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Dark Planet Warriors #5
Forged in Shadow
Listening Length: 7 hours and 51 minutes
Sergeant Arin Varga has a problem on her hands. She's supposed to be in charge of a squad of peacekeepers. That's something she would normally handle with ease, except that now her people are stuck in Earth's orbit on a doomed superfreighter. To make things worse, they're being held hostage by a group of very threatening, very menacing silver-skinned Kordolians, who are insistent that all they want is safe passage to Earth to kill oversized insects.
One particular alien, who goes by the name of Rykal, seems be constantly getting inside her personal space. He isn't just threatening, he's friendly and threatening, and if Arin isn't careful, that could become a major problem.
Warning: This book is a science-fiction alien romance. It contains swearing, violence, sensual sex scenes and silver aliens with fangs. It's definitely recommended for readers aged 18 and over.
Forged in Shadow is Book Five in the Dark Planet Warriors Series. It will make more sense if you've read the other books first, although that's probably not absolutely essential.
Sergeant Arin Varga has a problem on her hands. She's supposed to be in charge of a squad of peacekeepers. That's something she would normally handle with ease, except that now her people are stuck in Earth's orbit on a doomed superfreighter. To make things worse, they're being held hostage by a group of very threatening, very menacing silver-skinned Kordolians, who are insistent that all they want is safe passage to Earth to kill oversized insects.
One particular alien, who goes by the name of Rykal, seems be constantly getting inside her personal space. He isn't just threatening, he's friendly and threatening, and if Arin isn't careful, that could become a major problem.
Warning: This book is a science-fiction alien romance. It contains swearing, violence, sensual sex scenes and silver aliens with fangs. It's definitely recommended for readers aged 18 and over.
Forged in Shadow is Book Five in the Dark Planet Warriors Series. It will make more sense if you've read the other books first, although that's probably not absolutely essential.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 5, 2016
547 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Anna Carven
59 books1,252 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 203 reviews
April 19, 2024
Space bugs!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: 😊😘😟🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Arin Varga - she is the daughter of a female general and she is a peacekeeper that has been in charge of patrolling a gigantic mining station in a super-freighter for the last few years. She had to report to a committee to explain the situation with the Zargek and the Kordolians. The Zargek are large bug-like aliens that can easily overcome a planet and are a threat to Earth and Humanity. The Kordolians are the only alien species that have the capacity to get rid of the adult Zargek’s. Though the leaders of Earth see the Kordolians as another hostile species of alien, especially since they had recently captured the super-freighter.
The Heroes: Rykal - He took Arin hostage when they first met. She reminded him of an ice blade (ashika). She was sharp, direct and effective. She was able to take control of the humans and guide them with her level-headed intelligence and poise. The super-freighter was how they escaped the doomed mining station Fortuna Tau.
The Story: Kordolians and humans looked a lot alike and when Rykal thought of Arin, he often wondered just how alike they were. Rykal was a killer, but he rarely made promises, though he promised Arin that he would try not to kill any of the humans. He didn’t have a very high opinion of humans other than Arin. There was no way a human could kill a Kordolian, as they had body armor coded in their DNA which could be called up at any moment. Almost nothing the humans had could get through the exo-armor. Though the humans on the freighter did try to overpower the seven Kordolians while Arin was off the Freighter making her appeal to the senate.
Arin didn’t really mind Rykal. She thought he was the most handsome of the Kordolians, and actually preferred being on a doomed freighter with him than on Earth dealing with the politics and her mother. When two agents from alien affairs meet with Arin, they tell her that since the general died, she is the sergeant that has taken on most of the leadership on the freighter, especially since she was the one trying to broker a deal with the Kordolians. They want Arin to continue to work with the Kordolians but to also spy on them. They don’t give her a choice. They plan to use the Kordolians to get rid of the Zargek’s then figure out how to get rid of them.
I liked this book, both main characters had interesting back stories, especially Rykal. He went through something in his transition to be a warrior where they removed all his memories, but he has been having flashbacks. I also liked Arin because she was a strong female character who was more intelligent than most people she had to deal with.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via solo narration and was narrated by Jillian Macie. I like her voice and she is very good at using different voices and tones for different characters. She is also great at showing emotion through her voice. Though I would much rather this be dual or duet narration, but Jillian does a terrific job.
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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 heroine: Arin Varga - she is the daughter of a female general and she is a peacekeeper that has been in charge of patrolling a gigantic mining station in a super-freighter for the last few years. She had to report to a committee to explain the situation with the Zargek and the Kordolians. The Zargek are large bug-like aliens that can easily overcome a planet and are a threat to Earth and Humanity. The Kordolians are the only alien species that have the capacity to get rid of the adult Zargek’s. Though the leaders of Earth see the Kordolians as another hostile species of alien, especially since they had recently captured the super-freighter.
The Heroes: Rykal - He took Arin hostage when they first met. She reminded him of an ice blade (ashika). She was sharp, direct and effective. She was able to take control of the humans and guide them with her level-headed intelligence and poise. The super-freighter was how they escaped the doomed mining station Fortuna Tau.
The Story: Kordolians and humans looked a lot alike and when Rykal thought of Arin, he often wondered just how alike they were. Rykal was a killer, but he rarely made promises, though he promised Arin that he would try not to kill any of the humans. He didn’t have a very high opinion of humans other than Arin. There was no way a human could kill a Kordolian, as they had body armor coded in their DNA which could be called up at any moment. Almost nothing the humans had could get through the exo-armor. Though the humans on the freighter did try to overpower the seven Kordolians while Arin was off the Freighter making her appeal to the senate.
Arin didn’t really mind Rykal. She thought he was the most handsome of the Kordolians, and actually preferred being on a doomed freighter with him than on Earth dealing with the politics and her mother. When two agents from alien affairs meet with Arin, they tell her that since the general died, she is the sergeant that has taken on most of the leadership on the freighter, especially since she was the one trying to broker a deal with the Kordolians. They want Arin to continue to work with the Kordolians but to also spy on them. They don’t give her a choice. They plan to use the Kordolians to get rid of the Zargek’s then figure out how to get rid of them.
I liked this book, both main characters had interesting back stories, especially Rykal. He went through something in his transition to be a warrior where they removed all his memories, but he has been having flashbacks. I also liked Arin because she was a strong female character who was more intelligent than most people she had to deal with.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via solo narration and was narrated by Jillian Macie. I like her voice and she is very good at using different voices and tones for different characters. She is also great at showing emotion through her voice. Though I would much rather this be dual or duet narration, but Jillian does a terrific job.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
March 14, 2020
Arin the human who can kick ass but still have a sense of humour, and Rykal, the alien who is the definition of kick ass.
I listened to this on audio and the same reader (Jillian Macie) as the other books was excellent as usual.
I've been waiting for this one since the first book, and it did not disappoint!
We start the book after the station exploded and all the (now) refugees are on a freighter. Arin had to go to Earth and talk to some anti-alien senators and try to convince them that the Kordolians are Earths only hope to get rid of the Xargek scorge.
Rykal is one of the more gregarious First Division warriors and he wants to get gregarious with Arin but she takes a bit longer to reciprocate. Not a lot longer, but he is definitely the pursuer. It was pretty sweet actually, the mating dance in between Xargek attacks and human attacks.
This was perhaps not the best choice to read/listen to during the whole covid-19 nuttiness. Watching how selfish humans can be in real life as well as in a story set in the future. But I still love how honest the author is about her characters and how they interact with each other.
It did get a little ridiculous with what the First Division can withstand attack-wise. I was rolling my eyes a little even though the follow-thru was pretty cool.
Safety is great with no info sexual history except that she isn't a virgin and I'm pretty sure he isn't either. There is a reference to an attempted rape in the past
I listened to this on audio and the same reader (Jillian Macie) as the other books was excellent as usual.
I've been waiting for this one since the first book, and it did not disappoint!
We start the book after the station exploded and all the (now) refugees are on a freighter. Arin had to go to Earth and talk to some anti-alien senators and try to convince them that the Kordolians are Earths only hope to get rid of the Xargek scorge.
Rykal is one of the more gregarious First Division warriors and he wants to get gregarious with Arin but she takes a bit longer to reciprocate. Not a lot longer, but he is definitely the pursuer. It was pretty sweet actually, the mating dance in between Xargek attacks and human attacks.
This was perhaps not the best choice to read/listen to during the whole covid-19 nuttiness. Watching how selfish humans can be in real life as well as in a story set in the future. But I still love how honest the author is about her characters and how they interact with each other.
It did get a little ridiculous with what the First Division can withstand attack-wise. I was rolling my eyes a little even though the follow-thru was pretty cool.
Safety is great with no info sexual history except that she isn't a virgin and I'm pretty sure he isn't either. There is a reference to an attempted rape in the past
January 4, 2017
May be the best one yet!
Anna Carven's fifth Dark Planet novel rocketed right to the top for me. It might be my favorite because it was the perfect blend of space adventure and hot romance. Filled with Xargek battles in a failing space freighter, daring escapes, steamy interludes and poignant sacrifices, this book is an adrenaline rush from beginning to end. Reinforced with inter- and intra-planetary politics, family drama and threats from multiple sources, and it was a book that appealed on multiple levels.
This episode features First Division soldier Rykal and peacekeeper Arin trying to hold things together in a freighter filled with refugees from the unfortunate Fortuna Tau station. They are orbiting Earth while the powers that be debate what to do with them. An infestation of Xargeks moves the timetable up a tad.
Kordolian Rykal is fascinated with Arin. She is authoritative, fair, athletic and smells nice. He gets turned on watching her beat down a bully, doing her job. In turn, Rykal is antsy and somewhat impulsive for a Kordolian. It doesn't hurt that he is physically described as a silver-skinned elf warrior straight out of a Lord of the Rings movie. Plus he smells nice, too. Carven sets up her attraction between the H/h very thoroughly, involving emotion, respect, and physical senses like sight, touch and smell. As an avid reader of this series, I enjoy that she infuses her leads with characteristics that differentiate them from other human/Kordolian pairings in other books. Through the characters we learn more each time about Kythia and the current state of affairs on future Earth.
What sets this book apart, for me, was the depth to which the nanite construct that makes the Kordolian warriors so invincible was explored. It was imaginative, gory, fascinating and heart-wrenching. And done so very well.
I am loving this series, and it just keeps getting better!
Anna Carven's fifth Dark Planet novel rocketed right to the top for me. It might be my favorite because it was the perfect blend of space adventure and hot romance. Filled with Xargek battles in a failing space freighter, daring escapes, steamy interludes and poignant sacrifices, this book is an adrenaline rush from beginning to end. Reinforced with inter- and intra-planetary politics, family drama and threats from multiple sources, and it was a book that appealed on multiple levels.
This episode features First Division soldier Rykal and peacekeeper Arin trying to hold things together in a freighter filled with refugees from the unfortunate Fortuna Tau station. They are orbiting Earth while the powers that be debate what to do with them. An infestation of Xargeks moves the timetable up a tad.
Kordolian Rykal is fascinated with Arin. She is authoritative, fair, athletic and smells nice. He gets turned on watching her beat down a bully, doing her job. In turn, Rykal is antsy and somewhat impulsive for a Kordolian. It doesn't hurt that he is physically described as a silver-skinned elf warrior straight out of a Lord of the Rings movie. Plus he smells nice, too. Carven sets up her attraction between the H/h very thoroughly, involving emotion, respect, and physical senses like sight, touch and smell. As an avid reader of this series, I enjoy that she infuses her leads with characteristics that differentiate them from other human/Kordolian pairings in other books. Through the characters we learn more each time about Kythia and the current state of affairs on future Earth.
What sets this book apart, for me, was the depth to which the nanite construct that makes the Kordolian warriors so invincible was explored. It was imaginative, gory, fascinating and heart-wrenching. And done so very well.
I am loving this series, and it just keeps getting better!
April 27, 2023
Wow!! This series is Amazing!!
October 16, 2016
This is an action packed science fiction romance with a super hot love story at its center.
The heroine is wonderful, practical and kick ass. The hero is great.
They really like and respect each other. There is nothing hotter than than that.
This book can be enjoyed without having read the others but it is made better by having read the others.
There are some moments in this book that so good I clapped. Yea!
The heroine is wonderful, practical and kick ass. The hero is great.
They really like and respect each other. There is nothing hotter than than that.
This book can be enjoyed without having read the others but it is made better by having read the others.
There are some moments in this book that so good I clapped. Yea!
April 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Loved Rykal. He was funny and sweet and determined. Arin had the potential to really annoy me. She pushed him away a lot. But she was not horrible about it so it was not so horrible.
This story was kinda dark. Ry had to do some gruesome stuff to survive and Arin was assaulted and almost raped.
There was a lot to this story!
Loved Rykal. He was funny and sweet and determined. Arin had the potential to really annoy me. She pushed him away a lot. But she was not horrible about it so it was not so horrible.
This story was kinda dark. Ry had to do some gruesome stuff to survive and Arin was assaulted and almost raped.
There was a lot to this story!
October 9, 2016
3.5 stars
September 22, 2019
4.25-4.5 stars
I thought the previous book (Out of Darkness) was the best of the series, but this one beat it. I really liked it.
Before I continue - the reading order is crucial (Bk 1,4,5,7,2,3,4.5,6,8). There's several moments that made earlier books I read before I learned that the publishing order is NOT the right order for series make way more sense. So, I would definitely recommend books in the proper story order, because the overarching storyline? Much better.
Anyway, I really liked Arin and Rykal's relationship. This isn't really insta-love at all, which I personally enjoy. I like that they're both soldiers and relate to each other on that level. There's a balance between them, a mutual respect that I really love. Yes, there's no denying that Rykal is physically stronger, etc. but Arin is capable, commanding and a leader. Each heroine in this series has their own strengths, and as a series whole, I appreciate that they have the ability to stand up for themselves and others, instead of strictly depending on the damsel in distress stereotype.
The action is still strong, but their relationship grounds the action and I love that I bought into their love by the end of the story in a way that I didn't with some of the earlier books. Warning: there are some violent scenes and definitely a potentially triggering scene involving the potential abuse of the heroine, but I thought it worked within this story. Just a heads up.
The strength of this series has been the worldbuilding, and I liked seeing the darker side of the Federation. This type of bureaucracy fuckery was believable and gave the story more depth than some of the earlier books.
Overall, my fave and if you've read the books in order and wondered what the fuss is about, I'd encourage others to try it by reading Books 4 and 5. I totally get it now and the teasers for the next book, Book 7 (Electric Heart) are really intriguing me. Digging this and if you like alien sci-fi romances, I say give this a shot.
I thought the previous book (Out of Darkness) was the best of the series, but this one beat it. I really liked it.
Before I continue - the reading order is crucial (Bk 1,4,5,7,2,3,4.5,6,8). There's several moments that made earlier books I read before I learned that the publishing order is NOT the right order for series make way more sense. So, I would definitely recommend books in the proper story order, because the overarching storyline? Much better.
Anyway, I really liked Arin and Rykal's relationship. This isn't really insta-love at all, which I personally enjoy. I like that they're both soldiers and relate to each other on that level. There's a balance between them, a mutual respect that I really love. Yes, there's no denying that Rykal is physically stronger, etc. but Arin is capable, commanding and a leader. Each heroine in this series has their own strengths, and as a series whole, I appreciate that they have the ability to stand up for themselves and others, instead of strictly depending on the damsel in distress stereotype.
The action is still strong, but their relationship grounds the action and I love that I bought into their love by the end of the story in a way that I didn't with some of the earlier books. Warning: there are some violent scenes and definitely a potentially triggering scene involving the potential abuse of the heroine, but I thought it worked within this story. Just a heads up.
The strength of this series has been the worldbuilding, and I liked seeing the darker side of the Federation. This type of bureaucracy fuckery was believable and gave the story more depth than some of the earlier books.
Overall, my fave and if you've read the books in order and wondered what the fuss is about, I'd encourage others to try it by reading Books 4 and 5. I totally get it now and the teasers for the next book, Book 7 (Electric Heart) are really intriguing me. Digging this and if you like alien sci-fi romances, I say give this a shot.
July 18, 2021
4.5 Glorious Kordolian Stars
Well it's been decided that for Christmas I want my very own Kordolian 1st division soldier. Yes I really said that out loud. I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next. The only thing that would make this book better is if the editor would check her grammar better.
****If you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber this is on the free read list****
Well it's been decided that for Christmas I want my very own Kordolian 1st division soldier. Yes I really said that out loud. I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next. The only thing that would make this book better is if the editor would check her grammar better.
****If you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber this is on the free read list****
August 25, 2025
3.5 - 4 stars
Out of Darkness by Anna Carven is a fun, tension-filled, alien warrior romance tale that gets better and better.
Humans now back on earth find their lives turned upside, when the big bad Kordolians land. Arin has been a peacekeeper, but now the federation want her to be a spy and take samples of these battle-hardened warriors, but they are sexy. Large with silver skin, pointy-ears hotty warriors that almost make you want to stay away.
Arin soon learns that the devil is not the big bad warriors as with the other warriors hers becomes an obsession. He vows she is his and will stop at nothing to protect his mate.
What ensues is mayhem, chaos, action, sexy, sizzling, tension, and much more. If you like sci-fi romance, then look no further.
Out of Darkness by Anna Carven is a fun, tension-filled, alien warrior romance tale that gets better and better.
Humans now back on earth find their lives turned upside, when the big bad Kordolians land. Arin has been a peacekeeper, but now the federation want her to be a spy and take samples of these battle-hardened warriors, but they are sexy. Large with silver skin, pointy-ears hotty warriors that almost make you want to stay away.
Arin soon learns that the devil is not the big bad warriors as with the other warriors hers becomes an obsession. He vows she is his and will stop at nothing to protect his mate.
What ensues is mayhem, chaos, action, sexy, sizzling, tension, and much more. If you like sci-fi romance, then look no further.
October 10, 2016
Awesome
So great. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Who will our H and h be? I'm thinking Riana, but who knows. We still have the armless assassin too. It's amazing how versatile the author has created the series. Each story is in a different environment and situation. If you like sci-fi, please read the series from the beginning.
So great. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Who will our H and h be? I'm thinking Riana, but who knows. We still have the armless assassin too. It's amazing how versatile the author has created the series. Each story is in a different environment and situation. If you like sci-fi, please read the series from the beginning.
November 22, 2021
"What does it take to kill you, Rykal?" Arin murmured, not really expecting an answer. She was just expressing her disbelief.
"Beats me," Rykal said, propping himself up on his elbows.'
This is the book that gave me (mostly) everything I expected from this series . . . and then some!! It really ramps up the tensions—since I'm reading these in release order vs the confusing chronological order—of the mining station survivors, featuring the one character that leapt out at me from the first book: Arin Varga. When I say I LOVE HER I mean I LOVE HER she can step on me any day any time I'll thank her and pay her all my meager savings. Rykal is a better version of the Kordalian's than most, maybe because he's not afraid to be sassy instead of stern?? But the two of them was a GOOD dynamic & really made this book amazing on the enjoyment side.
However . . . the one star is docked for the rather unnecessary almost-rape near the end. It was too much and didn't need to be there for the plot to happen the way it did.
"Beats me," Rykal said, propping himself up on his elbows.'
This is the book that gave me (mostly) everything I expected from this series . . . and then some!! It really ramps up the tensions—since I'm reading these in release order vs the confusing chronological order—of the mining station survivors, featuring the one character that leapt out at me from the first book: Arin Varga. When I say I LOVE HER I mean I LOVE HER she can step on me any day any time I'll thank her and pay her all my meager savings. Rykal is a better version of the Kordalian's than most, maybe because he's not afraid to be sassy instead of stern?? But the two of them was a GOOD dynamic & really made this book amazing on the enjoyment side.
However . . . the one star is docked for the rather unnecessary almost-rape near the end. It was too much and didn't need to be there for the plot to happen the way it did.
March 9, 2017
I loved the relationship build up between Arin and Rykal. It was nice to see them develop a friendship. I tire of insta-love in this genre and was so relieved that this book wasn't a candidate. I adored the characters!!! They were so devoted and respectful to one another. The story was fast paced and action packed. I look forward to more!
October 10, 2016
Fantastic Series
Wow, what a ride of emotions with a lot of action packed adventure with hot sexy scenes? As the series goes on each book just gets better and better. Highly recommended and keep them coming.
Wow, what a ride of emotions with a lot of action packed adventure with hot sexy scenes? As the series goes on each book just gets better and better. Highly recommended and keep them coming.
August 27, 2020
The best one yet!!! Loved the relationship between the leads and how capable these heroines are!! This series is a prime example for for women to be strong without them being know-it-alls or being TSTL.
You see, in this universe, the Kordolians are "elite ass-kicking badasses" (in the words of a prior heroine). All the heroines understand from the beginning that they're simply no match for these warriors so they don't try to sass them up for the sake of looking like they're strong. They all have enough brain cells that tell them "do not fuck with these aliens" and when the elite warrior tells the woman "can you please hide in there?" she's not like "I'm as capable as you!" (when she clearly isn't), she thinks "Sure, honey. I'll do that. I don't want to be a liability while you're killing bad guys." At the same time, they're not doormats or damsels in distress!! They're strong, capable, smart women who take care of business when they need to. In many occasions, they're like "Love, I know you're a killing machine and all, but this needs a different approach so I'll handle this." And they do!!
Although they seem to fall for each other fast, you can see how the relationship develops and it makes sense because they live so dangerously. I also like there aren't any 'I love yous' with words but you can see by the end that they're devoted to each other.
I'm reading this book in chronological order vs. pub order (which would make this book #3, based on the author's own chronology) and it's is working great because the stories of 1,4 & 5 really follow each other.
Reading #7 next!
You see, in this universe, the Kordolians are "elite ass-kicking badasses" (in the words of a prior heroine). All the heroines understand from the beginning that they're simply no match for these warriors so they don't try to sass them up for the sake of looking like they're strong. They all have enough brain cells that tell them "do not fuck with these aliens" and when the elite warrior tells the woman "can you please hide in there?" she's not like "I'm as capable as you!" (when she clearly isn't), she thinks "Sure, honey. I'll do that. I don't want to be a liability while you're killing bad guys." At the same time, they're not doormats or damsels in distress!! They're strong, capable, smart women who take care of business when they need to. In many occasions, they're like "Love, I know you're a killing machine and all, but this needs a different approach so I'll handle this." And they do!!
Although they seem to fall for each other fast, you can see how the relationship develops and it makes sense because they live so dangerously. I also like there aren't any 'I love yous' with words but you can see by the end that they're devoted to each other.
I'm reading this book in chronological order vs. pub order (which would make this book #3, based on the author's own chronology) and it's is working great because the stories of 1,4 & 5 really follow each other.
Reading #7 next!
July 24, 2021
If you love alien romance by authors like Mina Carter, Presley Hall, and Ella Maven then you'll like this series. Anna Carven can really pack a lot of story into a 232 page book. I really am enjoying this series. Since it's a complete series I'm able to read it in the chronological timeline of the overall story arc rather than how the books were published. The author has the list on her website.
The series is on Kindle Unlimited so I'm binge reading it.
Sgt. Arin Varga is left in charge of the humans on a space ship that is a failing piece of junk. There are two species of aliens that have invaded the ship. The first are the Kordolians who claim that they only want to kill the second species, the Xargek, who will decimate any species they encounter. The Humans and Kordolians are waiting to to hear from the Earth Federation if it's okay for the Kordolians to assist Earth in destroying the Xargek once and for all.
One of the scary Kordolians, Rykal has taken a liking to Arin. He comes in very handy when the time comes to fight the Xargeks found on the ship.
Unbeknownst to Sgt. Varga and much of Earth's Federation there is a secret government organization that has an agenda that could cost Arin and Rykal their lives.
The series is on Kindle Unlimited so I'm binge reading it.
Sgt. Arin Varga is left in charge of the humans on a space ship that is a failing piece of junk. There are two species of aliens that have invaded the ship. The first are the Kordolians who claim that they only want to kill the second species, the Xargek, who will decimate any species they encounter. The Humans and Kordolians are waiting to to hear from the Earth Federation if it's okay for the Kordolians to assist Earth in destroying the Xargek once and for all.
One of the scary Kordolians, Rykal has taken a liking to Arin. He comes in very handy when the time comes to fight the Xargeks found on the ship.
Unbeknownst to Sgt. Varga and much of Earth's Federation there is a secret government organization that has an agenda that could cost Arin and Rykal their lives.
November 23, 2021
I'd forgotten how much fun a well written hot alien romance can be. I've been meaning to get back to Anna Carven's Dark Planet Warriors, and this holiday season is the perfect time to finish the series.
September 3, 2018
Loving this series
Once I start reading I can't stop! Another great book! Will be downloading the next one. I highly recommend this series.
Once I start reading I can't stop! Another great book! Will be downloading the next one. I highly recommend this series.
February 5, 2017
Meet Arin, a sergeant in the Federation military and currently in charge of the peacekeepers from Fortuna Tau space station after their CO was eaten by a Xargek. Luckily they managed to evacuate the miners and other personnel from the space station before it blew up and have made their way back to earth's orbit in a rusty old freighter, but that's where their luck has run out.
For starters Kordolians are still with them. Those damned Xargek have followed them back to earth. Earth Federation (fearing Kordolian invasion) is dragging it's feet on deciding whether to let the Kordolians in. The Kordolians in turn decide to hold everyone hostage to help speed up the Federations decision making process. And on top of all that the Non Human Affairs secret service are trying to coerce Arin into being their spy. From there things only go from bad to worse.
Caught in the middle of this cluster fuck of madness is Arin and Rykal. Rykal knows he wants Arin and has known this pretty much from the moment he first touched her. He is doing his best to get close to her and gain her trust, but Arin is all business. At least on the surface. Deep down she's been fighting her attraction to the Kordolian "pretty boy" for a while now and she is rapidly loosing that internal battle. It takes a awhile for them to finally get together, but when they do it's well worth the wait!!
This was another action packed installment and I am still loving this series. My only problem is that some story-lines are left open, like Rykal's memories resurfacing, Kalan's nightmares and what became of station boss Emin and the corporation. But seeing as this author has no problem going back and forth in the timeline as the series progresses, I'm hoping that we'll get some answers in future books.
For starters Kordolians are still with them. Those damned Xargek have followed them back to earth. Earth Federation (fearing Kordolian invasion) is dragging it's feet on deciding whether to let the Kordolians in. The Kordolians in turn decide to hold everyone hostage to help speed up the Federations decision making process. And on top of all that the Non Human Affairs secret service are trying to coerce Arin into being their spy. From there things only go from bad to worse.
Caught in the middle of this cluster fuck of madness is Arin and Rykal. Rykal knows he wants Arin and has known this pretty much from the moment he first touched her. He is doing his best to get close to her and gain her trust, but Arin is all business. At least on the surface. Deep down she's been fighting her attraction to the Kordolian "pretty boy" for a while now and she is rapidly loosing that internal battle. It takes a awhile for them to finally get together, but when they do it's well worth the wait!!
This was another action packed installment and I am still loving this series. My only problem is that some story-lines are left open, like Rykal's memories resurfacing, Kalan's nightmares and what became of station boss Emin and the corporation. But seeing as this author has no problem going back and forth in the timeline as the series progresses, I'm hoping that we'll get some answers in future books.
October 9, 2016
Gah, I love these books so much. To get max enjoyment out of this one you should read them in order. I have re-read several of them already. The women are sensible, smart, empathic and they communicate and don't make dumb ass assumptions. The Heroes are the biggest, baddest aliens in the universe who have been cruelly brainwashed and abused by their mad government. Put them together with a powder-keg of insectoid ravagers, political conspiracies and hot smex and you have an unbeatable combination. I will read anything this woman writes!
Big Bad (the General) remains my favourite but Rykal is now my new second favourite. I love a Hero who recognises and supports his woman's strength and decision making. I'd love a Kordalian of my own.
Big Bad (the General) remains my favourite but Rykal is now my new second favourite. I love a Hero who recognises and supports his woman's strength and decision making. I'd love a Kordalian of my own.
October 8, 2017
Rykal was funny, charming and definitely my favorite Kordolian. Scratch that. My second favorite—I don't think anyone could top Tarak. Arin was tenacious, brave and absolutely perfect for him.
I enjoyed their story very much, it was captivating, intriguing and full of action (probably the best one yet).
I enjoyed their story very much, it was captivating, intriguing and full of action (probably the best one yet).
July 8, 2018
Space cocroatches,unkillable soldiers,instalove and instalust, some explosions,nuclear missiles and zero gravity sex.Absolutely forgettable story.But....it is easy and quick to read,don't make you think and overall is not the worst story out there.
December 7, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a solid series. It is not overly sweet and does not slack in the action, so keeps you interested. This one did show me I'm a little more bloodthirsty because the ones that were let walk didn't seem like enough to me.
This is a solid series. It is not overly sweet and does not slack in the action, so keeps you interested. This one did show me I'm a little more bloodthirsty because the ones that were let walk didn't seem like enough to me.
October 20, 2016
Enjoyable
A n entertaining, enjoyable read. Hot, hunky alpha male and kick butt heroine. I recommend this book. You will enjoy it
A n entertaining, enjoyable read. Hot, hunky alpha male and kick butt heroine. I recommend this book. You will enjoy it
December 11, 2019
The freighters side of the story
So Arin is on the freighter along what's the rest of the survivors after the mining station explosion. But they have a problem besides the kordovians there's also been a couple of bugs that have attach themselves to the ship. The problem is Earth is doing its standard Dickering around about whether they should let them on to the planet or not. The question is, will they be able to get PlanetSide in time? Or will they all become bug food?
So Arin is on the freighter along what's the rest of the survivors after the mining station explosion. But they have a problem besides the kordovians there's also been a couple of bugs that have attach themselves to the ship. The problem is Earth is doing its standard Dickering around about whether they should let them on to the planet or not. The question is, will they be able to get PlanetSide in time? Or will they all become bug food?
May 8, 2018
WTF Mrs. Carven!?!?!?!
I’ve been reading the series all wrong; I was going through the books by order but I didnt see the ACTUAL reading order on the series page!!
Besides that tiny issue.....its another hit for me!
Cant stop loving these Kordolians ❤️_❤️.
Apparently, I have to jump to book 7. Lets do this shit!
I’ve been reading the series all wrong; I was going through the books by order but I didnt see the ACTUAL reading order on the series page!!
Besides that tiny issue.....its another hit for me!
Cant stop loving these Kordolians ❤️_❤️.
Apparently, I have to jump to book 7. Lets do this shit!
September 30, 2018
I'm still loving this series. In this installment, we get to see what happened on the huge freighter that escaped the doomed space station Fortuna Tau before it blew up. There are thousands of human refugees aboard with only 6 Kordolians to maintain order. Too bad those damned Xargek found their way in...
Arin is a strong independent woman. This makes her very appealing to Rykal and he's determined to win her heart.
Arin is a strong independent woman. This makes her very appealing to Rykal and he's determined to win her heart.
August 13, 2017
Arin and Rykal
Arin and Rykal are on a ship full of refugees that escaped the destroyed Space Station. They are all now in limbo stuck on the ship above Earth waiting for Federation clearance to land. Then the Xargek eat their way into the ship.
Anna ends up sending an SOS to her mother, General Varga, to save the lives of everyone aboard.
I really enjoyed Rykal slowly stalking Anna. And the setting, back in space, was the best.
Arin and Rykal are on a ship full of refugees that escaped the destroyed Space Station. They are all now in limbo stuck on the ship above Earth waiting for Federation clearance to land. Then the Xargek eat their way into the ship.
Anna ends up sending an SOS to her mother, General Varga, to save the lives of everyone aboard.
I really enjoyed Rykal slowly stalking Anna. And the setting, back in space, was the best.
October 3, 2017
Best one yet!
Unbelievably this series just gets better and better! Rykal and Arin's story has to be the most amazing of the lot. I'm a pretty compassionate person but (without giving the story away) let's just say he convinced me that blood revenge really isn't so bad in this Human-Kordolian world. There was one woman in particular I would not have mourned... you'll know her when you meet her! On to the next book!
Unbelievably this series just gets better and better! Rykal and Arin's story has to be the most amazing of the lot. I'm a pretty compassionate person but (without giving the story away) let's just say he convinced me that blood revenge really isn't so bad in this Human-Kordolian world. There was one woman in particular I would not have mourned... you'll know her when you meet her! On to the next book!
February 25, 2025
2022 = 4 stars
2025 = + 1 star for good reread
This is book #3 in the sci-fi series about the ten Kordolian First Division Warriors, and the strong women who fall in insta-love with them.
I’m not a fan of insta-love, but it's needed here. The stories are relatively short, action-packed, and filled with danger, leaving little time for natural relationship development.
❤ 🆃🅷🅴 🆁🅾🅼🅰🅽🅲🅴 between the MCs is my favorite so far (book 1 is a close second). There are two standard sex scenes.
Continuing Conflicts:
① The evil Kordolian Empire.
② The Kordolian infertility issues.
③ The Xargek (cockroach-like) monsters.
④ A secret Earth society/organization called Scarabus. The Fortuna Tau explosion traces back to them.
🄼🄲🅂:
Sergeant Arin Varga, is a peacekeeper doing protection duty at the mining station, Fortuna Tau.
Rykal is a nano-enhanced warrior, who has the most flashbacks and struggled to learn self-control.
🥜 TᕼE ᑭᒪOT Iᑎ ᗩ ᑎᑌT 𝖲ᕼEᒪᒪ:
After Fortuna Tau was destroyed by the Xargex and mercenaries hired by the secret society, thousands of humans and six Kordolians went to Earth on a superfreighter. They waited in space for the Federation to allow the Kordolians to fight the Xargex on the planet. While waiting, the Xargex arrive to cause more destruction. It's not long before the freighter has to be abandoned as well. The MCs leave separately in an escape pod, where they have their first sex scene. The sinister Nonhuman Affairs group takes Arin and tries to kill Rykal. In my favorite scene, Rykal proves how difficult it is to kill a nano-enhanced warrior. The story ends with the MCs fighting the Xargex in the desert on Earth. The search is on to find the secret society that wants to stop the Kordolians.
With a fast moving storyline, there was never a dull moment. The FMCs in this series are very smart, sensible, and likable. They never are TSTL, just to advance the plot. It's refreshing.
Book 7 (really #4) is next to be read.
Swearing increases with each book:
#1 - 51 F's
#2 - 71 F's
#3 - 86 F's
📍 Info. to Remember with Spoilers: 📍
The book begins with Arin on Earth, sent to share the Kordolians' demands: allow them to fight the Xargex and the humans on the freighter will be released.
A Senate Committee interrogates Arin, seeking ways to defeat the Xargex without relying on the Kordolian warriors. Many members are fearful of the Kordolians, who have proven to be physically and technologically superior, conquering half the universe. Arin is recruited by the Planetary Security's Nonhuman Affairs branch to spy on the Kordolians and get a DNA sample. However, after falling for Rykal, she refuses to cooperate.
While in an escape pod, Arin is taken by the Nonhuman Affairs group, who perform an internal examination to collect alien DNA. After getting what they need, they plan to kill her. Meanwhile, they launch three nuclear missiles at the escape pod to kill Rykal. Believing he's dead, they bring his body onboard, inadvertently saving him. His nanites preserve a thread of his life, allowing him to revive after he crushes the arm of a scientist trying to dissect him. The blood from him and others, provides nourishment for the nanites.
As Rykal regains strength, he kills many scientists and security officers. Together with Arin, they take control of the ship, reunite with the rest of the Kordolians, and are finally granted permission to land on Earth.
▪️ Early in Arin's military career, she was nearly raped by Admiral Davis. By fighting back, Arin ended her promising career. She was sent to the mining station where she proved herself.
▪️ Arin's mother, a military General, prioritized her career, resulting in years of estrangement between them. Now on a nearby ship, she helps Arin and those on the freighter, revealing that she does care and is willing to help to the point of risking her career.
▪️ After nearly dying, Rykal's memories return, including ones about his mother who died trying to protect him.
He was Rykal Sarakunin, of the Aikun tribe, and he’d been stolen. He’d loved to hunt. Amongst the boys his age, he’d been one of the fastest and most agile, fearlessly slipping into the frigid black depths of the Sleeping Ocean to hunt lamperk when all the other children had been too afraid. He’d been wild, and he’d been free.
Mother. He remembered her name, but it was too painful for him to even think it. Her name was sacred. He’d lost her that day, when Imperial Forces had raided Sennara, the Black Mountain, and stolen Rykal and his age-mates.
They’d been shipped off to the planet Xar, and out of the thousands who had been sent there, only ten had survived. The First Division.
They had stolen their memories. At first, their loyalty had been to the Empire, and they had been the perfect tools, but slowly, their personalities had emerged, fragments of memory had returned, and they had all decided their true loyalties lay with the General, especially once Emperor Ilhan descended into madness.
He would not be a tool of the mad Empress and her corruption. He was loyal only to his General, his brothers, and now, his mate.
2025 = + 1 star for good reread
This is book #3 in the sci-fi series about the ten Kordolian First Division Warriors, and the strong women who fall in insta-love with them.
I’m not a fan of insta-love, but it's needed here. The stories are relatively short, action-packed, and filled with danger, leaving little time for natural relationship development.
❤ 🆃🅷🅴 🆁🅾🅼🅰🅽🅲🅴 between the MCs is my favorite so far (book 1 is a close second). There are two standard sex scenes.
Continuing Conflicts:
① The evil Kordolian Empire.
② The Kordolian infertility issues.
③ The Xargek (cockroach-like) monsters.
④ A secret Earth society/organization called Scarabus. The Fortuna Tau explosion traces back to them.
🄼🄲🅂:
Sergeant Arin Varga, is a peacekeeper doing protection duty at the mining station, Fortuna Tau.
Rykal is a nano-enhanced warrior, who has the most flashbacks and struggled to learn self-control.
🥜 TᕼE ᑭᒪOT Iᑎ ᗩ ᑎᑌT 𝖲ᕼEᒪᒪ:
After Fortuna Tau was destroyed by the Xargex and mercenaries hired by the secret society, thousands of humans and six Kordolians went to Earth on a superfreighter. They waited in space for the Federation to allow the Kordolians to fight the Xargex on the planet. While waiting, the Xargex arrive to cause more destruction. It's not long before the freighter has to be abandoned as well. The MCs leave separately in an escape pod, where they have their first sex scene. The sinister Nonhuman Affairs group takes Arin and tries to kill Rykal. In my favorite scene, Rykal proves how difficult it is to kill a nano-enhanced warrior. The story ends with the MCs fighting the Xargex in the desert on Earth. The search is on to find the secret society that wants to stop the Kordolians.
With a fast moving storyline, there was never a dull moment. The FMCs in this series are very smart, sensible, and likable. They never are TSTL, just to advance the plot. It's refreshing.
Book 7 (really #4) is next to be read.
Swearing increases with each book:
#1 - 51 F's
#2 - 71 F's
#3 - 86 F's
📍 Info. to Remember with Spoilers: 📍
The book begins with Arin on Earth, sent to share the Kordolians' demands: allow them to fight the Xargex and the humans on the freighter will be released.
A Senate Committee interrogates Arin, seeking ways to defeat the Xargex without relying on the Kordolian warriors. Many members are fearful of the Kordolians, who have proven to be physically and technologically superior, conquering half the universe. Arin is recruited by the Planetary Security's Nonhuman Affairs branch to spy on the Kordolians and get a DNA sample. However, after falling for Rykal, she refuses to cooperate.
While in an escape pod, Arin is taken by the Nonhuman Affairs group, who perform an internal examination to collect alien DNA. After getting what they need, they plan to kill her. Meanwhile, they launch three nuclear missiles at the escape pod to kill Rykal. Believing he's dead, they bring his body onboard, inadvertently saving him. His nanites preserve a thread of his life, allowing him to revive after he crushes the arm of a scientist trying to dissect him. The blood from him and others, provides nourishment for the nanites.
As Rykal regains strength, he kills many scientists and security officers. Together with Arin, they take control of the ship, reunite with the rest of the Kordolians, and are finally granted permission to land on Earth.
▪️ Early in Arin's military career, she was nearly raped by Admiral Davis. By fighting back, Arin ended her promising career. She was sent to the mining station where she proved herself.
▪️ Arin's mother, a military General, prioritized her career, resulting in years of estrangement between them. Now on a nearby ship, she helps Arin and those on the freighter, revealing that she does care and is willing to help to the point of risking her career.
▪️ After nearly dying, Rykal's memories return, including ones about his mother who died trying to protect him.
He was Rykal Sarakunin, of the Aikun tribe, and he’d been stolen. He’d loved to hunt. Amongst the boys his age, he’d been one of the fastest and most agile, fearlessly slipping into the frigid black depths of the Sleeping Ocean to hunt lamperk when all the other children had been too afraid. He’d been wild, and he’d been free.
Mother. He remembered her name, but it was too painful for him to even think it. Her name was sacred. He’d lost her that day, when Imperial Forces had raided Sennara, the Black Mountain, and stolen Rykal and his age-mates.
They’d been shipped off to the planet Xar, and out of the thousands who had been sent there, only ten had survived. The First Division.
They had stolen their memories. At first, their loyalty had been to the Empire, and they had been the perfect tools, but slowly, their personalities had emerged, fragments of memory had returned, and they had all decided their true loyalties lay with the General, especially once Emperor Ilhan descended into madness.
He would not be a tool of the mad Empress and her corruption. He was loyal only to his General, his brothers, and now, his mate.
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