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Darkstar Mercenaries #1
Taming Chaos
Torin Mardak came to Zarhab Groht to hunt. Some idiot's been selling Callidum weapons on the black market, and he's been tasked with finding the traitor.
The illegal trading station isn't exactly Torin's favorite place in the Nine Galaxies. It's dirty, chaotic, and full of thieves and murderers, but as an elite Kordolian First Division warrior, he's the most dangerous thing on this floating cesspit, and he won't let anything stand in his way.
But when he encounters a group of humans who really, really shouldn't be here, his priorities might just have to change, because one of them is about to get betrayed in the worst possible way...
And she just so happens to be exactly his type.
Taming Chaos is Book 1 in the Darkstar Mercenaries series. It features a lethal silver-skinned alien hero, a curvy human heroine, and the usual action, violence, steamy sex scenes, and HFN ("happy for now") ending.
The illegal trading station isn't exactly Torin's favorite place in the Nine Galaxies. It's dirty, chaotic, and full of thieves and murderers, but as an elite Kordolian First Division warrior, he's the most dangerous thing on this floating cesspit, and he won't let anything stand in his way.
But when he encounters a group of humans who really, really shouldn't be here, his priorities might just have to change, because one of them is about to get betrayed in the worst possible way...
And she just so happens to be exactly his type.
Taming Chaos is Book 1 in the Darkstar Mercenaries series. It features a lethal silver-skinned alien hero, a curvy human heroine, and the usual action, violence, steamy sex scenes, and HFN ("happy for now") ending.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2018
1573 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
About the author
Anna Carven
59 books1,248 followersAnna Carven is a daydreamer. So much so that she's decided to make a living from it.
She has a penchant for big bad alpha heroes who reserve their secret soft gooey centers only for their fated mates and treasured little ones.
To stay in touch and find out about future releases, you can find her on Facebook, or join the mailing list.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bQaHP5
She has a penchant for big bad alpha heroes who reserve their secret soft gooey centers only for their fated mates and treasured little ones.
To stay in touch and find out about future releases, you can find her on Facebook, or join the mailing list.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bQaHP5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
January 31, 2024
Terrific journey through space!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜💖
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😊😘😟😄🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The Hero: Torin - he is a Kordolian and was one of ten in the first division. He is nearly impossible to kill and though the Kordolian empire has fallen, he is still one of its most elite warriors. He and his team are on the space station Zarhab Groht to catch other Kordolians that are selling their Callidum weapons on the black market. The Callidum is something that only the Kordolians have, and they don’t want other species to wield such dangerous weapons.
The heroine: Persephone (a.k.a. Seph) - she is an analyst who is well known for her alien studies. She is tasked with going on a mission to give information to a force of humans who are going to the outlaw space station of Zarhab Groht to get 100 plasma weapons from a race of alien. Humans have outdated technology that doesn’t stand up to the rest of the nine galaxies. So, they really needed the deal to go through.
The Story: Torin is in search of someone selling Callidum weapons on the dangerous space station. He is in disguise as a regular mercenary, and when he sees over twenty human soldiers escorting a female in a cloak, he is intrigued and follows them. He overhears their negotiations and hears the man in charge agreeing to the terms which include giving the female in the cloak to the aliens so they can trade her for Callidum weapons.
I really liked this story. Especially because it takes place on spaceships and a space station. So many of these alien romances end up taking place on backward planets where the alien races are barbarians. I like the fact that this one was more science fiction with better technology than what we have today. That is the way these books should be, but they are few and far between.
I also liked that Torin was like a super powered alien who was stronger and a better warrior than all others in the nine galaxies. He has a lot of confidence and the skills to back it up. He and Seph end up on a pirate ship and they have to fight there way across the galaxy trying to get to a place where they are safe and not outnumbered by other races.
This audiobook was done in dual points of view via Solo narration. It was narrated by J.F. Harding. Though I do like dual or duet narration a lot more than Solo narration, I definitely liked J.F. Harding’s narration. He has a deep and pleasant sounding voice which I really enjoyed.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜💖
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😊😘😟😄🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The Hero: Torin - he is a Kordolian and was one of ten in the first division. He is nearly impossible to kill and though the Kordolian empire has fallen, he is still one of its most elite warriors. He and his team are on the space station Zarhab Groht to catch other Kordolians that are selling their Callidum weapons on the black market. The Callidum is something that only the Kordolians have, and they don’t want other species to wield such dangerous weapons.
The heroine: Persephone (a.k.a. Seph) - she is an analyst who is well known for her alien studies. She is tasked with going on a mission to give information to a force of humans who are going to the outlaw space station of Zarhab Groht to get 100 plasma weapons from a race of alien. Humans have outdated technology that doesn’t stand up to the rest of the nine galaxies. So, they really needed the deal to go through.
The Story: Torin is in search of someone selling Callidum weapons on the dangerous space station. He is in disguise as a regular mercenary, and when he sees over twenty human soldiers escorting a female in a cloak, he is intrigued and follows them. He overhears their negotiations and hears the man in charge agreeing to the terms which include giving the female in the cloak to the aliens so they can trade her for Callidum weapons.
I really liked this story. Especially because it takes place on spaceships and a space station. So many of these alien romances end up taking place on backward planets where the alien races are barbarians. I like the fact that this one was more science fiction with better technology than what we have today. That is the way these books should be, but they are few and far between.
I also liked that Torin was like a super powered alien who was stronger and a better warrior than all others in the nine galaxies. He has a lot of confidence and the skills to back it up. He and Seph end up on a pirate ship and they have to fight there way across the galaxy trying to get to a place where they are safe and not outnumbered by other races.
This audiobook was done in dual points of view via Solo narration. It was narrated by J.F. Harding. Though I do like dual or duet narration a lot more than Solo narration, I definitely liked J.F. Harding’s narration. He has a deep and pleasant sounding voice which I really enjoyed.
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May 7, 2018
Worthy Spin-off
Very good start to a to the new chapter of how the feared Kordolians will maintain their dominance in space minus the backing of the corrupt empire. Torin is a dichotomy as a deadly super soldier with a gentle soul intrigued by fine art, of all things. The relationship between the leads was good, but not my favorite of Craven's couples. However, few in the SFR genre can match her for sheer "how in the world are they going to get out of this?" creativity and tension. This woman could teach the Marvel Universe a thing or two on how to map a battle scene. Wow.
4.5 rounded to 5 superb action stars.
Very good start to a to the new chapter of how the feared Kordolians will maintain their dominance in space minus the backing of the corrupt empire. Torin is a dichotomy as a deadly super soldier with a gentle soul intrigued by fine art, of all things. The relationship between the leads was good, but not my favorite of Craven's couples. However, few in the SFR genre can match her for sheer "how in the world are they going to get out of this?" creativity and tension. This woman could teach the Marvel Universe a thing or two on how to map a battle scene. Wow.
4.5 rounded to 5 superb action stars.
August 23, 2019
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3.5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
October 6, 2019
This installment of the spinoff to the Dark Planet Warriors series combines several of my biggest smutnip addictions - alien sci-fi, a BBW heroine and a cinny roll hero who happens to be a badass killing elf on nanites. I was in heaven.
Torin is a departure from the other heroes in the series, more communicative, less "kill anything I don't understand" kind of a guy and I am here for this. Persephone is a BBW heroine who's smart, resilient considering the betrayals and danger that she faces throughout the story, and I just liked how they fit together.
Typically, Ms. Carven's strength is in the worldbuilding rather than the romance, but this relationship has easily gone into the top couples in the series for me. I also like that Ms. Carven is now addressing the fallout from the Kordolian rebellion and collapse of the empire and its effect on the other alien races in this 'verse, which I love reading about.
I think this is worth a read if you enjoyed the original series. I know I'm just sucking up this crackilicious series like an addict on a bender. Onto the next.
Torin is a departure from the other heroes in the series, more communicative, less "kill anything I don't understand" kind of a guy and I am here for this. Persephone is a BBW heroine who's smart, resilient considering the betrayals and danger that she faces throughout the story, and I just liked how they fit together.
Typically, Ms. Carven's strength is in the worldbuilding rather than the romance, but this relationship has easily gone into the top couples in the series for me. I also like that Ms. Carven is now addressing the fallout from the Kordolian rebellion and collapse of the empire and its effect on the other alien races in this 'verse, which I love reading about.
I think this is worth a read if you enjoyed the original series. I know I'm just sucking up this crackilicious series like an addict on a bender. Onto the next.
August 5, 2018
Is there anything better than finding a book that gets you out of that book slump?
This was exactly what I needed, and I read the whole thing in one sitting and already onto the next one. The perfect blend of sensual, entertaining and sexy. I always find it a bit funny that I need to read a syfy/alien romance book to get a decent hero. And let me tell ya, the hero was amazing. Completely devoted to the heroine in every way, no pushing away, and he had minimal sexual experience if any at all. The author left their pasts very vague but the heroine for sure had more sexual experience than the hero! *Finally*
The heroine definitely added to the 5 star rating. She was badass and fucking awesome. Wasnt a cowering mess and had a level head about everything. She also didnt fight the attraction to the hero and was confident in her sexuality.
Only thing that bugged me was the world building and descriptions of the hero. I didn't know he had horns until the very end of the book which threw off my mental picture of him. Other than that, this was a near perfect read for me.
This was exactly what I needed, and I read the whole thing in one sitting and already onto the next one. The perfect blend of sensual, entertaining and sexy. I always find it a bit funny that I need to read a syfy/alien romance book to get a decent hero. And let me tell ya, the hero was amazing. Completely devoted to the heroine in every way, no pushing away, and he had minimal sexual experience if any at all. The author left their pasts very vague but the heroine for sure had more sexual experience than the hero! *Finally*
The heroine definitely added to the 5 star rating. She was badass and fucking awesome. Wasnt a cowering mess and had a level head about everything. She also didnt fight the attraction to the hero and was confident in her sexuality.
Only thing that bugged me was the world building and descriptions of the hero. I didn't know he had horns until the very end of the book which threw off my mental picture of him. Other than that, this was a near perfect read for me.
November 13, 2022
This was fun and more of the same and yet somehow OTT. I could do with a little less explosions, and Torin's skin hanging by threads, and some more world building or character building.
It's well constructed and the pacing is flawless but it was somehow a little hollow.
Seph goes to a wild west style space station far from the safety of Earth, to buy guns from shady aliens. Even her own people, the soldiers she travels with, are antagonistic. But I guess this is nothing new for Seph, and yes, it IS a recipe for disaster.
Fortunately Torin hears her, sees her, wants her.
The end.
A fun fluffy filler story for Scifi Romance lovers.
Safety is good. No details given or even alluded to.
It's well constructed and the pacing is flawless but it was somehow a little hollow.
Seph goes to a wild west style space station far from the safety of Earth, to buy guns from shady aliens. Even her own people, the soldiers she travels with, are antagonistic. But I guess this is nothing new for Seph, and yes, it IS a recipe for disaster.
Fortunately Torin hears her, sees her, wants her.
The end.
A fun fluffy filler story for Scifi Romance lovers.
Safety is good. No details given or even alluded to.
February 16, 2021
That hit the spot. A pretty well done sci fi romance. The world building was fairly well done. I liked how the hero was a super soldier who kept telling people he would let them go, just run away, he didn't want to kill them. Then he would get so exasperated when they wouldn't listen and he had to kill them. The heroine didn't have such a well developed character but the hero was so fun that it didn't really matter.
On to the next one.
On to the next one.
January 3, 2022
"Most of the known Universe buys into certain stereotypes. Believe me, you're not the only ones who have been painted with a single brush."
This was a stunning, magnificent, hilarious, nuanced, realistic, sassy, enjoyable continuation of the newest series starring the silver bois, the Kordalian elite military characters. To say I loved this is an understatement and I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Best so far in this world.
This was a stunning, magnificent, hilarious, nuanced, realistic, sassy, enjoyable continuation of the newest series starring the silver bois, the Kordalian elite military characters. To say I loved this is an understatement and I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Best so far in this world.
February 28, 2019
Nothing was wrong with it per se, but there was something missing or lacking for me.
Most of the action happens in one day and it was a little hard to believe that the heroine, who has just been betrayed, would fall in love and mate an alien assassin she met on the first day.
Also, sex scenes were more of wham, bam, thank you ma'am.
Ending was hfn.
Most of the action happens in one day and it was a little hard to believe that the heroine, who has just been betrayed, would fall in love and mate an alien assassin she met on the first day.
Also, sex scenes were more of wham, bam, thank you ma'am.
Ending was hfn.
August 18, 2018
4.5 stars - really good story, lots of action, nice romance.
March 17, 2020
Read again March 2020. Still love it.
4.5 stars.
I picked up this book through KU in an attempt to pull myself out of a book slump. I have read only a handful of alien/scifi romances. They're not really my cuppa except in very small doses. I quite enjoyed this one, though. The characterization of the human h played a big part in that (as the h is often the reason I don't like this genre). She showed strength and resiliency without being stupid. She didn't put herself or others in harm's way out of some idiotic need to prove she didn't need a protector. She was way out of her element and knew it, and allowed the H to do what he was trained for. But, when faced with deadly situations, she did what had to be done to keep herself and the H alive.
I loved the H. As a supersoldier type, he was one of the most dangerous creatures in the 9 galaxies. But, he had a soft side, a concern for others, and a desire to find a mate and be happy. I laughed a few times when he would get frustrated because others wouldn't listen to him and he was forced to kill or maim them. He always gave warning first, and got annoyed at having to follow through with his warnings. He would have been perfectly content to "live and let live" and only wanted to protect the h and make her safe.
This was really a very sweet romance in the midst of the bloody battles, kidnappings, and warring alien races. The mating bond was believable and a bit of a slow build, rather than an lnsta-lust that overshadowed everything else including common sense.
I hadn't read this author before, but I will likely read more of her books. I definitely recommend this one even if, like me, scifi romance is a genre you typically avoid.
4.5 stars.
I picked up this book through KU in an attempt to pull myself out of a book slump. I have read only a handful of alien/scifi romances. They're not really my cuppa except in very small doses. I quite enjoyed this one, though. The characterization of the human h played a big part in that (as the h is often the reason I don't like this genre). She showed strength and resiliency without being stupid. She didn't put herself or others in harm's way out of some idiotic need to prove she didn't need a protector. She was way out of her element and knew it, and allowed the H to do what he was trained for. But, when faced with deadly situations, she did what had to be done to keep herself and the H alive.
I loved the H. As a supersoldier type, he was one of the most dangerous creatures in the 9 galaxies. But, he had a soft side, a concern for others, and a desire to find a mate and be happy. I laughed a few times when he would get frustrated because others wouldn't listen to him and he was forced to kill or maim them. He always gave warning first, and got annoyed at having to follow through with his warnings. He would have been perfectly content to "live and let live" and only wanted to protect the h and make her safe.
This was really a very sweet romance in the midst of the bloody battles, kidnappings, and warring alien races. The mating bond was believable and a bit of a slow build, rather than an lnsta-lust that overshadowed everything else including common sense.
I hadn't read this author before, but I will likely read more of her books. I definitely recommend this one even if, like me, scifi romance is a genre you typically avoid.
December 21, 2018
Betrayed by her people, Seph finds herself on an alien ship with only a Kordolian to help her. I remember reading about Torin in the Dark Planet Warriors series. He's an intellectual and is fascinated by human art, literature and music (which is rare for Kordolians). He's wanted a mate for a while but never believed it would happen...then he sees Persephone and his mission (and life) takes a drastic shift. I'm liking this spin-off series so far, can't wait for more.
January 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
plot: 3/5📖
spice: 2/5🔥
humor: 2/5😂
couple/tension: 4/5🫶🏼
world building: 4/5 🌍
happy end?: yes
keywords: alien, mates, protective hero, forced proximity, slow burn, he falls first
—> Torin is such a cutieee
—> good book, but I have the feeling that the plot of all books from this series (dark planet warriors + the spin-off) is like the same… it bores me
plot: 3/5📖
spice: 2/5🔥
humor: 2/5😂
couple/tension: 4/5🫶🏼
world building: 4/5 🌍
happy end?: yes
keywords: alien, mates, protective hero, forced proximity, slow burn, he falls first
—> Torin is such a cutieee
—> good book, but I have the feeling that the plot of all books from this series (dark planet warriors + the spin-off) is like the same… it bores me
August 4, 2018
spinoff of "Dark Planet" series.
Appreciated the concept and overall story, just didn't quite work for me.
Appreciated the concept and overall story, just didn't quite work for me.
December 7, 2024
Goddamn, this was not the vibe. I don’t wanna write a view, but I’ll post my notes or whatever so then I’ll know why I feel the way I felt if I read it in the future. The first like 50% was fine and then it just went downhill like really really fast downhill. And the ending sucked butt. This was just a book full of drama that did not need to be a thing.
SPOLERS
December 6, 2024
Zarhab Groht, the notorious black market trading station at the edge of Sector Eight
December 6, 2024
Somehow, they knew how to live in a way that was completely flawed and utterly glorious.
December 6, 2024
With colleagues like these, who needed enemies?
December 6, 2024
He squatted on his haunches, lowering himself so that he was looking up at her, rather than the other way around
🤭
December 6, 2024
Torin suspected the Ephrenians hadn’t informed their client that he was inside. Whoever was on the receiving end was in for a nasty surprise.
HEHE EXCITED TO READ THAT
December 6, 2024
Somehow, she wasn’t as afraid as she should have been. That was probably the Torin Effect. He didn’t seem afraid of anything, so why should she be?
Haha
December 6, 2024
Never in his life had Torin felt such a strong urge to protect an individual. Yes, it was finally happening. The moment he’d hoped for, waited for, prayed to the cursed nonexistent Goddess for… He was falling, and it was both terrifying and sublime.
December 6, 2024
He didn’t just look at her as if she were an object he wanted to use or possess. The looks he gave her were all-consuming. He wanted everything from her
December 6, 2024
Vicious one minute, benevolent the next, and always gentle and considerate with her
December 6, 2024
For the first time, there was no fear there, only trust. Ah, you’re going to ruin me, human.
December 6, 2024
His muscle stores were slightly depleted, and if he had to, he would become a fucking skeleton before he let anyone lay a finger on his woman. His one and only future mate. She just didn’t know it yet
December 6, 2024
Their lives, or hers. He’d chosen hers
December 6, 2024
he was a monster, a freak. An abomination. Did he question it? Not anymore.
December 6, 2024
Torin tried Parrus’s little cube on the inner doors, but they wouldn’t open, so he cut a man-sized hole in the metal and kicked it in, sending an oval-shaped piece of metal clattering to the floor
Well that’s one way to open a door haha. And he didn’t even like care the cube didn’t work
December 6, 2024
God, I am officially screwed.
(Add to next quote, couldn’t get them hi lighted together haha)
December 6, 2024
Really, how she wished that were the case.
December 6, 2024
cajoling
Persuading
December 6, 2024
She pulled the stars down from the sky and garbed herself in a raiment of light, and the stars loved her so much they forgot the darkness and became one with her moonlight-kissed skin.
December 6, 2024
But this was Torin, and everything they did together felt so effortless, so natural, as if their souls had already met in some past life
December 6, 2024
Oh, he loved this side of her.
First sex scene 55% ish I liked the buildup but it also kinda felt like insta love ya know. And I thought it was lackluster when they actually did it. So far the smut was meh(I read the whole book now and that’s literally one of the only two sex scenes and they both sucked.)
December 6, 2024
He tasted sweet yet bitter, his lips infused with an almost imperceptible metallic taint
He literally just ate raw meat girl…? Did you forget? Did the horney thoughts get the best of you?? Kinda not exactly something that interests me… yucky
December 6, 2024
He
I think my main problem with this is that there’s like no plot. There’s nothing they’re working towards, well nothing substantial that is life or death, and I’m just bored. I’m pretty sure the ending is just gonna be them going to earth and being all happy and whatever, and that’s great but not exactly what I’m looking for or what I’m expecting from a book like this.
December 6, 2024
The feeling was so unexpectedly powerful that it almost brought him to his knees. “I’m here.”
Dude… You’ve literally been away from her for like 20 minutes. I know it’s been longer than that, but she was sleeping dude and just like what the hell so much drama for no reason.
December 6, 2024
In the unlikely event that a spacecraft might be boarded by hostiles, one might remove gravity to slow down and disorganize an oncoming attack
If it’s like his partner, or whatever, or someone from that military base he was talking about, I’m going to be severely disappointed. Because if it is, every single conflict in this book gets resolved way too fast, which might be someone’s cup of tea, but it’s not mine.
December 6, 2024
That was the human paradox. They could be so afraid, yet so defiant
Can you stop being so weirdly fascinated with the human race? It’s getting a little out of hand buddy and I’m starting to think you’re only with Persephone because she’s human. but maybe I’m just being cynical at this point.
December 6, 2024
He was the calm in the center of the storm; the anchor. And when she was with him, nothing could touch her.
December 6, 2024
It was like flicking a switch. The rest came easily, because his true instincts kicked in, and the last shreds of his civilized facade melted away. Because like all Kordolians, he was really just a savage at heart
December 6, 2024
Torin had hacked, slashed, and shot his way through most of the ship
You literally just said you lost your swords. What the fuck
December 6, 2024
. You’re the one who’s hurt. Take.” She applied pressure, causing his fangs to break her skin
When the fuck did he become a vampire…? What is this? Also there’s like 10 dead guys around you just let him eat one of them… Once again, so dramatic for nothing.
December 6, 2024
Her near-invincible warrior was hurt, and she had the power to restore him
Don’t feel so special girl, so does the dead guy on the floor
December 6, 2024
To her intense relief, his face was almost completely healed now
OK, like what the hell… He gets healed because of protein, not blood. There is less protein in blood than there is in meat
December 6, 2024
horn-buds with her thumbs
Why does he now have horns? Literally why what is the point?
SPOLERS
December 6, 2024
Zarhab Groht, the notorious black market trading station at the edge of Sector Eight
December 6, 2024
Somehow, they knew how to live in a way that was completely flawed and utterly glorious.
December 6, 2024
With colleagues like these, who needed enemies?
December 6, 2024
He squatted on his haunches, lowering himself so that he was looking up at her, rather than the other way around
🤭
December 6, 2024
Torin suspected the Ephrenians hadn’t informed their client that he was inside. Whoever was on the receiving end was in for a nasty surprise.
HEHE EXCITED TO READ THAT
December 6, 2024
Somehow, she wasn’t as afraid as she should have been. That was probably the Torin Effect. He didn’t seem afraid of anything, so why should she be?
Haha
December 6, 2024
Never in his life had Torin felt such a strong urge to protect an individual. Yes, it was finally happening. The moment he’d hoped for, waited for, prayed to the cursed nonexistent Goddess for… He was falling, and it was both terrifying and sublime.
December 6, 2024
He didn’t just look at her as if she were an object he wanted to use or possess. The looks he gave her were all-consuming. He wanted everything from her
December 6, 2024
Vicious one minute, benevolent the next, and always gentle and considerate with her
December 6, 2024
For the first time, there was no fear there, only trust. Ah, you’re going to ruin me, human.
December 6, 2024
His muscle stores were slightly depleted, and if he had to, he would become a fucking skeleton before he let anyone lay a finger on his woman. His one and only future mate. She just didn’t know it yet
December 6, 2024
Their lives, or hers. He’d chosen hers
December 6, 2024
he was a monster, a freak. An abomination. Did he question it? Not anymore.
December 6, 2024
Torin tried Parrus’s little cube on the inner doors, but they wouldn’t open, so he cut a man-sized hole in the metal and kicked it in, sending an oval-shaped piece of metal clattering to the floor
Well that’s one way to open a door haha. And he didn’t even like care the cube didn’t work
December 6, 2024
God, I am officially screwed.
(Add to next quote, couldn’t get them hi lighted together haha)
December 6, 2024
Really, how she wished that were the case.
December 6, 2024
cajoling
Persuading
December 6, 2024
She pulled the stars down from the sky and garbed herself in a raiment of light, and the stars loved her so much they forgot the darkness and became one with her moonlight-kissed skin.
December 6, 2024
But this was Torin, and everything they did together felt so effortless, so natural, as if their souls had already met in some past life
December 6, 2024
Oh, he loved this side of her.
First sex scene 55% ish I liked the buildup but it also kinda felt like insta love ya know. And I thought it was lackluster when they actually did it. So far the smut was meh(I read the whole book now and that’s literally one of the only two sex scenes and they both sucked.)
December 6, 2024
He tasted sweet yet bitter, his lips infused with an almost imperceptible metallic taint
He literally just ate raw meat girl…? Did you forget? Did the horney thoughts get the best of you?? Kinda not exactly something that interests me… yucky
December 6, 2024
He
I think my main problem with this is that there’s like no plot. There’s nothing they’re working towards, well nothing substantial that is life or death, and I’m just bored. I’m pretty sure the ending is just gonna be them going to earth and being all happy and whatever, and that’s great but not exactly what I’m looking for or what I’m expecting from a book like this.
December 6, 2024
The feeling was so unexpectedly powerful that it almost brought him to his knees. “I’m here.”
Dude… You’ve literally been away from her for like 20 minutes. I know it’s been longer than that, but she was sleeping dude and just like what the hell so much drama for no reason.
December 6, 2024
In the unlikely event that a spacecraft might be boarded by hostiles, one might remove gravity to slow down and disorganize an oncoming attack
If it’s like his partner, or whatever, or someone from that military base he was talking about, I’m going to be severely disappointed. Because if it is, every single conflict in this book gets resolved way too fast, which might be someone’s cup of tea, but it’s not mine.
December 6, 2024
That was the human paradox. They could be so afraid, yet so defiant
Can you stop being so weirdly fascinated with the human race? It’s getting a little out of hand buddy and I’m starting to think you’re only with Persephone because she’s human. but maybe I’m just being cynical at this point.
December 6, 2024
He was the calm in the center of the storm; the anchor. And when she was with him, nothing could touch her.
December 6, 2024
It was like flicking a switch. The rest came easily, because his true instincts kicked in, and the last shreds of his civilized facade melted away. Because like all Kordolians, he was really just a savage at heart
December 6, 2024
Torin had hacked, slashed, and shot his way through most of the ship
You literally just said you lost your swords. What the fuck
December 6, 2024
. You’re the one who’s hurt. Take.” She applied pressure, causing his fangs to break her skin
When the fuck did he become a vampire…? What is this? Also there’s like 10 dead guys around you just let him eat one of them… Once again, so dramatic for nothing.
December 6, 2024
Her near-invincible warrior was hurt, and she had the power to restore him
Don’t feel so special girl, so does the dead guy on the floor
December 6, 2024
To her intense relief, his face was almost completely healed now
OK, like what the hell… He gets healed because of protein, not blood. There is less protein in blood than there is in meat
December 6, 2024
horn-buds with her thumbs
Why does he now have horns? Literally why what is the point?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
To be honest, I thought I wouldn't like it when I was a few chapters in but then the story got better, more interesting and entertaining with an amazing action I couldn't get enough of it.
The story is shaping up really nicely, I can't wait t read the next installment in this series.
The story is shaping up really nicely, I can't wait t read the next installment in this series.
May 5, 2018
Another fun installment in Dark Planet Warriors Universe. Got to love them Kordolians, they are like Doberman Pinchers- sleek, powerful, fearless protectors who can be totally devoted and turn in to playful, gentle companions for those who they love.
January 22, 2021
The lack of relationship drama actually made me enjoy this book less than I might’ve. Could be right for others, though!
Also, I thought the sex was underwhelming.
Also, I thought the sex was underwhelming.
March 28, 2021
Let’s be honest. I’m never gonna finish this.
May 23, 2018
Torin, the Kordolian with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, is finally getting his chance to find his special someone. In a twist, he has to travel to the dark underside of the galaxy to find her.
Because that's the way these lightning bolt matings work. You can be surrounded by a bevy of potential people, but it's the one being betrayed on a space station on the far edge of the galaxy who does it for you.
And, BOY, does Seph do it for him. She's smart and brave and she's willing to embrace all Torin's sides. The gentle side, the violent side, the side that needs to rip still-warm hearts out of an enemy's body. He becomes her rock when things go sideways and she puts all her trust in him. Which, quite honestly, is exactly what the big guy needs.
The Kordolians might have given up their prime spot as the scourge of the Nine Galaxies, but the Darkstar Mercenaries are still kicking butts and taking names. And slaughtering when they have to. As one would expect.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Because that's the way these lightning bolt matings work. You can be surrounded by a bevy of potential people, but it's the one being betrayed on a space station on the far edge of the galaxy who does it for you.
And, BOY, does Seph do it for him. She's smart and brave and she's willing to embrace all Torin's sides. The gentle side, the violent side, the side that needs to rip still-warm hearts out of an enemy's body. He becomes her rock when things go sideways and she puts all her trust in him. Which, quite honestly, is exactly what the big guy needs.
The Kordolians might have given up their prime spot as the scourge of the Nine Galaxies, but the Darkstar Mercenaries are still kicking butts and taking names. And slaughtering when they have to. As one would expect.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 27, 2018
This author It's one of my favorites and she does deliver with this new series!
April 29, 2018
Another enjoyable read
August 29, 2018
Attention grabber
I've been looking for a great alien romance and I've found them in Anna's series! Once again I was hooked until the very end! Would recommend!
I've been looking for a great alien romance and I've found them in Anna's series! Once again I was hooked until the very end! Would recommend!
April 14, 2020
Caricature of super-soldier.
What a boring BORING book.
Characters with no depth.
6 hours an alien dude killing, killing and more killing to prove his "love" and "devotion" for a human female he barely knows, putting himself through "beyond excruciating" pain... why ? He likes humans after visiting Earth and she just happens to be "his type".
How shallow are these two ???
At some point in the story, the alien dude refers to Earth's culture and the painter Monet in particular. LOL. That was absurd, because the author might have written he was more of an intellectual, but all we get to see of him in the book is a savage killer, who kills and kills and kills and gets blasted in so many ways, but still survives... The idea was to cast him as having a dual personality. But that didn't take, because the character is so shallow.
At some point I hoped the story would go somewhere... anywhere ? But no. It just went on. Killing and killing. Yawn.
Could it be any more caricatural of a BBW princess in distress and love at first sight for one of the deadliest and most difficult to terminate alien in "the universe"?
And OMGoodness! The Universe ?!? That's a pretty big place.
I mean how arrogant to claim that these Kordolians are the deadliest in the Universe ? I mean, does the author have any kind of concept of the potential size of the universe ? Makes me wonder if the author did ANY sort of research on human speculation regarding the size of the universe.
This thing about the badass Kordolians being at the top of the Universe's food chain is just ridiculous. I'd go for a cluster of galaxies... and that's already unimaginably humongous.
That was a big bummer and that fact that these Kordolians have a very human-like anatomy. Pff. So unoriginal !
Oh! And I don't recommend the audiobook. The narrator, JF Harding is TERRIBLE at female voices.
What a boring BORING book.
Characters with no depth.
6 hours an alien dude killing, killing and more killing to prove his "love" and "devotion" for a human female he barely knows, putting himself through "beyond excruciating" pain... why ? He likes humans after visiting Earth and she just happens to be "his type".
How shallow are these two ???
At some point in the story, the alien dude refers to Earth's culture and the painter Monet in particular. LOL. That was absurd, because the author might have written he was more of an intellectual, but all we get to see of him in the book is a savage killer, who kills and kills and kills and gets blasted in so many ways, but still survives... The idea was to cast him as having a dual personality. But that didn't take, because the character is so shallow.
At some point I hoped the story would go somewhere... anywhere ? But no. It just went on. Killing and killing. Yawn.
Could it be any more caricatural of a BBW princess in distress and love at first sight for one of the deadliest and most difficult to terminate alien in "the universe"?
And OMGoodness! The Universe ?!? That's a pretty big place.
I mean how arrogant to claim that these Kordolians are the deadliest in the Universe ? I mean, does the author have any kind of concept of the potential size of the universe ? Makes me wonder if the author did ANY sort of research on human speculation regarding the size of the universe.
This thing about the badass Kordolians being at the top of the Universe's food chain is just ridiculous. I'd go for a cluster of galaxies... and that's already unimaginably humongous.
That was a big bummer and that fact that these Kordolians have a very human-like anatomy. Pff. So unoriginal !
Oh! And I don't recommend the audiobook. The narrator, JF Harding is TERRIBLE at female voices.
January 16, 2024
I love the Kordolians. They may be fierce and ruthless, especially the First Division, but when they find their mates, they are as protective as they are fierce. They won't let anyone hurt their mates, and following their General's example, they will wipe out worlds and destroy empires to make sure their loved ones will be safe.
Torin is a First Division warrior who is now a Darkstar Mercenary. The General has sent him out on a mission to find out who is selling Callidum. He's out with his partner on a out of the way space station when a large group of humans, who really shouldn't be there, walk by. There is one that he is drawn to.
Persephone, call me Seph, is a xenologist and an analyst. She's there to help her group be successful, but one of the other humans decides to literally sell her out to the people who they are dealing with.
I love how Torin isn't about to let that happen, and he's going to do whatever he has to do to make sure that Seph stays safe. Seph is a pretty awesome heroine, in my opinion, because she's just so willing to deal with whatever she to deal with. Whatever Torin does, she manages to take in stride, even if it could be terrible. She's not going to let anything stop her, except maybe herself.
I need more Kordolians. I always need more. I can't wait for the next book to come out, because they are awesome.
Torin is a First Division warrior who is now a Darkstar Mercenary. The General has sent him out on a mission to find out who is selling Callidum. He's out with his partner on a out of the way space station when a large group of humans, who really shouldn't be there, walk by. There is one that he is drawn to.
Persephone, call me Seph, is a xenologist and an analyst. She's there to help her group be successful, but one of the other humans decides to literally sell her out to the people who they are dealing with.
I love how Torin isn't about to let that happen, and he's going to do whatever he has to do to make sure that Seph stays safe. Seph is a pretty awesome heroine, in my opinion, because she's just so willing to deal with whatever she to deal with. Whatever Torin does, she manages to take in stride, even if it could be terrible. She's not going to let anything stop her, except maybe herself.
I need more Kordolians. I always need more. I can't wait for the next book to come out, because they are awesome.
July 27, 2024
My first Anna Carven book as I begin my Alien Romance foray... and it was a fun easy read.
Our FMC is out on a mission based on her expertise and the earth dudes that were supposed to protect her give her over to some aliens who want to buy her… MEANWHILE, our MMC, Torin is on a mission and oversees this bs. Luckily he's interested in Earth stuff and sees the FMC and is instantly very interested in protecting her.
MMC, Torin is a super soldier, nearly immortal being, who collects Seph, and keeps her safe from those that would harm her.
This is a fated mates situation with compatible species DNA. The MMC is a bit stilted hero/warrior dude, who wants her and only her. FMC, Persephone/Seph is a strong woman who knows her own mind and can't resist the hottie MMC.
I'm into these Kordolians and their tough warrior on the outside, marshmallow on the inside for their mate, situation. I'll keep going with the series.
⭐️ 3.5
🎧Audiobook Narrator: J.F. Harding 👍
SERIES: Darkstar Mercenaries by Anna Carven
Taming Chaos (#1) - Torin Mardak & Persephone ★ 3.5/5
Shattered Silence (#2) - Enki Zakanin & Layla dela Cruz
Fractured Souls (#3) - Nythian & Alexis
Decadence (#4) Ikriss & Sienna
Hyperspeed Dreams (#5) - Lodan Vorkan & Tasha
Undying Stars (#6) - Jeral and Kora
Radiant Darkness #7 - Arkan Kythelian & Soraya
Our FMC is out on a mission based on her expertise and the earth dudes that were supposed to protect her give her over to some aliens who want to buy her… MEANWHILE, our MMC, Torin is on a mission and oversees this bs. Luckily he's interested in Earth stuff and sees the FMC and is instantly very interested in protecting her.
MMC, Torin is a super soldier, nearly immortal being, who collects Seph, and keeps her safe from those that would harm her.
This is a fated mates situation with compatible species DNA. The MMC is a bit stilted hero/warrior dude, who wants her and only her. FMC, Persephone/Seph is a strong woman who knows her own mind and can't resist the hottie MMC.
I'm into these Kordolians and their tough warrior on the outside, marshmallow on the inside for their mate, situation. I'll keep going with the series.
⭐️ 3.5
🎧Audiobook Narrator: J.F. Harding 👍
SERIES: Darkstar Mercenaries by Anna Carven
Taming Chaos (#1) - Torin Mardak & Persephone ★ 3.5/5
Shattered Silence (#2) - Enki Zakanin & Layla dela Cruz
Fractured Souls (#3) - Nythian & Alexis
Decadence (#4) Ikriss & Sienna
Hyperspeed Dreams (#5) - Lodan Vorkan & Tasha
Undying Stars (#6) - Jeral and Kora
Radiant Darkness #7 - Arkan Kythelian & Soraya
April 24, 2018
Loved it
I fell in love with the Kordolians when I read the first Dark Planet warriors book. I've also read the prequel and the short stories. And I have to say I'm so happy that Anna Carven hasn't stopped writing about them but has actually started a new series dedicated to them. I loved Torrin and Persephone 's story. Filled with action from the first page to the very end. Torrin is so much more than a first division soldier. He is a scholar, artist,lover and a badass warrior☺ the connection between them is electric and I love the banter between them. I also admire and respect the way they seem to understand each other to the cores of who they actually are. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I fell in love with the Kordolians when I read the first Dark Planet warriors book. I've also read the prequel and the short stories. And I have to say I'm so happy that Anna Carven hasn't stopped writing about them but has actually started a new series dedicated to them. I loved Torrin and Persephone 's story. Filled with action from the first page to the very end. Torrin is so much more than a first division soldier. He is a scholar, artist,lover and a badass warrior☺ the connection between them is electric and I love the banter between them. I also admire and respect the way they seem to understand each other to the cores of who they actually are. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
June 15, 2018
Perfection as usual.
She is now the undisputed Queen of SFR. No one can write a battle scene as well as her, make space travel sound fun and have me up till 3am in the morning because I just MUST know what is going to happen!
I cannot WAIT for the next in this new series!
She is now the undisputed Queen of SFR. No one can write a battle scene as well as her, make space travel sound fun and have me up till 3am in the morning because I just MUST know what is going to happen!
I cannot WAIT for the next in this new series!
October 5, 2023
This was great! Super sexy slow burn and Torin was such an awe inspiring, contradictory character. Action packed with a cool back story. I don’t feel pulled to read more in this series right away, but maybe someday. Content with reading it as a standalone for now. I was expecting more smuttiness but the slow burn contrasting with action scenes were really wonderful.
July 12, 2018
Penelope and Torin
Torin sees Penelope trader away by her own people for plasma rifles. Although he's never met her he knows she's the one and he has to save and protect her. This is the story of what he had to do. He's ashamed of all the people he's had to kill, even though he always warns them of what will happen ahead of time. Penelope sees it differently and is surprised she's so drawn to this Kordolian mercenary.
These two H&h were great together. It was nice to read about one of the First that wasn't dark and twisted, that the heroine doesn't have to straighten out and save. Torin is ashamed but that's very different from having major psych problems that the majority of the First Division have had. I wish we could of stayed longer with this couple!
Torin sees Penelope trader away by her own people for plasma rifles. Although he's never met her he knows she's the one and he has to save and protect her. This is the story of what he had to do. He's ashamed of all the people he's had to kill, even though he always warns them of what will happen ahead of time. Penelope sees it differently and is surprised she's so drawn to this Kordolian mercenary.
These two H&h were great together. It was nice to read about one of the First that wasn't dark and twisted, that the heroine doesn't have to straighten out and save. Torin is ashamed but that's very different from having major psych problems that the majority of the First Division have had. I wish we could of stayed longer with this couple!
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