What do you think?
Rate this book
Afterlight #1
Afterlight: MM Alien x Human Sci-fi Romance
When Sashen fled his human space cult to live among the aliens, he had dreams about what a life in space would mean. A decade later, he hasn't even been off-station, instead dancing in a marn den where he's paid to eavesdrop on gossip and provide companionship to paying clients. But when he receives word that the cult that he fled from is looking to bring him back, he's willing to put his life on the line to escape them, even if it means going on galactic television in a win-or-die-trying contest on blood-soaked sands.
Of course, Sashen needs to catch a ride to the distant arena first and as fate would have it, the shy alien who's been watching him dance for the past week – Araxis of Creche Thiel – is headed that way and has space to spare. Sashen is happy to have a ride and a cute distraction on the way to what he expects may be his imminent demise. What he can't anticipate as he heads off to his galactic broadcast debut is the gravitational pull he feels to Araxis. With the deadly tournament looming, Sashen will need to figure a way to escape his past, while also charting a way to the future he desperately wants.
Of course, Sashen needs to catch a ride to the distant arena first and as fate would have it, the shy alien who's been watching him dance for the past week – Araxis of Creche Thiel – is headed that way and has space to spare. Sashen is happy to have a ride and a cute distraction on the way to what he expects may be his imminent demise. What he can't anticipate as he heads off to his galactic broadcast debut is the gravitational pull he feels to Araxis. With the deadly tournament looming, Sashen will need to figure a way to escape his past, while also charting a way to the future he desperately wants.
612 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
About the author
Tana Welsummer
3 books12 followersTana (they/she) is a queer neurodivergent writer living a semi-feral rural life on the East Coast of Canada. Raised on a diet of science fiction as a child, they now like to tell swoony stories that explore the complexity of identity and the messiness of relationships while making readers laugh and cry in equal measure. When she's not writing, she can be found exploring wild spaces, reading, and organizing her bookshelf by colour.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 27, 2026
What can I even say? This book is everything that I love: sci-fi alien world building, humor, action, an intense romance that made me sob multiple times.
I loved every second of this book. While I noticed a large number of typos, I think Welsummer has edited them further since I got an update when I was about 80% finished. I don't fault them for this, and can still easily say this book is wonderfully, deeply and emotionally written.
Thank you for ripping my heart out. I eagerly await Afterburn.
I loved every second of this book. While I noticed a large number of typos, I think Welsummer has edited them further since I got an update when I was about 80% finished. I don't fault them for this, and can still easily say this book is wonderfully, deeply and emotionally written.
Thank you for ripping my heart out. I eagerly await Afterburn.
August 30, 2026
How has this book not gotten any traction? This is a fantastic story with complex characters possessing deep back stories, clear motivations … and a lot of really hot genderqueer sex scenes. It’s written well, the pacing is good, the narrative framing is fantastic and the emotions are surprisingly believable despite the space opera of it all. And our main character is incredibly charming; it’s nice to see him realizing his power with it by the end.
Five stars because complicated plot lines and intricate intergalactic politics coupled with slow burn and pining for days are absolutely my literary catnip.
Unfortunate that the cover makes the whole thing look like amateur hour - this is anything but. Fans of The Mars House and Winter’s Orbit might especially enjoy (although this is definitely way more than those books’ fade to black on the sex scenes).
Highly, highly recommended.
Five stars because complicated plot lines and intricate intergalactic politics coupled with slow burn and pining for days are absolutely my literary catnip.
Unfortunate that the cover makes the whole thing look like amateur hour - this is anything but. Fans of The Mars House and Winter’s Orbit might especially enjoy (although this is definitely way more than those books’ fade to black on the sex scenes).
Highly, highly recommended.
October 16, 2026
600-page book with maybe 300 pages’ worth of plot if I’m being generous. the writing was good and the worldbuilding was cool but that’s about all I can say. just because your foreshadowing is intentionally ham-fisted doesn’t make it more interesting to read ham-fisted foreshadowing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
October 12, 2026
I appreciate that we can give half-star ratings here now, but where is the option for when a book is so good, you want to give extra stars? Am I supposed to just SAY “six stars!” and “two thumbs way up!” and “this book made me cry more than once!” ? That is hardly fair ;_;
Afterlight was such a great read that it actually pissed me off [affectionate]. Like how DARE the author do this to me. I was recommended this book by a friend and took ages to get to reading it because sci fi is not usually my cup of tea, and boy is my face red, because I spent every moment I wasn’t reading this book yearning for bedtime so I could sit down and read again. For anyone “not into sci fi,” the futuristic technology and space travel bits are written in a very accessible and interesting way, and since this book is very much about the characters and their emotional arcs, I forgot more than once that this is a sci fi and that sci fi wasn’t meant to be my genre.
The CHARACTERS. Tana has such a knack for writing well-rounded, realistic, likeable yet flawed characters - even the side characters were a delight (Silver Sea for Best Girl 2026, I love you, Silver Sea (call me!)) and all had me wishing for more of them <3 Even the kids! I am not an enjoyer of children and seldom find them in books to be written in a realistically age-appropriate or un-annoying way, and yet I would blow up an asteroid for the children of Creche Thiel. Props to Tana for writing not one but three children characters who I actually liked and cared about.
Another thing I adored was the thread of tension Tana wove so skilfully throughout - you start out knowing that Sashen is in some sort of judicial interview and is recounting the events of the book, and at several points he hints at some Horrible Thing that happened between himself and Araxis later on. I find it can be hard to make such hints without getting too heavy-handed with it and losing the tension, but Tana kept me well on the edge of my seat throughout the book. And when we finally find out? WELP, I never bought a sequel so fast <3
Speaking of tension, holy goddamn, I could not get over the amount of twists and turns the plot took. Like Sashen already had so much stress, and so much uncertainty - the plot was already so fraught with tension, and yet every time he was hit with something else my heart just DROPPED for him.
When all was said and done, I spent all of two pages wondering where the next book would take us - and when Sashen comes into his own as a strong, independent virra (I sound facetious but I’m serious, go girl, get your back-up plans in order!), I was left feeling nothing but absolutely hyped for Book 2. Political intrigue! Second chances! Acting, and yet how much of it is acting! Bro I am SWEATING.
Finally, I’m not a huge crier at books, which is funny, because I cry constantly at real life - but Afterlight had me tearing up MORE than once. Again, Tana, how dare you <3
I promised I’d write a long and unhinged review, and I hope this convinces at least one person but preferably a million people to read the book. I’m already recommending it to tonnes of people offline, just as my friend recommended it to me. A huge thank you to the author for such a great read, and I cannot wait to start the next one!
Afterlight was such a great read that it actually pissed me off [affectionate]. Like how DARE the author do this to me. I was recommended this book by a friend and took ages to get to reading it because sci fi is not usually my cup of tea, and boy is my face red, because I spent every moment I wasn’t reading this book yearning for bedtime so I could sit down and read again. For anyone “not into sci fi,” the futuristic technology and space travel bits are written in a very accessible and interesting way, and since this book is very much about the characters and their emotional arcs, I forgot more than once that this is a sci fi and that sci fi wasn’t meant to be my genre.
The CHARACTERS. Tana has such a knack for writing well-rounded, realistic, likeable yet flawed characters - even the side characters were a delight (Silver Sea for Best Girl 2026, I love you, Silver Sea (call me!)) and all had me wishing for more of them <3 Even the kids! I am not an enjoyer of children and seldom find them in books to be written in a realistically age-appropriate or un-annoying way, and yet I would blow up an asteroid for the children of Creche Thiel. Props to Tana for writing not one but three children characters who I actually liked and cared about.
Another thing I adored was the thread of tension Tana wove so skilfully throughout - you start out knowing that Sashen is in some sort of judicial interview and is recounting the events of the book, and at several points he hints at some Horrible Thing that happened between himself and Araxis later on. I find it can be hard to make such hints without getting too heavy-handed with it and losing the tension, but Tana kept me well on the edge of my seat throughout the book. And when we finally find out? WELP, I never bought a sequel so fast <3
Speaking of tension, holy goddamn, I could not get over the amount of twists and turns the plot took. Like Sashen already had so much stress, and so much uncertainty - the plot was already so fraught with tension, and yet every time he was hit with something else my heart just DROPPED for him.
When all was said and done, I spent all of two pages wondering where the next book would take us - and when Sashen comes into his own as a strong, independent virra (I sound facetious but I’m serious, go girl, get your back-up plans in order!), I was left feeling nothing but absolutely hyped for Book 2. Political intrigue! Second chances! Acting, and yet how much of it is acting! Bro I am SWEATING.
Finally, I’m not a huge crier at books, which is funny, because I cry constantly at real life - but Afterlight had me tearing up MORE than once. Again, Tana, how dare you <3
I promised I’d write a long and unhinged review, and I hope this convinces at least one person but preferably a million people to read the book. I’m already recommending it to tonnes of people offline, just as my friend recommended it to me. A huge thank you to the author for such a great read, and I cannot wait to start the next one!
May 14, 2026
The setup was a really interesting world that brought me easily along when the human parts of existence and humanity in negative space were so well presented. Also love a good genderfck
April 30, 2026
This is easily my book of the year! I can’t believe I waited until April to pick it up! I was completely hooked from the first page to the last. The writing is just gorgeous, and the story pulled me in super effortlessly. I genuinely felt like I was right there alongside the characters the whole time, the world-building is that immersive!!!! I’m already counting down the days until book two comes out 🤩
January 16, 2026
Fantastic. This book consumed me. I could easily read another 190k words (and I hope I will, when the sequel is out). The MCs are super endearing, the plot is exciting, the world is fascinating, and the writing is engaging. I will absolutely be rereading this.
I love the way this book is structured. The narrative is framed as Sashen's testimony for some sort of judicial hearing (which gradually makes more sense as the story unfolds). Most chapters feel like normal first person narrative, but Sashen occasionally adds a bit of observation in hindsight. I wasn't sure if I'd like that at first, but it turned out to be key to my enjoyment of the book. The narrative clearly hints at major conflict down the line, and I think if I didn't have that warning, the eventual reveal would have been too devastating. Also, the occasional transcripts and interludes from Araxis's perspective are used effectively to flesh out the story. This is a very well-structured narrative, especially impressive given the length.
Even though I knew something bad was coming (and boy was it rough), I was still able to immerse myself in the budding romance. The romantic and sexual tension is exquisite. They really do flirt with tea and sword dancing. The way they slowly open up to each other, and Sashen's developing feelings, feel very natural.
I will say I wanted more from the conversations about Araxis's gender. I sincerely hope this is explored in more depth in the sequel. Gender and sexuality, and societal rejection based on identity, are significant to the story. But Araxis's identity is only touched on a few times, despite how important it seems to be to him. If this was a standalone, I would question why the author bothered to include it at all. But I suspect this will be more relevant in the sequel, based on where the plot is going.
In the same vein, I want more alien cultural details! Don't get me wrong—there's some wonderful world building going on already. A wide variety of alien species and cultures, well-considered social dynamics between and among species, and interesting technology with believable limits. But this book has more breadth than depth. I have every faith that the next book will dive more deeply into Araxis's culture, and I'm super excited. It's clear the author has put a ton of work into building this world.
The writing is wonderful—a great balance of humor, poignancy, and competent storytelling. I snort-laughed more than once. My heart physically hurt a few times. I'm really just blown away by how much I loved this.
But I *need* that sequel ASAP, because this ending was not entirely satisfying. I need more resolution and healing. The MCs clearly have a lot of growing to do together. I wouldn't call this a cliffhanger by any means, but it's not 100% happy yet. I'm not just excited for the sequel—I'm desperate for it.
I love the way this book is structured. The narrative is framed as Sashen's testimony for some sort of judicial hearing (which gradually makes more sense as the story unfolds). Most chapters feel like normal first person narrative, but Sashen occasionally adds a bit of observation in hindsight. I wasn't sure if I'd like that at first, but it turned out to be key to my enjoyment of the book. The narrative clearly hints at major conflict down the line, and I think if I didn't have that warning, the eventual reveal would have been too devastating. Also, the occasional transcripts and interludes from Araxis's perspective are used effectively to flesh out the story. This is a very well-structured narrative, especially impressive given the length.
Even though I knew something bad was coming (and boy was it rough), I was still able to immerse myself in the budding romance. The romantic and sexual tension is exquisite. They really do flirt with tea and sword dancing. The way they slowly open up to each other, and Sashen's developing feelings, feel very natural.
I will say I wanted more from the conversations about Araxis's gender. I sincerely hope this is explored in more depth in the sequel. Gender and sexuality, and societal rejection based on identity, are significant to the story. But Araxis's identity is only touched on a few times, despite how important it seems to be to him. If this was a standalone, I would question why the author bothered to include it at all. But I suspect this will be more relevant in the sequel, based on where the plot is going.
In the same vein, I want more alien cultural details! Don't get me wrong—there's some wonderful world building going on already. A wide variety of alien species and cultures, well-considered social dynamics between and among species, and interesting technology with believable limits. But this book has more breadth than depth. I have every faith that the next book will dive more deeply into Araxis's culture, and I'm super excited. It's clear the author has put a ton of work into building this world.
The writing is wonderful—a great balance of humor, poignancy, and competent storytelling. I snort-laughed more than once. My heart physically hurt a few times. I'm really just blown away by how much I loved this.
But I *need* that sequel ASAP, because this ending was not entirely satisfying. I need more resolution and healing. The MCs clearly have a lot of growing to do together. I wouldn't call this a cliffhanger by any means, but it's not 100% happy yet. I'm not just excited for the sequel—I'm desperate for it.
November 3, 2026
“I’d rather kiss someone than kill them – but I’m here to slay either way.”
This was my first book by Tana AND my first MM sci-fi romance but believe me when I tell you it shall not be my last!
(POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD)
Tana’s writing is full of elegance, emotion, humour, and tension, and I was entranced from the first page. The characters are interesting, likeable, and feel real, but also make mistakes and have flaws. Sashen, one of the MMCs, is such a loveable character, who you are invested in and honestly, want to give a giant bear hug to often. He is a ray of sunshine (even in deep space), continuously displaying kindness, love, understanding, and openness, despite the challenges, isolation, prejudices, and trauma he has experienced. Araxis felt like a beautiful puzzle piece, that connected perfectly with Sashen, complimenting Sashen’s energy and vibe, with his caring, stoic, and disciplined presence and leadership.
The side characters Tana has written into this story also need a special shoutout! I loved the scenes on the ship and the introduction of the Abayan children (Sadin, Talvi and Adrathi), with their curiosity, cheekiness, and utter obsession with Sashen (and human things). Silver Sea, Sashen’s “handler” for the galactic television win-or-die-trying contest, was a standout for me (I love when a character breaks rules to help other characters connect) and I need more of them in book two, please!
I really like the format of the book and the chapters. Sashen and Araxis, are retelling the events that transpired to a sort of (intergalactic) review committee, and it felt like an appropriate way to foreshadow the events of the book and hold the readers interest without giving everything away.
The world Tana develops is thoughtful, detailed and expansive, and I enjoyed how through Sashen’s recounting of the events and the perspectives of the MMCs as they are interviewed, allowed the reader to learn along with Sashen (as a fellow human) making the world building feel accessible. The religious (cult) portrayal was an interesting addition to the sci-fi/monster romances that I’ve read and made me fall in love with Sashen and Araxis even more, as they defy oppressive systems and find joy, pleasure and love despite it.
One of my absolute favourite treasures in this book is using tea as a love language. As a fellow tea lover, who often uses tea as a calming, healing, and social device, I loved every mention of it and felt it added additional depth to the scenes and character development.
Araxis’s actions have major consequences as the story develops, but I loved the plotlines where Sashen is discovering more about Araxis (and his many UN-lacking skills, IYKYK) and is just like, the NERVE of this alien haha! I’m really looking forward to learning more about Araxis in book two!
You’ll enjoy Afterlight if you’re about:
👽 MM Human/Alien Romance
🪐 Good People F\cking Up
🩵 Tender, Horny Vibes
🛸 MCs on a Reality TV Show, in Space!
⚔️ Flirting through Swordplay
🩷 “We Make Each Other Better” Vibes
🪐 Expansive, yet Accessible Worldbuilding
🌈 Queer Joy & Pleasure
💛 Anti-Capitalist & Anti-Fascist Worldviews
This was my first book by Tana AND my first MM sci-fi romance but believe me when I tell you it shall not be my last!
(POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD)
Tana’s writing is full of elegance, emotion, humour, and tension, and I was entranced from the first page. The characters are interesting, likeable, and feel real, but also make mistakes and have flaws. Sashen, one of the MMCs, is such a loveable character, who you are invested in and honestly, want to give a giant bear hug to often. He is a ray of sunshine (even in deep space), continuously displaying kindness, love, understanding, and openness, despite the challenges, isolation, prejudices, and trauma he has experienced. Araxis felt like a beautiful puzzle piece, that connected perfectly with Sashen, complimenting Sashen’s energy and vibe, with his caring, stoic, and disciplined presence and leadership.
The side characters Tana has written into this story also need a special shoutout! I loved the scenes on the ship and the introduction of the Abayan children (Sadin, Talvi and Adrathi), with their curiosity, cheekiness, and utter obsession with Sashen (and human things). Silver Sea, Sashen’s “handler” for the galactic television win-or-die-trying contest, was a standout for me (I love when a character breaks rules to help other characters connect) and I need more of them in book two, please!
I really like the format of the book and the chapters. Sashen and Araxis, are retelling the events that transpired to a sort of (intergalactic) review committee, and it felt like an appropriate way to foreshadow the events of the book and hold the readers interest without giving everything away.
The world Tana develops is thoughtful, detailed and expansive, and I enjoyed how through Sashen’s recounting of the events and the perspectives of the MMCs as they are interviewed, allowed the reader to learn along with Sashen (as a fellow human) making the world building feel accessible. The religious (cult) portrayal was an interesting addition to the sci-fi/monster romances that I’ve read and made me fall in love with Sashen and Araxis even more, as they defy oppressive systems and find joy, pleasure and love despite it.
One of my absolute favourite treasures in this book is using tea as a love language. As a fellow tea lover, who often uses tea as a calming, healing, and social device, I loved every mention of it and felt it added additional depth to the scenes and character development.
Araxis’s actions have major consequences as the story develops, but I loved the plotlines where Sashen is discovering more about Araxis (and his many UN-lacking skills, IYKYK) and is just like, the NERVE of this alien haha! I’m really looking forward to learning more about Araxis in book two!
You’ll enjoy Afterlight if you’re about:
👽 MM Human/Alien Romance
🪐 Good People F\cking Up
🩵 Tender, Horny Vibes
🛸 MCs on a Reality TV Show, in Space!
⚔️ Flirting through Swordplay
🩷 “We Make Each Other Better” Vibes
🪐 Expansive, yet Accessible Worldbuilding
🌈 Queer Joy & Pleasure
💛 Anti-Capitalist & Anti-Fascist Worldviews
July 30, 2026
This was a fantastic way to get into sci-fi! I loved the characters, world building and story. There was humour, heartbreak and such great character development. I can confidently say that this book also made me love alien’s smooching in space.
November 11, 2026
Absolute perfect use of my time. I was put on this earth to read this damn series.
This series is available on the author's website, Inkitt, and AO3 (if it ever comes back up). It is pay what you can!!
This series is available on the author's website, Inkitt, and AO3 (if it ever comes back up). It is pay what you can!!
July 15, 2026
actually made me cry and i’m not a crier so i think that says it all really
June 11, 2026
This was an enjoyable read! The reality tv segments tended to be particularly well written.
Some of the writing is clumsy and the book is a little too enamoured of its main character, but I'm interested in seeing more of the worldbuilding in the sequel, as well as the interpersonal conflicts set up in this book.
Some of the writing is clumsy and the book is a little too enamoured of its main character, but I'm interested in seeing more of the worldbuilding in the sequel, as well as the interpersonal conflicts set up in this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews