Power

Dark Anomaly #2

by Marina Simcoe

Five decades after the disappearance of Svetlana Kostyk, the exploration of the mysterious anomaly in space has resumed. The first expedition inside the Dark Anomaly is sent, sponsored by private corporations.

We all have our reasons for being on this ship. Mine have everything to do with the reward promised upon completion of the mission. I have my future on Earth planned, and I need the money to make it happen.

Most of us find death upon arrival. One goes missing. And my fate may even be worse than theirs.

The man put in charge of me is a crude, uneducated brute, born and raised among the worst criminals of the ancient past. I have no power against him, but could I find a way to use his strength to my advantage?

As mutiny and betrayal wreak havoc on the Dark Anomaly, Wyck and I learn that we can only rely on each other to survive.

Welcome to the Dark Anomaly, there is no leaving this place.
_______________________

Each book in the Dark Anomaly trilogy is a complete love story of a separate couple, with their very own HFN or HEA. However, the main story line arcs across all three books. It is recommended to read them in order.

Gravity, book 1
Power, book 2
Explosion, book 3

Warning: Power is a Science-Fiction Romance that contains scenes of intimacy and violence, as well as discussions on topics that may be triggering to some. Intended for mature readers.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Aliens

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2020

About the author

Deep, heartfelt romance with a generous sprinkle of spice and a tad of magic.

Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com

For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the dark anomaly series it takes place fifty years after the disappearance of the research scientist Svetlana.
She along with her team were studying the anomaly when they were sucked into its gravity field.
She was the only surviving member from that previous expedition.
Though decades have passed outside this phenomenon inside it and due to the way the dark matter works only 2 months have actually gone by.

Nadia herself is part of a private sector expedition filming a documentary into the previous disappearances.
She finds herself also stranded after crashing along with her crewmates and we got to see the tail-end of those events in the previous book.

The captain Vrateus assigns Wyck an Errok as her protection detail.
We met Wyck in the previous book and he seemed then to be already evolving.
Here his emerging bond with Nadia forces him over that edge completely.
His growing feelings causing him to have a complete epiphany not only in regards to himself but also testing his life-long loyalty’s as well.

Nadia is expected like her predecessor was to be the visual entertainment for the men.
Something that’s meant to also aid in her own safety but as events spiral out of control Wyck is forced to pick a side.
His old family or his new evolving feelings for Nadia and ultimately keeping her safe from the escalating situation.

This again deals with some dark situations but it is the environment rather than the romance that is actually dark here.
It’s told from dual POV and Wyck and Nadia are both relatable and likeable characters.
The sex here was hot and sweet and also had some unusual anatomy thrown into the mix.

The romance isn’t instalove but it’s also not angsty the focus here is mostly on the dangerous environment and the characters ultimate survival rather than any internal strife between them.

I found a real soft spot for Wyck his character really grows so much throughout this Nadia definitely brought out the best in him.
I also liked that Nadia listened and didn’t do idiotic stuff just to prove herself capable.
She is pragmatic and is willing to rely on Wyck’s wisdom and experience when it comes to there continued survival and this dangerous new existence there both now living.
She makes suggestions and gives her input but doesn’t go all lone-ranger on him that was refreshing.

We also get to catch up with Svetlana and Vrateus which was an added plus and I also loved the inclusion of Wyck’s pet Lesh he was such a sweetie.

This is a complete story each book featuring a different couple but does follow a story arc so you are going to want to read the first book in the series as well.
I’m so excited with where we left things here and can’t wait to see where this one might go next.
I have some ideas and it will be interesting to see what pans out in regards to them.

This is a well written imaginative Sci-Fi romance that explores some dark themes.
I enjoyed it a lot and have no issues recommending a thumbs up from me.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Power (Dark Anomaly #2)



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Marina Simcoe]

Read the first 2 chapters here: https://www.marinasimcoe.com/power

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing and editing of the ARC version of the manuscript was clean, with no typos and well constructed sentences. The world building of the culture and landscape of the Anomaly was quite vivid. The characterization of hero and heroine was very well done. Both of them were sympathetic individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The development of the romantic relationship was angsty and organic. The heat level was about four chili peppers. The plot and pacing were tight and exciting, meaning I read the novel in one sitting. There was a medium amount of well justified angst and incredibly high stakes, which tends to be one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Captive trope, the Partner in Trouble trope, and the Enemies to Lovers trope. The world building, plot, and pacing were all five stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also five stars. I therefore gave this novel a combined rating of five stars. This novel ends on a bit of a cliffhanger instead of a Happy Ever After ending, so that was a downer. I recommend this romance to readers looking for angst, grim world building, and edge of your seat action. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series when it releases. I will be buying myself a keeper copy of this novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FlewB'DoobeyDoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a bummer when an author sends you a copy of a book to review....and the file never downloads because your kindle shattered...

This was a much anticipated book that takes us back into the Dark Anomaly; a hellish world where order is tentatively on a knife edge and it's a gruesome and brutal life of slowly being compacted in the solar garbage disposal.

Or...yeah..kinda like that..right?

Anyways, because our own world seems to be it's own sense of foreboding life vacuuming, this was an extremely nice escape to another universe where, CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS GUYS, it can actually get worse??

Romance is the last thing that you ever expect to come out of a story with so much brutality, yet it's so cleverly entwined into a story filled with cannabalism, violence and unwanted attentions if you catch my drift. And the romance works.

Is it a happily ever after?? Is all well and right in the world?? Are they riding out into the space sunset on their spaceship??


But am I sure as hell anticipating the ever loving SHIZ out of the next book?


Another lost lady hiding out on the ship?? And alien whose species selects a gender when they meet their life mate??

I'm here for it.

Plus the suffering, non-insta love, and species that are NOT human-esque aliens. That is the thing that absolutely drives these stories home.

4.23 Cereburus-Esque-Space-Doggies-Are-Also-On-My-Shopping-List stars🎇

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of action in this book that kept me turning the pages but still plenty of moments of sweet connection between the main characters. I also appreciated the thorough background into Wyck's feelings and they way he approached things and how those evolved over the course of the book. Made his connection with Nadia and even others at the end much more plausible and believable. Overall, I have a love /hate relationship with this series. I love the individual stories and how they are told but since I love the main characters, I hate that they are still trapped at the end of each book. I’m hoping this changes with the third book that is coming. Definitely looking forward to that!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!
The Anomaly is such an incredible place. One from which there seems no possibility of escape. Most of its occupants are creatures of such base behavior that the barest of existences seems impossible. Yet, within this setting, one woman - Nadia - meets Wyck - a member of the most powerful group of villainous beings. I love seeing the changes in him as they become more familiar with each other. Nadia’s strength of spirit is admirable, she never gives up. Who would think a deep love would spring from this situation? It does. It’s a fascinating look into a seemingly hopeless situation. It’s full of danger, fear, hope, love and is so, so, satisfying!

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marina Simcoe continues to create a terrifying journey, as a survivor from a crash landing on Anomaly, fights for her life and her dignity. She must decide how to stay sane and alive, but when emotions are exposed, friendship can come in the most unusual form.

Am very excited with book 2, POWER, and am looking forward to the continuation of this series!

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and captivating
What a crazy unique and dark story! Not faint for the heart! Lost in space is one thing but landing on a strange planet.. or so you think its worst. Much worst. Is not even a planet.. is more like “in between “ with brutal aliens. As a woman you are the prey. I can’t believe how dark it was but how hot 🥵 it was at the same time! those sexy scenes were 🙈👌💦. This features a new couple and follow events from the previous book so i recommend you read in order!

[Leyda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story sure has power!! Definitely the best so far although the first story is good this is simply great. You can read and feel exactly how it is to be in the Dark Anomaly, danger, death, desolation, betrayal, everything!!! Wyck and Nadia are a powerful couple, nothing gets in their way to HEA

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2, this one is about Nadia and Wyck. I am loving how each character is different from the previous ones, the world-building is fantastic and keeps getting better and better. All the action in the stories are an instant hook and get me reading them from start to finish, the steam is over the charts, I would recommend reading them in order to get all the things that are going on and understand all the characters. Looking forward to more!

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very similar to book 1 with a new couple.

SPOIELR SPOILER SPOILER

The book ends with complete anarchy. The couple from book 1 and this couple from book 2 are hiding out in the heroine's crashed ship. They have some food and water and air but food is running out.

[Siobhan Royle keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I’ve only read a few books by this author and so far have loved her characters.
But boy Wyck is something else entirely, he’s stubborn, aloof and gorgeous and my god he has two 3rd legs YES YOU RRAD THAT CORRECTLY 2 omg when I read that I was like yes yes .
Ok enough about the 2 third legs .

Nadia and her team
Crash on the anomaly and with her crew brutality killed and another female missing she’s captured by the residents of the anomaly and Wyck is put in charge of her.

As the only other female apart from the captains woman she’s the entertainer for the men who want to use her for their own sick sex games,
But Wyck is different although he’s drawn to her he see more than just a piece of meat to subdue his sexual needs.

But as there relationship starts to develop things take a drastic turn and people are killed .

Can they live together happily sort of on the anomaly or will Nadia fix her broken ship and leave for good??

Honestly loved this and I’m definitely enjoying book 1 as well I’d highly recommend reading book 1 first because all the characters in this are in the first so it makes more sense in regards to background history.

[Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne) · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Power’ is book two in Marina Simcoe’s Dark Anomaly series. Book one ‘Gravity’ is highly recommended that it is read prior to reading this book as the story and characters will be better understood. Although it is not necessary it, will make that story flow a little easier.

It’s been fifty years since Svetlana Kostyk and her expedition team went missing. Now Nadia is on own an expedition to film a documentary into the previous disappearances and the mysterious of the Dark Anomaly.
When her ship crashes and her crewmates are slaughtered, leaving her as the only surviving member. When Vrateus shows up and finds that once again another female has survived a crash he places Nadia under Wyck’s protection.

Wyck doesn’t want to have to explain how things work in the Anomaly to Nadia, and he doesn’t want to have to watch her. Nadia is expected to be the new visual entertainment for the men, and Wyck is supposed to help her get ready for it. But events spiral out of control and Wyck is forced to pick a side, between his Errok family or his new evolving feelings for Nadia.

I was a little disappointed with this book, after reading ‘Gravity’ I was looking forward to getting to know Wyck more. As he stood out and was unsure of what to do. But I found him to be too naive and young in the head to what he should have been. Don’t get me wrong I understand the reason behind that but it irked me. But Nadia really was instrumental to his growth.

Besides Wyck not being the character I thought he was going to be I really did enjoy reading this book. Nadia’s character was relatable and wasn’t getting herself into trouble thinking she new all. Lesh was such a great “character” he mad me laugh with his antics. It was also great to catch up with Vrateus and Svetlana again.

Can’t wait to see what is next in the series.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power is a fantastic build on Simcoe’s first book in this series, Gravity. It’s been fifty years since Svetlana Kostyk set off on her expedition to the Dark Anomaly, and a new team is sent with all the latest technology to find out what might have happened to her and to explore the anomaly itself. Nadia is there to record the expedition for promotion (and potential profit on the part of the backers). But the Dark Anomaly is what it is, and even the latest technology can’t help them avoid its intense, inescapable pull.

I loved how Nadia contrasted with Svetlana—she’s a bit naïve, and way, way too optimistic for life in the anomaly. Pairing her with Wyck is a great touch—he’s nothing if not immured to life in the anomaly with his fellow errocks, but in many ways he’s as naïve as Nadia. Seeing them grow and learn from one another is fantastic.

Keep in mind—this book is dark, like the first book. Life in the anomaly is brutal, and the conditions that existed in Gravity accelerate in Power. So be prepared for some tough actions in this story. Power does stand on its own, though reading Gravity gives you a greater appreciation of the unique world Simcoe has set up in these books. And it’s great to see Svetlana and Vrateus again!

Power has an appealing hero and heroine, a truly unusual setting, lots of danger and action, and a great overarching plot. If you want singular and striking SF romance, Simcoe has given you a great one in Power.

[Charde Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This book was just wow. We return to the Dark Anomaly with Nadia, a film director who intentially boarded a ship for the unknown. And wow, enimies at the gates as she ship is attacked and she is dragged through the ship. Just like in the first book, Gravity) she is forced to endure situations that she was ill prepared for. Given to Wyck for him to protect brought on even more situations and drama. Lots of action, and steam. Defintely a must read and should be read in order to better understand characters and events mentioned in the book.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book of the sci-fi series. I really got into this one and didn’t want to put it down. The story just keeps getting more in-depth and interesting. The anomaly is a mystery that it seems humans can’t help but want to explore. Another ship to add to all the others that have crashed. Nadia is a human woman and may be the only one of her crew to survive. The story has plenty of danger and death as some males don’t care who they destroy as long as they get what they want. But romance can still be found even in the darkest part of space.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s good and still dark

Oh my, I thought perhaps the Captain had received more support from the battle in the first book. This book picks up and another shop has landed with humans. However it is not the Captain or the good guys that find the human crew. It’s the bad guys who are destroying the crew members. Only Nadia remains and Wyak has been assigned to protect her. Initially he doesn’t want the job, but he is trying to avenge Crux. Their journey begins there. . . Read On!

[Chappy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this series.
In this installment a new ship crashes into the anomaly and all the men are killed.
Nadia is taken and is now expected to provide entertainment to the whole crew...under Wyck's protection. Wyck is a wonderful guy, especially considering that he's had no positive influence in his life. He was raised by barbarians, yet he still maintains his compassion. He rescued and raised a dog-like animal and wants to protect Nadia.

I'm so enthralled that I'm already reading the final book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly waiting this release and I was not disappointed! The world that was built in the prior book in the series is continued on here. More violence, more romance, more intrigue. Wyck and Nadia are so sweet together. So perfectly fit together. I can’t wait for the next in the series to see what happens!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power by Marina Simcoe is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have been hooked on since the beginning and I can not wait to read the rest. This is a standalone story if you want to read it alone. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about Sci-Fi and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fantastic and thrilling!

This is one Sci-fi love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, completely captivated with the characters and highly entertained right to the every end. The vivid imagery, amazing world building and all the outstanding characters, take us readers on an adventure that is out of this world.

Lots of action, suspense and thrilling twists make this one amazing story that you don’t want to miss out on.

Definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite new series from Marina!!!

I can’t decide who I love more, Vatreus or Wyck!! I so admire both these males’ ability to grow into amazing heroes from literally Lost Boys with no positive guidance whatsoever growing up. I’m especially keen on the friendships forged between both couples. Please tell me they get to escape the Dark Anomaly in Explosion. Looking forward to Val’s story too!

[Lula Pantoofle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another day, another crash landing in the depths of the dark anomaly. This time it’s years later in earth years since Svetlana went missing and now a TV crew gets sucks in with TV producer onboard.


I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as the first as I felt the storyline was very similar. I was hoping for a bit more of an overarching story development about the dark anomaly or perhaps finding more unexplored areas. Otherwise it was great. Less dark and a bit more soppy. I loved Wyck though.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marina Simcoe continues to create a terrifying journey, as a survivor from a crash landing on Anomaly, fights for her life and her dignity. She must decide how to stay sane and alive, but when emotions are exposed, friendship can come in the most unusual form.

Am very excited with book 2, POWER, and am looking forward to the continuation of this series!

[Sandra R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and filled with steamy romance scenes and set on a space anomaly. Lots of ships have been sucked it, never to be released due to the heavy gravitational force at the centre. I liked it, but the story didn't grab me quite as much as the first book. You probably should read them in order to understand what's going on, but this story does stand alone re the romance. 3.5 stars.

[Kay Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book 2!

This series just gets better and better! This second book is as good as the first. Wyck and Nadia were perfect as the new characters . It was fun hearing from previous members of Gravity (first book). Can't wait until Explosion!

[Brooke King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better

Than the last,once the heroine stopped being a scared,whiny,earth-entitled crybaby. I think i know the last couple,and really hope the capsule does its job,because the anomaly is depressing and violent as heck.

[Brandy Roseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

A thrilling dark sci-fi romance that takes the reader into the chilling nightmare of the dark anomaly but in the madness of the dancing lights and in the hallow twisted halls of the ships can love still blossom? A series this reader could not put down.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was ok. It continued similarly to book 1 with the beginning plot. We do get to see the progression of the story after book1 though and a set up for book 3 with a new couple. I thought the chemistry between Wyck and Nadia was forced sometimes. 3.5 stars

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nadia's appearance in the Dark Anomaly leads to more than just disruptions and disorder. Will Wyck be wily enough to contain the danger she faces, or will his strength be tested beyond endurance?