Title: Forged in Shadow
Author: Anna Carven
First published October 5, 2016
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.26
Overview
Captain Ava Kaidan is facing an impossible situation. Her crew is stranded on a remote planet, with dwindling supplies and no way to contact the outside world.
To make matters worse, they’re being hunted by a group of dangerous and unpredictable aliens, known as the Vaxxarians, who are intent on wiping out all human life. Amongst the chaos, Ava finds herself drawn to one particular Vaxxarian, a warrior named Xander, who seems to have a personal interest in her.
As they navigate the treacherous terrain together, Ava must decide whether to trust her instincts and follow her heart, or stay true to her duty as a leader and protect her crew at all costs.
About the Author
Meet Anna Carven, a creative soul who loves to daydream. She shares a castle in the jungle with her grumpy Overlord and Little Storm, and enjoys growing delicious things, putting off laundry, and taking leisurely drives to the beach with her loved ones on Saturdays.
Anna is a big fan of alpha heroes who have a tough exterior but are secret softies when it comes to their destined partners and cherished little ones.
If you want to keep up with Anna’s latest releases and stay in touch, you can connect with her on Facebook or sign up for her mailing list.
Editoral Review
Forged in Shadow by Anna Carven is a thrilling space opera that promises a captivating read from start to finish. The novel was first published on October 5, 2016, and has since garnered a devoted fan base due to its innovative take on the sci-fi genre.
Carven, known for her popular sci-fi romance series Dark Planet Warriors, brings her signature brand of world-building and character development to Forged in Shadow. The novel features a ragtag group of space outlaws who are forced to band together for a common cause.
Throughout their travels, they encounter a host of dangerous enemies and obstacles, including an evil dictator bent on ruling the galaxy. The novel is a strong departure from the classic sci-fi tropes of spaceships, lasers, and aliens, that have become a fixture of the genre.
Instead, Carven delves deeper into the stories of the individual characters who inhabit her universe. Their struggles and interpersonal relationships are at the heart of the novel and keep readers engaged until the very end.
One of the strongest aspects of Forged in Shadow is Carven’s skillful pacing. The action moves smoothly and quickly from one exciting event to another, never allowing readers to lose interest.
The characters are given ample time to develop and grow, but the plot never stalls or meanders. Despite its imaginative scale and scope, Forged in Shadow is also surprisingly grounded in its depiction of its characters’ emotions and motivations.
Carven never relies solely on action sequences to drive her story forward; the characters’ inner lives are just as important to her. This creates a richer and more nuanced reading experience for the audience.
That said, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the writing can be somewhat clunky or heavy-handed, particularly when it comes to exposition.
Some of the dialogue can also come across as stilted or unnatural. However, these flaws are not enough to detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, Forged in Shadow is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a fresh take on the sci-fi genre. It deftly blends elements of space opera, romance, and action-adventure, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Fans of Anna Carven’s previous works are sure to love this new offering, while newcomers will quickly become hooked on her unique brand of storytelling. I give Forged in Shadow four out of five stars, with the caveat that it may not be for everyone.
While the pacing is strong and the character development is impressive, some readers may find the narrative style off-putting. However, for those who enjoy inventive science fiction with heart and humor, this book is a must-read.
