Name: Under Different Stars (Kricket #1)
Author: Amy Bartol
Number of Pages: 297 in Kindle Edition
Published: December 19th 2013
by Amy A. Bartol
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal
“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 forgot about this book last year and just recently stumbled upon it on NetGalley. Braved myself to request it and got approved the following day. Sweet. I love the book cover. Elegantly beautiful. I think that’s how the cover should be described. I’m a sucker for beautiful covers really. I’m also excited since I’ve learned that this book is self-published. That’s extra amazing points I think, ’cause self-published books mostly turned out amazing (That’s by experience BTW) 🙂
This is an easy read. The writing is not confusing and you could truly enjoy every bit of it. I’ve read this in just a day since I can’t afford to put it down. I’m hooked from the very first chapter up to the last. The book was actually funny in a cute way. The humor is quite entertaining. I can’t even count the times I grinned or giggled while reading this.
“His eyes narrow as he gives me a sidelong glance. “What’s nail polish?” “Paint.. for your toes,” I murmur, grinning. “Why?” he wonders, looking intrigued. “Uh,” I shrug, “I don’t know.. because it’s pretty?” He glances back at my feet again, his brow wrinkling in thought.”
How can you not find this funny? 🙂
“”You bet your ass I’m scared, so let’s move before someone gets tortured!” I yell at them, tugging harder on Trey’s arm. Jax smiles despite my fear. “We’re wagering now?” Jax asks. “What’s an ass and how many fardrooms do you think it’s worth?””
And this actually earned an LOL! 😀
The world building is amazing. I like the idea of having a different world that’s existing parallel to the world we live in. This book allowed my imagination wondered to Ethar. How Ethar was depicted is fascinating and yeah, kind of advanced in terms of technology. Kind of the Back to the Future setting. It is divided into five clans and has different way of lives that’s so intriguing. The Etharians were presented strikingly. How everybody is at least six feet tall and so gorgeous. Well, that explains why Kricket is beautiful. The plot was fast-paced. It dragged and slowed down a bit in some parts, but turned out exciting nonetheless. It spun around a political conflict between clans and greed for power. The thing is, I couldn’t actually talk about the plot without giveaways so sorry, you have to read it. I also love the fact that the romance is not an InstaLove. I like the romance development. They’re literally at each other’s throat most of the time, warmed up then totally head over heels. The love triangle is really not so much of a love triangle, if you know what I mean. Kyon only wanted Kricket for power so that wouldn’t count. Though he developed an “interest” in her at the end is still a question so that’s tolerable. I just hope it wouldn’t be a full-blown love triangle on the second book. That would be annoying. Anyway, I still can’t wait for the second book to come out since the first book ended in an amazingly high note. I really love to know what would happen next.
Let’s move on with the characters. Kricket is such a smart mouth. I love it ’cause I can see myself in her. Lol! I also love that she’s independent and not really showing weakness though the situation asks for it. What a brave girl she is. She was also presented too perfectly at times so that’s unlikely for me. As if she has this note that says “Mary Sue” on her forehead. A little flaw would actually be good. Trey on the other hand is a confused soul. He’s the epitome of I-can’t-love-you-cause-I’m-Me and I hate that part. I’m really glad that he eventually quit that annoying drama and gave in. Trey was swoon-worthy after that. Thank God. I really love Jax and Wayra. They’re so funny and in fact they’re my favorite part of the book. Haha! You should really read this book so you would understand how cool they were. Kyon is such an ass and I want to make a perfect ribbon with his neck together with the Regent’s. That would be awesome! 😀 Aside from them, there are also a lot more. Each of them is quite note-worthy and engaging, but tend to be annoying at some parts of the book.
I totally recommend this book for everybody.
Especially for those Sci-Fi and funny books seekers. You guys would really enjoy this.
This would be a four really. I love it, but the book has potential to be even more
appealing without the characters being annoying at some parts.
EverythingNyze 