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The Secret Star
In London, 1969, Jeffrey Mercier is just an ageing department store clerk with a long buried secret and a distant memory of a lost love, but when he is suddenly shanghaied by a woman who claims that she can travel in time, his dismal days in menswear are finally cut short. Jeff steps out of his timeline and into a whole new world of possibility and adventure, only to find that he is once again the automaton employee of yet another large corporation: The Time Agency. It has become his duty to protect the people of the future from the threats of their past.
Under the guidance of the struggling captain Marie-Elizabeth Giraud, Jeff learns that he has more in common with his fellow time traveller than he knows. As the adventurers exchange their tales of life and romance in times gone by, their popularity slowly grows in the media-mad atmosphere of the 27th century and Jeff discovers more about his past than he ever thought possible. But all is not well in the timeline, and these intrepid time agents are about to find themselves at the centre of a disaster that could destroy the universe, perhaps even time itself.
Under the guidance of the struggling captain Marie-Elizabeth Giraud, Jeff learns that he has more in common with his fellow time traveller than he knows. As the adventurers exchange their tales of life and romance in times gone by, their popularity slowly grows in the media-mad atmosphere of the 27th century and Jeff discovers more about his past than he ever thought possible. But all is not well in the timeline, and these intrepid time agents are about to find themselves at the centre of a disaster that could destroy the universe, perhaps even time itself.
404 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2013
About the author
K.C. Finn
39 books391 followersK.C. Finn has been writing since 2011, at a time when extreme illness saw her trapped in the house with nothing but her imagination. Since then she's amassed a collection of stories, poems and novels spanning many genres, including fantasy, science fiction, gothic fiction, horror, paranormal and historical works. Her unique and diverse voice has won many awards, and she is both an Amazon and USA Today best-selling writer.
In her free time, K.C. is an eternal student, forever studying and learning more about the world. She travels whenever possible to explore new cultures and climates, and when she's at home she enjoys coaching writers of all ages with a story to tell. She also exercises her flair for the dramatic by directing, writing and occasionally acting in darkly humorous theatre productions in her hometown of Chester.
K.C. also works as a professional reviewer, manuscript consultant and cover designer. Feel free to message regarding any of these services!
In her free time, K.C. is an eternal student, forever studying and learning more about the world. She travels whenever possible to explore new cultures and climates, and when she's at home she enjoys coaching writers of all ages with a story to tell. She also exercises her flair for the dramatic by directing, writing and occasionally acting in darkly humorous theatre productions in her hometown of Chester.
K.C. also works as a professional reviewer, manuscript consultant and cover designer. Feel free to message regarding any of these services!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 16, 2013
It's time to travel back in time to the year 1942! And indeed you'll be mesmerized to find out that along with this book you are also travelling back to 1942 with loads of heart-racing adventures, some heart-touching romances and some bad guys intending to destroy everything. The Secret Star by K.C.Finn is a highly engaging time-travelling story.
Thank you K.C.Finn for providing me with a copy of your book, in return for an honest review.
Jeff, a store clerk, was saved from a gas explosion by Marie’s, a time agent and was welcomed to his new life, as being the time agent. This book takes you on a journey back to 1942 and we get to know the love stories of the previous lives of Jeff and Marie.
First the author has created a whole new universe, which is really beautiful and promises the readers to take them into that universe. The cast of characters were amazingly well-developed and completely justifies with the plot. The love-stories were very heart-warming and sweet one, especially Marie's. The writing of the author is eloquently grand and never a single dull moment, keeps the readers thoroughly engrossed in this tale. And not to mention the gripping twists and turns in the plot, which makes the book even more interesting.
So if you love to travel back in time, grab this amazing book!!
Thank you K.C.Finn for providing me with a copy of your book, in return for an honest review.
Jeff, a store clerk, was saved from a gas explosion by Marie’s, a time agent and was welcomed to his new life, as being the time agent. This book takes you on a journey back to 1942 and we get to know the love stories of the previous lives of Jeff and Marie.
First the author has created a whole new universe, which is really beautiful and promises the readers to take them into that universe. The cast of characters were amazingly well-developed and completely justifies with the plot. The love-stories were very heart-warming and sweet one, especially Marie's. The writing of the author is eloquently grand and never a single dull moment, keeps the readers thoroughly engrossed in this tale. And not to mention the gripping twists and turns in the plot, which makes the book even more interesting.
So if you love to travel back in time, grab this amazing book!!
August 15, 2013
This book was SO great. I absolutely loved it. I don't know if I can do it justice! Take an exciting time traveling adventure, combine it with two heart-grabbing romances throughout all the captivating traveling, then add a hideous villain that you just want DEAD. This book had all the charm (and occasional setting) of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society mixed with a fantastic (and some times deeply sinister) futuristic city the author has created. Some of the most creative writing I have ever seen. You will fall in love with the characters (and loathe the ones who deserve it). This story rips you from one surprise to another until the fantastic twist at the end. The writing is beautiful, eloquent- this is a book you will escape into and hate to leave.
August 14, 2013
I loved this book! This is my 1st read on time travel & I wasn't sure if I would like it or not. I loved it! The Secret Star held my interest, more than I thought it would. It was adventurous & exciting. I found the author has a smooth way of writing. I really liked Mr Mercy & his friends! I don't want to give any spoilers out, so I will just say, when you purchase this book, it will be one huge Sci-fi mysterious adventure with a little romance & a little spice. I don't know why I never thought of time travel before this book! What a great imagination! Kuddos K.C. Finn!
August 10, 2013
Find this review and many more at: http://grownupfangirl.blogspot.com/p/...
The Secret Star by K.C. Finn
I have...no words for this book. I hope this review has more than the words, "ASDGLGJFSKDFHAALVXNX DANNY" through out.
It's like K.C. Finn was in my room with me, pummeling my body with each plot twist and heart breaking moment in these chapters. Action from the word go forced me to read every single word till the last page.
"In London, 1969, Jeffrey Mercier is just an ageing department store clerk with a long buried secret and a distant memory of a lost love, but when he is suddenly shanghaied by a woman who claims that she can travel in time, his dismal days in menswear are finally cut short..." (read full review HERE)
Holy cow, okay, I can do this. Let's talk about the setting. I thought it was great, I love historical fiction books, and even thought that's not this book's genre, the brief points where the characters interact with history was fantastic. I'm kind of thankful that Finn didn't take too much time in developing the future world. It left it up to my imagination, and God knows she could have created the whole universe if she wanted to. But she didn't, and I think that was a great move.
The characters. THE CHARACTERS! First off, Danny. Second off, Jeff. That's literally all I can say. Their romance was just so.....ugh, amazing. And Marie, fighting through her handicap and facing the fears of the war and her family, she is just such a strong character. You'll meet a lot of fantastic people in this story, and one not so fantastic. But still.
I don't think I'll ever quite get over this book. It'll take a lot of one-night-stands with other books for me to ever forget about this one, and I mean a lot. I recommend this book 100/100, A+, 5/5 stars. 10/10 would bang.
-Kameron
K.C. Finn
The Secret Star by K.C. Finn
I have...no words for this book. I hope this review has more than the words, "ASDGLGJFSKDFHAALVXNX DANNY" through out.
It's like K.C. Finn was in my room with me, pummeling my body with each plot twist and heart breaking moment in these chapters. Action from the word go forced me to read every single word till the last page.
"In London, 1969, Jeffrey Mercier is just an ageing department store clerk with a long buried secret and a distant memory of a lost love, but when he is suddenly shanghaied by a woman who claims that she can travel in time, his dismal days in menswear are finally cut short..." (read full review HERE)
Holy cow, okay, I can do this. Let's talk about the setting. I thought it was great, I love historical fiction books, and even thought that's not this book's genre, the brief points where the characters interact with history was fantastic. I'm kind of thankful that Finn didn't take too much time in developing the future world. It left it up to my imagination, and God knows she could have created the whole universe if she wanted to. But she didn't, and I think that was a great move.
The characters. THE CHARACTERS! First off, Danny. Second off, Jeff. That's literally all I can say. Their romance was just so.....ugh, amazing. And Marie, fighting through her handicap and facing the fears of the war and her family, she is just such a strong character. You'll meet a lot of fantastic people in this story, and one not so fantastic. But still.
I don't think I'll ever quite get over this book. It'll take a lot of one-night-stands with other books for me to ever forget about this one, and I mean a lot. I recommend this book 100/100, A+, 5/5 stars. 10/10 would bang.
-Kameron
K.C. Finn
August 20, 2013
I remember when I first saw the opportunity to sign up for this book tour. I hadn’t ever heard of K.C. Finn, much less The Secret Star. Still, even though it was a sci-fi, the cover was beautiful (don’t you agree!) and the synopsis caught my eye, so I figured I’d give it a try. Imagine my surprise when I found myself completely sucked in to this story…which is strange to me because I’m a fantasy reader – I LOVE fantasy…dragons, elves, magic, wizards, unicorns, supernatural beings…you get the picture…and there is none of that in this book. Even more perplexing was that The Secret Star became much-welcomed reprieve from the fantasy books I usually read.
Finn effectively employs the whole story within a story style. She must have had a lot of fun playing between history, present and future. I say this, because she always leaves the stories on juicy bits that keep me turning the pages just to get to the next part in the history stories. But then, the next thing I knew, I was reading about the ‘present’ day and all the things Jeff is experiencing in the future that are new and awesome to him, and I get really wrapped up in that, and then I’d be back in 1942 hearing about Jeff’s or Marie’s past. Although during the first half of the novel, some of the transitions from present to past-story-telling-time felt a little forced (this happened when Jeff or Marie would explicitly ask to hear more of the other’s story). But in the second half, the transitions were much smoother.
The author has a knack for writing. There isn’t too much detail, or too little. The story flows smoothly. There are times when there may be one or two adjectives that are unnecessary, but it doesn’t really detract from the story. There are only a couple times where the dialogue was a little cheesy (the first time Jeffrey meets the Glass Hand – yeah, there was a little bit of cheesy male chauvinistic stuff going on there – but there’s a reason for that!).
I can’t say much more than this in my review – I simply don’t possess the finesse and subtly to describe the plot twists that comprise the second half of the book without completely spoiling the finely wrapped package that Finn has created. I will only say that the questions I had at the beginning were answered (like why the Glass Hand travels alone – although I’m still not entirely certain why the agency enforces an anonymity rule – but this could be something I missed because I was in such a rush to find out what was going to happen next in the story). And my thoughts of certain characters shifted as more elements of the story were revealed. If you are a fan of time travel and sci-fi, sprinkled with a little romance, then you must read The Secret Star. One last thing…it is amazing all the ways Finn was able to link various parts of the story to the title. I’m definitely going to check out her other novels (see below), and I’ve heard that she’s currently working on an urban fantasy for publication in the near future (SQUEEE)! There. I’m done. Now go get your own copy! Go on! Go!
***I received a free copy of The Secret Star from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Finn effectively employs the whole story within a story style. She must have had a lot of fun playing between history, present and future. I say this, because she always leaves the stories on juicy bits that keep me turning the pages just to get to the next part in the history stories. But then, the next thing I knew, I was reading about the ‘present’ day and all the things Jeff is experiencing in the future that are new and awesome to him, and I get really wrapped up in that, and then I’d be back in 1942 hearing about Jeff’s or Marie’s past. Although during the first half of the novel, some of the transitions from present to past-story-telling-time felt a little forced (this happened when Jeff or Marie would explicitly ask to hear more of the other’s story). But in the second half, the transitions were much smoother.
The author has a knack for writing. There isn’t too much detail, or too little. The story flows smoothly. There are times when there may be one or two adjectives that are unnecessary, but it doesn’t really detract from the story. There are only a couple times where the dialogue was a little cheesy (the first time Jeffrey meets the Glass Hand – yeah, there was a little bit of cheesy male chauvinistic stuff going on there – but there’s a reason for that!).
I can’t say much more than this in my review – I simply don’t possess the finesse and subtly to describe the plot twists that comprise the second half of the book without completely spoiling the finely wrapped package that Finn has created. I will only say that the questions I had at the beginning were answered (like why the Glass Hand travels alone – although I’m still not entirely certain why the agency enforces an anonymity rule – but this could be something I missed because I was in such a rush to find out what was going to happen next in the story). And my thoughts of certain characters shifted as more elements of the story were revealed. If you are a fan of time travel and sci-fi, sprinkled with a little romance, then you must read The Secret Star. One last thing…it is amazing all the ways Finn was able to link various parts of the story to the title. I’m definitely going to check out her other novels (see below), and I’ve heard that she’s currently working on an urban fantasy for publication in the near future (SQUEEE)! There. I’m done. Now go get your own copy! Go on! Go!
***I received a free copy of The Secret Star from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
September 9, 2013
Whilst eagerly awaiting the third novella in K.C. Finn's mystery series, I picked up The Secret Star.
WOW!
I loved this book. I wanted it to go on and on and on. I fell in love with the characters, they were realistic and charismatic. I loved the way the story jumped back and forth in time, wished I could have been in the capsule with them sometimes! This book was so different from any other I've read, keep up the wonderful writing!
WOW!
I loved this book. I wanted it to go on and on and on. I fell in love with the characters, they were realistic and charismatic. I loved the way the story jumped back and forth in time, wished I could have been in the capsule with them sometimes! This book was so different from any other I've read, keep up the wonderful writing!
August 16, 2013
So, basically, I loved this story. I'm always in awe of people who can weave a good time travel story that involves crossing timelines and not mess anything up, and Finn did an excellent job of that. I was also impressed by the diversity in the characters she created.
Overall, the story includes characters I loved reading about, and I was always engaged and wanting to know more. I found that I would have liked to know more of Mo's backstory, as I read about Jeff & Marie's, but I understood why it wasn't as relevant to the plot as the story went on. I also found that whilst I picked up on a few things that were going to happen, and was glad when they did, the major turning point caught me completely by surprise, even though it made perfect sense by the end.
I did not want to put this book down, especially the more I read. I was really happy with the conclusion, and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good time travel story.
I'd love to read more from Finn set in this world she created, whether about the same or different Time Agents.
Overall, the story includes characters I loved reading about, and I was always engaged and wanting to know more. I found that I would have liked to know more of Mo's backstory, as I read about Jeff & Marie's, but I understood why it wasn't as relevant to the plot as the story went on. I also found that whilst I picked up on a few things that were going to happen, and was glad when they did, the major turning point caught me completely by surprise, even though it made perfect sense by the end.
I did not want to put this book down, especially the more I read. I was really happy with the conclusion, and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good time travel story.
I'd love to read more from Finn set in this world she created, whether about the same or different Time Agents.
March 9, 2014
I have never heard of K.C. Finn, but this book brought her to my top favorite author's list. The Secret Star is an unforgettable novel that words cannot describe it. The writing is pure GOLD. You feel as if the author was right next to you reading the book. The characters... what can I say... were absolutely amazing and lovable. You can't hate anyone, except for the villain. The plot is amazing, combined with romance,traveling,character development, and time travel... what more can you ask for. The book is just astonishing; I simply could not put it down for a whole day, bringing the book to my top reads for the year.
Must-Read: YES!!!!!!
Must-Read: YES!!!!!!
March 1, 2014
*I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review*
This is the second book of Kim's that I've read and I was not disappointed at all.
This book follows Jeff, Mo and Marie and their life as time travellers in the 27th century (I know... awesome, right??) It start with Jeff being saved from a gas explosion and being introduced to his new life. I especially enjoyed the chapters where we got to look back on his previous life with Danny as they fell in love as well as Marie's previous life with Gustav and Hess in the war. With her story, I enjoyed the limitations her wheelchair gave her but the fact that her disability didn't give her any less strength or confidence than any other woman. I found myself really looking forward to the chapters about her time during the war. I also enjoyed how Kim linked the two past times with the present happenings of that day.
Although at times it was rather predictable, I was still desperate to read on to see how the author had written it. I connected with the characters and enjoyed following their story. The element of time that Kim brought to it was fun. For example, being reunited with someone 700 years later. I also was fascinated by the history Kim brought to it and the idea that todays' events are also this books history. Altogether, a quick, enjoyable read with a great plot. Happy reading everyone :)
This is the second book of Kim's that I've read and I was not disappointed at all.
This book follows Jeff, Mo and Marie and their life as time travellers in the 27th century (I know... awesome, right??) It start with Jeff being saved from a gas explosion and being introduced to his new life. I especially enjoyed the chapters where we got to look back on his previous life with Danny as they fell in love as well as Marie's previous life with Gustav and Hess in the war. With her story, I enjoyed the limitations her wheelchair gave her but the fact that her disability didn't give her any less strength or confidence than any other woman. I found myself really looking forward to the chapters about her time during the war. I also enjoyed how Kim linked the two past times with the present happenings of that day.
Although at times it was rather predictable, I was still desperate to read on to see how the author had written it. I connected with the characters and enjoyed following their story. The element of time that Kim brought to it was fun. For example, being reunited with someone 700 years later. I also was fascinated by the history Kim brought to it and the idea that todays' events are also this books history. Altogether, a quick, enjoyable read with a great plot. Happy reading everyone :)
February 4, 2014
Awesome read!
Full review here: http://delugedwithbooks-caffeineaddic...
Full review here: http://delugedwithbooks-caffeineaddic...
April 16, 2014
The beginning of the story was almost a novelization of the first episode of the new Doctor Who series. As in, Marie in place of the Doctor running in at breakneck speed and saving shopkeeper Jeff (just like shop girl Rose) and then running and jumping into a time-capsule (TARDIS) and whisking away to the far future. Now, after that The Secret Star blazes its own trail through space and time and a wonderful journey it is, full of twists and turns, experiencing the future and how the media has shaped it, to journeying into the past for thrilling adventures as they try to complete their missions, and the colorful characters they meet along the way, like the flamboyant fellow traveler The Glass Hand. (Though honestly, I don't get the point of the masks since none of the travelers were technically from the current time period nor were any of them well-known figures in history, except as a way of hiding identities from other characters for contrived reveals). Both Marie's story and Jeff's story felt like they had been written separately as short stories earlier and then added in to expand the time travel story since characters were cutting them off at cliff-hang moments rather than leading out when they got tired or randomly interrupted, especially when the past Jeff seemed nothing like the current Jeff. Seemed almost like a completely different character. (Don't get me wrong though, those stories were fascinating and fun on their own). Though I did love when those stories finally got woven in and the whole time travel story started twisting in on itself with paradoxes and adventure. All of the characters were believable, the dialogue flowed and had plenty of comedic moments, and tons of Marie's hats. I would recommend this to anyone interested in time travel, adventure, and especially fans of Doctor Who.
October 15, 2013
The Secret Star is a great story. It is simple and as light of a Sci-Fi story as one can be while still being put in that genre.
Time travel, it exists and you just have to accept it. Finn doesn't try to explain it, or really use any techno-babble at all. She makes it a tool more than a theme and it works.
The story is one of friendships and lost loves while mixing in the action of saving the timeline of past and present.
I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to try and get into Sci-Fi or just wants a nice read. It's easy to pick up but difficult to put down. I will definitely be checking out K.C. Finn's other series.
I received this book for free from the GoodReads First Reads Giveaway program.
Time travel, it exists and you just have to accept it. Finn doesn't try to explain it, or really use any techno-babble at all. She makes it a tool more than a theme and it works.
The story is one of friendships and lost loves while mixing in the action of saving the timeline of past and present.
I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to try and get into Sci-Fi or just wants a nice read. It's easy to pick up but difficult to put down. I will definitely be checking out K.C. Finn's other series.
I received this book for free from the GoodReads First Reads Giveaway program.
July 25, 2016
I love this book so I will explain why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. I have read thousands of Sci Fi/ Fantasy books in my over 55 years of reading and time travel is a large genre through out that. I have read so many that my mind kept picking holes in the stories reasoning, it affected the story for me but if you have not read a great amount this would not be a consideration. Overall this is a really good story.
December 15, 2014
A very interesting story, time traveling always fascinated me. I enjoyed mostly the second half that I had managed to get in the story and to get attached with the characters. I loved the end. I'm always a sucker for a happy ending. :)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews