Stars Against the Dark

Against the Dark #1

by Ann Barratt

Emara Quinn was supposed to go home after work. Instead, she wakes chained in darkness—branded, broken, and told she belongs to someone else.

When two unlikely rescuers pull her from a hidden satellite prison, Emara finds herself caught between wanting to trust them and knowing better than to trust anyone. Kael, a medic haunted by the one he couldn't save, promises to help her heal. Razar, a warm-hearted pilot whose humor masks years of grief, promises she'll never be alone again.
But Emara has learned that people change, promises break, and that safety is temporary.

As they travel toward Earth—and the life she lost—Emara must decide, can she learn to trust again? Can she believe that two broken men might love her not despite her trauma, but through it? And when the trafficking network that took her reveals itself to be far larger than anyone imagined, can she find the courage to fight back—not just for justice, but for the chance at a future she never thought she'd have?

Set against the backdrop of distant stars and impossible choices, Stars Against the Dark is a polyamorous romance about trauma recovery, found family, and the radical act of choosing hope after unimaginable darkness. It's a story about learning that damaged doesn't mean unlovable—and that sometimes, home isn't a place, but the people who stay.

This book doesn't promise easy healing. But it does promise that love—patient, unwavering love—can help you find your way back to yourself.

Content Contains depictions of past sexual assault, captivity, PTSD, and panic attacks. Focuses on recovery, not trauma.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance

474 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2026

Reviews

[Kari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Emara and Kael, not Elara and Kael?

Ridiculously repetitive, should've been hundreds of pages shorter. I wondered who (or what) was the editor!

[☆: *.Anna .* :☆ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok so it’s 3:20 am so I’m sleep deprived and a little out of it but here’s a quick review. The beginning is good it has a good hook, love the relationship betweeen the characters my only wish is we got to see more of Kael and Raz idk I just wish their was more of them together besides just the end but I do understand that it’s bcs of the story. Anyway good book fun read, got me out of a reading slump so successful in my books :)

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ceners around 3 folks. Emara who at the start of the book is being held by a very not nice dude and Kael and Razar her rescuers. A lot of the story is around their relationship and healing from trauma. With some romance in there as well. There is also some action thrown in along the way along with some hints of science ficion. The book is set in a futuristic time in space but that is more the background than acentral part of the story. Anyone looking for a story of someone working through their truama in a really supporting loving environment this is the book for you.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

You pick up a sci-fi romance, and suddenly you’re emotionally attached to a medic, a space warrior, and a woman learning how to live again.

Stars Against the Dark follows Emara, a young woman who’s kidnapped from Earth and held captive by an intergalactic trafficking ring for two years.

When she’s finally rescued by Kael and Razar aboard their spaceship, she isn’t magically “okay.”

Instead, the story focuses on her slow, messy, and incredibly real journey of healing while the trio fights to bring down the people responsible for her nightmare.

Can we talk about the MMCs for a second? 😭

Kael is the soft, patient medic who asks for consent every step of the way, while Razar is the protective golden retriever who would burn galaxies for the people he loves.

Their banter, loyalty, and unwavering support for Emara had me smiling one minute and tearing up the next.

This book isn’t just romance, it’s packed with space missions, dangerous rescues, found-family moments, emotional healing, and an ending that had my heart so full.

The reverse-harem relationship develops naturally, with trust, communication, and genuine care at its core, making it feel so much deeper than your typical romance.

If you love “who hurt you?” energy, touch-her-and-you’re-dead vibes, found family, slow-burn romance, emotional healing, and sci-fi adventures, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Sarah Putrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic I'm not a fantasy reader normally but I fell in love with this book. So good so heartwarming and filled with adventure. The characters were amazing!

There was a lot of talk about trauma in the book but it did it in such a gentle healing way. It's deeply emotional but one of those stories that keeps with you and touches your heart.

This was also a very positive and beautiful representation of polyamory. It's always so lovely when I find a book that represents being polyamorous and does it right. It is so appreciated!

Kael and Razer fly around the galaxy rescuing people. Razer flies the ship and Kael is the medic. On one of their missions they find Emara who was captured years ago and hurt in many ways. While helping her heal on the way to bringing her home she helps them heal too and together they all fall in love. There are many adventures along the way before they get to their destination. What happens to them when they get there?

I absolutely loved Kael and Razer I think they were stunning characters struggling in their own way but still so beautiful inside and out. I loved Razer's lightheartedness and ability to make everyone laugh even though he struggled with what seemed like deep depression at times he was still someone you couldn't help but fall for. Kael I have to admit was my favourite there is just something about him that stood out to me maybe because I related to him a lot he was always putting everyone else's needs first because he loved them. You could tell Kael felt so deeply and hard for people. He also had amazing patience they both did. Emara even through all her trauma she was brave and let love in again and that's truly the bravest thing of all. I loved her strength and vulnerability in getting past trauma enough to enjoy life is hard and that journey is hard but the end result is the happiness she let in.

This is truly a beautiful story to read. I'm generally a strictly romance reader and don't go into fantasy very often and I very much loved this one, I'm so glad I gave this one a chance. I hope to read more books from this world in the future.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** the time it took me to read this book in its entirety is not a reflection on how I feel about it. I was in a reading slump due to various things stressing me out in my real life ****

Read the content warnings and take them seriously, but if you read the summary and the warnings and think you will like this book, you most likely WILL like this book. For me it was a touch too long, but on average the books I read do run a few dozen pages shorter than this so that may be more of my brain being programmed to expect books to end slightly sooner and not an actual pacing issue, YMMV as always! It's also "light" science fiction, so if it catches your eye but you worry it will have a lot of strict adherence to science or physics to the point concepts are hard to grasp, no need to worry. The characters and their history/mental health are the focus and the sci-fi in here is more on the Star Wars novel end of science fiction than The Martian end of science fiction (this is not meant as an insult to anything I just named; I enjoy both soft and hard science fiction.)

There were parts in this book where I was worried that the male main characters were *too* perfect, but they do definitely have flaws, and I actually disagreed with them fairly strongly on something in the final third of the book, so if you read toward the beginning and certain scenes make you worry that they are going to be Mary Sue types, I really did not walk away from the book believing that they are. Everyone is complex and I like that in a book.

[Barbara Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Enjoyed the character development and while it deals with traumatic experiences, it does so with compassion. Looking forward to the next one.

[Stephanie Zaleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immensely enjoyed this book. It starts out as a slow build to introduce the characters and their background as well as build the world they are in. The healing from trauma story line was very detailed, but as someone who works in healthcare and can identify more from Kael’s perspective, it was vividly real and the slow build was necessary to feel what was happening in the story more deeply. I loved that the characters became close emotionally without a physical relationship, as I feel like most “romance” arcs are the exact opposite. I wish we could get more back story on all of them prior to this book (hopefully more to come??) because I’d love to get to know all of the characters more deeply now that we’ve become acquainted/attached to them from this book. Thanks for a great read!

[Augusta Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely debut from an author exploring the complexities of healing from physical and emotional trauma.

[Menze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Ann Barratt for trusting me as an ARC reader for Stars Against the Dark! I didn’t quite finish before release day (sorry!), but I’m grateful I had the opportunity to read it.

Stars Against the Dark follows Emara, Kael, and Razar as they navigate the aftermath of unimaginable trauma while uncovering a much larger human trafficking network. At its heart, though, this isn’t just a sci-fi romance—it’s a story about healing, trust, found family, and hope.

What I appreciated most was how thoughtfully the book handled trauma. Human trafficking and sexual assault are heartbreaking realities, and I liked that these experiences weren’t used simply to create drama. The story took time to show the difficult, often overlooked steps survivors may face, from preserving evidence after an assault to accepting help when they’re ready. The inclusion of resources and supportive characters was another detail that made the story feel especially meaningful. I kept thinking this book has the potential to help someone feel seen—or help a loved one better understand how to support a survivor.

I also appreciated that healing wasn’t portrayed as something love magically fixes. Kael and Razar each supported Emara differently, but both approached her with patience, respect, and compassion. The recurring “three taps” was a simple gesture that carried so much meaning.

I was also pleasantly surprised by how the romance developed. I initially wondered how I’d feel about two rescuers falling in love with the woman they saved because of the obvious power imbalance. Instead, the relationships unfolded slowly, with an emphasis on trust, consent, communication, and allowing Emara to make her own choices. This was also my first introduction to polyamory in fiction, and I thought it was handled with care and kindness.

By the end, I found myself wanting more of the larger Ring storyline—not because this story felt incomplete, but because I was invested. When will the rescue crew reunite? What will happen to the Ring leaders? I can’t wait to find out.

I’m giving Stars Against the Dark five stars because I think it’s more than an entertaining read. It has the potential to help someone feel less alone or help someone better understand what healing can actually look like. To me, that’s a story worth telling.

[A. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Against the Dark is a masterclass in hurt/comfort and non-linear trauma recovery, wrapped in a beautiful sci-fi setting with slow-burn romantic elements.

Does the book dump you into the middle of heavily traumatic topics? Absolutely. But it also proves that you don't have to just exist after trauma. The story never shies away or fades to black. Instead, you join the characters on a raw, authentic journey as they navigate their individual healing and come together on the other side, not completely whole, but undeniably stronger. You get to watch them rediscover joy and reclaim their power to choose.

The darkness is always there, but as the author so elegantly writes: "Stars don't shine despite the darkness. They shine within it. They exist because of it."

Beyond the heavy themes, the found-family dynamics and character chemistry are absolutely perfect. There are amazing, luminous moments along the way to balance out the weight. You will quickly fall in love with Kael's dry sarcasm, Razer's protective goofiness, and watching Emara fully discover herself.

If I didn't know this was a debut, I would swear Ann Barratt has a dozen published books under her belt. She writes with the skill of a seasoned veteran, and I cannot wait to read whatever she releases next!


Stars Against the Dark

[BookBelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Barratt's Stars Against the Dark doesn't ease you in. It drops you into a cage with Emara, then keeps sitting beside her through every raw step of finding her way back. I finished it genuinely wrung out and grateful, which for this kind of story is exactly the point.

At first glance, this reads like a space rescue yarn. Underneath, it's a story about healing after serious damage. Emara has survived trafficking and torture when Kael and Razar pull her from a satellite prison onto their ship, The Hiraki. Both men carry their own scars, and the three of them stumble toward something like family while hunting the Draxxus Ring. There is action, banter, tenderness, and grief, often in the same chapter. Recovery here moves in circles, not clean arcs. Barratt's content note at the front isn't decoration. She means it, and the book holds that promise without pretending pain vanishes once rescue arrives.

Barratt rotates close third-person perspectives among Emara, Kael, and Razar, and each voice feels separate on the page. Kael notices wounds before he names feelings. Razar jokes through anger that never fully cools. What sets the book apart is how consent runs through even the hardest scenes, shaping intimacy and medical care alike rather than decorating them. The galaxy-setting stays secondary. The real work is human, and the author trusts readers to sit with that discomfort long enough for hope to mean something.

It is not a breezy read, and it never pretends to be. For science fiction fans who want survivors allowed their full mess, their fear, and their quiet joy, this one earns its place: heavy, warm, and entirely hard-won.

[A. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking sci-fi debut! Heavy themes handled with unmatched grace, heart, and authentic healing.

Stars Against the Dark is a masterclass in hurt/comfort and non-linear trauma recovery, wrapped in a beautiful sci-fi setting with slow-burn romantic elements.

Does the book dump you into the middle of heavily traumatic topics? Absolutely. But it also proves that you don't have to just exist after trauma. The story never shies away or fades to black. Instead, you join the characters on a raw, authentic journey as they navigate their individual healing and come together on the other side, not completely whole, but undeniably stronger. You get to watch them rediscover joy and reclaim their power to choose.

The darkness is always there, but as the author so elegantly writes: "Stars don't shine despite the darkness. They shine within it. They exist because of it."

Beyond the heavy themes, the found-family dynamics and character chemistry are absolutely perfect. There are amazing, luminous moments along the way to balance out the weight. You will quickly fall in love with Kael's dry sarcasm, Razer's protective goofiness, and watching Emara fully discover herself.

If I didn't know this was a debut, I would swear Ann Barratt has a dozen published books under her belt. She writes with the skill of a seasoned veteran, and I cannot wait to read whatever she releases next!

[Sue Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite an interstellar setting with spaceships, planets, and a fight of determined good versus elusive evil, Stars Against The Dark’s core strength is the interweaving of three all-too-human characters striving to carry on despite life altering ordeals they’ve each suffered in the near and distant past.

Author Ann Barratt’s debut novel meets the criteria for Science Fiction, but it’s fair to say that it’s light on science (though the world building is seamless) and sometimes uncomfortably light on fiction when it comes to the very real issue of chronic trauma and what healing—and enduring—can look like. This isn’t a criticism, far from it. Barratt’s approach bridges the gap between sensitive and unflinching, lending itself to some fascinating character development. Although the majority of the story happens in space, heroes Emara, Kael, and Razar are real and relatable, just three people doing their best in impossible circumstances with varied results.

The plot—which dovetails nicely with the characters’ deeply personal journeys—is solid and satisfying, with enough mystery woven into it to leave plenty of latitude for a multi-book series, though Stars Against The Dark works just as well as a stand-alone. Overall, this is a strong first novel that was well worth reading. I’m looking forward to the next in the series!

[Ariba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine waking up chained to a wall, not knowing where you are… and being told you belong to someone else.

That’s how Stars Against the Dark begins, and honestly, the opening immediately had me holding my breath.

We meet Emara Quinn, who has been imprisoned, brutalised, and reduced to nothing but a number and a body someone else believes they own.

And then comes the rescue.

But what I really loved is that this isn’t a story where someone rescues her and suddenly everything is okay.

Emara doesn’t magically trust people just because they’re the good guys.

She’s terrified. She’s traumatised. She expects every promise to eventually become another betrayal.

And that made her feel incredibly real.

The opening chapters are dark, intense, and genuinely uncomfortable at times—but there’s this thread of hope running underneath all of it.

And I think that’s what makes this story stand out.

Because Stars Against the Dark isn’t really asking, “Can Emara be saved?”

It’s asking:

“After everything that happened to her, can she learn to believe that she is still worth saving?”

And if you love science fiction romance, found family, morally complicated characters, slow-burn healing, and stories about choosing hope after unimaginable darkness, this one might be worth adding to your TBR.

[Cherie Hufford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars Against the Dark is a sweet book in the fantasy genre about helping save people from a darkness that is bigger than themselves. The three main characters come together when the 2 space-traveling heroes save a kidnapped young woman in distress from a cruel, vindictive sadist. They manage to free Emara and begin to help her heal from all the physical and emotional trauma she went through at the hands of a cruel villain. As they travel across the galaxy taking Emara home, the three begin to develop a close relationship that starts as friends but goes deeper until they become family. Along the way they meet up with friends and try to stop more evil. Emara discovers a strength within herself she never knew she had. For some the ending is controversial, but it made sense to me and I definitely recommend this book to readers who not only love this genre, but enjoy the idea of healing and triumph over evil. I am giving this book 4 stars, not because I don’t recommend it, but because I would have enjoyed more time getting to know the side characters. I felt they really enhanced the story.

[Allegra Osati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was grateful to read an ARC of Stars Against the Dark, and I will be camping out in June for my opportunity to read the first edition, as should you.

Why? Well, dear reader. Let me tell you.

Here’s the thing about this book. I felt so incredibly cared for the entire time I was reading, and yet it didn’t pull any punches. I felt so seen. Talk about trauma, talk about healing.

The pace is perfectly aligned with the story. It’s cruel, and yet it nurtures you and the characters right when you need some love. Speaking of, these characters are now my friends. I laughed with them, I hurt with them, I healed with them. And, hello! The yearning! I want to hop back on that little starship and keep going, destination unknown.

Ann Barratt serves exactly the kinds of twists and turns you’re craving but couldn’t predict. Inject this book straight into my veins.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

While most of the sci-fi I read involves aliens this world built with humans in space is a neat concept. What if we did explore into space to live on more planets and the only monsters out there are just more terrible humans? The relationship building was slow burn and definitely make you wait. While only a .5/5 🌶️ which is much lower than my normal taste it was still enjoyable. People looking for something spicy on page should look elsewhere but if you want a good story with trauma bonding and men who are full of green flags this is a great place to be. While the FMC reminded me a lot of Katniss in Mockingjay and often irritated me I can understand where the author was giving a non linear story of healing.

[Notepadgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of the book from the Author and today the least I can't wait to grab a physical copy.

The story is really good, but the focus on the trauma healing and depression hits home. As someone who is going through my own healing journey it helped me understand that healing isn't linear and that it is normal to have down days when the smallest thing ruins your day. So I want to thank Ann for making me realise that healing takes time.

Ann masterfully blends high-stakes space travel with a look at trauma recovery, trading quick fixes for a slow-burn, romance built on genuine trust. It’s a beautiful, essential reminder that even when you feel broken, you are never unlovable.

[Lakayla Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

💫ARC Review💫

Stars Against the Dark is about two space travelers who journey across the galaxy rescuing those in need while also battling the ghosts of their own pasts. Emara, our FMC, was once one of those people herself, and throughout the story she learns how to heal from everything she has endured.

From the moment these three met, I knew this book was going to be one of my favorite reads of the year. The constant reassurance, support, and healing that Emara received from both of our MMCs made me shed more than a few tears. Watching all three of them find their footing with each other was beautifully written and never felt rushed.

I flew through this book so quickly that I'm already craving more, and Ann Barratt's second book can't come soon enough!

[Joy Almond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written book with an interesting cast of characters. Kael and Razar feel older that the cover art implies which made you realize as you are reading how difficult life has been for them. They are out saving stolen souls from around the universe and working to make them whole again. The trigger warnings are legitimate but a lot of care was taken with the story to show what it looks like to deal with a damaged mind and body. To show love, kindness and patience in the face of pain and suffering. I really enjoyed the characters and story line. I look forward to the upcoming prequel to fill in more of the guys back story. This is not a light read but it is a good read that is worth your time to enjoy.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review. Normally, I don't read books with a focus on healing from trauma. Stars Against the Dark handles the non-linear healing story very well, while introducing us to characters who grow both on you and each other. (My favorite is Kael :) ). I enjoyed watching their poly relationship unfold. The pace really picked up in Part 2 and I enjoyed the slow decline of action in Part 3.

Part 1 is a very rough starting place for the characters, physically and mentally, so you should also be prepared. Be sure to take the author's content warnings into consideration before reading! I appreciated that the warnings were there right at the start.

[kindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun ride. I loved the world-building and how immersive the story felt. One of my favorite parts was how it showed that healing is not a straight path. There are days when you feel strong and make progress, and there are also days when getting out of bed feels impossible. The story captures that reality in a meaningful way. The side characters are also fantastic, and I can’t wait to see more of them and where the story goes next. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science romance stories or anyone looking for a heartfelt escape that allows them to get lost in a wonderful world for a little while.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Against the Dark reminded me why I love to read. The characters are warm and complex, and the story is full and fast-paced. I found myself reading at any given chance — I was suddenly immersed in the colorful descriptions and interactions throughout the book. Although I’ve finished this fantastic book, I’m already looking forward to rereading it!
As the book progresses, you will feel a range of emotions — there’s suspense, sadness, joy, and many moments of laughter. Ann Barratt created a masterpiece, and I’m anxiously awaiting her next projects.

[Becky Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew my mind. It is the most honest and tender treatment of healing from sexual abuse I have ever seen. That means that some parts were overwhelming, sometimes I laughed with the characters and sometimes I cried for their wounds. The way this unfolds alone makes this book a must read, but beyond that there is a whole storyline with action and romantic tension that kept me engaged thoroughly until the very end! In this book expect to see hard topics navigated in a way that doesn’t shy away from how difficult it can be to find a path forward. Five stars because I can’t give six!

[Emma K Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and ARC copy. The story itself is good, but the focus on the trauma healing and depression is spot on. As someone who has Major Depressive Disorder, and been through trauma, the healing is spot on, even the self thoughts when things have been good and something small happens and everything hits you again. The healing was very tastefully done and respectful.

[Alina Rogerio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful, empowering tale about rising from the ashes. The main trio was a delight to read about together, but the real treat for me was the tale of recovery sewn in. Progress isn’t always linear, but that’s okay. The thesis of this book is a message of love, goodness, and hope after trauma. If that appeals to you at all, please do yourself a favor and read it.

[Melissa Harnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Against The Dark immerses you into a sci-fi fantasy world that feels realistic and like home. The characters are well developed and relationships grow organically. I loved the journey toward healing, trust and love. I can hardly wait for book 2 and beyond as we dive deeper into the found family and their own journeys.

[Rina Loubaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Such a beautiful story about healing and finding yourself. Emara was such a strong female lead and I constantly was rooting for her. Razar and Kael were such loving (and sexy) male leads and I could truly see now much they cared for Emara. An amazing story of healing and love and I hope I can read book 2 (if there is one!)

[Avid Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

The text of this product has the look and feel of AI generation or involvement. The names Elara (changed to Emara) and Kael (not changed) are uncreative and overused favorites of AI, and even if the text is human created, the style has too many tell tale signs of suggested AI misuse, and the cliché names make the story feel heavily AI.