I’m doing this a little different and reviewing the whole series today. If you haven’t read any of these books this WILL contain spoilers so be warned.
Synopsis of Under Different Stars: 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 read all of these books back to back and since each book starts right as the last one leaves off I decided to just do a full series review. This series was a really fun read and I’m glad I was able to snatch them at their limited price of a dollar each in March. I’m pretty sure these are considered indie published and I’m honestly really impressed by how well done they were. The covers were gorgeous, the formatting perfect and the story was really strong and unique. Of course it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows in this series and I will get to that soon.
The first book, Under Different Stars starts off at a really great pace. There is instant action and tension. We get to understand Kricket and where she’s coming from while experiencing the unusual men and weird things happening to her at the same time. It’s apparently from the start that Kricket is resilient and fiercely independent.
When she is brought to this new world/universe she’s in this constant state of disbelief as if she will wake up any moment and find out its all a strange dream. Understandably given the harsh transition she has been given. Here is where stuff starts to get hectic. Once she actually makes it to the palace where she will be residing you get a huge information dump. Dozens of people show up you think will be important to remember but either never make a appearance again or are killed off instantly. This is a constant theme in this series. Don’t get attached to any character. Pretty much no one but Kircket herself.
The first book climaxes and ends with a lot of action. Still swept up in this new alien world I started the next book in the span of a minute. This one starts off right where Under Different Stars ended. Which is nice, given the damn cliffhanger. Here’s were I was surprised. The second book, Sea of Stars has arguably more action than any of the other books. Possible more than the first and third combined. It was nonstop, gut-wrenching and amazing. My favorite in the whole series honestly. We get new exciting characters, super crazy plot twists, and swoony romance with Trey. There were slow parts, as any book might have but they were few and far between in this one.
The last book, Darken the Stars opens up slow and ominous. Kricket, betrayed and traded is now in enemy territory. I really wanted to like Giffen but after the ending of Sea of Stars I pretty much wrote him off as a complete dick. There was a lot that could have been explored between them and honestly I thought they would have been really good together given he was tasked to “protect” her and thus knows her well. Or thinks he does. Instead we get a brutish man who smacks her around, cares less about her as a person and treats her more like an object to get what he wants. Let’s not even get into Kricket’s father. That man deserves to have hole boring worms inside his head. Can you tell I’m mad? With everything that happens Kyon is starting to really look like a good guy even though he’s completely psychotic and abusive to Kricket.
We finally find out what the prophesy is and what role Kricket plays. I won’t say it but damn Amy you sure did a number on her. I mean, what the hell. Her whole existence is a mistake according to that. Just thinking about it makes me angry/upset all over again. I feel so bad for Kricket. The whole last book was nothing but her fighting for her life.
This ended up being a rant, whoops. As you can tell its a rollercoaster of a read but honestly I really did enjoy it. Even if at times it made me so mad I wanted to scream. There was some seriously swoony moments and cringe worthy stuff as well. If you’ve read it I would love to know what you thought. I know its been a few years but do you think Amy might come out with a fourth book?
Goodreads | Amazon | Authors Website
Advertisements Share this:
