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Conclave Worlds #1
The Daragh Deception
He’s the one man who could ruin everything.
And he may be the only one who can keep her safe.
When Emma Forester left Earth behind, all she wanted was to do her job and be left alone. After months on the run, a corporate colony world on the outskirts of explored space seemed like the perfect place to hide from her terrifying past. But before she can settle into her new life on Daragh, she attracts the attention and the suspicions of brusque, handsome corporate soldier Devan Rybeck.
Devan is convinced Emma is hiding something, but finds himself increasingly driven to protect the fragile-looking newcomer from the harsh realities of a colony world. Her distracting presence complicates his mission and his feelings, until a vicious attack reveals that neither Emma nor Daragh are all they pretend to be.
Emma’s subsequent flight into the dangerous and unpredictable wilds of Daragh proves just how much steel she’s hiding beneath her quiet exterior, and just how far she’s willing to go to protect her secrets. But Daragh has secrets of its own, and Devan must race against time to bring Emma home before her staggering discoveries trigger a Conclave war.
If he fails, there will be no escape from the coming darkness—either for himself or the woman he would die to protect.
And he may be the only one who can keep her safe.
When Emma Forester left Earth behind, all she wanted was to do her job and be left alone. After months on the run, a corporate colony world on the outskirts of explored space seemed like the perfect place to hide from her terrifying past. But before she can settle into her new life on Daragh, she attracts the attention and the suspicions of brusque, handsome corporate soldier Devan Rybeck.
Devan is convinced Emma is hiding something, but finds himself increasingly driven to protect the fragile-looking newcomer from the harsh realities of a colony world. Her distracting presence complicates his mission and his feelings, until a vicious attack reveals that neither Emma nor Daragh are all they pretend to be.
Emma’s subsequent flight into the dangerous and unpredictable wilds of Daragh proves just how much steel she’s hiding beneath her quiet exterior, and just how far she’s willing to go to protect her secrets. But Daragh has secrets of its own, and Devan must race against time to bring Emma home before her staggering discoveries trigger a Conclave war.
If he fails, there will be no escape from the coming darkness—either for himself or the woman he would die to protect.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2017
223 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Kenley Davidson
35 books936 followersKenley Davidson is a romantic fantasy author and unrepentant caffeine addict who believes in the power of storytelling and loves nothing more than a good book hangover. Her books include romantasy, urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and sci fi, but no matter the genre, she writes stories of hope and redemption with characters you can root for, heart-pounding romance without the spice, and happy endings that might just make you cry.
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 24, 2022
It had been a long time since I'd read any SciFi and it was a nice change of pace. I loved the idea for the story and the world Ms. Davidson created, it was fun learning about a new planet that they were trying to settle and eventually build up for other people to come live on. Fun concept. The characters were likable enough, but I didnt feel super connected to them. I think the romance could have been amped up a bit more and the ending felt a little rushed. Overall, it was a fun escape and unique read.
Content Rated PG+
Romance: Mild, kissing
Language: Mild swearing throughout
Violence: Mild
Content Rated PG+
Romance: Mild, kissing
Language: Mild swearing throughout
Violence: Mild
January 20, 2022
It's been a Long time since I have read a good sci-fi! This was so much fun! The adventure and the slow burn romance! I love this author. She balances the world of adult but still for young adults so well. I love that I can share these books with my daughters! It reminded me a little of Cinder and that whole world. I am starting the next I loved it so much I don't want to leave this world behind. Kenley writes these two complex characters so well. I love the whole story line! I never thought I could totally love a planet but Daragh is where I want to live:}
A bit a violence and some swear words lean this to PG 13 but I still say it's 14 and up.
A bit a violence and some swear words lean this to PG 13 but I still say it's 14 and up.
June 4, 2019
This is a fun story and I'm liking it so far. While I certainly prefer the author's fairy tale series , this sci fi venture is actually pretty cool. Better than I had anticipated anyways. The rich writing style evidently adds to the charm of this new world that the author has created. And everything is all in all good.
Want to read
February 19, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/19/2019)! 🎁
March 11, 2018
This was a great story. In the beginning I was a little frustrated by Emma’s mysterious reasons for starting a new life but eventually really got hooked on the story and the characters and couldn’t stop reading.
The romance was fairly light and not at all rushed. It was a slow burn and Devan was swoon worthy. I liked the 2 povs it really helped with understanding the characters better.
Good writing and world building. I hope the next book comes out soon.
The romance was fairly light and not at all rushed. It was a slow burn and Devan was swoon worthy. I liked the 2 povs it really helped with understanding the characters better.
Good writing and world building. I hope the next book comes out soon.
February 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. Highly recommend for fans of Michelle Diener's Sci Fi Romances.
January 20, 2021
2.5 stars.
I liked the setting the most about this book. The hero and heroine were also likable. However, the relationship development and the sappy dialogue/monologue weren't very strong. Despite that I am interested in reading more about this world. I appreciated the clean content (despite the few expletives) and will always check out more by this author.
I liked the setting the most about this book. The hero and heroine were also likable. However, the relationship development and the sappy dialogue/monologue weren't very strong. Despite that I am interested in reading more about this world. I appreciated the clean content (despite the few expletives) and will always check out more by this author.
May 9, 2021
3.5 stars // finished May 2021
Enjoyed some aspects of the book (esp. the plot and worldbuilding) but unfortunately the frequent language and one brief but disturbing scene make this a book I don't feel comfortable recommending.
Enjoyed some aspects of the book (esp. the plot and worldbuilding) but unfortunately the frequent language and one brief but disturbing scene make this a book I don't feel comfortable recommending.
January 24, 2022
Good but underwhelming.
February 1, 2023
Pros: Very cool scifi world. Honest relationships.
Cons: Cussing. Gushy romance. Kissing without commitment. A description of a torture victim.
19 and up for romantic gush.
Cons: Cussing. Gushy romance. Kissing without commitment. A description of a torture victim.
19 and up for romantic gush.
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April 25, 2023
New author to me
I enjoyed this book, although there were some slow spots.
Worldbuilding is well done and interesting... romance is a slow burn and tame.
4 stars 🌟
I enjoyed this book, although there were some slow spots.
Worldbuilding is well done and interesting... romance is a slow burn and tame.
4 stars 🌟
February 9, 2020
This was a bit disappointing given the other wonderful stuff from Kenley Davidson.
It's competently written, and has good characters. That much we expect from her. It's an interesting world she has created, and the plot keeps things moving.
What was not good was that... well, if someone told you that the plot was about a deception perpetrated by a company trying to settle a hospitable alien planet which doesn't have any intelligent species, I bet you could guess *exactly* what that deception is. I've only read 5 other scifi novels with exactly the same plot.
This may be a mismatch of genre expectations. Rehashing a story is less of a problem in fantasy literature. (After all, how many Cinderella retellings are there?) Most of Kenley Davidson's other works fall into that category. But in science fiction I think it's more expected that there will be something that's not so obviously the same.
As a rehash, it's pretty well done, though I don't think this is her best work. I found myself drawn to the protagonist (the woman), and all her motivations and thoughts made sense. What I didn't like about the romance was that it was missing what I've enjoyed in Kenley Davidson's best other stories: the mental/intellectual compatibility between the protagonists. This novel depends more on the unexplained-but-irresistible attraction.
This book has one other thing that I've grown to dislike in science fiction, which is unfortunately ubiquitous so I guess I can't fault her *too* much for it. [PARTIAL SPOILER ALERT]
This is the idea that aliens might communicate with humans by telepathy, even more easily than humans communicate with each other by telepathy. This is so completely wrong from the perspective of neurobiology it's hard even to know where to begin. How would the minds of species whose evolutionary histories are unrelated be somehow more compatible than minds of the same species? And yet hard SF falls into this trap fairly often. Ok, rant over. Sorry about that.
It's competently written, and has good characters. That much we expect from her. It's an interesting world she has created, and the plot keeps things moving.
What was not good was that... well, if someone told you that the plot was about a deception perpetrated by a company trying to settle a hospitable alien planet which doesn't have any intelligent species, I bet you could guess *exactly* what that deception is. I've only read 5 other scifi novels with exactly the same plot.
This may be a mismatch of genre expectations. Rehashing a story is less of a problem in fantasy literature. (After all, how many Cinderella retellings are there?) Most of Kenley Davidson's other works fall into that category. But in science fiction I think it's more expected that there will be something that's not so obviously the same.
As a rehash, it's pretty well done, though I don't think this is her best work. I found myself drawn to the protagonist (the woman), and all her motivations and thoughts made sense. What I didn't like about the romance was that it was missing what I've enjoyed in Kenley Davidson's best other stories: the mental/intellectual compatibility between the protagonists. This novel depends more on the unexplained-but-irresistible attraction.
This book has one other thing that I've grown to dislike in science fiction, which is unfortunately ubiquitous so I guess I can't fault her *too* much for it. [PARTIAL SPOILER ALERT]
This is the idea that aliens might communicate with humans by telepathy, even more easily than humans communicate with each other by telepathy. This is so completely wrong from the perspective of neurobiology it's hard even to know where to begin. How would the minds of species whose evolutionary histories are unrelated be somehow more compatible than minds of the same species? And yet hard SF falls into this trap fairly often. Ok, rant over. Sorry about that.
August 29, 2020
3.5/5 - Entertaining if light and fluffy romance in a fairly stock SF setting. The first two-thirds of the book sees our protagonists on what should have been a routine cattle drove on a newly-colonised planet. This affords plenty of time for the dialogue-heavy development of character and romance that Davidson is good at. A little too good, as I never had any real doubt that these two would get together. The quasi-Western SF frontier setting works OK, albeit it makes me wonder if the author has been binge-watching Firefly. On a brighter note, the flavour of it sometimes recalled the Andre Norton books I enjoyed so much as a kid.
Once the first part of Emma's Big Secret is revealed at about 66%, the book became much more predictable, too soppy for my taste, and more than a shade melodramatic. Not nearly as satisfying as the author's fairy tale retellings, I'm afraid. Fairy tales have become the "jazz standards" of indie fiction, and yet Davidson's takes on supposedly familiar plot structures have been both inventive and compelling, unlike her use of a fairly conventional colonial-SF plot here.
Once the first part of Emma's Big Secret is revealed at about 66%, the book became much more predictable, too soppy for my taste, and more than a shade melodramatic. Not nearly as satisfying as the author's fairy tale retellings, I'm afraid. Fairy tales have become the "jazz standards" of indie fiction, and yet Davidson's takes on supposedly familiar plot structures have been both inventive and compelling, unlike her use of a fairly conventional colonial-SF plot here.
December 15, 2017
A fairly generic sci-fi (especially in the first half) with a romance that mostly consisted of the characters thinking about how much they liked each other. Had some interesting ideas, fun character banter, a surprisingly well-plotted climax, and a cute epilogue, but large sections of the book failed to maintain my interest. Bumped up the score half a star because the preview of the next book gives some interesting insights into the villain; because of this, I have a feeling that I'll be continuing with the series.
May 15, 2021
I enjoyed it. Though not as much as Kenley's fairytale retellings, but I plan on reading the second book in the series. (-I was hoping we would get more of Linden in the future and suprise! -he's the main character of the 2nd book!🤩I just adore a good "Badie to Hero" trope😊)Looking forward to more books based in this world(universe?) Good sci-fi is hard to come by and this one shows some real promise 😁
September 22, 2017
Disappointing
First half of book was a 5 star, then all of a sudden it changed. Dialogue was unsatisfying believable and cheesy. It felt like two different author's wrote this. Weird.
First half of book was a 5 star, then all of a sudden it changed. Dialogue was unsatisfying believable and cheesy. It felt like two different author's wrote this. Weird.
July 19, 2017
This and other reviews are posted on my blog: https://greatnorthernbookowl.wordpres...
The Daragh Deception (Conclave Worlds, Book 1) by Kenley Davidson
Emma Forester has been on the run for years, always trying to stay one step ahead of events from her past. She hopes that joining a new wave of colonists on the latest planet to be deemed fit for human life, she can finally stop running and start living. Devan Rybeck is an elite member of the security force hired by the corporation developing the colonies on Daragh. He is initially drawn to Emma and her seemingly frightened exterior. Events soon show that she has more backbone than Devan initially gave her credit for. Will Emma be able to outrun her past and will Devan stay true to his oath to protect the people on Daragh or the interests of the corporation who hired him? Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review, which follows below.
Likes: The world building was well done. The author had new alien creatures and plants, but grounded them in already familiar notions so the reader was able to create a clear image in their mind. While Emma was initially described as small or frail looking, the moments when she showed some fight or backbone made sense in the story and didn’t feel like her character developed too quickly. I enjoyed watching the two leads fall for one another, while still warring with what it meant for their long-term plans. Too often books have characters caught in the moment and the drama is the fallout from not thinking. Instead, the author used outside crises to create tension and drama instead of simply emotional turmoil. I thought the pace was well done. I was given enough clues to want to keep reading and mysteries to mull over about characters and story, without being left waiting too long for things to begin to fall into place.
Dislikes: I don’t think I had any dislikes for this novel. While some might argue the main love interests fell for one another quickly, that really is what goes with the genre of romance novels. It didn’t seem rushed, especially everything Emma and Devan go through in the course of the novel.
Overall: I read through this book in a couple days. The writing, pace of events, and characters made it hard to put down. While this is billed as a sci-fi romance, I think those who are fans of Davidson’s and other author’s fantasy romance novels would still enjoy this sci-fi romance. While this is book 1, we are still given a nice wrap-up of all the main events from this story, with plenty of uncharted territory to expand. (see what I did there, uncharted territory, book about people colonizing a new planet?) I am eager to see what lies in store for further books in this series.
Author’s Website http://kenleydavidson.com/
The Daragh Deception (Conclave Worlds, Book 1) by Kenley Davidson
Emma Forester has been on the run for years, always trying to stay one step ahead of events from her past. She hopes that joining a new wave of colonists on the latest planet to be deemed fit for human life, she can finally stop running and start living. Devan Rybeck is an elite member of the security force hired by the corporation developing the colonies on Daragh. He is initially drawn to Emma and her seemingly frightened exterior. Events soon show that she has more backbone than Devan initially gave her credit for. Will Emma be able to outrun her past and will Devan stay true to his oath to protect the people on Daragh or the interests of the corporation who hired him? Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review, which follows below.
Likes: The world building was well done. The author had new alien creatures and plants, but grounded them in already familiar notions so the reader was able to create a clear image in their mind. While Emma was initially described as small or frail looking, the moments when she showed some fight or backbone made sense in the story and didn’t feel like her character developed too quickly. I enjoyed watching the two leads fall for one another, while still warring with what it meant for their long-term plans. Too often books have characters caught in the moment and the drama is the fallout from not thinking. Instead, the author used outside crises to create tension and drama instead of simply emotional turmoil. I thought the pace was well done. I was given enough clues to want to keep reading and mysteries to mull over about characters and story, without being left waiting too long for things to begin to fall into place.
Dislikes: I don’t think I had any dislikes for this novel. While some might argue the main love interests fell for one another quickly, that really is what goes with the genre of romance novels. It didn’t seem rushed, especially everything Emma and Devan go through in the course of the novel.
Overall: I read through this book in a couple days. The writing, pace of events, and characters made it hard to put down. While this is billed as a sci-fi romance, I think those who are fans of Davidson’s and other author’s fantasy romance novels would still enjoy this sci-fi romance. While this is book 1, we are still given a nice wrap-up of all the main events from this story, with plenty of uncharted territory to expand. (see what I did there, uncharted territory, book about people colonizing a new planet?) I am eager to see what lies in store for further books in this series.
Author’s Website http://kenleydavidson.com/
January 10, 2023
Emma Forrester is escaping her past by becoming one of the settlers on the planet Daragh, which is run by the Landmark Corporation. Devan Rybeck is a commander in Lindmark’s security force, tasked with seeing the caravan that includes Emma gets from the planet’s main port to its destination safely. There is an attraction between Emma and Devan, but she shies away from getting close to anyone for fear that her secrets will be uncovered. He is bound to do his duty, but he finds Emma intriguing. As they become closer, they are faced with the possibility that Lindmark was not honest about the intelligence of the planet’s native lifeforms. Not only to Emma & Devan have to decide if they can trust each other with their feelings, but if they can or should confront together the corporation running the planet.
This was an enjoyable sci-fi story, and the descriptions of the planet and its wildlife were interesting. Who doesn’t wonder what kind of Earth-like planets are out there? Emma and Devan had good chemistry. They are a couple you could root for, but it felt like there needed to be a little more time and interaction in order for the attraction to grow into love. Although the journey was referred to as having been a few weeks, it didn’t seem as long when reading. Maybe a few more instances of them together, building a friendship, would have made the progression of their relationship a little more realistic.
Emma’s connection to the planet was explained away in the end, but I think there needed to be a little more about how that came to be, especially since it wound up being a major part of the climax. Also, while most of the other characters were better developed, the Lindmark representative was a little cartoonish as the “bad guy.” Some of the other characters have potential and I would like to see their stories later in other books.
The Daragh Deception was an easy read and I would recommend it if you are looking for a sci-fi story with a little love story.
This was an enjoyable sci-fi story, and the descriptions of the planet and its wildlife were interesting. Who doesn’t wonder what kind of Earth-like planets are out there? Emma and Devan had good chemistry. They are a couple you could root for, but it felt like there needed to be a little more time and interaction in order for the attraction to grow into love. Although the journey was referred to as having been a few weeks, it didn’t seem as long when reading. Maybe a few more instances of them together, building a friendship, would have made the progression of their relationship a little more realistic.
Emma’s connection to the planet was explained away in the end, but I think there needed to be a little more about how that came to be, especially since it wound up being a major part of the climax. Also, while most of the other characters were better developed, the Lindmark representative was a little cartoonish as the “bad guy.” Some of the other characters have potential and I would like to see their stories later in other books.
The Daragh Deception was an easy read and I would recommend it if you are looking for a sci-fi story with a little love story.
July 27, 2017
Love.
Love at first chapter.
Commander Devan Rybeck can be my new book boyfriend.
Seriously, I don't write reviews unless I REALLY dig what the author is putting out there. I'll give stars, but liking a book/author enough to sit and pen a review is rare. (And btw, it's a review. Not a book report, please. If I want a synopsis, I'll read the synopsis of the book graciously provided in the book description.)
ANYWAY, I first became acquainted with Kenley Davidson when I read her Andari Chronicles - also very very good, you should check them out if you haven't already. Shadow & Thorn was my favorite...but Pirouette was pretty wonderful too.
When I saw that she would have a sci-fi/spacey novel, I was intrigued. This is not my usual cup of tea, but Kenley Davidson obviously is.
Could not have been more pleased. The world building is excellent and authentic. I could easily visualize Daragh - I'd even like to visit.
Great character development; I loved being with Emma as she got her spunk back, I loved breaking through the cold shell of Commander Rybeck. Ian - I'd take a book about Ian. Can we have a book about Ian?
You know what else? I didn't like Trina, but by the end, you made me love her. Thank you, Mrs. Davidson!
The plot clipped along at a perfect pace, I started to have an idea where we were going about the same time Emma did - but still had questions - and enjoyed watching it unfold. Mrs. Davidson has a lovely way of turning a phrase; I fell in love with the quality of her storytelling in the Andari Chronicles and saw no shortage of the same here.
I loved that it was a standalone book (if it was a cliffhanger I was going to die before the next installment came out - but that's a good thing! That's the reaction you want as an author! As painful as it may be to me....but anyway).
Also, it's the Conclave Worlds Book 1 - so there could be more to look forward to? Ian?
All in all - highly recommend. Two thumbs up! An enthusiastic 5 stars! GO READ IT!
Love at first chapter.
Commander Devan Rybeck can be my new book boyfriend.
Seriously, I don't write reviews unless I REALLY dig what the author is putting out there. I'll give stars, but liking a book/author enough to sit and pen a review is rare. (And btw, it's a review. Not a book report, please. If I want a synopsis, I'll read the synopsis of the book graciously provided in the book description.)
ANYWAY, I first became acquainted with Kenley Davidson when I read her Andari Chronicles - also very very good, you should check them out if you haven't already. Shadow & Thorn was my favorite...but Pirouette was pretty wonderful too.
When I saw that she would have a sci-fi/spacey novel, I was intrigued. This is not my usual cup of tea, but Kenley Davidson obviously is.
Could not have been more pleased. The world building is excellent and authentic. I could easily visualize Daragh - I'd even like to visit.
Great character development; I loved being with Emma as she got her spunk back, I loved breaking through the cold shell of Commander Rybeck. Ian - I'd take a book about Ian. Can we have a book about Ian?
You know what else? I didn't like Trina, but by the end, you made me love her. Thank you, Mrs. Davidson!
The plot clipped along at a perfect pace, I started to have an idea where we were going about the same time Emma did - but still had questions - and enjoyed watching it unfold. Mrs. Davidson has a lovely way of turning a phrase; I fell in love with the quality of her storytelling in the Andari Chronicles and saw no shortage of the same here.
I loved that it was a standalone book (if it was a cliffhanger I was going to die before the next installment came out - but that's a good thing! That's the reaction you want as an author! As painful as it may be to me....but anyway).
Also, it's the Conclave Worlds Book 1 - so there could be more to look forward to? Ian?
All in all - highly recommend. Two thumbs up! An enthusiastic 5 stars! GO READ IT!
September 6, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.25*
For all three books, read them back to back.
Enjoyed the stories.
Timeline could have been clearer between the books and why it was only
Ended with some plot left open and I'd really like to see those threads resolved.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.25*
For all three books, read them back to back.
Enjoyed the stories.
Timeline could have been clearer between the books and why it was only
Ended with some plot left open and I'd really like to see those threads resolved.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
September 4, 2025
Just finished the Kindle Unlimited box set with all 3 from this series, so I'm just going to paste the review I left on Amazon.
.............
I'm a big fan of science fiction romance. I saw this series and thought, okay, it's on KU, I'll check it out. I wasn't specifically looking for 'clean', but I have to admit, I prefer it to the endless repetitive smexy scenes found in so much of the current SFR. Well! What a pleasant surprise!!! These books hit all my checkmarks. World building, character development, cohesive plot, technically impeccable writing and the perfect balance of intrigue, suspense, action and romance make for an addictive read. Each of these is part of an overarching story, but they all tell their own story, focusing on different main characters. No insta-love here, but a nice slow burn keeps the Reader engaged and rooting for the couples. The FMCs are awesome! They are smart and strong and capable. They partner with their men, each complementing the other's strengths, giving each other space to be their best while having each others' backs. The action scenes, especially the final battle in book 3, are off the charts! Best thing I have read in a while and I am just very thankful the author decided to finish writing the series. Solid 5 stars and highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.............
I'm a big fan of science fiction romance. I saw this series and thought, okay, it's on KU, I'll check it out. I wasn't specifically looking for 'clean', but I have to admit, I prefer it to the endless repetitive smexy scenes found in so much of the current SFR. Well! What a pleasant surprise!!! These books hit all my checkmarks. World building, character development, cohesive plot, technically impeccable writing and the perfect balance of intrigue, suspense, action and romance make for an addictive read. Each of these is part of an overarching story, but they all tell their own story, focusing on different main characters. No insta-love here, but a nice slow burn keeps the Reader engaged and rooting for the couples. The FMCs are awesome! They are smart and strong and capable. They partner with their men, each complementing the other's strengths, giving each other space to be their best while having each others' backs. The action scenes, especially the final battle in book 3, are off the charts! Best thing I have read in a while and I am just very thankful the author decided to finish writing the series. Solid 5 stars and highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 1, 2022
My son and I were talking recently about sci fi and how he enjoys it but that I have to nix so much of it for content. And when you pre read as much as I do, a lot of it seems derivative. Somehow my searches came across this series, and I have to say it was a fun enough concept but definitely too swoony for my teen boy. He's in it for the interstellar travel and not the romance. No raunch or perversion here, thankfully, but the guy and girl fall for each other pretty fast, and their romance is this least interesting part of the story. I wouldn't mind reading more details of this universe in future books--I'd like to know how corporations took over Earth, what the other settled planets are like, and more of how these settlers adjust to life after the events of this story. The tone is definitely less pretentious than straight up sci fi, and I was okay with a lack of scientific explanation for the flora and fauna of the planet. Sometimes, on a rainy Saturday evening, after carting multiple kids around to multiple sports events, inexplicable fantastic creatures are just fine.
January 7, 2021
Annoying Heroine
I feel like it was quite the accomplishment to finish this book because it was a challenge. I found myself skimming through pages of inner dialogue that were tediously repetitious and did not contribute to the story. The female main character spent most of the book trembling and crying. I have no idea how she hacked into a secure database to create a fake background so she could travel to a frontier planet. Where did she get the hacking skills? The author tried to explain that...her brother (who she never saw) taught her all that she knew. Seriously? How did that happen if she never saw him? Devan, the male lead, admired her strength of character but I don’t know how that was possible since I couldn’t see evidence of that being a characteristic.
This author could have had a great story. Get rid of the corporate espionage and coverup and embrace the crazy planet. I enjoy reading a good survival story. It’s a new planet...anything’s possible.
I feel like it was quite the accomplishment to finish this book because it was a challenge. I found myself skimming through pages of inner dialogue that were tediously repetitious and did not contribute to the story. The female main character spent most of the book trembling and crying. I have no idea how she hacked into a secure database to create a fake background so she could travel to a frontier planet. Where did she get the hacking skills? The author tried to explain that...her brother (who she never saw) taught her all that she knew. Seriously? How did that happen if she never saw him? Devan, the male lead, admired her strength of character but I don’t know how that was possible since I couldn’t see evidence of that being a characteristic.
This author could have had a great story. Get rid of the corporate espionage and coverup and embrace the crazy planet. I enjoy reading a good survival story. It’s a new planet...anything’s possible.
July 4, 2022
good
I thought this book was pretty good. I don’t normally read books about space but this one Tim to be OK. Emma was so timid it was difficult to believe that she might actually come out of her shell and be something other than a timid woman. It was also interesting that a woman that it was so timid was on a spaceship down to a new planet. She seem to be afraid of everything so it made it difficult to believe that she could make it on a planet where people barely settled. There were several people on the spaceship and also on the planet that helped to draw Emma out of her shell. She didn’t really show that she could be anything other than a timid mouse until the very end. I wasn’t sure if there was going to be any magic in this book because of the creatures that were on this planet such as the chimera. This book had an interesting twist to it though and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
I thought this book was pretty good. I don’t normally read books about space but this one Tim to be OK. Emma was so timid it was difficult to believe that she might actually come out of her shell and be something other than a timid woman. It was also interesting that a woman that it was so timid was on a spaceship down to a new planet. She seem to be afraid of everything so it made it difficult to believe that she could make it on a planet where people barely settled. There were several people on the spaceship and also on the planet that helped to draw Emma out of her shell. She didn’t really show that she could be anything other than a timid mouse until the very end. I wasn’t sure if there was going to be any magic in this book because of the creatures that were on this planet such as the chimera. This book had an interesting twist to it though and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
July 19, 2017
I feel like I should start out by saying, I rarely read anything spacey or specifically off planet books. A lot of times they seem a bit cheesy to me But honestly in the first two chapters, I was completely hooked. Kenley Davidson really does know how to paint a picture with words. Like you're seeing this new planet for the first time. A place much like Earth but yet so different in many ways.
The Daragh Deception is a fast paced, easy read. Even if you aren't into Sci-Fi, Fantasy type of books. You will like this. New beginnings, in new places are always such great reads. I really enjoyed the complexity and the mystery that went along with the two main characters. It gave them a realistic feel. Which helped keep me reading. Waiting to see another layer come off of them as the journey went and the danger became greater.
I really loved this book.
I received an ARC, this is my honest review. I look forward to the second book!
The Daragh Deception is a fast paced, easy read. Even if you aren't into Sci-Fi, Fantasy type of books. You will like this. New beginnings, in new places are always such great reads. I really enjoyed the complexity and the mystery that went along with the two main characters. It gave them a realistic feel. Which helped keep me reading. Waiting to see another layer come off of them as the journey went and the danger became greater.
I really loved this book.
I received an ARC, this is my honest review. I look forward to the second book!
October 6, 2021
I loved the world this book was set in. I wish we could get more knowledge about the three main creatures because I thought they were super cool. I liked how great a listener and humble Devan was. I liked that that Emma’s and devans relationship was way beyond physical attraction. Like that was barley mentioned. Tina bugged me at first but I grew to like her as well. I liked how Emma’s past was such a mystery until the very end. It was fun coming up with ideas along the way. I loved the epilogue so much (all the ideas and world it created) that I really hope there is a sequel to continue it. Nothing mind blowing or anything but good:)
October 24, 2020
Action packed, great love story, but WAY too much foul language!
If not for all the foul language, I would have given this book a full five stars. The characters were so real, the alien planet amazing, and the story was both thrilling and heartfelt. But the entire time I read it, I seriously wanted to grab some white out and replace all the ridiculous cuss words. They REALLY detracted from the quality of the writing, and that has led me to my less than glowing review of this author's work.
If not for all the foul language, I would have given this book a full five stars. The characters were so real, the alien planet amazing, and the story was both thrilling and heartfelt. But the entire time I read it, I seriously wanted to grab some white out and replace all the ridiculous cuss words. They REALLY detracted from the quality of the writing, and that has led me to my less than glowing review of this author's work.
June 7, 2021
An exciting sci fi romance adventure
Emma has decided to make a new start to her life by becoming one of the colonists on a new planet, Daragh. Devan is the security officer charged with protecting the colonists. As Emma and Devan face obstacles and uncover secrets, will their love survive? Will THEY survive? This is an exciting, clean sci-fi adventure with romance, great world building and lots of surprises. There’s some mild language, but otherwise is a clean read, yet it does have romance
Emma has decided to make a new start to her life by becoming one of the colonists on a new planet, Daragh. Devan is the security officer charged with protecting the colonists. As Emma and Devan face obstacles and uncover secrets, will their love survive? Will THEY survive? This is an exciting, clean sci-fi adventure with romance, great world building and lots of surprises. There’s some mild language, but otherwise is a clean read, yet it does have romance
August 3, 2021
I decided to try this book. It's not an author I'm used to and that makes me nervous because I have standards of reading for myself. This was a unique read, definitely in a class all its own, and I usually do not read this genre. However, saying that it was a really good read I thought. It was unique and held secrets within. It was clean except a few swear words, yet didn't have the one I refuse to read so that's good. I am concerned about continuing, however, I will give it a chance because I, for one, enjoyed it.
December 6, 2023
Good
An enjoyable sci-fi story, featuring a heroine running away from a life threatening danger, and an honourable hero determined to keep her safe.
As they begin a trip for the start of a new life on a new planet, they uncover secrets that threaten everything they’ve come to know.
It’s an exciting story, filled with tension and danger, and a small hint of romance. This one is for those who enjoy science fiction tales set on other worlds, with alien life forms and nefarious corporate games.
An enjoyable sci-fi story, featuring a heroine running away from a life threatening danger, and an honourable hero determined to keep her safe.
As they begin a trip for the start of a new life on a new planet, they uncover secrets that threaten everything they’ve come to know.
It’s an exciting story, filled with tension and danger, and a small hint of romance. This one is for those who enjoy science fiction tales set on other worlds, with alien life forms and nefarious corporate games.
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