Malformation

by T.S. Night

A surgeon. A captive. A love that changes their world.

Story Ross has always believed in the rules, science, and system that raised her-until her little sister, Lark, is placed on an end-of-life countdown for a chronic medical condition no one can explain.
Desperate to save Lark, Story is sent on her final college assignment: a forced biology expedition into Ohio’s Hocking Forest. She’s completely unprepared for what’s lurking in the trees.
There she meets Ivan Rhys, a brilliant engineer held captive by the black-ops Irontrace Squadron. Ivan’s mission to send her back over the boundary he’s forbidden from crossing unravels the moment she starts trusting him.
As they save each other again and again, Story’s life and loyalty are tested in ways she never saw coming. For the first time in his life, Ivan wants more than what The Irontrace offers. He sees a future. A life with Story that no Irontrace has ever been allowed to choose.
Together, they chase answers for Lark. But as Story’s research churns out stunning results, The Bastion becomes determined to silence her and her work. From the shadows, Ivan risks it all to keep her safe and build the tools she needs to become a hero.

When Story disappears, will they find that choosing love in a failing world was the most dangerous decision of all?

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2025

About the author

T.S. Night writes clean romantic suspense where science meets love. Drawing on her experience in nursing and software engineering, her books are packed with twists, hope, and a fierce love that can survive even the darkest trials.
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Reviews

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome in every way…

I am not going to lie, I don’t usually read dystopian novels, unless I want to support an Indie author, but this book was totally worth it. The author does an incredible job, making it interesting and captivating, even with all the medical details. With AI advancing so much, the story makes you think it could be real. The characters are wonderful and although it ends with a cliffhanger, it isn’t one that makes you want to throw the book across the room. Haha. Great debut novel, and I absolutely look forward to book two.

[Abby Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn’t have known about this book had I not met this author in person. She hooked me with the unique and suspenseful premise. I’m a sucker for romance, so that got me even more obsessed and I could hardly put it down. You can also tell through the writing that the author did a lot of research and knows her surgical lingo. Great book! I can’t wait to read the next ones.

[Kenzley Ricklefs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never really thought a dystopian type romance would be my thing however story and Ivan’s adventure throughout this robot ruled world is very interesting, of course this takes place after world war three and sort of reminds me of a terminator like setting with out all the killing but more viruses that seems to be messing up they Bastial system and the iron trace have to fix them before it’s a problem. This does also give a feel of what it would be like if AI did take over kinda but relied heavily on humans to function correctly and write their code. Ivan is constantly saving story deleting things and gives her a breath taking tracker while joking about marrying her all while trying to help her save her sister of course there’s a huge blow up and it take a while to get story home but after they get their happy ever after and we get a weird cliffhanger or what feels like a cliffhanger.

[Kate Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the privilege of ARC reading for T.S. Night & let me tell you- it was really a gift to me! I could not put this book down (was almost late for work trying to see how it ends).
This book has it all!! A dystopian tale of love, family, and standing up for what you believe in. Story Ross is an unforgettable character. She brings you into her life and you cannot help but cheer her on! She’s fighting for what is right, a testament to tenacity and the power of a woman on a mission. I am not giving any spoilers for this one- but if you love fast-paced scifi, medical thrillers, or romances with a deep meaning- this is the book of the year for you. Written for new adult audiences, but an absolute fit for general readers. HIGHLY recommend! Cannot wait for this saga to continue!!

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malformation rocks! From it's earliest beta version to getting my paperback as a thank you from TS, the characters have pulled me in and feel like friends. A high-achieving young surgeon with anxiety? Not your typical dystopian heroine, but the one we all need to get to know!
Can't wait for book two!

[Jim Matheny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the contrast through the book of the advanced tech and medical care balanced with forests and horses. Very great read!

[Debby C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of The Irontrace Saga sets up the sweeping world and characters for the rest of the series. A clean, wholesome love story with swoony rescues.