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Darkstar Mercenaries #4
Decadence
The retrieval mission was supposed to be simple. Get in, get the human females, kill the slavers, and get out. As a former High Commander of the Kordolian Imperial Military, Ikriss Peturic has seen--and done--much worse.
But one female in particular has been treated a lot more badly than all the others.
As he took her away from her tormentors, carrying her in his arms, she hovered between life and death.
Now she is safe. He should be able to forget about her. A new threat has appeared, and he has work to do.
So why is he so angry and restless all of a sudden?
Why can't he focus?
Why do the bases of his horn-buds throb?
What is this cursed madness?
Decadence is Book 4 in the Darkstar Mercenaries series. It's a full-length novel (110 000 words) featuring a lethal silver-skinned alien hero, a human heroine, and the usual action, violence, steamy sex scenes, and HFN ("happy for now") ending. It will probably make more sense if you've read the previous books first, especially Sanctuary.
But one female in particular has been treated a lot more badly than all the others.
As he took her away from her tormentors, carrying her in his arms, she hovered between life and death.
Now she is safe. He should be able to forget about her. A new threat has appeared, and he has work to do.
So why is he so angry and restless all of a sudden?
Why can't he focus?
Why do the bases of his horn-buds throb?
What is this cursed madness?
Decadence is Book 4 in the Darkstar Mercenaries series. It's a full-length novel (110 000 words) featuring a lethal silver-skinned alien hero, a human heroine, and the usual action, violence, steamy sex scenes, and HFN ("happy for now") ending. It will probably make more sense if you've read the previous books first, especially Sanctuary.
463 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2021
414 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Anna Carven
61 books1,254 followersAnna Carven is a daydreamer. So much so that she's decided to make a living from it.
She has a penchant for big bad alpha heroes who reserve their secret soft gooey centers only for their fated mates and treasured little ones.
To stay in touch and find out about future releases, you can find her on Facebook, or join the mailing list.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bQaHP5
She has a penchant for big bad alpha heroes who reserve their secret soft gooey centers only for their fated mates and treasured little ones.
To stay in touch and find out about future releases, you can find her on Facebook, or join the mailing list.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bQaHP5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 15, 2024
The Kordolian High Commander and the baker
I liked this story of High Commander Ikriss who finds a human woman who was with slavers and had been badly beaten. He helps her and can’t stop thinking about her after that, he eventually goes into mating heat after returning Sienna to her home on Earth. Sienna is quite a character on her own. She owns a restaurant that serves real food that she prepares the old way with fresh ingredients instead of with a food synthesizer like most places. She had taken out a loan from the syndicate and has her own troubles.
I loved that a lot of this one took place in space and they went all over together. The characters were great and I am really liking the world of the Kordolians lately. These books are good, there are too series I have been reading, The Darkstar Mercenaries and the Dark Planet Warriors. Both series are great and have some terrific storylines.
This book was narrated via solo narration by J.F. Harding, and I usually don’t like solo narration, but I would rather it be done by a male narrator than a female, for some reason. J.F. Harding did a good job and I like his voice so overall this was a great one to listen to via audiobook.
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I liked this story of High Commander Ikriss who finds a human woman who was with slavers and had been badly beaten. He helps her and can’t stop thinking about her after that, he eventually goes into mating heat after returning Sienna to her home on Earth. Sienna is quite a character on her own. She owns a restaurant that serves real food that she prepares the old way with fresh ingredients instead of with a food synthesizer like most places. She had taken out a loan from the syndicate and has her own troubles.
I loved that a lot of this one took place in space and they went all over together. The characters were great and I am really liking the world of the Kordolians lately. These books are good, there are too series I have been reading, The Darkstar Mercenaries and the Dark Planet Warriors. Both series are great and have some terrific storylines.
This book was narrated via solo narration by J.F. Harding, and I usually don’t like solo narration, but I would rather it be done by a male narrator than a female, for some reason. J.F. Harding did a good job and I like his voice so overall this was a great one to listen to via audiobook.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
January 22, 2022
Loved the characters and the situations. Each of the Darkstar Mercenaries is really very different, and Carven has a knack for making each Kordolian fierce, but very individual. She is the same when she creates her heroines.
March 4, 2021
Great Sci-fi🚀 Romance💕
ADULT Alpha Alien Male 🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 Sci-fi Adventure🚀 and Romance💕
Anna Carven's books are all about the Kordolians,🐺💪🔪🔫 their ships, and their honor. Then they meet their fated human mates!
I've read all the original Dark Planet Warriors books 📚, and now most of the Darkstar Mercenaries books, too. I had been away from this author's books 📚 for a year or so, but they are just as fresh and exciting now as they were then.
Anna Carven's books📚 are the gold standard🏆 by which all other alpha alien male🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 sci-fi romances are judged!
ADULT Alpha Alien Male 🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 Sci-fi Adventure🚀 and Romance💕
Anna Carven's books are all about the Kordolians,🐺💪🔪🔫 their ships, and their honor. Then they meet their fated human mates!
I've read all the original Dark Planet Warriors books 📚, and now most of the Darkstar Mercenaries books, too. I had been away from this author's books 📚 for a year or so, but they are just as fresh and exciting now as they were then.
Anna Carven's books📚 are the gold standard🏆 by which all other alpha alien male🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 sci-fi romances are judged!
January 13, 2022
RTC in a wee bit but easiest 5 stars ever.
January 27, 2021
Ok Continuation of Series
Ok story but the middle dragged and was a strain to believe the medical aspects (can't say anything further without spoilers). I was glad to see many of the older characters who have been missing in previous stories, such as Zyara and her mate Kai. Major cliffhanger type ending with the "bad guys" scoring a significant hit.
