So, I am not entirely sure how to feel about this book. It was written well, the world was interesting, I'm kind of conflicted when it comes to the most of the characters.
This book ends kind of abruptly, and in a way that suggests that there should be at least one more book.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am not sponsored for this post and the opinions stated below are unbiased.

Lark: is she weak or strong? The only time she seems to have a mouth on her is when she faces Kalen, the one and only alien (and master) who actually gives two rat's asses about humans. The rest of the time, she's supposedly 'invisible', as she repeatedly tells us. I don't think she's all that 'invisible'; she keeps mouthing off to Zimri (the most dangerous and violent slave trader) and, miraculously, she never gets punished for her unacceptable behaviour.

Let's put this in perspective: she's a slave. She has to obey her masters' commands and yet, there are no consequences. Either 1) Kalen swoops in and saves her rebellious ass or 2) the other masters just turn a blind eye where she's concerned; for no apparent reason.

Now, when I picked up this book, I thought I was going to get a good sci-fi intrigue, an inter-galactic space race or some sort of alien showdown. Instead, I got a very romance-heavy 200+ page story. I don't mind some romance, but not the whole goddamn book please. What happened to all the cool technology and spaceships that should come part and parcel with a sci-fi book?? I wanted space travel, aliens, super advanced technology.... all I got was a teenage love lust story pumped on hormones.

Still, I'll give it it's due, Kalen was pretty hot as a main lead, perfect book boyfriend material. Lark was an okay heroine, I would have preferred if she'd been able to take care of herself a bit more and not rely on Kalen (and everyone else) so much.

Also, what is it about Kalen's calves? I read so many times about how muscular and gorgeous is calves are.... does Lark have a calve fetish? It was so strange that she mentioned it several times. Oh and, his eyes are lavender. I get it. Move on to something else please.

The rebel group was pretty cool, even though not much was said about them. I feel like the book should have expanded on the rebel group a lot more. I wanted to read about them, their backstories and why they were fighting (apart from the obvious). Unfortunately, most all of the attention was focused on Lark and Kalen and as a result, I didn't really feel anything for the side characters.

On a side note, whatever happened to Lark's dog back on Earth?!? When she was captured, her dog was also caught and then... that's it? No conclusion to what happened to her?? It's a small detail, but I was upset that there was no closure surrounding the fate of the dog. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, it wasn't a bad read. It was interesting enough that I read it all in one day. If you enjoy sci-fi, then I'd say that you'll be disappointed with this book. The SF stuff happens in the background and isn't really relevant. If you like romance and steamy making out/sex scenes, this might be the one for you. 

Read my full review on my blog: vicsense.wordpress.com/2018/01/09/the-vanishing-spark-of-dusk/

The Vanishing Spark Of Dusk is the perfect mixture of science fiction, aliens without humanity, some with humanity, strong humans with empathy, and a well-developed romance.


The story revolves around Lark, a native on Earth, who hasn't been captured by the alien-controlled mercenaries and traded to slavery, yet. That does happen, though, and she is transported to Tavdora, a planet where humans are brought, sold, and used as slaves. Things become worse from bad for Lark but maybe Kalen, the inheritor of the slave-trading company, is the good in this all. The plot, as such, is quite interesting with the inhumane tendencies of the aliens being used to its best by pouring in slavery and loads of torture. It struck my heart's chords with the main focus of the story being freedom, escape, and the need to go back home.

There's some great character development in this book which would be my first reason to recommend this. Lark, who preferred to stay hidden, out-of-sight and not being payed attention to, speaks up to be heard, given the circumstances. When the story starts out, I felt a little annoyed at her for not being a vocal person (maybe because I'm one) but the way she develops and essentially evolves into this strong woman who speaks out her opinion clearly, stands up for her people and even risks everything to get the right thing done, all the while keeping her compassion the only driving force, I grew fond of her. If Lark wasn't enough to win my heart, Kaylen was more than enough. His personality was well-thought out by the conflicts he faces, the inner turmoil he often went through, and despite of being the next in line to a royal life, he holds strong on his views regarding slavery—how passionately he opposes it. While I'm at it, I'll even appreciate how emotional he was, not holding off his tears at times when he felt devastated. Also, how he understood Lark so well and the respect he gave to not only Lark, but to all the women he knew, slaves or not. It's always nice to stumble upon characters who make me happy and sad at the same time, and I'm glad this book gave me those.

In fact, not just the main characters, but even the supporting ones were interesting in their own way and developed as well. None of them had characteristics constricted by stereotypes; there were those who belonged to the wrong side simply because they had no choice, while a few had their own stories that forced them to choose this path. I'll not be naming names because a spoiler-free review is what I'm intending to write, but there are a few twists here and there that make you raise your eyebrows at the bad guys one in a while because you hadn't expected something they just did—in a good way.

The writing is one of the strong features of this book. There's detailed prose to give the clear picture of what's occurring and more often than not, they are studded with some beautiful words. The world-building is a great result from this picturesque writing; there are violet eyes, hoverboards, spaceships, and even bioluminescent plants to create the world this story is set in. Dialogues are spoken by the right people at the right place and in the right setting.

The romance that slowly strengthens between Kayle and Lark is worth 300 pages and never seemed too dragging. Though there's an attraction, it doesn't take the front seat in the romantic representation. They respect each other, trust one another, and eventually fall for the other. It's gradual and each interaction between them—cute, angry or sexy—is like a stepping stone to their flourished feelings.

Moving on, there's just enough science-fiction in this novel that lets me count it as one. Though, there aren't all that many technological gadgets or scientific theories, I did like it for the space pirates, an interplanetary rebellion, and aliens who look almost human—expect for violet eyes and a tall height. Moreover, the fact that the story line touches the most gifted and probably the best trait of a human, humanity, as the deciding factor in what's right or wrong, strikes a chord and is a pleasure to see become the undercover hero of this story.

Overall, I loved this and would recommend it to all those who are looking for a science-fiction that doesn't confine humanity to just humans and a romance that develops alongside the story.

In everything you do, Lark, no matter the consequences, be heard.

Entangled Teen is back with a scifi book that thoroughly hooked me and left me breathless and wanting more of the characters and the world. In this book, Humans and other alien life are slaves to the Tavdorians, an alien race. They use slaves to take care of their planet. Lark becomes a slave and must figure out how to escape.

There were a lot of positives to outweigh the one negative that kept me from giving this book 5 (five) stars. One super positive was the message this book was delivering. Racism is rampant in this book. The MC, Lark, judges the Tavdorians just like the Tavdorians judge humans. During the course of this book, those feelings change and you start to see really growth from everyone and their prejudice slowly fade.

Another positive was the LGBT aspect. Kalen's sister had a girlfriend and no one thought twice about it. It was completely and totally accepted as an everyday thing as it should be. It pleases me that more and more books are doing this because honestly it's a part of everyday life. There is no reason it shouldn't be involved in books.

Speaking of Kalen, he made this book. He was so completely understanding and patient with Lark. I loved his saving people thing (as Hermione would say). He was just such an amazing person and I adored everything about his character. I wish we could have gotten a POV from him.

My only complain was Lark. For the most part, I enjoyed her POV. She had a great character arc, which you all know I'm a sucker for, but damn she made dumb decisions. I understood her need to escape slavery but she didn't think things through. She just let her emotions get in the way of her goal. It was frustrating at times.

Overall, I was totally enthralled. I would have loved to get more history of how the enslavement happened and what Earth is like. But I think Sara Baysinger has set up a really cool world. My only question is where is the sequel??

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I feel like I will be one of the only people who did not enjoy this book. Sadly I did not finish it. I wanted to love it, I really did. It sounded exactly like the kind of book I (and many others) would appreciate, with hints of rebellion, a forbidden romance and space travel. I thought that despite the strong beginning to the book, everything seemed a bit forced and too easy or convenient for our heroine. I did not like Kalen or Lark at all, even though I wanted to. Some of their interactions were very cliche. I enjoyed the premise of this plot, but overall I think it missed the mark. In the end I stopped reading at approximately 55% of the way through. I am not sure if I will continue to read this book in the future, and at this time would not recommend to friends or family.

Have you ever read a book that you enjoyed so much it becomes difficult to write a review? I’m trying very hard to find the middle ground between objective reviewer and fan girl! At the end of the day, The Vanishing Spark of Dusk by Sara Baysinger is an amazing read. A fascinating story of betrayal, isolation, love, and most importantly, hope.

The Vanishing Spark of Dusk captivated me from almost the first page. The author has created a world where humans are repressed; the majority are slaves, the rest in hiding trying to avoid capture. The author has managed to capture the mood perfectly. From the choice of language, the pacing, and the descriptions, she paints a world where the ‘free’ humans live in a constant state of fear of discovery while at the same they are trying to live and enjoy their lives as much as possible. Once Lark is captured and taken off world the mood shifts and swings depending upon what is happening at any given time; from feelings of terror and dread to moments of happiness and hope.

This book is naturally, considering the topic, an emotional rollercoaster, the mood of the novel is never static and the author has done a wonderful job of being able to portray these, sometimes rapidly, shifting emotional moods with a lovely writing style that never makes you feel like you are making dramatic leaps; instead it smoothly flows from one scene to another.

The character development is one of the highlights of the novel. The physical differences between the Tavdorians and the Humans are always evident, but beyond the physical they are very similar. Both races have equal ability to be kind or malicious, to betray or be loyal, to love and to hate. The author has shown a full emotional range in her characters, regardless of race there are those that you like, those that you despise, those that you can understand why they do what they do, and those you fall in love with.

Don’t be fooled by the Entangled Teen imprint, this book is suitable for all adults. I think it may be classed as YA as the main character, Lark, is only 17yo but I completely forgot her age as her behaviour is, for the most part, extremely mature and the concepts, language, and activities in the book were of an adult level.

This book was completely addictive; I just couldn’t put it down and loved every minute of it. This review really hasn’t done the book justice; you need to read it to fully appreciate it. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Well written book with a great plot and characters. This book has action, romance, aliens and space pirates. Sara Baysinger is very imaginative, i love the Universe she created. The book can be slow going at times.....but so worth the read! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.

When I heard that Sara had a new book, I eagerly signed up to review. I didn't care what it was about, I just knew that I love Sara's writing so I wanted to experience it again. The Vanishing Spark of Dusk is written with Sara's signature style. I'd like to pause momentarily to bring you some warnings.

First, this book doesn't fit under the Christian fiction umbrella. After reading it, I'm not even sure I would label it clean. It's not that there's gratuitous amounts of language (although there is some) or intimacy (although there was some that passed what I would claim as clean) but it was because I wasn't expecting the level that there was. Therefore, I caution you, if you have triggers with language or intimacy pass simple kissing, you may want to think twice before reading this.

That being said, it's still a good read. Granted I skipped over the above issues but it didn't take away from the fact that Ms. Baysinger delves into some really good issues, (i.e., slavery). There were a few secondary characters in this novel who broke my heart with their love and wisdom. I know that sounds weird but if you've read this already you understand. Slavery isn't an easy issue and this book portrays that.

All in all, I'd give this book a 3.5. I did like it but some things about it, I didn't like or agree with.

*I was provided a free copy of this book by the publisher. This review is my own honest, opinion.

***2.5/5 Stars***

The beginning of The Vanishing Spark of Dust was magnificent. It contained a heroine who I knew would come out of her shell, an alien who was forbidden but oh so addicting and a world that was beyond fascinating yet terrifying at the same time. I was completely glued to the pages and thought that I had found my next favorite book. But at 10% into the book, everything changed for me. There were two triggers that adversely affected me. And they made me take a huge step back emotionally, and unfortunately I wasn't able to connect to the characters again. I tried again and again to feel what I did for Lark, our heroine, and Kalen, our alien, yet it never happened.

My eyes start to burn. My chest heaves. And I break. Shatter. Fall to my knees. And I don’t know if these are teardrops or water dripping down my face, but I don’t care because I’m broken. So broken.


So two of my triggers are cruelty or death to animals and children. And this sadly had both of those. In the first instance, we don't get to know what happens to the dog that follows Lark around. Something happened during Lark's kidnapping, and I was left reeling. There's no closure or answers to what happened to her little dog. I thought that possibly down the road we would find out, but by that last page we are still just as clueless. And while that really bothered me, the next thing that happened upset me even more. In the second instance, a child gets killed point blank. And it's not just some random child, but one that I became attached to. It was extremely hard to read, and it was difficult each time Lark rehashed or thought about what happened. I truly wish those scenes didn't affect me so strongly, or that I didnt have these triggers, but unfortunately it is what it is.

Kalen said never to mention freedom again, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight for it. And I will. I’ll fight for it—I’ll risk my life for it. Because a life as a slave isn’t life at all.


So after those two events, which were pretty close to one another, I struggled big time. I couldn't find my way back to connecting to Lark or Kalen who has serious book boyfriend potential. Sigh. I read till the very end because I thought that something would grab me and pull me back in. But all I could feel was indifference. So while this book didn't work out for me, some of my book friends may truly enjoy this story. And just know that while the book ended at a great stopping place, the door was definitely left open for a future book. So here's hoping that if you give this book a shot, you'll end up enjoying this story much more than I did.

*ARC kindly provided by Entangled Teen via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Wow! I came expecting one thing and got another!

The plot in The Vanishing Spark is full of action and romance. There's so much at play here - rebel groups, evil men, space journeys, and a divided family. I couldn't flip the pages fast enough! I just wanted to know everything! The romance was steamy. Lark and Kalen had such a great dynamic - I loved how they constantly would push at each other's buttons. Plus their ending was sooooo freaking adorable.

I think I've found a new favourite author and I can't wait to read more from her! I highly recommend reading this one! The Vanishing Spark of Dusk by Sara Baysinger comes out today, I can't wait to buy my own copy! :D

4.5 Stars!

To me, this story was more NA than YA. Although age wasn't mentioned, there was some mature content and the main characters appeared to be living and making life choices of someone in their 20's. Granted this is sci-fi and maybe the ages of the characters were meant to be irrelevant. As an adult reader, I enjoyed this book tremendously and wouldn’t hesitate to read more like it.

The Vanishing Spark of Dusk was intense, romantic, gut-wrenching, and eerily reminiscent of a not-so-long-ago past. I enjoy sci-fi/alien/romance stories and this one was all that and so much more. It was somewhat of an allegorical re-telling of America’s own history with slavery. The effect on me was visceral as I read about the subordinate and inhumane treatment of alien slaves. Much like how I have felt when reading or watching movies about American slavery or Native American displacement. That along with the suspense of attempted escapes, threat of capture, or impending punishments; I often felt on edge and had to put the book down for moments of respite. To be fair, it never stopped me from picking it back up and continuing on and my imagination and fears were always much worse than what actually occurred.

As for the romance, I was hooked. With so many obstacles in the way of Lark and Kalen’s forbidden romance, it was thrilling to watch them dance around their attraction and tentatively throw caution aside. Overall, this was a wonderful story that ends with a satisfying conclusion, but with the definite hints of a continuing series. If so, I’m on board for reading more of this world. (This is my voluntary and unbiased review of an advanced copy of The Vanishing Spark of Dusk via Entangled Teen and Netgalley)

The Vanishing Spark of Dusk by Sara Baysinger is a young adult science fiction fantasy romance read. And before I even begin to share my thoughts on this book I’d like to say that while this one looks to be a standalone novel I’d highly encourage the author to continue with this world and characters she created and turn this one into a series. This for me was one of those books that had a perfectly acceptable ending but I so did not want it to end, I wanted the story to go on and could see so much more to explore with the world and characters she created.

Starting off reading this one I found myself comparing it to a couple of things and wondered if I would find a story that felt like more of the same old and not something new but thankfully that feeling went away rather quickly. When first meeting Lark we find that she and her family reside in a hidden community still free from slavery. As she mentions shucking corn I got this picture in my head of the farm in the Walking Dead where Hershel’s family was living in their own little bubble free from the chaos of the world around them. Now Lark’s fear and chaos of her world of course isn’t the zombie apocalypse but an alien race, the Tavdorians, that have been capturing and enslaving humans for years.

There are also things in this story that remind me a bit of The Hunger Games series. Now of course that series is simply human greed and excess and nothing to do with aliens but there were just little twinges here and there that brought it to mind. But don’t worry at all in thinking that this one is exactly like any thing else because it certainly did create it’s own world and characters that I fell in love with along the way. Lark is much like Katniss though in her determination and strength to survive to one day see her family again and that spark that is needed to fuel the change that the world created within the pages of the story needed.

As for the romance side of the book I’d also say not to worry to those that wonder if we have a case of insta-love that is so often found, no thankfully it does not begin that way. The story takes place over the course of several months and things were built into the book slowly over the course of the entire story. In the beginning when Lark and Kalen meet she knows little of the Tavdorians having never actually seen or met one so she sees them all as vicious slave trading parasites.The misconceptions and generalizations from each species remind me a lot of the stereotyping we have in our world just among humans so the issues seemed realistic but expanded to other worlds.

Now while it’s probably obvious by now that I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend reading it I would also warn that while this is young adult the content should probably be for more mature readers. There’s nothing overly graphic but it’s a book based around slavery and that isn’t a pretty thing in itself but also had some sexual situations brought into the mix along with partying and drinking so I’d keep that in mind. Otherwise a definite five stars and two thumbs up from this reader from the beautiful cover to the very end of the story.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

4 stars — Wow. Again, why don’t I read more science fiction?? I would have missed out on this gem if I wasn’t determined to stretch myself this year!

OK, before I get going on my review, I just wanted to note that I would call this book mature YA rather than just normal YA. While I have no problems with all sorts of content, I do notice that people get up in arms about this issue, so I figured I would note it. The book does not go into any explicit detail about the actual act, but it’s not completely fade to black. I could see how some might think it skirts the line without crossing, kwim? Consider yourself warned, and hopefully you will still choose to decide for yourself because I highly recommend it! Obligation fulfilled.

I absolutely loved the universe that Ms. Baysinger created…it was heartbreaking and gutwrenching yes, but it was also so beautifully detailed that I felt like I could really imagine Tavdoria and the experiences of both Humans and aliens alike. And the journey that Lark goes on is one with a remarkable amount of growth. But it was still believable growth, even as she changed dramatically from who she was on Earth to who she became on Tavdoria…mostly believable because her circumstances completely changed, and so I feel like she adapted in a realistic way. I was a bit skeptical at first, b/c she was so timid and almost a doormat on Earth, and it seemed like she did a complete about face. But having her freedom taken away, and experiencing the other traumas she did (betrayal, Rika), I can see how it would have a profound effect on her.

I really did empathize with Lark, and I could see a lot myself in her. I LOVED how her empathy was one of her greatest strengths. And it came into play so often! I could vibe with most of what she felt in this story, I could see myself reacting similarly. Though sometimes her boldness made me cringe, b/c I am probably more like the Lark of Earth in that I don’t like attention.

Kalen was a really intriguing hero…I felt so bad for him a lot of the time. He struggled so much with what he felt inside, what his mother taught him, and what he believed was true about Tavdorian society. I thought it was interesting to have our hero be kind of questionable, almost an anti-hero; to be in such a position of power but be so indoctrinated and easily influenced by his family, that even as he felt slavery was wrong, he still believed that nothing he could do would make a difference. I really did love him though, even though he was such a flawed hero. I truly did believe him right from the start about his feelings for Lark, I could feel how genuine he was. As a result I felt for him as he was constantly second guessed and doubted. Honestly, the longer Lark didn’t trust him, the more I wondered if I was wrong all along. And truthfully, I felt like that was drawn out a bit long for me. It’s funny that in the end he wasn’t 100% with the cause, but more just wanted Lark and whatever was safe for her. It was an interesting character arc for him.

I enjoyed their romance too…it added just that little bit extra to the story, and I had lots of instances of tummy butterflies. It was sweet, and poignant, and it made me want to smack them sometimes. 😛 So all good things.

Interesting secondary characters in this one as well, quite an extensive cast in fact. Some that I LOVED, some that I decidedly did NOT. Number one on the love list was definitely the Renegade Tavdorians, they were awesome. I’m going to be a bit vague here, b/c I don’t want to spoil any twists. Obviously loved Neptune as well, though it wasn’t until just slightly before his reveal that I figured things out…good twist there. Speaking of twists, I didn’t see the Starfinder co-pilot coming! I mean, a part of me wondered if there was more to him, but in the end I bought his act along with Lark. Obviously liked both Vermilia and Bram, and didn’t really like Bralia. I will admit I was a bit sad that none of the slaves in the Rydell household really saw Kalen for who he could be, saw his potential in the same way as Lark…they all warned her off him. But then again, they all grew up as slaves. I was NOT a fan of Tariq in the end…for obvious reasons. I did appreciate that some of the bad guys were given a bit of depth…not excuses for their behavior, but at least an understanding of where their behavior came from.

Honestly, the only real problem I had with the story was that it felt a bit drawn out…like it could have been tightened up in a few places. I spend so much time second guessing things and waiting for shoes to drop, that it almost took me out of the story. Perhaps that’s just though.

Now the only question I have left: WILL THERE BE A SEQUEL??? WAS THIS A STANDALONE???? I NEED TO KNOW! I was satisfied with the ending, but I could also see more being added to the story, so I’m curious…mildly…greatly…one of those.

I have read other books by Sara Baysinger that I have enjoyed. The Vanishing Spark of Dusk was not one of them. When Lark is stolen from earth and taken to another planet to be a slave she becomes involved with a revolution and her owner. I liked the premise of the story but this book contained content and language that I didn't agree with and won't read the rest of the series.

I received this book from Sara Baysinger for my honest review and all opinions are my own.

Such a beautiful book! Soo happy I got to read this! It was so perfect and the ending was adorable!

The Vanishing Spark of Dusk
Sara Baysinger
Book Review: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥❣

Lark lives on planet earth. Her family comply with another planets rules in the hope they will leave them alone, but when two slaves escape everything changes. The aliens are cruel. Lark's haven knows they shouldn't take in some of the slaves, but it's hard not to help the needy. Lark is betrayed by a close friend. She finds herself on her way to a foreign planet with no hope of returning.

Kalen is a son of a slave trader. He is a sympathises but wants his father to be proud of him. Lark is about to shake up his world and he can't help but save her.

Their kind don't mix. They are not equal and the certainty shouldn't fall in love.

I don't think I've read an alien romance before. The vanishing spark of dusk was really interesting from beginning to end. It had some great concepts to get you thinking and the story was really imaginative.

4.5 stars out of 5. *ARC



ebook £4.98

Expected publication: January 8th 2018 by Entangled TEEN

"The Vanishing Spark of Dusk" is a fantastic sci-fi/fantasy/romance that is suitable for older teens in the YA category or NA readers (due to content, in my opinion). We follow Lark, who is a "native" human- one of the few humans left free on Earth. Most humans have been enslaved by the Tavdorians, either to work on plantations on Earth or as slaves on the other planets they have conquered and enslaved. Although native slaves are worth twice as much as other slaves, Lark's community has a deal with the Tavdorian plantation owner next to them- they keep to themselves and he leaves them be. Everything is about to change when two runaways escape into Lark's community and they give them asylum.

Lark lives with her mother and the rest of the community in relative harmony- and blissful ignorance. Her brother left a few years before to join an army in Colorado to fight slavery- because what is being free if others are enslaved? Lark didn't really understand. She is happy with her boyfriend Josiah- until she learns that he hasn't been truthful with her during their relationship and betrays her, leading to the death of her friend. Sold into slavery, she is protected by a Tavdorian she met briefly while free- Kalen. Lark fights to secure her freedom and avenge her friend's death, but she soon learns it is futile to fight in this manner. Never losing her spirit, Lark becomes the slave for Kalen whose family owns an importing company- whose largest import has become slaves.

The book is broken into a few parts, and I felt that each part could have been fleshed out into a book. Although the ending had good closure, it was still open enough that there could be a sequel. While I absolutely devoured this book (so good I couldn't put it down!), I actually might have liked to see it broken into more books so I could learn even more about these worlds and Lark. We only get a flavor of her life as a free person at the beginning before moving on to her life as a slave. The pace after that first part does slow down a bit, but there is still a lot of content to unwrap and think about. That being said, it was all easy to follow and I never got lost in the plot or the new worlds created here.

There were a lot of views on slavery espoused by different characters in the book, echoing some of the views held by humans in the past, and this could potentially spark some good discussions. Lark's situation was a bit ideal in some ways, but she still received some small tastes of the harsher sides of slavery. As for the romance, I really enjoyed the slow build of Kalen and Lark's relationship. I think it really helped that they met (very beginning of the book) while she was still free, and so there wasn't a stark power differential from the get-go that brings in some questions about validity. The focus of the book is really on Lark, so while we get to know Kalen decently well, we really get into Lark's mind. Lark was easy to like and empathize with, the ideal character for the story, and I liked reading her perspective. Speaking of romance, there are some really steamy scenes, including eventually a sex scene (with some detail) that might make this appropriate for older teens.

Overall, this is a really fantastic sci-fi/romance, and I absolutely enjoyed every second of it- I would love to read more from this author! I highly recommend to sci-fi/fantasy lovers- this book is sure to be a hit! Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Noteworthy experiences while reading this book: WOW so far on of the best of 2018!

Check out author's other books? YES
Recommend this book? YES

Notes and Opinions: Man this book was fabulous! This one had a slower start but once it got going I was entrawled in the story and I couldn't put it down. In this one a girl is kidnapped and turned into a slave to fight for her freedom and find love in the most unexpeceted places. The author did a great job with the build up and just everything about this story. The characters were wonderful and I just fell in love with each of them. The world building in this one was beautiful!

Go Into This One Knowing: Redemption, Romance, Survival


This book was reviewed by Lauren

I received an ARC copy from netgalley for my honest review,  so thank you netgalley and publishers for offering me this book! ♡
This is a story is about :
Stand up.
When Lark is stolen from Earth to be a slave on the planet Tavdora, she’s determined to find her way back home to her family, no matter the cost. Placed in the household of a notorious slave trader, Lark quickly learns her best assets are her eyes and ears. And if she’s brave enough, her voice.
Be heard.
Kalen is the Tavdorian son of a slave trader and in line to inherit his father’s business. But his growing feelings for Lark, the new house slave who dares to speak of freedom, compel him to reveal his new plan for the slave ships returning to Earth—escape. Together, they just might spark a change that flares across the universe.
I really enjoyed this novel. I couldn't put it down! It was packed full of action, romance, suspense, humor, and wisdom It was very interesting This was my first book by this author, however I did enjoy it! It was fast paced and just alltogether an easy read. I give this book a 4.5 star rating!