Across the Galaxy

by Heather Hildenbrand

Orphaned as a young girl, Alina Leone has spent the last few years in dusty Arizona, being raised by her guardian, Peter, and wishing for a friendship that isn’t filled with lies and deception about exactly what she really is. Just before she can begin senior year she meets someone from her past – a talking wolf from another galaxy who won’t stop calling her ‘Empress’ - and in a single moment, her future is changed forever. She becomes a fugitive, on the run from the Shadows, the same monsters who killed her parents, and flees to the safety of the planet Bardawulf for refuge. But not everyone in this magically protected fortress is what they seem.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Aliens

362 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2011

About the author

Heather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs.

You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.

Reviews

[Catherine Keaton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway....

Plot: I had a feeling as I read Across the Galaxy that the plot was a bit off to my natural senses. It seemed some key plot points were arrived at either too early, too late, more than one time, or not at all. It made it hard to get into a good flow of reading. The inciting incident/catalyst happened perhaps too early, although that's my own opinion. I don't even remember what happened at the halfway point, and the ending had two different climaxes. Very confusing. I found myself wondering why the book still had 60 pages to go after reading the first climax, only to discover the second one at, appropriately, the end.

Characters: Main character Alina is an Ilya, a being from a world called Gliese, but she spent several years of her childhood in Arizona in order to hide out from Tharos and his evil shadow minions that had taken over her world. She had lost her memory of ever being on Gliese, but her caretaker, Peter, raised her informed of her identity as the heir to the throne of Gliese. She was a pretty good female character and brave enough to respect, but I didn't find her all that interesting. None of the characters really stood out to me and made me take notice of them. They felt like they were all just there to play their parts and then “exit stage left” when the final curtain fell.

Writing: The writing left something to be desired, not counting the lack of proofreading. Not that it was altogether fail, but there were times I felt like it was weak in how it conveyed simple events that occurred. Also, there were quite a few little scenes and conversations that were unnecessary. A lot of those moments and exchanges were pointless and probably should have been cut out because they made the story drag.

Story: First of all, Alina and her people were called “Glows” because they could generate a glow from the cores of their bodies. Not sure why this was, although it was a pretty good set up for them being the natural enemy of alien shadow people. And, there were large talking wolves for no apparent reason. Why not cows or ferrets? It seemed like a very random animal to use when there was no organic need for any anthropomorphic characters at all. Not that I'm against that sort of thing, but I like the author to make sense of why they are in the story. Otherwise, I found all the other characters' behavior annoying because they constantly restricted Alina from doing anything and everything in an effort to protect her “Royal Highness.” It got old really fast. “Alina, are you okay? Are you all right?” Multiply this by 1,000 and that's about how many times she gets asked this by various characters. Not to mention she just happened to be the most powerful of her kind. A little too convenient.

Overall Quality: It's inferior to a lot of YA fiction in this genre, but overall not entirely awful. I just have high standards for my favorite genre (sci-fi/fantasy). It's enjoyable to plenty of people out there, so get a second opinion, but it lacked too much for me.

Favorite Moment/Scene: Unfortunately, I can't say I have a favorite scene.

My Score: 2.5 stars out of 5.

[Volpot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I couldn't get past the halfway mark in the book, I'm giving it the benefit of doubt and 3 stars anyway. Why? Because it's probably my own fault that I bought a book unsuitable for my tastes.

This is a young adult book. A VERY young adult book. The plot, characterization, dialogue, world building, and everything about the book is juvenile. Now that's not necessarily a bad thing...if you are a 12 or 13 year-old girl. If you are an adult guy...well, you see my problem.

Everything about the book seems designed to appeal to the very young. For example, the protagonist is an empress...how cool is that!? Her parents were killed by evil beings...but she conveniently has no memory of it. A girl who is empress at a young age and no icky parents around but without the trauma of loss! Now how cool is that!? She travels to a distant planet. How? By tree. Yes, there are secret trees that can transport people across the galaxy...and some are on Earth! How cool is that?! Of course, no attempt to present just how it is that trees can transport people faster than the speed of light across galaxies, and no explanation of why some of them just happen to be on Earth. Oh, they talk too...now how cool is that!? She has a horse...to whom only she can talk of course She repeatedly describes how this horse is a simple minded being with a horse's intelligence...yet the horse has probably the most inciteful comments of any charater in the book....How cool is that?! Finally, she meets protectors who are giant wolves who can talk. Now how cool is that!? Of course, why these aliens look like giant earth wolves isn't explained. I could go on and on. Everything is presented in what seems to be a very deliberate way to be cool to the very young.

OK, now one irritant in the book inexcusable even if written for the young: The protagonist travels to a distant planet (by tree). Immediately she gets confused because the sun of that system travels "left to right" as opposed to "right to left" as she is used to (How cool is that?!). This confusion is repeated the next day, so it's no accident of the author. Now think Ms Hildenbrand: a girl appears on a planet in a totally unknown place facing in a totally unknown direction. Is she in the northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere? Is she facing east or west? How can "left to right" possibly have any meaning in the context of being in a completely unknown place on a completely unknown planet and facing in a completely unknown direction?? Even a 12 year old should be able to figure that out.

[Margo James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy, what a long book. Bursts of action then lots of boring background or narrative. Great for helping you get to sleep. What's with the glowing chest? Never was explained at all. Just too much stuff that over powered the plot.

[Heather L. Gordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. I'm a sucker for sci-fi novels! I like using my imagination to envision things that are brand new to me. The fact that this book is a stand alone novel is a major reason I have it give stars.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Across the Galaxy
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publisher: Heather Hildenbrand, Accendo Press
ISBN: B004KABBC2
Buy Link: http://heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.co...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Alina Leone is in hiding. 

Her parents are dead, her best friend is a horse, and she can’t return to her home planet of Gliese until the Shadows, the monsters who hunt for her, are found and destroyed. 

But they found her first. The same creatures that murdered her parents and forced her to flee to Earth all of those years ago. And they’ll stop at nothing to destroy the only thing standing in their way for universal domination--Alina.

She must find the strength to defeat them, even if it means choosing between victory and the one she was meant to save.



Summary:
Alina was a wonderful character who always tried to do the best she could in in spite of needing to keep the secret that she and her guardian Peter were from a different world. Alina had no memories of her parents or the world she came from. Needing to frequently move to keep themselves safe left Alina alone until she met Kate and Nightingale, her horse. One of her abilities was that Alina could talk to Nightingale who looked upon Alina more like her child. As Alina was about to become an adult in her world her abilities began to manifest leading helping James, a wolf, sent by her people to protect and bring her home before the shadows find her. Unfortunately, the shadows arrived too soon, but between quick thinking by Alina and help from nearby people allowed them to make a quick getaway. Alina found herself in a new world with people from her world looking to her to save them and she has no idea of what to do. Add to that: an enemy vowing to kill her, fleeting memories, one young man (Ander) who took an immediate dislike for Alina, and powers that Alina has to release to save her people giving you a story that held me spellbound until the very end. And that is just the beginning of Alina's story!

It was fascinating experiencing Alina's struggle to find her place from a scared young woman finding not only her place, but a love that may just stand the test of time. The growing feelings between Alina and Ander was even more fascinating when Alina's past memories started to reveal a shared past that could change everything between them.

While I enjoyed this story, it seemed to end abruptly leaving the reader wondering if Alina's powers were strong enough to help all the people and worlds that were almost destroyed by the shadows. That would have helped round off the plot, but even with that I would recommend this to anyone who loves a great story.

[nightlyreadingheather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review located at http://www.nightlyreading.wordpress.com


Heather Hildenbrand wrote a unique novel full of drama, romance and action. I cannot wait to read more of her work.

Alina is different from the other kids in Arizona. She is from another planet called Gliese. She is what is considered a “glow”. Her chest can illuminate a light brighter than the sun.

Alina is the daughter of the Emporer and Empress of her planet. They were killed trying to protect her from the shadows. Peter, her guardian, is very protective and moves them around a lot to keep them safe. The shadows were always trying to find them. Peter tells Alina that she is special, her mother had powers greater than any other glow he had known.

Alina loved Arizona. She loved the heat and the beautiful scenery. She lived peacefully, wishing she could just be herself and not have to lie to everyone about who she really was. One day, she gets her wish when she is followed by a shadow. Soon, she is swept away to another planet and saying goodbye to the only life she has ever known.

As Alina learns more about her past, she meets a lot of her people that remember her, but she just cannot place them. She has to come to terms with her powers and figure out how to get them and then use them, she needs to piece together her past and lastly, she is falling in love with someone everyone thinks is wrong for her.

There were several parts of this book that I loved. I loved the descriptions of the other planets and thought how cool it would be to actually be there myself. I loved the conversations between Alina and her horse, Nightingale. Nightingale had been Alina’s best friend, the only one who really knew the real Alina. And, Lastly, I loved the relationship between Alina and Ander.

I thought this was a great action packed book. Once I got started, I could not stop reading and could not wait to find out what happens in the end. Across the Galaxy was released in January, 2011. So far, it is only available on ebook edition, but hopefully, soon we can get a copy in hard print.

[Amber I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giveaway and New Cover Reveal Going on NOW on Blog!


I really loved Heathers Dirty Blood series so I jumped on the chance to read this book without reading the description. When I first started this book, I got really nervous once I noticed it was about aliens and other galaxies (I really should have figured this out before reading.) Anyways I kept reading because it was so far so good. And before the middle came around, well I was totally totally HOOKED! I never would have thought I would be in love with a book with "aliens" (it feels weird calling these characters aliens.) but I am really happy that I jumped into this book because like I said I am in love with it.

Across the Galaxy is full of action, mystery, amazingly, beautiful, unique world building and of coarse one of my favorites an awesome romance. The way she has us travel to different worlds, the worlds themselves and the just amazing set of characters will have you totally hooked in this book. Its just one of the rare books you don't get to see often and you will be sitting around thinking about for some time after you've finished reading it.

This is one of those reviews I do not want to tell you too much in. I want you to be like me and be surprised. I can promise you, you will really really like it, if not love it. If you read YA Paranormal books like I do then this is for you.

[Alexandrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads First Reads.

I'm not a huge fan of books featuring aliens but I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue was 'human', the emotions were 'human' so it made it for an easy and good read.

I loved the descriptions of the other planets. They were very vivid and it was easy to picture what it would be like to travel to these places. Heather did not make them seem to unrealistic. She changed colours around and made the size of some of the animals bigger but nothing she described took away from the story.

I loved the relationship between Alina and Ander. It seemed very realistic, they had their ups and downs just like you would in real life. Heather didn't make their love to easy or to hard to obtain. It was really easy to connect with all the characters in the story. Heather has a great way of making them feel like they could be someone you know and love. Everything they felt, said or did seemed believable.

The plot kept building throughout the book. I think the ending was a bit rushed for me. A lot happened in the last few pages. This could be because I wanted there to be more. I wanted to know what happened with the rest of the people, what did Peter think.

This is a really good book.

[Hmr28]

I am not sure why authors' don't take advantage of every single avenue of publication open to them. I know that if I come across a recommendation from goodreads or a friend I check the book out right away, if it is available and is interesting to me, I buy it. If it is not available for me to buy on the Nook, I don't and then...I forget about it. Essentially the author has lost the chance at a sale, because I am not going to remember that I wanted a particular book 1 week from now much less 3 months from now when the author finally gets around to putting it up on other vendors sites. I don't read or buy Amazon books and I never will because I don't agree with Amazon's business practices (and I own a Nook and 1 e-reader is enough for anyone!) Anyway this was a rather long rant to simply say, this book looks good...too bad I won't be able to read it. I think I'll be posting this note on every book that I look up here that looks interesting to me but is not actually available for me to purchase!

As an addendum...I actually have read and liked two of her other books which ARE available on the Nook.

[A Book Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally, I thought this book was going to be like I Am Number Four, but it’s not. It’s better. Hildenbrand has created a great novel for all ages, and I was captivated from the very beginning. It is obvious that a lot of time and energy went into creating this novel, and it flows so perfectly that it’s impossible to put down.

I really liked the character of Alina; I highly enjoyed watching her come into herself, finally able to make friends and fully discover her potential as the empress of her galaxy. She is a well-rounded character with a wonderful disposition, and I feel like I’ve made a friend through her. Likewise, Ander is to die for. He is a beautiful character, and the romance between Alina and Ander was fascinating to watch. Though at times I feared the worst for the budding couple, Hildenbrand did right by me in the end, though that’s as much as I’ll say about that…

To read my full review (10/17):

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely didn't lack origininality in the story. One bonus point for that. I didn't feel bored at all and finished the book quite fast. There were some things that bothered me though. I did not get that sparky- aching feeling reading the love parts. I guess it was because the characters seemed too transparent to me.
Other than that, the whole book was written in a first person narrator, out of Alina's view. This is not bad, don't get me wrong. What the author did was, she inserted one chapter written out of Ander's view. What for? I didn't get any world- changing new input from that. Still not the reason I didn't give this book 5 stars though.

The feeling that I had when I shut the book:
I liked the whole empress-needs-to-save-the world- conflict, yet disliked the conflict between Ander and Alina, which seemed kind of non-existent and unnessecary to me. There could have been some more tension to actually make the reader crave for Ander- Alina-love. In addition to that, Ander seemed to appear in every situation. Therefor, only 4 of 5 stars.

[ILoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alina is not the average main character. She is from a different planet and labeled a "glow" or someone who can make her chest illuminate brighter than the sun. She is protected by Peter, her guardian, and moved around constantly in attempts to ensure her safety. Alina is powerful and hunted by the evil shadows. Good things can't last forever...Alina is captured and taken to her home planet by a shadow. This is where the novel picks up pace and Alina is forced to learn to utilize her powers and understand her past and her potential future.

As a main character, Alina was fun to read about and kept the novel moving. The plot itself was unusual and fun. The dialogue was normal, nothing lacking. The setting was phenomenal-the reader will truly feel as if he/she is in Arizona and then Alina's home planet. Overall, this novel is recommended for young adults who enjoy fantasy.

[LeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read filled with action and plot twists that will keep you on your toes. The plot was really original and I applaud Ms. Hildenbrand for the worlds she created.

I loved the main character, Alina. She was a very strong protagonist and brave in the face of danger. She has an independent spirit that doesn't stop her from going for what she believes is right.

I did have one issue with this book, the reason why I didn't give it 5 stars, is because of the ending. I felt it was too abrupt. I flicked the page over, expecting an epilogue but there was only the first chapter of another one of her books. I came to her page, hoping to see a second book or that she was working on a sequel, but no such luck. So I'm just a little confused about the ending. I feel like I didn't get the closure I wanted and there were some loose ends that needed to be tied up. I guess all that is left up the reader.

[Mary Beeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accompany Alina on her quest to unleash her natural born power. This book starts of on Earth but with a short series of events takes you far form this solar system. You quickly learn what kind of mental state Alina is in as you are put in her shoes. Throughout the book she is left with so many questions to answer and decisions to make.
she is not one for doing as shes is told, she prefers to do what she feels is right. Journey with her as she meets friends along her journey, throughout the galaxy's, as she stands up for what she wants. She learns so much, but as she begins to find the answers to her questions more arise.
This book is marvelous, you will be left in bewilderment, unable to turn the pages quick enough.
This book is fore sure going on my list of must reads!!! Five out of Five Stars for sure.

[Jackie -Sated Faery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I loved this book! It was a totally new & different alien kind of story. An epic battle of dark versus light. You have Alina, the brave but unsure heroine who gets her life turned upside down when she has to leave earth to venture to an unknown planet & begin to uncover her hidden talents. Then you have the big beautiful, yet extremely dangerous, wolf warriors who are sworn to protect her and the others from her planet. And most important, Ander, the jerk with the deep penetrating eyes that you can’t stop thinking about from the minute he comes on the scene. And Alina is not the only one with mysterious secrets; Ander spends his life trying to regain his self-worth and is determined to convince Aline that he is not good enough for her. This story was just amazing! And definitely a new favorite!

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review


Heather Hildenrand's book Across the Galaxy is such a must read it isn't funny. I just loved it. It is a young adult fantasy, young adult read. But adults will enjoy it also. It is about Alina who comes from a different planet. Most of her planet and citizens have been destroyed by the Shadow. She is trying to live a quiet and simple life on earth. That is until she is captured by Shadow and is taken back to her home planet. After her kidnapping Alina is forced to learn her powers and how to use them. As you read this story you will feel like you too are traveling with Alina. Alina keeps the story moving and contributed so much fun in the storyline. I recommend this book to all who enjoy science fiction/fantasy. You will enjoy it. I look for more from Heather Hildenbrand.

[Rachael Grossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really good book, and its a great price. I'm not big into books featuring aliens but I did enjoys this book. I didn't like how everything on the different planet was the same on earth including the language and the names. It didn't seem very alien also the book was written for young adults but was writing is suitably for middle schoolers. I did enjoy the story line and heroine Alina. I also enjoyed the relationship betweem Alina and Anders. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a quick, easy read.

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received "Across the Galaxy" for free via Goodreads. I enjoyed this book and looked forward to reading it every night. I fell in love with the characters and still find myself thinking about them even after I've moved on to a new book. I'm excited to pass this book along to my 14 yr. old daughter as I know she will enjoy reading it. I'm hoping Ms. Hildenbrand will continue the journey as I am not yet ready to give up Alina and Ander and the rest of the crew!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I found the start kind of amateurish but that may have just been that it was aimed at a younger YA audience than I usually read. I struggled through the tell not show first few chapters but found things picked up a enough to keep me reading once Alina was attacked by the witch. Didn't find the romance between Alina & Anders particularly compelling but again that might have been a maturity level thing.

[Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Hildenbrand's writing is magnetic. Every book that I have read by her has drawn me in and captivated me. Each world is fleshed out in a way that I can actually see the story unfolding. I had a difficult time putting this tale down. I enjoyed Alina and Ander. I liked the progression of their growth. The supporting characters were well developed and supported the story. This was a read that I would reccommend to others.

[Brittany Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from eBook Discovery.
I really like this author. I've read a few of her books and have found that I enjoy her story telling. This one in particular is clean with little to no profanity. She sweeps you into other worlds with her characters, who I came to love. This boo is a stand alone although I wish there were a sequel, perhaps watching as Alina and Ander begin to heal their planet and culture and how their story continues.
Overall. Very good story.

[Phil Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Science not very good

Not sure I've ever read a book where the author was so out of touch with the "science" part of science fiction. Planet where the days are "opposite" of earth. Ever hear of jet lag? Sun is "backward"? Hello, do an about face and voila! From age 10 to age 17 with a body temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit in school and nobody has ever noticed! She knows this because she used a medical thermometer to check. Why would they make them go that high?

[Frankie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect showcase to Heather's imagination. Her other series, Dirty Blood and The Specials, were well written and thought of but this one really wowed me. Sure we all have our moments where we imagine distant places but to put it into writing and make it convincing is a skill not a lot of people have. Fortunately Heather has that.

[Mauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nothing like I expected. I really enjoyed it. The story line was good and I liked all the characters and how they reacted with each other. What I loved about the book was Alina and Anders relationship. When you love somebody you love them. No second guessing or triangles. I loved how Alina just said how she felt, asked what she wanted to know, did what she needed to do.

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I thought Heather's Dirty Blood series was amazing and this was 10 times better! So intriguing and fascinating and original. I'd give it a 10 stars if I could. This is definitely a book you won't want to put down. Each chapter is more intriguing then the last. When I got to the last page I couldn't believe it was done! Amazing read and definitely worth your time.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way that raveling between worlds takes place. Very fun idea! The story has many creative ideas that make me use my imagination. It's a sweet yet tough story on making right and wrong choices. It is a full novel with no cliff-hanger. Lots of ups and downs.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! LOVE IT! READ IT!

[Cloud Riser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot. It's great for an indie. :)

[Pauline Forrester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite quirky and captivating. I liked it a lot :)