Ok story but the middle dragged and was a strain to believe the medical aspects (can't say anything further without spoilers). I was glad to see many of the older characters who have been missing in previous stories, such as Zyara and her mate Kai. Major cliffhanger type ending with the "bad guys" scoring a significant hit.
May 12, 2021
2.5 stars
Least favorite from this series.
Honestly, it was boring.
The book should have been cut in half.
Least favorite from this series.
Honestly, it was boring.
The book should have been cut in half.
January 27, 2021
Another pleasant installment.
Still the best alien hero’s on the market currently. The heroine, Sienna, she wasn’t terrible. The Hero, the commander Ikriss, he was pretty good. Liked the new healing updates with the nano’s. Hope in future book the human women do PR work with human media to showcase the truth and expose the bad Kordolians. They can’t be stupid enough to think they don’t need PR now. Hope this huge aspect isn’t over looked in future books.
Still the best alien hero’s on the market currently. The heroine, Sienna, she wasn’t terrible. The Hero, the commander Ikriss, he was pretty good. Liked the new healing updates with the nano’s. Hope in future book the human women do PR work with human media to showcase the truth and expose the bad Kordolians. They can’t be stupid enough to think they don’t need PR now. Hope this huge aspect isn’t over looked in future books.
January 25, 2021
Yay!
Oh how I have missed our scary hot kordolians! In this book Anna has seriously outdone herself. Every time I read a new book I need to go back and reread the series. The depth in her books is awe inspiring.
Oh how I have missed our scary hot kordolians! In this book Anna has seriously outdone herself. Every time I read a new book I need to go back and reread the series. The depth in her books is awe inspiring.
June 23, 2024
Great addition to the series.
The old empire is fighting back with underhanded tactics. Sienna was kidnapped but rescued by Ikriss, who almost immediately goes into mating fever. Their journey to matehood is only the first part of the story. Earth is the perfect breeding ground for the plans the old empire has to come back into power. They feed the discontent and arm the underbelly while trying to convince everyone that they are the good guys. In the meantime our guys are learning how to play the long game, fighting back with cunning instead of brute force. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The old empire is fighting back with underhanded tactics. Sienna was kidnapped but rescued by Ikriss, who almost immediately goes into mating fever. Their journey to matehood is only the first part of the story. Earth is the perfect breeding ground for the plans the old empire has to come back into power. They feed the discontent and arm the underbelly while trying to convince everyone that they are the good guys. In the meantime our guys are learning how to play the long game, fighting back with cunning instead of brute force. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 5, 2023
Another Commander’s story. It was a bit repetitive and I wasn’t as invested in the romance since it felt like it relied too much on the fated mates attraction and the fact that he rescued her. Unbelievable that her friends would think he was a bad guy when he rescued her from abduction and torture and then later saved her life, too. Also, the ridiculous contradicting adjectives for how his kisses taste plus a lot more typos kind of brought it down a notch for me. Felt like just a back drop to move the bigger plot along. I hope the next one gets back on track with the spirit of the previous books.
February 1, 2021
Review to come.
January 28, 2021
Love these Dark Warriors
Ikriss is so yummy. I love Siennas determination and spirit. So wonderful to read our old cast in these books. I wonder what happened to the Silent one they captured? What happened to the one they captured before? And his mate? Tarak is still wonderfully conniving. So wanted to see his family again. I still recommend all this series to everyone. Unfortunately this book had lots of errors.
Ikriss is so yummy. I love Siennas determination and spirit. So wonderful to read our old cast in these books. I wonder what happened to the Silent one they captured? What happened to the one they captured before? And his mate? Tarak is still wonderfully conniving. So wanted to see his family again. I still recommend all this series to everyone. Unfortunately this book had lots of errors.
February 26, 2021
For me this was awkward,clunky and very very redundant.
Not sure where to start.
I read books one and two in this series . I didn’t enjoy one because to me the heroine was an annoying harpy but I loved Layla and Enki in book two . Couldn’t get into book three but decided to come back and give book four a try.
Honestly I’m not sure why I ever came back at all Abbey and Tarak’s book should have turned me off for good.
I mean everyone says how dark and menacing Tarak seems but i loved what little I saw in their book. What little I saw ? Yeah,well Abbey was soo annoyingly and arrogantly and classically TSTL with a huge side order of deep ingratitude I just couldn’t stomach her for long. Tarak saves her life and risks a lot to keep her from being permanently disabled and yet all she does and bitch and complain every chance she gets . From lane stuff like ,Why don’t these alien have “nachos” and “chicken fries” ? ( WTH?) To getting pissed Tarak is in the healing chamber with her trying to keep her warm. To the worst of all, Tarak has her on his ship where he KNOWS his ppl humans as having less value than dirt ,so he tells her to stay in his quarters for HER SAFETY! Her safety. Period. But will she ? Noooooooo. She rebels like a spoiled toddler because how dare he give her orders and goes off to find danger ⚠️ like any TSTL would. That was it for me I was out. When you find one of your MC’s so annoying you don’t care if they get themselves killed it’s time to stop. So I did.
Wasn’t a fan of the cover,can’t see the “Commander” and “Sienna” looks really young and like her foot was just stepped on or she just ate a bad piece of shrimp or something . But still I was hopeful.
Yeah,well our hopes don’t always pay off do they ?
The Commander rescues Sienna, as is usually the case and after he gets her to the ship,she’s all healed up and it feels like the pace and direction of the story is set. At least that’s how I felt. The two start off rather awkward with each other but at 66% it didn’t feel that different to me. Sienna is still telling us at 66% that she doesn’t need to fear Ikriss and how sexy she finds him.
And honestly if I were a drinker I think I could have gotten blitzed fast on the redundant redundancy on just how often she’s telling us a) how fearsome these warriors are,b) how sexy Ikriss is with muscles and his zero body fat ( ok, why is the absence of any fat at all required for one to be sexy ?) c) and how Ikriss is fearsome and deadly and dangerous but not to her. Never to her. And considering how he also dies for her that should be a given and nit needed to be stated over and over and over til I’m wanting to scream,”Enough! Enough already!” We. Get. It. He’s endlessly sexy and dangerous but not to you.
After what is around a dozen or so books in this world you’d think somethings would be more streamlined and less clunky and redundant and these warriors would have a better clue as to how to act and react to human females . But they do not.
Unlike my wonderful Enki and Layla these two felt stilted and awkward and fell flat for me .
Not fun,just awkward.
Not sure where to start.
I read books one and two in this series . I didn’t enjoy one because to me the heroine was an annoying harpy but I loved Layla and Enki in book two . Couldn’t get into book three but decided to come back and give book four a try.
Honestly I’m not sure why I ever came back at all Abbey and Tarak’s book should have turned me off for good.
I mean everyone says how dark and menacing Tarak seems but i loved what little I saw in their book. What little I saw ? Yeah,well Abbey was soo annoyingly and arrogantly and classically TSTL with a huge side order of deep ingratitude I just couldn’t stomach her for long. Tarak saves her life and risks a lot to keep her from being permanently disabled and yet all she does and bitch and complain every chance she gets . From lane stuff like ,Why don’t these alien have “nachos” and “chicken fries” ? ( WTH?) To getting pissed Tarak is in the healing chamber with her trying to keep her warm. To the worst of all, Tarak has her on his ship where he KNOWS his ppl humans as having less value than dirt ,so he tells her to stay in his quarters for HER SAFETY! Her safety. Period. But will she ? Noooooooo. She rebels like a spoiled toddler because how dare he give her orders and goes off to find danger ⚠️ like any TSTL would. That was it for me I was out. When you find one of your MC’s so annoying you don’t care if they get themselves killed it’s time to stop. So I did.
Wasn’t a fan of the cover,can’t see the “Commander” and “Sienna” looks really young and like her foot was just stepped on or she just ate a bad piece of shrimp or something . But still I was hopeful.
Yeah,well our hopes don’t always pay off do they ?
The Commander rescues Sienna, as is usually the case and after he gets her to the ship,she’s all healed up and it feels like the pace and direction of the story is set. At least that’s how I felt. The two start off rather awkward with each other but at 66% it didn’t feel that different to me. Sienna is still telling us at 66% that she doesn’t need to fear Ikriss and how sexy she finds him.
And honestly if I were a drinker I think I could have gotten blitzed fast on the redundant redundancy on just how often she’s telling us a) how fearsome these warriors are,b) how sexy Ikriss is with muscles and his zero body fat ( ok, why is the absence of any fat at all required for one to be sexy ?) c) and how Ikriss is fearsome and deadly and dangerous but not to her. Never to her. And considering how he also dies for her that should be a given and nit needed to be stated over and over and over til I’m wanting to scream,”Enough! Enough already!” We. Get. It. He’s endlessly sexy and dangerous but not to you.
After what is around a dozen or so books in this world you’d think somethings would be more streamlined and less clunky and redundant and these warriors would have a better clue as to how to act and react to human females . But they do not.
Unlike my wonderful Enki and Layla these two felt stilted and awkward and fell flat for me .
Not fun,just awkward.
March 28, 2021
I love "Dark Planet Warriors" which is the main series and the spinoff "Darkstar Mercenaries". These Kordolians are dark, seductive and loyal. Most of the stories are atmospheric and make you connect slowly with the heroines and the Kordolian heroes they meet and fall in love. This is the 4th book in this series and i didn't really feel the shadowy, atmospheric world and this deep connection with the Kordolian mate/hero (Ikriss). It felt a little different from the previous books and not so exciting and full of danger. Also, the behavior of the Commander's warriors toward the heroine wasn't what was expected from the previous books in which all Kordolians were cold and guarded but never so brusque and snappy. It wasn't my favourite from the series and i was disapointed.
February 18, 2021
Oh Anna, why did you feel the need to resort to using constant profanity? I have always been a fan of your books, as I find your writing style very absorbing and your characters likeable. However, with this book I was distracted by the excessive use of the word F***ing, it appeared 155 times. I am no prude, the odd swear word used in appropriate situations, isn’t a problem. Why you felt the need to spoil a perfectly good story, I do not understand. I can only conclude that using that word is so normal to you, that you aren’t even aware that you are doing so! Sadly, if this is then standard of writing we can look forward to in future, I will no longer be buying your books.
May 9, 2022
I found the continuing development of the series’s political plot more interesting than the romance. I didn’t find the relationship believable, particularly from her side. We hear about how her history leads her to no longer have any interest in controlling, alpha men, and then as soon as she meets the controlling, alpha hero she’s in instalust with him. No compelling reason is ever provided.
January 27, 2021
Fantastic
I absolutely adore these books. The wait for me a half one is agonising. Decadence lives up to the rest of the series. Excellent.
I absolutely adore these books. The wait for me a half one is agonising. Decadence lives up to the rest of the series. Excellent.
February 16, 2023
2.5 stars
Gotta be honest here. I was so bored with this book by around 50% or so. I did not really care for either of the main characters. Sienna annoyed me with her demands and wants after she was rescued, and with her personality in general. As for Ikriss, I just didn't like him one way or another. He was a very meh character all the way until the end when we see a glimpse of his brutal Kordolian side. I was also very disappointed with how soft and mellow Tarak was in this one.
It's really unfortunate that I didn't like the characters and never was able to get into the story because there was some really good stuff going on here. From Ikriss almost dying from a silent one's attack and how he was saved, to how their enemies set a trap of sorts before making their big reveal. Truly, the end was the best part because we actually got some decent action.
Sienna was one of a group of females that were kidnapped from Earth and somehow made it thru the Kordolian net. Sienna refused to submit, which earned her very harsh punishments. Until Ikriss and his men showed up and saved them all. Despite how he does it, Sienna finally feels safe in this shadow's arms.
Ikriss never expected to find his mate while saving some humans, and now he's at a loss of what to do. Following some advice from Tarak, Ikriss plans to learn about his human and get her to want him as much as he wants her. He isn't even into his plans one day when another kidnapping attempt on her is made and he is gravely wounded. Oddly enough, it's him almost dying that has Sienna realizing how much she already cares about him.
So much of this book was the two them doing what felt like practically nothing. Ikriss's injuries prevent them from bonding completely, Sienna is obsessed with going back to Earth to her snooty restaurant, and their relationship just didn't make sense. At least on Sienna's side. She spends so much time saying she'll never fall for a man that is possessive and bossy, but she falls in love with Ikriss almost immediately. I also really hated the reason that a second attempt was made to kidnap Sienna.
Things finally got interesting at the end when Sienna's friend who had been kidnapped by the Syndicate was located and the Kordolians went to rescue her. Finally, some action and fighting! And aside from how much I hated the friend, it was some good stuff. Unfortunately, it was also a trap of sorts set up by the usurped nobles who want to act like they still control an empire. And they've done a damn good job turning more humans against Tarak and his men.
I can't wait to see how that's going to pan out.
Gotta be honest here. I was so bored with this book by around 50% or so. I did not really care for either of the main characters. Sienna annoyed me with her demands and wants after she was rescued, and with her personality in general. As for Ikriss, I just didn't like him one way or another. He was a very meh character all the way until the end when we see a glimpse of his brutal Kordolian side. I was also very disappointed with how soft and mellow Tarak was in this one.
It's really unfortunate that I didn't like the characters and never was able to get into the story because there was some really good stuff going on here. From Ikriss almost dying from a silent one's attack and how he was saved, to how their enemies set a trap of sorts before making their big reveal. Truly, the end was the best part because we actually got some decent action.
Sienna was one of a group of females that were kidnapped from Earth and somehow made it thru the Kordolian net. Sienna refused to submit, which earned her very harsh punishments. Until Ikriss and his men showed up and saved them all. Despite how he does it, Sienna finally feels safe in this shadow's arms.
Ikriss never expected to find his mate while saving some humans, and now he's at a loss of what to do. Following some advice from Tarak, Ikriss plans to learn about his human and get her to want him as much as he wants her. He isn't even into his plans one day when another kidnapping attempt on her is made and he is gravely wounded. Oddly enough, it's him almost dying that has Sienna realizing how much she already cares about him.
So much of this book was the two them doing what felt like practically nothing. Ikriss's injuries prevent them from bonding completely, Sienna is obsessed with going back to Earth to her snooty restaurant, and their relationship just didn't make sense. At least on Sienna's side. She spends so much time saying she'll never fall for a man that is possessive and bossy, but she falls in love with Ikriss almost immediately. I also really hated the reason that a second attempt was made to kidnap Sienna.
Things finally got interesting at the end when Sienna's friend who had been kidnapped by the Syndicate was located and the Kordolians went to rescue her. Finally, some action and fighting! And aside from how much I hated the friend, it was some good stuff. Unfortunately, it was also a trap of sorts set up by the usurped nobles who want to act like they still control an empire. And they've done a damn good job turning more humans against Tarak and his men.
I can't wait to see how that's going to pan out.
February 6, 2021
There is simply nothing has delicious as a Kordolian Warrior 😍💖😍💖
This is the fourth book in a second series starring my favorite warriors, the Kordolian. Each book adds a new layer to the complex world building that only Anna Carven can write. Each time a mystery is solved a piece of the riddle revealed , something more ominous comes to take its place. Ikriss , is a second division warrior exacting, methodical and level headed, trusted by the general himself. He is the commander in charge of securing Earth from their enemies. He is beyond angry when he finds out some human women have been abused and kidnapped. He will not tolerate this kind of breach on his watch. He hunts the enemy down, rescues the females and this is where his story truly starts. He finds and rescues one female in particular who was badly abused and mistreated. His need to protect this strong yet fragile woman is all encompassing. Mating fever strikes swiftly and hard. Sienna stolen and sold, beaten and abused by always she's doesn't know. They want to break her will and her spirit, but she will not let them she'd rather die first than allow these cruel and evil aliens get their way. Just when she and given up all hope a huge , lethal Kordolian warrior rescues her from captivity. At first she is suspicious guarded, but as she spends time and get to know Ikriss she see the loyal, attentive and focused make he truly is. His ability to treat her with respect, reference and kindness blows her mind. She realizes these warriors are so much more than what they seem. Amid serious danger and intrigue there is a new danger from an old enemy trying to threaten the Kordolian mercenaries hold on the earth. (Insert delighted evil chuckle here) they have messed with the wrong badass. The General and his most trusted have claimed the Earth and will protect it with all that are for their mates
Belong too the Earth as well.and nothing and I mean nothing gets between a Kordolian and his mate. This is so good and there are so many new characters that I hope get them own stories and old friends who and I their presence known. Fantastic story with rating hot passion, intense storylines and some of the best world building out there I can wait for more in this series💖😍💖😍😍💖 I highly recommend this book and the whole series!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
This is the fourth book in a second series starring my favorite warriors, the Kordolian. Each book adds a new layer to the complex world building that only Anna Carven can write. Each time a mystery is solved a piece of the riddle revealed , something more ominous comes to take its place. Ikriss , is a second division warrior exacting, methodical and level headed, trusted by the general himself. He is the commander in charge of securing Earth from their enemies. He is beyond angry when he finds out some human women have been abused and kidnapped. He will not tolerate this kind of breach on his watch. He hunts the enemy down, rescues the females and this is where his story truly starts. He finds and rescues one female in particular who was badly abused and mistreated. His need to protect this strong yet fragile woman is all encompassing. Mating fever strikes swiftly and hard. Sienna stolen and sold, beaten and abused by always she's doesn't know. They want to break her will and her spirit, but she will not let them she'd rather die first than allow these cruel and evil aliens get their way. Just when she and given up all hope a huge , lethal Kordolian warrior rescues her from captivity. At first she is suspicious guarded, but as she spends time and get to know Ikriss she see the loyal, attentive and focused make he truly is. His ability to treat her with respect, reference and kindness blows her mind. She realizes these warriors are so much more than what they seem. Amid serious danger and intrigue there is a new danger from an old enemy trying to threaten the Kordolian mercenaries hold on the earth. (Insert delighted evil chuckle here) they have messed with the wrong badass. The General and his most trusted have claimed the Earth and will protect it with all that are for their mates
Belong too the Earth as well.and nothing and I mean nothing gets between a Kordolian and his mate. This is so good and there are so many new characters that I hope get them own stories and old friends who and I their presence known. Fantastic story with rating hot passion, intense storylines and some of the best world building out there I can wait for more in this series💖😍💖😍😍💖 I highly recommend this book and the whole series!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
October 15, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is part of a plethora of books, novellas, and at least two spin off series related to Dark Planet Warriors. I do not recommend it as a standalone, it should especially be read after Shattered Silence. It is the fourth book of the second series, DarkStar Mercenaries, though there is a novella, Interlude, that fits between the two series that is considered a prequel to the second series.
