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Interplanetary Hearts #1
How Six Saved the Frogs
Can you leave your heart on the other side of the galaxy?
When Wouter, a down-to-earth dyslexic caretaker, accidentally activates a travel disc sent by his late brother, he finds himself whisked away to a distant planet. Desperate to go home and reassure his grieving mother he’s alive, he’s instead stuck struggling to fill his brother’s shoes to keep the amphibian bani from freezing to death.
Nif, a bani healer, clings to human music as a lifeline to memories of joy and a world beyond grief after losing his mate. Intrigued by the culture behind the songs he cherishes, he volunteers for Wouter’s support team—even as many of his kin distrust the humans, fearing exploitation of their fuel production.
Their first meeting is one of necessity—a human in need and a bani ready to mend. As they navigate mistranslations, killer plants, and space pirates, a deeper connection blossoms between them. Each shared moment and conquered challenge draws them closer to an inevitable farewell. Will Wouter leave his heart or his home?
When Wouter, a down-to-earth dyslexic caretaker, accidentally activates a travel disc sent by his late brother, he finds himself whisked away to a distant planet. Desperate to go home and reassure his grieving mother he’s alive, he’s instead stuck struggling to fill his brother’s shoes to keep the amphibian bani from freezing to death.
Nif, a bani healer, clings to human music as a lifeline to memories of joy and a world beyond grief after losing his mate. Intrigued by the culture behind the songs he cherishes, he volunteers for Wouter’s support team—even as many of his kin distrust the humans, fearing exploitation of their fuel production.
Their first meeting is one of necessity—a human in need and a bani ready to mend. As they navigate mistranslations, killer plants, and space pirates, a deeper connection blossoms between them. Each shared moment and conquered challenge draws them closer to an inevitable farewell. Will Wouter leave his heart or his home?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
About the author
Blaine D. Arden
29 books144 followersBlaine D. Arden is an EPIC Award-winning author of Romantic Speculative Fiction. Non-binary and proud, ey sings eir way through life in platform boots and delights in creating magical worlds for queer heroes to bump into the loves of their lives at just the wrong—or right—moment. Ey believes in celebrating the transformative power of diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of life, and that our unique experiences and perspectives are what make us strong: “Our Difference is Our Strength.”
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, Blaine spent eir youth immersed in books, daydreaming, and making up stories. Quite content in entertaining emself, ey evolved from telling stories to eir favourite doll, to acting them out with eir Barbies, and finally, putting pen to paper.
When not writing, Blaine enjoys singing, sewing, and indulging in building LEGO botanical sets. Ey lives in the Netherlands with eir supportive partner of over thirty years. Despite their differences—Blaine craves shade and doesn’t drink the beers he brews, he doesn’t read romance and loves soaking up the sun—they enjoy watching quiz shows during dinner and playing cooperative games.
From the award-winning Oren’s Right to Aliens, Smith and Jones, Blaine’s books offer readers a safe and enchanting escape into richly imagined worlds with a unique blend of adventure, emotional depth, and belonging.
______________________
Non-Binary / Asexual
ey/em/eir | she/her | Mx.
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, Blaine spent eir youth immersed in books, daydreaming, and making up stories. Quite content in entertaining emself, ey evolved from telling stories to eir favourite doll, to acting them out with eir Barbies, and finally, putting pen to paper.
When not writing, Blaine enjoys singing, sewing, and indulging in building LEGO botanical sets. Ey lives in the Netherlands with eir supportive partner of over thirty years. Despite their differences—Blaine craves shade and doesn’t drink the beers he brews, he doesn’t read romance and loves soaking up the sun—they enjoy watching quiz shows during dinner and playing cooperative games.
From the award-winning Oren’s Right to Aliens, Smith and Jones, Blaine’s books offer readers a safe and enchanting escape into richly imagined worlds with a unique blend of adventure, emotional depth, and belonging.
______________________
Non-Binary / Asexual
ey/em/eir | she/her | Mx.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 13, 2024
What an excellent book! I jumped on the chance to read an ARC of this and I’m so glad I did! I loved everyone in this, the world building - both human and alien, the trans and non-binary rep, the asexual rep, the polyamory-norm and queer-norm setting, and the cute little creatures.
I just really enjoyed this story about a tans man accidentally finding himself on an alien planet, helping a species of aliens that communicate in bodily colour shifts (so cool) and froggy sounds, with an iffy translation device, and a threat working in the background.
It was nice to be along for their adventure, and a romance that wasn’t horny or sexual. I need more adult romance books that aren’t focused on sex, and this one hit perfectly.
I can’t wait for more in this series and I hope this isn’t the last of Wouter, Nyf, and the gang.
Thank you to author Blaine D Arden for the ARC.
I just really enjoyed this story about a tans man accidentally finding himself on an alien planet, helping a species of aliens that communicate in bodily colour shifts (so cool) and froggy sounds, with an iffy translation device, and a threat working in the background.
It was nice to be along for their adventure, and a romance that wasn’t horny or sexual. I need more adult romance books that aren’t focused on sex, and this one hit perfectly.
I can’t wait for more in this series and I hope this isn’t the last of Wouter, Nyf, and the gang.
Thank you to author Blaine D Arden for the ARC.
August 30, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
How Six Saved the Frogs is a science fantasy story from author Blaine D. Arden. It’s set a few hundred years in the future in a distinctly Eurocentric Earth setting before shifting to the planet inhabited by the bani. The whole narration moves between Nif and Wouter’s perspectives, albeit told in third-person.
Overall, I thought this story was an incredibly imaginative, joyful exploration of queer identities. The science fantasy genre gave the story extraordinary room to showcase these queer identities and the idea that love is love, even across species.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
How Six Saved the Frogs is a science fantasy story from author Blaine D. Arden. It’s set a few hundred years in the future in a distinctly Eurocentric Earth setting before shifting to the planet inhabited by the bani. The whole narration moves between Nif and Wouter’s perspectives, albeit told in third-person.
Overall, I thought this story was an incredibly imaginative, joyful exploration of queer identities. The science fantasy genre gave the story extraordinary room to showcase these queer identities and the idea that love is love, even across species.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
August 5, 2024
Really interesting world building and particularly well thought out beings living on another planet. Wouter (which somehow translated as Six) was a lovely trans ace character, and the way he coped and was so helpful when unexpectedly thrown into a completely different society was impressive. He wasn't prepared to fight bad guys and had no training, but still persevered to help the Bani. The bond he built with Nif was really touching, and Pim made a lovely pet. I am Dutch so can't say how the use of Dutch words would be for other language readers, please note that there is a good glossary of Dutch and alien terms at the end.
August 5, 2024
Enjoyed It
I was intrigued by the blurb for this and I'm glad that I got to read it. Six and Nif's story was so entertaining to read. I read through it quickly and now I can't wait to read Jack's story when it comes out.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I was intrigued by the blurb for this and I'm glad that I got to read it. Six and Nif's story was so entertaining to read. I read through it quickly and now I can't wait to read Jack's story when it comes out.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
featured
May 20, 2025Wouter from How Six Saved the Frogs is asexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
September 4, 2024
This is science fiction but the hard science element is lowkey and lovers of fantasy with nonhuman characters could equally well read it IMO.
Wouter is grieving the accidental death of his brother, who was an interplanetary agent, and cleaning out the apartment when he accidentally triggers a travel disc - a teleportation-type device that whisks him off to an alien planet. There he encounters a race of intelligent beings who look like frogs, but who love human music, and who have a bio-fuel that is in high demand.
He finds out there from his brother's fellow agent, Jack, that they were supposed to be on a mission to help the Bani people travel across perilous territory to their safe wintering grounds before the cold sets in and kills them. This is a journey the Bani normally made on their own, until an explosion the year before killed some and destroyed the usual route. Humans, being less affected by cold and good at travel, were selected to help out this year.
Wouter is no agent, but when the third team member fails to arrive, and the onset of cold weather threatens, he knows he has to volunteer to help. And in so doing, he meets healer Nif and begins to connect with the heart of someone very different and yet very similar to himself.
But the trek to winter territory may not just be an adventure against nature. It seems that there are active forces in search of the biofuel whom Jack and Wouter and the Bani will have to survive along the way.
Nonbinary gender is a theme in this story, along with grief and healing, variations of sexuality, and the ability of love to exist in the absence of desire. The plot has some moments of adventure, some moments of fun, a lot of mud, a few explosions, some bad guys, and a solid ending. The ability to do limited time travel with the teleportation discs seemed unnecessary to the plot and a bit scientifically questionable, but it was a minor quibble. Although the plot moves this story along, its real charm was in Wouter and Nif, the alien culture, and the affirmation of brains and hearts ahead of bodies. A fun read with a lot of originality and heart.
Wouter is grieving the accidental death of his brother, who was an interplanetary agent, and cleaning out the apartment when he accidentally triggers a travel disc - a teleportation-type device that whisks him off to an alien planet. There he encounters a race of intelligent beings who look like frogs, but who love human music, and who have a bio-fuel that is in high demand.
He finds out there from his brother's fellow agent, Jack, that they were supposed to be on a mission to help the Bani people travel across perilous territory to their safe wintering grounds before the cold sets in and kills them. This is a journey the Bani normally made on their own, until an explosion the year before killed some and destroyed the usual route. Humans, being less affected by cold and good at travel, were selected to help out this year.
Wouter is no agent, but when the third team member fails to arrive, and the onset of cold weather threatens, he knows he has to volunteer to help. And in so doing, he meets healer Nif and begins to connect with the heart of someone very different and yet very similar to himself.
But the trek to winter territory may not just be an adventure against nature. It seems that there are active forces in search of the biofuel whom Jack and Wouter and the Bani will have to survive along the way.
Nonbinary gender is a theme in this story, along with grief and healing, variations of sexuality, and the ability of love to exist in the absence of desire. The plot has some moments of adventure, some moments of fun, a lot of mud, a few explosions, some bad guys, and a solid ending. The ability to do limited time travel with the teleportation discs seemed unnecessary to the plot and a bit scientifically questionable, but it was a minor quibble. Although the plot moves this story along, its real charm was in Wouter and Nif, the alien culture, and the affirmation of brains and hearts ahead of bodies. A fun read with a lot of originality and heart.
August 5, 2024
I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the book and would most likely read a sequel. I'd say 3,5 stars rounded up. The main character is FTM, but it's not relevant to the story, it would've been the same with a cis man or a cis/MTF woman. I like that, because he's not trans for a reason, it's not a fundamental part of his arc, backstory or life. It just is, as it just is for a lot of people IRL. Like having blue eyes or brown hair. The dyslexia is a fundamental part of his arc, as it's one of the main roots of his insecurities.
My main problem with this book is the pacing, the part after Wouter gets stranded is just too slow and not that engaging. Or maybe it's a long introduction and the plot doesn't really begin until almost the middle. Afterwards it picks up and it becomes a really interesting "adventures in an alien planet" story. And there is something good to be said about a book that you can pick up and drop in an instant. The slow bits do flesh out the setting, a really interesting alien planet and its alien culture. It's not "nomadic culture X but alien frogs", it's its own thing and it's great. A lot of scenes with translation difficulties, which is something I always adore. Also, while the main character comes from a more technologically advanced culture, he's not a "white saviour" archetipe. He's not there to save the bani with the power of his superior technology and culture.
The love interest and the MC don't have a lot of chemistry, it's a more mundane love story. No instalove or "that's the one". It's well developed, the characters get to know each other and slowly grow fond of each other. Cultural differences and all, bonding over grief and moving on. Also, no alien sex scenes for those so inclined.
My main problem with this book is the pacing, the part after Wouter gets stranded is just too slow and not that engaging. Or maybe it's a long introduction and the plot doesn't really begin until almost the middle. Afterwards it picks up and it becomes a really interesting "adventures in an alien planet" story. And there is something good to be said about a book that you can pick up and drop in an instant. The slow bits do flesh out the setting, a really interesting alien planet and its alien culture. It's not "nomadic culture X but alien frogs", it's its own thing and it's great. A lot of scenes with translation difficulties, which is something I always adore. Also, while the main character comes from a more technologically advanced culture, he's not a "white saviour" archetipe. He's not there to save the bani with the power of his superior technology and culture.
The love interest and the MC don't have a lot of chemistry, it's a more mundane love story. No instalove or "that's the one". It's well developed, the characters get to know each other and slowly grow fond of each other. Cultural differences and all, bonding over grief and moving on. Also, no alien sex scenes for those so inclined.
August 6, 2024
What intrigued me at first was the title and then after reading the blurb. I wanted to know more. I have not read many books lately that were set on an other world so I was looking forward to see where this would take me and I was not disappointed with the descriptive style describing the Bani's world.
The pacing before Wouter was transported was quite slow and I did get confused with the number of characters that were mentioned. But the moment Wouter arrived on the planet the pace picked up as they started their travels.
Wouter was such a sweet character, which you could tell straightaway was conscientious and caring and when the Bani were relying on him, whilst he was doubting himself he, he overcome his concerns.
Nif was a Bani healer and like Wouter was grieving the loss of a loved one. But when Wouter made his entrance and needed help, Nif was not afraid and stepped up to help him and it was the start of a beautiful relationship.
Their journey was not always easy and the action helped intensify just how dangerous the mission was. Wouter and Nif had to do things they were not expecting. The conversation held between the couple helped me understand the characters more and the patience Wouter had with the Bani showed how comfortable he was getting, being there. The use of technology gave it the futuristic feel, although there were times that the technology did not always do what was expected. Some of my favourite bits were where the translating device missed translated the clicks.
Overall this was quite an adventure and I hope when Jack's story is told we bump into Wouter, Nif and of cause the little cutie Pim again.
The pacing before Wouter was transported was quite slow and I did get confused with the number of characters that were mentioned. But the moment Wouter arrived on the planet the pace picked up as they started their travels.
Wouter was such a sweet character, which you could tell straightaway was conscientious and caring and when the Bani were relying on him, whilst he was doubting himself he, he overcome his concerns.
Nif was a Bani healer and like Wouter was grieving the loss of a loved one. But when Wouter made his entrance and needed help, Nif was not afraid and stepped up to help him and it was the start of a beautiful relationship.
Their journey was not always easy and the action helped intensify just how dangerous the mission was. Wouter and Nif had to do things they were not expecting. The conversation held between the couple helped me understand the characters more and the patience Wouter had with the Bani showed how comfortable he was getting, being there. The use of technology gave it the futuristic feel, although there were times that the technology did not always do what was expected. Some of my favourite bits were where the translating device missed translated the clicks.
Overall this was quite an adventure and I hope when Jack's story is told we bump into Wouter, Nif and of cause the little cutie Pim again.
August 6, 2024
I loved How Six Saved the Frogs by Blaine D. Arden. It's the first book in the Interplanetary Hearts series. I loved Wouter and Nif's story. I loved the plot and how Wouter, aka Six, adapted to the situation he finds himself in with the help of Jack, Nif, Sol, and Pim. The book has no sexual scenes, so it is safe for teens to read. I loved how the Bani communicated using both visual cues and sound. And Pin was just adorable. I wish the glossary had been at the front of the book since I didn't realize it had one until I was done reading it.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
I read an ARC copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
I read an ARC copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
June 29, 2026
I had such a lovely time with this book!
But first up, to set your expectations right: it is listed as a romance by the author and it does have one - however, I would cautiously say that the romance ends up being more of a subplot than a main plot, and I don't think it would satisfy you if you are not enjoying everything else that's going on.
Now let's talk about the book. Wouter is cleaning out his recently deceased brother Ruben's apartment when a travel disc sent by said brother is activated and transports him to a strange planet. It's a simple premise, but it got me good; I was already half in love with Wouter by the time we enter this new world, Wouter completely unprepared and at a loss as to what's going on.
Thankfully, he is not alone for long, the bani, an amphibian-like alien species who call this forest home, find him, and, not long after, Jake arrives as well. The plan from here on out is easy: Jake, who actually worked with Ruben, helps Wouter with the translator, explains their mission and that it will take a month before they can establish contact and leave. Lucky for him, Wouter (or Six, as the Bani now call him for that is how his name got translated) is okay with that.
Not only do we get Wouter's point of view, though, we also get Nif's. Our second main character is one of the Bani. I love it when people get creative with their alien species, and Arden does a great job here of not only presenting a different phenotype than the usual human-lite, but uses language and communication to compare and contrast humans and bani. Along with that, they also have a different social structure and to some degree, are less knowledgeable about the larger universe. However, this does not leave them without agency - the entire reason Jake and Ruben were going on this trip in the first place was to fulfill their side of the negotiations. So It's both fun watching Nif and Wouter learn about each other and getting closer through that, whilst also having the looming danger in the background as they work on their mission to move the Bani.
It just all comes together in a beautifull, little story that charmed me with its main characters and won me over with its well-executed plot.
The book is also full of representation: Wouter is Dutch and fond of cursing in said language, he is a trans man, like Jake, which the two bond over. His dyslexia is less important on a planet without written word, but it comes up in the beginnig and end in a way I adored. Lastly, and the reason this book ended up my rader in the first place: he is asexual. And so is Nif! It's not a big element of the story since there are many other things they have to worry about, yet we do get a sweet moment of them both opening up about their identity.
But first up, to set your expectations right: it is listed as a romance by the author and it does have one - however, I would cautiously say that the romance ends up being more of a subplot than a main plot, and I don't think it would satisfy you if you are not enjoying everything else that's going on.
Now let's talk about the book. Wouter is cleaning out his recently deceased brother Ruben's apartment when a travel disc sent by said brother is activated and transports him to a strange planet. It's a simple premise, but it got me good; I was already half in love with Wouter by the time we enter this new world, Wouter completely unprepared and at a loss as to what's going on.
Thankfully, he is not alone for long, the bani, an amphibian-like alien species who call this forest home, find him, and, not long after, Jake arrives as well. The plan from here on out is easy: Jake, who actually worked with Ruben, helps Wouter with the translator, explains their mission and that it will take a month before they can establish contact and leave. Lucky for him, Wouter (or Six, as the Bani now call him for that is how his name got translated) is okay with that.
Not only do we get Wouter's point of view, though, we also get Nif's. Our second main character is one of the Bani. I love it when people get creative with their alien species, and Arden does a great job here of not only presenting a different phenotype than the usual human-lite, but uses language and communication to compare and contrast humans and bani. Along with that, they also have a different social structure and to some degree, are less knowledgeable about the larger universe. However, this does not leave them without agency - the entire reason Jake and Ruben were going on this trip in the first place was to fulfill their side of the negotiations. So It's both fun watching Nif and Wouter learn about each other and getting closer through that, whilst also having the looming danger in the background as they work on their mission to move the Bani.
It just all comes together in a beautifull, little story that charmed me with its main characters and won me over with its well-executed plot.
The book is also full of representation: Wouter is Dutch and fond of cursing in said language, he is a trans man, like Jake, which the two bond over. His dyslexia is less important on a planet without written word, but it comes up in the beginnig and end in a way I adored. Lastly, and the reason this book ended up my rader in the first place: he is asexual. And so is Nif! It's not a big element of the story since there are many other things they have to worry about, yet we do get a sweet moment of them both opening up about their identity.
August 6, 2024
I am not normally a lover of space/alien books but really enjoyed How Six Saved the Frogs. The first book in Blaine's Interplanetary Hearts series. Well written storyline with a great plot and main characters Wouter (Six) and Nif. Low angst and no sexual scenes but the main and secondary characters are entertaining enough you don't miss it! n was just adorable.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
Not exactly what I was expecting, but it was a fun read. Wouter is quickly way out of his league when he accidentally triggers a travel disc and ends up on a different planet and conscripted to help the bani get to their winter home. Nif, a healer, is grieving a recent loss and does not understand his instant fascination with the tall human with red fur. The story plays out like one of those old school road trip books that changes everybody in profound ways. Watching Wouter and Nif discover things about themselves was intriguing.
August 6, 2024
*I got this book for free, but this opinion is my own*
Let me start off by saying that this story is very cute. Throughout it, it has a good mystery and the tension is well-written. The characters are also enjoyable.
In my opinion, the thing that was lacking was the world-building. There were many times I struggled to relate because I was trying to figure something out.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
Let me start off by saying that this story is very cute. Throughout it, it has a good mystery and the tension is well-written. The characters are also enjoyable.
In my opinion, the thing that was lacking was the world-building. There were many times I struggled to relate because I was trying to figure something out.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
August 7, 2024
A character driven story with a satisfying sci-fi plot .
How Six saved the frogs is a very satisfying sci fi depicting a beautiful relationship between a man and an alien (although, of course, to Nif, the human Wouter, aka Six, is the alien). The other supporting characters (Jack will get his story next), were well rounded. A great first book to the series .
How Six saved the frogs is a very satisfying sci fi depicting a beautiful relationship between a man and an alien (although, of course, to Nif, the human Wouter, aka Six, is the alien). The other supporting characters (Jack will get his story next), were well rounded. A great first book to the series .
September 30, 2024
I don't recall how I stumbled on this book, but so glad I picked it up. It's an interesting ride full of diverse characters and an interesting futuristic alien adventure. I'm looking forward to Jack's story.
November 24, 2024
I have always loved Blaine D. Arden's world building and this story is another wonderful example. Just prepare yourself to be transported to a foreign world and a story with wonderful characters.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews