***The Starry-Eyed Revue***: Under Different Stars

Title: Sea of Stars
Author: Amy A. Bartol
Narrator(s): Kate Rudd
Series: Kricket #2
Length: 9 hrs 53 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Publication Date: February 03, 2015
Source: Purchased Audio
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

I should have wrote this review a while ago, but time has just gotten away from me. I thought about writing this as a joint review with the third book, but I had already reviewed book one by itself. So as usual with my reviews, " if you can even call them that, " This will be short and sweet.

So Sea of Stars picks up pretty much immediately where Under Different Stars leaves off. Which is good, because that left off in pretty much a world of shit. Things do not get any easier for Kricket, though your lead to believe they might.

What I love the most about these books is the high action. I felt like I needed to get back to these books like I needed my next breath. OH and there is this one scene.. I wont' spoil, but Kricket is just so bad ass. So smart, I wish she would have went all the way with it, but I was literally yelling hell yes woman!!! in my car when it happened.

Another great thing about Sea of Stars, there are revelations. One really freaking big one at the end. Jaw dropping. Thank goodness Darken the Stars came out right when I finished it because holy freaking cliff hanger. Oh but it was so good.

I'm not generally a fan of cliff hangers, but when I have the next book in line, they aren't so bad. I just jumped right into the next.

Overall, this series continued to impress me. The fun banter was still, there. The suspense was none stop, and the romance was there as well. Love love loved!!

About the Author:

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of
my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed.

Find Amy:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Labels: Amy A Bartol, audiobooks, Kricket, reviews, sci-fi, Sea of Stars, Under Different Stars

Title: Under Different Stars
Author: Amy A. Bartol
Narrator(s): Kate Rudd
Series: Kricket #1
Length: 9 hrs 53 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Publication Date: February 03, 2015
Source: Purchased Audio
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Kricket Hollowell is normally not one to wish upon stars; she believes they’re rarely in her favor. Well versed at dodging caseworkers from Chicago’s foster care system, the past few years on her own have made Kricket an expert at the art of survival and blending in. With her 18th birthday fast approaching, she dreams of the day when she can stop running and find what her heart needs most: a home.

Trey Allairis hates Earth and doubts that anyone from his world can thrive here. What he’s learning of Kricket and her existence away from her true home only confirms his theory. But, when he and Kricket lie together under the stars of Ethar, counting them all may be easier than letting her go.

Kyon Ensin’s secrets number the stars; he knows more about Kricket's gifts than anyone and plans to possess her because of them. He also knows she’s more valuable than any fire in the night sky. He’ll move the heavens and align them all in order to make her his own.

When everything in their world can be broken, will Kricket rely upon love to save her under different stars?

I can't remember where I first heard of this book. I am sure that I saw it on my goodread's thread numerous times but I couldn't tell you who was reading it. Then one day I was on Amazon scoping out the deals, and I saw them on sale for like $1.99. Book one and book two. Still, I was hesitant and at that time I saw Jen review it on goodreads. She had listened to the audio. So I went ahead and bought them. Then I went over to Audible and saw they were on sale there too. WIN!

So I ended up listening to the Audio version, and I'm so glad I did. The Narrator, Kate Rudd did a fantastic job. It took me a little time to get into it, as any sci fi or fantasy does. I was pretty confused early on, but I just rolled with it.

Pretty quickly though, I was sucked in. Kricket is a very likable character. One of my favorite things about this book was the humor. I mean, I was literally laughing out loud. Not those fake twitter/FB lols. Like, people driving next to me probably thought I was nuts kind of laughing. It was great. Especially for me, because sometimes you just need a laugh after a long work day full of death.

There wasn't as much *Space* as I was expecting. I guess I thought with a title of "Under Different Stars". It would take place in space or some shit? A different planet though, and holy crap is it interesting.

I really just loved everything Under Different Stars had to offer. It was so fun and fast paced. I ended up jumping right into the sequel. Highly recommend this one, especially if you can grab it on sale like I did. :)

About the Author:

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of
my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed.

Find Amy:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads