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The Two Moons of Rehnor #1
The Boy Who Lit Up the Sky
Lydia Kalila, the Princess Royal of Mishnah, is forced into marriage with the son of her country's mortal enemy for the sole purpose of producing an heir. Duty comes before personal choice for a princess, especially when her country has been at war for more than a thousand years. Lydia's pregnancy removes her brother and new husband from their respective lines of succession, placing her yet unborn infant at the head of both queues. No one is happy about this, especially Lydia who dies during childbirth from wounds caused by the talon-like toenails of her very strange newborn son. Grief stricken at the loss of his daughter, the Mishnese King hastily sends Senya, his infant grandson off to a decrepit inner city orphanage with the intent to retrieve him much later when things got sorted out. At the orphanage, Senya is protected by the invalid Sister Meri who instantly falls in love with the little fellow. She's not bothered at all by his strange telekinetic and telepathic powers, flickering pupil-less silver eyes, or wicked clawed toenails. The House Father takes a shine to the lad too, and when Senya is six years old, he is summoned to the Father's chamber. The Father ends up in flames, forcing Meri and Senya out into a snow storm running for their lives. Thus begins the tale of Senya, a prince created to be king of a planet but tossed aside until his twelfth birthday when Lt. Taner, a Royal Guard detective is sent to retrieve him. It is unclear to all whether Senya is the product of something good or something evil, but in either case, it is very apparent that he is something more than just Lydia Kalila's son. Note to This title contains graphic language, sexual situations, and some violence. It is not intended for children or young teens.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2012
229 people are currently reading
970 people want to read
About the author
J. Naomi Ay
60 books46 followers Naomi lives in the north Olympic Peninsula and is mom to 3 and a Pomeranian. She has always been a fan of historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction and is known for having waited in line for seven hours for the opening of both the original Star Wars and Star Trek films.
Having been an accountant for more than twenty-five years, Naomi is now turning her attention full time to continuing The Two Moons of Rehnor series and the Time Tripping Adventure series as dreaming of fictional people is far more interesting than reconciling ledgers.
Having been an accountant for more than twenty-five years, Naomi is now turning her attention full time to continuing The Two Moons of Rehnor series and the Time Tripping Adventure series as dreaming of fictional people is far more interesting than reconciling ledgers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 28, 2016
Brilliant, Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining, and So Do the Ups And Downs in This Story.
The policy of joining two warring countries through the marriage of the monarchies is a practice that has often been used throughout history, however; making the child from a political marriage with the Prince from one country and the Princess of the other country, the King of the entire world is a novel approach. The idea was bad from it's conception all the way through to it's conclusion. As good a theory as that is, in this case, it weakened the existing royalties, and loyalties of both countries, by making enemies/castaways, out of the two royal sons that had already been told that they would be the Kings of their respective countries someday. That splintered the ruling class, and weakened both countries from the inside conflicts, that were created. How could anyone expect the boy child from that union to live long enough to reach adulthood, after creating political enemies in both palaces that would be delighted to dance on his grave and reclaim the crowns that had already been promised to them before the birth of the child.
That being the case, I would love to see that young Prince live long enough to assume the throne of an entire world. I thought that the book was very interesting, I can see echoes of our political systems, ruining the economies, and of the ruining of our ecosystem, mimicked in this story, particularly in the last few chapters. Even the rampant corruption of the ruling class, and of our governmental agencies, mimics our own present society. The characters are interesting, and the story is quite good, despite the rough start, and the rampant moral and physical decay, and destruction of the planet, and the economy towards the end. The morals of the lead character from castaway, to street urchin, druggie, killer, to oppressed, abused, then back to loved, role model, leader, back to abused prisoner, without the any of the self-confidence, or drive of the character originally, and a waning desire to survive---back to the strong driven dreamer/future ruler, honest, loving, and beloved hero, with the ability and capability to have already chosen and made claim to his own wife, will make your head spin.
The viewpoint changes from character to character every time that there is a new chapter. That'll keep you on your toes, trying to keep up, as well. I especially like the end of the book, but rather than give out any spoilers, I'll simply say, expect angels, as it reminds me of the world's greatest book, and Area 52, all at once. Wow, what a roller coaster ride. It's quite different from anything that I have ever read before, and as strange as I found it to be, I still, quite liked this book.
The policy of joining two warring countries through the marriage of the monarchies is a practice that has often been used throughout history, however; making the child from a political marriage with the Prince from one country and the Princess of the other country, the King of the entire world is a novel approach. The idea was bad from it's conception all the way through to it's conclusion. As good a theory as that is, in this case, it weakened the existing royalties, and loyalties of both countries, by making enemies/castaways, out of the two royal sons that had already been told that they would be the Kings of their respective countries someday. That splintered the ruling class, and weakened both countries from the inside conflicts, that were created. How could anyone expect the boy child from that union to live long enough to reach adulthood, after creating political enemies in both palaces that would be delighted to dance on his grave and reclaim the crowns that had already been promised to them before the birth of the child.
That being the case, I would love to see that young Prince live long enough to assume the throne of an entire world. I thought that the book was very interesting, I can see echoes of our political systems, ruining the economies, and of the ruining of our ecosystem, mimicked in this story, particularly in the last few chapters. Even the rampant corruption of the ruling class, and of our governmental agencies, mimics our own present society. The characters are interesting, and the story is quite good, despite the rough start, and the rampant moral and physical decay, and destruction of the planet, and the economy towards the end. The morals of the lead character from castaway, to street urchin, druggie, killer, to oppressed, abused, then back to loved, role model, leader, back to abused prisoner, without the any of the self-confidence, or drive of the character originally, and a waning desire to survive---back to the strong driven dreamer/future ruler, honest, loving, and beloved hero, with the ability and capability to have already chosen and made claim to his own wife, will make your head spin.
The viewpoint changes from character to character every time that there is a new chapter. That'll keep you on your toes, trying to keep up, as well. I especially like the end of the book, but rather than give out any spoilers, I'll simply say, expect angels, as it reminds me of the world's greatest book, and Area 52, all at once. Wow, what a roller coaster ride. It's quite different from anything that I have ever read before, and as strange as I found it to be, I still, quite liked this book.
March 19, 2013
Fantasy is one of the hardest things to write well. You are creating a world where things don’t happen as they do on our mundane planet and you have to make it believable. Add characters to the mix, and sometimes you feel as though you are juggling chainsaws. As you’re writing, things come to you that you never knew existed in your mind, and you have to find ways of conveying those thoughts so your reader will understand and see it as your do. It’s exhausting. That’s why I admire J. Naomi Ay.
In the first book of her The Two Moons of Rhenor series, Ms. Ay has created a whole new world. There are planets and moons we’ve never seen before, and kingdoms ruled by full-blooded people who make bad decisions. In an effort to unite two warring kingdoms, a marriage is arranged with the hopes of producing a king who will bring an end to war.
The result of this union is Senya, aka the boy who lit up the sky. He’s a beautiful baby with silver eyes that shine when he opens them and claws on his feet instead of toes. Senya’s mother dies in childbirth and his grandfather, the king of Mishnah, has Senya taken to a secret location, an orphan home run by the church, to protect him from the influence of his father, Sorkan, a karut from Karupatani.
While he is sequestered in the orphanage, Senya is cared for by Sister Meri, a woman who has suffered much, and she develops a deep affection for the baby. The more he is rejected by the other sisters, the more Meri loves him. As he grows, so do his powers and his beauty. His appearance attracts the unwanted attentions of the Father, the man overseeing the orphanage, and when the Father tries to force himself on Senya, the boy quickly dispatches the old priest, and he and Meri set out on their own. Senya grows up on the hard streets of Mishnah where he learns to depend on himself for his survival and develop his extraordinary powers.
Not only has the author created a this fabulously diverse new world, she has also invented names and places we’ve never heard before. The intricately woven story, held my attention from beginning to end and I look forward to delving into Part Two, My Enemy’s Son. I had the advantage of reading Meri, a sort of prequel to The Boy Who Lit U the Sky, so I knew Meri’s background and understood her motives. Ms. Ay has published several of these novelettes to enrich the reader’s experience and add depth to an already rich tapestry. I highly recommend the series to adults who love fantasy / science fiction stories and I give it fivc stars.
In the first book of her The Two Moons of Rhenor series, Ms. Ay has created a whole new world. There are planets and moons we’ve never seen before, and kingdoms ruled by full-blooded people who make bad decisions. In an effort to unite two warring kingdoms, a marriage is arranged with the hopes of producing a king who will bring an end to war.
The result of this union is Senya, aka the boy who lit up the sky. He’s a beautiful baby with silver eyes that shine when he opens them and claws on his feet instead of toes. Senya’s mother dies in childbirth and his grandfather, the king of Mishnah, has Senya taken to a secret location, an orphan home run by the church, to protect him from the influence of his father, Sorkan, a karut from Karupatani.
While he is sequestered in the orphanage, Senya is cared for by Sister Meri, a woman who has suffered much, and she develops a deep affection for the baby. The more he is rejected by the other sisters, the more Meri loves him. As he grows, so do his powers and his beauty. His appearance attracts the unwanted attentions of the Father, the man overseeing the orphanage, and when the Father tries to force himself on Senya, the boy quickly dispatches the old priest, and he and Meri set out on their own. Senya grows up on the hard streets of Mishnah where he learns to depend on himself for his survival and develop his extraordinary powers.
Not only has the author created a this fabulously diverse new world, she has also invented names and places we’ve never heard before. The intricately woven story, held my attention from beginning to end and I look forward to delving into Part Two, My Enemy’s Son. I had the advantage of reading Meri, a sort of prequel to The Boy Who Lit U the Sky, so I knew Meri’s background and understood her motives. Ms. Ay has published several of these novelettes to enrich the reader’s experience and add depth to an already rich tapestry. I highly recommend the series to adults who love fantasy / science fiction stories and I give it fivc stars.
June 29, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review through Goodreads' READ IT AND REAP program. I thank the author for this opportunity.
For me, this story was—odd. I’m not sure exactly why that word summarizes it best for me, but when I try to think of descriptive words for the story, it is the word that comes to mind again and again. I find I am confused by the world created between the covers of THE BOY WHO LIT UP THE SKY. The people and social norms suggest that the world is ancient and pre-industrial, but the gadgets and technologies are anything but. Thus, I pictured thirteenth century people in a twenty-first century world, and somehow, it did not work well for me. Things from just the first few pages that suggested an old world included the orphan home and the way it was run, the power of the Father, the infants’ loss of their parents during the “winter freeze,” use of words such as “half-breed” and “milord,” the “one year olds’ room” where “twenty babies sat naked in chairs, eating, sleeping and pooping at will,” the reference to orphan girls who “unless they were rescued before age seven or eight, would be put to work earning their keep,” the fact that there were only jobs for “men who joined the guards and women who worked as maids in the Palace,” the loss of babies from “a fever going around,” the off-handed manner in which a child sexual predator was introduced, and so forth. I could picture these things in a world very different from the world of today. Even so, these same early pages occasionally noted things like a bottle warmer, the Father’s new “speeder,” old radiators that “spat and hissed,” and a note that no busses serviced a particular area. I grant that a fantasy world can be anything. I just found that for me this one was—not believable—it was—odd.
The main character, Senya, also known later as Sehron, is I believe, intended to be a sympathetic character. In fact, I found that I quite disliked him. Perhaps this was because I couldn’t quite capture his spirit. As an infant, he did magic and unexplainable things, then after escaping the orphanage, became a street waif that was always and forever found with a cigarette between his lips and with a chip on his shoulder. He was a bully and a murderer. In short, I found no redeeming value about his person. Also, I must say that while his eyes shone silver from the outset, it was some time before I discovered that Senya was in fact blind, and that he only saw through the eyes of others. Perhaps I had I missed something along the way. . . ?
Each chapter is told through the eyes of a different character. Here is where the author excelled—that is, the author showed a keen ability to take on different personalities. However, it may have been this approach that also worked against providing continuity to the story—continuity that may have helped me to identify more readily with Senya.
Perhaps my biggest issue with THE BOY WHO LIT UP THE SKY was the manner in which women were portrayed. With the exception of Meri who summoned the courage to escape a violent and predatory environment, the women were all superficial and silly. They complained about not trusting Senya with their children, but did not do what any mother I know would do—remove their children from the potential harm. Of course, it may be that this was due to their subservient role in this medieval land but as noted above, this was not a medieval land—at least not technologically speaking. Most keenly, I noted that the men spoke of their women solely as those who handled domestic chores. Thus, the men referenced whether someone’s wife could cook or not (“Perhaps he just doesn’t like your wife’s cooking. I’m not sure I do either.”), and made such comments to their own wives, as: “Have you not enough tasks to keep you busy such as tending your baby and cleaning this house?” or “. . . this is my house.” Without genuine or realistic women characters, the story fell flat for me.
I also note that there are some editing errors. Some are merely grammatical and there is the use of both “smart” and “dumb” quotation marks at the same time. There also are instances where the incorrect word was used, such as “wretched” for “retched.”
All that said, THE BOY WHO LIT UP THE SKY does deliver a “new” fantasy world for those readers looking for the same.
For me, this story was—odd. I’m not sure exactly why that word summarizes it best for me, but when I try to think of descriptive words for the story, it is the word that comes to mind again and again. I find I am confused by the world created between the covers of THE BOY WHO LIT UP THE SKY. The people and social norms suggest that the world is ancient and pre-industrial, but the gadgets and technologies are anything but. Thus, I pictured thirteenth century people in a twenty-first century world, and somehow, it did not work well for me. Things from just the first few pages that suggested an old world included the orphan home and the way it was run, the power of the Father, the infants’ loss of their parents during the “winter freeze,” use of words such as “half-breed” and “milord,” the “one year olds’ room” where “twenty babies sat naked in chairs, eating, sleeping and pooping at will,” the reference to orphan girls who “unless they were rescued before age seven or eight, would be put to work earning their keep,” the fact that there were only jobs for “men who joined the guards and women who worked as maids in the Palace,” the loss of babies from “a fever going around,” the off-handed manner in which a child sexual predator was introduced, and so forth. I could picture these things in a world very different from the world of today. Even so, these same early pages occasionally noted things like a bottle warmer, the Father’s new “speeder,” old radiators that “spat and hissed,” and a note that no busses serviced a particular area. I grant that a fantasy world can be anything. I just found that for me this one was—not believable—it was—odd.
The main character, Senya, also known later as Sehron, is I believe, intended to be a sympathetic character. In fact, I found that I quite disliked him. Perhaps this was because I couldn’t quite capture his spirit. As an infant, he did magic and unexplainable things, then after escaping the orphanage, became a street waif that was always and forever found with a cigarette between his lips and with a chip on his shoulder. He was a bully and a murderer. In short, I found no redeeming value about his person. Also, I must say that while his eyes shone silver from the outset, it was some time before I discovered that Senya was in fact blind, and that he only saw through the eyes of others. Perhaps I had I missed something along the way. . . ?
Each chapter is told through the eyes of a different character. Here is where the author excelled—that is, the author showed a keen ability to take on different personalities. However, it may have been this approach that also worked against providing continuity to the story—continuity that may have helped me to identify more readily with Senya.
Perhaps my biggest issue with THE BOY WHO LIT UP THE SKY was the manner in which women were portrayed. With the exception of Meri who summoned the courage to escape a violent and predatory environment, the women were all superficial and silly. They complained about not trusting Senya with their children, but did not do what any mother I know would do—remove their children from the potential harm. Of course, it may be that this was due to their subservient role in this medieval land but as noted above, this was not a medieval land—at least not technologically speaking. Most keenly, I noted that the men spoke of their women solely as those who handled domestic chores. Thus, the men referenced whether someone’s wife could cook or not (“Perhaps he just doesn’t like your wife’s cooking. I’m not sure I do either.”), and made such comments to their own wives, as: “Have you not enough tasks to keep you busy such as tending your baby and cleaning this house?” or “. . . this is my house.” Without genuine or realistic women characters, the story fell flat for me.
I also note that there are some editing errors. Some are merely grammatical and there is the use of both “smart” and “dumb” quotation marks at the same time. There also are instances where the incorrect word was used, such as “wretched” for “retched.”
All that said, THE BOY WHO LIT UP THE SKY does deliver a “new” fantasy world for those readers looking for the same.
February 23, 2016
Kindle freebie on 18.02.2016. I am intrigued!
EDIT 23.02.2016: I'm done!
Another book I acquired as a Kindle freebie and yet again I have to ask myself whether the author has really had the necessary proofreading and editing done before publishing this work since it feels kind of incomplete and ... rough in its current state. The idea, the thought behind the story is awesome and I adore it BUT I don't think the execution does it any justice.
We have this awesome new futuristic world some 10 light years from our planet Earth with the people Karapta and Mishnese who aren't like humans, but on the other hand kind of are just like us. I presume, because we don't really learn all that much about these two nations/races and I don't really know what they look like. I don't really know why these nations are fighting, what makes them so different other than the colour of their skin and why they can't stand each other in the slightest. There's simply too much left unsaid!
The other thing that kind of bothered me, was the fact that this rather short book has soooooo many characters from whose POVs the story gets told and it's actually quite easy to mix them up. I guess I wouldn't mind it so much when there were more than one or two chapters from their POVs and I would've really appreciated it if there had been something from our hero's POV as well because we frankly don't really get to know him. But on the other hand I think I got a pretty good look at his character - he has all these powers, but in his heart he's a good man who will not hurt others without reason.
On the one hand, I appreciated that we get to see Senya both in his childhood, in his teens and also when he's already a young man, but on the other hand, I feel as if this book was a bit too short for so much action. Or actually, "action" is the wrong word here since we don't actually see a lot of these things happening, rather we read about them having happened.
On the plus side, I felt that the author got a hang of her own story the more she had written and therefore the later chapters were better than the first ones and by the end I was actually quite intrigued about the next book. However, I'm not quite sure whether I'm ready for it unless the second book's execution catches up to the great idea. ... Oh, scratch that. I just discovered that there are THIRTEEN books in the series + novellas. I am definitely not ready for that. Especially after I had a glimpse at the blurbs for the next couple of books.
This review was originally posted HERE.
EDIT 23.02.2016: I'm done!
Another book I acquired as a Kindle freebie and yet again I have to ask myself whether the author has really had the necessary proofreading and editing done before publishing this work since it feels kind of incomplete and ... rough in its current state. The idea, the thought behind the story is awesome and I adore it BUT I don't think the execution does it any justice.
We have this awesome new futuristic world some 10 light years from our planet Earth with the people Karapta and Mishnese who aren't like humans, but on the other hand kind of are just like us. I presume, because we don't really learn all that much about these two nations/races and I don't really know what they look like. I don't really know why these nations are fighting, what makes them so different other than the colour of their skin and why they can't stand each other in the slightest. There's simply too much left unsaid!
The other thing that kind of bothered me, was the fact that this rather short book has soooooo many characters from whose POVs the story gets told and it's actually quite easy to mix them up. I guess I wouldn't mind it so much when there were more than one or two chapters from their POVs and I would've really appreciated it if there had been something from our hero's POV as well because we frankly don't really get to know him. But on the other hand I think I got a pretty good look at his character - he has all these powers, but in his heart he's a good man who will not hurt others without reason.
On the one hand, I appreciated that we get to see Senya both in his childhood, in his teens and also when he's already a young man, but on the other hand, I feel as if this book was a bit too short for so much action. Or actually, "action" is the wrong word here since we don't actually see a lot of these things happening, rather we read about them having happened.
On the plus side, I felt that the author got a hang of her own story the more she had written and therefore the later chapters were better than the first ones and by the end I was actually quite intrigued about the next book. However, I'm not quite sure whether I'm ready for it unless the second book's execution catches up to the great idea. ... Oh, scratch that. I just discovered that there are THIRTEEN books in the series + novellas. I am definitely not ready for that. Especially after I had a glimpse at the blurbs for the next couple of books.
This review was originally posted HERE.
June 11, 2013
What an excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. My only complaint is that it is too short and ended too soon. Well rounded characters fill this book and action flows constant keeping the reader engaged and active.
Although it is listed as Yound Adult it does have some racy parts. I look forward to seeing the series continue and hope they are being released soon.
To be honest I was provided this book freely from goodreads for a review but I always speak my own mind and rate according to my preferences. I am happy to recommend this book and want to encourage others to give it a try.
Thank you for this excellent opportunity and please continue this series
Silly me, I did not know this was already a published series, now I gotta find all of them and continue. My feelings fou this book remains and so does my review.
Although it is listed as Yound Adult it does have some racy parts. I look forward to seeing the series continue and hope they are being released soon.
To be honest I was provided this book freely from goodreads for a review but I always speak my own mind and rate according to my preferences. I am happy to recommend this book and want to encourage others to give it a try.
Thank you for this excellent opportunity and please continue this series
Silly me, I did not know this was already a published series, now I gotta find all of them and continue. My feelings fou this book remains and so does my review.
February 15, 2021
Só this was Dune all over again. You start thinking ok this is a complicated and complex world setting for a fantasy sci fi. End up kind of liking the plot and characters.
And then you find out there are 5 main books on the series where the MC likely goes crazy and gets weird and power hungry and then there are 10 other books where people will tell you it only gets truly good around book 7.
Thanks but no thanks.
And then you find out there are 5 main books on the series where the MC likely goes crazy and gets weird and power hungry and then there are 10 other books where people will tell you it only gets truly good around book 7.
Thanks but no thanks.
June 18, 2012
Ok, first I want to start with the negatives, simply because I like starting of that way so we can end on a happy note. I do like this book, but there is still so much I don’t understand, I don’t really understand how the two races (the Mishnese and Karupta) came to their planet, I don’t understand why they’ve been fighting for a thousand years, and why in the world would a King allow his prince to act a fool. I mean come on real that sucker in. There is a lot that happens in this book, and maybe starting out the way I did wasn’t the best way to begin this but, that really does bother me. With all that we come to know and all that we come to understand there are still so many questions. I guess that’s why this is a series. This book follows Senya but never through Senya’s voice, we follow all the people around him, and not always sequentially, which can be confusing. Each chapter is someone different, though not always a different voice. Sometimes we move forward and sometimes backward but the central focus is always Senya. I mean he is pretty magnificent, he is apparently great to look at and he has magical powers, and weird feet. I wouldn’t say there is a lot of action in this book, there is some but mostly it’s a lot of internal dialogue and interaction. We are getting to know a boy without ever getting in his head but we never really get to know him very well. He’s ever-changing a dynamic, and quiet character. I think if you don’t like wordy or character driven stories then you may not like this, but the author does a great job in helping us visualize this world. Overall the book is very entertaining and each voice we hear, is different and unique to that person. We span many years through this book and though it’s not always fluid, it is still very entertaining. I just hope that subsequent books will help fill in some of the blanks.
July 8, 2016
I find it very difficult to decide whether I liked this one or not. Narration style, plot and characters seemed to sort of clash sometimes.
The story starts in an orphanage and focusses on a boy of mixed heritage, Senya, who is placed in this orphanage as a baby, and continues to describe his life until he is in his mid-twenties (I think).
Each chapter of the book is told by someone who had dealings with Senya, the first chapter by the sister who saved him from the orphanage, then by Taner, a soldier from the Royal Guard tasked to find the boy, by friends, uncles etc etc.
Although I found this narration style extremely intriguing, it was also confusing at times. Add to that that on the one hand, the wording was very simple, on the other hand, it was very crude (really, was there a need to be that vulgar?): the first chapter made me think the book was more fairytale like, until the language started to deteriorate.
The boy's heritage is made clear in the following chapters, and the reader gets enough clues to guess at it at quite an early state. The book concentrates on his early years through his teens, then all of a sudden, it rushes through the story to the end of book one, as if the author ran out of writing space or time, and decided the book had to finish. We are talking about easily 10 years out of Senya's life that are more or less summarised in a haphazard way.
So: I liked the plot as such, I liked some of the narration style, but it did, in my opinion, not fit in with occasionally with the part of the story unfolding in the relevant chapter, and I hated that rushing through at the end.
I am really not sure if I want to read the second one in this series.
The story starts in an orphanage and focusses on a boy of mixed heritage, Senya, who is placed in this orphanage as a baby, and continues to describe his life until he is in his mid-twenties (I think).
Each chapter of the book is told by someone who had dealings with Senya, the first chapter by the sister who saved him from the orphanage, then by Taner, a soldier from the Royal Guard tasked to find the boy, by friends, uncles etc etc.
Although I found this narration style extremely intriguing, it was also confusing at times. Add to that that on the one hand, the wording was very simple, on the other hand, it was very crude (really, was there a need to be that vulgar?): the first chapter made me think the book was more fairytale like, until the language started to deteriorate.
The boy's heritage is made clear in the following chapters, and the reader gets enough clues to guess at it at quite an early state. The book concentrates on his early years through his teens, then all of a sudden, it rushes through the story to the end of book one, as if the author ran out of writing space or time, and decided the book had to finish. We are talking about easily 10 years out of Senya's life that are more or less summarised in a haphazard way.
So: I liked the plot as such, I liked some of the narration style, but it did, in my opinion, not fit in with occasionally with the part of the story unfolding in the relevant chapter, and I hated that rushing through at the end.
I am really not sure if I want to read the second one in this series.
October 9, 2013
The Boy who Lit up the Sky is the first in The Two Moons of Rehnor series. This book spans the science fiction and fantasy genres, and I loved it! There are many fantastic characters, and the action is described from the viewpoint of all except the boy, Senya.
Naomi describes the books as a series that was started more than twenty years ago as one giant epic saga. Today it is available as a 5 part series. The complete series was written and finished before any of the books were released. There's an overwhelming smell of smouldering clothing here. (You know - liar, liar, pants on fire - oh never mind.) What's the reason for my sense of disbelief? Well, Looking at the book list there are now books six to ten to add to the pile!
If you love a science fiction or fantasy epic, you'll love this series. If you're a slow reader at all, you'd better not start. Too bad I didn't think about that before I downloaded number one!
Naomi describes the books as a series that was started more than twenty years ago as one giant epic saga. Today it is available as a 5 part series. The complete series was written and finished before any of the books were released. There's an overwhelming smell of smouldering clothing here. (You know - liar, liar, pants on fire - oh never mind.) What's the reason for my sense of disbelief? Well, Looking at the book list there are now books six to ten to add to the pile!
If you love a science fiction or fantasy epic, you'll love this series. If you're a slow reader at all, you'd better not start. Too bad I didn't think about that before I downloaded number one!
March 21, 2013
A brilliant start to what is sure to be a 'Best Selling' series.
Our hero Senya's miserable start to life in an orphanage is difficult in the extreme. The writing is hard hitting in places but Senya's story gradually evolves through the eyes of each of the characters involved in his care.
Of mixed interplanetary parentage, Senya is misunderstood and abused for his differences, but his all encompassing persona and incredible, almost magical talents serve to save him as well as seclude him.
I loved the way this book reeled me in, even after having made me close the pages after some particularly hard moments in Senya's life.
I just couldn't put it down! This book is a worthy winner of a quarter final place in the ABNA finals
Our hero Senya's miserable start to life in an orphanage is difficult in the extreme. The writing is hard hitting in places but Senya's story gradually evolves through the eyes of each of the characters involved in his care.
Of mixed interplanetary parentage, Senya is misunderstood and abused for his differences, but his all encompassing persona and incredible, almost magical talents serve to save him as well as seclude him.
I loved the way this book reeled me in, even after having made me close the pages after some particularly hard moments in Senya's life.
I just couldn't put it down! This book is a worthy winner of a quarter final place in the ABNA finals
July 1, 2013
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
I honestly loved everything about this book! There was action, suspense, sci-fi, and fantasy all wrapped up in one! My only complaint is that it was a bit too short for my liking. The author kept us on our toes by giving flashbacks to events leading up to the current situation. The author also told the story from many different characters' points of view to get the inside look at all the events that are unfolding. Very unique book! Can't wait for a sequel!
I honestly loved everything about this book! There was action, suspense, sci-fi, and fantasy all wrapped up in one! My only complaint is that it was a bit too short for my liking. The author kept us on our toes by giving flashbacks to events leading up to the current situation. The author also told the story from many different characters' points of view to get the inside look at all the events that are unfolding. Very unique book! Can't wait for a sequel!
June 15, 2013
Not bad for a first book. I'd like to read more in this series. Some parts felt a bit rushed, but overall it was a pretty good story.
November 30, 2015
This book was all over the place. Between the POV changes jumping from one story to another, and the weird time jumps, I was confused through most of the book. I will not be continuing the series.
August 24, 2017
The Boy Who Lit up the Sky is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel that follows the life of half Mishnese, half Karupatani crown-Prince, Senya. With strange silvery eyes and behaviour that leaves much to be desired, Senya soon begins to gain the attention of both moons of Rehnor.
Our main protagonists are Senya and (though she is introduced half-way through) a human girl named Katie. Katie’s innocence and trusting nature made her a sharp contrast to Senya’s more rough and tumble attitude, with his strong survival skills and knowledge of both the streets and royal life. Both characters were likeable and I found myself hoping they would get to meet sooner than later. Senya changes so much over the course of the novel, going from a silent, unruly street urchin that would sooner stab than speak to you, to a wise and compassionate leader in the making.
The story moved swiftly and was full of emotion. The use of language was good, though there were a few typos (nothing major.) The storyline was dramatic and held my attention at every point, though I feel that a sequel would work to tie up any loose ends.
Quote: ‘The Devil could have given him those weird powers, blind silver eyes, and fangs.’
I loved this book more than words can say, although the people’s initial treatment of Senya was harsh and made me pity him. As indicated in the quote above, many viewed him as a monster, some unholy demon come to plague them. I quickly identified with Senya’s character as I have also experienced what it’s like to be an outcast, struggling to fit in even though you don’t wish to. His mysterious eyes, aloof personality made him ever-more intriguing.
‘Senya’s eyes flashed like a laser and then, so help me, he was gone.’
I do feel that the book could have been partitioned better in order to properly separate different character perspectives from one-another, but overall this was an enjoyable read that I think will bring readers hours of entertainment. I experienced a world like no other I’d read about before and I’m hoping that upon reading this, others will think twice before starting to judge someone.
I rate this book 5 stars.
May 23, 2018
Why did I think this was a high fantasy novel? I don't know, I did though, and it's not. If anything it's science fiction.
This was an interesting read. I liked the way the narrator rotated between chapters (even though I struggled at first.) I think the changing points of view helped keep me engaged, really. I was surprised we never got a direct narrative from Senya. I think I preferred it that way. I think he would have been a hard character to relate to...
The world entranced me. Like I said, I expected high fantasy...there were Kings and castles and whatnot. I think that may have been why I though fantasy...but no. There was also talk of speeders and tracking chips, other planets and science. I thought it was all unique and interesting. Plus there was Katie, with her cell phone and Earth.
Senya's journey was fascinating, from unwanted infant, to abused and moody teenager, to the savior of society. His stupid uncle, who knows how the world would have responded to Senya had his uncle not been a terrible ruler for a decade first. I'm interested to see where the story goes next!
(16 books? How do I keep doing this...the last book I randomly chose had 21 books! I guess I won't have a shortage of things to read for a while)
This was an interesting read. I liked the way the narrator rotated between chapters (even though I struggled at first.) I think the changing points of view helped keep me engaged, really. I was surprised we never got a direct narrative from Senya. I think I preferred it that way. I think he would have been a hard character to relate to...
The world entranced me. Like I said, I expected high fantasy...there were Kings and castles and whatnot. I think that may have been why I though fantasy...but no. There was also talk of speeders and tracking chips, other planets and science. I thought it was all unique and interesting. Plus there was Katie, with her cell phone and Earth.
Senya's journey was fascinating, from unwanted infant, to abused and moody teenager, to the savior of society. His stupid uncle, who knows how the world would have responded to Senya had his uncle not been a terrible ruler for a decade first. I'm interested to see where the story goes next!
(16 books? How do I keep doing this...the last book I randomly chose had 21 books! I guess I won't have a shortage of things to read for a while)
December 6, 2018
While I knew this was "book #1), I did not realize there are SIXTEEN in the series. In other series, I've been unable to get past five or six without finding the author running out of plot. I really prefer series of 3 or so.
So, I read The Boy who Lit up the Sky, and don't know if I'm hooked or not. I found this story intriguing. The juxtaposition of the boy whom others find can do anything, while attempting to resign himself to the idea that his future is foretold and there's nothing he can do about it, has wisps of Biblical themes without ostentation. Senya's actions that might nauseate the average 21st century westerner seem similar to those of the intellectually disabled, but one knows that he is far from that. I sense great possibilities, but have a hard time envisioning what could possibly take 16 volumes to tell.
Until one gets used to the fact that every chapter is written from a different character's perspective - except none from Senya - the changes in voice can be distracting.
I will read the next, and likely enjoy it as much as this. Rather hard to tell at this point how many of the volumes I will attempt.
So, I read The Boy who Lit up the Sky, and don't know if I'm hooked or not. I found this story intriguing. The juxtaposition of the boy whom others find can do anything, while attempting to resign himself to the idea that his future is foretold and there's nothing he can do about it, has wisps of Biblical themes without ostentation. Senya's actions that might nauseate the average 21st century westerner seem similar to those of the intellectually disabled, but one knows that he is far from that. I sense great possibilities, but have a hard time envisioning what could possibly take 16 volumes to tell.
Until one gets used to the fact that every chapter is written from a different character's perspective - except none from Senya - the changes in voice can be distracting.
I will read the next, and likely enjoy it as much as this. Rather hard to tell at this point how many of the volumes I will attempt.
January 4, 2021
"The day of my wedding, as I staggered outside the great hall, a huge Lightie came upon me. Seizing my neck, he slammed me against the wall. I am a big man and strong. I am a Prince of Karupatani and never yet had I been so dominated but for this Lightie. I was dressed in the fine clothes of the Mishaks with no pocket for my blade and only my foul drunken breath to ward off this creature. “You hurt her, Karut,” he hissed. “And I will kill you with my hand.” For good measure, he choked me so much that I spurted and fought for breath. “I'm watching you, all the time.” He dropped me and departed as quickly as he came. I did not bother to straighten my suit nor comb back my hair. I went into the grand hall and saw my bride, a wee little thing covered from head to toe in a white veil and gown. She trembled on the altar, and her hand fluttered as it lay upon mine as we stood before our fathers and were wed. Without further delay for even a toast or a congratulatory meal, we were hustled off to the bedchamber. She was ovulating."
December 1, 2017
The story and characters were fairly well written but the setting description was horrendous. I went in without much knowledge of the book and after the first few pages, I thought it was a fantasy world. Then a few pages later there were some sci-fi terms and I thought maybe steampunk. Even further on it became vaguely clear that it was more of a sci-fi future story. There were a few other things that threw a wrench into my thinking, first, the different races weren't described well and I thought for most of the book that they were just different nationalities. Then some things didn't seem to make sense, one of the alien races seem to be like native Americans but they also 1) somehow traveled from another planet and 2) waged 1000+ years war with a technologically superior race. But even the technological race didn't have many descriptions leading me to believe they had very much technology but then there were references to hi-tech stuff....it was just a confusing read.
November 28, 2022
I enjoy reading books by authors that are new to me. Sometimes I have to force myself to at least read two or three chapters before I delete the book in order to give it a chance to entertain me.
This book was, fortunately, one of those that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was smooth reading from beginning to end.
The main character was believable (in the Sci-Fi genre) and the author takes you from his birth to about 30ish. In reference to another review I do not see any resemblance to Dune. Prince Atrayo is loaded up on Spice, it takes place on a desert planet, the protagonists are on the same technological level, and the main character is not tortured or held captive.
Oops! Spoiler Alert!
Naomi verbally paints her character as restrained in his powers unless pushed too far - that's when it gets Really Interesting!
I look forward to book 2 and maybe even beyond.
This book was, fortunately, one of those that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was smooth reading from beginning to end.
The main character was believable (in the Sci-Fi genre) and the author takes you from his birth to about 30ish. In reference to another review I do not see any resemblance to Dune. Prince Atrayo is loaded up on Spice, it takes place on a desert planet, the protagonists are on the same technological level, and the main character is not tortured or held captive.
Oops! Spoiler Alert!
Naomi verbally paints her character as restrained in his powers unless pushed too far - that's when it gets Really Interesting!
I look forward to book 2 and maybe even beyond.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
It has an amazing premise, and it's carried well the first about 40% of the book. Then it got a little monotonous and boring. She needed some serious sparring, deep magic, or kingdom fighting for the story's remainder. This is a serial, though.
If you like or enjoy mundane detailing, and are able to wait for good nuggets in a story, you'll probably be okay. The first part was crazy interesting, though.
If you like or enjoy mundane detailing, and are able to wait for good nuggets in a story, you'll probably be okay. The first part was crazy interesting, though.
March 23, 2020
Two warring royal families decide to force a son and daughter to marry with the offspring to be the next king for both groups. The child, a son, is strange and more than anyone expected.
Various characters relate a chapter - with some back and forth through time and space.
It's mostly a hard, complicated life for the son.
Complex relationships and complex politics.
Various characters relate a chapter - with some back and forth through time and space.
It's mostly a hard, complicated life for the son.
Complex relationships and complex politics.
January 28, 2017
I enjoyed this story quite a bit for the most part. It amazed me several times by it's unique qualities. There are a few questions that I had but I did not realize it is a series until I finished.
I hope you like it as well as I did.
I hope you like it as well as I did.
May 30, 2017
Great fantasy tale. Basic formula tho. Have new baby prince, hide new baby prince till he comes of age, etc. Then. There are a few twists I did not expect. Uh, the main character "aint xactly" what you would expect in a little lost prince!
Nuff said. Read it for yourself!
Nuff said. Read it for yourself!
January 22, 2018
Wow!
Holy cow. This was absolutely the best book Ive picked up in a while. I immediately bought the second and am starting it as soon as I post this review. Great world building and a refreshing mix of genres.
Holy cow. This was absolutely the best book Ive picked up in a while. I immediately bought the second and am starting it as soon as I post this review. Great world building and a refreshing mix of genres.
March 2, 2018
Odd yet captivating
This story grabs you from the beginning, and I was unable to put it down till the very end. The boy is an enigma and I can't wait to start the next book of the series.
This story grabs you from the beginning, and I was unable to put it down till the very end. The boy is an enigma and I can't wait to start the next book of the series.
June 11, 2019
Spellbinding
A very good read
Leaves you wanting more and not easy to figure out. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Would recommend this book to anyone who likes futuristic literature
A very good read
Leaves you wanting more and not easy to figure out. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Would recommend this book to anyone who likes futuristic literature
July 25, 2019
Written entirely in POV other than the main character, there was disappointingly little character development. The story was also jumpy as there were no scene breaks at all in the text.
Overall, a long, frustrating read where the main character mopes a lot and does very little.
Overall, a long, frustrating read where the main character mopes a lot and does very little.
May 12, 2020
Oddly engaging
More fantasy than sci-fi (at least in book 1). Some interestingly odd characters and concepts. Metaphysical visits and magical powers. The Harry Potter reference was a hoot.
More fantasy than sci-fi (at least in book 1). Some interestingly odd characters and concepts. Metaphysical visits and magical powers. The Harry Potter reference was a hoot.
July 17, 2020
Confusing plot, chapters inconsistent with book title! I was unable to determine the book's focus as each chapter is like a different story unrelated with the book's title. Too many sub-topics makes entire book confusing.
March 15, 2018
The book was not what i expected at all.
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