What do you think?
Rate this book
Blades of Arris #4
Atana
I am a lesser from a servant world.
But even before I was taken?
There was no rescue for me.
The night sky isn’t the only place that’s filled with darkness.
And cages look different, but they’re all the same.
I might be fragile as glass, but I shielded my daughter with my own body. I’ll withstand these brutal aliens.
Their leader. The one who has blades in his wrists and a fractured look in his eyes? I’m all that stands between him and Earth.
But now I think I have the advantage.
Because he sees through me, which means he doesn't see what's right in front of him.
And I’m not afraid of anything.
This glass holds oceans. Planets. Stars.
Just try and make me break.
*** Contains unique alien shifters, fierce passion, and loyal warriors who find their fated mates in the stars. Each full-length book is a complete romance with an epic happily-ever-after. Claim your conqueror today!
But even before I was taken?
There was no rescue for me.
The night sky isn’t the only place that’s filled with darkness.
And cages look different, but they’re all the same.
I might be fragile as glass, but I shielded my daughter with my own body. I’ll withstand these brutal aliens.
Their leader. The one who has blades in his wrists and a fractured look in his eyes? I’m all that stands between him and Earth.
But now I think I have the advantage.
Because he sees through me, which means he doesn't see what's right in front of him.
And I’m not afraid of anything.
This glass holds oceans. Planets. Stars.
Just try and make me break.
*** Contains unique alien shifters, fierce passion, and loyal warriors who find their fated mates in the stars. Each full-length book is a complete romance with an epic happily-ever-after. Claim your conqueror today!
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2022
27 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Starla Night
60 books784 followers
Download Now! https://bf.starlanight.com/bi0jrbrnsj
Starla Night was born on a hot July at midnight. She hikes, scuba dives, and swims naked in the ocean. She writes about smoking-hot dragon-shifter billionaires and steamy alpha merman-shifters at StarlaNight.com.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Starla-Night/e...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaNight/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlanight...
Website: https://www.starlanight.com/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/starl...
Join Starla Night's newsletter for sexy FREE stories and exclusive material: https://smarturl.it/StarlaNewsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Want to read
November 9, 2022Kindle release date: December 8, 2022.
December 31, 2023
(audiobook) I loved the story itself. The intergalactic plot from the previous books continues, with a couple of new interesting twists. We also learn a bit more about the Arrisan society as a whole. And, of course the love story is unique once again.
Lia and Atana were interesting characters together. They had a lot in common, as they were both passengers in their own life, as Lia says. But by the end of the story, and because they met each other, they take back control over their life. They find their place in the world. Lia is a betrayed politician’s wife–little more than a trophy wife–and Atana is a blade whose dreams have been crushed and who doesn’t believe in the Arrisan world anymore. They have little to no power, or so they think.
The main thing that separates them is how they connect love and intimacy. Lia has been infected by lusteal, so she has unnatural urges. Hence she totally dissociates love and sex. Furthermore, she hasn’t experienced love from her husband. On the opposite, Atana knows neither love nor desire, but once he discovers the latter with Lia, Arrisan myths make him connect it with love and he’s trying to understand the feeling. Fun thing is, they’re both wrong, as they learn at the end of their journey. You can have intimacy without feelings, and love without intimacy, but they enhance each other.
The book is mostly about how they grow as an individual, and how they grow together–what they discover about themselves–punctuated with a few more violent scenes and hints at an intrigue. When they’re on the verge of becoming a real couple, action takes the front seat. It was even a bit confusing at times. I’m not sure the author is up for space opera. But the pace was good, with enough dangers and time-sensitive action to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Unfortunately, the audiobook wasn’t up to par. Both narrators were perfect for their character–I could hear Atana’s nonchalance and Lia’s discretion–but not so good with other characters. It took me out of the story a couple of times. It wasn’t totally bad though, as they’re both experienced storytellers. It just could have been better.
Quickie
- Series: Blades of Arris #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #SF romance #fated mates #virgin
- Triggers: violence, deaths, past emotional abuse, torture
- Main couple: Liliya Nazarivna & Atana
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + interesting reflection on the link between sex and love
- – it deserved a better audiobook
Lia and Atana were interesting characters together. They had a lot in common, as they were both passengers in their own life, as Lia says. But by the end of the story, and because they met each other, they take back control over their life. They find their place in the world. Lia is a betrayed politician’s wife–little more than a trophy wife–and Atana is a blade whose dreams have been crushed and who doesn’t believe in the Arrisan world anymore. They have little to no power, or so they think.
The main thing that separates them is how they connect love and intimacy. Lia has been infected by lusteal, so she has unnatural urges. Hence she totally dissociates love and sex. Furthermore, she hasn’t experienced love from her husband. On the opposite, Atana knows neither love nor desire, but once he discovers the latter with Lia, Arrisan myths make him connect it with love and he’s trying to understand the feeling. Fun thing is, they’re both wrong, as they learn at the end of their journey. You can have intimacy without feelings, and love without intimacy, but they enhance each other.
The book is mostly about how they grow as an individual, and how they grow together–what they discover about themselves–punctuated with a few more violent scenes and hints at an intrigue. When they’re on the verge of becoming a real couple, action takes the front seat. It was even a bit confusing at times. I’m not sure the author is up for space opera. But the pace was good, with enough dangers and time-sensitive action to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Unfortunately, the audiobook wasn’t up to par. Both narrators were perfect for their character–I could hear Atana’s nonchalance and Lia’s discretion–but not so good with other characters. It took me out of the story a couple of times. It wasn’t totally bad though, as they’re both experienced storytellers. It just could have been better.
Quickie
- Series: Blades of Arris #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #SF romance #fated mates #virgin
- Triggers: violence, deaths, past emotional abuse, torture
- Main couple: Liliya Nazarivna & Atana
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + interesting reflection on the link between sex and love
- – it deserved a better audiobook
December 9, 2022
This was another unique and exciting read and I loved that Atana, seen throughout the series, stays true to his wild self. Lia has had such a hard life, being used and abused, and I love that they got their HEA together. Their story was intense, though, so expect to read past your bed time with this one ;P There is so much going on in here, and more questions for the over arcing plot to be answered, that I can't wait for the next book ;D
June 4, 2023
Atana
Love the madness that is Atana. The Engineer's are live by their own set of rules. The are the backbone of the Empire.
Atana is unique. He is a Blade. A genius. Thanks to Allie, now a Captain of a ship, charged with the protection of Humanna.
He now has Lia. Who is to be the mediator at a summit between her people and his.
Lis is his, he doesn't want her. She is a distraction, that is interfering with his plans. Soon she takes up more and more space in his life. His engineers are falling under her spell and so are his bridge crew.
Keeping Lia safe becomes a full time job for everyone.
Lia, after a life time of being beat down, finds her voice.
My favorite so far. Fast paced and steamy. Love Atana and Lia's story. Love the crazy that are the engineers!
Love the madness that is Atana. The Engineer's are live by their own set of rules. The are the backbone of the Empire.
Atana is unique. He is a Blade. A genius. Thanks to Allie, now a Captain of a ship, charged with the protection of Humanna.
He now has Lia. Who is to be the mediator at a summit between her people and his.
Lis is his, he doesn't want her. She is a distraction, that is interfering with his plans. Soon she takes up more and more space in his life. His engineers are falling under her spell and so are his bridge crew.
Keeping Lia safe becomes a full time job for everyone.
Lia, after a life time of being beat down, finds her voice.
My favorite so far. Fast paced and steamy. Love Atana and Lia's story. Love the crazy that are the engineers!
January 31, 2023
Atana is my new favorite!
Atana is unhinged and by far my new favorite. Super bummed about who the villain was in this one, but still. This has been favorite novel in the series so far!
Atana is unhinged and by far my new favorite. Super bummed about who the villain was in this one, but still. This has been favorite novel in the series so far!
December 14, 2022
I absolutely adore Atana’s character. Out of all the Arris males so far in the series he is my absolute favorite (of course I do tend to think that after each book, so that tells you a lot about the characters right there)! I can easily relate to his imaging all these horrible outcomes, and how he thinks he is psychotic and broken because of it. I love how all these Arris men think something is wrong with them and each character is hiding something about himself to make him seem like the perfect male of the Arris race. Then they find these “lessers” who end up setting them free and who find themselves in the process!
I love Lia’s character and how drastically different she is under the effects of the lusteal. I find after growing up in an abusive home that I really enjoy her fire. How she decides enough and makes sure everyone knows she is not a push over anymore. I don’t know if Lia’s little short story is at the end of the book, but oh how I adore her revenge against her ex-husband!
And as always I adore Starla’s ability to unroll this crazy sexy romance in a cant put it down way! I feel like we are far enough in the series now to start making guesses about what’s coming in the overall story and I am dying to know if I’m right! Starla Nights Arris series is an absolute must read! Just like her other series she is a very talented story teller. She will hook you and not disappoint!
I love Lia’s character and how drastically different she is under the effects of the lusteal. I find after growing up in an abusive home that I really enjoy her fire. How she decides enough and makes sure everyone knows she is not a push over anymore. I don’t know if Lia’s little short story is at the end of the book, but oh how I adore her revenge against her ex-husband!
And as always I adore Starla’s ability to unroll this crazy sexy romance in a cant put it down way! I feel like we are far enough in the series now to start making guesses about what’s coming in the overall story and I am dying to know if I’m right! Starla Nights Arris series is an absolute must read! Just like her other series she is a very talented story teller. She will hook you and not disappoint!
November 2, 2022
This book was simply AMAZING!! I think one of the very best things about this addictive series is that each book and every new couple brings a breath of freshness with it and that helps keep you deeply invested, highly entertained and anxiously wanting more. This entry in the series brings us Atana and Lia's romance along with some major jaw-dropping moments and stunning twists in the ongoing overarching story. I've got to say that I just love these two so much. Lia is a character that I think many readers will easily relate to and feel a powerful connection with, while Atana is a true wild card that at times can be off putting and at others make you want to give him a big hug. Together they make an enticing pair that will have you laughing, feeling the heat, swooning and rooting fiercely for them every step of the way. Book 5 can't come soon enough. This is my independent, impartial review.
December 9, 2022
Lia has been badly mistreated. You'd think it would be at the hands of aliens but no, it was at the hands of her own husband. That kind of treatment leaves a scar that only a very few would be able to see and yet it affects every aspect of her life. She could be anyone and I think that is what is so compelling about her. I loved seeing how she slowly gained her confidence back and became her own person once more. The development of her relationship with Atana is fantastic. As for Atana, he is in a very dark place. Losing his position as a blade has deeply affected him and he might be a little on the psychotic side. He too, comes into his own though as the head engineer. As ever there is more than one thing happening in the backdrop of this couple's coming together. Be ready to have the rug pulled out from under you at a couple of points in the journey. I just love how they complete each other without compromising themselves.
August 24, 2022
This is the fourth book in the series. The author allowed newsletter readers to purchase a final version from her store early when editing and formatting were finished. As with the first three, this episode was really excellent.
The overarching storyline requires that all books in the series be read, but Atana and Lia’s story is complete at the conclusion. Previous book characters show up at various times with Allie the king-maker, now the empress, working with Atana and Lia to elevate humans up from lessers to allies with the Arrisans.
There are a number of issues that need to be solved to get to the end of the book, and, for me, the whole package was great. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I can give an unequivocal recommendation for this continuing episode of Humana and Arris interactions.
The overarching storyline requires that all books in the series be read, but Atana and Lia’s story is complete at the conclusion. Previous book characters show up at various times with Allie the king-maker, now the empress, working with Atana and Lia to elevate humans up from lessers to allies with the Arrisans.
There are a number of issues that need to be solved to get to the end of the book, and, for me, the whole package was great. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I can give an unequivocal recommendation for this continuing episode of Humana and Arris interactions.
October 7, 2022
I can't believe how much I enjoyed Atana.
Let me explain. If you've read the prior books, you will understand how unhinged and just unpredictable Atana can be. He's an unmoored ticking atomic bomb. So I'm glad he didn't just completely change over night and still remains his unpredictable self with just a bit more focus.
Lia, poor Lia, was abused or used by almost everyone in her life. It is truly heartbreaking. Her ex husband deserves to lose everything that does actually matter to him for how he treated her. She captures the attention and affection from Atana, but also most of engineering. It's sweet to see how they begin to unconsciously protect and pamper her.
I was so satisfied with Orunfax's demise and Atana's crazy ability to do exactly what he promises. ( that's all I'm saying to avoid spoilers)
Cautiously optimistic for the next book, even if it is Ukuri.
Let me explain. If you've read the prior books, you will understand how unhinged and just unpredictable Atana can be. He's an unmoored ticking atomic bomb. So I'm glad he didn't just completely change over night and still remains his unpredictable self with just a bit more focus.
Lia, poor Lia, was abused or used by almost everyone in her life. It is truly heartbreaking. Her ex husband deserves to lose everything that does actually matter to him for how he treated her. She captures the attention and affection from Atana, but also most of engineering. It's sweet to see how they begin to unconsciously protect and pamper her.
I was so satisfied with Orunfax's demise and Atana's crazy ability to do exactly what he promises. ( that's all I'm saying to avoid spoilers)
Cautiously optimistic for the next book, even if it is Ukuri.
December 10, 2022
Atana introduces the reader who has followed along with these exceptionally told adventures with the Blades of Arris another human and Arrisan coupling that sets the pages afire with its excellent writing and world building which does not fail to keep a reader entranced.
There are major surprises in the telling of Atana and Lia’s story told against a backdrop of action, adventure, passion and emotion that is all nestled within a thrilling narrative guaranteed to stoke the reader’s interest. Characters you can’t help but love or hate are expertly crafted and I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth book in the series with it’s over arching storyline that delivers an emotionally satisfying nuanced read, and as with its predecessors I didn’t want it to end!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are major surprises in the telling of Atana and Lia’s story told against a backdrop of action, adventure, passion and emotion that is all nestled within a thrilling narrative guaranteed to stoke the reader’s interest. Characters you can’t help but love or hate are expertly crafted and I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth book in the series with it’s over arching storyline that delivers an emotionally satisfying nuanced read, and as with its predecessors I didn’t want it to end!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2022
This an enjoyable book that took you an adventure with action, suspense, drama, intrigue, twists and turns that kept you on your toes right up till the very end Atana is a disgraced Blade who is now on edge of sanity and being demoted to head engineer and is now babysitting a human that is under the influence of lusteal but with his issues he hasn’t got time for the female. Lia is a human that’s been drugged with Lusteal and now has an Arrisan alien male looking out for her and he is so sexy and their attraction to each other has them pushing each other away and Lia isn’t sure she can trust anyone after her abusive home life and then her ex husband has her self esteem is at an all time low but with Atana she wonder if he is different. But working together now had me laughing in some parts and I love the hot and steamy action between them because they make a great couple. Great book
December 9, 2022
This sci-fi romance was fascinating and action-packed. The heroine was deeply sympathetic and the hero deliciously alpha. The political intrigue added high stakes and the novel was tightly and intricately plotted. This is another great novel in this series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Reading it was an exciting ride. I really appreciate how different and creative this series is to many other sci-fi romance novels that I have read.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
December 12, 2022
"Birds of a feather flock together" comes to mind.
He really is like a child with a new toy. Their interaction is fun to watch, and so are that of his crew. The science lab scene was a struggle though and I'm glad it wasn't descriptive what happened. But I do love Atana's reaction. I'm sorry with what happened to him in the past. Can't say it made him a better person per se, but it surely played a part in who and what he is. Lia amazingly is a good match for him.
I received an advanced readers copy and am giving my honest review.
He really is like a child with a new toy. Their interaction is fun to watch, and so are that of his crew. The science lab scene was a struggle though and I'm glad it wasn't descriptive what happened. But I do love Atana's reaction. I'm sorry with what happened to him in the past. Can't say it made him a better person per se, but it surely played a part in who and what he is. Lia amazingly is a good match for him.
I received an advanced readers copy and am giving my honest review.
February 5, 2023
I am a fan of the Blade of Arris series. Each blade has their own unique story, but Atana story is completely different than the previous three Blades. This book didn’t grip me like the previous books. I enjoyed the thoughts of Atana altered ego. Some of them made me laugh, but I didn’t get the same intense feelings from him as the others gave me. I am not sure if this was deliberate as Atana was kick out of the Blades program and was always plotting to destroy his race or not. Overall it was a good read and it showed more depth within the Arris society.
February 7, 2023
I love this series! The complex web of interstellar politics, infighting, betrayals, and most importantly the personal growth of characters you may have written off in prior books. The power of the human spirit, of women in general, and of love moves this series and keeps you engaged and listening. Ri Paige & Thomas Locklear are both new-to-me narrators and did a great job bringing the book to life. Robert Hatchett does the epilogue and I really hope that means he will voice the next book because he is fantastic!
December 9, 2022
Polar Opposites
Lia and Atana are two people that should have never met. Everything thing about them suggest they have nothing in common.
My statement may not seem like a spoiler but it's no. It is an indicator that these characters are more complicated than you know.
You will find out humor and just a little bit of horror in some situations that will have you cheering for the under valued.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Lia and Atana are two people that should have never met. Everything thing about them suggest they have nothing in common.
My statement may not seem like a spoiler but it's no. It is an indicator that these characters are more complicated than you know.
You will find out humor and just a little bit of horror in some situations that will have you cheering for the under valued.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 9, 2022
Another amazing addition to this series. Atana, a disgraced blade now engineer is tasked with guarding Lia, a human infected with lusteal. Lia is tasked with seeing to the Humana envoy headed for the ship. This unlikely pair with they’re self doubts and low self-esteem slowly finds themselves falling for each other as they deal with the oncoming envoy, crew and a noble. This well written, highly entertaining book was a real pleasure to read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 10, 2022
Lia and Atana have to work together in order to find out why the science officer is trying so hard to keep his human he says it is for the science or so he says. Who is trying kill them is the immediate question and with some help from loyal friends can only trust those closes to him or maybe not. Another hot and intriguing, action-adventure, and suspense mystery. I read a copy via BookFunnel without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.
December 31, 2022
The character Atana was interesting and his style of captaining unique.
The MFC due to her infection came across as a nympho, which I found hard to like. Her thoughts were those of an addict - most of the time looking for their next hit.
The engineers were a crazy likeable bunch and kept things from getting boring.
The MFC due to her infection came across as a nympho, which I found hard to like. Her thoughts were those of an addict - most of the time looking for their next hit.
The engineers were a crazy likeable bunch and kept things from getting boring.
December 8, 2022
The next Sci-fy romance from Starla Night is here and it's better than ever! Atana is a sexy, titillating, action packed and full of spice. Our hero is deliciously dark and dreamy while our heroine is strong and spirited. I didn't want this book to end!
December 9, 2022
What a great storyline, it's filled with action, adventure and intrigue. The interaction between the characters is amazing and amusing. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
September 14, 2022
Spellbinding! Dark, intense, and superbly addictive..
December 11, 2022
Good plot
Can't wait for the next book. I definitely did not get bored.This series is one I will keep. I hope the next book is as good.
Can't wait for the next book. I definitely did not get bored.This series is one I will keep. I hope the next book is as good.
January 26, 2023
I loved it. I was so happy to read about Lia and Atana. I always loved his character. I just wish there were more sexy times.
February 14, 2023
Absolutely fantastic book I really enjoyed listening to this book on audiobooks.
Something I never thought I would but you have to have an open mind,
Enjoy.
Something I never thought I would but you have to have an open mind,
Enjoy.
Read
March 7, 2023One of the weirdest books I’ve read. Not sure how to rate it. Even the sex is weird.
August 11, 2023
This was everything I had waited for.
Definitely my favourite of the series and a book I will happily read over several times.
Definitely my favourite of the series and a book I will happily read over several times.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews