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The Darvel Exploratory Systems #1
Classified Planet: Turongal
In the future a united Earth, to deal with the problem of population control, divides its population into classes of citizen and non-gratis. To be born a non-gratis means a life of little freedoms and the constant possibility of being assigned to work on a colony. Lacking citizenship, every aspect of their life is controlled from where they live, down to marriage and childbearing regulations. The only possible escape from life as a non-gratis is to qualify for one of the limited slots available for entrance into the military. For most, however, it is the only life that they will ever know.
Charlie has prepared all her life for the possibility of being shipped off to work in a colony, so when she is selected for part of the initialization phase colony laborers she is determined to make the best out of a new life on a very different and hostile planet. Assigned as a labor assistant in the exploratory lab seems like a step up in the right direction for her. Caring for the wildlife specimens is far preferable to working as a laborer preparing the first of the fields or in any of the common industries.
That is, until a vaguely humanoid specimen is captured and brought in. The promise of death that clings to it is fulfilled when it breaks out from containment and she finds herself hostage to a being with a thirst for vengeance. Far away from the colony, Charlie is forced to carve out a new life for herself in a dangerous world, but will she be able to safeguard her heart from the biggest threat of them all?—A male who is determined to claim all of her.
Warning: this book may contain possible triggers. Book contains graphic sex and violence.
Charlie has prepared all her life for the possibility of being shipped off to work in a colony, so when she is selected for part of the initialization phase colony laborers she is determined to make the best out of a new life on a very different and hostile planet. Assigned as a labor assistant in the exploratory lab seems like a step up in the right direction for her. Caring for the wildlife specimens is far preferable to working as a laborer preparing the first of the fields or in any of the common industries.
That is, until a vaguely humanoid specimen is captured and brought in. The promise of death that clings to it is fulfilled when it breaks out from containment and she finds herself hostage to a being with a thirst for vengeance. Far away from the colony, Charlie is forced to carve out a new life for herself in a dangerous world, but will she be able to safeguard her heart from the biggest threat of them all?—A male who is determined to claim all of her.
Warning: this book may contain possible triggers. Book contains graphic sex and violence.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2020
738 people are currently reading
1548 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Sanders
86 books1,008 followersS.J. Sanders is a mom of two toddlers and one adult living in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BA degree in History, but spends most of her free time painting, sculpting, doing odd bits of historical research, and writing. While she has more research orientated writing under another pen name, her passion is sci-fi and paranormal romance of which she is an avid reader. After years of tinkering with the idea, and making her own stories up in her head, S.J has began to seriously pursue writing as an author of Sci-fi Romance utilizing her interests in how cultures diversify and what they would look like on a extraterrestrial platform to humans interacting with them and finding love.
She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...
And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com
She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...
And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
August 18, 2020
This at times had such a spiritual and emotionally deep feel to it that combined with some phenomenal Worldbuilding and depth well I was just blown away.
I always enjoy this particular author but this one has to be my favourite so far of her work, She has gone above and beyond with this and totally smashed it, Highly imaginative and involved I just couldn’t put this down, I definitely think she’s growing as an author.
It’s set in a dystopian future where the human population have gone beyond the stars to colonise new worlds.
There is also an awful and unfair system In place which means not everyone is automatically a citizen.
It’s basically a class-based system and Charlene Charlie Wallace is at the bottom of it.
As a non-gratas, she has no actual voice and goes where she’s ordered her only chance of advancement is to either win citizenship through the lottery or five years of dangerous military service to earn it both equally out of her reach.
This is how Charlie finds herself conscripted to the planet Turongal with Darvel Exploratory as a lowly expendable grunt.
Here she strikes lucky and finds herself working in the labs taking care of specimens and livestock.
When a huge creature is brought in Charlie instantly recognises he is sentient and definitely not the animal he is treated as.
Scared for this creature and it’s fate she takes it upon herself along with her friends to get him to safety beyond the dome walls.
This doesn’t actually go quite to plan and Charlie finds herself with the tables now turned and the captive of her former charge.
Rhyst is an A’sankh a genetically altered male of his kind.
He is a voluntary protector and guardian for his people the Tak’sinii and while we already know quite a bit about Charlie we get to discover Rhyst and his character more gradually.
This was also slow burn relying on the emerging story to build the tension.
This did work and the emerging feelings were more of a gradual thing with these two.
I also loved the fact that Rhyst was so different in appearance even from his own people and that Charlie accepted him for exactly who he was which really was a novelty for him.
The building bond Between Charlie and Rhyst was just so sweet and this had such a warm feel-good quality to the whole thing.
This isn’t dark at all it’s an imaginative sweet sci-fi romance that was incredibly well done.
Highly recommend this one, I enjoyed it a lot.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 26, 2020
Fantástica y Oscura. Otro muy buen libro de SJ Sanders!
Classified planet Turongal de SJ Sanders Serie The Darvel Exploratory Systems libro 1
Mí humilde opinión:
Charlene "Charlie" Wallace nació en la categoría de no-grata.
Al carecer de ciudadanía, cada aspecto de su vida es controlado desde donde vive, el matrimonio y la maternidad. El único escape posible de esa vida es calificar para uno de los limitados espacios disponibles para entrar en el ejército.
Como toda no-grata Charlie es enviada en El Darvel Exploratory para ayudar a buscar nuevos recursos para la tierra.
Una nueva parada lleva a la nave a un planeta clasificado con el nombre clave de Turongal.
Asignada como asistente de trabajo en el laboratorio para cuidar de las especies encontradas en el planeta.
Pero algo grande está observando a la colonia de humanos y ellos están dispuestos a capturarlo.
Rhyst es A'sankh un macho genéticamente alterado de su especie.
Él es un protector y guardián voluntario de su pueblo los Tak'sinii y está vigilando a los recién llegados.
Él está allí para averiguar qué se proponen. En el pasado los humanos han cometido actos atroces contra su gente y para vigilarlos más de cerca se deja capturar.
Pero pronto se da cuenta que fue un error. Ellos están tramando algo terrible.
Charlie se da cuenta de inmediato que el extraterrestre capturado es inteligente y sensible. No puede dejar que hagan experimentos con él.
Pero cuando intenta ayudarlo a escapar, ella se convierte en su prisionera.
Este es el segundo libro que leo de esta autora y me impresiona lo imaginativa que es.
La habilidad para construir mundos fantásticos y oscuros que te atraen y al menos yo me quedo enganchada en ellos.
Creo que lo que más me gustó del libro fue la sensación de aventura, de explorar un planeta extraño con especies desconocidas. Me maravillé con todos los detalles de esto.
De nuevo, JS Sanders creó un extraterrestre que no esperaba, Rhyst. Él es un A'sankh y está genéticamente alterado por lo que en su pueblo las mujeres les temen y no pueden tener pareja. Ellos son guerreros que protegen el pueblo.
Este extraterrestre me resultó raro al comienzo y su apariencia era aterradora pero mientras iba conociendo más de él me gustó mucho y terminé queriendo el personaje.
Charlie me gustó. No era la chica guapa pero tenía carisma y simpatía que hacía amigos enseguida. Me gustó su bondad y su sensibilidad. Ella tenía corazón.
El romance entre Rhyst y Charlie, estuvo muy bien. Me gustó como va subiendo de a poco, entre extraño y dulce pero muy sexy a la vez.
El pueblo de los Tak'sinii fue muy interesante y me hubiera gustado saber más de ellos.
Este libro además de aventura, tiene acción, romance y mucha intriga.
Buena trama, buena contrucción del mundo y sus personajes con un final muy lindo.
November 9, 2020
2 stars.
Kindle unlimited.
It took a loooing time to get into this story. I put it down and didn’t think about it. It honestly helped me get to sleep for many nights.
Really didn’t get my attention until 35%
Didn’t get exciting until 70%
Recommended as filler only.
Kindle unlimited.
It took a loooing time to get into this story. I put it down and didn’t think about it. It honestly helped me get to sleep for many nights.
Really didn’t get my attention until 35%
Didn’t get exciting until 70%
Recommended as filler only.
July 23, 2020
Bit different.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
July 27, 2020
Unique but lacked a few details
After reading a few crazy alien tales I've come to appreciate S. J. Sanders will to describe the new species and for them to not be so normally humanoid. So many times they look just like us but different and when I see that on the cover of a book I keep scrolling. It requires no imagination or forethought.
For me this story was somewhat different from others. It felt like it was missing a little something though. Maybe more details about the Tak’sinii technology and the political side of things. Also the Alien's were too forgiving towards the evasive species. The animals were interesting I would have liked to learn more about them.
So having read many similar books I have come to notice some of the same tropes among them. Not at all good.
(1) Most of the time the alien's are humanoid and I dunno blue. That is so uncreative and boring. This was not the case though. The Tak’sinii had a human like torso but that is wear the similarities ended. Cat-like with manes and slight differences between the males and females I found them to be quite beautiful.
(2)All of the main protagonist opposite sex side characters are like brothers or complete pricks. It's very unrealistic to me when the main character never has a love interest. She is just completely open for I don't know some random alien to sweep her off her feet. Unfortunately this story was like that, constantly reminding you of how she is not attracted to anyone and can go years without laying eyes on another for anything other than friendship.
(3)World building is virtually non existent. The world in this was quite interesting and was well explained most of the time. I always wish for more though in any book. It had an Arbic type feel to it with the decorative sitting pillows, bizarre, and clothes. I very much enjoyed that aspect definitely unexpected. It seems like most alien planets aren't as civil or homey. The aesthetic of this place appealed to me immensely.
(4)The confessions of love are early and absolute. I wouldn't say it was early on in the story but it was early in that they barely knew each other. And so absolute like once we start this there is no going back. Again I know it's fictional characters in a fictional place but I think the relationship should feel real along with everything else.
(5)Oh the corny talk. This story wasn't as bad but towards the end it did get a little intolerable. No one says things like that or blushes every 5 min. Good grief I hate the C word too and I don't understand why it's in any book. The beginning of the story was by far the best and got to be a little much how easy she gets accepted in the end. Again unrealistic. These humans murdered your own where's the venom.
(6)Babies! I'm unsure why every Author feels the need to think every alien in existence has the technology or required equipment *cough cough* to have a baby with a different species. I know it's cute and a happily ever after and all that but someone needs to think outside the box on this subject.
After reading a few crazy alien tales I've come to appreciate S. J. Sanders will to describe the new species and for them to not be so normally humanoid. So many times they look just like us but different and when I see that on the cover of a book I keep scrolling. It requires no imagination or forethought.
For me this story was somewhat different from others. It felt like it was missing a little something though. Maybe more details about the Tak’sinii technology and the political side of things. Also the Alien's were too forgiving towards the evasive species. The animals were interesting I would have liked to learn more about them.
So having read many similar books I have come to notice some of the same tropes among them. Not at all good.
(1) Most of the time the alien's are humanoid and I dunno blue. That is so uncreative and boring. This was not the case though. The Tak’sinii had a human like torso but that is wear the similarities ended. Cat-like with manes and slight differences between the males and females I found them to be quite beautiful.
(2)All of the main protagonist opposite sex side characters are like brothers or complete pricks. It's very unrealistic to me when the main character never has a love interest. She is just completely open for I don't know some random alien to sweep her off her feet. Unfortunately this story was like that, constantly reminding you of how she is not attracted to anyone and can go years without laying eyes on another for anything other than friendship.
(3)World building is virtually non existent. The world in this was quite interesting and was well explained most of the time. I always wish for more though in any book. It had an Arbic type feel to it with the decorative sitting pillows, bizarre, and clothes. I very much enjoyed that aspect definitely unexpected. It seems like most alien planets aren't as civil or homey. The aesthetic of this place appealed to me immensely.
(4)The confessions of love are early and absolute. I wouldn't say it was early on in the story but it was early in that they barely knew each other. And so absolute like once we start this there is no going back. Again I know it's fictional characters in a fictional place but I think the relationship should feel real along with everything else.
(5)Oh the corny talk. This story wasn't as bad but towards the end it did get a little intolerable. No one says things like that or blushes every 5 min. Good grief I hate the C word too and I don't understand why it's in any book. The beginning of the story was by far the best and got to be a little much how easy she gets accepted in the end. Again unrealistic. These humans murdered your own where's the venom.
(6)Babies! I'm unsure why every Author feels the need to think every alien in existence has the technology or required equipment *cough cough* to have a baby with a different species. I know it's cute and a happily ever after and all that but someone needs to think outside the box on this subject.
August 8, 2021
A bit of a slow start, although I was intrigued enough by Charlie's daily life to keep going. I couldn't wrap my head around whether I would like Rhyst, but when it was revealed
I actually did like the mystery and slowly figuring out all the foreign terms and words used. That was fun. Also, the fact that our heroine wasn't privy to basically any information was used to great effect, leaving us in the dark and making it all more mysterious.
Complaints: the simplistic nature of the alien political structure. Meh. Also, The acceptance of changes to the status quo was also a bit too fast,
I actually did like the mystery and slowly figuring out all the foreign terms and words used. That was fun. Also, the fact that our heroine wasn't privy to basically any information was used to great effect, leaving us in the dark and making it all more mysterious.
Complaints: the simplistic nature of the alien political structure. Meh. Also, The acceptance of changes to the status quo was also a bit too fast,
February 9, 2021
Great
This is a great start to a new series by Miss A J Sanders. I really liked how the main characters relationship blossomed with understanding throughout the book. Both had hard lives and both needed something more and found it between each other relationship. Can't wait till the next one.
This is a great start to a new series by Miss A J Sanders. I really liked how the main characters relationship blossomed with understanding throughout the book. Both had hard lives and both needed something more and found it between each other relationship. Can't wait till the next one.
January 12, 2025
Wrapped this up at 84%. I wasn't engaged throughout and when I did my usual "would I rather read the rest or read spoiler reviews" at 80% and the choice fell on the latter, I figured it was a good time to finish the chapter and move along. It was a unique premise among the ocean of IPB-coded sci-fi romances, but it didn't engage me with the characters or the setting.
December 22, 2020
So the alien is definitely different, he has two torsos, for one thing, he has four legs and 4 hands for another. Add some long ears, no clothes, weird penis and you have all of that weirdness in one character.
What I had some slight objection was the long-drawn pre face where we get to know too much about her before life, her interaction with friends, and so on. The world-building was way overdone. the emotional aspect and the villains were basic at the most, one dimensional.
His sister was cool but we don't get to know more about her and their interactions.
Basically, there was not enough alien drama but too much human drama.
What I had some slight objection was the long-drawn pre face where we get to know too much about her before life, her interaction with friends, and so on. The world-building was way overdone. the emotional aspect and the villains were basic at the most, one dimensional.
His sister was cool but we don't get to know more about her and their interactions.
Basically, there was not enough alien drama but too much human drama.
September 7, 2022
My second read by SJ Sanders, and honestly a bit of a disappointment compared to the first book that I read by this author. I honestly skimmed through most of it, was not that interested in the world building, and ultimately I think I was looking for something more simple in terms of alien paranormal romances to read, where is this was just too detailed and I guess technically well rounded. It just wasn’t for me this time.
dnf
August 7, 2021I'm not really sure why I couldn't get into this one.
Oh well.
Oh well.
October 29, 2022
3.5
i was super into the first half and then the rest bored me :/
i was super into the first half and then the rest bored me :/
February 1, 2023
Please ignore the terrible outfit design and weirdly seductive pose of the female character on the cover. It is not a good indicator of the book within nor of the female character. Our female lead, Charlie, is actually kinda the opposite of how she's depicted on the cover so I'm not sure what was up with that decision. She's stubborn, hard working, has little interest in casual relationships, keeps her head down as needed to get through the shit life has allotted her, but is also just, kind, and empathetic.
The male character Rhyst looks pretty similar to his description. Often described as feline, he probably has more fur than abs, though. Rhyst was interesting and a decently developed character in his own right but I felt like Charlie had more depth to her than Rhyst did. He was still enjoyable to read about and I liked him.
The best part of this book was the story. There is some spice but it was kinda eh for me personally. The plot though! It's basically a dystopian sci fi mystery with a little bit of romance and action thrown in. The world building on the planet Turongal (not its real name) is a little confusing at first as readers are thrown in with no hold-handing into explaining what the heck Rhyst is thinking about. It all works out eventually and I felt it added to the mystery in the end rather than becoming too frustrating in its confusion and refusal to explain anything. Overall, I enjoyed the story quite a lot and I'll definitely check out the next one in the Darvel Exploratory Systems.
I will admit that the ending had something I didn't care for:
The male character Rhyst looks pretty similar to his description. Often described as feline, he probably has more fur than abs, though. Rhyst was interesting and a decently developed character in his own right but I felt like Charlie had more depth to her than Rhyst did. He was still enjoyable to read about and I liked him.
The best part of this book was the story. There is some spice but it was kinda eh for me personally. The plot though! It's basically a dystopian sci fi mystery with a little bit of romance and action thrown in. The world building on the planet Turongal (not its real name) is a little confusing at first as readers are thrown in with no hold-handing into explaining what the heck Rhyst is thinking about. It all works out eventually and I felt it added to the mystery in the end rather than becoming too frustrating in its confusion and refusal to explain anything. Overall, I enjoyed the story quite a lot and I'll definitely check out the next one in the Darvel Exploratory Systems.
I will admit that the ending had something I didn't care for:
April 1, 2023
April 2023 : A couple weeks ago, this book came to me and started occupying a big place in my head. I had to reread. I think I love it now ? I’m not sure what this means. I definitely enjoyed it even though I really think sci-fi romance authors should really find replacements for the words “male” “female” and “mate”.
~~~
May 2022 :
I’ve read lots of sci-fi alien romance books and even though I’m feeling like I’ve only dipped my toe in this giant pool of sci-fi romance that exists out there which means my opinion doesn’t really matter, I’ll still say that Rhyst was one of the more interesting aliens I’ve read about. Imagining what he looked like and how he would move around and stand (and do other things, if you know what I mean) in different positions was like a sexy-fun mental exercise.
Why 3 stars ? Because, I think what this book needed was more time -pages, whatever. More time for us to get to know the ‘Classified Planet Turongal’ and more time to explore the relationship between Rhyst and Charlie because I think I felt unconvinced about the two of them, more than anything. Yes, they were cute as hell but I’m tentatively saying that they should’ve had more sharing -between each other and with us too.
However, there were lots of interesting themes : I thought the “genetically enhanced warrior class” was an interesting idea and the gratas x non-gratas conflict in the human race was rage-provoking. I also thought Charlie was a great lead, she’s kind-hearted and badass and smart and many other things. All in all it was an interesting read.
~~~
May 2022 :
I’ve read lots of sci-fi alien romance books and even though I’m feeling like I’ve only dipped my toe in this giant pool of sci-fi romance that exists out there which means my opinion doesn’t really matter, I’ll still say that Rhyst was one of the more interesting aliens I’ve read about. Imagining what he looked like and how he would move around and stand (and do other things, if you know what I mean) in different positions was like a sexy-fun mental exercise.
Why 3 stars ? Because, I think what this book needed was more time -pages, whatever. More time for us to get to know the ‘Classified Planet Turongal’ and more time to explore the relationship between Rhyst and Charlie because I think I felt unconvinced about the two of them, more than anything. Yes, they were cute as hell but I’m tentatively saying that they should’ve had more sharing -between each other and with us too.
However, there were lots of interesting themes : I thought the “genetically enhanced warrior class” was an interesting idea and the gratas x non-gratas conflict in the human race was rage-provoking. I also thought Charlie was a great lead, she’s kind-hearted and badass and smart and many other things. All in all it was an interesting read.
May 26, 2022
This book had a good plot and a good romance. She is a non citizen who does unskilled labor. She has no choice where she is sent and she is on a new colony planet. An alien race already lives there and they are angry because of what the search team who found the planet did.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Hero is a guardian and decided to forcibly mutate to fill that role. Traditionally they are considered ugly and don't mate or have kids. He is shocked that heroine would be interested in him that way.
Heroine works in the specimens lab where they study plants and animals from this planet. She cleans up poop and changes water bowls. Hero purposely gets himself captured. He wants to gather information. The humans figure out he is an alien. But they decide to hide him and study him instead of letting him go.
Heroine and her friends find out this evil plan and help him escape. He takes her with him so he can get more information on her people. She was also nice to him in the lab.
They fall in love while traveling to his city. It turns out the early exploring team killed and ate some of the alien's children. So they were all killed. She meets with the King and explains most of the humans don't want to be on the planet.
They send aliens to destroy the colonies but save anyone who surrenders. Some humans surrender (like heroine's friends) and come to live with the aliens. Aliens claim the planet and force the humans to leave who don't already live with them.
Hero and heroine have 2 kids.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Hero is a guardian and decided to forcibly mutate to fill that role. Traditionally they are considered ugly and don't mate or have kids. He is shocked that heroine would be interested in him that way.
Heroine works in the specimens lab where they study plants and animals from this planet. She cleans up poop and changes water bowls. Hero purposely gets himself captured. He wants to gather information. The humans figure out he is an alien. But they decide to hide him and study him instead of letting him go.
Heroine and her friends find out this evil plan and help him escape. He takes her with him so he can get more information on her people. She was also nice to him in the lab.
They fall in love while traveling to his city. It turns out the early exploring team killed and ate some of the alien's children. So they were all killed. She meets with the King and explains most of the humans don't want to be on the planet.
They send aliens to destroy the colonies but save anyone who surrenders. Some humans surrender (like heroine's friends) and come to live with the aliens. Aliens claim the planet and force the humans to leave who don't already live with them.
Hero and heroine have 2 kids.
September 5, 2023
3.5⭐️ I enjoyed this book. The idea were good. The plot was unclear at times, but the world was so fun!
The MMC was interesting and the MFC was super likable. The connection between them felt rushed and a bit instalove which may have been due to the length of time it took them to get on page together.
Towards the end of the book I found myself not caring about the characters as much and just wanted the HEA.
Idk why specifically, but this author has the best ideas and it draws me to the books- so I will be reading more from SJ Sanders in the future!
The MMC was interesting and the MFC was super likable. The connection between them felt rushed and a bit instalove which may have been due to the length of time it took them to get on page together.
Towards the end of the book I found myself not caring about the characters as much and just wanted the HEA.
Idk why specifically, but this author has the best ideas and it draws me to the books- so I will be reading more from SJ Sanders in the future!
April 20, 2022
Me encantan las historias de S.J. Sanders y esta no ha sido la excepción. Se leen prácticamente sin darte cuenta y trabaja bastante la construcción de los planetas donde se desarrollan sus historias.
Reconozco que me esperaba algo más de acción para el final y algo más de vidilla entre los protagonistas, teniendo en cuenta cómo se conocen. Aún así lo recomiendo, más si ya has leído alguna de sus historias y te han gustado.
Reconozco que me esperaba algo más de acción para el final y algo más de vidilla entre los protagonistas, teniendo en cuenta cómo se conocen. Aún así lo recomiendo, más si ya has leído alguna de sus historias y te han gustado.
October 3, 2024
Something about grumpy x sunshine makes my heart burst 🥰
August 3, 2020
I enjoy Sander's story-telling and writing, but her plots are starting to feel repetitive.
August 11, 2020
Another dystopian Sanders' offering, this time following humanity on a journey to colonize other worlds with a super sketchy company. This one starts off pretty grim—the first 25% is all world building and setting the scene and introducing characters—but once the action gets going, it keeps moving until the end. Add in a romance with a very alien-alien lead and a HEA, and it's pretty darn entertaining story. I was unable to put it down and read it straight through with only minor breaks to eat and do other small tasks.
Could have used more editing to catch a few pretty major errors in the text.
Could have used more editing to catch a few pretty major errors in the text.
March 16, 2023
After I finished this book, I had to sit back and ponder how much author S.J. Sanders has progressed since I read her first book — The VaDorok — all of which warms me even more. I knew this writer was destined for bigger and better readings, and I am thrilled to say that she has progressed to become of the of best indie writers I have invested my time in. (Time is money is reading is happiness.)
Turongal has become a new planet for colonization according to Earth — a far different one that we have now (but could progressed into depending on what's going on right now). People are classified like how it was done in ancient Rome with citizens and non-gratas. If you were a citizen, you benefited immensely with career mobility, resource usage, and social freedom. If you were a non-grata, you were less of a second citizen and more of a socially acceptable slave with minimal rights and privileges, a fact that was kept hidden from Earther intergalactic neighbors.
Charlie is a non-grata, onboard a starship has landed on Turongal as part of a massive colonization project where she is a lab tech (glorified cage cleaner) for the animal lab. All the while, she is convinced that they all are being watched. By what, she doesn't know.
Rhyst is a local inhabitant committed to the safety and welfare of his people, the Tak'sinii, the planet's indigenous sentients who are defined as quadrupeds. (Well, not really. We all are quadrupeds as we have four limbs. The Tak'sinii are hexapods. (Insects are six-limbed and its original class was Hexapoda rather than Insecta.) The Tak'sinii have four arms and two legs with a mane that reminds me of a horse and rather feline facial lines starting with the nose. Rhyst, however, has been biologically engineered to become a killing machine with vicious claws, artificial eye that is meant for intel-gathering, the only sign that he is now different from his original form. He is an a'sankhii, a sentient biological weapon of the Tak'sinii, a voluntary transformation he agreed to. Normally, a'sanktii do not mate as it is forbidden and the female Tak'sinii dislike their new appearances. Rhyst has been assigned to observe the humans and their activities, but he is frustrated with the minimal intel he is able to obtain. So he allows himself to be captured... only to realize that the scientists consider him as a soulless animal rather than sentient life. Very embarrassing and completely inadequate as a spy.
Charlie believes he is sentient and has tried to tell her superiors that but is always dissed in her beliefs. When she hears "Merlin" (as she named him) was to be transferred to a facility that sounds like they'll be experimenting on him and eventually dissecting him, she is convinced she must arrange for his escape. Unbeknownst to her, Rhyst has come to the same conclusion and hastens that process a little sooner than Charlie expected. When Rhyst takes her hostage, she now realizes the tables have been turned, and now she's the prisoner, but to what end?
I had a chance to read a very, very early version of this storyline for an opinion. My thoughts? The final version is so, so much better than I had assumed it would be. Much better exposition, far better character development, and a different goal leading to a very satisfying end. We really get to understand Charlie's and Rhyst's aspirations and what makes them tick. Part adventure, part a-day-in-the life, it is a very gratifying read, one I plan to repeat again and again.
I heartily recommend buying this book as part of your growing collection. Hell, buy her other books because they are just as entertaining and worthy of repeat reads themselves. I am definitely looking forward to more adventures in this universe. Sounds like a very interesting place to explore.
16 March 2023: I just finished listening to Turongal by Podium Audio, and I found this book to even be better than when I read it originally. I guess my eyes speed-read too fast to catch details that made this story even better. I wish I could give it six stars, but I can't. If you found it difficult to get into this tale at first, may I suggest listening to it. Things that enter the brain via hearing is processed differently, and the multiple voices expertly done by the narrator/reader really got me in the mood for a tale, and I learned so much more than I had suspected. This book changed my attitude on audiobooks. I highly recommend giving it a try. It's a good investment, especially if you wind up in rehab with nothing to do with your hands and you need to get better glasses.
Turongal has become a new planet for colonization according to Earth — a far different one that we have now (but could progressed into depending on what's going on right now). People are classified like how it was done in ancient Rome with citizens and non-gratas. If you were a citizen, you benefited immensely with career mobility, resource usage, and social freedom. If you were a non-grata, you were less of a second citizen and more of a socially acceptable slave with minimal rights and privileges, a fact that was kept hidden from Earther intergalactic neighbors.
Charlie is a non-grata, onboard a starship has landed on Turongal as part of a massive colonization project where she is a lab tech (glorified cage cleaner) for the animal lab. All the while, she is convinced that they all are being watched. By what, she doesn't know.
Rhyst is a local inhabitant committed to the safety and welfare of his people, the Tak'sinii, the planet's indigenous sentients who are defined as quadrupeds. (Well, not really. We all are quadrupeds as we have four limbs. The Tak'sinii are hexapods. (Insects are six-limbed and its original class was Hexapoda rather than Insecta.) The Tak'sinii have four arms and two legs with a mane that reminds me of a horse and rather feline facial lines starting with the nose. Rhyst, however, has been biologically engineered to become a killing machine with vicious claws, artificial eye that is meant for intel-gathering, the only sign that he is now different from his original form. He is an a'sankhii, a sentient biological weapon of the Tak'sinii, a voluntary transformation he agreed to. Normally, a'sanktii do not mate as it is forbidden and the female Tak'sinii dislike their new appearances. Rhyst has been assigned to observe the humans and their activities, but he is frustrated with the minimal intel he is able to obtain. So he allows himself to be captured... only to realize that the scientists consider him as a soulless animal rather than sentient life. Very embarrassing and completely inadequate as a spy.
Charlie believes he is sentient and has tried to tell her superiors that but is always dissed in her beliefs. When she hears "Merlin" (as she named him) was to be transferred to a facility that sounds like they'll be experimenting on him and eventually dissecting him, she is convinced she must arrange for his escape. Unbeknownst to her, Rhyst has come to the same conclusion and hastens that process a little sooner than Charlie expected. When Rhyst takes her hostage, she now realizes the tables have been turned, and now she's the prisoner, but to what end?
I had a chance to read a very, very early version of this storyline for an opinion. My thoughts? The final version is so, so much better than I had assumed it would be. Much better exposition, far better character development, and a different goal leading to a very satisfying end. We really get to understand Charlie's and Rhyst's aspirations and what makes them tick. Part adventure, part a-day-in-the life, it is a very gratifying read, one I plan to repeat again and again.
I heartily recommend buying this book as part of your growing collection. Hell, buy her other books because they are just as entertaining and worthy of repeat reads themselves. I am definitely looking forward to more adventures in this universe. Sounds like a very interesting place to explore.
16 March 2023: I just finished listening to Turongal by Podium Audio, and I found this book to even be better than when I read it originally. I guess my eyes speed-read too fast to catch details that made this story even better. I wish I could give it six stars, but I can't. If you found it difficult to get into this tale at first, may I suggest listening to it. Things that enter the brain via hearing is processed differently, and the multiple voices expertly done by the narrator/reader really got me in the mood for a tale, and I learned so much more than I had suspected. This book changed my attitude on audiobooks. I highly recommend giving it a try. It's a good investment, especially if you wind up in rehab with nothing to do with your hands and you need to get better glasses.
November 7, 2020
I won't lie, I skipped most of the first chapters because I didn't care much for them, the blurb gave enough information that I didn't feel the need to read about it in length, so I started my reading when Rhyst and Charlie escaped the human colony.
Skipping the first few chapters did in no way impair my ability to follow the story, because through Charlie's thoughts and retailing we get a picture of what happened before Rhyst came into the picture so I didn't feel like I missed anything by skipping the first chapters.
I really loved this story. Rhyst was such a unique alien when it came to his physic, and he was really a sweet guy underneath it all. Charlie was just as likable. She was kind, smart and courageous. The had the ability to speak her mind when necessary as well as just shut up and listen when needed. She wasn't too head strong nor too weak.
Rhyst and Charlie's story was sweet and I couldn't help but fall for them and only wish them happiness and love. I was glad there was no stupid and unnecessary drama when it came to their relationship whether it was between them or from the other of Rhyst's race. They accepted her quite easily once they knew she wasn't a threat to them and could be trusted, and never treated her as a prisoner even when she first arrived in the city.
After the escape from the colony there is little angst or violence, no stupid drama, it's easy going mostly, up until the end when it is decided that the colony had to be destroyed, and Charlie is rescued.
The world building was well written and I easily got lost in the story. I can't wait for the second book to come out. I can only hope that it will be about Aysh and the human woman he consoled. I want to know more about this world, I want to follow the love stories of other female women meeting their mates among the aliens, or maybe even a human man mating with one of the female alien who knows.
The only little negative point that I will make is the part where we learn that in the past a group of humans had trapped then eaten some of the alien kids. It wasn't very realistic to me since the alien people (sorry I forgot the race's name) are actually similar to humans in physic apart from a few feline traits (Rhyst and the others are different due to technological additions and scientific procedures but the race as is, is very similar to human physic) , so I had a hard time believing the humans would have eaten kids that were similar to them physically. But it is supposed that the humans were maddened by starvation so I'll somewhat accept that but not fully.
No cliffhangers. HEA with an epilogue few years in the future.
Needless is to say, I highly recommend this book and will be awaiting the second one with excitement.
Skipping the first few chapters did in no way impair my ability to follow the story, because through Charlie's thoughts and retailing we get a picture of what happened before Rhyst came into the picture so I didn't feel like I missed anything by skipping the first chapters.
I really loved this story. Rhyst was such a unique alien when it came to his physic, and he was really a sweet guy underneath it all. Charlie was just as likable. She was kind, smart and courageous. The had the ability to speak her mind when necessary as well as just shut up and listen when needed. She wasn't too head strong nor too weak.
Rhyst and Charlie's story was sweet and I couldn't help but fall for them and only wish them happiness and love. I was glad there was no stupid and unnecessary drama when it came to their relationship whether it was between them or from the other of Rhyst's race. They accepted her quite easily once they knew she wasn't a threat to them and could be trusted, and never treated her as a prisoner even when she first arrived in the city.
After the escape from the colony there is little angst or violence, no stupid drama, it's easy going mostly, up until the end when it is decided that the colony had to be destroyed, and Charlie is rescued.
The world building was well written and I easily got lost in the story. I can't wait for the second book to come out. I can only hope that it will be about Aysh and the human woman he consoled. I want to know more about this world, I want to follow the love stories of other female women meeting their mates among the aliens, or maybe even a human man mating with one of the female alien who knows.
The only little negative point that I will make is the part where we learn that in the past a group of humans had trapped then eaten some of the alien kids. It wasn't very realistic to me since the alien people (sorry I forgot the race's name) are actually similar to humans in physic apart from a few feline traits (Rhyst and the others are different due to technological additions and scientific procedures but the race as is, is very similar to human physic) , so I had a hard time believing the humans would have eaten kids that were similar to them physically. But it is supposed that the humans were maddened by starvation so I'll somewhat accept that but not fully.
No cliffhangers. HEA with an epilogue few years in the future.
Needless is to say, I highly recommend this book and will be awaiting the second one with excitement.
July 31, 2020
Satisfied. Moved. Have no regrets. Loved every minute of this couple. Amazing. Reviewwwww to come
November 11, 2020
Charlie is a non-gratas, a position little better than a slave. Her people are taken to a new, unexplored planet with the intention to colonize it for future Earthlings. But the government is doing some shady business, something that becomes abundantly clear when they capture Rhyst. Although the higher-ups seem to have no qualms about dissecting him, Charlie can’t let it happen. She schemes to set him free without realizing Rhyst was already preparing to escape — with her in tow.
This was a pretty fun book. I like how this author makes the aliens actually alien. With that being said, I didn’t always understand the mechanics of Rhyst’s anatomy (for example, his paws were apparently huge but were also compared to feline legs which have smaller paws for their bodies) but I still enjoyed it.
Charlie wasn’t so bad either. She’s sort of rough and tough around the edges. Good for people who like no-BS heroines. The romance was nice but the sexual turn in their relationship could have been more developed. It just felt abrupt when they started coming on to each other.
I won’t keep this on my shelf because I like other books by this author more but I still recommend this.
This was a pretty fun book. I like how this author makes the aliens actually alien. With that being said, I didn’t always understand the mechanics of Rhyst’s anatomy (for example, his paws were apparently huge but were also compared to feline legs which have smaller paws for their bodies) but I still enjoyed it.
Charlie wasn’t so bad either. She’s sort of rough and tough around the edges. Good for people who like no-BS heroines. The romance was nice but the sexual turn in their relationship could have been more developed. It just felt abrupt when they started coming on to each other.
I won’t keep this on my shelf because I like other books by this author more but I still recommend this.
June 5, 2021
Earth is not what it used to be and people are in groups to determine whether they can have families or be with someone. This is how the government controls the population. The government has also set up colonies on different planets. Charlie is part of the people on this ship that lands on this Classified planet. The people that will be doing most of the work have no idea what they are walking in to. The scientist we're in control have different things and plan for this planet. Rhyst is one of the Guardians of his people and whoever these humans are he needs to find out what they're doing on his peoples planet. When Rhyst is captured he thinks he's going to meet the leaders but that's not how thing go and now the scientist wish to study him. Charlie realizes that Rhyst is sentinel being and that this is wrong. When she saves him she didn't expect that he would take her with him. They have to stop the scientist and Earth's government as well as protect the humans.
October 9, 2021
nice change
Such a nice change in alien romance. This book brings all the emotions.
I will not write and give anything away as I do hate reading them my self at times. I will say, if you are an avid alien romance reader and the books are starting to remind you of all the Nicholas Sparks books( great but always in the same location and some tragic trama that brings “romance between people) , then this series is 100% for you. Completely changes your view of alien romance with in the story.
Well, ok I did fib a bit there. I will give you one takeaway. There is Definitely a HEA !!
Such a nice change in alien romance. This book brings all the emotions.
I will not write and give anything away as I do hate reading them my self at times. I will say, if you are an avid alien romance reader and the books are starting to remind you of all the Nicholas Sparks books( great but always in the same location and some tragic trama that brings “romance between people) , then this series is 100% for you. Completely changes your view of alien romance with in the story.
Well, ok I did fib a bit there. I will give you one takeaway. There is Definitely a HEA !!
July 29, 2020
Fantastic
Turongul is a planet of surprises. As the human race attempts to establish colonies across the planet, little do they know it's already inhabited.
The peoples of Turongul are former leaders among the stars. They have chosen a better way to live with little science and no planetary flight.
But as the humans soon find, that doesn't mean they are helpless.
Charlie is at the bottom of the societal food chain. Her shift heart and sense of right and wrong are challenged when she begins caring for captured specimens. Including one she finds very attractive.
Turongul is a planet of surprises. As the human race attempts to establish colonies across the planet, little do they know it's already inhabited.
The peoples of Turongul are former leaders among the stars. They have chosen a better way to live with little science and no planetary flight.
But as the humans soon find, that doesn't mean they are helpless.
Charlie is at the bottom of the societal food chain. Her shift heart and sense of right and wrong are challenged when she begins caring for captured specimens. Including one she finds very attractive.
July 27, 2020
Another fantastic story by SJ Sanders. Absolutely love her imagination and wish I had it. Storyline is fantastic. Love the characters. The world setting is really good as well. Definitely a must read book. I don’t like to give away any spoilers so this is definitely one to read. Looking forward to reading the next book.
October 10, 2021
Awesome Start for a New Series
The story was awesome and loved everything about it. It's fast paced, packed with adventure, action, evil scientists, cruelty to another humans, finding love, and sexy scenes that sizzles with awesome characters? You won't be disappointed in any way and definitely a must buy.
The story was awesome and loved everything about it. It's fast paced, packed with adventure, action, evil scientists, cruelty to another humans, finding love, and sexy scenes that sizzles with awesome characters? You won't be disappointed in any way and definitely a must buy.
July 26, 2020
Intense. Amazing
This author has really intense and interesting stories. This just added to the amazing characters she has created. I like the love and the diversity these characters go through. This is a great story.
This author has really intense and interesting stories. This just added to the amazing characters she has created. I like the love and the diversity these characters go through. This is a great story.
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