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Darkest Skies #1

Their Invasion: Planet Athion

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It happened in the middle of the night...
Asteroids raining down on Earth, destroying buildings, killing people...
We thought that was the worst of it, but then women started to go missing, and we knew worse was yet to come...

I, Camille Harran, a planetary scientist at one of the world's numerous Observatories, should have predicted it.

Together with my team of men - head of security, Aleandro, studious meteorologist, Casey, and tattooed, dark haired Mike, who is head of communications - we do everything we can to figure out what's behind the attack on our planet.

But when the government decides the Observatories are best for coordinating their teams, we find ourselves having to deal with strangers as well. They're army men, and government officials, and among them are men more beautiful than I've ever seen.

What secrets do they hide, and will I, or those I love, survive their invasion?

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2018

103 people are currently reading
210 people want to read

About the author

Marissa Farrar

138 books1,098 followers
Marissa Farrar is a multi-published romance and fantasy author. She was born in Devon, England, loves to travel and has lived in both Australia and Spain. She now resides in the countryside with her husband, three children, a crazy Spanish dog, two rescue cats and six hens. She has a degree in Zoology, but her true love has always been writing.

Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.

If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.

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5 stars
37 (24%)
4 stars
45 (29%)
3 stars
46 (30%)
2 stars
19 (12%)
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6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Mari.
1,540 reviews10 followers
November 16, 2018
This was a short KU read.

Camille is a planetary scientist who's supposed to be on the lookout for threats from space. Instead she's lusting after her 3 male co-workers who also have the hots for her.

The earth is being struck by objects from space. No one has any clue where they originated from. It appears to be an attack by unknown aliens. The plot wasn't bad but the obvious lack of rudimentary research ruined it for me. The author didn't know the difference between an asteroid, meteor and meteorite. Therefore, her planetary scientist heroine didn't either. Camille comes across as an idiot who's main ongoing concern is her libido.

Throughout the book the objects are referred to as 'asteroids'. Even when one is recovered for study the characters still call it an asteroid. I had to keep mentally editing the terminology. Gah!!!!!

A few minutes with a search engine could have made all the difference between a so-so story and a great story. I probably won't bother with the second book in the series.

I suppose the author could go back and update the book with the correct terminology. I'd read it again and probably would enjoy it more.

Just FYI....An asteroid is a rocky body that orbits the sun. Primarily between mars and Jupiter. It follows Newton's Laws of Motion and can't change course or speed on a dime. Once an asteroid enters our atmosphere it's referred to as a meteor. Most are no larger than a grain of dust and burn up in the atmosphere as a streak of light. If the object doesn't burn up in the atmosphere and survives to hit the ground it's a meteorite.
1,347 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2019
The earth has been attacked and secretly infiltrated by aliens who are impregnating then abducting the women and taking them back to their home planet. A home planet whose female population was decimated by a deadly virus. Now Camille has been tasked to coordinate a task force by the american president to get the kidnapped women back which includes her best friend Tara. This being a reverse harem romance, Camille does have her little harem of men, three coworkers, to support her. A nice start to this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura.
135 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2022
I'd recommend this to everyone who likes Ice Planet Barbarians - I enjoyed this so much more in every aspect possible.
Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,249 reviews39 followers
January 4, 2019
Action packed, emotionally thrilling and engaging adventure that will leave you breathless.... this story has is all danger, excitement, mystery and passion...... could not put it down once I started reading it, looking forward to the continuing story.
Profile Image for Annie.
1,883 reviews13 followers
January 10, 2019
Great Alien abduction story

Their Invasion is set in a world where humans have made contact with other worlds. Camille is a planetary scientist who works at an observatory, outside Vegas. She and her team, Casey, a meteorologist, Mike a communication specialist and Aleandro, a security specialist, monitor the for abnormal activity in space.
When Casey spots some abnormal asteroid activity, Camille isn't overly concerned, when they disappear as Fast as they came, she suspects they burned up. Hours later, they begin to fall. Making her way back to the observatory with her sister and best friend, she learns that the asteroids have fallen all over the planet.
Camille and her team have long had a flirty working relationship. The devastating attack pulls them closer together and the men confess their feelings for Camille. As their investigation progresses, rumors of women going missing and blue lights in the sky, are popping up on social media around the world. The Athlon government answers their plea for help, and confirms their worst fears. Earth has been invade for their females.
Fast paced and a.little steamy story. Ends in a cliffhanger. Looking forward to seeing what happens next. Will be checking out the other authors in the Planet Athion Series.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,886 reviews54 followers
January 1, 2019
Camille is a planetary scientist at one of the world’s numerous Observatories. They should have predicted the asteroids, warned the world. Instead, they were caught off-guard by the attack, because there's no denying that it was an attack, not a natural event. Now Camile and her team are trying their best to uncover who is behind the attack and what their end game is. Head of security, Aleandro, meteorologist, Casey, and Mike, who is head of communications are searching for answers. They are also finally acknowledging that there is more between them than the observatory.

Their Invasion is the first book in the Planet Athion series, Darkest Skies. Planet Athion is a unique, multi-author Reverse Harem, Sci-Fi Romance series. I discovered it through the soon-to-be-released Taking Mercy by Angel Lawson. I then read Lucy Harlem's Equinox books 1-2. Now I am back to the beginning. Totally out of order but I have loved the world anyway. Getting to see how it all started from before the first asteroid hit was fantastic! The story is fast-paced, the lead female is intelligent and resourceful, the men are all interesting, and the aliens are a true threat. It's an entertaining world on all fronts by all authors and this beginning is nicely done.
54 reviews
November 22, 2018
To start with this is a short story. But it looked interesting combining sci fi, disaster and rh. While you do get the basic world premise i.e. we now travel in space and talk to aliens, the world does not seem to have changed beyond that. The character development, especially for the guys feel flat for me. You do get a little back story on a few of the guys but not enough for you to get a feel for who they are. Nor is the whole why chose situation really addressed. You get the feeling the guys may have discussed it among themselves but that is never confirmed. The mc's take on it all seemed to be just because we kissed, fooled around, had sex does not mean I am yours or we are in a relationship. After the initial action, the story slows down quite a bit and goes from "war of the worlds" and "deep impact" to it is the end of the world lets go have sex and "earth girls are easy". Not quite where I was expecting this to go.
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
892 reviews14 followers
December 15, 2018
So great!

Awesome start to a cool sci-fi RH! The author set the stage and described a worst nightmare scenario; alien attacks, mass destruction and abduction of women to repopulate a barren planet. Camille is a scientist in charge of the Las Vegas observatory where she and two other scientists monitor the skies. In addition to the two sexy scientists there is a handsome chief of security that she has her sights on. When chaos e sure, the three band together to save themselves and the world.
108 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2018
Great first book introducing us to the alliance between Earth and Plant Athion. When asteroids unexpectedly cause devastation all across the planet, Camille and her team are tasked to find answers as to how the strike was carried out without warning, and who was behind it. Strangers join them at the observatory, but can these strangers all be trusted? Great story, with plenty of twists, can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Margaux Espinosa.
1,301 reviews21 followers
November 20, 2018
Not your typical Alien romance

This was a great new perspective on Alien romance. I really liked the characters and the details that Marissa Farrar out into this story. During the invasion I had such a vivid image in my mind and the twist at the end I definitely didn't see coming! I look forward to the next installment to this series.
39 reviews
November 12, 2018
👍👍

This is the first book in the series and I love it. It sucks you right in from the first. There isn't any long drug out scenes so you never get bored with it. If you like RH and aliens then I wpuld definitely recommend this book.
600 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2019
Review

First book in a sci fi Alien disaster series. Aliens stealing women from earth to replace their own. I am reserving judgment on this series till I read the next book.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,463 reviews26 followers
October 5, 2019
Not usually about the aliens

While I've read a few alien romances I not usually all about the aliens. This however is different and I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Daphne.
10 reviews
October 8, 2025
3.5 rounded up, because this book deserves a little more credit.

There were a couple of semantic hiccups, but the spice was excellent, and the plot was very solid for the genre.
Profile Image for Girl Reading Books Too.
779 reviews53 followers
November 5, 2019
Their Invasion is the first of the shared world Planet Athion series. It's fast-paced and action-packed but also sexy and lusty. If you like mixing your sex with testosterone and sizzle, you might enjoy this.

This book sets up the premise for the shared world and the series. So far I've read the first book in all the series being released by the three authors sharing this world and I think the first thing I would say to any potential readers would be read them in order. Each first book is released on a different date and feature different aspects of the world and also a different timeline pre- and post-invasion. Not that you'd get lost jumping into any of the series (I didn't) because you do get background and world building in all of them, but you get a much better picture and build up of the world if you read them in chronological release date order.

The other interesting thing to note is that these books are short and they each hold a little piece of the world building. If you read all of them, you get a much more cohesive picture of the world and the players within it - the humans, the Athions, and the Trads. Maybe it's because the books are so short the authors couldn't fit it all into their own books. Maybe it's intentional in an attempt to get you to read across the three series. I do not know.

Like the other books in the series, I enjoyed this one. Each author has a different style and this one is more intense and post-apocalyptic since it focuses on the moment of the invasion. Since I'm not much into the sciencey (yes, that's a word, I made it up) stuff, I do not know how accurate the portrayal of Camille and her men at their various jobs at the Observatory is, nor do I know the difference between an asteroid and a meteor so any discrepancies on the science, if there were any, didn't jump out at me. It was just a fun read and I'm okay with authors bending the truth a little to suit the story.

On to Camille and her men. Well, Camille ... what to say? She presents herself as a professional and one who is dedicated to her job, but when the disaster hits, she's all about the sex and the men because this is the end of the world as we know it and we might all die with a little bit of let's do sciencey stuff to find out what happened. Honestly, I do not know what to think of her. On the one hand she's driven, compassionate and smart, and on the other, she's kind of a mess and needy. And don't get me wrong. I like all the sex, that's part of why I read these stories, but Camille's motivations for it and giving into her attraction to the men left me feeling a little, like, really? Mind you, I've never experienced the end of the world. I may well turn out just like Camille and want to have all the sex. :-p Who knows?

Now the men on the other hand. I freely admit I'm biased because when I read these books, I read them more for the men and finding out what makes them tick than for the heroine. I like getting inside the men's heads. I'm a little disappointed I didn't get much of it since this story was told entirely in Camille's point of view. But the little I got to know about the men, I liked Aleandro's strength, Casey's seriousness, and Mike's charm. They were all distinctive enough that they stood out as individuals and I could clearly see their characteristics and personalities. Were they maybe a little stereotypical as all of the men in these stories are wont to be? Probably. But hey, you won't get any complains from me.

Overall, it's a good start to the series and a good start to the shared world building. I'm looking forward to all the next books in all three series to see where these authors take them. I think the whole world has a lot of potential.

Deanna's World

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Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books92 followers
November 13, 2018
Book Reviewed: Their Invasion: Planet Athion Series (Darkest Skies, #1)
My Rating: 5 Stars
Author: Marissa Farrar
Publication Date: 11/11/2018
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
Not sure how to even start this review without giving too much away. Let me say if I could rate it higher I would. I have read many books by this author and every time I think she couldn't possibly blow me away she does. This book is that good.
Camille works at an Observatory, and although her sister is younger, she is still an adult who has moved back in with her after a breakup.

Late one night all hell breaks loose, they are under attack, and she is left to wonder if it had anything to do with what they saw on the monitor at her job the night before?

She works with two sexy in their own way men, and she flirts with the security guard. These men she trusts but when many people end up at her job she isn't so quick to trust because something just isn't' sitting right.

The end well let's just say you will scream likely like I did. Haha... Enjoy it's that good.
Marissa Farrar
3,231 reviews25 followers
January 4, 2019
When the asteroids strike Camille grabs her sister and her best friend and heads to the Observatory.
Camille works at one of the many Observatories and after a panic over a strange occurrence which to just disappear she heads home for some sleep. She is startled aware by sound like explosions and when she looks out of the window she sees what appear to be asteroids falling to Earth. She wakes her sister Molly then picking up her best friend Tara along the way heads for the Observatory through the chaos the asteroids ave caused. There her colleagues inform her that the asteroids seemed to appear out of nowhere and that there will be groups from official and military sites coming to make the Observatory their base of operation. A invasion tale to relax and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill  Kirtley.
1,488 reviews11 followers
November 8, 2018
When Las Vegas is attacked from the skies by an unknown force it’s up to Camille and her men, Mike, Casey, and Aleandro, to work together to find out who’s responsible. But with outside aid turning up at their high tech observatory in the desert it’s hard to know who to trust. Are they safe from imminent danger or are the enemy closing in on them?
It’s an exciting race against time with three sexy hot guys and one lucky, lucky girl in this great sci fi, reverse harem read. The storyline is thrilling and grabbed me from the start keeping me enthralled until the shocking cliffhanger at the end. Their Invasion is book one in the Darkest Skies trilogy and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,205 reviews34 followers
January 25, 2019
As you can tell by the title this is just the beginning starting with the invasion. I really like how ingenious the aliens are and how they also hide until they get what they want. The book is completely written in the POV of Camille, a scientist. She has her group of men she works with. I definitely would say when faced with possible death she definitely finally takes the relationships with them to a whole new level. Not really any fighting yet in the series but there definitely are some hot moments.
396 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2019
An unpredicted barrage of asteroids hammer the Earth's surface leaving destruction and chaos in their wake...along with alien invasion rumors and missing women.

I like that Camille isn't some random waitress or office drone. As a planetary scientist, she has relevant knowledge and experience. She works with a team of smart, sexy men who will stand with her when everything turns to crap.

This is the first book in a sexy reverse harem, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi series, and it quickly gets to the story and introduces characters
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
January 11, 2019
Their Invasion: Planet Athion by Marissa Farrar is a wonderful story to read. This is a wonderful start to a brand new series that ai fell in love with. I can not wait to read book number two and I highly recommend this story if you love Sci-Fi with aliens in it then this story is definately for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.7k reviews158 followers
January 27, 2019
Earth is hit hard by Asteroids, they killed people destroyed building. They thought it was all over but it was only the beginning. Earth was being invaded and women were going missing. What is going on? Are the aliens amount them? Will they find out? Follow them to find out

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jutta.
445 reviews7 followers
April 4, 2019
I liked this book from the very first pages. It pulled me in and held me there while I followed along with all the emotions. I have to hold my hands up and say I guessed the twist. But it didn't detract from the book one bit. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I want to know more about these characters and the world around them.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
839 reviews221 followers
June 11, 2019
2.5, but being nice and rounding up.

Basically, the earth is bombarded by an asteroid strike that isn't an asteroid strike really and the MC uses this as an excuse the bang the three hit guys she works with.

That's pretty much it... It was okay for what it was, but there was a lot of eye rolling going on from me towards the end.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,402 reviews140 followers
November 7, 2018
Their Invasion book 1 by Marissa farrar.
This was a fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters. Camille aleandro Mike Casey molly and tara were my favourite characters. I cant wait for next book. 5*. Loved it simply brilliant.
Profile Image for Jamillah Smith.
441 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2018
Wow!!!! This did notturn out like I thought it would. I was expecting evasions of the alien sex and fall in love. Not make the aliens pay and a bad ass h. I loved the plot the characters and I was shock from the beginning to the end. Really enjoyed it. Now I want book 2
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
January 25, 2019
The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mandy.
312 reviews
February 1, 2019
I suppose it was an ok read. Earth has been attacked and the heroine, Camille, along with her co-workers, Aleandro, Mike & Casey, are trying to find out who attacked and why.

It is a fast read that ends in a cliffhanger. Written from Camille's POV and is RH.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,566 reviews36 followers
February 1, 2019
Paranormal story with an interesting start and a great premise. I liked the beginning as it set the scene for the rest of the book. I thought the author did a good job of bringing the story together and crafting characters with characteristics that fit the story. Good.
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