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Dark Space #3
Starlight
Listening Length: 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Brady Garrett is back in space, this time as an unwilling member of a team of humans seeking to study the alien Faceless and their technology. It's not the first time Brady's life has been in the hands of the Faceless leader Kai-Ren, and if there's one thing Brady hates it's being reminded exactly how powerless he is. Although dealing with the enigmatic Faceless might actually be easier than trying to figure out where he stands with the other humans on board, particularly when one of them is his boyfriend's ex.
Cameron Rushton loved the starlight once, but being back on board the Faceless ship forces him to confront the memories of the time he was captured by Kai-Ren. Cam is used to being Brady's rock, but this time it might be him who needs Brady's support. This time Brady is surrounded by the people he loves most in the universe, but that only means their lives are in danger too. And when Kai-Ren's fascination with humanity threatens the foundations of Faceless society, Brady and Cam and the rest of the team find themselves thrust into a battle that humans have very little hope of winning, let alone surviving.
Brady Garrett is back in space, this time as an unwilling member of a team of humans seeking to study the alien Faceless and their technology. It's not the first time Brady's life has been in the hands of the Faceless leader Kai-Ren, and if there's one thing Brady hates it's being reminded exactly how powerless he is. Although dealing with the enigmatic Faceless might actually be easier than trying to figure out where he stands with the other humans on board, particularly when one of them is his boyfriend's ex.
Cameron Rushton loved the starlight once, but being back on board the Faceless ship forces him to confront the memories of the time he was captured by Kai-Ren. Cam is used to being Brady's rock, but this time it might be him who needs Brady's support. This time Brady is surrounded by the people he loves most in the universe, but that only means their lives are in danger too. And when Kai-Ren's fascination with humanity threatens the foundations of Faceless society, Brady and Cam and the rest of the team find themselves thrust into a battle that humans have very little hope of winning, let alone surviving.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2019
62 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
107 books2,291 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
April 16, 2020
Yaaaaaaas! The time has come, and this long awaited book is finally here. And friends, this book is so glorious that it is WORTH the wait.
Guys, if you haven't read Dark Space and Darker Space, don't even THINK about picking up Starlight. It is not a stand-alone. Not even a little bit. But, honestly, why would you want to pass on the majesty that is books 1 and 2 in this series?
I feel a little bit about Starlight that I did about Darker Space in that it's hard to explain what actually happens and how Lisa Henry manages to make everything so freaking compelling. And, friends, this book is compulsively readable. I'm talking, "clear your schedule" kind of a book. I read Starlight straight through in one sitting, finally finishing it around 2 am. I could NOT put it down.
We get a lot of the nitty gritty details that I was hoping we would get. We learn a LOT more about the Faceless, and we get even more progression in Brady and Cameron's relationship. We really dig deep into this wonderful and scary and interesting world that Lisa Henry created, and I couldn't get enough.
And then, we get a twist, baby! Man, there are some surprises that I did not see coming. Don't read spoilers because this book gets really good the longer it goes. I don't think I could have stopped reading if I tried in the last 30%.
All Dark Space fans, you WILL love this book. Trust me. And this book still leaves off with so much potential for more. Even Chris will get under your skin, and if he doesn't get his own book, I may die. (Very slightly exaggerating.)
I can't even talk about it anymore because I want you to experience it for yourself. Just buy it already.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Guys, if you haven't read Dark Space and Darker Space, don't even THINK about picking up Starlight. It is not a stand-alone. Not even a little bit. But, honestly, why would you want to pass on the majesty that is books 1 and 2 in this series?
I feel a little bit about Starlight that I did about Darker Space in that it's hard to explain what actually happens and how Lisa Henry manages to make everything so freaking compelling. And, friends, this book is compulsively readable. I'm talking, "clear your schedule" kind of a book. I read Starlight straight through in one sitting, finally finishing it around 2 am. I could NOT put it down.
We get a lot of the nitty gritty details that I was hoping we would get. We learn a LOT more about the Faceless, and we get even more progression in Brady and Cameron's relationship. We really dig deep into this wonderful and scary and interesting world that Lisa Henry created, and I couldn't get enough.
And then, we get a twist, baby! Man, there are some surprises that I did not see coming. Don't read spoilers because this book gets really good the longer it goes. I don't think I could have stopped reading if I tried in the last 30%.
All Dark Space fans, you WILL love this book. Trust me. And this book still leaves off with so much potential for more. Even Chris will get under your skin, and if he doesn't get his own book, I may die. (Very slightly exaggerating.)
I can't even talk about it anymore because I want you to experience it for yourself. Just buy it already.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
Read
October 2, 2019Finally, right???
For those wondering who that is on the cover, it's Cam's ex Chris Varro. Stuck on an alien spaceship with your boyfriend and his ex, Brady? That's not awkward at all! Luckily it's the least of your worries!
Any questions about Starlight, here's an excellent place to ask them!
For those wondering who that is on the cover, it's Cam's ex Chris Varro. Stuck on an alien spaceship with your boyfriend and his ex, Brady? That's not awkward at all! Luckily it's the least of your worries!
Any questions about Starlight, here's an excellent place to ask them!
November 29, 2019
This book has been a very very long time coming. It doesn't matter though because it was definitely worth the wait. I would have waited a few more years for this one if needed. That's how much I wanted to know how Brady, Cam, Lucy, and even Kai Ren were doing.
The first two books were definitely favorites of mine and I can happily say that this third one will also be making my "Top Reads" list. That said... there were also some things that made me a bit sad...
Now I am not gonna spoiler this book. It should be read spoiler-free, so I am gonna do my best not to ruin it for others.
Let me start by saying that this book should not be read as a stand-alone. You won't be able to make head or tails of it. Start with book 1, Dark Space and let yourself be taken away into the wonderful world of Brady Garrett... you won't be sorry. I am not so big on Sci-Fi, but this series rocked my world!!
Speaking of Brady, he is still my absolute favorite in this series. I love his awesome grumpy sarcastic self, and I am glad to say that he hasn't changed that much in that respect. He has matured a bit though, but he still hates the black...with a passion
Thankfully Cam is still right there by his side to keep the grumpiness down to a manageable level and Lucy really brings out his softer side. Chris however still annoys the hell out of Brady, so there is still that. I wouldn't be so happy being stuck in outer space with my boyfriend's ex either!!
Cam only loves Brady though... They even found some little secluded place to really be together and let me tell you ... HOLY HOTNESS.
We find out a whole lot more about Kai Ren and the Faceless in this book and not all of it is as I expected. Especially the second part of the book had me on the edge of my seat. There were so many different emotions going through me while reading this book... sadness, anger, fear, surprise, joy, and love... so much freaking love!!
In the end, even Chris had grown on me and I really wouldn't mind if he got a book of his own... hint hint hint. For Brady and Cam...and, of course, Lucy, this was the perfect ending though. But you never really know, what the future might bring. And what is lurking out there in the big black !!!
I highly recommend this series!!
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
January 3, 2020
4 Sci-Fi Stars!
If you haven’t read Dark Space, please start there!
This is a journey not only for humanity who’s desperate for knowledge to possibly increase their chance of survival in the face of a terrible all powerful enemy, but it’s also a journey of a man with many fears, and though not truly overcomes them, is better off having faced them head on.
Brady and company are currently traveling with the enigmatic fearsome Kai Ren, and Brady, in all his pessimistic fatalistic glory is just waiting for the other shoe to drop… and boy does it.
This was intense and at times scary. It also continued the lovely romance between Brady and Cameron, while having an ingenious revelation and conflict, and being surprisingly uplifting and full of purpose and promise. Despite the atrocious lack of editing (devout sticklers beware), Henry knows how to weave a plausible compelling and fascinating story.
Overall, an absolutely fitting and satisfying conclusion to this unique story, one that held my attention til the very end and left me with the hope of more to come!
If you haven’t read Dark Space, please start there!
This is a journey not only for humanity who’s desperate for knowledge to possibly increase their chance of survival in the face of a terrible all powerful enemy, but it’s also a journey of a man with many fears, and though not truly overcomes them, is better off having faced them head on.
Brady and company are currently traveling with the enigmatic fearsome Kai Ren, and Brady, in all his pessimistic fatalistic glory is just waiting for the other shoe to drop… and boy does it.
This was intense and at times scary. It also continued the lovely romance between Brady and Cameron, while having an ingenious revelation and conflict, and being surprisingly uplifting and full of purpose and promise. Despite the atrocious lack of editing (devout sticklers beware), Henry knows how to weave a plausible compelling and fascinating story.
Overall, an absolutely fitting and satisfying conclusion to this unique story, one that held my attention til the very end and left me with the hope of more to come!
October 15, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“I closed my eyes briefly, and allowed myself a moment to get lost in his kiss. And then I pulled away regretfully. “I love you.”
Cam rested his forehead against mine. “Love you too, Brady. Always. You’re my heartbeat, remember?”
My chest ached. “And you’re mine.”
That moment when Brady became the Starlight that Cam needed to be guided out of his darkness, I knew then and there how much this series was going to be something I would remember. It's been a long hard-fought trek through the dark space, not without it's fair share of heartbreak and heart-ache. It's a turbulent trial, but a heart-felt ending that proves to me just how special a character Brady is. Brady who never stopped shining, even when he thought there was no light in him to shine. 🌠🌠
“Life is a gift,” he said softly. “And the universe is a miracle, and we have each other as long as we live. And…” He brushed his lips against mine in a kiss that was way too soft for a quick fuck in a dark corner. “And I love you.”
There was no echo of a lie in his heartbeat, no twist of one in his gut when he said those words. There never had been.”
Saying good-bye is hard, but letting go of this series may be harder - what a whirlwind of emotions and a voyage into the unknown that I never thought I would be on board with, but it was so so worth it - one that captivated me completely. Every touch, every kiss, every embrace, every comforting word, every feeling of hope, they were it for each other. 🧡🧡 All the doubts and insecurities Brady has about why Cam would be with someone like him - 'that he felt the same way about me', when it's Brady - 'even when he's being an asshole ' - he's still the one who makes Cam happy and 'all of my days better just by being in them.' 🥺🥺
“You…” Cam stroked the side of my face, his touch drawing my eyes open again. “I love you.”
Such quiet certainty in his tone.
“I love you too,” I whispered back, and that was the core of both our very different universes at least; the truth around which everything else orbited like a boiling sun.”
Brady and Cam - Cam and Brady - I will never forget the feels that the two of you gave me. One might say that Cam was too in love - too blind to Brady's faults, but it was what Brady needed for him to then return all that unconditional love when Cam, 'the bravest guy I ever met for stepping foot on this ship again' needed it most - needed to believe in him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 It's such a testament to their love for each other at how much they're so very different from each other - 'he took every day as a gift. I took every day as one step closer to the end' - but still, are so perfectly in tune with each other. 🥹🥹
Even when they were together, it was never so much explicit, but the way it was described was so sensual and meaningful - intertwined with their emotions - mentally and physically - that a tingle would wash over me at how much they cared for each other. 🫶🏻🫶🏻 There were always things that Brady argued with Cam about - that their differing views made it difficult for them to see eye-to-eye on, but when Cam's heart was ripped open, when that closure he so desperately needed didn't come - Brady was there. And my heart just reached out to both of them - even in their most intimate of scenes, it was the closeness of just being the reminder to one another - that there is hope out of this darkness, that warmed my heart even more. 🥹🥹🥹
“Whatever happens here is out of our control,” Doc said. “And I don’t know how this is going to end, Brady, but you’re not alone. Whatever happens, I’ve got your back. I’ve got your back for as long as I can.”
“Me too,” I mumbled in his shirt. “I’ve got yours too. For whatever it’s worth.”
Doc’s chest rumbled with a gentle laugh as he patted my back. “Everything, son. It’s worth everything.”
When you're hurtling through space - with nothing but the stars and the empty galaxies separating you from everyone else, the bond of family is the strongest when they're the only faces you'll end up seeing for quite awhile. More than just officers, Chris, Harry, Doc, Lucy, Andre - 'so we played cards and talked, and talked some more, and it almost felt like we were home' - and they made it one and they survived it, together - something so much more than the mental telepathic bond they shared with each other. 🫂🫂 That sense of unity of family, of looking out for each other, was so very deep and strong, because the threat of the unknown was so much more tangible - so much more fierce - the danger is real - it's out there. I feared for them, I hurt for them, I cheered for them.
For even when they didn't know what was out there - who was their enemy - who could they trust - 'a thousand steps behind the Faceless, and a million miles from home' - could they trust Kai-Ren - what was more evil than the Faceless that lived aboard their ship - I was forever rooting for their happy ending. Oh, and when the truth about the ship was revealed - when their survival became the tantamount purpose they had to cling on - when their lives were truly in danger and they fought every bit - every hardest - as one - when Harry -- oh Harry. 😢😢 But, Brady, you are such a star, even though, you don't know it or see it - even when Cam does and reminds you - I just --- you took on every challenge with the spirit that made you such a prize - such a conundrum to the Faceless - it's not a bleak ending, when you believe that you'll see the stars again, and I felt it in my heart that they would. 🙏🏻 🙏🏻
Seeing him with Doc and Lucy, how much he loved them and how much they loved him, too. The biggest twist, though, was Chris; from rivals of the the heart, to frenemies, to friends, co-patriots who wanted the same thing - someone to understand them, how they felt. I knew he was an important player, but how he became so much more in this - how much he had character! That scene when Brady and Chris had the talk leaving Brady ' unbalanced and unsure of the ground underneath my feet.' 👌🏻👌🏻 There was so much more depth to him this time - often times, really stealing the thunder, but it's how Brady even brought Chris down-to-earth - evoke a sense of calmness and protectiveness in him, was really worth seeing after their very rocky start.
“Facing my fears hadn’t destroyed them. It had brought them into sharp relief instead, and I would probably never shed them. But I’d learned that I wasn’t useless. I’d learned that I was stronger than I thought, I guess, and that even if I wasn’t a hero I was a survivor.”
The writing, as always, hits you in the heart. Lisa Henry doesn't waste time on senseless meandering, but keeps the tempo going and the action flowing. There is turmoil, there is confusion, there is keen desperation, but there is fierce loyalty, tender affection, and a lot of heart-felt emotion. She brings all the characters together - wrapping up all the storylines, focusing on giving Brady the chance to survive and live and be whoever he chooses to be. The writing makes you a member on that ship, the technology, a fabric through time and dimension - just a stellar way of bringing the depths of the dark space into your hands. The care to detail to the Faceless - making them more than just Nameless - but entities to fear - was so graphically chilling. I never warmed up to Kai-Ren, try as I thought there was something to him to warm up to; he hurt Cam - Brady and I will never forgive him for that.
But, most of all, the strength of this series was seeing the growth of character development to Brady - from what he was when the series started, to who he was at the end. I loved to see him interact with all the characters, how each of them played their pivotal and integral roles to the plot. Despite his reservations, despite his reluctance and self-deprecating thoughts about himself, he stood and fought against every challenge that came his way. Never one to back down from a fight is what made Brady a star - a hero in my eyes. He is really that kind of a good guy, which you just want to cheer on - the epitome of an antihero who grew and learned and lived to tell his story - who went into the dark space and came back a starlight. 'And that was something worth knowing.' 👏🏻👏🏻
And Lisa Henry, what would it take for Chris and Thomas to get their own story?? Inquiring minds would very much like to know. 👉🏻👈🏻
“I closed my eyes briefly, and allowed myself a moment to get lost in his kiss. And then I pulled away regretfully. “I love you.”
Cam rested his forehead against mine. “Love you too, Brady. Always. You’re my heartbeat, remember?”
My chest ached. “And you’re mine.”
That moment when Brady became the Starlight that Cam needed to be guided out of his darkness, I knew then and there how much this series was going to be something I would remember. It's been a long hard-fought trek through the dark space, not without it's fair share of heartbreak and heart-ache. It's a turbulent trial, but a heart-felt ending that proves to me just how special a character Brady is. Brady who never stopped shining, even when he thought there was no light in him to shine. 🌠🌠
“Life is a gift,” he said softly. “And the universe is a miracle, and we have each other as long as we live. And…” He brushed his lips against mine in a kiss that was way too soft for a quick fuck in a dark corner. “And I love you.”
There was no echo of a lie in his heartbeat, no twist of one in his gut when he said those words. There never had been.”
Saying good-bye is hard, but letting go of this series may be harder - what a whirlwind of emotions and a voyage into the unknown that I never thought I would be on board with, but it was so so worth it - one that captivated me completely. Every touch, every kiss, every embrace, every comforting word, every feeling of hope, they were it for each other. 🧡🧡 All the doubts and insecurities Brady has about why Cam would be with someone like him - 'that he felt the same way about me', when it's Brady - 'even when he's being an asshole ' - he's still the one who makes Cam happy and 'all of my days better just by being in them.' 🥺🥺
“You…” Cam stroked the side of my face, his touch drawing my eyes open again. “I love you.”
Such quiet certainty in his tone.
“I love you too,” I whispered back, and that was the core of both our very different universes at least; the truth around which everything else orbited like a boiling sun.”
Brady and Cam - Cam and Brady - I will never forget the feels that the two of you gave me. One might say that Cam was too in love - too blind to Brady's faults, but it was what Brady needed for him to then return all that unconditional love when Cam, 'the bravest guy I ever met for stepping foot on this ship again' needed it most - needed to believe in him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 It's such a testament to their love for each other at how much they're so very different from each other - 'he took every day as a gift. I took every day as one step closer to the end' - but still, are so perfectly in tune with each other. 🥹🥹
Even when they were together, it was never so much explicit, but the way it was described was so sensual and meaningful - intertwined with their emotions - mentally and physically - that a tingle would wash over me at how much they cared for each other. 🫶🏻🫶🏻 There were always things that Brady argued with Cam about - that their differing views made it difficult for them to see eye-to-eye on, but when Cam's heart was ripped open, when that closure he so desperately needed didn't come - Brady was there. And my heart just reached out to both of them - even in their most intimate of scenes, it was the closeness of just being the reminder to one another - that there is hope out of this darkness, that warmed my heart even more. 🥹🥹🥹
“Whatever happens here is out of our control,” Doc said. “And I don’t know how this is going to end, Brady, but you’re not alone. Whatever happens, I’ve got your back. I’ve got your back for as long as I can.”
“Me too,” I mumbled in his shirt. “I’ve got yours too. For whatever it’s worth.”
Doc’s chest rumbled with a gentle laugh as he patted my back. “Everything, son. It’s worth everything.”
When you're hurtling through space - with nothing but the stars and the empty galaxies separating you from everyone else, the bond of family is the strongest when they're the only faces you'll end up seeing for quite awhile. More than just officers, Chris, Harry, Doc, Lucy, Andre - 'so we played cards and talked, and talked some more, and it almost felt like we were home' - and they made it one and they survived it, together - something so much more than the mental telepathic bond they shared with each other. 🫂🫂 That sense of unity of family, of looking out for each other, was so very deep and strong, because the threat of the unknown was so much more tangible - so much more fierce - the danger is real - it's out there. I feared for them, I hurt for them, I cheered for them.
For even when they didn't know what was out there - who was their enemy - who could they trust - 'a thousand steps behind the Faceless, and a million miles from home' - could they trust Kai-Ren - what was more evil than the Faceless that lived aboard their ship - I was forever rooting for their happy ending. Oh, and when the truth about the ship was revealed - when their survival became the tantamount purpose they had to cling on - when their lives were truly in danger and they fought every bit - every hardest - as one - when Harry -- oh Harry. 😢😢 But, Brady, you are such a star, even though, you don't know it or see it - even when Cam does and reminds you - I just --- you took on every challenge with the spirit that made you such a prize - such a conundrum to the Faceless - it's not a bleak ending, when you believe that you'll see the stars again, and I felt it in my heart that they would. 🙏🏻 🙏🏻
Seeing him with Doc and Lucy, how much he loved them and how much they loved him, too. The biggest twist, though, was Chris; from rivals of the the heart, to frenemies, to friends, co-patriots who wanted the same thing - someone to understand them, how they felt. I knew he was an important player, but how he became so much more in this - how much he had character! That scene when Brady and Chris had the talk leaving Brady ' unbalanced and unsure of the ground underneath my feet.' 👌🏻👌🏻 There was so much more depth to him this time - often times, really stealing the thunder, but it's how Brady even brought Chris down-to-earth - evoke a sense of calmness and protectiveness in him, was really worth seeing after their very rocky start.
“Facing my fears hadn’t destroyed them. It had brought them into sharp relief instead, and I would probably never shed them. But I’d learned that I wasn’t useless. I’d learned that I was stronger than I thought, I guess, and that even if I wasn’t a hero I was a survivor.”
The writing, as always, hits you in the heart. Lisa Henry doesn't waste time on senseless meandering, but keeps the tempo going and the action flowing. There is turmoil, there is confusion, there is keen desperation, but there is fierce loyalty, tender affection, and a lot of heart-felt emotion. She brings all the characters together - wrapping up all the storylines, focusing on giving Brady the chance to survive and live and be whoever he chooses to be. The writing makes you a member on that ship, the technology, a fabric through time and dimension - just a stellar way of bringing the depths of the dark space into your hands. The care to detail to the Faceless - making them more than just Nameless - but entities to fear - was so graphically chilling. I never warmed up to Kai-Ren, try as I thought there was something to him to warm up to; he hurt Cam - Brady and I will never forgive him for that.
But, most of all, the strength of this series was seeing the growth of character development to Brady - from what he was when the series started, to who he was at the end. I loved to see him interact with all the characters, how each of them played their pivotal and integral roles to the plot. Despite his reservations, despite his reluctance and self-deprecating thoughts about himself, he stood and fought against every challenge that came his way. Never one to back down from a fight is what made Brady a star - a hero in my eyes. He is really that kind of a good guy, which you just want to cheer on - the epitome of an antihero who grew and learned and lived to tell his story - who went into the dark space and came back a starlight. 'And that was something worth knowing.' 👏🏻👏🏻
And Lisa Henry, what would it take for Chris and Thomas to get their own story?? Inquiring minds would very much like to know. 👉🏻👈🏻
April 25, 2024
4.5**** stars
What a creepy and thrilling last installment in this series.
And Thomas… hell. Wished we could’ve seen more of him tho.
Again, rounding down to four stars because I wasn’t quite happy with all of the conclusions the author decided on. It also felt a bit anticlimactic to me and like… something was just missing, yk?!
Anyway. It was a great series that I can def recommend —especially on audio. Chris Chambers did a fine job with narrating the story and the characters.
***********
Dark Space Series:
Book 1 - Dark Space - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Darker Space - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Starlight - 4.5 stars
What a creepy and thrilling last installment in this series.
And Thomas… hell. Wished we could’ve seen more of him tho.
The first day he called one of the officers on the base an asshole, I knew he’d be just fine.
Again, rounding down to four stars because I wasn’t quite happy with all of the conclusions the author decided on. It also felt a bit anticlimactic to me and like… something was just missing, yk?!
Anyway. It was a great series that I can def recommend —especially on audio. Chris Chambers did a fine job with narrating the story and the characters.
***********
Dark Space Series:
Book 1 - Dark Space - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Darker Space - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Starlight - 4.5 stars
Want to read
October 3, 2019This is finally a thing????
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.
*hyperventilates*
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.
*hyperventilates*
December 31, 2019
4 Stars
Starlight is the third (and final?) instalment of Lisa Henry’s intense, multifaceted, and highly engrossing Dark Space series.
Science-fiction in genre, this futuristic M/M romance picks up where the previous story left off, with main couple Brady and Cam (and a small group of other humans, including Brady’s kid sister), exploring and enduring life in space, on an alien spacecraft captained by Faceless leader, Kai-Ren.
It's hard to get into details, especially if this series is unknown to you, but I must say that this was the most complex, emotionally gripping story of the series to date – mostly because the characters (along with the readers) seem to learn a lot more this go around, particularly when it comes to the mysteries and motivations of the Faceless alien race that has featured so heavily throughout the series.
As far as the romance is concerned, Brady and Cam are solid. These guys are just as in love – if not more so – than they’ve ever been, which is a huge feat considering the circumstances they find themselves in during the course of this story. I just love these two together, and being one of my first M/M book couples (first read way back in 2014 when I initially started reading the genre), they hold a very, very special place in my heart. I was practically ecstatic to hear the news of their long-awaited return and I wasn't disappointed!
Brady is still one of the most pessimistic, grumpy-bum narrators I’ve ever read, but damn if I don’t love every fibre of his “doom and gloom” being. He’s so real – every negative, cynical, cranky, human part of him. He needs some work, but like Cam, I love him for everything he is, flaws and all.
Interestingly, my absolute favourite part of this whole story was Chris Varro – Cam’s ex-boyfriend and Brady’s (mostly, some-of-the-time, but not really) arch-nemesis. This guy plays a great role here, really coming into his own and owning the scenes he was in. Fellow readers of this series will probably be like me and be a bit shocked that this once-a-douche side character could become so near and dear to my heart, but I guess if anyone can make miracles happen, it’s Lisa god-damn Henry. (Needless to say, imma gonna need a spin-off story about Chris if I’m expected to ever be happy and satisfied in life again – just sayin’).
Compared to the more sedate, slow-moving first half, the second half of this story was full of revelations, and plenty of action and drama to keep my heart-rate elevated and my reading speed… speedy.
I loved how this instalment wrapped up and I’m kind of hoping this isn’t the last we ever get to read about this world and these characters. *crosses fingers and toes, while praying to the Northern Queensland book Gods that Lisa Henry finds future inspiration among the stars of Kopa*
Starlight is the third (and final?) instalment of Lisa Henry’s intense, multifaceted, and highly engrossing Dark Space series.
Science-fiction in genre, this futuristic M/M romance picks up where the previous story left off, with main couple Brady and Cam (and a small group of other humans, including Brady’s kid sister), exploring and enduring life in space, on an alien spacecraft captained by Faceless leader, Kai-Ren.
It's hard to get into details, especially if this series is unknown to you, but I must say that this was the most complex, emotionally gripping story of the series to date – mostly because the characters (along with the readers) seem to learn a lot more this go around, particularly when it comes to the mysteries and motivations of the Faceless alien race that has featured so heavily throughout the series.
As far as the romance is concerned, Brady and Cam are solid. These guys are just as in love – if not more so – than they’ve ever been, which is a huge feat considering the circumstances they find themselves in during the course of this story. I just love these two together, and being one of my first M/M book couples (first read way back in 2014 when I initially started reading the genre), they hold a very, very special place in my heart. I was practically ecstatic to hear the news of their long-awaited return and I wasn't disappointed!
Brady is still one of the most pessimistic, grumpy-bum narrators I’ve ever read, but damn if I don’t love every fibre of his “doom and gloom” being. He’s so real – every negative, cynical, cranky, human part of him. He needs some work, but like Cam, I love him for everything he is, flaws and all.
Interestingly, my absolute favourite part of this whole story was Chris Varro – Cam’s ex-boyfriend and Brady’s (mostly, some-of-the-time, but not really) arch-nemesis. This guy plays a great role here, really coming into his own and owning the scenes he was in. Fellow readers of this series will probably be like me and be a bit shocked that this once-a-douche side character could become so near and dear to my heart, but I guess if anyone can make miracles happen, it’s Lisa god-damn Henry. (Needless to say, imma gonna need a spin-off story about Chris if I’m expected to ever be happy and satisfied in life again – just sayin’).
Compared to the more sedate, slow-moving first half, the second half of this story was full of revelations, and plenty of action and drama to keep my heart-rate elevated and my reading speed… speedy.
I loved how this instalment wrapped up and I’m kind of hoping this isn’t the last we ever get to read about this world and these characters. *crosses fingers and toes, while praying to the Northern Queensland book Gods that Lisa Henry finds future inspiration among the stars of Kopa*
December 15, 2019
Brady and Cam hold a special place in my heart. I loved ‘Dark Space’ in all its grittiness, and it remains on my favourites shelf.
‘Starlight’ doesn’t really add anything new to Cam and Brady’s relationship, but it does affirm what they’ve built since first being thrown together.
They’re tough, committed, and so completely in love with each other and their little family with Lucy. Yes, I did in fact swoon quite a few times!
The two men really do complete each other, and they’ve remained true to themselves despite everything they’ve been through.
Brady is still the scrappy refugee kid terrified of the black, willing to do whatever it takes to get to his sun, beach, and little sister. And Cam is still the level-headed soldier who works towards the greater good, and believes a future with Brady is just around the corner.
They’re an odd mismatched pair, but they just work.
Book 3 picks up not long after ‘Darker Space’, with the specially-chosen humans onboard the Faceless ship. They’re none the wiser for their trip into the black with the very monsters that humanity fears the most.
The only thing that’s clear - the humans are there safe and sound only because Kai-Ren finds them faintly interesting.
The constant level of danger and uncertainty made this a really gripping read!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting a look at the Faceless in their own territory. They were fascinating - so completely different from humans, and so unbothered by the fact that humanity consider them an existential threat.
Does it say something about me that I like Kai-Ren? He’s awful by human standards, but downright cuddly for a Faceless.
I won’t give away any spoilers, but ‘Starlight’ more than delivers on nail-biting action, twists and turns, and some heartstopping moments!
The ending was brilliant and perfect for Brady, Cam, and Lucy. But there has to be another book - I still have questions that need answers.
If you’re looking for amazing MM sci-fi, I can’t recommend the Dark Space series enough!
‘Starlight’ doesn’t really add anything new to Cam and Brady’s relationship, but it does affirm what they’ve built since first being thrown together.
They’re tough, committed, and so completely in love with each other and their little family with Lucy. Yes, I did in fact swoon quite a few times!
The two men really do complete each other, and they’ve remained true to themselves despite everything they’ve been through.
Brady is still the scrappy refugee kid terrified of the black, willing to do whatever it takes to get to his sun, beach, and little sister. And Cam is still the level-headed soldier who works towards the greater good, and believes a future with Brady is just around the corner.
They’re an odd mismatched pair, but they just work.
Book 3 picks up not long after ‘Darker Space’, with the specially-chosen humans onboard the Faceless ship. They’re none the wiser for their trip into the black with the very monsters that humanity fears the most.
The only thing that’s clear - the humans are there safe and sound only because Kai-Ren finds them faintly interesting.
The constant level of danger and uncertainty made this a really gripping read!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting a look at the Faceless in their own territory. They were fascinating - so completely different from humans, and so unbothered by the fact that humanity consider them an existential threat.
Does it say something about me that I like Kai-Ren? He’s awful by human standards, but downright cuddly for a Faceless.
I won’t give away any spoilers, but ‘Starlight’ more than delivers on nail-biting action, twists and turns, and some heartstopping moments!
The ending was brilliant and perfect for Brady, Cam, and Lucy. But there has to be another book - I still have questions that need answers.
If you’re looking for amazing MM sci-fi, I can’t recommend the Dark Space series enough!
December 22, 2019
4.5 stars
A great conclusion to a great series.
Brady has come a long way from the bitter, lonely, perpetually angry guy he was at the beginning of the series, and I really liked going on this journey with him and seeing him grow and find his place in life.
Cam has always been a bit more of a mystery, since the story is told entirely in Brady’s POV, but it came a point in this book when I felt like I was seeing all of him, instead of trying to read along the lines of Brady’s flawed perception and what Cam actually said. Probably because it finally came a time when they had everything in the open between them. For two guys who spent a lot of time sharing a telepathic connection, they didn’t manage to communicate in a meaningful way often. Not in a bad way, though, they just needed to take that last step and they did. I appreciated it.
I appreciated the development of pretty much every relationship in this final book. Brady and Cam, obviously, although I’ve never felt them to be in any danger at any point in the series (I so appreciate it when authors don’t have to break couples up to develop their relationship). But also Doc and Brady, Brady and Chris (some really great surprises there), Brady and the rest of the guys, Cam and Kai-Ren (the questions I had at the end of the first book were answered and I loved how that part was handled). Among all the various relationships, the one that was analyzed and brought into more sharp relief in this book is the human/aliens one and it was done very well, with no easy, comforting solutions.
One of the nicest surprises, though, came from the . I wasn’t convinced at first, but by the end of the book it became one of my favorite things, especially the part about . Although I could see it coming, it didn’t make it any less perfect and I know it’s most likely destined to remain wishful thinking, but I’d really love a book about
A great conclusion to a great series.
Brady has come a long way from the bitter, lonely, perpetually angry guy he was at the beginning of the series, and I really liked going on this journey with him and seeing him grow and find his place in life.
Cam has always been a bit more of a mystery, since the story is told entirely in Brady’s POV, but it came a point in this book when I felt like I was seeing all of him, instead of trying to read along the lines of Brady’s flawed perception and what Cam actually said. Probably because it finally came a time when they had everything in the open between them. For two guys who spent a lot of time sharing a telepathic connection, they didn’t manage to communicate in a meaningful way often. Not in a bad way, though, they just needed to take that last step and they did. I appreciated it.
I appreciated the development of pretty much every relationship in this final book. Brady and Cam, obviously, although I’ve never felt them to be in any danger at any point in the series (I so appreciate it when authors don’t have to break couples up to develop their relationship). But also Doc and Brady, Brady and Chris (some really great surprises there), Brady and the rest of the guys, Cam and Kai-Ren (the questions I had at the end of the first book were answered and I loved how that part was handled). Among all the various relationships, the one that was analyzed and brought into more sharp relief in this book is the human/aliens one and it was done very well, with no easy, comforting solutions.
One of the nicest surprises, though, came from the . I wasn’t convinced at first, but by the end of the book it became one of my favorite things, especially the part about . Although I could see it coming, it didn’t make it any less perfect and I know it’s most likely destined to remain wishful thinking, but I’d really love a book about
January 4, 2020
S'been a spell since I had the "no, no, I don't wanna fall asleep, wanna read more!", and I'm not surprised this is the author who gave this to me. I didn't want this to end! The closer I got to 100%, the deeper became my dread. Not enouuuuugh! #greedyreader
Now on to a more helpful review:
This story flirts with being a full-fledged character study in that mesmerizing kinda way. We're inside Brady's head, so there's that. But he's one of those who's people smart and gets us inside those with him on the Faceless ship: he knows Cam inside and out, knows Doc loves and needs him just as much as Brady does Doc, and Brady's the best big brother protector for Lucy while treating her like the headstrong smart cookie she is.
The twists!
The ever present danger and unknowns nestled in every nook and cranny... there's no escape! I was on that gooey, gross ship with these peeps every time they rounded a corridor corner and encountered one of those creeeeepy Faceless.
The role of Cam's ex, Chris, was at first annoying and then intriguing. His character's development arc feels the most explored, while bringing Brady and his along with him. Theirs mirror each others though not identical. Brilliant.
There are proofing errors, more than would normally get by this author before publishing. There're also a number of times when the same word or phrase is used, the rapidity becoming a minor distraction.
Despite these flaws, and because of these brilliantly crafted characters, a skeery as all get out universe that contains something like the Faceless, and the forever bond twixt Brady and Cam, this story gave me the kind of adrenaline ride with favorite players that I love.
*******************************
Why yes, yes, I *will* do another re-read of Dark Space and Darker Space in prep for this.
Now on to a more helpful review:
This story flirts with being a full-fledged character study in that mesmerizing kinda way. We're inside Brady's head, so there's that. But he's one of those who's people smart and gets us inside those with him on the Faceless ship: he knows Cam inside and out, knows Doc loves and needs him just as much as Brady does Doc, and Brady's the best big brother protector for Lucy while treating her like the headstrong smart cookie she is.
The twists!
The ever present danger and unknowns nestled in every nook and cranny... there's no escape! I was on that gooey, gross ship with these peeps every time they rounded a corridor corner and encountered one of those creeeeepy Faceless.
The role of Cam's ex, Chris, was at first annoying and then intriguing. His character's development arc feels the most explored, while bringing Brady and his along with him. Theirs mirror each others though not identical. Brilliant.
There are proofing errors, more than would normally get by this author before publishing. There're also a number of times when the same word or phrase is used, the rapidity becoming a minor distraction.
Despite these flaws, and because of these brilliantly crafted characters, a skeery as all get out universe that contains something like the Faceless, and the forever bond twixt Brady and Cam, this story gave me the kind of adrenaline ride with favorite players that I love.
*******************************
Why yes, yes, I *will* do another re-read of Dark Space and Darker Space in prep for this.
January 25, 2020
Starlight was so worth the wait! I have missed these boys so much and Lisa Henry delivered, not just a revisiting, but an amazing story to give Cam and Brady a proper HEA and maybe a little closure, if such thing can be found with the Faceless.
Just gonna put this out there -- I'd love to see Chris and get a story, too!
I recommend this series to anyone who loves sci-fi. Gorgeous, sexy, perfect.
Just gonna put this out there -- I'd love to see Chris and get a story, too!
I recommend this series to anyone who loves sci-fi. Gorgeous, sexy, perfect.
November 23, 2019
This book was incredible! At times the story chilled me to the bone, then it thrilled me with all the twists and turns, then it kept me on edge with danger and suspense, and through it all this fierce group of people amazed me with their sheer determination to survive, love and defeat their enemies. Ms Henry created species so fascinating and intricate that I couldn't wait to find out everything about the Faceless. I am on to you, Kai-Ren!
It's hard to say much about it since it would be a spoiler. But what I can say is that many things were explained and others still remained a mystery. This was a story of conquering one's fears, being strong when there was no hope and standing up for oneself. I loved Brady. His mind was fascinating, his personality was quirky but his resilience and scrappiness were what held everything together. Cam always brought out his softer side, showed that Brady had a heart that loved this man deeply. There were so many heart-warming moments between them. Other men surprised me in a good way. I admired them all for one reason or another. They were not perfect but they did the best they could under circumstances.
First part of the book is steadily paced, and I think that was the best because the second part became a whirlwind of events one more thrilling than the other. I loved how Ms Henry finished their journey and the direction she has taken the guys. There was just something wonderful about seeing how so many personalities found common ground, common purpose and forged the bond of friendship that would stay with them for life. Outstanding finale - angsty, suspenseful and action-packed! I highly recommend it! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
It's hard to say much about it since it would be a spoiler. But what I can say is that many things were explained and others still remained a mystery. This was a story of conquering one's fears, being strong when there was no hope and standing up for oneself. I loved Brady. His mind was fascinating, his personality was quirky but his resilience and scrappiness were what held everything together. Cam always brought out his softer side, showed that Brady had a heart that loved this man deeply. There were so many heart-warming moments between them. Other men surprised me in a good way. I admired them all for one reason or another. They were not perfect but they did the best they could under circumstances.
First part of the book is steadily paced, and I think that was the best because the second part became a whirlwind of events one more thrilling than the other. I loved how Ms Henry finished their journey and the direction she has taken the guys. There was just something wonderful about seeing how so many personalities found common ground, common purpose and forged the bond of friendship that would stay with them for life. Outstanding finale - angsty, suspenseful and action-packed! I highly recommend it! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
December 11, 2019
This book finishes the Dark Space trilogy. I reread the other two before starting it, and was glad I had done so, to track secondary characters and events. This one is a more internal book, despite the action at the end that leads to a satisfying conclusion. Much of the story here is watching Brady, along with Cam, Lucy, Doc, and the rest, coming to terms with the limitations of their experience as passengers with the Faceless.
These are very alien aliens, other than in their humanoid appearance. And despite living on their ship, our heroes are making very little progress in figuring out ways to find common ground. As the humans are forced to adapt to letting the ship's offerings feed them, slowly losing their tech to the constant moisture, Brady wonders what good they are possibly doing there. Then another Faceless ship joins them, and they find out that the hive-mind of their Faceless is not species-wide, and not unanimous.
The previous books were about both plot and relationship-building, but here Brady and Cam are rock solid. The focus turns to Brady's mental health, his self-perceptions as filtered through his past experiences, and the wider questions of whether humanity can ever really understand, or get understanding from, the Faceless. Sometimes Brady goes in mental circles, figuring things out intellectually, but unable to get past his unhelpful emotional reactions. He's still scared, still prone to turn that into anger, and still protective of those he cares about, in a situation where he's pretty helpless to protect anyone. He's very human, and having Cam and Doc and Lucy is what keeps him moving forward. (I'd have liked to see more child-like behavior from Lucy, but one could posit that her deprived childhood taught her to be stoic in the face of boredom and discomforts.)
Although one element of the ending sat a bit oddly with me, I found this book imaginative, with twists I didn't expect, and was impressed at the plausible happy ending pulled out of a difficult situation. Brady and Cam are still sweet together. I loved Doc, and found this a satisfying wrap up to the series.
These are very alien aliens, other than in their humanoid appearance. And despite living on their ship, our heroes are making very little progress in figuring out ways to find common ground. As the humans are forced to adapt to letting the ship's offerings feed them, slowly losing their tech to the constant moisture, Brady wonders what good they are possibly doing there. Then another Faceless ship joins them, and they find out that the hive-mind of their Faceless is not species-wide, and not unanimous.
The previous books were about both plot and relationship-building, but here Brady and Cam are rock solid. The focus turns to Brady's mental health, his self-perceptions as filtered through his past experiences, and the wider questions of whether humanity can ever really understand, or get understanding from, the Faceless. Sometimes Brady goes in mental circles, figuring things out intellectually, but unable to get past his unhelpful emotional reactions. He's still scared, still prone to turn that into anger, and still protective of those he cares about, in a situation where he's pretty helpless to protect anyone. He's very human, and having Cam and Doc and Lucy is what keeps him moving forward. (I'd have liked to see more child-like behavior from Lucy, but one could posit that her deprived childhood taught her to be stoic in the face of boredom and discomforts.)
Although one element of the ending sat a bit oddly with me, I found this book imaginative, with twists I didn't expect, and was impressed at the plausible happy ending pulled out of a difficult situation. Brady and Cam are still sweet together. I loved Doc, and found this a satisfying wrap up to the series.
July 23, 2022
If you like intelligent sci-fi with incredible characters, single parent, with a steamy MM love story, I can't recommend this series enough. Please start with Dark Space before reading this one!
Brady is absolutely a hero in this series, but he's hard to classify as a hero because he's an argumentative little shit. He isn't necessarily good looking, he's not very tall, he's kind of skinny, he's pessimistic, but the love he carries for his little sister, and for Cam is so powerful. He is written so brutally honest in this series, that it's almost cringey listening to his POV. I love him.
I am blown away with the imagination of this author, and everything that happened in this last book. Do I find it highly implausible? Yes. But that didn't change my enjoyment of the overall story.
The relationship between Brady and Doc is perfection. This is a found-family written at its very best. Their relationship arc from the first book to this last book touched my heart so much.
I'm going to spoiler tag the rest of my review...actually it's more like a running stream of written diarrhea.
*****
Does end with an amazing HEA. What a phenomenal series!
Brady is absolutely a hero in this series, but he's hard to classify as a hero because he's an argumentative little shit. He isn't necessarily good looking, he's not very tall, he's kind of skinny, he's pessimistic, but the love he carries for his little sister, and for Cam is so powerful. He is written so brutally honest in this series, that it's almost cringey listening to his POV. I love him.
I am blown away with the imagination of this author, and everything that happened in this last book. Do I find it highly implausible? Yes. But that didn't change my enjoyment of the overall story.
The relationship between Brady and Doc is perfection. This is a found-family written at its very best. Their relationship arc from the first book to this last book touched my heart so much.
I'm going to spoiler tag the rest of my review...actually it's more like a running stream of written diarrhea.
*****
Does end with an amazing HEA. What a phenomenal series!
December 14, 2023
4.5⭐ for this story and I'm rounding it up, because
the ideas that went into this series were really some of the best and most interesting I've ever read
.
Even though the 2nd and 3rd installment aren't as love-spice-oriented, I absolutely loved reading this series, I could've read about 10 books more and I feel like this series hasn't ended yet, it's waiting there to be continued.
No, definitely hasn't ended yet.
"Cam tried to get me to meditate once. Fucking disaster that was.
“Just breathe and center yourself, Brady.”
“What the fuck does that even mean? This is bullshit.” I was not at one with the universe. Not then and sure as shit not now."
😄😄
🔵 Cam and Brady back amongst the stars
🟢 An epic journey through out outer space
🟠 Great ideas
🟡 Faceless/human hybrid
🟣 Chris Varro turns out to be amazing
🌶️ Some spice, but mostly a solid, devoted, comforting relationship between Cam and Brady
This book offers an epic finish to this amazing sci-fi series. I loved all the books, loved the ideas, the imagination behind it, the steady storytelling and writing and I absolutely love the world-building, I'm not done with Kopa or the Faceless yet, let me tell you. I want more.
In this installment we get a little more angst with Brady, Cam and their co-workers travelling on a Faceless ship to an unknown destination in space.
Brady and the team have no idea where they're headed during this months-long trip, so when we get a glimpse into how Faceless work, how they reproduce and when we take a peak into their world a little bit with other Faceless involved, it leaves much to be desired, at least for me. The Faceless are such a profoundly original idea that I definitely didn't get enough information about them with this series alone. They're complex and we were reading about them in three books, yet we practically know nothing about them.
The Faceless ship was an interesting concept, it was a queen-bee-with-her-hive so to speak, a mother who's reproducing asexually, so the Faceless are inhabiting the ship and all their body excrements, their essence is absorbed by the ship and in return the ship produces a bunch of embryos developing in her gestation pool (like a womb in the ship's core).
With Brady, Cam, Chris fucking Varro, Doc, Lucy, Harry and Andre now aboard, the ship is absorbing their waste aswell and in the process the ship produces the Faceless/human hybrids that are killed off by Kai-ren and his hive.
They call them abominations, but one of those abominations gets saved by Chris Varro.
Brady and Cam are always in the background somewhere going strong, they're always very solid and in this book I've begun to like another side character just as much - it's Chris Varro, yes, you've guessed it.
"It wasn’t just the Faceless. He met you, Brady. The universe wasn’t big enough for Cam back when I knew him, but then he met you and now all of that has changed. He’s changed. He’s found what he was looking for, Brady, and it turns out it was this unmitigated fucking disaster of a human being. No offence.”"
Chris turns out to be quite the man, I really liked him and I honestly hope his book is yet to come. In my mind it's him and Thomas the hybrid that go back to the Faceless and maybe realize their ship produced more of the hybrids, but this time around, Kai-ren and the Faceless are the main characters and they finally get their human experience.
Maybe initially thought of as a specimen for their military to examine, but Thomas - the hybrid, falls into a relationship with Chris by the end of this book and that's not even the main topic here, which leaves me to believe Chris' book is still to come. It has to, because the start of a completely new species in the known Universe was too monumental to just wrap it up in a few sentences and end this series.
Definitely needing more.
And Kai-ren? Come on, he can't just flutter away into space and be gone? I won't accept that he's done with, he was such an important side character that I absolutely want him back, we need his story, we need to get to know his world and his species. And yes, they all need their human experience that's so alien to them, emotions are a foreign concept, rape is something that's not bad in their world, it's just a process of connecting one to their consciousness, so they maybe need to change that - as I've said, so many excellent ideas here and they should absolutely be explored further.
Brady and Cam are so memorable that I'm sure I'll be yapping about them to my grandkids one day.
A solid, unconventional couple with Brady getting not only the man of his dreams, but a better life, something he could've never imagined being a small, hungry reffo kid from Kopa.
"There had been a time when all I’d known about the black was that all my nightmares came from there. Which was still true and always would be, but I also remembered the beauty of the clouds in the nebula, the endless spread of stars like lanterns scattered in the black, and the way the light of them caught in Cam’s eyes when he smiled at me."
Brady has my heart.❤️
I wholeheartedly recommed this series.
Even though the 2nd and 3rd installment aren't as love-spice-oriented, I absolutely loved reading this series, I could've read about 10 books more and I feel like this series hasn't ended yet, it's waiting there to be continued.
No, definitely hasn't ended yet.
"Cam tried to get me to meditate once. Fucking disaster that was.
“Just breathe and center yourself, Brady.”
“What the fuck does that even mean? This is bullshit.” I was not at one with the universe. Not then and sure as shit not now."
😄😄
🔵 Cam and Brady back amongst the stars
🟢 An epic journey through out outer space
🟠 Great ideas
🟡 Faceless/human hybrid
🟣 Chris Varro turns out to be amazing
🌶️ Some spice, but mostly a solid, devoted, comforting relationship between Cam and Brady
This book offers an epic finish to this amazing sci-fi series. I loved all the books, loved the ideas, the imagination behind it, the steady storytelling and writing and I absolutely love the world-building, I'm not done with Kopa or the Faceless yet, let me tell you. I want more.
In this installment we get a little more angst with Brady, Cam and their co-workers travelling on a Faceless ship to an unknown destination in space.
Brady and the team have no idea where they're headed during this months-long trip, so when we get a glimpse into how Faceless work, how they reproduce and when we take a peak into their world a little bit with other Faceless involved, it leaves much to be desired, at least for me. The Faceless are such a profoundly original idea that I definitely didn't get enough information about them with this series alone. They're complex and we were reading about them in three books, yet we practically know nothing about them.
The Faceless ship was an interesting concept, it was a queen-bee-with-her-hive so to speak, a mother who's reproducing asexually, so the Faceless are inhabiting the ship and all their body excrements, their essence is absorbed by the ship and in return the ship produces a bunch of embryos developing in her gestation pool (like a womb in the ship's core).
With Brady, Cam, Chris fucking Varro, Doc, Lucy, Harry and Andre now aboard, the ship is absorbing their waste aswell and in the process the ship produces the Faceless/human hybrids that are killed off by Kai-ren and his hive.
They call them abominations, but one of those abominations gets saved by Chris Varro.
Brady and Cam are always in the background somewhere going strong, they're always very solid and in this book I've begun to like another side character just as much - it's Chris Varro, yes, you've guessed it.
"It wasn’t just the Faceless. He met you, Brady. The universe wasn’t big enough for Cam back when I knew him, but then he met you and now all of that has changed. He’s changed. He’s found what he was looking for, Brady, and it turns out it was this unmitigated fucking disaster of a human being. No offence.”"
Chris turns out to be quite the man, I really liked him and I honestly hope his book is yet to come. In my mind it's him and Thomas the hybrid that go back to the Faceless and maybe realize their ship produced more of the hybrids, but this time around, Kai-ren and the Faceless are the main characters and they finally get their human experience.
Maybe initially thought of as a specimen for their military to examine, but Thomas - the hybrid, falls into a relationship with Chris by the end of this book and that's not even the main topic here, which leaves me to believe Chris' book is still to come. It has to, because the start of a completely new species in the known Universe was too monumental to just wrap it up in a few sentences and end this series.
Definitely needing more.
And Kai-ren? Come on, he can't just flutter away into space and be gone? I won't accept that he's done with, he was such an important side character that I absolutely want him back, we need his story, we need to get to know his world and his species. And yes, they all need their human experience that's so alien to them, emotions are a foreign concept, rape is something that's not bad in their world, it's just a process of connecting one to their consciousness, so they maybe need to change that - as I've said, so many excellent ideas here and they should absolutely be explored further.
Brady and Cam are so memorable that I'm sure I'll be yapping about them to my grandkids one day.
A solid, unconventional couple with Brady getting not only the man of his dreams, but a better life, something he could've never imagined being a small, hungry reffo kid from Kopa.
"There had been a time when all I’d known about the black was that all my nightmares came from there. Which was still true and always would be, but I also remembered the beauty of the clouds in the nebula, the endless spread of stars like lanterns scattered in the black, and the way the light of them caught in Cam’s eyes when he smiled at me."
Brady has my heart.❤️
I wholeheartedly recommed this series.
March 11, 2021
Stellar Finale!!
This was a magnificent finale to the Dark Space series!
If you love sci-fi & adventure & faulty characters, this is your series.
HEA.
NOT A STAND-ALONE.
This was a magnificent finale to the Dark Space series!
If you love sci-fi & adventure & faulty characters, this is your series.
HEA.
NOT A STAND-ALONE.
December 15, 2019
*4.5 stars*
Let’s be clear right from the start : this is not a standalone. It’s the long-awaited 3rd part of Brady and Cam’s romance. And even tough I was a tiny bit anxious to be disappointed after such a long wait, no fear : Lisa Henry delivered in the best way.
It’s a “sci-fi” romance, not a trope I usually go for, but I was totally into “Dark Space” (book #1) when I read it. I guess it’s because it was very “relationship-oriented” with much introspection and a high level of hotness, despite the fact it happened in a future time, a lot of the events taking place into a space shift (but for book #2 located on Earth) and while dealing with the invasion of aliens named “the Faceless”.
"Starlight" picks up right where "Darker Space" (book #2) ended : with Brady, Brady’s little sister, Cam, and their tiny crew going deep into the “Faceless” territory. Brady is still Brady : the pessimistic one with an attitude and scared shitless being trapped in a “flying can”, Cam is still Cam, the confident and quiet force, and their bond is still powerful and fascinating to witness.
Once again, I was completely immersed into this fantastic romance : the world building is creative with so much reflexion about Humanity, the writing is flawless, and the characters are just so appealing. So much feels into this last part.
Yes, Brady and Cam had, have and will always have a special place in my reading world. Thank you, Lisa Henry, for this journey.
For those who loved “Brady and Cam”, go for this last part and for those who haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it.
ARC of “Starlight” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Let’s be clear right from the start : this is not a standalone. It’s the long-awaited 3rd part of Brady and Cam’s romance. And even tough I was a tiny bit anxious to be disappointed after such a long wait, no fear : Lisa Henry delivered in the best way.
It’s a “sci-fi” romance, not a trope I usually go for, but I was totally into “Dark Space” (book #1) when I read it. I guess it’s because it was very “relationship-oriented” with much introspection and a high level of hotness, despite the fact it happened in a future time, a lot of the events taking place into a space shift (but for book #2 located on Earth) and while dealing with the invasion of aliens named “the Faceless”.
"Starlight" picks up right where "Darker Space" (book #2) ended : with Brady, Brady’s little sister, Cam, and their tiny crew going deep into the “Faceless” territory. Brady is still Brady : the pessimistic one with an attitude and scared shitless being trapped in a “flying can”, Cam is still Cam, the confident and quiet force, and their bond is still powerful and fascinating to witness.
“You’re the bravest guy I ever met”…
“Where’s this coming from ?”
I reached out and took his hand. Pressed it to my heart. “It’s always in here, Cam. I just figured I should remember to say it sometimes too”.
Once again, I was completely immersed into this fantastic romance : the world building is creative with so much reflexion about Humanity, the writing is flawless, and the characters are just so appealing. So much feels into this last part.
Yes, Brady and Cam had, have and will always have a special place in my reading world. Thank you, Lisa Henry, for this journey.
For those who loved “Brady and Cam”, go for this last part and for those who haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it.
ARC of “Starlight” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2022
4.5 stars
This series was so good. It really does read as one story split into three, as stuff is addressed later in the story. Like in this book. Can't really review it overall until you're done!
I loved seeing how all the characters reacted differently to things happening, and their situations. Distinct personalities, without taking over the story. I liked seeing more of Chris too, and when Brady and Chris bonded (lol) a little.
Brady as always is a fun, dramatic angy narrator. I did enjoy how he accidentally brings people together sometimes.
Cam finally faced his trauma - which was a hanging thread I was concerned about from the first book - and addressed it well.
Lucy - the child - was also sort of only there as a motivator for Brady, and didn't get in the way or be annoying, which I appreciated.
The plot?? Out of nowhere. So good. So many things I wouldn't have been able to predict, which made for such a captivating read.
Overall, this series, and this book in particular, is a real winner. Highly recommend!
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
This series was so good. It really does read as one story split into three, as stuff is addressed later in the story. Like in this book. Can't really review it overall until you're done!
I loved seeing how all the characters reacted differently to things happening, and their situations. Distinct personalities, without taking over the story. I liked seeing more of Chris too, and when Brady and Chris bonded (lol) a little.
Brady as always is a fun, dramatic angy narrator. I did enjoy how he accidentally brings people together sometimes.
Cam finally faced his trauma - which was a hanging thread I was concerned about from the first book - and addressed it well.
Lucy - the child - was also sort of only there as a motivator for Brady, and didn't get in the way or be annoying, which I appreciated.
The plot?? Out of nowhere. So good. So many things I wouldn't have been able to predict, which made for such a captivating read.
Overall, this series, and this book in particular, is a real winner. Highly recommend!
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
December 3, 2019
It's time for the ride to end, it seems. The third and possibly final outing in the Dark Space series dropped on 1 December, and I was up all night devouring it. Author Henry, all is forgiven for the FOUR-YEAR WAIT you subjected us to.
Ahem.
Then there's the TL;DR version.
Ahem.
Then there's the TL;DR version.
July 7, 2020
I think the guy on the book cover might be Chris. The ex of Cam. The one who is envious that Cam got his guy -- BRADY.
Well, I enjoyed this one maybe best. Mainly bc of all the aliens, the suspense, the BATTLE!
It was kind of anticlimatic at the end. And kinda surprised where Thomas ended up and with who. I mean... He WAS just born like DAYS ago! But he's half alien so...
Anyway, good series. I assume that's the end of it. Not sure how I feel about Kai-Ren or that we've heard the last of him. Even tho he didn't give Cam the closure he needed, I'd like to think Kai-Ren was thinking... perhaps he'd come to an epiphany at some point, who knows.
Good stuff.
Well, I enjoyed this one maybe best. Mainly bc of all the aliens, the suspense, the BATTLE!
It was kind of anticlimatic at the end. And kinda surprised where Thomas ended up and with who. I mean... He WAS just born like DAYS ago! But he's half alien so...
Anyway, good series. I assume that's the end of it. Not sure how I feel about Kai-Ren or that we've heard the last of him. Even tho he didn't give Cam the closure he needed, I'd like to think Kai-Ren was thinking... perhaps he'd come to an epiphany at some point, who knows.
Good stuff.
July 19, 2025
I fucking loved this series. One of my favourites in a long time. I’m a sucker for broken assholes, and Brady was the perfect one. This last book was my favourite. Found family. Romance. Action. HEA.
Straight to favourites. ❤️
Straight to favourites. ❤️
February 26, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Star Light is Lisa Henry’s third installment in the Dark Space series. While it picks up pretty much where the second book leaves off, it has the drastic shift away from human civilization and places the bulk of the action aboard the Faceless ship. The setting and the way Kai-ren and the other Faceless are described is laced with etymological shades of meaning. The mind link the Faceless use to communicate and their apparent behavior towards one another (and again when they start to lose fellow Faceless in the battle with another group) seems to fit the concept of “hive mentality” very well. This also extends to the ship. In the previous book, I only had a vague idea of what the ship was—and that was mostly that it was wildly different from anything a human would make. In Starlight, the ship is almost like a supporting character for the sheer magnitude of effect it has, especially on Brady. The characters ultimately decide the ship is rather like a queen insect itself and the Faceless are akin to the workers that service her. One thing I really loved about this aspect of the story telling is how often Brady expresses his frustration that even these similarities are colored by the limits of human language and human capacity comprehend something so drastically different.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Star Light is Lisa Henry’s third installment in the Dark Space series. While it picks up pretty much where the second book leaves off, it has the drastic shift away from human civilization and places the bulk of the action aboard the Faceless ship. The setting and the way Kai-ren and the other Faceless are described is laced with etymological shades of meaning. The mind link the Faceless use to communicate and their apparent behavior towards one another (and again when they start to lose fellow Faceless in the battle with another group) seems to fit the concept of “hive mentality” very well. This also extends to the ship. In the previous book, I only had a vague idea of what the ship was—and that was mostly that it was wildly different from anything a human would make. In Starlight, the ship is almost like a supporting character for the sheer magnitude of effect it has, especially on Brady. The characters ultimately decide the ship is rather like a queen insect itself and the Faceless are akin to the workers that service her. One thing I really loved about this aspect of the story telling is how often Brady expresses his frustration that even these similarities are colored by the limits of human language and human capacity comprehend something so drastically different.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
December 8, 2019
I think... this book wasn't necessary. Actually, I think a trilogy wasn't. This was a one book story stretched out across three. With Starlight in particular suffering from a lack of decent editing and proofing. (Seriously, the editing and proofing was so shockingly bad that I'm surprised Lisa Henry uploaded the book in its current iteration.)
Ugh. I guess I'm just irritated by some of the directions things went, only for them to end up not being explained in a way I found satisfying or mattering all that much.
Doc was still the fucking best tho.
Ugh. I guess I'm just irritated by some of the directions things went, only for them to end up not being explained in a way I found satisfying or mattering all that much.
Doc was still the fucking best tho.
July 25, 2025
4,5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed the finale of the series.
And again, some of the plot totally surprised me.
I have no idea what I would feel like onboard an alien starship when I have no clue what’s going on, but I reckon I’m not far off Brady’s feelings. Who, of course, will probably never be a ‘half glass full’ guy.
I honestly can’t blame him for losing his sh** or panicking when his life, and those he loves, totally depend on someone/something that is an utter mystery.
And to make matters even more 'interesting' – what a joy to have your boyfriend’s ex onboard, too! LOL. I’m glad things went the way they did with Chris eventually, and I loved his connection to somebody entirely unexpected.
I really liked the thoughts about communication and understanding a completely different species when there are very few points of cross reference. And it becomes crystal clear in the end, that knowing the Faceless and understanding them
It was good to see Brady learning some lessons about himself, and how he acknowledges that he will need help with sorting his anger/fear/minority complex out. Also … loved to see him progressing professionally. He is still so young and has a full life ahead of him.
But it's the plot that left me with white knuckles and racing through the pages. So much action! So much angst! So many twists!
Yes, some things worked out a tad conveniently, but, tbh, I didn’t care too much. I loved the story, I adored Brady and Cam (and omg, it was awesome to see Cam vulnerable with Brady helping!) and would recommend this to anyone who has even a vague interest in sci-fi.
Thoroughly enjoyed the finale of the series.
And again, some of the plot totally surprised me.
I have no idea what I would feel like onboard an alien starship when I have no clue what’s going on, but I reckon I’m not far off Brady’s feelings. Who, of course, will probably never be a ‘half glass full’ guy.
I honestly can’t blame him for losing his sh** or panicking when his life, and those he loves, totally depend on someone/something that is an utter mystery.
And to make matters even more 'interesting' – what a joy to have your boyfriend’s ex onboard, too! LOL. I’m glad things went the way they did with Chris eventually, and I loved his connection to somebody entirely unexpected.
I really liked the thoughts about communication and understanding a completely different species when there are very few points of cross reference. And it becomes crystal clear in the end, that knowing the Faceless and understanding them
It was good to see Brady learning some lessons about himself, and how he acknowledges that he will need help with sorting his anger/fear/minority complex out. Also … loved to see him progressing professionally. He is still so young and has a full life ahead of him.
But it's the plot that left me with white knuckles and racing through the pages. So much action! So much angst! So many twists!
Yes, some things worked out a tad conveniently, but, tbh, I didn’t care too much. I loved the story, I adored Brady and Cam (and omg, it was awesome to see Cam vulnerable with Brady helping!) and would recommend this to anyone who has even a vague interest in sci-fi.
June 4, 2023
Wow! What a great conclusion to a great series! Lisa Henry, I love you! :)
I needed some time to get to this book (and its review), I re-read Dark Space and Darker Space and finally, well-prepared, I dived into the Starlight.
The storyline was the most complex yet, as we have a whole bunch of characters here and not only my beloved Cam and Brady. What's more, we get quite a few Faceless and, most of all, we have a totally different setting (a Faceless ship) and space and challenges.
I didn't foresee where the whole story was going and was very surprised with some plot twists. And maybe, but only maybe, Lisa Henry found a bit too easy solution to (almost) all the problems: .
I still loved Starlight and especially the bits that showed us how Cam and Brady's love solidified and intensified. They are one of my favourite couples ever.
Lisa Henry's beautiful writing style made their love story really shine. I will definitely come back to the Dark Space universe in the future.
Highly recommended!!!
I needed some time to get to this book (and its review), I re-read Dark Space and Darker Space and finally, well-prepared, I dived into the Starlight.
The storyline was the most complex yet, as we have a whole bunch of characters here and not only my beloved Cam and Brady. What's more, we get quite a few Faceless and, most of all, we have a totally different setting (a Faceless ship) and space and challenges.
I didn't foresee where the whole story was going and was very surprised with some plot twists. And maybe, but only maybe, Lisa Henry found a bit too easy solution to (almost) all the problems: .
I still loved Starlight and especially the bits that showed us how Cam and Brady's love solidified and intensified. They are one of my favourite couples ever.
Lisa Henry's beautiful writing style made their love story really shine. I will definitely come back to the Dark Space universe in the future.
Highly recommended!!!
December 3, 2019
FINALLY!
Thank you so much, Lisa.
I wasn't sure what to expect after book 2, but I was extremely satisfied with the direction this took. What expectations I did have were delightfully subverted.
Brady is satisfyingly true to character. I'd almost forgotten how his fatalistic tendencies make him painful to read at times, but he wouldn't be the same without them.
There's continued potential in this universe, and I'm very interested to see if anything happens next!
Thank you so much, Lisa.
I wasn't sure what to expect after book 2, but I was extremely satisfied with the direction this took. What expectations I did have were delightfully subverted.
Brady is satisfyingly true to character. I'd almost forgotten how his fatalistic tendencies make him painful to read at times, but he wouldn't be the same without them.
There's continued potential in this universe, and I'm very interested to see if anything happens next!
January 21, 2022
Such a fantastic series. Really creative sorry, and a wonderful romance. Chris Chambers' audio is nicely done.
June 1, 2021
I've been putting off reading this for over seven months now, since I knew it would be devastating in one way or another. I was right, of course, but it was worth every tear welling up in my eyes and each shiver of shock at the situation. I'm gutted and need to take some recovery time. I might add to this review after a few hours sleep, but if I don't, please know I recommend this book and the trilogy with the highest of ratings.
April 18, 2020
A satisfying conclusion to an awesome series.
Took me a while to read it - my concentration is shot to hell cause of all the stress over the pandemics - but you can bet I would have read it in one go had I picked it up any other time.
Took me a while to read it - my concentration is shot to hell cause of all the stress over the pandemics - but you can bet I would have read it in one go had I picked it up any other time.
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