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Us Dark Few #3
Us Defiant Few
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26**This limited Deluxe Edition will include printed edges and a unique case design**
My pen won't remember you.
But my blade certainly will.
All Khalani Kanes has ever known is survival. She escaped the world's deadliest prison and is one of the few people alive to have ever walked beneath the sun. But now, death has her in his grasp, and her luck has finally run out.
The man she loves no longer remembers her, and he's intent on one thing. Killing her.
To live another day, Khalani will need more than sharpened knives and sheer willpower. She must get close to her brutal enemy and find a way to save him before he destroys them both. But as dark forces close in and impossible truths come to light, Khalani begins to question whether she can even trust her own mind.
Their path will lead them back to where everything began. Apollo. To face what's coming, she must create brutal alliances, undergo ruthless training, and hold onto a love forged through both blood and pain. But even if she reaches the underground city with her throat unscathed, Khalani will be left with one agonizing question.
After learning the truth... will she still want to survive?
Beneath the sun, only those who burn will remain.
My pen won't remember you.
But my blade certainly will.
All Khalani Kanes has ever known is survival. She escaped the world's deadliest prison and is one of the few people alive to have ever walked beneath the sun. But now, death has her in his grasp, and her luck has finally run out.
The man she loves no longer remembers her, and he's intent on one thing. Killing her.
To live another day, Khalani will need more than sharpened knives and sheer willpower. She must get close to her brutal enemy and find a way to save him before he destroys them both. But as dark forces close in and impossible truths come to light, Khalani begins to question whether she can even trust her own mind.
Their path will lead them back to where everything began. Apollo. To face what's coming, she must create brutal alliances, undergo ruthless training, and hold onto a love forged through both blood and pain. But even if she reaches the underground city with her throat unscathed, Khalani will be left with one agonizing question.
After learning the truth... will she still want to survive?
Beneath the sun, only those who burn will remain.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Alexis Patton
14 books1,342 followersAlexis Patton is an emerging talent in the literary world, poised to captivate readers with her debut novel, Us Dark Few. Born with an insatiable curiosity and a passion for literature, Alexis Patton brings a refreshing perspective to the literary landscape, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Her writing embraces the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Raised in DeLand, Florida, Alexis is a Florida girl by heart. From a young age, she developed an avid love for reading and was one of those kids who got in trouble for reading too much during class. With a voracious appetite for learning, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Stetson University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Florida. Through her life experiences and undeniable passion for literature, Alexis Patton honed her skills to craft stories that resonate long after the final page is turned.
Alexis Patton eagerly anticipates connecting with readers and building a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the power of literature. Stay connected with Alexis Patton for updates on her upcoming projects and to join her on an exciting literary journey!
Instagram: @alexispattonauthor
Twitter: @alexxis_patton
TikTok: @alexis-patton.author
Raised in DeLand, Florida, Alexis is a Florida girl by heart. From a young age, she developed an avid love for reading and was one of those kids who got in trouble for reading too much during class. With a voracious appetite for learning, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Stetson University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Florida. Through her life experiences and undeniable passion for literature, Alexis Patton honed her skills to craft stories that resonate long after the final page is turned.
Alexis Patton eagerly anticipates connecting with readers and building a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the power of literature. Stay connected with Alexis Patton for updates on her upcoming projects and to join her on an exciting literary journey!
Instagram: @alexispattonauthor
Twitter: @alexxis_patton
TikTok: @alexis-patton.author
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 20, 2025
Pre-read review.
FERAL 👏 I AM FERAL FOR BOOK 3 ⚔️⛓️
Being it on Alexis ✨️
FERAL 👏 I AM FERAL FOR BOOK 3 ⚔️⛓️
Being it on Alexis ✨️
June 14, 2026
Perfect ending to the series!
Us Defiant Few is an unforgettable journey through darkness, resilience, and what makes us human.
The synopsis at the beginning is such a great addition if you need a refresher for the plot and characters from the last 2 books.
The chapters when we’re in Takeshis head… amazing. He’s a 6’5 icon.
I also continued to love Winnie so much. She’s such a perfect character addition.
The poetry from Khalani throughout and quotes at the top of each chapter seamlessly blend art and storytelling.
What I loved most was how the book wrapped up so effortlessly and I enjoyed every minute that I was along for the journey.
If we want to go deeper… this book feels like a warning and examination of our current world. It’s just the type of dystopian book that young adult readers and adults need in current times that can be reflective but also enjoyable to read since it deals with AI subtly, control, and fighting for what’s right even in dark times.
Winnie is spitting facts when she says “that nuclear bombs weren't what ended civilization. It was the loss of empathy that marked humanity's collapse.”
My fav quotes ⬇️
“You were born of violence. But I chose it.”
“You’re in every breath I take, but it isn’t fucking enough.”
“In another story, you would’ve been my beginning.”
“You were the only person who ever made the darkness feel like home.”
“You turn my chaotic waters into calm seas.”
I really like too that I’m noticing a trend where authors make their books more accessible for all readers by providing warnings or non sexual options for the story. Alexis does a great job at doing this in a way that doesn’t take away from the story if readers choose not to read scenes with sexual content.
Notes:
- the ideal date question got me!! Ugh so cute but also a funny subtle reference
Thank you so much to Alexis and Bloom Books for an advanced copy of the book!! Being chosen for your street team has truly been a dream. I can’t believe I’m 1/150 who got this book early 🥹
Tropes
✅ Found family
✅ Touch her and die
✅ Amnesia
✅ Broken FMC/MMC
Us Defiant Few is an unforgettable journey through darkness, resilience, and what makes us human.
The synopsis at the beginning is such a great addition if you need a refresher for the plot and characters from the last 2 books.
The chapters when we’re in Takeshis head… amazing. He’s a 6’5 icon.
I also continued to love Winnie so much. She’s such a perfect character addition.
The poetry from Khalani throughout and quotes at the top of each chapter seamlessly blend art and storytelling.
What I loved most was how the book wrapped up so effortlessly and I enjoyed every minute that I was along for the journey.
If we want to go deeper… this book feels like a warning and examination of our current world. It’s just the type of dystopian book that young adult readers and adults need in current times that can be reflective but also enjoyable to read since it deals with AI subtly, control, and fighting for what’s right even in dark times.
Winnie is spitting facts when she says “that nuclear bombs weren't what ended civilization. It was the loss of empathy that marked humanity's collapse.”
My fav quotes ⬇️
“You were born of violence. But I chose it.”
“You’re in every breath I take, but it isn’t fucking enough.”
“In another story, you would’ve been my beginning.”
“You were the only person who ever made the darkness feel like home.”
“You turn my chaotic waters into calm seas.”
I really like too that I’m noticing a trend where authors make their books more accessible for all readers by providing warnings or non sexual options for the story. Alexis does a great job at doing this in a way that doesn’t take away from the story if readers choose not to read scenes with sexual content.
Notes:
- the ideal date question got me!! Ugh so cute but also a funny subtle reference
Thank you so much to Alexis and Bloom Books for an advanced copy of the book!! Being chosen for your street team has truly been a dream. I can’t believe I’m 1/150 who got this book early 🥹
Tropes
✅ Found family
✅ Touch her and die
✅ Amnesia
✅ Broken FMC/MMC
June 20, 2026
♾️⭐️
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened!🥹
I just finished Us Defiant Few and I don’t even know how to put all my thoughts and feelings about this series into words. I loved everything about this book and this series and I am so incredibly sad to say goodbye to the characters and story. I cried as soon as I finished the last page because I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters who touched my heart, but it was truly the perfect ending! It had romance, angst, jaw-dropping moments, and scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. Ultimately at the heart of this story is the persistence of hope and love and the best that humanity has to offer when we treat one another with kindness and love.
Khalani was an incredible FMC to follow. She is strong, brave, resilient, but where she really shines is in her empathy for others. Khalani always chose to do the right thing, even if it wasn’t the easiest choice. I loved getting to follow her journey of self-discovery and finding her found family.
And then we have TAKESHI! Takeshi is without a doubt a top book boyfriend. The way he yearns for and loves Khalani is beautiful. The way I kept highlighting everything that came out of this man’s mouth was CRAZY!!! I loved getting a few POV chapters from his perspective and getting to see what was really going on in his mind and his internal struggle. Takeshi is the definition of the trope touch her and die, and I ATE IT UP EVERY👏🏼SINGLE👏🏼TIME!👏🏼 How am I to ever move on from Takeshi?!😭
Alexis’ writing is nothing short of perfection and her words on page are beautiful and inspiring. The way she weaves together poetic storytelling, character development, and morals that resonate deeply with the reader seamlessly is something I am in awe of. Alexis nailed everything and it was such a satisfying conclusion and all I could have asked for and more. This is truly such a god tier series that I will reread over and over again!
The biggest thank you to Alexis and Bloom Books for allowing me the opportunity and privilege to be one of the first to read Us Defiant Few! It was such a dream come true to be part of the Street Team and share in the excitement and hype for the entire series!
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened!🥹
I just finished Us Defiant Few and I don’t even know how to put all my thoughts and feelings about this series into words. I loved everything about this book and this series and I am so incredibly sad to say goodbye to the characters and story. I cried as soon as I finished the last page because I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters who touched my heart, but it was truly the perfect ending! It had romance, angst, jaw-dropping moments, and scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. Ultimately at the heart of this story is the persistence of hope and love and the best that humanity has to offer when we treat one another with kindness and love.
Khalani was an incredible FMC to follow. She is strong, brave, resilient, but where she really shines is in her empathy for others. Khalani always chose to do the right thing, even if it wasn’t the easiest choice. I loved getting to follow her journey of self-discovery and finding her found family.
And then we have TAKESHI! Takeshi is without a doubt a top book boyfriend. The way he yearns for and loves Khalani is beautiful. The way I kept highlighting everything that came out of this man’s mouth was CRAZY!!! I loved getting a few POV chapters from his perspective and getting to see what was really going on in his mind and his internal struggle. Takeshi is the definition of the trope touch her and die, and I ATE IT UP EVERY👏🏼SINGLE👏🏼TIME!👏🏼 How am I to ever move on from Takeshi?!😭
Alexis’ writing is nothing short of perfection and her words on page are beautiful and inspiring. The way she weaves together poetic storytelling, character development, and morals that resonate deeply with the reader seamlessly is something I am in awe of. Alexis nailed everything and it was such a satisfying conclusion and all I could have asked for and more. This is truly such a god tier series that I will reread over and over again!
The biggest thank you to Alexis and Bloom Books for allowing me the opportunity and privilege to be one of the first to read Us Defiant Few! It was such a dream come true to be part of the Street Team and share in the excitement and hype for the entire series!
June 14, 2026
Oh my god. Where do I start? I’m so sad this is the last book but this trilogy was perfect. It had so much tension, yearning and relatable quotes. You can tell the author poured her entire soul and heart into her words. I felt every gut wrenching inner thought and the love between the main characters will live rent free in my brain for the rest of my life. I fell in love not only with the main characters but the side characters as well. I don’t know how to put into words what this series did to me. How is it possible for this series to connect to my soul like it did? I can’t wait to read more by this author
June 13, 2026
Holy Dystopian! I recieved the ARC this morning and could NOT put it down! If you’re looking for a fantastic dystopian series LOOK NO FURTHERRR. Us Defiant Few has to be my fav of the series, I can’t put into words how beautifully Alexis Patton has written this story. The slow burn, the suspense, THE TWISTS, I was unwell and then well again. 🤣 I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this trilogy. It’s bittersweet for sure to know that it’s come to an end but I cannot wait to read anything else Alexis has up her sleeve.
*Fav Characters: Winnie, Takeshi
*Fav Quotes:
~“You might not have been at the start. But I’m happy you’re at the finish.”
~“He’d paint again. She’d make sure of that.”
~“Something or someone so important to me. It feels like a piece of my soul was tethered to it. And now there’s just this this gaping hole in my chest. I’d rather rip it all out.”
~”Words have power, and if her actions couldn’t make a difference, she’d write a thousand-page story detailing the wonders of him.”
~“He’s still threatening to string everyone upside down by their entrails. And honestly, a part of me wants to see it happen.”
~“Love destroyed and saved me in the same breath.”
~“I’m just as selfish and want forever with you. Every day, I’ll work to be better than the day before. But above all, I’ll never stop loving you.”
~“You may not have all my firsts, Takeshi but I promise you will have all of my lasts.”
~“I told you I would find some flowers for you.”
*Fav Scenes: The Studio. The Garden. There’s too many to count but def the ending 🥹IYKYK.
*Fav Characters: Winnie, Takeshi
*Fav Quotes:
~“You might not have been at the start. But I’m happy you’re at the finish.”
~“He’d paint again. She’d make sure of that.”
~“Something or someone so important to me. It feels like a piece of my soul was tethered to it. And now there’s just this this gaping hole in my chest. I’d rather rip it all out.”
~”Words have power, and if her actions couldn’t make a difference, she’d write a thousand-page story detailing the wonders of him.”
~“He’s still threatening to string everyone upside down by their entrails. And honestly, a part of me wants to see it happen.”
~“Love destroyed and saved me in the same breath.”
~“I’m just as selfish and want forever with you. Every day, I’ll work to be better than the day before. But above all, I’ll never stop loving you.”
~“You may not have all my firsts, Takeshi but I promise you will have all of my lasts.”
~“I told you I would find some flowers for you.”
*Fav Scenes: The Studio. The Garden. There’s too many to count but def the ending 🥹IYKYK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 7, 2025over 9 months😭😭 just finished book 1, i already know i will be waiting for this one with bated breath🥲
wishlist
May 20, 2026GIMME
June 20, 2026
wow what an ending! This was a perfect conclusion to this trilogy so much so that I fully devoured the majority of this book in one night.
I love Khalani so much and I think the way she’s portrayed is done so well. Her relationships and values are everything to me. The found family is so damn good in this book. We can’t forget about Takeshi either. Ugh so good I love him so much.
In terms of the plot, wow so good. The plot twist was definitely plot twisting and in fact I found myself glue to my seat the entire time. 3 books for this series was exactly what it needed and I appreciated it not being drawn out for any longer
A big thank you to Alexis Patton and her team for the opportunity to read this arc!
I love Khalani so much and I think the way she’s portrayed is done so well. Her relationships and values are everything to me. The found family is so damn good in this book. We can’t forget about Takeshi either. Ugh so good I love him so much.
In terms of the plot, wow so good. The plot twist was definitely plot twisting and in fact I found myself glue to my seat the entire time. 3 books for this series was exactly what it needed and I appreciated it not being drawn out for any longer
A big thank you to Alexis Patton and her team for the opportunity to read this arc!
Want to Read
February 13, 2026Expected publication August 25
Read
February 25, 2026I cannot wait for book 3 now.... Wdym Takeshi doesn't remember her!???!??? Damnnn I'm so eager ughhh
June 14, 2026
Um so what do you mean this is it??? 😭😭
Thank you very much to Alexis and her team for the arc! I’m so sad this series is over but it will remain a god tier series to me! I’ll never stop recommending it! 🥹🫣🩷
Thank you very much to Alexis and her team for the arc! I’m so sad this series is over but it will remain a god tier series to me! I’ll never stop recommending it! 🥹🫣🩷
November 19, 2025
wish it didnt take years for books to release, deadass
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alexis has done it again, the 3rd and last installment of her dystopian trilogy Us Dark Few is amazing, we are thrust back into a dangerous landscape, more enemies, new shocking discoveries, and heartbreaking moments while we follow along our FMC Khalani and her found family, I love that we get a few chapters that are from Takeshi’s (the MMC) point of view thought selfishly I wanted more than we really got, but all and all the book takes you on a journey of survival and self-discovery but always emphasizing the importance of hope and love through it all, I love how Alexis wrote the story as an allegory of current circumstances and the meaning behind it reminding us that at the end of the day no matter where you come from we are all humans, we can all use some kindness and through love, respect and understanding we can built a better future, it was a beautiful ending to the story presented in Us Dark Few (book 1) and follow up by Us Deadly Few (book 2), culminating on Us Defiant Few, since the first book I felt Kahalani's struggles, self-doubt and feelings as my own and fell in love with her journey and the family she gets to make as her own, all of them have an special place in my heart, am not stranger to grief though I have not lost a lot of people the ones I did loose left a big impact on my soul, and the feelings and the meaning behind Alexis words will stay with me for the rest of time, I even love your dedication Alexis, am glad you listen to your mom about Winnie, and the part you dedicate to your abuelo, left me in tears all over again, am glad your dream came through and you gave us this beautiful story and in doing so you were able to heal the part of you that need it, because some part of me has heal reading this story and am sure that be the same for so many out there waiting to discover it, thank you for reminded me that there are still good people out there and hope yet to be found, and please keep writing and using your voice against injustice, bringing hope, acceptance and love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished Us Defiant Few.
Honestly, this series finished me. In the best way possible.
When I reached the final page, I broke down in tears. Not because it was sad, but because Alexis somehow managed to bring everything full circle. The ending reflected back to the very first book, and seeing how beautifully it all tied together was such an emotional experience.
What I also appreciated throughout this series was how relevant so many of its themes felt. Beneath the action, romance, and rebellion was a story about power, misinformation, empathy, and what happens when people stop seeing each other as human. It held up a mirror to some of the very real problems we face in our own world, and I thought that was incredibly well done.
But this series will always mean more to me than just a story.
I found Us Dark Few during one of the hardest periods of my life while going through a rough separation. To say I resonated with Kahlani would be an understatement. I felt her trauma, her pain, and her scars as if they were my own.
Watching her fight her way through the darkness and eventually find her light was nothing short of inspiring.
And then there's Takeshi.
In a world where it's easy to become cynical, he reminded me that good men still exist. The way he loved Kahlani, supported her, and never stopped believing in her was beautiful to witness.
I truly couldn't have asked for a better ending to this series.
So thank you, Alexis, for these characters, this world, and a story that found me exactly when I needed it.
I won't cry because it's over.
I'll smile because it happened. ❤️
Honestly, this series finished me. In the best way possible.
When I reached the final page, I broke down in tears. Not because it was sad, but because Alexis somehow managed to bring everything full circle. The ending reflected back to the very first book, and seeing how beautifully it all tied together was such an emotional experience.
What I also appreciated throughout this series was how relevant so many of its themes felt. Beneath the action, romance, and rebellion was a story about power, misinformation, empathy, and what happens when people stop seeing each other as human. It held up a mirror to some of the very real problems we face in our own world, and I thought that was incredibly well done.
But this series will always mean more to me than just a story.
I found Us Dark Few during one of the hardest periods of my life while going through a rough separation. To say I resonated with Kahlani would be an understatement. I felt her trauma, her pain, and her scars as if they were my own.
Watching her fight her way through the darkness and eventually find her light was nothing short of inspiring.
And then there's Takeshi.
In a world where it's easy to become cynical, he reminded me that good men still exist. The way he loved Kahlani, supported her, and never stopped believing in her was beautiful to witness.
I truly couldn't have asked for a better ending to this series.
So thank you, Alexis, for these characters, this world, and a story that found me exactly when I needed it.
I won't cry because it's over.
I'll smile because it happened. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I cannot say enough amazing things about this entire series. I had no idea where it was going after the first book, and then the second one throws you through turmoil and sends you into book three which in turn shreds your heart to pieces. My full review will come once the book is out because I want to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but the tension was delicious, the yearning and I love the sprinkle of faith elements. I like how it’s different, most Romantasy and fantasy genres include “gods” and different entities but it’s refreshing when it focuses on one belief system.
There was a few spicy moments throughout the story but it was the perfect amount where you could tell who felt what just based on the writing alone, but the spice was just a special addition to the plot. I loved the development of the storyline from start to finish and it was impossible to put this book down. I’m going to miss this series
There was a few spicy moments throughout the story but it was the perfect amount where you could tell who felt what just based on the writing alone, but the spice was just a special addition to the plot. I loved the development of the storyline from start to finish and it was impossible to put this book down. I’m going to miss this series
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an amazing, fantastic end to this brilliant dystopian romance trilogy. I was so thrilled to be back with Khalani and Takeshi, and wow did this book tear at my heart and put it back together. Patton is a master of prose and romance and characters, and she brilliantly tied together the story arc in a way that had me crying. If I could give this book six stars, I would!
Want to Read
March 30, 2026I’ve been twiddling my thumbs for months and everytime I come to check it’s pushed more 😭
Don’t rush tho, quality>>>>
Don’t rush tho, quality>>>>
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews