Captain Cyani has tirelessly worked all of her life to prove to Azra’s Elite that she’s worthy to be one of them.  After five long years of battling in the galaxy, she just needs to finish this one final mission to be inducted into the Elite’s echelons.  Knowing her orders to rescue fellow Union soldiers will be exhausting, she has no idea this mission will change the course of her life.  Coming into enemy territory with her beloved pet, Vicca, she cannot believe what she sees.  Chained in an environment beyond anything she’s ever seen is a Byralen man who’s been enslaved and tortured. Compelled to release Soren from his captivity, what will happen when the two of them try to escape this ordeal? 

Beyond the Rain is the absolutely brilliant sci-fi debut by Jess Granger.  Once you pick up this book, I dare you to see if you can put it down!  I sure couldn’t, being compelled to read Beyond the Rain in one sitting, staying up to the wee hours of the morning!  Ms. Granger put so many twists and turns into Cyani and Soren’s story I was kept on my toes, furiously flipping the pages. 

Why do I believe this story is worthy of your time and a Recommended Read?  Ms. Granger is such a wonderful storyteller, drawing us into the complex worlds which made Cyani and Soren the unique people they are.  Cyani has had a hard time being rejected by her people, trying to prove she is worthy to become one of the Elite.  Taking on the most risky, arduous assignments has left her wondering if this is all life is supposed to be. 

Finding Soren in such awful circumstances tugs on Cyani’s heartstrings and she throws all her training aside making her first priority his rescue. Knowing somewhat about Soren’s makeup, she knows he’s a coveted species but doesn’t realize as she interacts more and more with him that he’s bonding with her.  Soren on his part is mesmerized by Cyani’s presence, tries to fight his instinctual yearnings, but soon succumbs to her.    

Jess Granger’s Beyond the Rain is a sensual delight to worlds I’ve never thought of before.  I desperately want her to write a sequel to this saga because a few characters come forth which are so worthy of their own story.