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Escaping the Dashia
Discovering who you are can be dangerous — even deadly.
Twyla’s been living in hiding on Earth, hoping to leave her past behind. But when her mother, Madam Cassiopeia DeConnett finds her and kidnaps her back to the Paraxous Star Cluster, she expects her daughter to take her rightful place within the family business. The DeConnetts are Dashia— a group of genetically- engineered telepaths who use their powers to control some and ruin others. Their criminal organization is rich, powerful, and spans The Cluster.
When escape seems impossible, Twyla considers suicide. Then she meets Dovain, another prisoner, and their friendship blossoms into something more. Together, can they figure out how to free themselves? Can she trust herself enough to risk loving him? If she does, will that love save her, or lead to her destruction?
Twyla’s been living in hiding on Earth, hoping to leave her past behind. But when her mother, Madam Cassiopeia DeConnett finds her and kidnaps her back to the Paraxous Star Cluster, she expects her daughter to take her rightful place within the family business. The DeConnetts are Dashia— a group of genetically- engineered telepaths who use their powers to control some and ruin others. Their criminal organization is rich, powerful, and spans The Cluster.
When escape seems impossible, Twyla considers suicide. Then she meets Dovain, another prisoner, and their friendship blossoms into something more. Together, can they figure out how to free themselves? Can she trust herself enough to risk loving him? If she does, will that love save her, or lead to her destruction?
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 27, 2023
Rebecca Inch- Partridge will surprise readers with the genius sci-fi/fantasy recent release, Escaping the Dashia, a book that, with a strong paranormal arm, reaches from the pages of the books, grabs the reader, and drags them into the book to see how the main character, Twyla, survives. Because, while Twyla is looking at upcoming danger, after she has lost all she knew, the one who is coming after her, the one that wants to bind her, restrain her, manipulate and use her genetically given powers in none other than the woman who birthed her.
The woman who Twyla cannot even call her mother, so sickened she is by who and what the woman does. Because her mother is a Dashia, part of a genetically engineered race who were bred so that they could use their powers to use, abuse and control others. And, because she is part of this woman’s genes, the facts remain, that Twyla is a Dashia too. Will she be able to control her powers enough, powers which are like a light that directs the wicked women to her, enough so that she can find a way to escape the woman and get to freedom?
After Twyla was separated from the woman, thinking her father had abandoned her with the cruel mother, she was able to find her way to two people who helped the young girl, teaching her things, helping her to control who and what she is and can do. While the new parents (and real parents) of Twyla thought they would have much more time with the girl, when her birth father shows up at her now home, Twyla’s new parents know that, because of this, the birth mother cannot be far behind. The pair had always had escape plans for the family, if this were to happen, but, in waiting too long to get things together and leave, Twyla’s mother arrives and Twyla’s new life, well, it’s now history. But, before Twyla’s birth mother was able to derive the girls location from their minds, each parent was able to protect Twyla, til their bitter end.
Now, with an underground system, a series of people to help her, Twyla must escape the Dashia. Leading the Dashia, however, is her mother, who will do anything to get her daughter back. That includes killing each and every person Twyla loves. In the end, will Twyla get to safety or will she lose so much, will her mother take so much from her daughter, that Twyla simply gives up? Or, like the part of her Dashia mother that will not give up, heinous in her behavior to get to her offspring, will she survive because of that shared genetic trait, maybe the only thing the two have in common?
Twyla is a heroine who will fight to overcome what made her, showing all that who you are is not defined by who you come from, your genetics. It is what a person does in their life, the actions they take, that is all that matters. Escaping the Dashia will introduce readers to one of the mightiest of fighters in a story worthy of a place on all good sci-fi/ fantasy readers shelves. To those that have interest in reading the genre, have never read and are pondering taking a taste, this is a good book to make your way in. Luckily, this is the first of the series so that readers know, in the end, it is not yet time to say goodbye. Because you won’t want to, Twyla is such a worthy creation for readers you are going to want to be with her until the bitter end!
Happy Reading!
The woman who Twyla cannot even call her mother, so sickened she is by who and what the woman does. Because her mother is a Dashia, part of a genetically engineered race who were bred so that they could use their powers to use, abuse and control others. And, because she is part of this woman’s genes, the facts remain, that Twyla is a Dashia too. Will she be able to control her powers enough, powers which are like a light that directs the wicked women to her, enough so that she can find a way to escape the woman and get to freedom?
After Twyla was separated from the woman, thinking her father had abandoned her with the cruel mother, she was able to find her way to two people who helped the young girl, teaching her things, helping her to control who and what she is and can do. While the new parents (and real parents) of Twyla thought they would have much more time with the girl, when her birth father shows up at her now home, Twyla’s new parents know that, because of this, the birth mother cannot be far behind. The pair had always had escape plans for the family, if this were to happen, but, in waiting too long to get things together and leave, Twyla’s mother arrives and Twyla’s new life, well, it’s now history. But, before Twyla’s birth mother was able to derive the girls location from their minds, each parent was able to protect Twyla, til their bitter end.
Now, with an underground system, a series of people to help her, Twyla must escape the Dashia. Leading the Dashia, however, is her mother, who will do anything to get her daughter back. That includes killing each and every person Twyla loves. In the end, will Twyla get to safety or will she lose so much, will her mother take so much from her daughter, that Twyla simply gives up? Or, like the part of her Dashia mother that will not give up, heinous in her behavior to get to her offspring, will she survive because of that shared genetic trait, maybe the only thing the two have in common?
Twyla is a heroine who will fight to overcome what made her, showing all that who you are is not defined by who you come from, your genetics. It is what a person does in their life, the actions they take, that is all that matters. Escaping the Dashia will introduce readers to one of the mightiest of fighters in a story worthy of a place on all good sci-fi/ fantasy readers shelves. To those that have interest in reading the genre, have never read and are pondering taking a taste, this is a good book to make your way in. Luckily, this is the first of the series so that readers know, in the end, it is not yet time to say goodbye. Because you won’t want to, Twyla is such a worthy creation for readers you are going to want to be with her until the bitter end!
Happy Reading!
February 21, 2023
Ok, firstly, I'm not a huge fantasy/ sci-fi fan. However, I loved Rebecca's book! This is an excellent start to an ever expanding universe!!!
Twyla is the heroine of this story. She's 15 years old and in hiding from her biological mother. As a child, she watched Cassiopea destroy her father. When she was 8, she escaped. Now, 7 years later, she's been found... can Twyla outrun who her mother wants her to be? Or will she turn into the one thing she loathes?
There are so many twists and turns to this book and interesting characters! I can't wait to read what happens next and find out what happens to characters that got left behind at various parts of the story!
Twyla is the heroine of this story. She's 15 years old and in hiding from her biological mother. As a child, she watched Cassiopea destroy her father. When she was 8, she escaped. Now, 7 years later, she's been found... can Twyla outrun who her mother wants her to be? Or will she turn into the one thing she loathes?
There are so many twists and turns to this book and interesting characters! I can't wait to read what happens next and find out what happens to characters that got left behind at various parts of the story!
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February 22, 2023This book held my attention.
The storyline has suspense, a bit of romance and lots of action.
I was impressed that all characters and places had new names and descriptions, nothing borrowed from other authors/writers.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The storyline has suspense, a bit of romance and lots of action.
I was impressed that all characters and places had new names and descriptions, nothing borrowed from other authors/writers.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 18, 2023
I truly enjoyed this ARC I received last night in mail. Its a refreshing change. It is fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian style. But hear me out, it is easy to get lost in the story from the beginning. It is about a fifteen year girl who’s been adopted and hiding from her extremely powerful evil biological mother for years until the day after her ‘birthday’ ( not her actual birth date but when she was welcomed into her adoptive family’s home. Unfortunately, she witnessed her parents’ murder by her biological mother. Twyla’s escape was short lived and being held hostage on her mother’s planet. Her biological mother’s side of the family belongs to a group of genetically engineered telepaths which her biological mother enjoys abusing on Twyla. This heroine tries to plot an escape but her mother is able to nip it in bud threatening to hurt or kill anyone around her. Twyla’s desperation and courage pushes herself to escape with her tutor who became her friend among others. Their journey couninues from there. I need to warn there are some triggers in this book for some of you.I enjoyed and chuckled when the author used some tv shows, movies, book references in the future along with the description of her adoptive father to Abraham Lincoln. It shows this main character’ growth, maturity, quick thinking, emotions, and tiny to huge triumphs. This is the journey you’d want to take. I’m keeping this book on my shelf. Its worthy up there with Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward series and other shelf’s worthy books. You will not be disappointed. I rate 4.3 stars #escapingthedashia @rebeccainchpartridge @blackrosewriting @books_that_make_you thank you for this fantastic read! I cannot wait to read the next one in this series.
December 8, 2023
Escaping the Dashia tells the story of Twyla Splendor, a teenage girl from the Paraxous Star Cluster who has been living in the care of humans on Earth. She’s living a happy and ordinary life among humans and a few other refugees from her home cluster. Unfortunately, it’s all shattered when her birth mother, Madam Cassiopeia DeConnett, finds her and brings her home. The DeConnetts are Dashia—a group of genetically-engineered telepaths who use their powers to control some and ruin others. Their criminal organization is rich, powerful, and spans the Paraxous Cluster. What’s more, as the story progresses, Twyla discovers she has a special place in the DeConnett’s plans.
I loved the characterizations in this novel. Twyla feels like a real 15-year-old girl who is at once brave but inexperienced. She doesn’t always make the best choices and sometimes she’s just a bit too honest when dealing with Cassiopeia. Meanwhile, Twyla’s birth mother is one of the scariest villains I can remember reading in some time. While it's clear Cassiopeia will stop at nothing to achieve her objectives, she’s written well enough that sometimes you really believe she actually cares for her daughter and wants what’s best for her only to have that illusion shattered within a chapter or two. While under her mother’s care, Twyla meets a young tutor named Dovain and a relationship begins to blossom between them. Again, I liked how the relationship was portrayed with the genuine uncertainties of young romance.
I felt like Rebecca Inch-Partridge created a compelling and believable heroine in Twyla and sent her on a harrowing journey of discovery about her mother and herself. This was a real thrill-ride of a novel and well worth a read.
I loved the characterizations in this novel. Twyla feels like a real 15-year-old girl who is at once brave but inexperienced. She doesn’t always make the best choices and sometimes she’s just a bit too honest when dealing with Cassiopeia. Meanwhile, Twyla’s birth mother is one of the scariest villains I can remember reading in some time. While it's clear Cassiopeia will stop at nothing to achieve her objectives, she’s written well enough that sometimes you really believe she actually cares for her daughter and wants what’s best for her only to have that illusion shattered within a chapter or two. While under her mother’s care, Twyla meets a young tutor named Dovain and a relationship begins to blossom between them. Again, I liked how the relationship was portrayed with the genuine uncertainties of young romance.
I felt like Rebecca Inch-Partridge created a compelling and believable heroine in Twyla and sent her on a harrowing journey of discovery about her mother and herself. This was a real thrill-ride of a novel and well worth a read.
March 10, 2023
Escaping the Dashia is about Twyla, a girl who is a Dashia but hates it. She was raised by humans, but a few days after her 15 birthday her mother kidnap her.
She thinks so many ways to escape, but when its imposible she considers suicide to avoid to become a Dashia like her mother (we hate her, is a horrible person).
Then she meets Dovain, a Sian (people like birds), and they become friends.... and something more :)
Together they will try to find a way to fight Cassiopeia (Twyla's mom).
For me is a solid ⭐⭐⭐ book. It's good, but I think I could have enjoyed it more if I was closer in age with the protagonist.
However is a good book and I recomend it to young sci fi and dystipian fans.
She thinks so many ways to escape, but when its imposible she considers suicide to avoid to become a Dashia like her mother (we hate her, is a horrible person).
Then she meets Dovain, a Sian (people like birds), and they become friends.... and something more :)
Together they will try to find a way to fight Cassiopeia (Twyla's mom).
For me is a solid ⭐⭐⭐ book. It's good, but I think I could have enjoyed it more if I was closer in age with the protagonist.
However is a good book and I recomend it to young sci fi and dystipian fans.
September 9, 2025
A story that follows a teen girl named Twyla, we get to see her world through her eyes. She has empathy powers, meaning that she feels others emotions. 8 Years prior to the story, however, she came to Earth for the first time. A new family, one that has to hide and adopt her until her real dad comes to get her. Unfortunately, this doesn't work out well for them, as they are brutally slaughtered in front of her very eyes we see through, and forced to return to her disgusting, abusive mother. Her only option from here on out is to escape, and find her father.
Check out my full review here! Posted 9/15/2025
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
Check out my full review here! Posted 9/15/2025
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
March 5, 2023
Escaping the Deshia is a promising debut novel. Twyla's struggles to escape the plans of a truly evil villain, her biological mother, move the story along swiftly. When the action slows just a bit, the novel delivers fascinating looks at the alien cultures that inhabit the Paraxous Cluster and provide glimpses of the complex politics of a civilization with so much diversity. The ending closes the story neatly while still leading the reader to anticipate more to come from Twyla and Dovain.
March 19, 2023
Extraordinary teen heroine. Perfect for YA readers.
For books intended for YA audiences, this one is notably gritty, especially in the first half. Twyla is an effective protagonist, but it's her mother, the arch villain Cassie, who steals every scene she's in. Makes Mommy Dearest and Cruella de Ville look like Mary Poppins, a truly vile and scary antagonist. More Cassie, please.
For books intended for YA audiences, this one is notably gritty, especially in the first half. Twyla is an effective protagonist, but it's her mother, the arch villain Cassie, who steals every scene she's in. Makes Mommy Dearest and Cruella de Ville look like Mary Poppins, a truly vile and scary antagonist. More Cassie, please.
April 26, 2023
Be prepared for an involved ride of a read, you will love these characters and this world.
These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them.
This story is well thought out and flows nicely.
There is an immense level of detail the author puts into her setting and I think that helps the reader imagine the world vividly.
These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them.
This story is well thought out and flows nicely.
There is an immense level of detail the author puts into her setting and I think that helps the reader imagine the world vividly.
April 27, 2023
Unique story that is well written. The reader is quickly drawn to the characters and the author does an amazing job at creating emotional bonds with each.
Twyla is strong and smart, and while she is a flawed human despite her abilities, she is real.
This story gets very intense at times which I really like. It's not cookie cutter it is RAW and REAL.
Twyla is strong and smart, and while she is a flawed human despite her abilities, she is real.
This story gets very intense at times which I really like. It's not cookie cutter it is RAW and REAL.
June 4, 2023
This book is very interesting. You can see that the author has a lot going on world-building-wise. It makes you curious about what other types of worlds she has in this Star Cluster. I could see this becoming a comic book or movie series, with all the details it has about the people and the world. The plot is easy to follow.
April 29, 2023
Title: Escaping the Dashia: A Gripping YA Sci-Fi Read
Fast-paced and visceral, Escaping the Dashia immerses readers in a captivating world of manipulation and danger as tenacious Twyla fights to stay true to herself.
Fast-paced and visceral, Escaping the Dashia immerses readers in a captivating world of manipulation and danger as tenacious Twyla fights to stay true to herself.
April 25, 2023
I love stories that bring you to a whole new world as this one does.
An escape from the real world. I can not wait to finish the series.
An engrossing magical fantasy.
An escape from the real world. I can not wait to finish the series.
An engrossing magical fantasy.
October 2, 2023
I’m drawn to teenager Twyla in this intriguing sci fi novel. She’s rebellious, resilient, and resists the mind invaders, who are often close to home. It’s a new universe filled with surprising aliens and allies. I look forward to her continued adventures!
August 23, 2025
Good story line, I could see the heroine and her partner going on to further adventures.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews