Living on the edges of Wild Space and working for an infamous criminal often puts him in the crosshairs of the law. In fact, he and his partner, Ari Barlow, make a habit of chasing trouble for the right price. They are not strangers to tangling with Enforcers, but they never caused enough harm to warrant the attention of an Ascendant—a being to who death is simply an inconvenience. Not until a routine job on a desolate planet turned deadly, that is.
Kennex never expected to meet one of these immortals. He never expected to be killed by one either. Even more shocking, he never expected to resurrect as an Ascendant himself.
Torn from the one person in the universe he trusts, Kennex wakes on Illyarium. Third capital world from Sol and the self-proclaimed center of the Meridian System. His new immortal status leaves a bad taste in his mouth as he spent most of his life cursing the very existence of these pompous gods. All he wants is to return to Outer Orbit—return to Ari. However, Kennex learns his sudden ascension into immortality has heavier implications than he could imagine, and his partner is in the vicinity of a sinister force whose very existence threatens the fabric of the universe.
As he assimilates deeper into his new surroundings, he slips further from the person he was. To save Ari, Kennex will have to accept his fate, but he isn’t sure his partner will recognize him by the end of this war.
J.J. Kang was born in the colorful, lawless swampland that is Florida, and she identifies as a disaster. She graduated from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor with a B.S. in Cellular Biology and a minor in Psychology. However, her heart has always belonged to the written word so she has traded in her lab coat to pursue her dream of being a published novelist.
Other than reading and writing, J.J. enjoys kickboxing, crochet, and binging TV shows on a streaming device when she absolutely should be working instead. Typically she can be found in her natural habitat of a local coffee shop downing her sixth cup of coffee as caffeine via IV is currently frowned upon.
I'm still reeling from the latest installment in this series! The author has once again delivered a masterclass in storytelling, weaving a complex and thrilling narrative that's impossible to put down. The shift in perspective adds a fresh layer of depth to the story, and I'm loving the way the plot is unfolding.
What I appreciate most is how the author has managed to balance action, emotion, and character development. The writing is engaging, witty, and full of heart. The characters feel real and relatable, and their growth and struggles are expertly woven into the narrative.
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and this latest installment has only heightened my anticipation for what's to come. If you're looking for a story that's full of excitement, humor, and heart, look no further. This series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
🖤Book 1.5 (novella) in the Rise & Ruin series 🖤Sci-fi romantic fantasy 🖤 Emotional, deep 🖤Quick, but got me excited for book 2
This is a novella and gives insight into the shift between what I imagine will then lead to book 2- I loved being able to step into the mind of Kennex. Though emotional and deep, this still kept me engaged and eager to read more. I’m so eager for book 2!
Thank you to @BeyondthebooksPR and the author for the book and PR box.
✨Found Family 🖤Ancient Secrets ❤️🔥Unlikely Allies 🖤Troubled Protagonist ✨Interstellar Politics & Religion 🖤Questionable Utopia ❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
This sequel is packed with even more emotional depth than the first book and honestly, I loved every moment. While I definitely missed Ari Barlow’s bold presence, I’m excited to see where her journey takes us in the next installment. The best part, though, is Kennex! Watching him return, step into his role as an Ascendant, and embrace both his fate and true self was amazing. Loved the new additions especially Vira and Lee.
The story explores bonds of loyalty, survival, and rediscovery. Blending action, emotional intensity, and character-driven storytelling, this installment pushes the saga into even higher stakes making it both thrilling and heartfelt.
We love a world that isn’t overly complex but deep enough to keep you engaged. Kennex is a deep soul. His turmoil about becoming something he loathed forever made this novella addictive. I enjoyed hearing his thoughts and seeing him slowly navigate with his crew as he adapted to his new person. This was a great novella!
ARC Review – Discovered in the Dark by J.J. Kang ⭐️ 4.5/5
Thank you J.J. Kang and @beyondthebookspr for this amazing PR box and the chance to be part of the book tour.
After Lost in the Light stole my heart last year, I’ve been craving more from the Rise and Ruin series — and Discovered in the Dark delivered exactly what I wanted and more. This novella is pure gold for anyone who’s been desperate to step inside Kennex’s head. It’s gritty, emotionally devastating, and unputdownable.
Where Lost in the Light explored the Outer Orbit’s shadows and seedy underbelly, Discovered in the Dark pulls us into the polished but deeply corrupt Inner Orbit. Here, Kennex isn’t just surviving — he’s grappling with what it means to be Ascendant. Every move he makes to reach Ari forces him to confront ugly truths: sometimes, the safest way to protect those you love is to take the path of least resistance, even if it means swallowing your pride.
Kennex’s voice is raw, conflicted, and beautifully human. I adored the layers J.J. Kang gave him — the stubbornness, the grief, the reluctant acceptance of his role. The quote that gutted me: “Life would be easier if fate had taken a limb from him rather than part of his soul.” It’s the kind of line that lingers long after the page.
The worldbuilding is as rich and cinematic as ever — intergalactic politics, ancient secrets, questionable utopias, and a found family of unlikely allies. The “Enemies-to-Lovers Lite” thread is just enough to keep the tension simmering, while the sci-fi elements are accessible enough for fantasy readers dipping their toes into the genre.
And yes… Kennex’s irritation at the nickname “new light” had me grinning every time.
Final verdict: A must-read for anyone invested in the Rise and Ruin series. While this novella is technically 1.5 in the timeline, I’d recommend reading Lost in the Light first to fully savor the emotional punch. Now, I’m counting the days until the next installment drops.
I’ll be super honest...this series is NOT for the weak hearts. You might think I’m joking. I assure you, I am not. If you came here expecting a lighthearted space adventure, please brace yourself. This is pain. This is chaos. This is the kind of book that grabs your soul, shakes it like a snow globe, and says, “Good luck living after this.”
The previous book, Lost in the Light, was already an absolute banger. But Discovered in the Dark? Oh, this one is just…just the beginning of my emotional ruin. Half the time, I was near tears reading Kennex relive Ari in every breath, every memory, every broken piece of his immortal existence. Do you think being an Ascendant sounds glamorous? Wrong. It’s existential dread in a sparkly god-suit.
The twists? Unexpected. The emotional gut punches? Brutal. That cliffhanger ending? Oh, I was livid, furious, but also quietly handing J.J. Kang my heart like, “Here, stomp on it again. I clearly love pain.” The last few pages of this book? Absolutely tattooed into my brain. I highlighted so much that my book looks like it’s bleeding purple neon. And the last chapter? I audibly gasped. Not once. Not twice. Multiple times like I was a part of it.
Here’s the truth: I feel like I’ve become a side character in this Rise & Ruin universe. Or maybe a tree. Or the cosmic wind. Or some random fledgling trying to earn wings (sorry, Kennex). Every emotional moment of Kennex & Ari in this story carved itself into me, and I don’t think I’ll recover until the next book drops.
I’ve gotta stop now before I accidentally spoil something. Be right back as I cry in a corner in shock after finishing this. Until then, I’m gonna be in a state of before Discovered in the Dark & after Discovered in the Dark please 🥹
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚 Discovered in the Dark by J.J. Kang (sequel to Lost in the Light) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Thank you to J.J. Kang and @beyondthebookspr for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Kennex and his partner Ari are sent on a mission to an abandoned world, only to be killed by an ascendant - an immortal being who can resurrect endlessly. But when Kennex returns to life, he realizes he has become an ascendant himself, upending everything he thought he knew.
Determined to find Ari, whom he believes is still alive, Kennex joins a fireteam of fellow ascendants and sets off on a dangerous quest to uncover why he was chosen for resurrection and what it means for his bond with Ari.
🚀 I love a good space adventure, and this novella absolutely delivered. The world-building is stellar: vivid, immersive, and brimming with mythology-inspired politics that reminded me of Greek gods and their tangled fates. Kennex’s fireteam — Vira, Lee, and Brin — felt like a true found family, each character so compelling that I would read an entire book about how they began working together and how each earned their wings.
This sequel expands the scope of the series while keeping its heart firmly on Kennex’s journey — his grief, his hope, and his fight to save Ari at any cost. I cannot wait to see what battles (and truths) await in the next book!
For fans of: 🗝️ Ancient Secrets | 🗡️ Quests & Mythology | 💔 Troubled Protagonist | 🤝 Found Family | 🔥 Enemies-to-Lovers (lite)
ARC REVIEW✨ Title : Discovered in the Dark Author : J.J. Kang Star Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (AND I WOULD GLADLY THROW A THOUSAND MORE STARS IF GOODREADS LET ME!!!)
Okay, deep breath. Where do I even begin?? This book is an absolute rollercoaster and I mean the kind where you scream your lungs out but still want to ride again. Screams
The way J.J. Kang writes??? A literal masterclass. I’m talking about weaving thrill, emotions, and action into a single narrative that grabs you by the throat and DOES NOT LET GO. I was hooked from page one and by the end I was just sitting there like… wow. Just WOW.
Characters? PERFECTION. Real, relatable, messy, hurting, growing. They felt alive in my hands. And don’t even get me started on the balance of action + emotion + depth. The character arcs are so beautifully handled that I wanted to hug them and scream at them all at once 😭.
What I loved most? The shift in perspective that adds a whole new layer of intensity. It’s smart, it’s bold, and it makes the entire story unfold like a cinematic experience. I literally couldn’t put it down!!
This series is giving me everything. The excitement, the heart, the anticipation, the chaos. If you love fantasy + adventure that knows how to pull on your emotions while keeping your pulse racing, this one’s for you.
J.J. Kang, I am officially your FAN FOR LIFE. Can’t wait to see what comes next!! 💌✨
My favourite moment: “Every struggle, every heartbreak, every secret… it was all worth it for this truth.” (CHILLS. Literal chills.)
😭😭😭 Can someone please give me the next book already??
Thank you so much to beyond the book pr and jj Kang for the ARC of the book!!🩷
J.J. Kang's Discovered in the Dark is a novella that lives in the liminal space between silence and epiphany. It's part of the Rise & Ruin universe but completely stands on its own, a tale of two individuals discovering what living is like after everything they knew is different. Kennex Hall's death and miraculous revival as an Ascendant ought to have made him all-powerful, but Kang turns this notion on its head. What she does offer us instead is a man unsure of his own image, a creature suspended halfway between recollection and rebirth. Across from him stands Ari Barlow, down-to-earth, wary, and deciding whether or not love can win when the one she loved has been rewritten. Their relationship doesn’t burn brightly, it smolders, heavy with the kind of tension that can only come from knowing someone too well. Kang moves with a subdued finesse that borders on the cinematic. Her world, her ports, her systems, her eerie sheen of Illyarium, lives peripherally, so the eye can remain fixed on what truly counts: identity, sorrow, and the gradual re-finding of trust. The writing never hastens, never tells too much, and that holds the narrative in its haunting cadence. There is a closeness to this novel that is not common in speculative fiction. Under the legend of resurrection is a brutally human reality, that transformation, no matter how miraculous, scars. The conclusion doesn't seek grandiosity; it comes to rest on something raw and honest, the sort of finish that sits quiet after closing the final page. For me the book was private, slow, and exquisitely controlled and designed ( the glossy page, the art! ) , a tale that does not require to be looked at, but felt too!
Reading Discovered in Dark felt like stepping into a bigger, deeper world. This book hit me differently – it’s not just about Kennex’s fight but also about his grief, his bond with Ari, and how far he’s ready to go for her. Honestly, I kept thinking “just one more page” and before I knew it, I was done.
The story starts with Kennex and Ari on a mission to an abandoned world, but things go horribly wrong when an ascendant kills them. Kennex comes back to life, only to realize he himself has become an ascendant—something that shakes everything he believed till now. From there, his journey is about finding Ari, he doesnt accepts that shes gone while also figuring out what it means to be one of these immortal beings.
What stood out to me was the world-building. The inner orbit, the powerful ascendants, the whole mythology-like politics—it was written in a way that felt both ancient and futuristic at the same time. Kennex’s fireteam gave me that found-family vibe and I loved how every character had weight in the story.
The emotions are raw. The emotions in this book really hit hard. Like I could literally feel Kennex’s pain, his hope, that desperate pull he has towards Ari. Some parts honestly got so heavy I had to keep the book down for a bit, but then I couldn’t resist picking it back again. It’s that mix of emotional and adventurous that just keeps you restless, wanting to know what happens next.
How do I even began to express how much I loved reading every single page of this book?!
I mean, the fact that its book number 1.5 and it just gave me so much more perspective & clarified quite a few of my own theories but at the same time, but THAT ENDING..... oh my freaking goodness, I'm just left with so many questions and my curiosity is on high right now, and plus I have so many theories!! 😭
Now, I need the next one as soon as possible!! I'm that much obsessed with this series and p.s. this was my first ever SCI-FI FANTASY read and I love it with my whole heart!! 😭
This book's storyline is so well structured, the world building is so immersive and overall the plot is just damn good, it just keeps you hooked till the end. 😩
What I loved the most about this book & this overall are the CHARACTERS, each and every one of them, be it the personality, the chemistry, the bonding, their attitude, and overall their whole character arc is just a chef's kiss for sure!! 💋
I'm already feeling the build up in the storyline and I can feel something big is coming and I can't pressure you enough to read this one, cause I'm so damn sure, whoever reads this is gonna love it!! 😩
So if you like reading books with tropes like SCI-FI, Fantasy, Chosen One, Secrets, Found Family, and Enemies to Lovers, this one is definitely your MUST READ!! ✨️
This novella might be short, but it packs the punch of a full-length novel. Stepping inside Kennex Hall’s head was both devastating and addictive,; raw, conflicted, and achingly human. His struggle with becoming something he despised, all while being torn away from Ari, gave the story such emotional weight.
The worldbuilding? Cinematic. 🌌 Intergalactic politics, immortals who feel like gods, and a web of secrets that keep unraveling. At the same time, there’s humour, banter, and a found family vibe that makes the story feel warm even in its darkest moments.
What I loved most was the balance: high-stakes action + emotional vulnerability + relationships that feel real. Kennex’s grief and stubbornness hit hard, and that one line, “Life would be easier if fate had taken a limb from him rather than part of his soul”, stayed with me long after I closed the book. 💔
If you enjoy: 🔮 Mythology-inspired fantasy 🤝 Found family 💔 Flawed, stubborn heroes 🔥 Enemies-to-lovers tension (just a hint!) 🌠 Sci-fi worlds with heart
…then this one deserves a spot high on your TBR. It’s book 1.5 in the Rise and Ruin series, and I’d recommend starting with Lost in the Light to fully feel the emotional punch.
Final thought? Discovered in the Dark is gritty, immersive, and unforgettable and the kind of story that lingers like starlight after you turn the last page.
YES! I completed Book 1 and now here’s my take on Discovered in the Dark’ by J.J Kang, and I must say it was one of the best science fiction and fantasy books I’ve read. If you’re a fantasy lover, I highly recommend this series as a starting point.(trust me u will love it if u are into Fantasy)
The story follows Kennex hall (MMC) , a guy who’s taken to another place and separated from Ari, the fMC, in the start okay I was in love the way Kennex searches for Ari, repeatedly asking “Where is Ari?” even when he’s taken away by others from a different place.
As a romance reader I adore the way and how Kennex remembers Ari’s personality and thinks about how she would react to different situations..Whenever he encounters something new, he thinks, “Ari would have loved it” or “Ari would have hated it.” This shows how much he cares about her (okay okay I should stop talking about him😅)
Overall thw way author has done world-building that is AWESOME and character development in this book are excellent!! Each character is well-shown, and the different worlds are vividly described. I loved how the author brought everything together…the bondings everything 🛐
If you’re a fan of sci-fi and fantasy books, you need to read this series and Also, make sure to read Book 1 to understand the novella (Book 1.5). Thank you for the ARC @beyondthebookspr and happy release day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review – Discovered in the Dark by J.J. Kang
Discovered in the Dark is a novella in the Rise and Ruin series, and while it’s a shorter read, it doesn’t skimp on excitement or emotional punch. From the very first page, Kang pulls you into a richly imagined fantasy world, blending tension, humor, and warmth in a way that makes it hard to put down.
The plot unfolds with a thrilling pace, offering just enough mystery to keep you turning pages, while still allowing for character depth and genuine emotional moments. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is a standout—charged, layered, and full of banter—balanced perfectly with the found family element that gives the story so much heart.
Kang’s writing has a cinematic quality that makes the scenes easy to picture, and even in such a compact format, the stakes feel real and the relationships believable. For readers who love a fantasy setting that’s both immersive and light on heavy info-dumps, this novella delivers.
If you’re craving a quick, captivating read with humor, heart, and just the right amount of tension, Discovered in the Dark deserves a spot high on your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was already soooo obsessed with this world from Lost in the Light but after this one I’m even MORE obsessed!!!! The complexity, nuance, and shifting perspectives is so well done. You can really tell that J.J. Kang has thoroughly thought out this world, the lore, and where they want it to go.
First the characters, I have always loved Kennex and getting a story from his perspective and the ins and outs of being an Ascendant was super interesting in comparison to Ari’s. They are both on different sides of the same issue, and the confrontation that is to come is going to be soooo good! Also, similarly to Lost in the Light the other characters were extremely fleshed out, complex, and relatable. I really loved everyone we meet in this book!!
Next, the lore we got!!! Omg I was screaming at what was revealed in this book and what it means for the future. Truly so unique, so complex but with no plot holes at all, and SO GOOD. I can’t wait for the next one!!
Finally the writing was superb. J.J. is truly a gifted and articulate writer and I’m blown away by how good it is!!!!
AND THE ENDING??? Holy guacamole. I am SAT for book 2 in the series. Give me it now!!!!
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first chapter, it pulled me in and refused to let go. Kennex Hall’s journey from a reckless trouble-chaser just trying to survive in Wild Space to being thrust into the unwanted role of an Ascendant, was fascinating and full of tension. His struggle with immortality, especially since he’s spent his whole life despising these so-called gods, made him such a layered and compelling character.
The bond between Kennex and Ari was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. Their partnership felt real and alive, full of trust, loyalty, and unspoken understanding. I found myself just as invested in Ari’s fate as I was in Kennex’s transformation, and the stakes felt so high that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
The worldbuilding was also fantastic. From the gritty edges of Wild Space to the grandeur of Illyarium, everything was vivid and easy to imagine. The politics of the Ascendants and the looming cosmic threat added so much depth to the plot, it never felt predictable.
Overall, this book had everything I enjoy: strong characters, an immersive setting, high stakes, and an emotional core that kept me hooked.
Discovered in the dark was such a journey to dive into especially after reading Lost in the Light last year, I have been waiting for more from this series!! This novella was the insight of Kennex I needed and this storyline is what I needed too. There’s so much that happens in this novella of his journey and I was engaged and captivated the whole time. I took my time reading this because I didn’t want it to end yet and I am still mourning finishing this novella up. I want more and I love the way JJ Kang writes her stories and her characters.
I am just driving with anticipation and excitement on what comes next in this series especially after this novella!! I can’t wait to see what JJ has in store for the next book.
Tropes: 🌑SciFi for the Fantasy Reader 🌑Enemies to Lovers Lite 🌑Ancient Secrets 🌑Troubled Protagonist 🌑Found Family 🌑Unlikely Allies 🌑Intergalactic Politics and Religion 🌑Questionable Utopia
Although quick and short, this novella will pack a lot of heart in which will lead beautifully into installment number 2 of this series.
The amount of new, fresh insights into these characters and the broader development of the world made for an exceptional read. It offers deep guidance and sheds light on Kennex’s path and his struggle to rescue Ari.
There is so much to unpack here and the characters we exceptional. I love a good build and their interactions feel authentic, their bonds compelling, and their individual journeys felt so real. Match that with the storyline in this book it all was so incredibly well-executed, with seamless pacing and an engaging narrative that holds your attention. Can we talk about that world building???
A perfect expansion and insight to this story that will blend slight sci-fi elements with 'enemies to lovers'. You will love this, and book one was just a phenomenal. This series is chefs kiss.
This novella definitely started my August off right. It's exciting and emotional, and Kang does a fantastic job at pulling you in page 1. There's tension and humor blended into a fantastic fantasy world.
Kang's writing is amazing. It's almost cinematic- easily imaginable and full of high stakes and relationships that just feel real. It's immersive and absolutely delivers.
The plot? Thrilling. It has a great pace, mystery that keeps you hooked, and somehow has great character depth and emotions in such a small amount of pages.
Enemies to lovers? My favorite. The dynamic is layered and full of banter, and it mixes perfectly with the elements of found family. This novella has heart!
This read was quick yet captivating, and I highly recommend adding to your TBR!
Thank you so much to Beyond the Books PR for the ARC read, I can't wait for more!
Ah how do I describe? I’ve read the first book of this series and this one? Was just a chefs kiss!
This sequel was everything that I needed!🤌🏻 the humor, the dialogues, found family vibes are everything! They have a special place in my heart! I love love loveddddd the first book! I don’t know how to describe that! The author keeps me making me shock, giggle everytime I read a page! She keeps me on my toessss and Im always like what’s the next?🫂
Ofc, it’s the five star read for me! And I’m going to read more from this author! I WILL READ EVERYTHING THAT SHE WRITES! Period😭♥️
If you love reading, ancient secrets, enemies to lovers and a perfect book of fantasy? Then this book is for you! I highly highly highly recommend you reading this one! Just readdddddddddddd!! Also don’t forget to read the first one of this one!😚🎀
Suffering through two whole books? Done. This novella both healed and destroyed me at the same time. Not knowing what had happened to Kennex during the events of Lost in the Light made it easier to pick a side, but now… I know I’m going to cry a lot by the end of the series.
This novella takes place during the events of Lost in the Light, and shows us who the other side—the villains in Ari’s story—truly are. It adds more layers to the world and lore, answering some of the questions we had from Book 1, but still leaving us with an even more convoluted plot in the broader picture, especially after that ending. I would say it’s not optional for the main series, so if you found this book by chance, pick up Lost in the Light first and then this one—you won’t regret it.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Stepping into Kennex’s head was such an emotional ride—he’s flawed, conflicted, and grieving, but still holding onto that spark that makes you root for him. Watching him struggle with becoming something he’s always hated made every moment hit harder. The world building blew me away. Illyarium looks perfect on the surface, but the cracks are everywhere—politics, secrets, power plays—and I loved how it all contrasted with the grittiness of Outer Orbit. On top of that, the found family dynamic with his new crew added so much warmth and balance. I’d happily read a whole spinoff about them. It’s quick, but it doesn’t hold back—equal parts emotional, thrilling, and addictive. If you love sci-fi that reads like fantasy, this series is one you don’t want to miss.
Diving into Discovered in the Dark felt like stepping right back into a world I didn’t realize I had missed so much. Picking up after Lost in the Light, this book gave me everything I was craving and more. Seeing the characters navigate their struggles, heal, and grow closer through all the chaos was such a rewarding journey.
What I especially loved was how J.J. King deepened the layers of the story, there’s intensity, tenderness, and so many moments that just stick with you. The bonds between the characters felt even more real this time, and their resilience left me in awe.
I honestly devoured every page and found myself wishing I could experience this book again for the very first time. Since that’s not possible, I know for sure rereads are in my future (and probably more than one 👀).
This is the 1.5th (Novella) book in the "Rise and Ruin Series" . It is a Sci-fi fantasy book . So , we have Kennex (The MMC) and Ari (The FMC) . Kennex died but didn't stayed dead and wandered in the spots of space/cosmos . The story unfolds when he decides to work for a criminal .
Final verdict - It is a Sci-fi , enemies to lovers -fantasy trope book . It is a beginner friendly book but I would advice to read the part one first to enjoy the book more . ( Go and read the damn series )
P.s. - I loved how Kennex used to get irritated on the nickname " new light " 🤌🏻
Omg, how do I even explain my love for this book in words? After reading the first book and now this one, I’m completely smitten by the author’s writing and world-building. It’s truly one of the best fantasy sci-fi stories I’ve ever read. I loved the characters and their growth throughout the book, their complexity and multi-layered personalities were incredible. And the MMC… ahhh, how do I even explain? I just love him! And the ending, god, I have so many questions. This book is totally a 5-star read, the storyline is amazing, the characters are so well written, and it’s only getting more interesting. I honestly can’t wait for the next book
I picked this book after reading Lost in Light and I must say it was the best science fiction I've read .
The story follows Kennex MMC guy who is separated from his partner Ari FMC , I love the way Kennex search for Ari , repeatedly asking Where is Ari ? To search for Ari he joins the fireteam of fellow ascendants and sets dangerous quest to discover why he was chosen for resurrection and what it means for his bond with Ari .
The way author has done world building is awesome and the character development is great . Each character is well shown and author described the different world vividly . I love the way author put together everything.
"There are fates worse than death." -Ascendant Vira
The wait was worth it for this follow-on novella in JJ Kang's Rise and Ruin series.
Kennex Hall died, but he did not stay dead. Picking up where Kennex's story ended in Lost in the Light, this brought a whole new world into existence. Nothing compared to the dark and lawless planet of Acheron that he and Ari had called home. Illyarium is bright with defined quadrants for its inhabitants that has an ancient history.
Waking up in a new world, Kennex is thrust into a new life much different than running dangerous errands for a crime boss. He also has to come to grips with being an Ascendant, something he has loathed for as long as he can remember. A new set of friends helps him understand the way of Ascendant life and what is now expected of him. Still resisting to conform to the mold of Ascension, Kennex pieces together the clues to what his future holds.
Fast-paced, gripping story that you will not want to put down. IF I could give it 10 stars, I would.
Found Family Ancient Secrets Enemies to lovers Sci-fi New friends Fated Future
I was completely blown away by this story. Kennex and Ari’s world was incredible, full of action, suspense, and unexpected twists that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters felt alive, their emotions real, and their growth made everything even more engaging. The ending left me in shock, desperate for the next installment, and I couldn’t stop thinking about all the theories and possibilities. Every page felt thrilling, and the story was expertly written, immersive, and impossible to put down. Thank you so much to the author and Beyond the Books for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
4.25⭐ Discovered in the Dark is the sequence novella of one of my favourite sci-fi books - Lost in the Light
I highly recommend this series! I loved the group Ari found in litl, but to see the new side characters in this book was refreshing. I can't wait for the sequel!
I loved Kennex Hall from the very beginning and was absolutely overjoyed when I found out we were getting his pov in this book
This novella single handedly pulled me out of the weird reading slump I was stuck in last month, and I couldn’t be more excited about it it. The way this series continues to capture me even going from a book on the longer side to this novella 🤌🏼🤌🏼. It is beautifully written that I feel like I’m being torn apart one page and stitched back together. Every time I think I’m prepared, it still manages to hit me right in the heart 😩😩.