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The Rosie Black Chronicles #3
Dark Star
To protect Pip and fulfil her deal with Sulawayo, Rosie Black has joined Helios. But trouble is brewing within the ranks - a rebellion is rising. Who is part of the rebellion? Who is trying to take full control of Helios? How does the mysterious Dark Star fit into these plans?
The stakes are high for Rosie. The survival of Pip and the world as she knows it depends on her. Can Rosie find the truthy and save those she loves before it's too late?
The stakes are high for Rosie. The survival of Pip and the world as she knows it depends on her. Can Rosie find the truthy and save those she loves before it's too late?
388 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Lara Morgan
16 books83 followersLara Morgan writes for both adults and teens and is the author of The Twins of Saranthium series and The Rosie Black Chronicles.
She lives in a coastal town in Western Australia called Geraldton which is a long way from most places and too close to others.
Her mission is to rid the world of tea, one cup at a time. This is going quite well.
She lives in a coastal town in Western Australia called Geraldton which is a long way from most places and too close to others.
Her mission is to rid the world of tea, one cup at a time. This is going quite well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 23, 2013
Lara Morgan makes me so proud to be Australian! As everyone knows, us Australians are:
And our authors are no exception to that! The latest, and final, novel in the 'Rosie Black Chronicles' is a fast-paced adventure - a race against time to save the world as we know it, five hundred years into the future.
Rosie is an amazing heroine. The word 'strong' doesn't even come close to describing her - the girl has to live with that horrid implant thing in her brain which means constant pain 24/7, plus she gets tortured, plus she's trying to save her loved ones and on top of everything else the world is in danger and she has the information to either save or destroy it.
No pressure.
Highlights and thoughts:
- Pip was so adorable I wanted to hug him...or kiss him. But Rosie got there first :(
- Aunt Essie is a psycho and bad-ass as hell, and I love her for it!
- Riley was as useful as sand in the desert. In other words...he wasn't.
- Dalton has daddy issues. BIG daddy issues. Like my-dad-is-evil-holy-shit-I-think-he-killed-my-bro issues.
- Cassie isn't really an ice princess. Really. She's just a tad bitchy, self-absorbed and misunderstood.
- Alpha wasn't a wolf. He was a guy. With guns at his disposal, but I thought the name 'Alpha' summoned too much expectation in the readers. The guy was a loser. His name should have been 'Beta'!
- Did I mention that Pip's worrying over Rosie was adorable?
- Pip's smile. We need a blog, a Tumblr or just a website devoted to Pip's smile.
- Pip's blue eyes. A website is also called for.
- Pip's 'I'm-too-goodlooking-when-angry' moments.
- Pip. Pip. Pip.
A side note: Pip and Dalton...my beautiful boys FINALLY make peace!!
It was so cute - no spoilers, don't worry - but when they finally see eye-to-eye, I was waiting for them to have a bro-to-bro hug, or something, but the situation was kinda awkward to say the least:
I'm so sad that the series has come to an end!! But what an amazing journey it has been. One I, certainly, will never forget and I thank Lara over and over again for the masterpiece she has created and the colourful cast of characters that will inspire and enchant readers for generations to come :D
And our authors are no exception to that! The latest, and final, novel in the 'Rosie Black Chronicles' is a fast-paced adventure - a race against time to save the world as we know it, five hundred years into the future.
Rosie is an amazing heroine. The word 'strong' doesn't even come close to describing her - the girl has to live with that horrid implant thing in her brain which means constant pain 24/7, plus she gets tortured, plus she's trying to save her loved ones and on top of everything else the world is in danger and she has the information to either save or destroy it.
No pressure.
Highlights and thoughts:
- Pip was so adorable I wanted to hug him...or kiss him. But Rosie got there first :(
- Aunt Essie is a psycho and bad-ass as hell, and I love her for it!
- Riley was as useful as sand in the desert. In other words...he wasn't.
- Dalton has daddy issues. BIG daddy issues. Like my-dad-is-evil-holy-shit-I-think-he-killed-my-bro issues.
- Cassie isn't really an ice princess. Really. She's just a tad bitchy, self-absorbed and misunderstood.
- Alpha wasn't a wolf. He was a guy. With guns at his disposal, but I thought the name 'Alpha' summoned too much expectation in the readers. The guy was a loser. His name should have been 'Beta'!
- Did I mention that Pip's worrying over Rosie was adorable?
- Pip's smile. We need a blog, a Tumblr or just a website devoted to Pip's smile.
- Pip's blue eyes. A website is also called for.
- Pip's 'I'm-too-goodlooking-when-angry' moments.
- Pip. Pip. Pip.
A side note: Pip and Dalton...my beautiful boys FINALLY make peace!!
It was so cute - no spoilers, don't worry - but when they finally see eye-to-eye, I was waiting for them to have a bro-to-bro hug, or something, but the situation was kinda awkward to say the least:
I'm so sad that the series has come to an end!! But what an amazing journey it has been. One I, certainly, will never forget and I thank Lara over and over again for the masterpiece she has created and the colourful cast of characters that will inspire and enchant readers for generations to come :D
November 21, 2012
This one was slower for me than the previous two instalments in the Rosie Black Chronicles - initially the action felt a little tedious and repetitive.
That said, I like the way Morgan chose to wrap the series up and where she left the characters. A good conclusion to a fun futuristic trilogy.
November 21, 2013
What a why to end the series! Amazing one of the best Aussie writers I have ever come across. From start to finish with the series it is full of drama and action packed moments. Why is it that I trust my friends more to pick the books for me to read next then myself, serious issue. Anyway this book is perfection with every moment and Rosie is one of the most bravest and couragest characters that I have ever come across and I am glad that I 'met' her. Thank you Lara Morgan for creating the Rosie Black series, a true master piece of writing and creativity.
October 1, 2015
When I started this series I wasn't really expecting much but the first book just completely blew me away.
It was nothing like I expected but in the best way possible.
I absolutely fell in love with the world, characters and story.
Now don't get me wrong the second and third books in this series were still good but after that amazing start I guess I expected more.
I feel like this series could have been so much more than it was.
I still really enjoyed this book and recommend reading the series but I was just a tad disappointed after that amazing first book.
It was nothing like I expected but in the best way possible.
I absolutely fell in love with the world, characters and story.
Now don't get me wrong the second and third books in this series were still good but after that amazing start I guess I expected more.
I feel like this series could have been so much more than it was.
I still really enjoyed this book and recommend reading the series but I was just a tad disappointed after that amazing first book.
August 23, 2013
** I think I have to re-read this trilogy as a whole someday, and I'll probably appreciate it better then **
December 31, 2014
After I was done reading Dark Star, I was pretty satisfied with how the trilogy ended. While I didn’t yearn for another book to extend the series, I didn’t wish for less either. Three books for this trilogy was the perfect number to build up the story and to wrap it up in the end.
I liked that Rosie matured over the course of the books, since she did get a year older with each. At the same time, the presence of Aunt Essie and Essie making decisions for Rosie in the absence of her parents made it so much more believable that at the end of the day, Rosie was still a teenager. By the time we hit Dark Star, Rosie is already 18 years old, and with all those adventures behind her, she has also become a whole lot more independent. What made me like her so much was that not once did she derive her worth from another guy. Yes, she cared a lot about Pip and some of her decisions were based on him but whenever that happened, it wasn’t because he directed her choices but rather, she factored him in for his own safety. That, for me, made her very appealing to me as the central heroine of the book.
Now, at the end of Equinox, Rosie turned herself over to Agent Sulawayo to become part of Helios. Sulawayo had previously convinced her that she was leading a rebel faction, so Rosie believed that this was her last resort to bring down Helios. During her time there, she had to be part of their training program, where she met other recruits around her age. Gillian stood out the most and somehow seemed to have Rosie’s back. Still, Rosie couldn’t be sure since she was in enemy territory, so she was wary of Gillian while making friends with her. The introduction of Gillian added the story very well because Rosie after the death of her best friend Julie, she hadn’t found another friend she could rely on. Sure, there were Pip and Dalton but they were guys, so the dynamics were different. With Gillian in the picture, I felt that I got to know Rosie better not just as someone wanting revenge on Helios or as a potential love interest but also as a friend to someone.
All in all, I’d say I really liked Dark Star. Since it is the last book in the series, I suppose a lot of the resolutions were to be expected in order to wrap everything up. Still, there were enough surprises to keep me reading. Plus, I really wanted to know how the problem of the MalX would finally be solved, or if a significant number of people would die before we’d reach the happy ending. Well, I had hoped for a happy ending. Perhaps it’s not as happy, as some might prefer but I think some things were inevitable. Before I give too much away, I’ll stop here with my review. I do have to say though, try to pick up all three books if you can, you won’t regret reading them, especially if you’re on the look out for authors you’ve probably not come across before.
This review can also be found on dudettereads.com.
I liked that Rosie matured over the course of the books, since she did get a year older with each. At the same time, the presence of Aunt Essie and Essie making decisions for Rosie in the absence of her parents made it so much more believable that at the end of the day, Rosie was still a teenager. By the time we hit Dark Star, Rosie is already 18 years old, and with all those adventures behind her, she has also become a whole lot more independent. What made me like her so much was that not once did she derive her worth from another guy. Yes, she cared a lot about Pip and some of her decisions were based on him but whenever that happened, it wasn’t because he directed her choices but rather, she factored him in for his own safety. That, for me, made her very appealing to me as the central heroine of the book.
Now, at the end of Equinox, Rosie turned herself over to Agent Sulawayo to become part of Helios. Sulawayo had previously convinced her that she was leading a rebel faction, so Rosie believed that this was her last resort to bring down Helios. During her time there, she had to be part of their training program, where she met other recruits around her age. Gillian stood out the most and somehow seemed to have Rosie’s back. Still, Rosie couldn’t be sure since she was in enemy territory, so she was wary of Gillian while making friends with her. The introduction of Gillian added the story very well because Rosie after the death of her best friend Julie, she hadn’t found another friend she could rely on. Sure, there were Pip and Dalton but they were guys, so the dynamics were different. With Gillian in the picture, I felt that I got to know Rosie better not just as someone wanting revenge on Helios or as a potential love interest but also as a friend to someone.
All in all, I’d say I really liked Dark Star. Since it is the last book in the series, I suppose a lot of the resolutions were to be expected in order to wrap everything up. Still, there were enough surprises to keep me reading. Plus, I really wanted to know how the problem of the MalX would finally be solved, or if a significant number of people would die before we’d reach the happy ending. Well, I had hoped for a happy ending. Perhaps it’s not as happy, as some might prefer but I think some things were inevitable. Before I give too much away, I’ll stop here with my review. I do have to say though, try to pick up all three books if you can, you won’t regret reading them, especially if you’re on the look out for authors you’ve probably not come across before.
This review can also be found on dudettereads.com.
September 9, 2017
Title: Dark Star
Series: Rosie Black Chronicles (#3)
Author: Lara Morgan
Genre: Sci Fi
Rating: 4 stars
I love this series. One of my favourite Australian YA series, and Lara Morgan is amazing! But DARK STAR fell short for me. I think if I went back and re-read the series (which I initially planned to do, but then impatience got the best of me lol), I would appreciate this book much better. I was left a little confused in places, particularly at the beginning. Where other series usually recap briefly (some in lengthy detail to the detriment of the story!), Lara Morgan didn't dally in this procedure. She rather continued on with the story, and for those of us who a) didn't read the series in one smooth flow, or b) have an exceptional memory, it tended to be a little confusing at first trying to remember and catch up.
Once that was sorted, it was easier to get into the story. It was really well paced with plenty of action and new questions etc occurring throughout to keep the story moving and the readers guessing all the way to the end.
I really appreciated the ending. I felt that it was especially fitting. I was sad to see the loss of Gillian (a character short-lived but whom I'd grown to love) and Riley Shore (especially at the end - I felt like he was cheated almost but in saying that he was farewelled appropriately). The ending tied up all the loose ends, but opened up some new options for the characters so it was an ending for everyone I thought.
OVERALL, a really fantastic ending to a really fantastic series. Wish I could have rated it higher, but at the time of reading this is what I felt it deserved - maybe with my next reading it will improve.
Series: Rosie Black Chronicles (#3)
Author: Lara Morgan
Genre: Sci Fi
Rating: 4 stars
I love this series. One of my favourite Australian YA series, and Lara Morgan is amazing! But DARK STAR fell short for me. I think if I went back and re-read the series (which I initially planned to do, but then impatience got the best of me lol), I would appreciate this book much better. I was left a little confused in places, particularly at the beginning. Where other series usually recap briefly (some in lengthy detail to the detriment of the story!), Lara Morgan didn't dally in this procedure. She rather continued on with the story, and for those of us who a) didn't read the series in one smooth flow, or b) have an exceptional memory, it tended to be a little confusing at first trying to remember and catch up.
Once that was sorted, it was easier to get into the story. It was really well paced with plenty of action and new questions etc occurring throughout to keep the story moving and the readers guessing all the way to the end.
I really appreciated the ending. I felt that it was especially fitting. I was sad to see the loss of Gillian (a character short-lived but whom I'd grown to love) and Riley Shore (especially at the end - I felt like he was cheated almost but in saying that he was farewelled appropriately). The ending tied up all the loose ends, but opened up some new options for the characters so it was an ending for everyone I thought.
OVERALL, a really fantastic ending to a really fantastic series. Wish I could have rated it higher, but at the time of reading this is what I felt it deserved - maybe with my next reading it will improve.
April 15, 2013
I would have loved to rate this higher purely out of parochialism (WA! WA!) but it does not stand up against other SF, and more importantly it does not stand up against the 2 earlier installments. The 2 stars is soft; as an individual story it is not good, but Morgan's more than competent writing and my over all like for the series saves it from a 1 star.
The pacing is bad, character development non-existant and the titular device hardly features. The start is repetitive and annoying - how many times can you wonder through a secure base, knock out the same the guards, get caught and released and travel to and from a "secret" remote location before the people running it lock you up properly!
The end is very rushed with dues-ex-machina appearing just in time to hand over the magic bullets to defeat the enemy. It reminds me of the lazy efforts I put in when I don't care about a project and just want to push something across the line - perhaps a break from the series and some time to reenergise would have better for the author.
It is a shame to end with a whimper and very little room to revisit this other wise interesting future Perth. A decent editor could have sent this back to drawing board and retained most of the plot elements and delivered a soild finish to this series.
The pacing is bad, character development non-existant and the titular device hardly features. The start is repetitive and annoying - how many times can you wonder through a secure base, knock out the same the guards, get caught and released and travel to and from a "secret" remote location before the people running it lock you up properly!
The end is very rushed with dues-ex-machina appearing just in time to hand over the magic bullets to defeat the enemy. It reminds me of the lazy efforts I put in when I don't care about a project and just want to push something across the line - perhaps a break from the series and some time to reenergise would have better for the author.
It is a shame to end with a whimper and very little room to revisit this other wise interesting future Perth. A decent editor could have sent this back to drawing board and retained most of the plot elements and delivered a soild finish to this series.
April 12, 2013
*sigh* This was by far the best out of the three books. I loved the fact that, as a reader, you got to see how much Pip and Rosie loved each other. And In the end, when Pip and Rosie fell from 'Dark Star,' and Rosie let go of him, I legitimately almost cried... then at the start of the epilogue when Pip was getting ready for the funeral, and when they went to it... I cried...
But I was overjoyed when it turned out Rosie was ok, and everything (almost) worked out well. I absolutely adored the ending, even though there were sad bits. I LOVE this book!
But I was overjoyed when it turned out Rosie was ok, and everything (almost) worked out well. I absolutely adored the ending, even though there were sad bits. I LOVE this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2012
Lyn is a judge for the Aurealis Awards. This review is the personal opinion of Lyn herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
As I'm currently reading for the awards, I won't be rating this until the awards are finished.
I will say though that I wish I'd read the first two.
As I'm currently reading for the awards, I won't be rating this until the awards are finished.
I will say though that I wish I'd read the first two.
Read
August 6, 2016Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
December 10, 2017
Nothing particularly special, it was an enjoyable read but nothing really stood out as really brilliant, or a great twist or anything. A bit disappointed in Dalton's role in this book, not exactly original, and Riley's all-knowingness is never explained. Not a bad book, but the sequels definitely weren't as good as the first book.
January 2, 2017
Trying to settle some of those books that I started early in 2016, this book I picked up and finished in a few hours. After finishing the first two in the trilogy sometime over the course of the last few years, I fell into the rhythm of Morgan's writing once more, and found myself further intrigued by all the characters. Grateful for a decent ending.
November 14, 2012
Lara Morgan had me drawn in from the very beginning to the very end, I was kept on the edge of my seat. I loved it. It's sad that this is the end of The Rosie Black Chronicles. I would like to own this in ebook format as well.
February 19, 2013
A bitter-sweet end to a marvellous trilogy. Morgan masterly creates a real dystopian world and strong characters who stay true to themselves right to the very end. Fans of Rosie Black won't be disappointed.
April 22, 2013
This book is AMAZING!
The whole series is AMAZING!
It is insanely gripping. Full of action and advetnure.
I always needed to know what happened next.
I'm not really into sci-fi but I absolutely loved this series.
I am incredibly sad to have finished it.
The whole series is AMAZING!
It is insanely gripping. Full of action and advetnure.
I always needed to know what happened next.
I'm not really into sci-fi but I absolutely loved this series.
I am incredibly sad to have finished it.
April 8, 2015
This one definitely had the best storyline of the three and kept you racing to the end. Still too much swearing for me, even if it is considered mild in the worlds of young adult and science fiction. Shame it should detract from what is an otherwise well written and fun read.
April 8, 2016
I surprisingly enjoyed this series, this is not something that I would usually read. My favouite is Pip, he is such a cool, interesting character :D Definitely books I would read again.
March 17, 2013
Probably not my favourite book of the series but still a nice end to the trilogy!
September 1, 2013
it was intersting.
May 2, 2014
'Live for me.'
No Lara that is not okay NOT OKAY. You gave me hope when Riley returned and then you burnt them both. And now I'm EMOTIONAL.
GAH.
No Lara that is not okay NOT OKAY. You gave me hope when Riley returned and then you burnt them both. And now I'm EMOTIONAL.
GAH.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2014
I loved this series :) really want to read more Lara Morgan books!
September 21, 2014
An amazing ending to a fabulous series. I enjoyed the whole book, and loved the ending.
September 28, 2014
So amazing! I loved this series so much and recommend it to everyone! Such a good book
March 21, 2015
NOOOO OMG LIKE ALL MY FAVES <3
I CANT BELIEVE THIS STORY
I LOVE EVERY CHARACTER
DO YOU KNOW HOW OFTEN THAT HAPPENS?
NEVER.
I CANT BELIEVE THIS STORY
I LOVE EVERY CHARACTER
DO YOU KNOW HOW OFTEN THAT HAPPENS?
NEVER.
January 17, 2015
Better than the first two. Well done stereotypical YA dystopia.
October 16, 2014
Wish there was another book in the series.
April 9, 2015
help i've fallen in love with pip and i'm stuck
January 10, 2015
The trilogy is great, the editing is sloppy.
April 29, 2016
The story stayed brilliant. I am happy with the conclusion, and the character development.
most unfortunately there were a handful of really silly editing errors that threw me out of the story.
most unfortunately there were a handful of really silly editing errors that threw me out of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews