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Darkstar Mercenaries #7
Radiant Darkness
Arkan Kythelian is the last man standing.
He's well aware of that fact. The rest of his First Division brothers have succumbed to the Mating Fever, falling for those gentle, alluring creatures—humans.
He should probably be more bothered by it, but he's a little preoccupied right now. See, he's just detected the presence of a group of terrified humans onboard a Kordolian slave-trader ship.
He has to go after them. It's a matter of principle.
Earth is theirs now, and he and his battle-brothers have sworn to protect the vulnerable beings that inhabit it. Their enemies—Kordolians that yearn for the resurgence of the Old Empire—keep trying to steal human females for their infernal breeding programs.
Not on his watch.
Amidst the darkness and chaos, a soft female voice invades his consciousness. Given the circumstances, she's impressively calm. There's something in her voice. Something he can't quite put his finger on. It calls to him.
Nothing is going to stand between him and the ones he has sworn to protect. His enemies won't know what hit them.
And sooner or later, he will take what is his.
He's well aware of that fact. The rest of his First Division brothers have succumbed to the Mating Fever, falling for those gentle, alluring creatures—humans.
He should probably be more bothered by it, but he's a little preoccupied right now. See, he's just detected the presence of a group of terrified humans onboard a Kordolian slave-trader ship.
He has to go after them. It's a matter of principle.
Earth is theirs now, and he and his battle-brothers have sworn to protect the vulnerable beings that inhabit it. Their enemies—Kordolians that yearn for the resurgence of the Old Empire—keep trying to steal human females for their infernal breeding programs.
Not on his watch.
Amidst the darkness and chaos, a soft female voice invades his consciousness. Given the circumstances, she's impressively calm. There's something in her voice. Something he can't quite put his finger on. It calls to him.
Nothing is going to stand between him and the ones he has sworn to protect. His enemies won't know what hit them.
And sooner or later, he will take what is his.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2022
365 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Anna Carven
60 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 91 reviews
October 4, 2022
Fine book...bad cover
The heroine is described as a brown skinned African living in Kigali who speaks Amharic. The woman on the cover is beige. Did someone forget to read the book before making the cover? I like and prefer to read books about WOC and the cover almost made me miss out on an enjoyable story. It's odd and lazy as Carven has had a black woman on the cover before. I had to take a whole star off for the bad cover.
The heroine is described as a brown skinned African living in Kigali who speaks Amharic. The woman on the cover is beige. Did someone forget to read the book before making the cover? I like and prefer to read books about WOC and the cover almost made me miss out on an enjoyable story. It's odd and lazy as Carven has had a black woman on the cover before. I had to take a whole star off for the bad cover.
October 18, 2022
You all know I've loved this series from the very start and most of the books have been 5 star reads, but this one? No.
There is this thing that authors do where regular human hygiene becomes a none issue and I just can't get with it.
In this book Soraya was abducted while she was out on her morning run sooo... sweat. Then kept in captivity for 3 or 4 days with very little sleep or food, let alone a shower. So she's in her sweaty gym gear 4 days y'all!! Then the hero shows up and she's saved. The attraction grows and mating fever kicks in. Tell me why the male lead dives in head first. No shower, no bath, no nothing! PLUS she's still hardly slept and only had a protein bar to eat.
Listennn... I can't.
The ick levels were too high for me to enjoy that scene in any way. So I'm taking one star off for that nonsense!
Authors, do better!!
There is this thing that authors do where regular human hygiene becomes a none issue and I just can't get with it.
In this book Soraya was abducted while she was out on her morning run sooo... sweat. Then kept in captivity for 3 or 4 days with very little sleep or food, let alone a shower. So she's in her sweaty gym gear 4 days y'all!! Then the hero shows up and she's saved. The attraction grows and mating fever kicks in. Tell me why the male lead dives in head first. No shower, no bath, no nothing! PLUS she's still hardly slept and only had a protein bar to eat.
Listennn... I can't.
The ick levels were too high for me to enjoy that scene in any way. So I'm taking one star off for that nonsense!
Authors, do better!!
Read
January 22, 2024Still loving this series and Arkan was awesome. He is chaos and Soraya is order. Her name is cool but nickname of Sora is one letter off another mate, Sera.
My main thing I have to say about this book is that Anna Carven either needs to hire an editor/proofreader or replace the one she has. There are sooooo many typos and issues with continuity/being unclear of the physical environment that the characters are in, etc. He goes down on her when she is dirty and gross for days without showering. A lot of the typos would have been easily caught with basic spellcheck. Anna has a fantastic imagination and knack for writing the romantic scenes, she should delegate the detail work and proofreading out to level up her game and focus on her strengths. I could see if this was her first book, but she is a prolific writer at this point and I would hope she’d learned enough to grow in the details department. Maybe she rushed too much.
The book feels like it is mostly set up for the next one. Too many pages of Arkan remembering convos with Jeral and Tarak that don’t always give any new info.
My main thing I have to say about this book is that Anna Carven either needs to hire an editor/proofreader or replace the one she has. There are sooooo many typos and issues with continuity/being unclear of the physical environment that the characters are in, etc. He goes down on her when she is dirty and gross for days without showering. A lot of the typos would have been easily caught with basic spellcheck. Anna has a fantastic imagination and knack for writing the romantic scenes, she should delegate the detail work and proofreading out to level up her game and focus on her strengths. I could see if this was her first book, but she is a prolific writer at this point and I would hope she’d learned enough to grow in the details department. Maybe she rushed too much.
The book feels like it is mostly set up for the next one. Too many pages of Arkan remembering convos with Jeral and Tarak that don’t always give any new info.
October 26, 2022
The overall storyarc was interesting, but the repetitive inner dialogue got old. I don't remember the other books in the series having so much of the same thoughts repeated again and again. I ended up doing a lot of skimming.
I'm interested in the new direction the overall story is headed, so I'll probably pick up the next book in the series (or maybe a spinoff?).
I'm interested in the new direction the overall story is headed, so I'll probably pick up the next book in the series (or maybe a spinoff?).
October 15, 2022
🤗🤔😬🙄😒
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions from Yass! To Ugh by the end....Major Spoilers 🚨🚨🚨🛑
Book had some twists and turns and wonderful FMC and MMC but overall the romance amd spicy scenes were sacrificed for universe building and that stunted the story. There is a lot of verbose writing and details. It takes pages for a character to answer another character's question. We have extreme detailed thought exposition before action commenced which slows down the flow of the story. 2 days is covered in 400 pages for example. The build up for Soroya and the most fearsome warrior took up to 50% of the read. FINALLY, the couple kissed and I thought the story was being propelled instead we saw them in couple-ish mode until 66% and then another story twist came. Then at 70% they have separated again. They didn't reunite until 90% of the book and the ending was so absurd, so outlandish, and so against true governing principles that I gasped but not in a good way. The story is so insular in such a grandiose universe and it's bizarre. I won't spoil the final twist but it was a "jump the shark" moment in my opinion. I had to force myself to finish this book and I probably won't be returning because seriously how dare these aliens do what they did and how dare the author to justify it as if this was perfectly ok.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions from Yass! To Ugh by the end....Major Spoilers 🚨🚨🚨🛑
Book had some twists and turns and wonderful FMC and MMC but overall the romance amd spicy scenes were sacrificed for universe building and that stunted the story. There is a lot of verbose writing and details. It takes pages for a character to answer another character's question. We have extreme detailed thought exposition before action commenced which slows down the flow of the story. 2 days is covered in 400 pages for example. The build up for Soroya and the most fearsome warrior took up to 50% of the read. FINALLY, the couple kissed and I thought the story was being propelled instead we saw them in couple-ish mode until 66% and then another story twist came. Then at 70% they have separated again. They didn't reunite until 90% of the book and the ending was so absurd, so outlandish, and so against true governing principles that I gasped but not in a good way. The story is so insular in such a grandiose universe and it's bizarre. I won't spoil the final twist but it was a "jump the shark" moment in my opinion. I had to force myself to finish this book and I probably won't be returning because seriously how dare these aliens do what they did and how dare the author to justify it as if this was perfectly ok.
May 4, 2023
4 stars.
I really liked the hero in this one. I felt he has a lot more personality than his brethren in the previous books who were all a bit interchangeable for me in their stoic and impassive ways. I found him cheekier and more irreverent. I understand the reason for our heroine being a childhood educator and I guess we will see more of her if there are more books?
The downside with this book is that we do have a bit of a cliffhanger at the end there. I'm guessing now that all the First Division warriors have been paired off, we're going to see another spin-off series about what happens next?
I listened to the audio versions of these books and there were 2 different male narrators. I think both did quite good jobs.
I really liked the hero in this one. I felt he has a lot more personality than his brethren in the previous books who were all a bit interchangeable for me in their stoic and impassive ways. I found him cheekier and more irreverent. I understand the reason for our heroine being a childhood educator and I guess we will see more of her if there are more books?
The downside with this book is that we do have a bit of a cliffhanger at the end there. I'm guessing now that all the First Division warriors have been paired off, we're going to see another spin-off series about what happens next?
I listened to the audio versions of these books and there were 2 different male narrators. I think both did quite good jobs.
April 1, 2023
DNF @40% - it’s the same thing as with every book in this series. We get a recounting of who the kordolians are and why the elites are the way they are and what they can do why they do it and who they answer to on the chain of command etc.
By book 7 I know all this - so to read 40% of a 400 pages book which regurgitates the same info it was torture.
I used to love this series but the last few books were torture to get through and this one just solidified the fact that the author is struggling to come up with storylines which is why we get the same info dump that we got in every book so far.
By book 7 I know all this - so to read 40% of a 400 pages book which regurgitates the same info it was torture.
I used to love this series but the last few books were torture to get through and this one just solidified the fact that the author is struggling to come up with storylines which is why we get the same info dump that we got in every book so far.
February 18, 2024
I haven't read all of the series but I was able follow follow along.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I will go back to see what I missed
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I will go back to see what I missed
June 7, 2023
the last fo first division
4-RADIANT DARKNESS
He is the last of the first division standing without a mate. He has a sense the others do not have. He follows his gut and gets some good results. This time he will need more than just his blind need to move forward. He has three innocent lives depending on him to make some very precise decisions. Arkan will be the light in the dark of a slaver ship for these three Earth women. Among those females there is one with a voice that speaks to him, speaks to the depths of his conscious and soul. He will do all he can to make sure she is safe and cared for. Soraya, Tia and Reiko were the three women stolen from Earth. The sad part was that their own people were the ones that stole them and sold them to the wrong Kordolains. There was action and intensity. There was also a tiny glimpse at what could be the lead in the coming book. The last of the Dark Mercenaries series. This will be a sad day for me. I love reading about the adventures and mating of the Kordolians.
4-RADIANT DARKNESS
He is the last of the first division standing without a mate. He has a sense the others do not have. He follows his gut and gets some good results. This time he will need more than just his blind need to move forward. He has three innocent lives depending on him to make some very precise decisions. Arkan will be the light in the dark of a slaver ship for these three Earth women. Among those females there is one with a voice that speaks to him, speaks to the depths of his conscious and soul. He will do all he can to make sure she is safe and cared for. Soraya, Tia and Reiko were the three women stolen from Earth. The sad part was that their own people were the ones that stole them and sold them to the wrong Kordolains. There was action and intensity. There was also a tiny glimpse at what could be the lead in the coming book. The last of the Dark Mercenaries series. This will be a sad day for me. I love reading about the adventures and mating of the Kordolians.
October 5, 2022
Radiant Darkness
Oh my gosh I just loved Sora and Arkan. They were a great couple. The world building continues to be epic with twists and turns that are so unexpected but hold your attention until the very end. I really can't wait to read the next book to see where this is going. The wives club is getting bigger and hopefully we can hear more about the children. I highly recommend this book and this series.
Oh my gosh I just loved Sora and Arkan. They were a great couple. The world building continues to be epic with twists and turns that are so unexpected but hold your attention until the very end. I really can't wait to read the next book to see where this is going. The wives club is getting bigger and hopefully we can hear more about the children. I highly recommend this book and this series.
October 4, 2022
Thought this book was a great ending for Darkstar Mercenaries, but not the end to Kordolian adventures. Seems like there is more to come and I love that.
Ana Carven has mastered the art of giving depth to her characters and their romance stories while opening up new vistas of plot and action.
Ana Carven has mastered the art of giving depth to her characters and their romance stories while opening up new vistas of plot and action.
October 21, 2022
Loved every book in this series so far and this one is just as good.
January 19, 2023
Skimmed most of it
The only reason I'm still reading this is to find out who's behind the interstellar human trafficking and the Kordolian breeding program, but that part -- the most interesting portion -- is doled out in tiny paragraph-sized bits. If you collated all of the mystery part of the plot in this entire series it wouldn't even equal one whole book.
Most of the content is the romance portion and while I normally I love a good romance these are all the same formulaic progression, and exact same female responses and thoughts, to the point that if you've read one of these you've read them all, with the exception of Rykal and Arin's story. It is as if the female leads all have the same personality, same values, same opinions and outlooks on trusting the aliens who have enslaved literally the entire fictional universe. The feelings and inner monologues of the female leads is the same regarding violence, forgiveness, Kordolian overlordship etc. which just doesn't track with reality. Among my friends I have those that took ages to trust their partners, and those that knew right away. Some of us hate violence, don't believe in the death penalty or revenge, and those of us who think neither are used often enough. So all of the female characters having the same outlooks and opinions is grating on my last nerve. It isn't different characters, it's the same character with different backstory, placed in a different part of the overall mystery, but personality wise nearly exactly the same.
I want to see one of the women actually NOT want a Kordolian, NOT trust everything they're told and the first impression of altruism and protectiveness. The story of a female lead's cynicism, KNOWING that intelligent beings can manipulate others by hiding nefarious intention behind seemingly "good" deeds which often turn out to be entirely self-serving would be of more interest to me than reading the same formula as the last sixteen or so installments of the female instantly trusting the Kordolians because their actions haven't hurt her (yet). As if actions only have one intention behind them and can only mean one obvious thing. Some of these female leads have doubts, but NOTHING serious or sustained (more flash-in-the-pan here and then gone again, and nothing that motivates them to FIGHT the draw against the "hot" males or behave with much circumspection before jumping into a relationship. Given some of the brutality used as plot devices in the series, that instant trust, lust, love in a 24-72 hr period stretches credulity beyond the breaking point to me. I WANT SOMETHING NEW, different character responses and personality. I want a female who isn't INSTANTLY and easily TRUSTING and immediately convinced these aliens are the greatest thing since sliced bread, a character with realistic responses to trauma wary of the overbearing, megalomaniacal Kordolian warriors. A character with circumspection and FIGHT.
The only reason I'm still reading this is to find out who's behind the interstellar human trafficking and the Kordolian breeding program, but that part -- the most interesting portion -- is doled out in tiny paragraph-sized bits. If you collated all of the mystery part of the plot in this entire series it wouldn't even equal one whole book.
Most of the content is the romance portion and while I normally I love a good romance these are all the same formulaic progression, and exact same female responses and thoughts, to the point that if you've read one of these you've read them all, with the exception of Rykal and Arin's story. It is as if the female leads all have the same personality, same values, same opinions and outlooks on trusting the aliens who have enslaved literally the entire fictional universe. The feelings and inner monologues of the female leads is the same regarding violence, forgiveness, Kordolian overlordship etc. which just doesn't track with reality. Among my friends I have those that took ages to trust their partners, and those that knew right away. Some of us hate violence, don't believe in the death penalty or revenge, and those of us who think neither are used often enough. So all of the female characters having the same outlooks and opinions is grating on my last nerve. It isn't different characters, it's the same character with different backstory, placed in a different part of the overall mystery, but personality wise nearly exactly the same.
I want to see one of the women actually NOT want a Kordolian, NOT trust everything they're told and the first impression of altruism and protectiveness. The story of a female lead's cynicism, KNOWING that intelligent beings can manipulate others by hiding nefarious intention behind seemingly "good" deeds which often turn out to be entirely self-serving would be of more interest to me than reading the same formula as the last sixteen or so installments of the female instantly trusting the Kordolians because their actions haven't hurt her (yet). As if actions only have one intention behind them and can only mean one obvious thing. Some of these female leads have doubts, but NOTHING serious or sustained (more flash-in-the-pan here and then gone again, and nothing that motivates them to FIGHT the draw against the "hot" males or behave with much circumspection before jumping into a relationship. Given some of the brutality used as plot devices in the series, that instant trust, lust, love in a 24-72 hr period stretches credulity beyond the breaking point to me. I WANT SOMETHING NEW, different character responses and personality. I want a female who isn't INSTANTLY and easily TRUSTING and immediately convinced these aliens are the greatest thing since sliced bread, a character with realistic responses to trauma wary of the overbearing, megalomaniacal Kordolian warriors. A character with circumspection and FIGHT.
October 9, 2022
I actually started to reread book 1 (again) after this, because I wasn't sure if my memory was broken and the books never have actually been as good as I remembered them to be. But nope - the last 3 book just weren't up to par with the first ones.
There was an EXCESSIVE use of the word bastard (you could make a drinking game out of it and be drunk long before you hit the midpoint), and what started out good became flat and annoying in no time. The heroes and heroines start to feel like they're all the same (with differences in skin/hair/eye-colour for the females) especially in their interactions towards each other. Yes I read till the end to know what happens in the overall plot but everything else felt lacking in depth and variety.
There was an EXCESSIVE use of the word bastard (you could make a drinking game out of it and be drunk long before you hit the midpoint), and what started out good became flat and annoying in no time. The heroes and heroines start to feel like they're all the same (with differences in skin/hair/eye-colour for the females) especially in their interactions towards each other. Yes I read till the end to know what happens in the overall plot but everything else felt lacking in depth and variety.
October 5, 2022
Umm
I really enjoyed this series so far but... this book is full of repetitive inner monologue. Not to mention the main characters only know each other for all of an hour before deciding to commit for life and during that hour he is killing everyone on a ship.
I found myself skipping pages because after every scene its him thinking oh I'm a bad guy or her thinking I just bet him but ow well.
I really enjoyed this series so far but... this book is full of repetitive inner monologue. Not to mention the main characters only know each other for all of an hour before deciding to commit for life and during that hour he is killing everyone on a ship.
I found myself skipping pages because after every scene its him thinking oh I'm a bad guy or her thinking I just bet him but ow well.
October 15, 2022
Such a sweet story !!! Already excited for the next book !!!!!
What a sweet story !!! Yes, I said it , Sweet !!!
Arkan and his twin, Jeral , are both kordolian warriors of the 1st Division . That special class of 10 almost indestructible warriors\mercenaries of dark star , lead by one former general Tarak Al Akkadian , that crazy , general who single handedly brought the corrupt Kordolian empire to its knees.
Arkan is the last of his battle brothers to have a mate, and this is his story .....
Sent on a mission to Zarhab Groht, the massive black market trading station, to follow an enemy lead , he is in a position to over hear voices. Human voices. Human women, females that the dark star group has vowed to protect . He must see where they are being taken , and get them to safety. That is his plan.
Soraya ,along with two other women , Tia and Reiko, have been abducted from earth . They are handcuffed and thrown into the cargo hold of a ship , and can only guess their fate. Soraya is afraid, but trying to be positive . She tries to reassure her companions , and that is when Arkan hears her voice. It is soothing to him, and he intends to find out why . So he sneaks aboard the ship that they are on, and must find a way to get them all back to earth.
As this story moves forward, we see Arkan in his element , eliminating threats to the humans , and finding that specific , special female in all the universe that is meant just for him !!!
But can he keep her alive long enough to do more then look at her ????
As always , these books are full of action, and adventure. Lots of killing bad guys and the like . Also , some questions of the
" , Kurel " , the noble class of Kordolians that want to go back to the way things were. With having the entire universe under its very heavy foot. But Tarak and his loyal band of 1st division brothers will do everything in its power to prevent that outcome, at all costs.
Arkan finds out a lot about himself, and his past and his future in this book , and I think that his story was so sweet in a way that is second to Abbey and Tarak's. As I put the pieces of the many mysteries ahead and the future of the kordolians, good and bad together , the next book is going to be even better !!! I hope that this series never ends !!!! So many cogs and parts moving in this Kordolian machine !!!! So excited for the next book !!!!
What a sweet story !!! Yes, I said it , Sweet !!!
Arkan and his twin, Jeral , are both kordolian warriors of the 1st Division . That special class of 10 almost indestructible warriors\mercenaries of dark star , lead by one former general Tarak Al Akkadian , that crazy , general who single handedly brought the corrupt Kordolian empire to its knees.
Arkan is the last of his battle brothers to have a mate, and this is his story .....
Sent on a mission to Zarhab Groht, the massive black market trading station, to follow an enemy lead , he is in a position to over hear voices. Human voices. Human women, females that the dark star group has vowed to protect . He must see where they are being taken , and get them to safety. That is his plan.
Soraya ,along with two other women , Tia and Reiko, have been abducted from earth . They are handcuffed and thrown into the cargo hold of a ship , and can only guess their fate. Soraya is afraid, but trying to be positive . She tries to reassure her companions , and that is when Arkan hears her voice. It is soothing to him, and he intends to find out why . So he sneaks aboard the ship that they are on, and must find a way to get them all back to earth.
As this story moves forward, we see Arkan in his element , eliminating threats to the humans , and finding that specific , special female in all the universe that is meant just for him !!!
But can he keep her alive long enough to do more then look at her ????
As always , these books are full of action, and adventure. Lots of killing bad guys and the like . Also , some questions of the
" , Kurel " , the noble class of Kordolians that want to go back to the way things were. With having the entire universe under its very heavy foot. But Tarak and his loyal band of 1st division brothers will do everything in its power to prevent that outcome, at all costs.
Arkan finds out a lot about himself, and his past and his future in this book , and I think that his story was so sweet in a way that is second to Abbey and Tarak's. As I put the pieces of the many mysteries ahead and the future of the kordolians, good and bad together , the next book is going to be even better !!! I hope that this series never ends !!!! So many cogs and parts moving in this Kordolian machine !!!! So excited for the next book !!!!
March 7, 2023
3.5 stars
I went into this hoping for the "chaotic" and fun Arkan that we met in the last book. Did we get chaotic? No, not really. Did we get fun? I mean, I guess sort of. Arkan definitely had a more playful side than the other Kordolians, but not as much as I was expecting. As for him being controlled chaos, I didn't see any of his actions as seemingly random but in the end paramount like we were repeatedly told about. None of this means I didn't like him though. But he ended up not being all that different from any of this brothers either.
So. We know that Arkan was told to get on that ship and find out where their enemies were going, as well as protect the kidnapped humans he heard. Technically he was supposed to pretend to be the guy they captured and released (I can't remember his name), but that was never going to happen. Instead he sneaks around the ship, killing his enemies, and looking for the humans. One in particular has already caught his attention with her calm and confident voice.
Soraya was simply out for a run when she was kidnapped. She tries her best to keep a level head even though she's freaking out inside because the other two who were taken with her have ended up looking to her for guidance. When she is separated from them and about to be forever damaged, her rescue comes from the last place she expected.
Honestly, I didn't mind that Soraya almost immediately trusted Arkan despite the fact that she was hating on the Kordolians so much seeing how they kidnapped her and all. And I liked how she did as he told her because I hate it when the female refuses to listen to anyone. Which was especially important here where there are still more enemies and these females are absolutely not in control of anything.
The ship that Arkan is on ends up being sucked thru a wormhole and thankfully not alone because Tarak had sent in backup. Which was definitely a good thing because their enemies are going to throw a lot at them. From those damn bugs that started this whole thing, to mind controlling mistresses. Thanks to which, we learn about a neat power that only Arkan has if he can learn to control it. The planet they end up at surprises everybody, but not as much as what they find underground does. Or even who they find there.
I have so many questions after what goes down on that planet, and dare I hope (seeing how all the First Division are now mated) that we will get another book from Tarak's pov as we find out what's really going on, who the real enemy is, and finally take them out?
I went into this hoping for the "chaotic" and fun Arkan that we met in the last book. Did we get chaotic? No, not really. Did we get fun? I mean, I guess sort of. Arkan definitely had a more playful side than the other Kordolians, but not as much as I was expecting. As for him being controlled chaos, I didn't see any of his actions as seemingly random but in the end paramount like we were repeatedly told about. None of this means I didn't like him though. But he ended up not being all that different from any of this brothers either.
So. We know that Arkan was told to get on that ship and find out where their enemies were going, as well as protect the kidnapped humans he heard. Technically he was supposed to pretend to be the guy they captured and released (I can't remember his name), but that was never going to happen. Instead he sneaks around the ship, killing his enemies, and looking for the humans. One in particular has already caught his attention with her calm and confident voice.
Soraya was simply out for a run when she was kidnapped. She tries her best to keep a level head even though she's freaking out inside because the other two who were taken with her have ended up looking to her for guidance. When she is separated from them and about to be forever damaged, her rescue comes from the last place she expected.
Honestly, I didn't mind that Soraya almost immediately trusted Arkan despite the fact that she was hating on the Kordolians so much seeing how they kidnapped her and all. And I liked how she did as he told her because I hate it when the female refuses to listen to anyone. Which was especially important here where there are still more enemies and these females are absolutely not in control of anything.
The ship that Arkan is on ends up being sucked thru a wormhole and thankfully not alone because Tarak had sent in backup. Which was definitely a good thing because their enemies are going to throw a lot at them. From those damn bugs that started this whole thing, to mind controlling mistresses. Thanks to which, we learn about a neat power that only Arkan has if he can learn to control it. The planet they end up at surprises everybody, but not as much as what they find underground does. Or even who they find there.
I have so many questions after what goes down on that planet, and dare I hope (seeing how all the First Division are now mated) that we will get another book from Tarak's pov as we find out what's really going on, who the real enemy is, and finally take them out?
October 1, 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 is the seventh 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. This book was one of my favorites in the series. I really liked it.
Soraya had been abducted by the evil Kordolians. The plan had been for her to be impregnated in order for them to have children. On their planet, females are few and far between and the women of earth are compatible.
Arken, a Korodolian alien, but one of the good guys, is part of the rescue. He has the ability to discern or guess the right course of action in chaos. He also is able to unleash a talent that had been stifled when he was a child. It was interesting to get more of his history and that of the other heroes of the series. It made them more three dimensional.
Soraya and Arken bond with each other quickly but believably. He was so sweet and gentle with her. He was terrific and I enjoyed this story a lot.
It was interesting to see Amun, the emperor and the way the author wrote this part of the story. You can tell there is more to it.
I liked Isabella, a 10 year old child that was rescued. She was very brave and intelligent.
The pace of the book is fast. The point of view alternates between Soraya and Arken.
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 continues to be awesome.
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 is the seventh 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. This book was one of my favorites in the series. I really liked it.
Soraya had been abducted by the evil Kordolians. The plan had been for her to be impregnated in order for them to have children. On their planet, females are few and far between and the women of earth are compatible.
Arken, a Korodolian alien, but one of the good guys, is part of the rescue. He has the ability to discern or guess the right course of action in chaos. He also is able to unleash a talent that had been stifled when he was a child. It was interesting to get more of his history and that of the other heroes of the series. It made them more three dimensional.
Soraya and Arken bond with each other quickly but believably. He was so sweet and gentle with her. He was terrific and I enjoyed this story a lot.
It was interesting to see Amun, the emperor and the way the author wrote this part of the story. You can tell there is more to it.
I liked Isabella, a 10 year old child that was rescued. She was very brave and intelligent.
The pace of the book is fast. The point of view alternates between Soraya and Arken.
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 continues to be awesome.
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 19, 2022
Five fabulous 🌟s for Radiant Darkness! Loved it💖🔥💖🔥
Arkan is the pastor the first division that has not yet found a mate. He has watched as each of his battle brothers has fallen hard for their Earth females. He never for a second believed that he's find her on a dangerous mission to find the leaders of the old Empire stealing human females for nefarious purposes. He ends up rescuing 3 females one being his fated mate . The moment he sees her he knows that she is special , he attracted to her steadfast calmness that is a compliment to his inherent chaos. Soraya, kidnapped by humans and sold to the Kordolian 's she's terrified locked up and collared with two other humans waiting for the experimenting to begin. Just when the ladies are separated and Soraya is strapped to a chair in walks the scariest most intimidating being she's ever seen. Then all hell breaks loose when it's over she's being release and a new Kordolian has come to her rescue. He's deadly and and beyond sexy and she can't believe she's attracted to the enemy. She quickly realized that Arkan is not the enemy but everything she could ever hope to find in a male. Danger and mystery is around every turn , but destiny , redemption, need and love are the heart of this story. The world building is second to none and the characters are well written and have lots of chemistry. I've read every book in this series and I hope it never ends. Just because all of the first division warriors are now mated I hoping there are many more single Kordolians looking for their perfect earth female match! I hope AC never stops writing one of the best storytellers out there I highly recommend not only this book but the whole fabulous series!.🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖
Arkan is the pastor the first division that has not yet found a mate. He has watched as each of his battle brothers has fallen hard for their Earth females. He never for a second believed that he's find her on a dangerous mission to find the leaders of the old Empire stealing human females for nefarious purposes. He ends up rescuing 3 females one being his fated mate . The moment he sees her he knows that she is special , he attracted to her steadfast calmness that is a compliment to his inherent chaos. Soraya, kidnapped by humans and sold to the Kordolian 's she's terrified locked up and collared with two other humans waiting for the experimenting to begin. Just when the ladies are separated and Soraya is strapped to a chair in walks the scariest most intimidating being she's ever seen. Then all hell breaks loose when it's over she's being release and a new Kordolian has come to her rescue. He's deadly and and beyond sexy and she can't believe she's attracted to the enemy. She quickly realized that Arkan is not the enemy but everything she could ever hope to find in a male. Danger and mystery is around every turn , but destiny , redemption, need and love are the heart of this story. The world building is second to none and the characters are well written and have lots of chemistry. I've read every book in this series and I hope it never ends. Just because all of the first division warriors are now mated I hoping there are many more single Kordolians looking for their perfect earth female match! I hope AC never stops writing one of the best storytellers out there I highly recommend not only this book but the whole fabulous series!.🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖
November 1, 2022
The last of the First Division warriors is up and his special someone is a human woman he nearly lost before he could find her. Fortunately for everyone (not the least of which include Soraya and the other human women being held captive), Arkan's gift for controlled chaos puts him in the right place at exactly the right time.
That said, Arkan's chaotic gut instinct also puts him in the right place to get more answers to the pressing questions about who's behind the abduction of the human women and what they have planned. Admittedly, we only have a portion of the answers, at this point, but the First Division warriors are getting closer to the end game with every person they rescue.
But that's another story for another day. In the here and now, Arkan and Soraya have an abduction to thwart, a terrifying journey through a wormhole to undertake, an enemy to defeat, and a little spitfire to win over. Plus, there's the whole mating thing. In other words, they have a lot going on and Arkan's abilities (more than just his intuitive chaos, mind you) come in very handy while they're planetside.
Danger, romance, a connection, a steamy encounter in a cave, and an enemy who hasn't quite been revealed yet. Things are heating up (in more ways than one) for the First Division warriors and their special ladies. GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
That said, Arkan's chaotic gut instinct also puts him in the right place to get more answers to the pressing questions about who's behind the abduction of the human women and what they have planned. Admittedly, we only have a portion of the answers, at this point, but the First Division warriors are getting closer to the end game with every person they rescue.
But that's another story for another day. In the here and now, Arkan and Soraya have an abduction to thwart, a terrifying journey through a wormhole to undertake, an enemy to defeat, and a little spitfire to win over. Plus, there's the whole mating thing. In other words, they have a lot going on and Arkan's abilities (more than just his intuitive chaos, mind you) come in very handy while they're planetside.
Danger, romance, a connection, a steamy encounter in a cave, and an enemy who hasn't quite been revealed yet. Things are heating up (in more ways than one) for the First Division warriors and their special ladies. GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
February 23, 2023
Love this series and the last within this world, but I have to admit there is WAY TOO MUCH internal dialogue going on. Which is why the 3 stars.
Last couple of books have more internal than external dialogue between characters. I can see the end coming and the plot twists are so drawn out, I pretty much had it figured out. Once Miridian-8 (Eiolan) was spotted it definitely started ringing some bells.
With this being said, I am still invested enough to wait for the final book. Interesting developments were set in motion within this book, and I want to see how they play out.
Lots of action and smexy romance, I am skimming over a lot of those, even though those scenes are really the only time the main characters connect and communicate with each other.
While I am reading this via Kindle Unlimited, for most this book would be worth their time and $$.
Last couple of books have more internal than external dialogue between characters. I can see the end coming and the plot twists are so drawn out, I pretty much had it figured out. Once Miridian-8 (Eiolan) was spotted it definitely started ringing some bells.
With this being said, I am still invested enough to wait for the final book. Interesting developments were set in motion within this book, and I want to see how they play out.
Lots of action and smexy romance, I am skimming over a lot of those, even though those scenes are really the only time the main characters connect and communicate with each other.
While I am reading this via Kindle Unlimited, for most this book would be worth their time and $$.
October 24, 2022
worth the wait ..
As always, anticipating, will the author storyline top the last book in the series? It did and I was not disappointed ..Arkan the last of the warriors under Tarak command to be mated to Soraya an abducted female who is part of a bigger plan for the bad guys. Their chemistry is a slow burn, however Arkan arrogance, fierce loyalty to his mission and protective instincts towards Soraya is fuelling his mating fever. Soraya calming steadiness is what her warrior needs and is influential to the two women she was kidnapped with. Some fav warriors return, the story unpredictable that’s why it’s crazy good. Lastly it is not the end ..impatient for the next read ..
As always, anticipating, will the author storyline top the last book in the series? It did and I was not disappointed ..Arkan the last of the warriors under Tarak command to be mated to Soraya an abducted female who is part of a bigger plan for the bad guys. Their chemistry is a slow burn, however Arkan arrogance, fierce loyalty to his mission and protective instincts towards Soraya is fuelling his mating fever. Soraya calming steadiness is what her warrior needs and is influential to the two women she was kidnapped with. Some fav warriors return, the story unpredictable that’s why it’s crazy good. Lastly it is not the end ..impatient for the next read ..
November 5, 2022
So glad they're back!
I was seriously missing my First Division Kordolian warriors. Arkan and Soraya's story completely change the game. The discovery of and the plot twist where
I was seriously missing my First Division Kordolian warriors. Arkan and Soraya's story completely change the game. The discovery of and the plot twist where
March 29, 2025
At this point, I’m reading this series not for the romance anymore, but to find out who the mastermind is behind all the chaos—even before the First Division discovered humans.
Actually, I’ve been invested in this world and its politics from the start. And the way Anna Carven has made it even more complex than in the first series? Just wow.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic for Arkan, of course! The last First Division warrior to find his mate—yay! And seeing how the other warriors have changed because of their human mates? Also YAY!
BUT I need to know what happens next! Abbey is a little upset about Tarak’s ultimatum for the Earth Federation? Oh, you know I have to read about that!
Actually, I’ve been invested in this world and its politics from the start. And the way Anna Carven has made it even more complex than in the first series? Just wow.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic for Arkan, of course! The last First Division warrior to find his mate—yay! And seeing how the other warriors have changed because of their human mates? Also YAY!
BUT I need to know what happens next! Abbey is a little upset about Tarak’s ultimatum for the Earth Federation? Oh, you know I have to read about that!
October 5, 2022
The book was excellent
Loved the story was full Of action and survival. It was beautifully written with a bit of cryptic thrown in. I have read everything Anna has written and they just keep getting better. Arkan was a beautiful enigma who needed someone like Sora she was the calm in the storm. Loved it highly recommend all her books. Trust me you'll be transported to galaxies far far away planets that you feel like you are there can't say enough how wonderful a writer Anna solo Radiantly good lol
Loved the story was full Of action and survival. It was beautifully written with a bit of cryptic thrown in. I have read everything Anna has written and they just keep getting better. Arkan was a beautiful enigma who needed someone like Sora she was the calm in the storm. Loved it highly recommend all her books. Trust me you'll be transported to galaxies far far away planets that you feel like you are there can't say enough how wonderful a writer Anna solo Radiantly good lol
June 9, 2023
Another excellent addition to the series
This couple is up there in sweetness level with Abby & Tarak. There's a little of all the best couples, actually. Ka'qui comes into play, another Kordolian hybrid, etc.
I enjoyed this read. I've read (and re-read) this series before. This was my first time reading DSM #7. Loved it and will be rereading it again, also.
Addressing a concern I saw in other reviews:
The cliffhanger applies to the overall series story arc. Our couple has the usual HFN ending.
5☆
-ncv
This couple is up there in sweetness level with Abby & Tarak. There's a little of all the best couples, actually. Ka'qui comes into play, another Kordolian hybrid, etc.
I enjoyed this read. I've read (and re-read) this series before. This was my first time reading DSM #7. Loved it and will be rereading it again, also.
Addressing a concern I saw in other reviews:
The cliffhanger applies to the overall series story arc. Our couple has the usual HFN ending.
5☆
-ncv
October 9, 2024
Hmm. Another on the same page as the ones before. I would say you could jump in anywhere as there is so much explanation on who these people are but really there is an overarc that you would loose if you don't at least read most of them. The Kordolians are more or less interchangeable and the women change up with occupation and situation and age but they have more or less the accepting that they are mated and these are military bad asses that kill, a lot, and they will love them even so. So if that isn't you thing, don't read it. It is a scifi fluff and for me a really good series.
January 31, 2023
Cliff hanger
Of course this book ends with a cliff hanger. I just want to know how the whole story ends.
Other than that, the story was ok. Arkan and Soraya made a nice pair. I just felt like there was more inner monologue going on. It felt like they kept repeating themselves over and over again at a few points. Also I feel it needs a better cover. It doesn't really fit the description of the characters.
Of course this book ends with a cliff hanger. I just want to know how the whole story ends.
Other than that, the story was ok. Arkan and Soraya made a nice pair. I just felt like there was more inner monologue going on. It felt like they kept repeating themselves over and over again at a few points. Also I feel it needs a better cover. It doesn't really fit the description of the characters.
October 4, 2022
Able awesome!
This has been an absolute thrill ride, so many things have been explained but now we have more questions lol.
If you like Sci-fi romantics this is a great series. Well written and imaginative, I would absolutely recommend reading the rest of the series first though. Otherwise you may be lost on a few things.
This has been an absolute thrill ride, so many things have been explained but now we have more questions lol.
If you like Sci-fi romantics this is a great series. Well written and imaginative, I would absolutely recommend reading the rest of the series first though. Otherwise you may be lost on a few things.
October 5, 2022
Last Warrior Standing
Loved this Action Packed book and all its twists. Soraya is captured by the leftovers of the Kordolian Empire to be used as a breeder but luckily First Division Warrior Arkan is stowed away on the ship to save the day. Arkan is the last unmated First Division Warrior and when he falls for Soraya he falls hard.
Loved this Action Packed book and all its twists. Soraya is captured by the leftovers of the Kordolian Empire to be used as a breeder but luckily First Division Warrior Arkan is stowed away on the ship to save the day. Arkan is the last unmated First Division Warrior and when he falls for Soraya he falls hard.
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