She dreamed of exploring a forbidden world. He crossed a wormhole to save his people. Now survival, love, and legacy collide on a planet unlike any other.
Tzar-Than is the first book of the Alien Barbarians of Vandruk series. The series builds on the previous books’ events, so except for this book, they really can’t be read standalone.
Overview
Ever since the news of Hope One, a planet connected to Earth via a wormhole, broke, Gwyn has dreamed of being an explorer there. The problem is that everyone who has gone through the wormhole has never returned. So no one is allowed through now, and Gwyn settles for being a janitor for the facility. One night, while cleaning the control room, she notices a figure coming through. She goes to greet this almost-human, but not-quite-human. At the exact time, a group of scientists and journalists enters the room.
Tzar-Than is determined to save his people. When the fog appeared, the resulting earthquake caused a landslide that killed almost all their women. So now he walks through the mist to demand that human women save his species. The first woman he sees, he knows has to be his. She’s brave, strong, intelligent, and beautiful.
Positives
The world-building is top-notch. Vandruk is so different from Earth. A whole new frontier. The women have to learn to survive here, what plants are poisonous, what animals are dangerous, where to find water, and so much more. Gwen takes this very seriously; in fact, she’s the only one who does.
While not precisely slow-burning, the author really emphasizes the plot, so it takes a bit for them to come together. There is definitely an immediate attraction, so you’re not left without anything.
Negatives
The romance gives off fated mate vibes, but technically, it isn’t a fated mate. It’s a bit confusing.
Recommendations
If you don’t like the fated mate trope, you might not like Tzar-Than. But if you love alien romance and escaping to vast new worlds, you should put this on your list. I give it four stars; the romance could have been improved, but the world-building and plot are top-notch.
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