Inconclusive, Volume 1

The Shards of Sansatia Series

De: Alexandra Devane

Narrado por: Alexandra Devane

Eighteen-year-old Acteo Venand is an elite striker cadet at Inoton Academy, a military institution that prepares him to battle Noxvaleres, supernatural warriors who hold sway over the three pillars of desire: memory, fantasy, and reality. With graduation just a few months out, Acteo is ready to dedicate his life to the righteous destruction of Noxvaleres and avenge the traumas that he and his family have endured—until an ill-advised prize fight entangles him with Reyna Ward, an alluring assassin and Inconclusive, meaning a human with a chance at converting into a Noxvalere. Reyna continuously challenges Acteo’s worldview, and soon, his understanding of the distinctions between human and Noxvalere, and justice and desperation, begins to fracture.

In this spicy dark Romantasy Series, you will find

• Magic, mystery, and mayhem
• Crime & Intrigue
• Sword & Sorcery with a modern twist
• A fascinating cast of characters who are as skilled at secrecy as they are at combat

©2025 Cassandra Waggett (P)2025 Cassandra Waggett

Perfect for my flight

I listened to Inconclusive, Volume 1 on my flight, and it made the hours pass by faster than I expected. Alexandra Devane’s narration has a hypnotic rhythm that pulls you into the tension between Acteo and Reyna right away. The world of Inoton Academy felt vivid through her voice—equal parts militaristic discipline and simmering temptation. At 30,000 feet, the mix of fantasy, danger, and dark romance felt even more surreal, like drifting between realities myself. The pacing slows in a few places, but the emotional stakes kept me engaged through every chapter. By the time we began descending, I was already queuing up the next volume.

A Romantasy with Moral Edge

Inconclusive, Volume 1 opens with clear stakes and a strong central conflict. Acteo is not just training to fight monsters. He believes he understands what they are and why they must be destroyed. That certainty is what gives the story its early momentum. As the narrative unfolds, that certainty begins to crack in compelling ways.

The concept of Noxvaleres controlling memory, fantasy, and reality adds an intriguing layer to the worldbuilding. It gives the fantasy elements weight beyond simple combat. The academy setting blends military discipline with supernatural tension, creating a structured backdrop for Acteo’s internal unraveling.

Reyna is where the story truly sharpens. Her presence introduces moral ambiguity and emotional tension that push the narrative forward. She does not simply serve as a romantic interest. She challenges the very framework Acteo has built his identity on. The shift from clear hero versus villain dynamics to something far more complicated is handled with steady escalation.

The audiobook performance adds intensity. Alexandra Devane’s narration carries conviction and helps distinguish the emotional shifts as alliances and beliefs are tested. The pacing keeps the nearly ten hour runtime engaging without feeling rushed.

For readers who enjoy dark romantasy with layered worldbuilding, shifting loyalties, and characters forced to question everything they thought was true, this first volume lays strong groundwork for what promises to be a complex series.

Slow-burn, mysterious romantasy

Inconclusive Volume 1 is a powerful story full of complex characters and slow burn tension. Nothing is handed to you on a silver platter. The plot is an intricate puzzle that respects the reader's intelligence, offering just enough breadcrumbs to keep you hooked without ever feeling predictable. If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter romantasy, look elsewhere. But if you want a story that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished the final page—one that demands a re-read to catch all the subtle foreshadowing—this is it. Can’t wait to hear more of this series!

There are a few bumps in the audio, but those are quickly smoothed over by theatric, intense narration that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommend!

Fun fantasy

This is a really fun story with a lot of creative ideas. The idea of pillars of desire is cool, and seeing how it works is interesting. I liked following Acteo as he learns to be a striker. The action is constant, which makes it hard to turn off. It’s a great book for getting lost in a new world.