Join the most notorious treasure hunters in the galaxy for some action-packed adventure to find lost Terran artifacts.
I am delighted to share the new cover for the next book of the Phoenix Adventures series — a fan favorite — Return to Dark Earth. This book features serious astro-archeologist Niklas Phoenix and deadly treasure hunter Nera Darc.
Scroll down to see the cover for Return to Dark Earth and read the blurb.
Return to Dark Earth
Phoenix Adventures #6
Release date: Wednesday 22nd July 2026
A strait-laced astro-archeologist turned treasure hunter has one weakness: his deadly, seductive rival.
Astro-archeologist Niklas Phoenix loved his job studying artifacts at the Institute of Historical Preservation…until he learned that it was all a lie. Forced out of the Institute, he joins his treasure hunter brothers, but now the Institute is trying to lure him back for the ultimate treasure hunt—a return to the planet that seeded life throughout the galaxy, Earth.
Only one thing convinces him to go—dangerous and enigmatic treasure hunter Nera Darc.
Nera escaped hell and has made a life for herself where she bows to no one. Niklas Phoenix has become her dark obsession, and now on a perilous mission, they’ll be working side by side. She’s built hard walls around her withered heart, but Niklas threatens to break them all down, and that’s a risk she can’t afford.
The dangers of Earth strip away Nik and Nera’s secrets and their simmering passion explodes. As a dark enemy closes in, they can only trust each other in a fierce battle for survival.
Return to Dark Earth Fast Facts:
- Release date: Ebook and paperback will be out in two weeks on the 22nd July, 2026.
- Pre-order: There will be a short pre-order which should be live on Saturday the 18th July, 2026.
- Kindle Unlimited: It will be available in KU (for the first time!).
- Audiobook: In production with narrators Aaron Shedlock and Stella Bloom.
Snippet from On a Rogue Planet (Phoenix Adventures #3)
featuring Niklas and Nera
Okay. Think. Where would Nera go? He raked a hand through his hair. He’d brushed up against Nera countless times on various hunts. Usually, he was the one with bruises. She was deadly, no doubt about that, but damned if that kept him from obsessing over her.
His brothers kept telling him she was going to kill him one day.
He suspected that was true.
It didn’t stop him from being drawn back to her. Again and again. Half the time he didn’t know if he wanted to kill her or screw her brains out.
Where would Nera go?
He knew the answer in an instant.
Nowhere.
Nera Darc didn’t run. She sauntered—when it suited her. And she didn’t hide by cowering in a crowd.
His hands dropped to his sides. “You can come out now, Nera.”
Against the wall, there was a shimmer of the spectrum camouflage she favored, and she appeared.
Nera Darc, lethal treasure hunter with dubious morals.
The most beautiful, fascinating and frustrating woman Niklas had ever seen.
“Very good, Niklas. I see I’m beginning to become predictable.”
“Only to me.”
She tilted her head. “Yes, only to you.”
She usually favored light body armor but since she couldn’t wear that to a club, her long, lean body was covered by a black catsuit that slicked over every single one of her slim curves. The top of it was open a little, low enough to show the tops of her small, high breasts.
Her hair was short, and a pale platinum blonde like starlight. A long, slim neck that made him think of regal queens led upward to a perfect face dominated by those multi-colored eyes—a blend of pink, green, blue, and silver like a collection of gems scattered on black velvet.
“Predictable is never a word I’d use for you,” he said. “Where’s the invite?”
“I heard the Technomancer is throwing a ball to celebrate a fabulous new artifact he’s acquired. Something very, very old. Something Terran and invaluable.” She shrugged her slim shoulders. “I couldn’t resist the opportunity to…remove it from his collection.”
“I need the invite, Nera. An entire planet’s safety is dependent on it.”
Her spectacular eyes narrowed. “Have I ever given you the impression that I’d care about a planet that has nothing to do with me?”
“I know you aren’t the superbitch you portray to the galaxy.”
Her face didn’t betray any emotion. “You don’t know me, Niklas.”
He knew she was smart, devious, and fascinating. And dammit to hell, he wanted to know more.
I can’t wait to get into this next story. Niklas has always been a favorite character for me. Nera has proven to be a slippery superwoman, and it’s time she admitted her feelings for Niklas. Love, love, love this cover.
I love the cover. Can’t wait for the book.
I can’t wait!! I absolutely love the cover 😍
Looks awesome Anna, great colour and composition in this cover. I love how it looks like she’s making the move on him. I suspect he’s about to be in waaay over his head. …and loving it.
I’m not much for the treasure hunting stuff, but I could be tempted back for this.
Love the cover! I’ve been looking forward to Nik & Nera’s story. So glad I don’t have to wait much longer!
my favourite of the series, Nera is such a badass character.
love the new cover.