A traumatized telekinetic and a loner telepath must learn to rely on each other in the face of war, betrayal, and their own worst fears.
For decades the Military and Syndicate have been locked in a war for power. Both sides are desperate to gain the upper hand through any means necessary—including performing dangerous experiments to discover and enhance the strongest abilities.
Thea is a victim of these experiments. After her escape from a Military Research facility, her struggles to control her abilities put her in danger of being found. With both the Military and Syndicate after her, she finds help from an unlikely source.
A traitor and a war criminal, Nix is a wanted man on both sides of the war. He’s been running from imprisonment for years. Meeting Thea means he can’t run anymore. In order to help her avoid capture he’ll have to face his biggest regrets along with his worst fears.
With mysteries to unravel and secrets to reveal, both must learn to trust the other—and forgive themselves. If they don’t, they may end up with even more regrets.
I can't recommend Beyond the Darkness highly enough. What set this novel apart for me was the way it handles its characters. Each one grapples with their own goals and setbacks in ways that feel so real. It makes their dynamics unforgettable, especially Nix and Gram (yeah you won't get me to stop gushing about those two). But it's Thea's journey that really shines here. She's terrified, she beats herself up about things, she's already broken... which makes her journey feel so satisfying. She is such an amazing mirror for Nix and complements his cornered-dog personality so well. It was watching them grow with each other, and toward each other, that kept me turning the page.
But there's something for everyone here. Want a unique magic system? A hot villainess? Actual found family that isn't just throwing a bunch of characters at each other and seeing what sticks? Side characters that quickly become favorites? Exciting, high-stakes fight scenes? Hey, even poetry? You got it.
This is the kind of book that stays with you. I can’t wait for the next installment—there’s so much more to explore, and I’m already excited to continue this journey with these characters who feel like family.
Every page seems to make me more and more obsessed with these characters.
While the story and worldbuilding in this book is STRONG, what shines the most is the characters. Their struggles, their fears and their relationships all can be felt on high levels. And the lovable characters are lovable to the max, while the not so lovable character(s) got on my nerves perfectly.
100% one of my all time favorite reads, and a book I know I will reread multiple times.
First thing I gotta say is wow! We opened up with Thea. Anxiety stricken, on the run, & hiding out with her brother. It's the day she has to recharge some fuel sells and get supplies whilst simultaneously not getting caught by well anyone. The Military, The Syndicate, & bounty hunter. But what happened...she attracted unwanted attention.
The story starts with hiding in a crowd, anxiety, enhanced abilities, and a hint to a chilling backstory. It gets better too.
You got a telepath following.
If you know anything about me, my favorite kinds of superpowers in books just happen to telepathic & telekinetic abilities.
Seriously, I've done reviews on other books with one or both before. They're a favorite. Like, if you have recs...let me know.
The author is brilliant at emotional & powerful writing. Portrayal of anxiety, pain, misunderstanding, & fear is shown in a strong way.
Thea & Nix have developed a special spot in my mind.
In a world where psychic abilities are rampant and two factions are locked in a struggle for power, it's all Nix and Thea can do to escape the nightmare experiments and regrets of their past.
This post-war sci-fi story is full of lovable characters (seriously, the dynamics and personalities are fantastic), great fight scenes, poetry, and moments that will pull on ALL the heartstrings.
I really enjoyed BtD and look forward to Blake's future books!