Dark, Deadly Energy

by Ann Fawkes

Firefly meets Dragon Ball Z in this action-packed science fantasy adventure about a ragtag group of space rogues on a mission to save the galaxy from an army of corrupted super-soldiers.

Aurora Kohl is on track to become the greatest space pilot in history—a feat she is achieving all on her own, thank you very much. But when heroic super-soldiers turn evil under mysterious circumstances—destroying her home and leaving her orphaned—she finds a new purpose: revenge.

Following the attack, wounded and desperate, she stows away on a spaceship belonging to a misfit crew of sword-wielding bounty hunters.

Aurora soon finds a new family within this band of renegades, but when she discovers their dark secret—one that links them to her parents’ murders and could earn her billions—she faces an impossible choice. Will she turn on her new friends to take the money and save herself, or trust the crew to avenge her parents and save the world?

With unforgettable characters, big sword energy, and raw female rage, this anime-inspired, dark-yet-funny new science fantasy series will have you on the edge of your seat!

Genres: Science Fiction

461 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Ann Fawkes is an author of science fiction and fantasy, living in Minnesota. When not writing, she can be found watching anime and K-dramas or reading voraciously.

Reviews

[Kayla]

High action

"Firefly meets Dragon Ball Z" is such a spot on description for this book. Were quickly introduced to several characters and then the action begins and, for the most part, never stops. There are necessary lull moments, but even those have you gripped in tension because you just know that something else is coming—and it does every time. I won't lie and say some of the characters aren't frustrating, because some of them definitely are, but it fits them, their age, etc. I did like the wide variety of characters because even if there's one you don't really like, there are plenty that you will. This book ends on a cliff hanger so I'm looking forward to what the next one brings and hoping for a good resolution.

[Reggie]

An exciting sci-fi debut about superhumans, spaceships, and found family. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but this was a great read with lots of action and character dynamics. The crew is fleshed out and once all the main players are together, sparks fly. The cast worked for me, but some of the character decisions felt irrational, and there was a large plot element that didn’t pay off in this book, but I bet it will in a future installment. Out of the main group, I enjoyed Forrest and Poe most and Aurora has some room to grow as a character! Fans of space opera and anime will find much to enjoy here. Looking forward to book two!

[Bruce]

Cliff hanger

Though this novel starts out slow with a prologue leading to a daughter (Aurora) developing a deep seated hatred for a certain type of enhanced individual causing her to excel at training to be a pilot it gets exciting. Extremely protective of her severely scarred brother she nearly looses her life trying to protect him. Both rescued as their city is destroyed. Aurora has to work through a lot to discover what she is. An interesting start to a series.

[Deanna]

I had been on the hunt for a good sci-fi read when I won Dark, Deadly Energy in a Goodreads giveaway, and I ended up binging it in less than 24 hours. It’s a fun, fast-paced read with complex characters and an intriguing storyline that kept me invested from beginning to end. The author mentioned being influenced by anime and manga, and that inspiration definitely shines through in the writing and overall feel of the story. I am completely hooked, and I’m already excited for Book 2.

[Bonne Sharp]

Really Entrancing!!!

Very good story! You should definitely read it!! It’s action packed, the characters are interesting, and so descriptive you feel like you’re there as well. I can’t wait to read more!

[Alysha Severn]

I received this book for free through Goodreads giveaway and I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book, constantly keeps you guessing and on your toes.

[Ann Arey]

Review based off a GoodReads Giveaway