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Star Trails Tetralogy #1
Beyond the Hidden Sky
This first volume of the Star Trails Tetralogy, a science fiction series for teens and young adults, begins with a familiar scene, a heated conflict between two siblings. Creena Brightstar is 14, her brother, Dirck, 17 and neither has any clue how their latest altercation will change not only their lives but that of their entire family forever. The story begins with the Brightstar family uncomfortably crammed into a small cabin on a starship immigrating to Cyraria where their father has a prestigious assignment as the planet's chief terralogist. However, in a desperate attempt for some alone time following their latest argument Creena accidentally sets in motion a chain of events that will not only separate her farther from Dirck than she ever imagined but scatter her entire family throughout the galaxy, each to face harrowing situations the likes of which they've never seen. Or was it an accident? With their father's abilities in high demand, certain power-hungry individuals will stop at nothing to achieve domination, including exploiting the situation in devious and potentially deadly ways. Creena and Dirck soon discover that their comfortable homeworld has left them woefully unprepared for the intrigue, danger, chaos and adventure they encounter, not only in this volume but in the three that follow. Choices, even seemingly small, insignificant ones, can have tremendous consequences as each character discovers in this fast-moving space adventure.
388 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2012
1 person is currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Marcha A. Fox
20 books209 followersMarcha Fox was born in Peekskill, New York and has lived in California, Utah and Texas in the course of raising her family. She now lives in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.
Her most recent work is the multi-award winning "Dead Horse Canyon Trilogy" written with Northern Cheyenne, Pete Risingsun. A cross-cultural conspiracy thriller, it has been praised for its skillful integration of modern political themes, suspense, and indigenous history and culture. Details are available on the series' website, https://www.Dead-Horse-Canyon.com.
Her passion for science fiction began as a child. While her first stories were written in 6th grade describing her teachers' planets of origin, her determination to write seriously in that genre knew no bounds, such that she went back to college in her 30s to obtain a bachelor’s of science degree in physics.
After graduation she spent over 23 years working in the aerospace industry, most of which was at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas where she held a variety of positions including technical writer, engineer and eventually manager.
Science and engineering experience notwithstanding, it’s the unexplained mysteries of the cosmos, such as psi phenomena, time travel and the concept of a universal consciousness, which fascinate her the most and provide the setting for her Star Trails Tetralogy. Centered on the Brightstar family who has been torn apart by a storm of political and scientific intrigue, they will stop at nothing until they are reunited. Find out more on https://www.StarTrailsSaga.com.
Her most recent work is the multi-award winning "Dead Horse Canyon Trilogy" written with Northern Cheyenne, Pete Risingsun. A cross-cultural conspiracy thriller, it has been praised for its skillful integration of modern political themes, suspense, and indigenous history and culture. Details are available on the series' website, https://www.Dead-Horse-Canyon.com.
Her passion for science fiction began as a child. While her first stories were written in 6th grade describing her teachers' planets of origin, her determination to write seriously in that genre knew no bounds, such that she went back to college in her 30s to obtain a bachelor’s of science degree in physics.
After graduation she spent over 23 years working in the aerospace industry, most of which was at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas where she held a variety of positions including technical writer, engineer and eventually manager.
Science and engineering experience notwithstanding, it’s the unexplained mysteries of the cosmos, such as psi phenomena, time travel and the concept of a universal consciousness, which fascinate her the most and provide the setting for her Star Trails Tetralogy. Centered on the Brightstar family who has been torn apart by a storm of political and scientific intrigue, they will stop at nothing until they are reunited. Find out more on https://www.StarTrailsSaga.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 19, 2020
Beyond the Hidden Sky
Star Trails Tetralogy, Book 1
By: Marcha Fox
Narrated by: T. W. Ashworth
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. I have read another book by this author and really enjoyed it but I found in this book there were places that lagged. The characters weren't as well developed as I would have liked and the suspense/tension situation seemed to always fall flat.
I did love the plot and the type of imagination for the creatures! I have been reading hard core sci-fi all my life so it may be that teens are going to love this, especially those new to the genre.
I remember getting my first sci-fi book at the age of 5. It was about men on Mars (think creatures on Mars). I about split my face smiling! I was already so sick of boring Dick and Jane!
The narrator I cannot endorse. I think that brought the book down rather than enhancing it. A better narration would have made a big difference too.
Star Trails Tetralogy, Book 1
By: Marcha Fox
Narrated by: T. W. Ashworth
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. I have read another book by this author and really enjoyed it but I found in this book there were places that lagged. The characters weren't as well developed as I would have liked and the suspense/tension situation seemed to always fall flat.
I did love the plot and the type of imagination for the creatures! I have been reading hard core sci-fi all my life so it may be that teens are going to love this, especially those new to the genre.
I remember getting my first sci-fi book at the age of 5. It was about men on Mars (think creatures on Mars). I about split my face smiling! I was already so sick of boring Dick and Jane!
The narrator I cannot endorse. I think that brought the book down rather than enhancing it. A better narration would have made a big difference too.
May 21, 2018
Beyond the limits!
Creena Brightstar is an example of a space adventurer, full of enthusiasm, hopes and gut feelings. A character-driven plot, a space opera that takes you to deep space, both literally and metaphorically. The battle is actually between reason and emotions, order and creativity, status quo and change. Well written, researched and combined with the author's expertise. The human side of the story is really touching and enjoyable.
Creena Brightstar is an example of a space adventurer, full of enthusiasm, hopes and gut feelings. A character-driven plot, a space opera that takes you to deep space, both literally and metaphorically. The battle is actually between reason and emotions, order and creativity, status quo and change. Well written, researched and combined with the author's expertise. The human side of the story is really touching and enjoyable.
May 9, 2015
I have been a fan of science fiction dating back to the Eisenhower years when I first read stories by Poul Anderson, Lester Del Rey and other writers of that really remarkable era.
Marcha Fox is, in my opinion, a worthy successor to those writers who first enthralled me with their tales of other worlds, other times and "others."
That said, let me add that in 'Beyond the Hidden Sky' she has fashioned an excellent adventure story in the classic vein of those earlier writers with the extra added attraction of some very intriguing - and scientifically accurate - explanations of just how space travel actually works.
The story is one of both family love and loyalty coupled with a sinister betrayal.
Laren Brightstar, the father of three and husband to Sharra, is an important figure on his home planet. He is, however, about to fall victim to a plot that he does not fully understand; a political maneuver that will have serious consequences for him and his family. In an effort to do what's right for his wife and children he refuses to go to work for the ominous Augustus Troy and, instead, accepts a government position across the galaxy on a planet that is anything but hospitable.
If that were the worst of his problems his life would be difficult enough but his daughter Creena, a terrifyingly bright 14-year-old with a mind very much her own, has gone missing in deep space while the family is moving from one planet to another. Laren, acting on instinct, goes in search of her and therein, as the Bard once said, hangs a tale.
'Beyond the Hidden Sky' is the first in a series of books about the life and times of the Brightstar family and I am eager to read the rest of the saga.
I highly recommend this book, therefore, to anyone who enjoys a blend of science fact with science fiction.
Marcha Fox is, in my opinion, a worthy successor to those writers who first enthralled me with their tales of other worlds, other times and "others."
That said, let me add that in 'Beyond the Hidden Sky' she has fashioned an excellent adventure story in the classic vein of those earlier writers with the extra added attraction of some very intriguing - and scientifically accurate - explanations of just how space travel actually works.
The story is one of both family love and loyalty coupled with a sinister betrayal.
Laren Brightstar, the father of three and husband to Sharra, is an important figure on his home planet. He is, however, about to fall victim to a plot that he does not fully understand; a political maneuver that will have serious consequences for him and his family. In an effort to do what's right for his wife and children he refuses to go to work for the ominous Augustus Troy and, instead, accepts a government position across the galaxy on a planet that is anything but hospitable.
If that were the worst of his problems his life would be difficult enough but his daughter Creena, a terrifyingly bright 14-year-old with a mind very much her own, has gone missing in deep space while the family is moving from one planet to another. Laren, acting on instinct, goes in search of her and therein, as the Bard once said, hangs a tale.
'Beyond the Hidden Sky' is the first in a series of books about the life and times of the Brightstar family and I am eager to read the rest of the saga.
I highly recommend this book, therefore, to anyone who enjoys a blend of science fact with science fiction.
July 2, 2016
I enjoyed a great many aspects of this book about a teenager who must survive on her own in a dangerous galaxy after getting separated from her family. Creena is a likeable protagonist, and her adventures and unique supporting cast (especially the non-humans) are entertaining. I appreciated the author's smooth flow, unique voice, and the creation of her own tech and terminology. Snurkles!
Unfortunately, the novel too often struggled to hold my attention. Much of the prose consists of characters sitting around and pondering their circumstances, conveying often redundant information. This info dumping via thoughts killed the tension. The antagonists are one-dimensional and seldom-seen with unclear motivations. I didn't care for some of the philosophies in the book (reason vs. intuition, trusting in The Universe, good vs. evil). I thought the stakes could have been higher, the pace faster, and the plot twists more frequent.
All in all, this was an okay YA novel. A younger audience newer to sci-fi concepts or readers with more patience may enjoy it more than I did. Find a more in-depth review on any of my websites.
Unfortunately, the novel too often struggled to hold my attention. Much of the prose consists of characters sitting around and pondering their circumstances, conveying often redundant information. This info dumping via thoughts killed the tension. The antagonists are one-dimensional and seldom-seen with unclear motivations. I didn't care for some of the philosophies in the book (reason vs. intuition, trusting in The Universe, good vs. evil). I thought the stakes could have been higher, the pace faster, and the plot twists more frequent.
All in all, this was an okay YA novel. A younger audience newer to sci-fi concepts or readers with more patience may enjoy it more than I did. Find a more in-depth review on any of my websites.
July 23, 2014
I am a fan of this author. Beyond the hidden sky was an incredible story, I love technical details and was not disappointed. The characters are great, I recommend this read. I love her website as well, Valkyrie astrology, very compelling and intelligent author.
July 7, 2014
Beyond The Hidden Sky by Marcha Fox is a brilliant sci-fi, young adult novel. Creena Brightstar a pre-adult who is a contradiction to her upbringing on Mira 3 where rules and logic dictate society. As a teen who is an Esheronian/ Miran mix she relies on intuition and emotion instead of logic more than is maybe good for her. The Brightstar family is on a transport from their home planet Mira 3 to Cyraria when Creena stumbles upon a pod which sends her on an excursion to Verdaris a planet full of vegetation with few settlements that is in the way of a bombardment of comets. Her father and brother head out for a rescue mission while her mother and youngest brother have to enter a new planet on their own.
The author's colorful and animated word sketches give the reader the feel of actually watching or being right in the mix of the story. She brings personality and quirks to the characters as they develop through expressive descriptions and dialogue. For the series, she creates a whole new language such as cylls- for sleeping, snurkles- a derogatory term, and time is measured in metrics which makes sense as science is based metrically. To go with the series I also definitely recommend the Star Trails Compendium; it's a wonderful reference for the language and Universe March Fox has created in the Star Trails tetralogogy.
I am an author as well as having taught junior high science for a number of years and think this read would be a fabulous addition to classroom libraries as well as "the hungry for sci-fi lovers" personal bookshelf.
The author's colorful and animated word sketches give the reader the feel of actually watching or being right in the mix of the story. She brings personality and quirks to the characters as they develop through expressive descriptions and dialogue. For the series, she creates a whole new language such as cylls- for sleeping, snurkles- a derogatory term, and time is measured in metrics which makes sense as science is based metrically. To go with the series I also definitely recommend the Star Trails Compendium; it's a wonderful reference for the language and Universe March Fox has created in the Star Trails tetralogogy.
I am an author as well as having taught junior high science for a number of years and think this read would be a fabulous addition to classroom libraries as well as "the hungry for sci-fi lovers" personal bookshelf.
February 5, 2015
The multi-talented Marcha Fox offers QUINTESSENTIAL SCIENCE FICTION in BEYOND the HIDDEN SKY.
The book revolves around Creena Brightstar, a head-strong fourteen year-old girl of mixed bloodlines. Her mother, or merama, is a soft-spoken, well-mannered Miran. Creena’s brilliant father, or merapa, is Esheron. The Esheron are known as a people with a need for solitude and their illusive, introverted ways. Creena was born and reared on “the perfectly ordered world,” of Mira III where logic and reason prevail and The Laws usually are not questioned. Creena feels she has never quite fit the perfect Miran mold; and more often than not, finds herself on the receiving end of another NCR, or Non-Compliance Report. Creena has benefited from living on Mira III with its stable society, but at fourteen, her intense curiosity compels her to question what everyone else takes for granted. As the story opens upon the Brightstar's lives, Creena already is in the midst of trouble. At the onset, her quest is unclear, but like all heroes, her challenge is to harness her duel nature, her Miran logic and her Esheron independence and bring the best of what she is to the forefront of her life.
Science theory is a large part of this story and the writer uses many scenes and situations to explore warp drive, time bumps, worm holes, and warp gullies to name a few. When explanation is needed in a book, it usually slows progression of the plot, but the author uses the science as a “key” to unlock the puzzle of the many developing situations in which Creena finds herself. It’s a great book for anyone that wants to learn more about scientific concepts while being thoroughly entertained.
Beyond the Hidden Sky is filled with plenty of enigmatic characters, some alien, some humanoid, and others android. There are scheming villains and self-sacrificing heroes. My favorite character is the vegemal, Thyron, a sentient plant life that communicates in rhyming couplets.
I liked many things about this book, but my favorite scenes were the ones where Creena begins to realize her personal power from the melding of her mind and feelings. I look forward to volume 2 in the series, A DARK OF ENDLESS DAYS, and marvel over the knowledge and growing talent of this writer.
The book revolves around Creena Brightstar, a head-strong fourteen year-old girl of mixed bloodlines. Her mother, or merama, is a soft-spoken, well-mannered Miran. Creena’s brilliant father, or merapa, is Esheron. The Esheron are known as a people with a need for solitude and their illusive, introverted ways. Creena was born and reared on “the perfectly ordered world,” of Mira III where logic and reason prevail and The Laws usually are not questioned. Creena feels she has never quite fit the perfect Miran mold; and more often than not, finds herself on the receiving end of another NCR, or Non-Compliance Report. Creena has benefited from living on Mira III with its stable society, but at fourteen, her intense curiosity compels her to question what everyone else takes for granted. As the story opens upon the Brightstar's lives, Creena already is in the midst of trouble. At the onset, her quest is unclear, but like all heroes, her challenge is to harness her duel nature, her Miran logic and her Esheron independence and bring the best of what she is to the forefront of her life.
Science theory is a large part of this story and the writer uses many scenes and situations to explore warp drive, time bumps, worm holes, and warp gullies to name a few. When explanation is needed in a book, it usually slows progression of the plot, but the author uses the science as a “key” to unlock the puzzle of the many developing situations in which Creena finds herself. It’s a great book for anyone that wants to learn more about scientific concepts while being thoroughly entertained.
Beyond the Hidden Sky is filled with plenty of enigmatic characters, some alien, some humanoid, and others android. There are scheming villains and self-sacrificing heroes. My favorite character is the vegemal, Thyron, a sentient plant life that communicates in rhyming couplets.
I liked many things about this book, but my favorite scenes were the ones where Creena begins to realize her personal power from the melding of her mind and feelings. I look forward to volume 2 in the series, A DARK OF ENDLESS DAYS, and marvel over the knowledge and growing talent of this writer.
February 24, 2016
Two races of humans, several alien species, multiple starships and planets - this story ranges across a galaxy.
The Morningstar family is moving from a safe but restrictive planet to a dangerous outpost world. Creena is a young teenager, a hybrid of the two human races, angry at her brother, in constant trouble for breaking rules, and also my favorite character. As her family travels via starship to their new world, she seems to be accidentally trapped in an escape pod that launches to the wrong planet. But it may not have been an accident - a powerful man is trying to manipulate her father.
Creena's father and her despised brother take a small ship to rescue Creena, but all these ships are traveling near the speed of light. If their Time Dilation Modulators malfunction, her father could arrive four years too early or twelve years too late to help Creena. Similar problems with time and space could keep them all from rejoining Creena's mother and younger brother. Fox infuses her story with the physics of space-time.
Three main subplots spin out in the book, but I liked Creena's the most. The pod lands her safely on the world it aimed for, but the colonists there are gone - evacuated. The planet's about to receive a deadly bombardment. She overcomes her childishness to solve some impressive problems, and acquires interesting comrades along the way - neither of them human. Her child-reactions are realistic without being annoying (well, maybe appropriately annoying) and her problem-solving feels plausible given the help she finds. Her longing to be back with her family is something I can relate to.
As the characters navigate relations with alien species and space-time, they ponder the role of logic versus feelings, taking action themselves versus trusting the Universe. And growing up for Creena and her brothers requires confronting and overcoming "a serious challenge, [to] learn the meaning of courage."
This is the first volume in a serial - that is, the story continues over the course of four volumes. Not to mention all those ships, worlds, and species.My thanks to Marcha Fox for sharing the story with me.
The Morningstar family is moving from a safe but restrictive planet to a dangerous outpost world. Creena is a young teenager, a hybrid of the two human races, angry at her brother, in constant trouble for breaking rules, and also my favorite character. As her family travels via starship to their new world, she seems to be accidentally trapped in an escape pod that launches to the wrong planet. But it may not have been an accident - a powerful man is trying to manipulate her father.
Creena's father and her despised brother take a small ship to rescue Creena, but all these ships are traveling near the speed of light. If their Time Dilation Modulators malfunction, her father could arrive four years too early or twelve years too late to help Creena. Similar problems with time and space could keep them all from rejoining Creena's mother and younger brother. Fox infuses her story with the physics of space-time.
Three main subplots spin out in the book, but I liked Creena's the most. The pod lands her safely on the world it aimed for, but the colonists there are gone - evacuated. The planet's about to receive a deadly bombardment. She overcomes her childishness to solve some impressive problems, and acquires interesting comrades along the way - neither of them human. Her child-reactions are realistic without being annoying (well, maybe appropriately annoying) and her problem-solving feels plausible given the help she finds. Her longing to be back with her family is something I can relate to.
As the characters navigate relations with alien species and space-time, they ponder the role of logic versus feelings, taking action themselves versus trusting the Universe. And growing up for Creena and her brothers requires confronting and overcoming "a serious challenge, [to] learn the meaning of courage."
This is the first volume in a serial - that is, the story continues over the course of four volumes. Not to mention all those ships, worlds, and species.My thanks to Marcha Fox for sharing the story with me.
September 30, 2014
A joy to read. Imaginative hard sci-fi with real-life characters
Imagine growing up in a regimented, well-ordered, pristine bubble. Then imagine you burst that bubble accidentally and your new playground suddenly opens up to include the galaxy, but you're on your own, your family is travelling farther and farther away, you're trapped in this escape pod, and there's a virtual nanny telling you what to do. Imagine you're a natural rebel.
Creena Brightstar is a rebel.
Dirck is her brother. Dirck is dutiful, compliant, and loves to drive his non-conforming sister crazy. This time he went too far. Now he's with his father and on a mission to find Creena, only the big, bad world outside is nothing like the bubble he's raved about all his life, and his dad has some rapid education to do.
This is such a fun, fascinating read. Marcha Fox knows her science, and the Brightstar children rapidly need to learn all this stuff about space travel, warp drive, and time bumps, and so the reader learns right along with them. Anyone who loves hard science will lap this book up. However, that and the wonderful world-building is the bonus.
The real joy in this story (the start of a bigger, complex, political sci-fi thriller chock-full of mysterious baddies) is Creena and Dirck's development. Adversity tests, tries, and changes their outlook on life. In Marcha Fox's world, never mistake inexperience for incompetence. She expects much from her young characters, and yet intuitively understands and empathises with them.
Oh, and there's a robot I swear would drive C-3PO insane.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for both young and old and I will be gradually devouring the rest of this series.
Imagine growing up in a regimented, well-ordered, pristine bubble. Then imagine you burst that bubble accidentally and your new playground suddenly opens up to include the galaxy, but you're on your own, your family is travelling farther and farther away, you're trapped in this escape pod, and there's a virtual nanny telling you what to do. Imagine you're a natural rebel.
Creena Brightstar is a rebel.
Dirck is her brother. Dirck is dutiful, compliant, and loves to drive his non-conforming sister crazy. This time he went too far. Now he's with his father and on a mission to find Creena, only the big, bad world outside is nothing like the bubble he's raved about all his life, and his dad has some rapid education to do.
This is such a fun, fascinating read. Marcha Fox knows her science, and the Brightstar children rapidly need to learn all this stuff about space travel, warp drive, and time bumps, and so the reader learns right along with them. Anyone who loves hard science will lap this book up. However, that and the wonderful world-building is the bonus.
The real joy in this story (the start of a bigger, complex, political sci-fi thriller chock-full of mysterious baddies) is Creena and Dirck's development. Adversity tests, tries, and changes their outlook on life. In Marcha Fox's world, never mistake inexperience for incompetence. She expects much from her young characters, and yet intuitively understands and empathises with them.
Oh, and there's a robot I swear would drive C-3PO insane.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for both young and old and I will be gradually devouring the rest of this series.
December 26, 2014
“Beyond the Hidden Sky” by Marcha Fox is an exciting tale about Creena Brightstar, a headstrong teen from planet Mira III, her father Lauren, mother Sharra, troublesome older brother Dirck and her pleasant to be around younger brother Deven. The story begins with the Brightstar family on their way to Cyraria, another planet where Lauren is initially set up with a great paying job to determine the best ways to use the soil on the planet’s surface. Creena makes a huge detour when a fight with Dirck causes her to find a hiding place in a space pod. Unfortunately, her father’s nemesis, Augustus Troy, set up the pod to separate from the main ship in a plot to force Lauren to do the Order’s bidding. Troy also has eyes on Creena because she, like her father, possesses the potential to balance logic and intuition, a characteristic not common among natives of Mira who tend to be more logical followers or those of Esheron who tend to be warriors led by their gut.
This story takes place in space of the Hostilan galaxy. Some readers may find the discussions concerning space/time travel difficult to follow. Sparse use of commas also leads to re-reading. However, the plot held my attention and left me wanting more when it ended. Each of the main characters was well developed, so I was able to connect with them. There were also a number of twists and turns which kept me coming back. I look forward to continuing the journey to see what happens next.
I recommend this book to avid science fiction readers.
This story takes place in space of the Hostilan galaxy. Some readers may find the discussions concerning space/time travel difficult to follow. Sparse use of commas also leads to re-reading. However, the plot held my attention and left me wanting more when it ended. Each of the main characters was well developed, so I was able to connect with them. There were also a number of twists and turns which kept me coming back. I look forward to continuing the journey to see what happens next.
I recommend this book to avid science fiction readers.
July 23, 2016
THIS DREAM OF A BOOK
Up until last Tuesday my experience of science fiction was limited to the Star Trek and Star War series and Douglas Adams. But being at a loose end I decided to give Beyond The Hidden Sky a lash (as we say here in Ireland). And what an experience! For the four daydreaming days that I spent reading this shimmering star of a novel I moved house from Earth to Verdaris, a planet that spins inconveniently in the path of a cluster of comets. And that's the least of its problems.
Star Wars tells of the conflict between good and evil but Marcha Fox's book has all that and more. So much more. Here we have the battle between logic and inspiration added to the grating differences that rear their heads in every family. Creena Brightstar - what a beautiful name for a beautiful teen! - is gifted with far too much intuition for her own good and lands herself and her loved ones in trouble. She gets trapped in a pesky pod and is catapulted into space to planet Verdaris. Never before have I come across anything like this place Verdaris. Plants that talk in rhyming couplets, a new language that's both delightful and accessible and a rogue's gallery that makes the gunfights of Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns seem like the clearing up that has to be done after an archdeacon's dinner party. And as if all that wasn't enough Creena has a brother called Dirck. Dirck the jerk I call him. Watch out for him (there's one in every family).
In short, this is a treat I never expected when I was gifted this dream of a book.
Colm Herron
Up until last Tuesday my experience of science fiction was limited to the Star Trek and Star War series and Douglas Adams. But being at a loose end I decided to give Beyond The Hidden Sky a lash (as we say here in Ireland). And what an experience! For the four daydreaming days that I spent reading this shimmering star of a novel I moved house from Earth to Verdaris, a planet that spins inconveniently in the path of a cluster of comets. And that's the least of its problems.
Star Wars tells of the conflict between good and evil but Marcha Fox's book has all that and more. So much more. Here we have the battle between logic and inspiration added to the grating differences that rear their heads in every family. Creena Brightstar - what a beautiful name for a beautiful teen! - is gifted with far too much intuition for her own good and lands herself and her loved ones in trouble. She gets trapped in a pesky pod and is catapulted into space to planet Verdaris. Never before have I come across anything like this place Verdaris. Plants that talk in rhyming couplets, a new language that's both delightful and accessible and a rogue's gallery that makes the gunfights of Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns seem like the clearing up that has to be done after an archdeacon's dinner party. And as if all that wasn't enough Creena has a brother called Dirck. Dirck the jerk I call him. Watch out for him (there's one in every family).
In short, this is a treat I never expected when I was gifted this dream of a book.
Colm Herron
May 6, 2015
As an avid YA reader, I was pleasantly surprised to have won this novel in a giveaway. It’s been quite a while since I’ve read sci-fi, and I was thrust into a riveting, highly detailed and believable world from page one. Beyond the Hidden Sky is a space adventure surrounding the journey of Creena Brightstar and her family as they navigate the uncertainties of space all while trying to reunite after a deliberate scheme by villainous Troy tore the Brightstars apart in the beginning.
From spaceships to otherworldly planets, the descriptions throughout the novel drew me in and helped me imagine what it would be like to be the characters. I could really get in their heads and cheer for them as they tried to overcome every challenge that headed their way. While the space lingo seemed daunting at first glance, the novel was written in such a way that it was easy to pick up on the more I read, so if you’re hesitant to read the novel because of that, don’t be.
Besides a fun adventure story, Beyond the Hidden Sky delves into a world that perfectly portrays the importance of family, finding balance between instincts and logic, sibling rivalry, and the idea of something greater in the universe. I look forward to the rest of the series to discover where Creena and her family end up in this vast universe of possibilities. I recommend this novel to those who like reading about other worlds, space travel, science, and family sagas.
From spaceships to otherworldly planets, the descriptions throughout the novel drew me in and helped me imagine what it would be like to be the characters. I could really get in their heads and cheer for them as they tried to overcome every challenge that headed their way. While the space lingo seemed daunting at first glance, the novel was written in such a way that it was easy to pick up on the more I read, so if you’re hesitant to read the novel because of that, don’t be.
Besides a fun adventure story, Beyond the Hidden Sky delves into a world that perfectly portrays the importance of family, finding balance between instincts and logic, sibling rivalry, and the idea of something greater in the universe. I look forward to the rest of the series to discover where Creena and her family end up in this vast universe of possibilities. I recommend this novel to those who like reading about other worlds, space travel, science, and family sagas.
July 20, 2015
I am not a big sci-fi reader, but this book caught my eye, so I took a chance on it. The characters' voices were well-created. The descriptions were very detailed, which I guess is extremely important in a sci-fi book. Every ship, every device, and the living conditions were described so well that even someone like me, who has no background in reading sci-fi, could visualize it without feeling lost.
As a movie, this book would drive me crazy because everything takes places over a few days, but as a book, it was fun to read because it kept switching back and forth between the characters. Without giving too much away, Creena gets separated from her family, and her father and brother are trying to find her and rescue her. It's a race against distance and time, and it was cleverly written to keep you intrigued.
The worlds were great! The crazy plants and the other species were imaginative and fun to daydream about. The antagonist is wickedly sinister and just enough was given to keep you wanting to figure out what he is planning. I also love how the Universe and its energies are portrayed.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi as well as anyone who has a great imagination. :-)
As a movie, this book would drive me crazy because everything takes places over a few days, but as a book, it was fun to read because it kept switching back and forth between the characters. Without giving too much away, Creena gets separated from her family, and her father and brother are trying to find her and rescue her. It's a race against distance and time, and it was cleverly written to keep you intrigued.
The worlds were great! The crazy plants and the other species were imaginative and fun to daydream about. The antagonist is wickedly sinister and just enough was given to keep you wanting to figure out what he is planning. I also love how the Universe and its energies are portrayed.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi as well as anyone who has a great imagination. :-)
November 10, 2015
Beyond the hidden sky is an enjoyable science fiction adventure, centring on a teenage protagonist, Creena Brightstar, who is thrust into an exciting adventure when the escape pod she is hiding in is suddenly and unexpectedly ejected into deep space. Separated from her family, she must fight for survival in a dangerous and unpredictable universe, dealing with all manner of strange characters, including a grouchy robot, bug eyed monsters and dangerous aliens. It has lots of enjoyable twists and turns, fascinating three-dimensional characters, and lots of advanced technology. The science is well described, being grounded in real-world physics, but it isn’t too dry to put off readers who aren’t interesting in such things.
The only criticism is that some of the descriptions of events and protagonists’ thought processes are a little over-long at times, causing the pace to slacken off. However, this is a minor point, and I commend the author on her carefully structured plot, interesting characters and imaginative descriptions of other worlds, and I would recommended the book to sci-fi fans of all ages. I have downloaded the entire 4 book series as a Kindle box set, and so I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. Well done.
The only criticism is that some of the descriptions of events and protagonists’ thought processes are a little over-long at times, causing the pace to slacken off. However, this is a minor point, and I commend the author on her carefully structured plot, interesting characters and imaginative descriptions of other worlds, and I would recommended the book to sci-fi fans of all ages. I have downloaded the entire 4 book series as a Kindle box set, and so I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. Well done.
May 9, 2016
Fourteen-year-old Creena Brightstar questions everything, especially The Laws. She has racked up an impressive number of noncompliance reports (NCRs) on her naterra, much to the chagrin of her seventeen-year-old brother, Dirck. When her father is unexpectedly transferred to another planet her stubborn curious streak puts her into dangers she never dreamed of before.
Fox’s first novel in the Star Trails Tetralogy, Beyond the Hidden Sky, is set in the middle of a power struggle for complete universal dominance. Creena is a pawn in a despot’s game of chess. She stays true to her fourteen-year-old mentality while exhibiting personal growth spurred on by her high intelligence. Without her knowledge, a sequence of events is unfolding that have placed her entire family in grave danger.
The story is fresh and holds the reader’s attention well. The the Sapphirans, blue pygmies from some alien world, add comic relief to an otherwise dire situation. There are typographical errors that I found annoying as they were distracting.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
Fox’s first novel in the Star Trails Tetralogy, Beyond the Hidden Sky, is set in the middle of a power struggle for complete universal dominance. Creena is a pawn in a despot’s game of chess. She stays true to her fourteen-year-old mentality while exhibiting personal growth spurred on by her high intelligence. Without her knowledge, a sequence of events is unfolding that have placed her entire family in grave danger.
The story is fresh and holds the reader’s attention well. The the Sapphirans, blue pygmies from some alien world, add comic relief to an otherwise dire situation. There are typographical errors that I found annoying as they were distracting.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
July 31, 2015
This is a really good story that brings to life a whole new galaxy. It was very cool to travel through and explore this new dimension with Creena, who is learning how vast, different and dangerous the universe can be. Creena is your typical impulsive, emotional teenager, making decisions without really thinking them through. It's one thing when you're a teenager on earth making those kind of choices but when you are in space, it adds a whole other problem. She finds herself in an escape pod floating through space having to figure out what's real, what's not and who or what to trust. Her jerk reaction also puts in motion a whole lot of problems and challenges for her family to cope with. The good thing is that it awakens them to what the true threat is the bad news is that they don't have the resources or power to do anything about it.
As this story plays out, there is a good sense of doom along with hope, keeping you guessing as to what is going to win out. I definitely am looking forward to book 2. I definitely recommend this story.
As this story plays out, there is a good sense of doom along with hope, keeping you guessing as to what is going to win out. I definitely am looking forward to book 2. I definitely recommend this story.
October 22, 2014
"A word for panic does not even exist of Mira III. It is not needed." Now imagine being propelled from such a world to one in which panic ensues. The result? Culture Shock. Throw in some chaos, aliens, humanoids and sci-fi language, and March Fox drops us off in an imaginative world similar to Star Wars or Star Trek. There is these awesome super-computer that speaks in rhymes, and more.The plots and sub-plots include family values, a family being uprooted, a "pre-adult" who causes trouble for the family, and much more.
This well written novel's style plunges the reader into a new world through fabulous characterizations and sci-fi terms without interrupting the flow of the story. Reading this, I did not even realize it was considered a YA, as it is written in a mature style with realistic possibilities. As a Star Wars fan, I was deeply excited to read this book. This is the first in the Star Trails Tetralogy, and I look forward to reading more.
This well written novel's style plunges the reader into a new world through fabulous characterizations and sci-fi terms without interrupting the flow of the story. Reading this, I did not even realize it was considered a YA, as it is written in a mature style with realistic possibilities. As a Star Wars fan, I was deeply excited to read this book. This is the first in the Star Trails Tetralogy, and I look forward to reading more.
January 27, 2015
Beyond the Hidden Sky: Volume 1 of the Star Trails Tetralogy by Marcha Fox is sci-fi at its best. This space opera is fast paced and action packed and will leave you breathless.
I really liked the way the author developed a storyline that is full of plot twist and adventure. It will keep you on your toes as the multiple plot lines progress. The author's storytelling style works well in this type of book and makes it easy to follow and very believable.
Marcha Fox did an excellent job of creating and developing her characters. They are believable and easy to follow. With the background information and the storyline you could see the strength of each of the characters grow and mature as the story progressed.
The only thing that I did not like about the book was it ended. Now I will have to read the next installment of what is shaping up as a great series.
I really liked Beyond the Hidden Sky by Marcha Fox and I highly recommend this excellent book to all readers.
I really liked the way the author developed a storyline that is full of plot twist and adventure. It will keep you on your toes as the multiple plot lines progress. The author's storytelling style works well in this type of book and makes it easy to follow and very believable.
Marcha Fox did an excellent job of creating and developing her characters. They are believable and easy to follow. With the background information and the storyline you could see the strength of each of the characters grow and mature as the story progressed.
The only thing that I did not like about the book was it ended. Now I will have to read the next installment of what is shaping up as a great series.
I really liked Beyond the Hidden Sky by Marcha Fox and I highly recommend this excellent book to all readers.
July 24, 2015
I've two voracious bookworms aged 10 and 9 respectively, who ate this book and came begging for more. Fantastic read, my girls want you to know. If you're a parent like me with younger kids who read well above their age group, then you're always looking for clean but challenging fiction that they won't finish in an hour.
This is science fiction which is thoughtfully written and appropriate for a younger audience, without compromise on the 'hard' side of science and technology. Plenty to do with the paradoxes of near light-speed travel, for example. The world-building is particularly noteworthy - inventive, consistent and accessible. The editing is sound and the characters well-drawn. Tech is never used as a magic wand to get the MC out of difficult situations - she needs to think her way out, and that's great. Love the cover art too.
My girls give this 5 stars and I, having recently finished it, couldn't agree more! Highly recommended.
This is science fiction which is thoughtfully written and appropriate for a younger audience, without compromise on the 'hard' side of science and technology. Plenty to do with the paradoxes of near light-speed travel, for example. The world-building is particularly noteworthy - inventive, consistent and accessible. The editing is sound and the characters well-drawn. Tech is never used as a magic wand to get the MC out of difficult situations - she needs to think her way out, and that's great. Love the cover art too.
My girls give this 5 stars and I, having recently finished it, couldn't agree more! Highly recommended.
April 22, 2017
Enjoyable Sci-Fi Adventure
"Beyond the Hidden Sky" is an enjoyable science fiction adventure. The main character, Creena Brightstar, relies on her wits and gut feelings among a people who apply logic and order. They can't understand her. Her curiosity gets her into trouble when she's thrust into an adventure that takes her to unknown worlds where there are dangerous manipulators who want her to do their bidding. Creena has the ability to fool those who believe they know what she will do in the situations set before her but are surprised each time they fail to intercept her.
Ms. Fox's scientific expertise is immediately apparent in the story. I enjoyed the well-written, well-plotted story, and the amazing characterization. It's a wonderful story that I would recommend to readers of all ages, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. 4.5 rounded to 5 stars
"Beyond the Hidden Sky" is an enjoyable science fiction adventure. The main character, Creena Brightstar, relies on her wits and gut feelings among a people who apply logic and order. They can't understand her. Her curiosity gets her into trouble when she's thrust into an adventure that takes her to unknown worlds where there are dangerous manipulators who want her to do their bidding. Creena has the ability to fool those who believe they know what she will do in the situations set before her but are surprised each time they fail to intercept her.
Ms. Fox's scientific expertise is immediately apparent in the story. I enjoyed the well-written, well-plotted story, and the amazing characterization. It's a wonderful story that I would recommend to readers of all ages, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. 4.5 rounded to 5 stars
December 7, 2014
The cool cover made me want to read this book, and the fact that the author has a degree in physics and worked for NASA. The story was well-written with great pacing and fascinating details. The main characters were compelling and sympathetic, the different worlds were easy to "see" with organic descriptions arising out of the plot and situations, and the scientific details added greatly to the story without sounding like something out of a textbook. The only thing jarring was the one character (who was otherwise very original and extremely interesting) who communicated in telepathic rhyme. Having him rhyme occasionally would have been enough; a few of the "conversations" sounded stilted and forced because of the awkward rhymes. Other than that, it was a fantastic read for middle grade and older!
October 29, 2015
Beyond The Hidden Sky (Star Trails Tetralogy, #1) by Marcha A. Fox is a magnificent space opera of epic proportions. The story line is pure brilliance, the characters are so believable, the writing is scintillating and every page is full of vivid descriptions that hook the reader straight away and never lets up. I am in love with this series and so will you be.
A family is on its way to a new home on a distant planet but sinister forces separate them scattering them throughout the galaxy to fend for themselves. Why? Not gonna say, just read and be in awe of a master storyteller of the highest caliber.
This reader felt every emotion, saw every planet through the character's eyes as my own. I was there with them. This book one sets up an adventure that quite simply rivals Dune in its epic scale.
This incredible family friendly scifi saga is very highly recommended.
A family is on its way to a new home on a distant planet but sinister forces separate them scattering them throughout the galaxy to fend for themselves. Why? Not gonna say, just read and be in awe of a master storyteller of the highest caliber.
This reader felt every emotion, saw every planet through the character's eyes as my own. I was there with them. This book one sets up an adventure that quite simply rivals Dune in its epic scale.
This incredible family friendly scifi saga is very highly recommended.
January 16, 2014
Amazing Science YA fictions for audiences of all ages
Beyond the Hidden Sky by Marcha Fox series are science fiction thrillers focusing on amazing exploits of the Brightstar family.
The stories becomes classic battles between good and evil of the universe. The consequences of right and wrong are forces throughout the cosmos. seeking to expedition.
Rhyming verses shows off the authors poetic and talented skills. The beautiful covers are attractively designed,
Although geared for the YA market, it is suited for sci-fi audiences for all ages who will thoroughly enjoy the talented professional writing of Marcha Fox’s wonderful expeditions. Beyond the Hidden Sky series by Marcha Fox are not to be missed and highly recommended.
Beyond the Hidden Sky by Marcha Fox series are science fiction thrillers focusing on amazing exploits of the Brightstar family.
The stories becomes classic battles between good and evil of the universe. The consequences of right and wrong are forces throughout the cosmos. seeking to expedition.
Rhyming verses shows off the authors poetic and talented skills. The beautiful covers are attractively designed,
Although geared for the YA market, it is suited for sci-fi audiences for all ages who will thoroughly enjoy the talented professional writing of Marcha Fox’s wonderful expeditions. Beyond the Hidden Sky series by Marcha Fox are not to be missed and highly recommended.
July 16, 2014
The story centers around Creena, who accidentally (or maybe not), gets trapped in an escape pod and gets fired out into space. As most teenagers, she doesn't like rules or her older brother. The Brightstar family are traveling on a spaceship, leaving their home planet Mira III. Captain Troy has plans for Creena and her family. Not good ones. As punishment for Creena's escape, the family is split up.
Creena lands on the planet Verdaris. She flees from strange creatures. She finds a friend in a troid called Aggie. They escape the planet by taking over a space ship.
Meanwhile, Creena's father and brother are searching for her.
Creena misses her brothers and parents. She learns the hard way to take care of herself.
This book is a nice coming of age story.
Creena lands on the planet Verdaris. She flees from strange creatures. She finds a friend in a troid called Aggie. They escape the planet by taking over a space ship.
Meanwhile, Creena's father and brother are searching for her.
Creena misses her brothers and parents. She learns the hard way to take care of herself.
This book is a nice coming of age story.
January 4, 2015
“Beyond the Hidden Sky (Star Trails Tetralogy Book 1)” by Marcha Fox is an excellent Science Fiction Novel that seems aimed at both adults and younger readers. Adults will enjoy the scientific and concise description of technology, while younger readers will love the young characters, robots and many other entertaining ingredients.
The book has great charm and is easy to read for most parts, but very thought-through and complex in others. Knowing the author as the accomplished writer of concise Astrology books, the competence and easy use of technology and science in this book comes as no surprise.
Suspense, dramatic curve and fun parts are well balanced to make for a promising start in this 4-parter.
Recommended!
The book has great charm and is easy to read for most parts, but very thought-through and complex in others. Knowing the author as the accomplished writer of concise Astrology books, the competence and easy use of technology and science in this book comes as no surprise.
Suspense, dramatic curve and fun parts are well balanced to make for a promising start in this 4-parter.
Recommended!
February 11, 2015
After starting the second book in the series, I put it down and went back to this first book. The reason for this was that the book was so engrossing and well-written that I wanted to start Creena Brighstar's adventures from the begining. This story starts with the Brighstar relocating from their perfectly ordered home planet to Cyraira. Creena and her 17 year old brother have another dispute and Creena finds herself in an escape pod on her way to Verdaris. The adventures continue. This superb tale is a great read for young adults and the rest of us.
April 13, 2016
This is a fabulous read. It contains everything a good sci-fi book needs including an author who knows her stuff.
The story follows a family across the expanse of known face and maybe a little beyond. As you read, don't make assumptions as to where the story is heading, you will be wrong! There is hatred, intrigue, class struggles, back stabbing, death, along with amazing science!
The author writes in with a style that flows as water but with the substance of burgundy.
If you are hesitating about getting this book, just buy it, you will like it!
The story follows a family across the expanse of known face and maybe a little beyond. As you read, don't make assumptions as to where the story is heading, you will be wrong! There is hatred, intrigue, class struggles, back stabbing, death, along with amazing science!
The author writes in with a style that flows as water but with the substance of burgundy.
If you are hesitating about getting this book, just buy it, you will like it!
February 27, 2014
I didn't like the prologue. It was hard to follow. However I always give a book a couple of chapters and it quickly became apparent it was a really good story. I am not a young adult so I sometimes got bogged down with some of the technical stuff. I loved the story though. I found good character development and was hooked enough not to put the book down until I finished it. I really liked chapter 19. I look forward to book 2.
August 28, 2015
Oh my goodness I am so glad I came across this series! I love young adult science fiction and Marcha Fox has "put the science back in science fiction!" She worked for NASA for over 20 years and adds some incredible math and science that even Orson Scott Card can't touch! I read all three of the books in the series in the same two weeks and haven't got the fourth book yet but will let you know if it is as good! Yeah!
January 5, 2018
Gave it another shot because she's a local author (I tried reading it before but couldn't get past chapter two). Interesting premise but Fox weighs down the story with the science. I know she worked for NASA but trying to explain in painstaking detail how things work takes the 'fiction' out of 'science fiction' and loses my interest. Other people might like all the technical details, but I just found them irritating.
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