What do you think?
Rate this book
Phoenix Adventures #7
On a Barbarian World
RENUMBERED PENDING RE-RELEASE.
COMING SOON IN 2026 - slightly revised re-release.
This edition will be no longer in print.
When an independent deep-space scout crash-lands on an unknown alien world, the last thing she expects is to find herself claimed by a barbarian warrior.
Aurina Phoenix spends most of her time zooming through uncharted space and gathering intel for her family’s deep-space convoy, but her life takes an unexpected detour when a meteor shower brings down her ship. She finds herself on a barren, low-tech planet inhabited by dangerous beasts…and lands in the arms of a brawny barbarian warlord.
Markarian warrior Kavon Mal Dor is known for his skill in battle. He lives to protect his clan…and to avenge the murder of his father. Every move he makes is part of his grand plan for revenge, including finding a legendary sword and marrying a warlord’s daughter. But when a beautiful skyflyer crashes into his world, she is the one thing he never counted on.
Fighting their incendiary attraction, Aurina and Kavon make a deal: she’ll help him find the sword and in return, he’ll give her the emergency beacon she needs to get home. But as the search for the sword plunges them into a dangerous adventure they find themselves consumed by a powerful passion and questioning everything they’ve ever wanted.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think rival warlords, dangerous beasts and lost mines), cool offsiders (sexy alien warriors and overprotective brothers) and a steamy romance (lots of sexy times between two strong-willed people). This is treasure hunting sci-fi style. So if you like it fast, and fun, and sexy, this is for you!
Includes preview of the Phoenix Adventures book, Among Galactic Ruins.
About Anna: I'm passionate about all things action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same.
The Phoenix Adventures Science Fiction Romance Series:
- Science Fiction Romance
- Action Adventure Romance
- Space Opera
- Futuristic Romance
- Cyborg Romance
- Fantasy Romance
- Military Romance
COMING SOON IN 2026 - slightly revised re-release.
This edition will be no longer in print.
When an independent deep-space scout crash-lands on an unknown alien world, the last thing she expects is to find herself claimed by a barbarian warrior.
Aurina Phoenix spends most of her time zooming through uncharted space and gathering intel for her family’s deep-space convoy, but her life takes an unexpected detour when a meteor shower brings down her ship. She finds herself on a barren, low-tech planet inhabited by dangerous beasts…and lands in the arms of a brawny barbarian warlord.
Markarian warrior Kavon Mal Dor is known for his skill in battle. He lives to protect his clan…and to avenge the murder of his father. Every move he makes is part of his grand plan for revenge, including finding a legendary sword and marrying a warlord’s daughter. But when a beautiful skyflyer crashes into his world, she is the one thing he never counted on.
Fighting their incendiary attraction, Aurina and Kavon make a deal: she’ll help him find the sword and in return, he’ll give her the emergency beacon she needs to get home. But as the search for the sword plunges them into a dangerous adventure they find themselves consumed by a powerful passion and questioning everything they’ve ever wanted.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think rival warlords, dangerous beasts and lost mines), cool offsiders (sexy alien warriors and overprotective brothers) and a steamy romance (lots of sexy times between two strong-willed people). This is treasure hunting sci-fi style. So if you like it fast, and fun, and sexy, this is for you!
Includes preview of the Phoenix Adventures book, Among Galactic Ruins.
About Anna: I'm passionate about all things action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same.
The Phoenix Adventures Science Fiction Romance Series:
- Science Fiction Romance
- Action Adventure Romance
- Space Opera
- Futuristic Romance
- Cyborg Romance
- Fantasy Romance
- Military Romance
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2015
About the author
Anna Hackett
172 books3,007 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
December 22, 2017
3.5 intriguing stars
Got this book for free and didn't realize it was #8 of the series. It is a standalone and the first book where we end up on the "barbarian" planet. So I was able to overlook my "series-book-order" obsession ;D
I liked Aurina and Kavon, both strong and well developed MCs. This book is characterized as romance-adventure and it is...definitely has the feel of an Indiana Jones type story.
Got this book for free and didn't realize it was #8 of the series. It is a standalone and the first book where we end up on the "barbarian" planet. So I was able to overlook my "series-book-order" obsession ;D
I liked Aurina and Kavon, both strong and well developed MCs. This book is characterized as romance-adventure and it is...definitely has the feel of an Indiana Jones type story.
August 20, 2026
This is part of the Phoenix Adventures series featuring an assortment of cousins but as this book has a completely different feel it works very well as a standalone one or even just a one off read. That being said anyone who reads this story will probably want to read more as the author not only writes an adventure chock full of action but it's also a sexy romance with an unusual setting rife with mystery. I've previously enjoyed her sci fi world building but this time the action happens on a planet that has a medieval feel with feudal type laws and boy was it funny to see the two main protagonists butt heads!
I liked Aurina the heroine and she's a gutsy gal who thinks on her feet. There's very little that fazes her but she does have a flaw and that's that she allows the past to dictate a little too much for this reader. However it's our flaws that make us human so an imperfect heroine works very well here.
Kavon is the Warlod obsessed by the unusual woman who has just crashed into his life. If dominating chest beating males your thing then you will be overjoyed by him. The attraction they share is both physical and cerebral but Kavon has a nasty habit of trying to keep Aurina in the dark about things. Yes he is trying to protect her but his high-handedness might give some readers pause.
I really enjoyed reading the descriptions of the various creatures living on the planet and particularly Aurinas response to them. This crazy mixture of a barbaric planet that's strangely technologically advanced in someways was the perfect setting for the story that follows. The couple form a pact, the game is afoot and before long the adventure to discover the truth begins . Oh and of course there's always time for a little romance!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
I liked Aurina the heroine and she's a gutsy gal who thinks on her feet. There's very little that fazes her but she does have a flaw and that's that she allows the past to dictate a little too much for this reader. However it's our flaws that make us human so an imperfect heroine works very well here.
Kavon is the Warlod obsessed by the unusual woman who has just crashed into his life. If dominating chest beating males your thing then you will be overjoyed by him. The attraction they share is both physical and cerebral but Kavon has a nasty habit of trying to keep Aurina in the dark about things. Yes he is trying to protect her but his high-handedness might give some readers pause.
I really enjoyed reading the descriptions of the various creatures living on the planet and particularly Aurinas response to them. This crazy mixture of a barbaric planet that's strangely technologically advanced in someways was the perfect setting for the story that follows. The couple form a pact, the game is afoot and before long the adventure to discover the truth begins . Oh and of course there's always time for a little romance!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
December 28, 2015
This is the first book I have read in this series and I found it to be enjoyable. It was fast paced and had good balance of adventure. I'm glad it was offered as a kindleunlimited. I'll likely check out others in this series.
January 14, 2016
A very cute addition to the Phoenix Adventures series!
Loved both the hero (a big barbarian) and the heroine (an intelligent heroine) and their love story.
The feel here is not so much futuristic like in the previous books, but it is still interesting!
Looking forward to the next book!
Loved both the hero (a big barbarian) and the heroine (an intelligent heroine) and their love story.
The feel here is not so much futuristic like in the previous books, but it is still interesting!
Looking forward to the next book!
January 4, 2016
I always put Anna Hackett's books on the bottom of my to-read pile; but not for the reason you're thinking. Some authors are unable to write a bad book (it's rare, but it happens), and this is definitely the case with this author. So, I save the books for when I need a good sure fire read. I guess you can think of it as saving dessert for last.
This book was no exception, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sci-fi is a hard genre to write, it's a thin line between making characters different and relatable, and being too out there. This had the perfect balance of everything.
This book was no exception, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sci-fi is a hard genre to write, it's a thin line between making characters different and relatable, and being too out there. This had the perfect balance of everything.
May 25, 2018
I enjoyed this short and steamy science fiction romance with lots of exciting action that moved right along. I liked how the alpha heroine chipped away at the super-alpha hero's domineering attitude. Space traveling scout Aurina crash lands on a planet of barbaric warriors led by Kavon.
January 15, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is the eighth, and possibly the last, book in Hackett’s Phoenix Adventures. Even though two of Aurina’s half-brothers are still searching for women who can put up with them, their stories do not appear to be on the horizon at the moment.
While the story in On a Barbarian World stands alone, it has its roots in Beyond Galaxy's Edge, where Aurina’s half-brother Justyn finally manages to catch the Patrol Captain who has been hunting his smuggling ass up and down the galaxy for years.
It also has some parallels to On a Rogue Planet. Not so much in its story as in its protagonist. In Rogue Planet, the female cousin of the other set of Phoenix brothers finds herself stranded on a planet in the middle of a coup. In On a Barbarian World the only female member of this side of the Phoenix family finds herself stranded on a low-tech world after her scoutship crashes in the middle of a meteor shower.
The men in this series mostly hunt down, or are hunted down by, the women who become the loves of their lives. The women in this series have to get grounded to find theirs, and the metaphor is unfortunately sticking with me.
In many ways, this is kind of a first-contact story. While the relatively primitive Markarians have legends about space travellers, no one seems to have actually met one. So when Aurina’s crashed ship is discovered, she’s quite a novelty.
And of course the barbarian leader immediately claims her. While that initially claiming is stepped back a bit, it certainly has lots of sexual overtones. Kavon Mal Dor may be overtly giving Aurina the stranger the protection of his clan because every Markarian belongs to a clan, but it is clear from the beginning that Kavon really wants to claim Aurina.
There’s a whole lot of lust-at-first-sight going on here. Initially, what attracts Kavon is just how different she is. Aurina is a fiery redhead with a redhead’s coloring (and temper). She is also on the curvy side. Markarians, on the other hand, are tall and muscular, including the women. And they are all bronze-dark, a result of their possible Saurian ancestry.
As their relationship develops, Kavon and Aurina make a lot of assumptions about each other, most of which are demonstrably false. The barbarians are much, much less barbaric than Aurina assumes. Well, at least Kavon’s people are. His enemies are just as nasty as Aurina might imagine.
And of course Kavon thinks that Aurina needs his protection, both because she is a woman and because she is a stranger. Only one of those two things really matters, and a big part of the development of their relationship is Kavon learning to treat Aurina as an equal, in a culture where no one is his equal. Kavon is warlord, and everyone else in the clan is his subordinate. Except Aurina. She is always insubordinate. But utterly captivating to a man who is not used to needing to actually pursue the woman he wants.
Kavon and Aurina make a deal. She will use her scouting skills to help him find the legendary sword Durendal. In return, he will return her e-beacon to her, allowing her to contact her brothers and return to her old life.
In the end, the only life they both want is the one that they can make together. On Markaria. But it will only happen if they both stop making assumptions about who the other is, and what the other wants, before it is too late.
Escape Rating B-: I liked this, but not nearly as much as the other books in The Phoenix Adventures. For a lot of the story, it struck me too much as “barbarian tames skyflier” and with not nearly enough science fiction in my science fiction romance.
The story seemed a bit of a throwback, kind of like Kavon. We have the feisty woman who finally gets the warrior to respect her wishes, while he retains all the power, and in the end she gives up her life to stay with him. This story isn’t quite like that, but it came close enough to the old “noble savage vs. civilized woman” romance to make me uncomfortable.
I really liked the parts where the science fiction aspects came to the forefront. Kavon is searching for the lost legendary sword Durendal, which is a piece of the Song of Roland. So it’s a legend now, in our world, and it is still a legend in the future. That was cool. When Aurina finds Durendal for Kavon, she also finds an Earth treasure-trove similar to the one that Eos finds in At Star's End.
When Aurina discovers the sword, she also finds information about Markaria’s gods, who turn out not to be gods after all, but stranded star travelers just like herself. Her search upsets their entire culture, and yet everyone manages to adjust reasonably well surprisingly quickly. I loved the search and discovery, but I’m not sure the aftermath would be quite so peaceful. If someone discovered that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from the Bible were extraterrestrials, and could prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, the resultant crises in Christianity, Judaism and Islam would probably tear the world apart.
Or that’s my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
On a Barbarian World also suffered from villain failure. Kavon’s rival Drog is a low-down, lying, stealing, cheating scum. He obviously has no honor, which is a very big deal in Markarian culture. But we don’t see enough of him to know why, and he is dispatched much too easily in the climactic battle. I would love to have seen his trial and execution, just to find out what he thought he was doing.
All in all, On a Barbarian World feels like a coda to The Phoenix Adventures series. While it is possible to start with this relatively stand alone story, a better time will be had by starting with At Star's End or Among Galactic Ruins.
This is the eighth, and possibly the last, book in Hackett’s Phoenix Adventures. Even though two of Aurina’s half-brothers are still searching for women who can put up with them, their stories do not appear to be on the horizon at the moment.
While the story in On a Barbarian World stands alone, it has its roots in Beyond Galaxy's Edge, where Aurina’s half-brother Justyn finally manages to catch the Patrol Captain who has been hunting his smuggling ass up and down the galaxy for years.
It also has some parallels to On a Rogue Planet. Not so much in its story as in its protagonist. In Rogue Planet, the female cousin of the other set of Phoenix brothers finds herself stranded on a planet in the middle of a coup. In On a Barbarian World the only female member of this side of the Phoenix family finds herself stranded on a low-tech world after her scoutship crashes in the middle of a meteor shower.
The men in this series mostly hunt down, or are hunted down by, the women who become the loves of their lives. The women in this series have to get grounded to find theirs, and the metaphor is unfortunately sticking with me.
In many ways, this is kind of a first-contact story. While the relatively primitive Markarians have legends about space travellers, no one seems to have actually met one. So when Aurina’s crashed ship is discovered, she’s quite a novelty.
And of course the barbarian leader immediately claims her. While that initially claiming is stepped back a bit, it certainly has lots of sexual overtones. Kavon Mal Dor may be overtly giving Aurina the stranger the protection of his clan because every Markarian belongs to a clan, but it is clear from the beginning that Kavon really wants to claim Aurina.
There’s a whole lot of lust-at-first-sight going on here. Initially, what attracts Kavon is just how different she is. Aurina is a fiery redhead with a redhead’s coloring (and temper). She is also on the curvy side. Markarians, on the other hand, are tall and muscular, including the women. And they are all bronze-dark, a result of their possible Saurian ancestry.
As their relationship develops, Kavon and Aurina make a lot of assumptions about each other, most of which are demonstrably false. The barbarians are much, much less barbaric than Aurina assumes. Well, at least Kavon’s people are. His enemies are just as nasty as Aurina might imagine.
And of course Kavon thinks that Aurina needs his protection, both because she is a woman and because she is a stranger. Only one of those two things really matters, and a big part of the development of their relationship is Kavon learning to treat Aurina as an equal, in a culture where no one is his equal. Kavon is warlord, and everyone else in the clan is his subordinate. Except Aurina. She is always insubordinate. But utterly captivating to a man who is not used to needing to actually pursue the woman he wants.
Kavon and Aurina make a deal. She will use her scouting skills to help him find the legendary sword Durendal. In return, he will return her e-beacon to her, allowing her to contact her brothers and return to her old life.
In the end, the only life they both want is the one that they can make together. On Markaria. But it will only happen if they both stop making assumptions about who the other is, and what the other wants, before it is too late.
Escape Rating B-: I liked this, but not nearly as much as the other books in The Phoenix Adventures. For a lot of the story, it struck me too much as “barbarian tames skyflier” and with not nearly enough science fiction in my science fiction romance.
The story seemed a bit of a throwback, kind of like Kavon. We have the feisty woman who finally gets the warrior to respect her wishes, while he retains all the power, and in the end she gives up her life to stay with him. This story isn’t quite like that, but it came close enough to the old “noble savage vs. civilized woman” romance to make me uncomfortable.
I really liked the parts where the science fiction aspects came to the forefront. Kavon is searching for the lost legendary sword Durendal, which is a piece of the Song of Roland. So it’s a legend now, in our world, and it is still a legend in the future. That was cool. When Aurina finds Durendal for Kavon, she also finds an Earth treasure-trove similar to the one that Eos finds in At Star's End.
When Aurina discovers the sword, she also finds information about Markaria’s gods, who turn out not to be gods after all, but stranded star travelers just like herself. Her search upsets their entire culture, and yet everyone manages to adjust reasonably well surprisingly quickly. I loved the search and discovery, but I’m not sure the aftermath would be quite so peaceful. If someone discovered that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from the Bible were extraterrestrials, and could prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, the resultant crises in Christianity, Judaism and Islam would probably tear the world apart.
Or that’s my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
On a Barbarian World also suffered from villain failure. Kavon’s rival Drog is a low-down, lying, stealing, cheating scum. He obviously has no honor, which is a very big deal in Markarian culture. But we don’t see enough of him to know why, and he is dispatched much too easily in the climactic battle. I would love to have seen his trial and execution, just to find out what he thought he was doing.
All in all, On a Barbarian World feels like a coda to The Phoenix Adventures series. While it is possible to start with this relatively stand alone story, a better time will be had by starting with At Star's End or Among Galactic Ruins.
August 28, 2021
Series: Phoenix Adventures #6
Rating:4 stars - It was really good
Aurina Phoenix is scouting for her brother's deep-space convoy when a meteor shower brings down her ship. She finds herself on a barren, low-tech planet inhabited by dangerous beasts, and brawny barbarians.
I really enjoyed Aurina and Kavon’s story. Aurina is a spunky, smart, and independent woman who doesn’t put up with Kavon’s protective and controlling actions. Kavon was a barbarian warrior who was used to everyone following his orders. Aurina is constantly challenging him and it was very enjoyable. I really liked how Kavon grew to respect Aurina’s strengths and understood she could help him and his people.
Overall, this was another great adventure for the Phoenix family. I really enjoyed Aurina and this barbarian world. I hope we get to see more of this world in future books.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating:4 stars - It was really good
Aurina Phoenix is scouting for her brother's deep-space convoy when a meteor shower brings down her ship. She finds herself on a barren, low-tech planet inhabited by dangerous beasts, and brawny barbarians.
I really enjoyed Aurina and Kavon’s story. Aurina is a spunky, smart, and independent woman who doesn’t put up with Kavon’s protective and controlling actions. Kavon was a barbarian warrior who was used to everyone following his orders. Aurina is constantly challenging him and it was very enjoyable. I really liked how Kavon grew to respect Aurina’s strengths and understood she could help him and his people.
Overall, this was another great adventure for the Phoenix family. I really enjoyed Aurina and this barbarian world. I hope we get to see more of this world in future books.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
July 14, 2018
Great tale. I like the SF here and the handling of consent.
May 16, 2024
As usual Anna Hackett offers a great adventure for her readers and I especially enjoyed the low-tech vs. high-tech involved in this one. Aurina is a feisty and likable heroine and she and Kavon set off sparks with their battle of wills. We haven't seen a whole lot of Aurina in the previous books, but I enjoyed reading about her and her adventures.
The Markarians have heard of skyfliers as they call them, but it's been a long time since any have landed on their planet. So Aurina's tools and knowledge weren't totally out of left field but there were still some issues. Kavon is used to always being obeyed and Aurina challenges that at every turn. It was enjoyable to watch Kavon grow to respect Aurina's strength and for him to realize that he can get what he wants much easier if he works with her instead of just ordering her around. Sometimes Kavon was a bit annoying in his uber-possessive nature, but it was fitting for a warlord. However, I like these books because they are science fiction, so this one almost felt more like historical with the way the characters, especially Kavon, acted.
The Markarians have heard of skyfliers as they call them, but it's been a long time since any have landed on their planet. So Aurina's tools and knowledge weren't totally out of left field but there were still some issues. Kavon is used to always being obeyed and Aurina challenges that at every turn. It was enjoyable to watch Kavon grow to respect Aurina's strength and for him to realize that he can get what he wants much easier if he works with her instead of just ordering her around. Sometimes Kavon was a bit annoying in his uber-possessive nature, but it was fitting for a warlord. However, I like these books because they are science fiction, so this one almost felt more like historical with the way the characters, especially Kavon, acted.
January 21, 2019
I usually enjoy Anna Hackett's books, but this one was not for me. It was gross.
Aurina Phoenix crashes on an unknown planet inhabited by humanoids who are broken into lands ruled by warlords with a king over them. She lands in an area between two warlords, and Kavon reaches her first. To "protect" her from the other warlord, he takes her to his home, and of course, she has to sleep not just in his room, but in his bed with him. Naturally. Total Stockholm syndrome. He won't let her have any of her possessions, including the beacon she needs to signal her brothers for rescue. She helps Kavon find a mythic sword that will restore his clan's standing with the king, and in turn he puts her through a ceremony to bond with her (that he doesn't explain) and also, doesn't tell her that his microscopic nanami or whatever they're called have rendered her birth control implant useless so he impregnates her. So freaking gross.
Aurina Phoenix crashes on an unknown planet inhabited by humanoids who are broken into lands ruled by warlords with a king over them. She lands in an area between two warlords, and Kavon reaches her first. To "protect" her from the other warlord, he takes her to his home, and of course, she has to sleep not just in his room, but in his bed with him. Naturally. Total Stockholm syndrome. He won't let her have any of her possessions, including the beacon she needs to signal her brothers for rescue. She helps Kavon find a mythic sword that will restore his clan's standing with the king, and in turn he puts her through a ceremony to bond with her (that he doesn't explain) and also, doesn't tell her that his microscopic nanami or whatever they're called have rendered her birth control implant useless so he impregnates her. So freaking gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2016
Five percent in, I knew I'd go looking for the other books from that series. It was obviously not the first, yet I could tell what was happening and it was awesome.
The treasure hunt was a bit lengthy but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and the rest is in my wish list!
The treasure hunt was a bit lengthy but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and the rest is in my wish list!
December 20, 2015
I'm always happy when a new book by Anna Hackett comes out. It means good and exciting reading will be had by all.
Aurina and Kavon are the couple in this wonderful story. And since it's a Phoenix Adventures book, you know it's going to be the best.
Aurina and Kavon are the couple in this wonderful story. And since it's a Phoenix Adventures book, you know it's going to be the best.
December 27, 2015
Pretty Good, Fast Read...
This is my first read from this author. The story was well-written and the characters pretty well-developed. Looking forward to the next installment.
This is my first read from this author. The story was well-written and the characters pretty well-developed. Looking forward to the next installment.
January 6, 2016
Love it!
I couldn't stop reading it!! Anna has done it again! I can't read the next book! Adventure, kiss butt heroine with a sexy Alpha , how can you go wrong?!
I couldn't stop reading it!! Anna has done it again! I can't read the next book! Adventure, kiss butt heroine with a sexy Alpha , how can you go wrong?!
Read
March 2, 2016Not feeling right now......maybe I'll come back to it later. stopped @ 25%
April 19, 2016
I enjoyed this story enough to go back and check out more in the series.
May 29, 2017
I don't like Barbarian/alien/whatever abduction stories, they give me the willies and make me innerly uncomfortable. For me it's all about choice, the basic human right to choose freely . That's the key word for me, it means there is no "do this or that will happen", or "do what I say or this is the consequences", or the worst of all, "submit to me and I will reward you with something you really need". I absolutely can never believe that love can grow, survive, and thrive under restrictions, threats, fear, blackmail or captivity.
That said, if done right it can be like a reading roller coaster ride, scary, emotional, and ultimately a lot of fun, and Anna Hackett managed to find that very fine balance and make this story a very fun ride.
Thank you AH, I actually read this story braced to hating it, and ended up reading it a second time for the pure enjoyment of it.
That said, if done right it can be like a reading roller coaster ride, scary, emotional, and ultimately a lot of fun, and Anna Hackett managed to find that very fine balance and make this story a very fun ride.
Thank you AH, I actually read this story braced to hating it, and ended up reading it a second time for the pure enjoyment of it.
November 12, 2018
THIS STORY HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL BUT IT GOT RUINED BECAUSE IT WAS TOO FAST PACED AND SUPERFICIAL. AND THE HEROINE JUST GOT ON MY NERVES A LITTLE...ITS LIKE THE AUTHOR WAS TRYING TOO HARD TO MAKE HER FLIPPANT AND INDEPENDENT.
OUR HERO is a Barbarian...well not really. His planet is a bit more setback compared to the future and when our heroine crashes on this backward planet, he is taken by her beauty and claims her for himself. Sounds thrilling? That's where it all ends. While I appreciate the sex, there was not enough emotional tidbits that made it a great love story. It barely scratched the surface and all I got here was smut. Which is such a waste because the whole setting was just a treasure to uncover! Our hero makes the heroine help her to find the sword that will secure his King's favour to his clan, and also teach them a little about the high tech gadgets she came with.
OUR HEROINE is the annoying and independent kind of Earthling who just rubbed me the wrong way. I get that she's supposed to be that kind of character but it's just not my cup of tea. While smart mouthed is one thing, throw in a bit of bitchiness and it just ruins the charm. Heroine is sort of a scavenger in a way, she's good at finding things and on a recent mission she crashes on a Barbarian planet where she gets claimed by one hunky alpha male and gets roped into helping him find a sword. In return he will give her back her e-beacon so she can go home.
OVERALL I am still annoyed by how SUPERFICIAL the story was. It was shallow and I find it disappointing because the Space Gladiator series was actually enjoyable! This one makes me hesitate to read the rest I have bookmarked for this series.
OUR HERO is a Barbarian...well not really. His planet is a bit more setback compared to the future and when our heroine crashes on this backward planet, he is taken by her beauty and claims her for himself. Sounds thrilling? That's where it all ends. While I appreciate the sex, there was not enough emotional tidbits that made it a great love story. It barely scratched the surface and all I got here was smut. Which is such a waste because the whole setting was just a treasure to uncover! Our hero makes the heroine help her to find the sword that will secure his King's favour to his clan, and also teach them a little about the high tech gadgets she came with.
OUR HEROINE is the annoying and independent kind of Earthling who just rubbed me the wrong way. I get that she's supposed to be that kind of character but it's just not my cup of tea. While smart mouthed is one thing, throw in a bit of bitchiness and it just ruins the charm. Heroine is sort of a scavenger in a way, she's good at finding things and on a recent mission she crashes on a Barbarian planet where she gets claimed by one hunky alpha male and gets roped into helping him find a sword. In return he will give her back her e-beacon so she can go home.
OVERALL I am still annoyed by how SUPERFICIAL the story was. It was shallow and I find it disappointing because the Space Gladiator series was actually enjoyable! This one makes me hesitate to read the rest I have bookmarked for this series.
September 4, 2026
Aurina Phoenix is a scout for her brothers’ convoy business in space. Her job entails finding safe spots for the convoys to land and rest before continuing on into little traversed or uncharted areas of space. She pilots a small, nimble scout ship as she searches for these convoy way stations. As the story begins, she is hunting for a waystation location, when she gets hit by a meteor shower. It damages her ship, and she is forced to land on the unknown planet of Markaria. She is very lucky in that she is found by good people; however, there are some not-so-good people who are very interested in finding her. Her ship is demolished, and she has lost the ability to contact her brothers. Kavon and his warriors are the ones who find her. Markaria is so far out in uncharted territory, that they have never seen spaceships before. They call them star flyers. They’ve heard about them, but they just haven’t seen them. It’s obvious when they find the wreckage, that that is what they are seeing. Then they hear a moan and find an injured Aurina, who looks very different from the typical Markarian.
The Phoenix family is known for their treasure-hunting skillset. Once she recovers from her accident, Aurina is able to put that skillset to work to help Kavon find something important that he has been searching for, for a long time. It’s not an easy search, and it involves danger and near misses at times. And finding it challenges the entire planets’ historical record…
This is a creative and fun story. I was never a big fan of science fiction, but Anna Hackett makes it fun and fascinating, and now I’m a big fan.
The Phoenix family is known for their treasure-hunting skillset. Once she recovers from her accident, Aurina is able to put that skillset to work to help Kavon find something important that he has been searching for, for a long time. It’s not an easy search, and it involves danger and near misses at times. And finding it challenges the entire planets’ historical record…
This is a creative and fun story. I was never a big fan of science fiction, but Anna Hackett makes it fun and fascinating, and now I’m a big fan.
August 12, 2026
New world full of treasures.
What a scary misadventure for Aurina Phoenix. While scouting for the families in the Phoenix Deep-Space Convoy, she crashes onto an unknown planet. Conked out, she’s so lucky to be rescued by good guy and super sexy Warlord Kavon Mal Dor because there are bad guys out there as well as a multitude of deadly monsters. But Planet Markaria is also filled with everything an adventurous Phoenix would love.
Slightly primitive Kavon is intrigued by and suspicious of Aurina. Oh, he’s also very attracted to her. Kavon’s also in the middle of an antiquity hunt, which brings him even closer to Aurina, who is a pro treasure hunter. ‘Super independent’ Aurina and ‘alpha, boss of everyone’, Kavon butts heads throughout the story, keeping it interesting and funny.
My favorite part was toward the end, when they find the “first warriors” and their original base camp. Awesome details. So interesting. I wish this part had a bigger share of the story. I’ll bet that the Galactic Institute of Historical Preservation and its Director, Dr. Niklas Phoenix, would go bat shit crazy over the finds on Markaria! Great story, awesome characters. Linda
What a scary misadventure for Aurina Phoenix. While scouting for the families in the Phoenix Deep-Space Convoy, she crashes onto an unknown planet. Conked out, she’s so lucky to be rescued by good guy and super sexy Warlord Kavon Mal Dor because there are bad guys out there as well as a multitude of deadly monsters. But Planet Markaria is also filled with everything an adventurous Phoenix would love.
Slightly primitive Kavon is intrigued by and suspicious of Aurina. Oh, he’s also very attracted to her. Kavon’s also in the middle of an antiquity hunt, which brings him even closer to Aurina, who is a pro treasure hunter. ‘Super independent’ Aurina and ‘alpha, boss of everyone’, Kavon butts heads throughout the story, keeping it interesting and funny.
My favorite part was toward the end, when they find the “first warriors” and their original base camp. Awesome details. So interesting. I wish this part had a bigger share of the story. I’ll bet that the Galactic Institute of Historical Preservation and its Director, Dr. Niklas Phoenix, would go bat shit crazy over the finds on Markaria! Great story, awesome characters. Linda
May 4, 2018
I got a free copy of the ebook from the author's newsletter.
This series just keeps getting better as it goes, with the introduction of new planets and characters.
Kavon is a Barbarian Warlord. Aurina is the sister of Justyn, Rynan and Dare Phoenix, cousins to the original Phoenix brothers. Aurina is a deep space scout for her brothers. She looks for planets to stop the caravan at to restock supplies and looks for any dangers that might be encountered. She gets caught in a meteor shower and crashes on Kavon's homeworld.
In exchange for her e-beacon she agrees to help Kavon find his ancestor's sword, called Durendal. It looks like these Barbarians may have to rethink everything that they believe once the sword is found. It turns out to be a Terren artifact.
This series just keeps getting better as it goes, with the introduction of new planets and characters.
Kavon is a Barbarian Warlord. Aurina is the sister of Justyn, Rynan and Dare Phoenix, cousins to the original Phoenix brothers. Aurina is a deep space scout for her brothers. She looks for planets to stop the caravan at to restock supplies and looks for any dangers that might be encountered. She gets caught in a meteor shower and crashes on Kavon's homeworld.
In exchange for her e-beacon she agrees to help Kavon find his ancestor's sword, called Durendal. It looks like these Barbarians may have to rethink everything that they believe once the sword is found. It turns out to be a Terren artifact.
September 19, 2018
Oh dang! I loved this book! It’s exactly the type of alien/sci-fi romance novel that I love.
This was my first Anna Hackett book so I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books in The Phoenix Adventures series. The writing was excellent and the whole treasure hunt and history aspect really made this a top notch sci-fi alien romance for me as the main story line didn’t just revolve around petty issues like other women or how they couldn’t be together (there was a tiny bit of that but it wasn’t a dominating part of the book). Kavon admitted to himself pretty early on that he wanted her to stay and then had feelings for her.
Anyways, this is a great short book that I read within a day. I don’t think I missed out on anything by not reading the series in order.
This was my first Anna Hackett book so I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books in The Phoenix Adventures series. The writing was excellent and the whole treasure hunt and history aspect really made this a top notch sci-fi alien romance for me as the main story line didn’t just revolve around petty issues like other women or how they couldn’t be together (there was a tiny bit of that but it wasn’t a dominating part of the book). Kavon admitted to himself pretty early on that he wanted her to stay and then had feelings for her.
Anyways, this is a great short book that I read within a day. I don’t think I missed out on anything by not reading the series in order.
August 19, 2026
Aurina Phoenix a scout for The Phoenix Convoy.
Justyn Phoenix is Aurina’s youngest brother.
Nissa Phoenix is Sky Nomad’s pilot and Captain and a Justyn’s wife.
Dare Phoenix is the Convoy Master.
Rynan Phoenix is Justyn, Dare and Aurina’s brother.
Lavon Mal Dor is the Warlord on Markaria.
Lavon and Aurina’s meet , when she crash landed on his planet.
There is an attraction and chemistry from a slow burn to explosive.
These two are strong willed hero and heroine makes for an interesting story,
This book has adventure, suspense and action.
Great Job. Anna Hackett !!!!
Justyn Phoenix is Aurina’s youngest brother.
Nissa Phoenix is Sky Nomad’s pilot and Captain and a Justyn’s wife.
Dare Phoenix is the Convoy Master.
Rynan Phoenix is Justyn, Dare and Aurina’s brother.
Lavon Mal Dor is the Warlord on Markaria.
Lavon and Aurina’s meet , when she crash landed on his planet.
There is an attraction and chemistry from a slow burn to explosive.
These two are strong willed hero and heroine makes for an interesting story,
This book has adventure, suspense and action.
Great Job. Anna Hackett !!!!
July 11, 2017
Wow! How exciting. This is my first read from this author, but will definitely not be my last. What an amazing read. Everything I love in an adventure. Strong female, sexy alpha male, well developed character. Amazing world. I can't even think of a single wrong thing about the book I disliked. Loved the writing and direction of the world. Shhhh! Even read during work. I have to find another Phoenix Adventures book to read. Highly recommend.
August 23, 2026
Best Of The Series Yet!
I love all the Phoenix books but this one I thought was the best yet! It kept me riveted and I binge read it all the way through in about 4 hours. Anna Hackett has a way of turning a 240 some odd page book into what feels like a short read. This one was no different but finished a lot faster than even what is normal for her books. I’m glad that book number 8 is coming out soon!
I love all the Phoenix books but this one I thought was the best yet! It kept me riveted and I binge read it all the way through in about 4 hours. Anna Hackett has a way of turning a 240 some odd page book into what feels like a short read. This one was no different but finished a lot faster than even what is normal for her books. I’m glad that book number 8 is coming out soon!
June 23, 2018
That was amazing!!
Totally love Kavon. Strong. Protective of everyone under his care. Very smart. Aurina knows exactly what she wants. She is very brave and a bad ass fighter!! I love strong female leads that don't rely on a man for everything. But still sweet and soft enough to love.
Totally love Kavon. Strong. Protective of everyone under his care. Very smart. Aurina knows exactly what she wants. She is very brave and a bad ass fighter!! I love strong female leads that don't rely on a man for everything. But still sweet and soft enough to love.
May 27, 2017
What took me so long to read these??
True to Hackett fashion they just keep getting better and better. I have really enjoyed this series and can't wait to read the rest #TeamHacketteers
True to Hackett fashion they just keep getting better and better. I have really enjoyed this series and can't wait to read the rest #TeamHacketteers
October 29, 2017
Sexy big bad barbarian, buff said😉
She is a scout for a caravan and crash lands on a planet where a gruff bossy barbarian claims her. Read to find out what claiming entails and how tech meets no-tech. It's great.
She is a scout for a caravan and crash lands on a planet where a gruff bossy barbarian claims her. Read to find out what claiming entails and how tech meets no-tech. It's great.
June 1, 2018
Aurina and Kavon, star flyer and barbarian.
Highly entertaining, the planet and culture of the barbarian inhabitants is interesting.
Steamy.
If you’ve been enjoying this series you will not be disappointed.
Highly entertaining, the planet and culture of the barbarian inhabitants is interesting.
Steamy.
If you’ve been enjoying this series you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews