The Fractured Dark

By: Megan E. O'Keefe

Narrated by: Ciaran Saward

Dying planets, dangerous conspiracies, and secret romance abound in the second installment of the Devoured Worlds trilogy by award-winning author Megan E. O'Keefe.

Naira and Tarquin have escaped vicious counter-revolutionaries, misprinted monsters, and the pull of a dying planet. Now, bound together to find the truth behind the blight that has been killing habitable planets, they need to hunt out the Mercator family secrets. But, when the head of Mercator disappears, taking the universe’s remaining supply of starship fuel with him, chaos breaks loose between the ruling families. Naira’s revolution must be put aside for the sake of humanity’s immediate survival.

The Devoured Worlds
The Blighted Stars
The Fractured Dark

Critic reviews

Praise for The Devoured Worlds:

"The Blighted Stars delivers a first-in-series that's smart, incisive, and utterly gripping. Megan E. O'Keefe's masterful storytelling will draw you into a complex, brutal, yet hope-charged world, break your heart, and leave you begging for more." —Rowenna Miller, author of Torn

"Brimming with unconventional gender dynamics and shifting identities, The Blighted Stars is character-driven science fiction at its best—a taut novel with human questions at its heart." —E. J. Beaton, author of The Councillor

"Emotional arcs and action sequences, vivid worldbuilding, and interesting explorations of body printing and corporate servitude provide an immersive story...O'Keefe's latest has the intrigue, surprises, and high stakes of her previous novels." —Library Journal

"The story’s environmental themes are handled very well (O’Keefe gives the reader much to think about without sounding didactic); the characters are lively; and the writing is full of energy. A very promising series launch." —Booklist

"O’Keefe delivers a captivating exploration of identity in this smart, addictive space adventure full of intrigue, visceral danger, and deeply personal stakes. Come for the epic sci-fi action, stay for the charmingly broken characters just doing their best." ―J. S. Dewes, author of The Last Watch

"The Blighted Stars is a delightfully twisty space opera filled with unique worldbuilding and deft explorations of humanity, family, and power. Add in a dash of rebellion and a hint of romance, and I'm hooked—I can't wait for the next book!” ―Jessie Mihalik, author of Hunt the Stars

Narration was excellent

The author would do well to drop the virtue-signaling misuse of plural pronouns. It serves no purpose in the story. Stop pandering to the .01% please.

Second book ❤️❤️

Loved it. Really good. Did get tired of the same villain returning but all in all enjoyed it. Can’t wait to hear 3rd installment.

So so good!!

Loving this series so very much!! I also love the narrator! He does so amazing!

Holy Hell. Action pact storyline.

The second in the series did not disappoint but jeez so many emotions. I am in awe of the author for creating this series. So many storylines going on and amazing characters. The dynamics of Tarquin and Sharp makes me root for them over and over. Two different worlds but drawn by love. Sharp, strong and vulnerable and Tarquin, shy and vulnerable. They really are so alike. I love their romance and hope it goes strong into book three. I loved Kav and Kuma being brought in and the relationship of the three and then how they all accepted the Mercada. I absolutely despised Fletcher and hated his obsession with Sharp and his jealousy of Tarquin. I am sure my blood pressure was high when he was in the picture.
I am so happy that I listened to this book because it was so complex and I think it was easier for me to obtain what was going on than if I was to read it.
What will the future hold for Sharp and Tarquin on the 7th Cradle? Happiness, hopefully, and their home.

Awesome plot idea continues.

The story continues to be enthralling, interesting, and feels unique The characters are devoutly consistent and well thought out and immersive. The pacing is well done, the conflicts that arise between characters is uncomfortably real at times, but I do have some gripes that keep this book from a 5. First, the middle third of the book feels very "oh, it's this again" and "how are they going to tear them apart this time" that it began to feel like a too often pulled thread to build tension. I'm hopeful that goes away in book 3. Secondly, the baddie (spoiler free??) coming back felt kinda "It's Palpatine, he's back." Even though they are a great character to hate, I kind of wish a little more explanation went there, like show me all this support they have? not just allude to it and have that be a good enough reason. Lastly I would have really liked to see the final third have a bit more fight for control happen. Everyone kinda rolled over.

But honestly these are small nitpicks. Really enjoyed the books so far, pleasantly surprised and looking forward to the third, I'll definitely be recommending this series.