert with bright yellow eyes that keep everyone away. Now he wants to know where he’s from.
When his research brings him to a completely different planet, Cyprian has it all planned out. He’ll stay in the shadows, focus on his studies while finding out who his family are. That is until a shard of fate sets Cyprian in the spotlight. Now one of the Imperial princes of Helion decides he wants him. Whether he likes it or not.

Moargan Zephyranth is trouble.

Violent and arrogant, the Imperial Prince and first in line of the throne has a the reputation. Times are chaotic, and Moargan has an agenda that includes dealing with a threat that leaves death in Helion’s dark streets. When Moargan lays eyes on that skittish crew member of the space shuttle, he doesn’t understand the physical pull. In times of many insecurities, Moargan knows one thing for sure. Cyprian creates a smouldering fire inside him. A pull both men can’t ignore.

Their destiny.

𝔹𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕃𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 takes place in the same universe as the 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕝𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 best-selling series by Chani Lynn Feener, with permission of the author.

* This book is set in Chani Lynn Feener's universe with permission from the author.


Trigger This is a stand-alone dark romance which means there are some themes that some might find disturbing. These include, but are not limited to, dub-con, violence, a seriously obsessed male lead, and explicit sexual content not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to read the Author's Note for a complete list of warnings! HEA guarantee!

Genres: M M Romance, Science Fiction, Dark, Fantasy, Gay, Aliens, Romance

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

My name is Lola Malone and I'm a European-based author who has endeavored into the world of writing dark, morally gray characters who occupy fictive colleges.

When I'm not reading, writing, or fantasizing about other worlds and stories, I'm probably at the gym or away, visiting historic sites with my husband and three sons.

Follow me on my socials!

IG: @lolamalonebooks
TT: @lolamalonebooks

Patreon: @lolamalonebooks

Reviews

[Angharad · Rating 5 out of 5]

God bless Chani for allowing Lola to create this fucking masterpiece of a spin-off, that I so wish wasn't a stand alone 😭 I need a whole trilogy, maybe 4 more books 🙏🏼 I can only wish.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: fated mates, paranormal, touch him and die
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: dubcon, voyeurism, marking
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: murder, violence, drugging characters, dubcon between MMCs, SA as punishment (minor characters), permanent injury of minor characters, past child neglect and childhood trauma, foster care
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither of them have any interest in anyone else during this book. There is reference to Moargan's past conquests though.

3.75 stars

Cyprian is 20. He was raised in foster care since infancy and he's always felt this calling in him to find his biological parents, to go home. He starts researching where he might be from and has solid leads on a particular planet. He decides to run away to that planet using a secret identity because he's in a bit of trouble at home. On the ship to the other planets he meets Moargan. Moargan is 22. He is the son of one of the ruling class, he is an imperial. He is dark, he has powers, he goes unchecked and can get away with anything, and he craves violence. The moment he meets Cyprian he knows that he has to make the man his. Once off the ship, Moargan hunts Cyprian down within a day. He forces Cyprian to move in with him and be his lover.

As Cyprian continues his search for his parents, he finds out more about himself, that he was experimented on and that he has powers that he's coming into. And not fate has drawn him to be where he is and to be with Moargan. There's a serial killer on the planet that Moargan's family is hunting down, which is a threat to them.

This book was pretty good. There was a lot of complexity to the story. There was a lot of mystery and layers that unraveled. There was some interesting characters. I'm curious if some of the other ones will get a book, especially the brother with the power to turn things into ice.

I wasn't too big of a fan of the dubcon/noncon between the mmc's or between the Imperials and the people they needed to punish. Especially when you add the drugging that happened. It's just unnecessarily rapey and triggering. I was also confused about why the serial killers were targeting foreigners, when it was really the Imperials that they were mad at. I felt like that was a bit of a gap.


Some notable moments:

"Helions knew the outcome of an Aureate, a public contest. Death. Slavery. Sex. The Luminary. It was whatever pleased their new owner. But there was something refreshing about someone who thought they could talk him out of it. It was endearing. He was. Endearing. His new possession. His little aeon. His."

Spoilers! But I loved this little moment... "Cyprian felt his brother’s presence. Felt him watching from up there. Once more, he had come for Cyprian, only today he’d come to see him kill their father. “Hi.” Cyprian whispered. “Who the fuck are you talking to?” Ludo spit out. Blood dribbled from his nose down over his lip. Hi. “Have you come to kill him with me?” Ludo’s eyes turned to slits. “You fucking monster.” Yes."


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK friends, here I am reading ANOTHER dark romance, this time with very cool sci-fi thriller vibes! This new release from new-to-me author Lola Malone is definitely different from my usual reads, but I was captivated by the fast-paced, action-packed storyline and the searingly hot romance between an orphan searching for his birth parents and the heir to the throne of Helion. The beginning reads like a space opera, but the story quickly takes a turn into romantic suspense, and I just loved every second. If you love fated mates, chasing and claiming scenes, and possessive protective MMCs you NEED to read this book!

This book is a freaking JOURNEY for poor Cyprian. All he wants is to find a place to belong with people who might love him for who he is. And while his relationship with Moargan, the Imperial Prince of his new home on the planet Helion, is initially unwanted and certainly unexpected, he slowly realizes that they truly were meant to find each other. And while Moargan can be a LOT, eventually it becomes obvious that he really does care deeply for Cyprian. In addition to the intense and freaking HOT romance between Cyprian and Moargan, the world-building in Blinding Light is impeccable. And I loved the thriller side plot, and the way that story as well as the mystery of Cyprian's birth get wrapped up in the end was *chef's kiss*.

Blinding Light was my first book from Lola Malone, and it definitely won't be my last. Sci-fi romance can be hard to find, and I'm so excited to find another author who writes it well. Definitely worth checking out my friends!

[Zen]

I've tried multiple times to read this, and it's just not for me. Sometimes, the reader just doesn't click with an author or her writing style, and this is one of those times.

[Natalie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. It was full of twists and turns that had me hooked from the very beginning. Cyprian and Moargan were perfect. Their connection was undeniable from the very start.

Lola brought her unique style of writing to this book. She has an unmatched ability to write men who are cocky, dominating, and self-assured but make us love them anyway! But can also write men who have a lot of hang-up about them selves and need to learn to love themselves, and this is exa what she has brought us in Cyprian and Moargan.

This book brings all the spice and all the mystery and I'm so happy Lola has ventured into this world and I am definitely excited to see if she brings us more books from these characters in the future.

[Shivani Imagines · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf @ 53%.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so so good! I did not want this book to end and now I really really want a sequel. Please can we get more? I absolutely love Moargan and Cyprian, those boys are something amazing! There is just so much I want more of, like, will Archer get to meet his crush and possibly get to be with him? Will Cyprian’s brother reveal himself? Why is Kylix angry with Cyprian’s mystery brother? Will Aviel get a story too? So many stories and possibilities!

[Cee · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 17%

This is confusing and the writing is choppy. There are a few mysteries here that make me want to read on, but just... no.

[Bere ^^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro fue una casualidad.

Fue una recomendación de Kindle y tal vez porque no había pasado mucho tiempo desde el último libro de Chani Lynn Feener, el universo compartido fue lo que me resultó atractivo.

Claro, eso es un arma de doble filo, puede recurrir a las similitudes con los libros de la autora para atraer un nuevo público, pero el exceso puede conducir a un resultado desfavorable. Por lo que comencé a leerlo con cautela y fui gratamente sorprendida. Aunque las similitudes suceden por el universo tecnológico con diferentes especies de humanoides, en realidad ahí termina la conexión. Este libro no depende de otros para funcionar por sí mismo. Creando un lore propio que resulta interesante para el público.

Especialmente si te gusta el Dark romance MM + Science Fiction. Aunque eso es solo la punta del iceberg.

Tal vez por estos últimos aspectos es que me tomo más tiempo de lo previsto el acabarlo. No es mi primer libro en inglés, pero por alguna razón mi ritmo fue más lento. Supongo que la parte ciencia-espacial fue lo que dificultó, porque, como creo su propio universo, también creo sus propios términos y algunas veces estaba realmente confundida. Es de los libros con más notas en mi Kindle. Realmente tenía que poner un marcador cada que había nueva información para no perder el hilo, pues hasta los nombres eran nuevos para mí. Y a veces no sabía si era una palabra en inglés que no conocía o solo un nuevo término. Necesito practicar más.

No se si es por esto mismo, pero algunas partes de la trama me resultaron confusas. Entiendo que, el hecho de que sea el primer libro de una inaugurada saga, significa que deje varias cosas a la deriva para crear interés a sus futuras entregas. Pero aun así, hay cosas que no terminé de entender y me hubiera gustado abordarán más en este libro, como los poderes de Cyprian y lo que significa ser el enlace entre los otros Dariux. Y lo que realmente sucedía con los experimentos. Si ya habían hecho todo ello, ¿por qué mandarlos fuera del planeta? Además, exactamente dónde están los límites de dichos poderes, porque nl término de entender cómo funciona para Cyprian y el cómo la mamá de Moargan sabía dónde estaba su hijo, para así guiarlo. Sin contar que al parecer también puede hacer volar bombillas. Entonces, ¿realmente en qué consiste su poder? ¿Es conexión mental, puede acceder a la mente de otros Dariux y usar sus poderes, telequinesis o que?

Ni él mismo lo entiende y dice que con el tiempo lo descubrirá, pero yo si quería saber. Especialmente porque los libros posteriores contarán con otros protagonistas.

No hay que dejarse engañar por la sinopsis. Está historia contiene: ciencia ficción, superpoderes, parejas destinadas, una versión futurista de un coliseo romano y experimentos.

¿Ven mi confusión? Abordó tantos temas diferentes en una sola entrega.

Pero de alguna manera… funcionó.

Como mencioné antes esto ocurre en un planeta lejano en donde poseen una monarquía y una cultura por la violencia. No es que se anden matando a diestra y siniestra. Sino que organizan una especie de coliseos en donde castigan públicamente a criminales. Estás tienen como protagonistas a la familia imperial que son los que deciden el castigo, participando activamente en ello, ejecutándolos con su propia mano. Una cacería pública.

Ahora bien el castigo puede variar desde volverte esclavo hasta la misma muerte. Pero el tercer método… ese fue el que me dejó un mal sabor de boca. Es decir… ¿hacer eso en público? ¿La gente realmente lo celebra? Es raro, pero parece ser aceptado por su población, con una cultura muy distinta a la nuestra, en donde eso es normal.

Pobre Theo. Realmente me sentí tan mal por él, que espero verlo en el futuro siendo feliz. Vale, es criminal y ahora no está en la mejor posición, ¡pero no fue culpable! El es una víctima también. Así que por favor, autora, dele un final feliz en el futuro.

Eso también me dejó pensando en Helianth. Es quien llevo a cabo el Aureate de Theo. Pero el amigo de Cyprian, Archer, tiene un muy obvio crush en él. Así que, no estoy segura de a dónde llevará esto. Creo que se inclinará por Aecher, pero uno nunca sabe.

Solo denle a Theo una buena pareja, que lo cuide y aprecie como se debe. Si, me encariñe con él.

Lo que es curioso, porque es solo un personaje secundario. En cuanto a los protagonistas, bueno… están bien.

Entran dentro de lo esperado para este tipo de libros. Cyprian es un chico perdido con un fuerte deseo de pertenecer, que le produce una baja autoestima y una desconfianza constante a los demás. Mientras que Moargan es el príncipe heredero acostumbrado a obtener lo que quiere, moral gris y un ego enorme, pero que debajo de la superficie, es sensible. ¡Pero no se confíen! Moargan hace lo que quiere sin importarle nada. Cyprian simplemente lo acepta, pero no significa que esté bien.

Por eso hay advertencias al inicio. Léanlas correctamente. Por algo están esos desencadenantes.

Supongo que el hecho de que sean parejas destinadas es la razón por la que hubo una conexión inmediata y obsesión. Moargan no llevaba ni una semana de conocerlo y lo declaró públicamente como su consorte. Sin embargo, ese ritmo no siempre es bueno. Me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de una prerelacion antes de hacer una declaración tan atrevida. Claro, no significa que haya sido fácil desde ahí. Cyprian tenía problemas para aceptarlo y no estaba seguro ni siquiera de su relación.

Y es que es entendible. Llegas a un planeta extraño con una cultura que no conoces. Obviamente hay que explicarle cosas. Pero nadie parece hacerlo. Solo le daban explicaciones a medias. Yo también habría estado igual de confundida sobre qué implica ser un consorte. Es más, habría creído que sería parte de un harem o algo así. Es entendible que Cyprian no se sintiera seguro y creyera que Moargan solo jugaba con él. Es decir, confiésate apropiadamente Moargan.

Moargan simplemente tomó la decisión y actuó en consecuencia, pero no le avisó a Cyprian. El pobre no solo fue tomado desprevenido, sino que ni siquiera sabía si le gustaba o no cuando prácticamente lo casaron.

Pero la conexión es indudable, por lo que la relación comenzó a avanzar y, cuando quiere, Moargan es realmente considerado. En realidad, es bastante dedicado a Cyprian y hace todo por él. Así que, indudablemente Cyprian se fue enamorando. O más bien, se dio cuenta de que lo había estado por un tiempo.

Así que, en general me ha gustado y pase un tiempo agradable leyéndolo.

Lo último que puedo decir es: Por favor autora considera agregar una guía al final en el siguiente libro. Lo agradecería mucho.

En fin.. confundida y todo, lo terminé y en el futuro revisaré el perfil de la autora para saber de futuras entregas. Ciertamente tengo curiosidad por varios de ellos. ¡Hay muchos personajes que esto ira para largo!

[Barbara➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy...where do I begin? This was recommended to me as a mate story, and I guess technically it is, as we find out later on, but it's not my preference for mate stories.

Be warned...it starts at the very least dub-con, but in my opinion it was non-con. I never got the feeling that Cyprian wanted ALL the sex he had with Moargan initially. The whole "my body is betraying me" left me with a knot in my stomach. I kept reading because it had the makings of developing into more, not yucking someone else's yum, but dub-con/non-con is generally NOT my thing. I wish the author had given a little more of Cyprian's thoughts and feelings to help me believe he wanted it. It just felt too r*pey for me from the first encounter.

I made it to 60% and put it aside to read more fluffy stuff for a while before I returned to it because I was still intrigued by the concept of the story. By then, there seemed to be more intimate and sweet words/feelings between the two, but OMG, the number of sex scenes was overdone. I skipped so many. It seemed every time they were together, they had sex in some way or another. Again, if we'd had more interactions between them to develop some feelings along the way, this would have been a really good book.

I didn't like that r*pe was used as punishment for criminals, but I went into this knowing the trigger warnings, so it's my own fault.

BUT, I did like the last 40% much better and couldn't put it down. I wanted to know about Cyprian and how it would all end.

So, saying all that, it was a mixed bag for me. I don't know that I would read anymore if there was a series, but who knows 🤷‍♀️

A little advice, though: READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Ugh, one more thing...I HATED that Moargan's father had a blow job from one of his helpers when he professed to love his wife so much and wanted her to wake up. Moargan talked about them loving each other and how his father visits his mother and all, but couldn't go without a blow job after getting worked up fighting. Just grossed me out. End of rant lol

[Gina Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good light!!! Oooohh wow…

What a wild ride. What a story. And what an insane world-building masterpiece Lola has created.

From the very first page, I was hooked. Like, the kind of hooked where you just can’t put the book down because you NEED to know what’s happening. The plot is packed with mystery, secrets, and a tension that keeps you on edge with every chapter. And Cyprian… good light, Cyprian 💛 his secrets had me glued to the pages, and the more I read, the more I craved.

This story is an explosive mix of adrenaline, tension, supernatural powers, mystery, all wrapped in a sci-fi atmosphere that fully immerses you in Helion.

And then we have Cyprian and Moargan 💛💜 They have that "something special" that defines Lola’s men. They’re layered, complex, and they pull you in before you even realize it. And well...maybe their chemistry seems questionable at first, but trust me these two are meant for each other.

And the side characters? Omg! Give me more Lola, because there’s serious potential for some incredible stories here. Mmmhh hello there Kylix 😏🫠

As always, infinite stars for this new masterpiece. You can frel the hard work behind every page, the attention to detail, the depth of the world-building, and the richness of the characters. I can’t do anything but recommend it.

Bravo, Lola!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

"ɦε ωαร ρε૨ƒε૮ƭ. ωเ૮ҡε∂, ρσรรεรรเѵε αɳ∂ ρσωε૨ƒµℓ."

I think this is Lola's 𝐵𝐸𝑆𝑇 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 yet!!!!!

I had the honor and privilege of Alpha/Beta reading BL, and it has been a journey that I'm grateful to be on! 🖤

Lola takes us into space, this fantasy realm of Helio. A place our broken boy, Cyprian, is looking for answers about his past. What he literally stumbles into is an arrogant imperial prince who thrives on people's fear. Moargan, the beautiful, fearless man, next in line to rule the planet, wants one thing; Cyprian. And Moargan? He always gets what he wants! The connection is undeniable. The pull is too great. In this world of mystery & and violence, these two mc's find that they can't and won't live without each other.

Lola brings the connection between characters and emotional depth that I've been looking for in her books. The intrigue and action-packed mystery kept me on my toes in this sci-fi world. Not to mention the insanely badass powers that these characters have?!? Loved. 🔥

There was a lot of action-packed goodness in the end that I wish was expanded on a little bit more. However, no questions are left unanswered, and the hea comes together beautifully. It left me closing the book, smiling. I can’t wait to see if we get more in this world. I have a couple of side characters in mind that need their story told 🤭👀

"ᴸᵒᵒᵏ ᵃᵗ ʸᵒᵘ, ᴬᵉᵒⁿ."
"ᴸᵒᵒᵏ ᵃᵗ ʰᵒʷ ʸᵒᵘ’ʳᵉ ᵍᵒⁱⁿᵍ ᵗᵒ ᵗᵃᵏᵉ ᵐᵉ ˡⁱᵏᵉ ᵃ ᵍᵒᵒᵈ ᵇᵒʸ.”

𝔹𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕃𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 is a dark sci-fi / fantasy mm romance. It is set in Chani Lynn Feener's universe from the Devil’s of Vitality best-selling series ✨️

[Zuli]

I went into this expecting your average toxic romance (since it’s set in Feener’s "universe", which usually means the Earth with fancier names for basic things + whatever convenient ability the characters need to look hotter) and hoping it’d surprise me, but… Meh, it had a bit of an interesting story there and the sex scenes were fine. I just paused it for too long and never really felt like picking it back up. Maybe I’ll try something else by the author later.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20%. I'm not sure if English is a second language to the author, but this reads like it is. The dialogue is stilted and awkward, and it really needs more editing.

[Lobenda☆on a year-long hiatus☆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

what a creep

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this way more than I expected to for a book I randomly stumbled across on ig. Sci-fi, dark is not something I knew I needed in my life until now. There is an element of mystery to it if you are someone who likes to read and think. Like trying to figure out who makes up Attica and what exactly is going on in Cyprian's mind. The plot follows a lot of familiar beats but with a sci fi world and a new place/ system to learn that's important. I will note that there are tws that need to be heeded for this, some broader plot points are both challenging and well executed.

The standout character for me is Aviel. He has such an alternating cheeky to intense personality with a show of side. His power is perfect for him. I honestly just vibe with him. I love two sorts of characters in fiction, his is one and brooding soft for only one person is the other. We meet one of those in here too. Kylix, the Imperial cousin and protagonist of book two. He's stunning and a baddass. I desperately want both of these two happy. Aviel's cooking skills alone lend themselves to making someone exceptionally happy. I adore his relationship with Cyprian I'm guessing he'll be important to Mirel as well even with their 🔥 vs 🧊 powers.

“Why do I get the feeling we’re interrupting something?”
“Because we are.” Moargan snatched Cyprian’s glass from the bar and put it to his lips. “You look way too pleased. And what is that smell?”
“Fire.” Yure gazed at the sink, before opening the fridge and grabbing two beers. “Couldn’t help yourself then, Aviel?”

The main characters Moargan and Cyprian are endearing in their own ways. Moargan is predatory in the very feline way as dictated by his species but his unabashedness is perfect and I love it for him. I struggled at first but after some time in his pov I got it. Cyprian (aka Xander) is just looking for his origins and a family. It's so very human and relatable but so is veing scared of someone who wants you so, so badly that they will do anything for you. His reactions to his numerous druggings? Kinda funny in my opinion. I felt bad for him. This is a character with trauma the depths of which the reader isn't privy to, as become his private nature.

The ending really nicely sets up book two which is a brilliant play on opposites attract and enemies to lovers.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyprian wants to find his birth roots, he was raised in foster care, and he felt always different and odd. 
Under false pretenses, with secret information, and a new identity, he took off to Helion.
He wants to stay low, but on the spaceship, he is caught already by Moargan, the future leader of Helion. Moargan claimed Cyprian as his. 

Cyprian feels and is rejected his whole life, feeling sad and unwanted, and he knows Moargan will too put him aside when the novelty wears off. Ha! Little does he know!

Cyprian is sputtering by all the possessiveness of Moargan, but the more he’s claimed the more precious and special it feels. Throughout the story, we’ll find out how special Cyprian is!

The story had a wonderful smooth flow, very appealing, while there are several side plots, the main one is about Cyprian and Moargan, and oh my goodness they are fabulous (and hot)!
There are so many things to be amazed about! Read it yourself!
It’s a genius original story!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blinding Light had such an interesting plot. I absolutely love when the MMC falls first and hard… I’m looking at you, Moargan. Then there’s precious Cyprian, who completely captures Moargan’s attention. With Moargan’s confidence and devotion, he helps Cyprian grow into himself, and their dynamic was so satisfying to watch unfold. Oh, and the spice? Absolutely sizzling…whew🥵🫠 The side characters also had me hooked, and I truly hope Lola has plans for a book (or two) featuring them. Overall, I had such a great time reading this and can’t wait for more from Lola Malone.

[Book.Dragon.Page1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I wait so long to read this book? Lola wrote it so the chance was good I was going to like it.. And I loved it!
Those boys were made for each other and I loved to see them grow and trust!
This beautiful cruel world is amazing! I love a found family and the story never let me go. in fact.. I need more! So much more!

[gena_bookish_reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice read. Hot as hell imperial prince, meets good hearted, shy college student from another planet. It's steamy, hot, passionate, with a splash of 'you belong with me'. What's not to love?

[Laura Schäfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit good, a little bit bad.
A little entertaining and a little bit boring.

I was not a fan of the whole Aureate thing.
It just made me feel icky and uncomfortable.

[Janee Fritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up for funsies because I like the universe it’s set in, but I wasn’t really feeling the plot or the characters. DNF @ 48%

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como uma fã em abstinência da Chani, foi ótimo revisitar esse universo e esse estilo de relacionamento. Foi divertido mas algumas coisas me incomodaram. Eu queria mais do relacionamento deles. Eu senti que foi muito apressado e em um capítulo o Cyprian já aceita seu destino e resolve se apaixonar pelo Moargan. Eu queria que ele resistisse mais. Não sei... No geral, divertido. Apenas isso.

[Zia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just another day of bookstagram glorying this trash. Their should be some kind of trigger warning for this book.

[Kavana S · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf at 71%

[noa A · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rape is not romantic — it's repulsive.
Any book that tries to portray it differently should be destroyed; there's no place for that.
I'm sorry I even opened the book.

[ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

°˖✧✿✧˖°blinding light by lola malone°˖✧✿✧˖°

rating: ★★★★★

“from now on you’ll be close to me, little aeon. your feelings are mine. everything about you is mine now.”

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

﹒⟢﹒tropes﹒⟢﹒

⟢ fated mates
⟢ paranormal romance
⟢ touch him and die
⟢ sci-fi thriller
⟢ possessive mmc

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

cyprian creighton is a boy who has spent his entire life yearning for love and acceptance. outcasted and living with his foster family on a planet that feels foreign, he always wants to find his biological parents. he does everything he can to gather information about his birth. and when he finally finds something, he wastes no time in moving to a new planet—a planet named helion.

moargan zephyranth, the imperial prince and first in line to the helion throne, is known for his violent nature and arrogance. nobody dares to be found by him. but when he lays his eyes on the skittish crew member of the space shuttle, he doesn't understand the physical pull. that doesn't stop him from making cyprian his.

∘₊✧the characters✧₊∘

let's start with moargan. i love him. his desire to have cyprian, his addiction—i drink it all up. he is known for his cruelty, but he never once shows that cruelty to cyprian. he is so sweet to his lover, his aeon. he is gentle with him, pushing cyprian sometimes but never actually harming him. especially when cyprian leaves without him and he comes to help, he is never angry. i eat that up. and that scene where he feels cyprian’s fear through their bond and just runs to help him—the way cyprian sees that and calls him angel??? swoon-worthy.

i definitely did not expect for moargan to change into this man who just cannot breathe without his aeon. how he let cyprian touch his fangs, gives him everything, helps him find the truth about his family, is scared to hurt him, holds him close when cyprian is upset. i just love how sweet he gets with his lover, his mate, his royal consort.

my baby cyprian suffers so much in his life. from enduring his foster parents to moving to another planet, to having an imperial prince behind him, then finding his biological dad, and then his biological mother—he never catches a break. but moargan stays with him through it all. i do wish cyprian had told moargan more before walking out of the house without him every time. like, sir, he told you he would help you!!! he keeps coming to help you!!! take his help!!!

the way everyone is moargan's family just adopted cyprian without any second thought. they way they all helps him through it all, gets angry on his behalf. cyprian finally finding a family for himself just makes me so happy.

∘₊✧world-building and plot✧₊∘

this is set in the same world as chani lynn feener's devil of vitality series, and i already love that world, so this one is no surprise. but lola manages to make it so much more intriguing. the dariux, their powers, their cruelty, the aureate, the fangs, and the bonding ceremony are such great additions that leave me invested. i love these so much.

loved when cyprian's gift came out to be blinding light. i loved when the title of the book is referenced in the book. and the connection between moargan's mother and cyprian's mother!! hoe moargan's mother connected with cyprian and helped him find healithon? i did not expect that at all.

everything about the fated mates also add the good old touch of i will find you always in different galaxies vibes and i eat that up. how cyprian was feeling moargan, that pull he felt for helion actually being moargan???? yummy.

plot-wise, the story is well-paced, but some parts feel like something is missing, like some crucial information. that has me trying to piece things together on my own. all the loose ends feel connected by the ending, but with some plot points still left open, there are definitely more books for more characters coming soon, hopefully. i need to know more about kylix, archer, healithon, and cyprian's unknown brother.

∘₊✧final thoughts✧₊∘

blinding light is my first lola malone book, and i can confidently say it won’t be my last. if you’re searching for a dark sci-fi romance with sizzling chemistry, intense emotions, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this is the one for you. trust me, you will be thinking about cyprian and moargan long after you turn the last page. i read it all in one day so you can tell just how much i enjoyed it.

tldr : lovers of fated mates, dark romance set in a sci-fi world, with morally grey imperial prince and a finding who he is mmc, with great world building, you will devour this book. highly recommend it for your next binge read!

[Jessie J melka · Rating 4 out of 5]

{Blinding Light}
Arc review by Jessie Melka
___________•___________

“I play according to my own rules.” “I want, i get” “I fight, i win” “I take, i own”

BLURB START:

Cyprian Creighton is desperate.

Adopted when he was a baby, he has lived his entire life being an outcast. Different. A shy introvert with bright yellow eyes that keep everyone away. Now he wants to know where he’s from. When his research brings him to a completely different planet, Cyprian has it all planned out. He’ll stay in the shadows, focus on his studies while finding out who his family are. That is until a shard of fate sets Cyprian in the spotlight. Now one of the Imperial princes of Helion decides he wants him. Whether he likes it or not.

Moargan Zephyranth is trouble.

Violent and arrogant, the Imperial Prince and first in line of the throne has a the reputation. Times are chaotic, and Moargan has an agenda that includes dealing with a threat that leaves death in Helion’s dark streets. When Moargan lays eyes on that skittish crew member of the spaceshuttle, he doesn’t understand the physical pull. In times of many insecurities, Moargan knows one thing for sure. Cyprian creates a smouldering fire inside him. A pull both men can’t ignore. Their destiny.

BLURB END:

I have been a big fan of Lola’s writing for awhile so it was no surprise that I also loved it here
I haven’t read any of Chani’s work yet but I will definitely be thinking about it in the future
Blinding light it’s a bit different from Lola’s other books it’s heavy on the fantasy spectrum which I believe is something newer that she’s working with and I would love to see how the rest of the Zephyranth finds their happy ending

While reading a noticed some scenarios where the main characters basically just blew away information Like when Theo “said you are one of them” and basically flet the scene and Cyprian was just like meh whatever And in the car on the way to see Cyprian birth parents the way Moargan just flipped like now I believe you now I don’t now I believe you now I don’t it was a bit confusing. There is some major trust issues in this circle. I will tell you that but also a lot of ignorance to things that may be important in some ways

“But no matter how crazy he felt, and how much he secretly craved to lean on Moargan, he wouldn’t. This was his journey. His life. His burden to carry.”
Queens and quads, we have another martyr among us as most of you might know if you know me I am a huge fan of all of the game and I noticed a lot of similarities to these characters had with each other like Cyprian gives off major Neil josten vibes and Moargan calling Cyprian his little lair or aeon it’s like parallels between Andrew calling Neil lair or rabbit and God I love that not to say these characters are totally different people with their own minds. It was just something I noticed. I always love to be reminded of my favourite books in that way.

There is definitely some
Dom/Sub undertones going on between Morgan and Cyprian Morgan needing control and Cyprian needing someone to control him someone to keep him they fit perfectly together which I guess it’s why they were faded mates it just make my stomach flutter every time I see someone so compatible to each other.

I think it’s incredible writing and amazing the way the Imperial family rules and how the Dariux plays into the power imbalance the Dariux’s history is also fascinating and i wish too know more in the future books if we are that lucky

I rated this book a 4 out of 5 i quite like the books, but there was sometimes where I was a bit confused as I explained earlier either way it was still amazing so if you’re really into fantasy and world building and supernatural powers this is something for you for sure but remember to form your own opinions instead of listening to mine
Until next time my loves….

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 3/5
Would I read again: undecided

(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)


💫Dark MM Romance
💜Virgin Mc
💫Forced proximity
💜Fated mates
💫Fantasy Romance
💜Claming
💫Posessive Mc
___________•___________

[NP · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can never get enough Chani Lynn Feener so when I saw this was a book set in Feener’s Devils universe I thought why not. Big mistake, huge! This reads like Feener’s books were fed into proto AI and then tasked with writing a spin off.

There were so many mistakes. One MC’s name is Moargon, except often he’s Morgan. The other MC’s name is Cyprian, but he’s incognito as Xander. Initially Moargon doesn’t know this and refers to him as Xander, except then starts referring to him as Cyprian before he’s even learned his real name.

Adjectives make no sense (too many to mention so this is just a few). Like describing prisoners as dripping from their cells. Moargon frequently flips off his guards. If you’re wondering why he’s constantly giving his guards the middle finger, he isn’t. Malone is trying to describe waving someone off. Another word used incorrectly is explode (the villain explodes a lot of things. Except you blow things up, and they explode. You don’t explode them). When Moargon and Cyprian bond Moargon’s father announces an alliance. What alliance? Cyprian has no one. Who are they allying with? It becomes apparent Malone meant union as the ceremony goes on.

The universe is confusing as hell, and motivations don’t make sense. Like why abandon successful experiments? Just to create a situation where they have to find their way home? It’s like if mentally challenged people suddenly became the ruling family. I have no clue what Cyprian’s power is. It seems really crappy, but Moargon is losing his shit over it. And the heroes seem like villains. Not antiheroes, which is a staple of dark romance (the villain is significantly more villainy making the antiheroes the lesser evil) but actual villains. When the big reveal happens the author doesn’t do anything to establish they’re wrong, so we’re left thinking the villain is right, and the imperials are a family of violent pieces of shit who kill innocent people for kicks.

There’s no magic or chemistry between the leads. Just paint by numbers possessive MC controlling simple, doormat MC. Feener writes characters that are smart and capable, with a dark romance push and pull. Malone fell back into the trope of TSTL, damoiseau in distress, that constantly needs to be saved from his own idiocy. And mates to explain the MCs’ devotion.

I’ll confess, I know Feener writes under a pen name. So, originally I thought Feener is Malone, and this is another pen name. Until I started reading and realised Feener could only write like this if she had a stroke.

This is Temu Feener. Save yourselves.

[read•me•romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥✨ Blinding Light By Lola Malone ✨🔥

Moargan and Cyprian are what dark obsessive, possesive dreams are made of! Blinding Light is not only high heat and delicious but the spice contributes to the dark obsessive dynamic SO WELL, it is woven in, in a suspenseful action packed way that feeds my fast burn loving soul. You get spice, action, and plot in like every scene and I am here for it! I was seriously into this book, on the edge of my seat, and wanting more when it ended! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

P.s., Lola, my kingdom for Archer’s book!

🖤 MM Dark Sci- Fi Romance
🔥 Ruthless Prince & Timid Refugee
✨ OBSESSIVE POSSESSIVE
🖤 You’re Mine , Predator/ Prey
🔥 High Heat!!
✨ Mystery, Suspense, Vi•|3nce
🖤 Fated Mates

🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: Yes
High heat!!
Ds vibes
Danger shmink
Size difference
D-b C•n
Primal
C-N-C
First times, v card
🍑 Worship
Objectification
All the biting, marking, light 🩸
O control
Fr 33 use vibes
Needy, begging
C-m play
Praise
B•ndage

✅ book has listed trigger warning: Yes !

Official Description: Cyprian Creighton is desperate.

Adopted when he was a baby, he has lived his entire life being an outcast. Different. A shy introvert with bright yellow eyes that keep everyone away. Now he wants to know where he’s from.
When his research brings him to a completely different planet, Cyprian has it all planned out. He’ll stay in the shadows, focus on his studies while finding out who his family are. That is until a shard of fate sets Cyprian in the spotlight. Now one of the Imperial princes of Helion decides he wants him. Whether he likes it or not.

Moargan Zephyranth is trouble.

Violent and arrogant, the Imperial Prince and first in line of the throne has a the reputation. Times are chaotic, and Moargan has an agenda that includes dealing with a threat that leaves death in Helion’s dark streets. When Moargan lays eyes on that skittish crew member of the space shuttle, he doesn’t understand the physical pull. In times of many insecurities, Moargan knows one thing for sure. Cyprian creates a smouldering fire inside him. A pull both men can’t ignore.

Their destiny.
Link: https://a.co/d/bHazDdI

💋 @read.me.romance