Item: The Lasaran
Rating: 5.00
Author: kimbacaffeinate

by Dianne Duvall

New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi series full of action, intrigue, humor, and romance.

Taelon searches the galaxy for his younger sister, who mysteriously disappeared while on a diplomatic mission. When an ally reveals that she was seized and is being held prisoner on Earth, Taelon descends upon the blue planet, intent on freeing her and exacting vengeance. However, all does not go as planned. Before he can find her, Taelon is captured and becomes the subject of torturous experiments. For what feels like an eternity, all he knows is pain and fury… until a mind tentatively touches his own and a woman’s voice forever changes his world.

After suffering tragic losses, Lisa is finally beginning to carve out a future for herself when chance sends her to the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. What at first appears to be a benign organization seeking participants for a psychic study instead turns out to be a government facility harboring a much darker intent. Lisa discovers this too late and soon becomes the unwilling subject of a terrifying experiment. Just as fear and desperation threaten to consume her, a deep, compelling voice penetrates the looming insanity and lends her hope.

Having seen only the worst of humanity, Taelon is shocked when Lisa risks everything to free him. Together the two make their escape, and Taelon finds himself fascinated by the small human woman who—despite all she’s suffered—can still laugh and tease and lure smiles from him. Friendship swiftly grows between them as they work together to evade soldiers intent on capturing them and find themselves hunted by mystifying preternatural beings. Through it all, Lisa steadfastly remains by his side, stealing more of his heart each day while she helps him unravel the mystery of his sister’s fate. Can they find his sister before the hunters find them? If they survive their quest, will Taelon have to bid Lisa farewell… or can he coax her into leaving her planet and joining him for the adventure of a lifetime?

Dianne Duvall takes us off planet in her new sci-fi romance series, the Aldebarian Alliance. I listened over the course of two evenings and lost sleep, but it was worth it and left me with a serious book-hangover.

While this is a spinoff of the Immortal Guardians series (one of my faves), it holds its own as a new series and perfect for new listeners.

Our story opens with two tales and perspectives. Taelon is from a galaxy far-far away who sets out to find his sister, after she mysteriously disappeared. The second is from Lisa, a financially strapped college student, who does odd research studies for money. She takes part in a new study involving psychics at the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. The two will soon find themselves prisoners in a secret government facility.

Intense, addictive and brilliant, I quickly slipped into the story. Duvall shared both Lisa and Taelon’s backgrounds as she slowly moved them both into danger and unites them.

The story takes place on and off planet Earth and oh boy; it was filled with suspenseful moments, unexpected twists and reveals for fans of Duvall’s Immortal Guardian series. I held my breath and worried about both Lisa and Taelon, especially after they escaped the government compound.

The romance was sweet and involved some unusual circumstances and obstacles. I enjoyed their dynamics and their chemistry. His endearments and slang made me laugh and swoon. Lisa is brave, quick-thinking, and I cheered for her often.

I find myself tongue tied to avoid spoilers; even as I want to scream, listen now! So go grab it!

Kirsten Potter narrated and did such a wonderful job with both characters as she enhanced the tale from suspense to tender moments.

The storyline and overall plot for the series ARC has me giddy. I want more and frankly; I want it now! Duvall has promised another Immortal Guardian novel while I wait, but I seriously hope we see the next audiobook soon! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

The Lasaran (Aldebarian Alliance, #1)

by Dianne Duvall

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on Apr 18, 2020

Reading updates