This book is probably one of the cutest books I have ever read. Feener pulls you in from the beginning with an amazing problem: Delaney’s body has been turned into that of an alien princess and the princess’s body guard, Ander Ruckus, takes Delaney from Earth, thinking she is the alien princess, to bring her back home. Of course by the time he realizes his mistake they are already across the stars and almost to his world. As they near the planet Ruckus realizes how he needs Delaney to at least pretend she is the princess in order to keep a war from happening. She agrees to help, but of course, nothing is ever that easy. Someone wants to kill the princess Olena. But who has ordered the hit?

Do I have you reeled in yet? Doesn’t this book sound like a must read?

What can I say about this book besides it’s so damn cute? As I write this review I’m finding it hard to explain how awesome this book is because of all the cuteness that is wrapped up in a perfect package for a star-cross love story. There’s mystery, suspense, futuristic coolness, a love story that makes your toes curl and leaves you wanting more. Ruckus was perfect for the main love interest. I was drawn to him instantly with his protectiveness and noble demeanor. As for Tristan, Olena’s betrothed, I love how he was all rough edges and coldness. As the story continued I found myself more and more intrigued with Tristan, the alien prince. And I’m very eager to see how this interesting love triangle plays out.

Feener has given us a true charm with her first book of the Xenith trilogy. Amid Stars and Darkness is a must read for anyone looking for that super cute love story that makes you smile when you least expect it and leaves you wanting more and more. I am very much looking forward to Feener’s sequel to Amid Stars and Darkness. Be sure to check it out!

I didn't love this -- and I so desperately wanted to! The Prince and the Pauper, but a sci-fi retelling? Sign-me up! Unfortunately the main character fell flat for me, I need something a bit more inspirational to recommend to my readers.

This is a little too old for my library but I could recommend to a few mature 8th graders that crave romance. I didn't love everything about this book. But it was a good faced paced actiony romance. Mostly I hated that it seems it will be a love triangle in the next few books and I don't really feel the other potential romantic interest is worth it. He is borderline abusive to the main character in the beginning. Granted he thinks she is someone he despises but that doesn't excuse an attempted murder and physically threatening her. I will read the next book in the series because I do want to know what happens. The world building was pretty cool and the characters besides Trystan were fairly likable.

Oh, cliff hanger! Besides that I simply loved this book. It took a little while for me to get sucked in because of the process of world building and not knowing understanding what certain things and people are however, the action starts off pretty quickly.

Aliens, they do exist. And the Vakar and the Kinks are on the verge of having a war with each other. Delaney mistakenly gets abducted because she looks like the Vakar's runaway princess. Delaney now has to pretend to be Lissa Olena when she knows nothing about their world or customs. The universe depends on her duping her betrothed in to thinking she's the princes or war would inevitably erupt. I can't wait until the next book. Sweet, sweet torture, why?

Feener, Chani Lynn Amid Stars and Darkness, 368 pages. Swoon Reads (Macmillan), 2017. $18. Language: R (50 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, petting); Violence: PG (some shooting).

As Delaney is leaving the club, she bumps into a beautiful alien girl. Next thing she knows, she has been abducted and whisked off to another planet. Turns out the alien girl is a runaway princess and she did something to Delaney so that everyone thinks she is the princess, or Lissa. The Lissa is betrothed to another planet’s prince and if her were to discover the ruse, the consequences would be war between the worlds and devastation for Earth. Delaney is a decidedly uncooperative Lissa. It is only her intrigue for her new bodyguard, Ander Ruckus, and his promise that as soon as they find the runaway Delaney will get her life and identity back, which is keeping her even sort of under control. Everyone has a lot of lies to juggle in order to keep everyone else safe.

Its been a couple of years since the height of the alien romance craze. If your earlier entires have become stale, then choose this for a fresh infusion.

HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

I love stories that have to do with space and alien, so I enjoyed this story. I found the first half of the story a bit slow for a space book, but felt that it did lead and help build the world and characters. I also, enjoy when someone has to act and play a role to save, in this case, the many different races. I love the tech in the world, and how the aliens have their own culture. The push and pull between characters really carry this book.


Once, I get about 50-60% I started liking the book even more. Though I didn't contact with any characters, my favorite part is the world. The culture, tech and the style of this world.


I have to say that this YA sci-fi romance from debut author Chani Lynn Feener is an enjoyable read. And that Author Chani Lynn Feener, writing style flows, and building of her world is wonderful. Space romance makes a fun read!

So here's the deal. I actually tend to really enjoy Swoon Reads books. They're generally light and fluffy, offer some sweet romance, and are overall fast reads. And AMID STARS AND DARKNESS lives up to that exact description. Light and fluffy, with sweet romance and definitely a fast read.

While you really kind of have to suspend a lot of disbelief for the premise to work, once I did, it was a fun ride. Feener created a super adorable couple with Delaney and Ruckus, and I loved watching their romance grow. Ruckus was super sweet but also pretty badass, and I loved how dedicated he was to his job, even though most everybody hated Olena, the princess Delaney was imitating. Delaney is amusing and relatable, and well-fleshed out as a character.

The plot was fast and the pacing well done. There were a few slower moments, but nothing too distracting. My biggest complaint is what a jerk Trystan is, and the ending. The book could have been so perfect if not for the last few paragraphs. In fact, just skip the epilogue! You'll be better off.

While I'm looking forward to the next book in The Xenith Trilogy, I'm also a little unsure as to whether I'm going to enjoy the direction it seems it might be going. I'm not one for a love triangle but I could certainly see that come up. However, AMID STARS AND DARKNESS is a perfect afternoon read, something I didn't have to invest much in but still had good entertainment value.

“Douche bag gene” !!!!!

I was howling!!!!!

I loved that book up until I read those 3 words and then right there, it went straight to be added to my most beloved series. I say series, because of how it ended there is no way that there isn’t a sequel in the making.

And my next big (oh so very expected) question is well.. when?

I need to know!!!

And I strongly believe that once you read this book you will be asking yourself the same question.

The book is so well written, the story really original in the plot line and the characters. We all know I love sci-fi fi and badass heroins, and Delaney is bloody amazing!

She is not badass as in she could kick everyone into next week, but more into who she is, though she did have some really good moves!! I loved her for her attitude and for the fact that she did not let the situation she finds herself in take her spirit away from her.

I could not blame anyone who would have been really rattled and not handling it all so well, but my Delaney (I am claiming her now!) is no weakling. Other than Delaney we also have Ruckus and well Trystan.

Do we have a love triangle?

I will be honest, I think we do. No…. not think, I know!

The reason I say this is because of the evolution of Trystan… Read the book and we can discuss this further!

I would be curious to know if you see this the same way I do.

But really guys and dolls Amid Stars and Darkness is just out of this world (all puns intended) wonderful. It is witty, funny, exciting and with a lot of heart! You know I am going to recommend it and still I am asking when is book 2 coming and if it is more than a duology, how many planned the series?

First thought about this book, aliens and humans interacting together, that’s new. Though I honestly kind of forgot the alien part of this book. You see, when I request for a book tour, I sometimes forget what the book I requested was about unless I’m already familiar with it. And yeah, I kind of forgot the alien part of this book but hey, it was one of the things I love about reading, when I have no idea what I was reading and let it surprise me.


I wanna talk about the characters first. Let’s talk about our main hero, Delaney Grace.

I like her character. She’s feisty, brave, and she’s a bit wild when it comes to rules and authority. Though it wasn’t her job to protect the Earth, she still did. However, she sometimes bore me. Well maybe not sometimes but it wasn’t also most of the times. There are just parts of the book that she really bore me. If it wasn’t for other characters or situations, I would’ve not continue reading it.



Let’s go to Ruckus, the Ander, or Commander, who kidnapped Delaney.

Okay. I don’t know what to feel towards this guy. He didn’t left an impact to me. If he wasn’t the Ander, I wouldn’t feel his character at all. I don’t know why he came out as a dull character to me. Just like Delaney, he bore me. There’s nothing in him that fascinates me, nothing in him that made me want to swoon over him. Just, meh.



Then there’s Trystan, Prince of Kints.

I also don’t know why but Trystan was the only character that I find interesting. He’s mysterious, and mean, and yeah, he’s also a douche. So I don’t know exactly why I find him interesting at all. Haha! But he’s the reason why I finished reading the book and probably the reason why I will read the next book. I want to know how he was connected to the rebellion or if he’s connected at all, why. He reminded me of Nehemia from Throne of Glass, somehow. Haha!



Now let’s go to the story.

It was a great story. There was a bit of mystery in it. And it has an amazing concept that I got hooked immediately. Though there was a romance in it, I didn’t quite felt it because I was so fascinated by the gadgets and other things in it, like new inventions, new species, science stuff. It was amazing how Chani somehow created a scientific explanation to telepathy if it were possible.

Then there was the problem about Delaney’s freedom. Delaney has nothing to do with the planet that kidnapped her, if she was a selfish person, she wouldn’t agree with the deal that got handed to her and the planet could be damned for all she cares. But then she’s not a selfish person and the least the King and the Queen could do to her is treat her nicely and not threaten her with Earth being enslaved if she won’t cooperate. Instead, she was left alone without proper guidance and proper knowledge about the planet she’s in and then toss her there to deal with stuff that needs dealing. Seriously wtf.

And then the ending. I knew the ending was too good to be true. I knew it. So I was kind of still looking for something even as I was reading the epilogue. But then I was thinking that this book is a standalone so what could possibly still be wrong? And then I reached the last sentence and my reaction was like ,"NO!"


Legit! Now I can’t wait to read the next book! I am so curious about Trystan! It was him on that last page and on that last sentence. I need to know why! And I don’t know how long I will wait to find out. I just hope not just long.

To wrap this up, the story is great bessies. I’m not that into alien reads, and I think this is my first alien read, but it’s a good story. I would recommend you bessy should this read this.

Amid Stars and Darkness is a fun read about a girl who gets abducted by aliens when she’s mistaken as their rogue princess. I shouldn’t really say mistaken though, because it’s not some doppelgänger type thing. The princess actually had some high-tech device that allowed her to alter a person’s appearance to her own. So, when she needed to give her royal guards the slip, she used it on Delaney without anyone realizing what had happened until it was too late. Unfortunately for Delaney, the Princess is betrothed to a prince from another planet, a hostile planet that would like nothing more than to have an excuse to eradicate both her kind, and the human race on Earth. It’s up to Delaney to keep up the facade until the guards are able to locate the real Lissa Olena on Earth and bring her back home. The only problem is, there are a lot of extremists who don’t want to see this alliance made, one of which is the princess’ own betrothed.

Amid Stars and Darkness is a light read and doesn’t get too heavy in the sci-fi aspect. There are a few cool things that take place like witnessing a specific creature or some of their technology but this isn’t really a sci-fi novel. It’s more of a light fantasy romance. You’re told that they are aliens and that Delaney’s on another planet but it all felt normal. Everyone was a humanoid, and a lot of the customs and living settings were the same as with humans. Now, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I don’t tend to like a lot of sci-fi novels that dive deep into the unknown because I end up getting bored with all the descriptions. However, I would have liked if the author made the aliens, or their planet a little bit more distinct and separate from Earth. I honestly kept forgetting they were supposed to be on a different planet.

There was a bit of mystery and suspense what with Delaney always nearly getting assassinated at every turn. You’re never quite sure if it’s her betrothed, some group of radicals, or possibly someone in her own group. I liked that the author always had you guessing and second guessing who could be behind the attacks. Not to mention, she also wrote the princess’ betrothed, Trystan, in a manner that always made you wonder if he was as dangerous as you’re led to believe.

Amid Stars and Darkness was a fun read. It was a lot lighter on the fantasy/sci-fi aspect that I would have liked but I still found myself wondering what would happen next and whether or not Delaney would ever make it home. This is the first book in a trilogy, so there’s more to the story. So who knows, maybe Delaney gets to grow old on Earth or maybe she has to stay on the alien planet. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the characters next.

3.5 stars, although it definitely tipped towards four a couple of times.

Delaney wasn’t expecting anything but a fun night out with her friend at the club. After a chance encounter with a strange-looking girl, suddenly she’s attacked by a handsome stranger and whisked away to another planet—where she’s expected to pretend to act like their lost princess. Reeling in the new world, Delaney must survive assassination attempts, an alien culture and worse, her betrothed. Who is the prince of an enemy nation. And who is probably trying to kill her.

I requested this book because of the gorgeous cover and beautiful title. . . which led me to believe there would be romance (check) but also possibly an intricate plotline and above-average YA action. There’s a lot of romance, but the rest is pretty average YA. With a moderately predictable plot, slip-shod world-building and cardboard characters, this has entertaining action and enjoyable characters to brighten up this fun piece of brain candy. Ruckus is hot as hell, and Trystan isn’t so bad himself (although why, why YA authors, do you always have the men be so fucking huge and the women so petite?? IRL, no one actually likes being physically domineered, no matter how hot the guy), although I was disappointed by the lack of females—alien or not—throughout the story. The only four females besides Delaney fall into fairly predictable stereotypes.

Overall, light, enjoyable and fast paced YA romance.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Amid Stars and Darkness is the first novel in The Xenith Trilogy by Chani Lynn Feener and is a deeply addictive intergalactic YA tale that mixes danger and excitement with smoking-hot aliens, political intrigue and stunning romance.

For recent high school graduate Delaney, her whole world is thrown into chaos when she is mistaken for an alien princess and is kidnapped by the princess’s head bodyguard Ruckus who thinks she’s trying to escape an arranged marriage to a tyrant prince. Taken to the planet of Xenith, Delaney finds herself kept prisoner in the palace and forced to impersonate the missing princess until she can be found. Acting like the spoiled Lissa Olena is harder than Delaney anticipated and as she battles her growing and confusing feelings for Ruckus, Delaney will have to convince Olena’s terrifying betrothed Trystan and a whole palace full of people she’s the runaway princess. Yet with outside forces determined to ignite war between two alien races, Delaney is about to discover that those who are against the marriage will stop at nothing to keep their people from being bound to Trystan’s, even if they have to kill her in the process……

I have to say I was highly impressed with Amid Stars and Darkness and thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Chani Lynn Feener caught my attention from the opening chapter and had me entranced all the way though. I loved the characters and the chemistry they featured together. I was fascinated by this intergalactic world Feener has created and the few different races of aliens she introduced. The politics seemed interesting, and I thought it clever how she tied it in with Earth. Honestly, I’m very much looking forward exploring more.

Our main character Delaney was someone I found very easy to get behind. She was strong voiced and likable. I liked that she was not afraid to say what was on her mind and that she refused to cower before the aliens she met who were superior to her in both strength and ability. She wasn’t a weak minded heroine and I felt she fit her role perfectly; Delaney was someone I enjoyed reading about and following.

Amid Stars and Darkness has two powerful male personalities in Ruckus and Trystan and you know what? I really love them both. Ruckus won me over from the very beginning, while Trystan and his motives aren’t brought to light until later on in the novel. I liked that Ruckus was affectionate with Delaney and I’m not just talking the searing kisses either, but the soft touches, kisses on the cheek and brush of fingertips simply because he had to be touching her in some way. It was very endearing.

The ending of Amid Stars and Darkness was fantastic, even if it was definitely a killer cliff-hanger. Now I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I am worried about the possibility of a love triangle as the trilogy continues. Personally, I hate them in general, and dislike the idea that anything could come between Delaney and Ruckus…..but I really ended up liking Trystan too. If there was no Ruckus I’d be shipping Delaney and Trystan, but there is a Ruckus, so I’m hoping Chani Lyn Feener doesn’t mess with their relationship. I’d love to see her pair Trystan with someone else though….even Marianna.

Ending in spectacular fashion, Amid Stars and Darkness left me dying for more. Chani Lyn Feener opens this trilogy wonderfully and sets the second book up with the conclusion of this first instalment. I can’t wait to join Delaney and Ruckus again and will be keeping my eyes peeled for the release of the next novel in this thrilling sci-fi series!

**4.5 Out Of 5 Stars**
In a future world where alien races and mankind kind coexist, Delaney has no fascination with the aliens unlike most people. While out at a club with her friend, Delaney finds herself mistaken for someone else and next thing she knows she wakes up on an alien ship in outer space. With no idea how, she finds that she looks like the princess of an alien race and she is forced to play the role of princess to stave off a potential war. Delaney has no idea how she is going to pull this off, but it may be the last thing she does if she can't be convincing.

This was such a good book, which I feel terrible saying this, but it surpassed any expectations I had (and to be fair, I was kind of neutral when I started the story, but I was swayed by the subject matter of aliens in outer space and the fact the cover is gorgeous!!). The story started fast and never let up, from the first chapter where Delaney gets kidnapped to the body of the story where Delaney is pretending to be a princess who has death threats, to the surprise ending that left me shocked. This was the perfect blend of sci-fi action, mystery, drama with a hint of possible romance and I just ate it up.

Delaney was such a trooper, forced into playing a role as the run-away princess, looking different and stuck on an alien world where she is so out of her depth. And yet she persisted, and she did it with style and some kick-ass (those few self-defense classes really seemed to pay off). I liked her and I honestly was not sure what I was hoping would happen to her, I was so torn. Ruckus her kidnapper aka head guard aka confidant aka love interest had the tall, dark and handsome thing down pat. He was so dreamy and understanding I have nothing that I would change about him. That being said...I was super intrigued by Trystan. Keep in mind that Trystan is ginormous, handsome, intimidating, perceptive, arrogant, domineering, slightly evil... but I kinda liked him and I saw a few moments of a real person with depth peeking through and I liked what I saw (even though I have no idea what his intentions are and I am not convinced he is trustworthy). Now don't get me wrong, I lurv Ruckus, but I think there may be more to Trystan and I want to know what that more is.

So sometimes I am super grumbly about finding out a book is a series, but in this case I am so glad that this is the first and I have two more books to go. The world is so complex and I feel like this book just barely started going into the details and I most certainly want more. Oh and the ending was a big freaking cliff-hanger that I found super shocking, and I am ever so desperate for the second book (and the third book too please!). There were so many twists and turn I could never have predicted. Chani was able to create a world, plot and characters that made me want more. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a sci-fi adventure, as long as cliff-hangers don't bother you!

I received this title in return for my honest review. Come visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ to take part in the book tour going on now

This is the introduction to a sensational concept with outstanding characters. There isn't a boring moment throughout the story. Marvelous!

Three years ago, aliens visiting and living on earth revealed themselves to the humans. There are two kingdoms on the planet Xenith. The Vacars and the Kints. The aliens are allowed to stay on earth for five years to experience the culture but there are some who settle. The kingdoms have been in conflict but, have now agreed to a peace treaty. With conditions!

Delaney has just graduated from high school and looking forward to her new venture. She shares an apartment with her best friend Mariana.

Ruckus is the bodyguard to Lissa Olena, the Vakar princess. She is the most hated person on the planet. She has spent her five years on earth and being royalty, she doesn't have the option of staying. She has to return to do her duties but, she has no intentions of going back. Not that she has a choice!

Trystan is the prince and heir to the Kints. He is betrothed to Olena by arrangement as the condition of keeping the peace. They can't stand each other but, have to do as they are told.

Mariana is eager to go to this nightclub to meet her alien boyfriend. Delaney reluctantly goes with her and when they are separated, she decides to go back home. They keep each other informed of what they are doing. Delaney has a strange encounter before exiting the club and when she is outside, she is kidnapped. Mistaken identity? She puts up a fight but, she is no match for her abductor who doesn't believe that she isn't Olena. Ruckus knows that there is an impending attempt on Olena and as her bodyguard, her safety comes first.

Delaney wakes up on Xenith and this is where she realises that she no longer look the same. Oops! Ruckus knows that he has made a mistake and can't afford for this to leak as it will definitely spark off the war which will have a drastic impact on earth. They decide to keep it amongst a selected few and convince Delaney to play along until they find Olena. Despite her apprehensions, knowing what a war would do to the humans, she agrees. She doesn’t have a clue about the Vakars' way of life and Ruckus is only too willing to assist. It shouldn't be too difficult. He has a good personality and looks like a runway model. He is impressed by her personality, which is the complete opposite to Olena. She is quick witted, strong and compassionate. Unfortunately, Olena's reputation is well known and there are many who want to get rid of her. Especially, the Tars, a group of rebels who want to stop the wedding that will tie the Vakar to the Kints.

When Trystan pays Olena a visit, he notices the subtle changes in her. Could her stay on earth have done some good after all? He is no fool and very observant. There are times when he gives the impression that he knows what's going on. Little tests about her likes and dislikes! Ruckus and Delaney become enamoured even though, it's the wrong thing to do. Trystan wants to explore the new persona and he too might just be falling for her. She has already made up her mind about him after their first encounter. He has the looks of an angel but he is dangerous!

All things considered, Delaney adapts to her role fairly well despite, the numerous assassination attempts on her life. She comes close on a couple of occasions. Will they find Olena in time for her to return home? What about this "thing" between her and Ruckus? Will Trystan put two and two together?

I like Ruckus but sometimes he is overprotective and does his best to keep Trystan away from Delaney. Granted, they tend to argue a lot but there is definitely something else developing there. I must admit that I have a soft spot for Trystan. He does a few things that might look out of character to others but, I find them admirable.

It's a rivetting and well orchestrated plot. I found the whole thing to be fascinating. The romance. The conflicts. The technology. The way of life. I can't say that there is anything that I didn't like. The cliffhanger has left me more than curious and I will definitely be stalking this author to find out when the next part of this trilogy is being released. It's one of the best young adult SciFi novel that I have read in a while, and highly recommend.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  It was a fast paced space adventure with a fascinating alien culture, and a sassy heroine who manages to make the best of a really bad situation.

Delaney knows that aliens walk among us.  They have been for many centuries but it isn't until recently that humans have found out about them.  She doesn't know very much about them except for the basics.  They mostly look like humans except for their size and their eyes.  She tried not to think about them at all.  So when she is kidnapped by one of them, she has no clue how to act or even what to think.  Then she is given the task of impersonating the princess, who it appears is not a very nice person, and maintain the pretense until the real princess is found.  As you can imagine all sorts of things go wrong, not to mention that many factions are trying to kill the princess/Delaney.  Delaney is a smart girl and can keep her cool under fire, but also has a smart comeback for every situation which sometimes gets her into trouble.  She was a delightful character to spend some time with. 

Ruckus was also fun.  He is the alien that mistakenly kidnaps her.  He is truly interested in her as much as she is with him.  Trying to figure out human behavior as well as keep her out of trouble.  I enjoyed watching him teach her about his world and all of the marvelous things they have, (except the food, ick!).  You could also tell that even though he didn't like the real princess he was devoted to protecting her as much as he was able.

Trystan, the prince that Lissa Olena is suppose to marry, was a nasty piece of work and you could tell that his dislike of Olena was paid back in spades from her.  But as he got to know Delaney, he began to figure out that something wasn't quite right with his betrothed.  Something on Earth had changed her, but what?  Even though he does have a very high creep factor, at times I sort of admired him and realized that he was just as trapped as Olena was in the arranged marriage. 

The alien culture that the author has created was fascinating.  Although they look very much like humans, their culture is very different.  Delaney is the first human to visit their planet and so she gets to see things that no one else has.  They have an interesting sport which is played on an emu like creature.  She also learns a card game and is exposed to plants and animals unlike anything seen on earth.  The food sounds horrible, but it is possible that our tastebuds are quite different, although the aliens seem to enjoy our food just fine. It was mostly this interesting culture that she has developed that really kept my interest in the story past the usual romance adventure story line. 

A great summer read that was fast paced and keeps you riveted to the story.  There were a few twists in the plot to keep you guessing as well.  Looking forward to the next book and Delaney's and Ruckus's further adventures.

Amid Stars and Darkness is an enjoyable science-fiction novel. It mixes lots of romance with a touch of suspense in a story where aliens regularly visit Earth and a human girl is forced to experience life on an alien planet first hand.

When Delaney is mistaken as the alien princess, Lissa Olena, from a neighbouring planet, she is forcibly removed from Earth by Olena's bodyguard. It's one thing to know aliens walk around on Earth, Delaney's even met a few, but it's very different pretending to be their princess. She will have to convince everyone she is Olena - even Olena's betrothed - if she is to prevent a war.

Every so often I have the desire to read a really epic fantasy or sci fi. Something that transports me to a vivid place far, far away. Amid Stars and Darkness certainly captured my attention. I enjoyed disappearing into its pages and the world building was good, even if I would have enjoyed seeing a lot more of the society, culture, and landscape of the alien world. The alien world is actually quite familiar to our Earth. It makes it easy to recognise, different enough to feel 'alien', but is ultimately very similar. Technology is more advanced, but no more than something Tony Stark might carry with him. The alients are all physically and anatomically the same as humans, and while they have different names for ranks and roles, most are parallel to those on Earth. There are also no changes in gravity or atmosphere. Food, animals and plant life were the things that were slightly different but all had reference points to earthly things. Actually, this book sometimes felt a little like Stephenie Meyer's The Host and it does share a few similarities - a girl with another girl's face and identity, two guys, one seemingly the enemy the other a nice ally, and, despite the universe being much bigger than originally known, a restricted setting.

Delaney is a strong female character. Unfortunately she is surrounded by domineering, overbearing, egotistical males. Urggh. There are few other female characters and none who come across as strong, intelligent females. Delaney is compassionate, unafraid to speak her mind, physically capable of defending herself, intelligent, and kind - something everyone around her notes as a vast difference from the real Olena. Also, everyone is physically beautiful in this book. Sure, the aliens might have some genetic differences, but I would have liked a reason for them all to be tall, gorgeous, and strong!

I did find a few things were a bit too convenient, like absentee parents. Amid Stars and Darkness has a very mature or new adult feel. Delaney lives independently, and while it's said she attends boarding school, it could have easily been university or college. The content level is also fairly mature, which is fine, it just means I won't be able to promote this to all our teen readers.

This book lost points almost immediately for using "being that" to start a sentence a few pages in. And then it happened a few times more. I hate this phase, which is not correct or formal language and has no place in a well-edited book. Sorry, rant over now.

The book ends with a cliffhanger, but I've got to say that I was happy about this because if the book continued in the way it was ending, I would have been very unhappy. Far too tidy and domestic for my taste.

The romance plays a big part in the story. I hope that the next books in the series will enable readers to explore more of the culture, politics, and environment of the alien peoples. However, the romance is set against plenty of action and tension as multiple attempts are made on Delaney's life. Delaney and Ruckus form a strong connection fairly quickly. They have great chemistry but also have a relaxed and peaceful air about them when they are together - which is the majority of the book. I also enjoyed their lighthearted banter and teasing, which provides relief from the rest of the story.

Overall, Amid Stars and Darkness was an enjoyable sci-fi novel - perfect for someone who thinks they don't like sci-fi or wants an easy transition into the genre.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Amid Stars and Darkness instantly had my attention with the first chapter and , while it did drag a bit for me around 80%, it did finally pick up for a really good ending that sets up a sequel. Action, drama, mistaken identity, and swoons..this book has it all!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an opportunity to read and review.

Delaney hasn't had a whole lot of interactions with the aliens who have come to Earth to live, but all that changes when a freak accident leaves her disguised as an alien royal. Now she must navigate the complex terrain of shifting alliances involved in the aliens' politics...as well as a fiance Delaney has never met. Feener's combination of science fiction and romance will be intriguing to readers looking for a relationship-centric take on alien-human relations stories.

Thanks to the publisher for early access to this title.

Delaney Grace is just a normal girl, living in a world where aliens have recently revealed their presence. They are very similar to humans in nature, but far more advanced in technology. Delaney's best friend Mariana is obsessed with these alien races and spends a lot of time learning about them. Now she's on her way to her first blind date, with Delaney as her wing man.

Unfortunately, while Mariana is busy with her new conquest, Delaney runs into trouble and ends up kidnapped by the Vakar and taken to their world. Now she must play the part of the missing alien princess to avoid intergalactic war. Which would be so much easier if everyone wasn't trying to kill her. Everyone except her own royal guard, Ruckus, that is. Soon they are feeling their own sparks, but as Delaney wants nothing more than to return to her own planet, will it be for naught?

While some of the characters were little more than stereotypes, for the most part they were believable and engaging. The world Feener has created here is one that lends itself to many adventures to come. Can't wait to see the rest of this series, and whatever else she comes up with as well.

This is a great new sci-fi romance, perfect for fans of These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner. Fair warning though - this leaves readers with an awful cliffhanger ending, so be prepared to wait anxiously for book 2.