Sienna has been captured as part of a sex trader operation. When aliens (Kordolians) had discovered that humans were capable of producing babies with them, several women have been taken prisoner in order for them to be eventually impregnated. In addition, the person who ordered the kidnapping is cruel and wants to break the spirit of the women. When Sienna is found, she has been severely beaten.
Ikriss is a commander in the good guy side of the Kordolian group and was on the rescue mission to retrieve the women. When he meets Sienna, he takes her back to the ship and begins to realize that they are mates. Spoiler...Later, he is injured and undergoes surgery to implant nanites in his body that will help with the healing.
Sienna was a chef on Earth. She wants to thank Ikriss and others by making food that they will like. They generally did not place much importance on the flavor of their food, but Sienna convinces them otherwise. I liked Sienna’s determination and unbroken spirit.
Sienna also had enemies on earth before she was kidnapped. Ikriss becomes determined to protect her and calls on the other Kordolians to help him. He is very protective.
The pace of the book is fast. The point of view alternates between Sienna and Ikriss.
Tarak, the leader of the Kordolians and hero of 3 of the books in the prior series as well as a couple short stories/novellas, appears in this book. He has a very interesting discussion with Ikriss.
I think it would be nice for the author to include a reference list in the books. Included could be the names of the different male and female main characters, planets mentioned, aliens mentioned, and maybe a few word translations (siv, etc) that the Kordolians use.
I plan to read the next book.
This book is part of a plethora of books, novellas, and at least two spin off series related to Dark Planet Warriors. I do not recommend it as a standalone, it should especially be read after Shattered Silence. It is the fourth book of the second series, DarkStar Mercenaries, though there is a novella, Interlude, that fits between the two series that is considered a prequel to the second series.
Sienna has been captured as part of a sex trader operation. When aliens (Kordolians) had discovered that humans were capable of producing babies with them, several women have been taken prisoner in order for them to be eventually impregnated. In addition, the person who ordered the kidnapping is cruel and wants to break the spirit of the women. When Sienna is found, she has been severely beaten.
Ikriss is a commander in the good guy side of the Kordolian group and was on the rescue mission to retrieve the women. When he meets Sienna, he takes her back to the ship and begins to realize that they are mates. Spoiler...Later, he is injured and undergoes surgery to implant nanites in his body that will help with the healing.
Sienna was a chef on Earth. She wants to thank Ikriss and others by making food that they will like. They generally did not place much importance on the flavor of their food, but Sienna convinces them otherwise. I liked Sienna’s determination and unbroken spirit.
Sienna also had enemies on earth before she was kidnapped. Ikriss becomes determined to protect her and calls on the other Kordolians to help him. He is very protective.
The pace of the book is fast. The point of view alternates between Sienna and Ikriss.
Tarak, the leader of the Kordolians and hero of 3 of the books in the prior series as well as a couple short stories/novellas, appears in this book. He has a very interesting discussion with Ikriss.
I think it would be nice for the author to include a reference list in the books. Included could be the names of the different male and female main characters, planets mentioned, aliens mentioned, and maybe a few word translations (siv, etc) that the Kordolians use.
I plan to read the next book.
October 17, 2022
We're back with the Kordolians and their special someones and things aren't easy for these guys, are they? Actually, it's not the Kordolians things aren't easy for. I mean, sure, they have to fight their mating urges and all, but it's the human females who have to make the big adjustments.
To start, the big guys don't have the best reputation in the galaxy thanks to their (now defunct-ish) empire and the aggressive way they worked on dominating the known worlds. The core of the empire might have been dismantled, but the nobles aren't quietly stepping aside. No, sir. They're doing very bad things in the name of their cause and, unfortunately, it's the human women who seem to catch the brunt of that. On the plus side, we get some answers to what's going on and why the women are being targeted. On the downside, those Kordolian nobles are NOT NICE PEOPLE. At all.
But let's talk about Ikriss and Sienna. Ikriss isn't First Division (like others we've met), but he's still a force to be reckoned with. He's focused, lethal, and he's absolutely not about to be caught in the mating dance he's seen befall others. Heh. Right. As for Sienna, she survived her abduction, but it left its marks on her and now she just wants to get back to the life she had before. Having a former High Commander hanging around to provide security is NOT on her list of normal things from before.
One run-in with a deadly assassin later and Sienna's finding out a whole lot about the Kordolians who rescued her and how she fits into the big picture. Throw in a shady human organized crime ring, some stolen Kordolian weaponry, and a former commander who will do anything and everything to keep her safe and things get downright wild. Am I ready for more? YOU BET!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
To start, the big guys don't have the best reputation in the galaxy thanks to their (now defunct-ish) empire and the aggressive way they worked on dominating the known worlds. The core of the empire might have been dismantled, but the nobles aren't quietly stepping aside. No, sir. They're doing very bad things in the name of their cause and, unfortunately, it's the human women who seem to catch the brunt of that. On the plus side, we get some answers to what's going on and why the women are being targeted. On the downside, those Kordolian nobles are NOT NICE PEOPLE. At all.
But let's talk about Ikriss and Sienna. Ikriss isn't First Division (like others we've met), but he's still a force to be reckoned with. He's focused, lethal, and he's absolutely not about to be caught in the mating dance he's seen befall others. Heh. Right. As for Sienna, she survived her abduction, but it left its marks on her and now she just wants to get back to the life she had before. Having a former High Commander hanging around to provide security is NOT on her list of normal things from before.
One run-in with a deadly assassin later and Sienna's finding out a whole lot about the Kordolians who rescued her and how she fits into the big picture. Throw in a shady human organized crime ring, some stolen Kordolian weaponry, and a former commander who will do anything and everything to keep her safe and things get downright wild. Am I ready for more? YOU BET!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 11, 2021
🍱 Decadence 🥘
Darkstar Mercenaries Book 4
✒️ Anna Carven
https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Release Date 01/24/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TV7DXSZ/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The retrieval mission was supposed to be simple. Get in, get the human females, kill the slavers, and get out. As a former High Commander of the Kordolian Imperial Military, Ikriss Peturic has seen--and done--much worse.
But one female in particular has been treated a lot more badly than all the others.
As he took her away from her tormentors, carrying her in his arms, she hovered between life and death.
Now she is safe. He should be able to forget about her. A new threat has appeared, and he has work to do.
So why is he so angry and restless all of a sudden?
Why can't he focus?
Why do the bases of his horn-buds throb?
What is this cursed madness?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When another commander falls down …
The author is one I follow since I can back to reading romance regularly, she is one of those unexpected gems one comes upon and never forgot about.
Yet as her releases are more or less without a long warning, this last book landed on my kindle shelves at a time I was unable to allow a space for it. And my bad, I quite forgot about it. Thus it has sat there since.
But, with me being locked at home, I clean my arcs to read list and add a bit of this and that to it. So this book popped up in my fogged brain.
I am quite upset at myself for nearly missing this book. The author once more has offered us an intricately complex overwhelming tale.
Even if the romance stands alone, I would recommend to begin with Dark Planet Warriors, Big Bad Tarak’s tale as it would put in place the milestones of the Kordolians world.
Ikriss is not a first division warrior, yet like them he was reprogrammed and rose through the ranks to the highest spheres. He joined Tarak in their fight against the oppressor of their people.
They brought down the empire and took control of it.
So not exactly a choirboy.
Yet from the moment his eyes land on broken close-to-death Sienna, he is entrapped by the mating fever. And he will do anything, really do anything to protect her.
As he fights the urge, he has to accept his change of destiny and make Sienna see him as an allied, a friend and not the monster she fears.
I loved how he is so straightforward, yet he is Kordolians, and the fanged-grey elves are no fairy characters. Yet they wear well the Knight’s suit and does even a better job than the princes to rescue the damsels.
Still, he refuses to hide who he is to win the girl. He will try eventually to soften the edges, but he is a killer, a hunter, a decision maker and first of all, a protector. Her devoted defender.
Sienna went through a lot, by personal choices, her life’s mistakes but also others greed. As she was contemplating her imminent demise under alien’s abuse, she is at the last minute extracted and healed. Her rescuer despite his obvious alien’s origins, did not strike her as malevolent against her. But to trust him… Still he awakens needs she thought she has put behind. Enough of the bad boy vibe, she told herself.
But Ikriss is no boy. And as he gives her time to recover, he also shows her he will never let her down, she will always come first. Accepting her as she is, never trying to change her.
An other amazing tale of a big warrior who falls quick and hard and the unconventional woman who captures him and makes him whole.
She is his soothing balm to his cold fury, the chaos to the order.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSmuIVrjA...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #alienromance #bookblog #romanceauthor #paranormalromance romancewriter #bookblogger #sfromance #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #annacarven
Darkstar Mercenaries Book 4
✒️ Anna Carven
https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Release Date 01/24/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TV7DXSZ/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The retrieval mission was supposed to be simple. Get in, get the human females, kill the slavers, and get out. As a former High Commander of the Kordolian Imperial Military, Ikriss Peturic has seen--and done--much worse.
But one female in particular has been treated a lot more badly than all the others.
As he took her away from her tormentors, carrying her in his arms, she hovered between life and death.
Now she is safe. He should be able to forget about her. A new threat has appeared, and he has work to do.
So why is he so angry and restless all of a sudden?
Why can't he focus?
Why do the bases of his horn-buds throb?
What is this cursed madness?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When another commander falls down …
The author is one I follow since I can back to reading romance regularly, she is one of those unexpected gems one comes upon and never forgot about.
Yet as her releases are more or less without a long warning, this last book landed on my kindle shelves at a time I was unable to allow a space for it. And my bad, I quite forgot about it. Thus it has sat there since.
But, with me being locked at home, I clean my arcs to read list and add a bit of this and that to it. So this book popped up in my fogged brain.
I am quite upset at myself for nearly missing this book. The author once more has offered us an intricately complex overwhelming tale.
Even if the romance stands alone, I would recommend to begin with Dark Planet Warriors, Big Bad Tarak’s tale as it would put in place the milestones of the Kordolians world.
Ikriss is not a first division warrior, yet like them he was reprogrammed and rose through the ranks to the highest spheres. He joined Tarak in their fight against the oppressor of their people.
They brought down the empire and took control of it.
So not exactly a choirboy.
Yet from the moment his eyes land on broken close-to-death Sienna, he is entrapped by the mating fever. And he will do anything, really do anything to protect her.
As he fights the urge, he has to accept his change of destiny and make Sienna see him as an allied, a friend and not the monster she fears.
I loved how he is so straightforward, yet he is Kordolians, and the fanged-grey elves are no fairy characters. Yet they wear well the Knight’s suit and does even a better job than the princes to rescue the damsels.
Still, he refuses to hide who he is to win the girl. He will try eventually to soften the edges, but he is a killer, a hunter, a decision maker and first of all, a protector. Her devoted defender.
Sienna went through a lot, by personal choices, her life’s mistakes but also others greed. As she was contemplating her imminent demise under alien’s abuse, she is at the last minute extracted and healed. Her rescuer despite his obvious alien’s origins, did not strike her as malevolent against her. But to trust him… Still he awakens needs she thought she has put behind. Enough of the bad boy vibe, she told herself.
But Ikriss is no boy. And as he gives her time to recover, he also shows her he will never let her down, she will always come first. Accepting her as she is, never trying to change her.
An other amazing tale of a big warrior who falls quick and hard and the unconventional woman who captures him and makes him whole.
She is his soothing balm to his cold fury, the chaos to the order.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSmuIVrjA...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #alienromance #bookblog #romanceauthor #paranormalromance romancewriter #bookblogger #sfromance #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #annacarven
February 15, 2021
This series gets better , and Better !!!!
As Always, I enjoy a trip to this world !!
Commander Ikriss,, a 2nd division Warrior, has just rescued a group of human females from the hands of the Bad Kordolians, once again. This is Unacceptable !
Of course , the one that is gravely injured, is his soon to be mate. She doesn't know it, and Ikriss is trying to ease her.....
Sienna is a talented chef from New York, and had found herself abducted by Aliens !!! Those blasted giant elf like silver Kordolians . Why should she trust Them ?? !! ??
Well, as the story continues, Sienna and Ikriss must lean on and trust each other to overcome the many rough situations ahead.
And if you have read Any of this series, you Know that action and Kordolians go hand in hand !!!
Lots of heart pounding , I - want = to - cover - my - eyes - but - I - can't, times as well as , I - want - to - try - that sexy times ahead !!!
Those Kordolian boys are the Best !!
Excited for the next one in this series !!!
As Always, I enjoy a trip to this world !!
Commander Ikriss,, a 2nd division Warrior, has just rescued a group of human females from the hands of the Bad Kordolians, once again. This is Unacceptable !
Of course , the one that is gravely injured, is his soon to be mate. She doesn't know it, and Ikriss is trying to ease her.....
Sienna is a talented chef from New York, and had found herself abducted by Aliens !!! Those blasted giant elf like silver Kordolians . Why should she trust Them ?? !! ??
Well, as the story continues, Sienna and Ikriss must lean on and trust each other to overcome the many rough situations ahead.
And if you have read Any of this series, you Know that action and Kordolians go hand in hand !!!
Lots of heart pounding , I - want = to - cover - my - eyes - but - I - can't, times as well as , I - want - to - try - that sexy times ahead !!!
Those Kordolian boys are the Best !!
Excited for the next one in this series !!!
February 22, 2021
Still a lot of unanswered questions
First the books are released too far apart. I'm not sure if others have this problem but I forget details from the previous books and I don't have the time to go back. Second I really like these books but sometimes after reading it's always more question so many unanswered questions. For example after Ikriss is injected with Sienna's DNA or whatever are they connected now that's just an example. Also if these aliens are to be so feared and toughest around why are they always getting almost killed. Too me they are contradiction on the one hand there technology is supreme but their always almost getting killed. I have followed these books from the beginning hopping questions would get answered hopping we see how good these aliens are but just the same type of story line over and over I want to see them kick some but, back up all the talk of being advanced and so intelligent. Not sure if I'll keep reading its getting really frustrating. But I say that about each book but keep reading hopping for the best..........
First the books are released too far apart. I'm not sure if others have this problem but I forget details from the previous books and I don't have the time to go back. Second I really like these books but sometimes after reading it's always more question so many unanswered questions. For example after Ikriss is injected with Sienna's DNA or whatever are they connected now that's just an example. Also if these aliens are to be so feared and toughest around why are they always getting almost killed. Too me they are contradiction on the one hand there technology is supreme but their always almost getting killed. I have followed these books from the beginning hopping questions would get answered hopping we see how good these aliens are but just the same type of story line over and over I want to see them kick some but, back up all the talk of being advanced and so intelligent. Not sure if I'll keep reading its getting really frustrating. But I say that about each book but keep reading hopping for the best..........
January 31, 2021
An enjoyable sci-fi romance.
This sci-fi romance was was a wonderful read in most respects. It was just a shame that there were so many typos in the retail version. At this point in the author’s career, that should not be happening to this extent. Aside from that issue which detracted somewhat from the reading experience, everything else was great. The characterization of the hero and heroine was top notch, with them both being sympathetic individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The political machinations were fascinating, and the action and adventure elements were gripping. The development of the romantic relationship was hot, with the heat level being three to four chili peppers. This novel was also not too short, being a satisfying length to fully develop the plot and characters. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases, and hopefully the editing will be tightened up by then.
This sci-fi romance was was a wonderful read in most respects. It was just a shame that there were so many typos in the retail version. At this point in the author’s career, that should not be happening to this extent. Aside from that issue which detracted somewhat from the reading experience, everything else was great. The characterization of the hero and heroine was top notch, with them both being sympathetic individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The political machinations were fascinating, and the action and adventure elements were gripping. The development of the romantic relationship was hot, with the heat level being three to four chili peppers. This novel was also not too short, being a satisfying length to fully develop the plot and characters. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases, and hopefully the editing will be tightened up by then.
Read
April 20, 2021Love this series
I absolutely love these " evil rebel" Kordolians. They are deadly and vengeful to their enemy but oh so sweet to their loves and Ikriss is no different. He doesn't try to hide his dark side from Sienna and I love that. So many problems arise when people try to hide but he shows himself to her in all his honesty. Sienna herself is a strong woman who refuses to break and who shows love and loyalty to those she is close to. They are a good couple.
The only problem is that the next book isn't out yet. I've missed these characters and an about to go back and re-read the series. I love Tarak and all of his Darkstar Mercenaries and especially the first division warriors! Please keep up with the stories Ms. Carven, the empire must be destroyed and the Kordolians deserve their loves!!
I absolutely love these " evil rebel" Kordolians. They are deadly and vengeful to their enemy but oh so sweet to their loves and Ikriss is no different. He doesn't try to hide his dark side from Sienna and I love that. So many problems arise when people try to hide but he shows himself to her in all his honesty. Sienna herself is a strong woman who refuses to break and who shows love and loyalty to those she is close to. They are a good couple.
The only problem is that the next book isn't out yet. I've missed these characters and an about to go back and re-read the series. I love Tarak and all of his Darkstar Mercenaries and especially the first division warriors! Please keep up with the stories Ms. Carven, the empire must be destroyed and the Kordolians deserve their loves!!
February 15, 2021
Anna weaves a good story in this book
All the characters are strong in some way or another. Whether male or female, whether a captive or warrior. The warrior parts were as equally delicious as the romance and wooing parts and that’s an accomplishment. Anna, the author, really weaved an interesting storyline and plot. She wrapped up the story nicely with happiness but open for more. Who did I fancy in this book, well the lead Commander Ikriss and his General Tarak. These guys were solid with their military events. It was just a solid good read for me satisfying my like of Sci-fi and romance. Read On!
All the characters are strong in some way or another. Whether male or female, whether a captive or warrior. The warrior parts were as equally delicious as the romance and wooing parts and that’s an accomplishment. Anna, the author, really weaved an interesting storyline and plot. She wrapped up the story nicely with happiness but open for more. Who did I fancy in this book, well the lead Commander Ikriss and his General Tarak. These guys were solid with their military events. It was just a solid good read for me satisfying my like of Sci-fi and romance. Read On!
March 5, 2021
Tall , dark and ooh la la !
Got to love a tall , handsome and protective male to make a female feel beautiful , wanted and safe. There's a few other things that he makes her feel but I won't elaborate . Lol. Ms. Carven's way with words building the life and world of the Kordolian 1st and 2nd Division "mercenaries" needs no embellishment. She couldn't have done it better herself. The Dark Planet Warriors and the Darkstar Mercenaries are a series that is one of my favorites. So get this series. Start with the first. Read the Dark Planet Warrior series too. They are all great reads !
Got to love a tall , handsome and protective male to make a female feel beautiful , wanted and safe. There's a few other things that he makes her feel but I won't elaborate . Lol. Ms. Carven's way with words building the life and world of the Kordolian 1st and 2nd Division "mercenaries" needs no embellishment. She couldn't have done it better herself. The Dark Planet Warriors and the Darkstar Mercenaries are a series that is one of my favorites. So get this series. Start with the first. Read the Dark Planet Warrior series too. They are all great reads !
June 4, 2021
Awesome
Another amazing book by Anna Carven, I have all her previous books in audiobook format but I became impatient waiting for this one in audiobook. I’m glad I decided to read it ahead of getting the audiobook, loved it and will definitely purchase the audiobook as soon as it becomes available. It’s one of my favourite series that I’ve listened to many times over. Im always finding new details each and every time I listen to the series. It’s a continuation of the DarkStar Warriors and the Darkstar Mercenaries and I’m now looking forward to the next in the series.
Keep up the great work Anna, love your writing.
Another amazing book by Anna Carven, I have all her previous books in audiobook format but I became impatient waiting for this one in audiobook. I’m glad I decided to read it ahead of getting the audiobook, loved it and will definitely purchase the audiobook as soon as it becomes available. It’s one of my favourite series that I’ve listened to many times over. Im always finding new details each and every time I listen to the series. It’s a continuation of the DarkStar Warriors and the Darkstar Mercenaries and I’m now looking forward to the next in the series.
Keep up the great work Anna, love your writing.
August 8, 2021
The Kordolian's way to his woman's heart
Ikriss has a mission - rescue the captive human females taken by renegade Kordolian slavers. This first rescue is frightening, soul-scarring, and inflaming. The female,Sienna, is nearly dead in his arms when he saves her. After, she hates and fears Kordolians and wants only to return to her safe life as a restaurant owner and chef. Ikriss fulfills his mission, but is left savagely angry, itching for battle, and with aching horn buds: mating fever!! it is steamy and sweet, the way he woos Sienna by attempting to give her what she claims to want, and even sweeter when Sienna realizes her wants - and needs - have changed. Great reading!
Ikriss has a mission - rescue the captive human females taken by renegade Kordolian slavers. This first rescue is frightening, soul-scarring, and inflaming. The female,Sienna, is nearly dead in his arms when he saves her. After, she hates and fears Kordolians and wants only to return to her safe life as a restaurant owner and chef. Ikriss fulfills his mission, but is left savagely angry, itching for battle, and with aching horn buds: mating fever!! it is steamy and sweet, the way he woos Sienna by attempting to give her what she claims to want, and even sweeter when Sienna realizes her wants - and needs - have changed. Great reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews