Star Strauss has always been a fighter. From the time she was born prematurely to her life on the road as a circus performer. She has never let her small stature keep her from achieving her dreams. She is one of the best aerial performers in the world. Her love of being up high and flying free has helped her overcome the challenges she faces when she is on the ground. Only her circus family, her sister, and her best friend have ever really understood her need for freedom. Her life changes when she finds herself on a distant world where every creature seems to tower over her.
Jazin Ja Kel Coradon is the third son of the ruling House of Kassis. He is known not only for his skills as a fierce warrior but for his knowledge of communication, security, and weapons systems. This knowledge has increased the effectiveness of the Kassis defenses protecting their world from attack from a new group of rebels who threaten their very existence. He will fight until his last breath to protect his people. His life changes when he meets a tiny creature who is unlike anything he has ever seen. She is tiny, delicate, and beautiful. The problem is she is also the strongest, most stubborn female he has ever met. She refuses to do what he tells her, she defies him at every turn, and doesn't seem to understand that all he wants to do is protect her. If he could just get her to stay in the nice safe bubble he has created for her, his life would be so much simpler!
Star had enough of people back home trying to put her in a glass box, she wasn't about to let anyone on an alien world try to put her in one! When the man she loves is kidnapped, she will do what she does best. She will use her skills as a performer to rescue him from the men determined to extract the information they need to bring down the Kassis defense system before they kill him.
Sometimes being small has its advantages. The enemy never expects a pint-size female to have the strength of a warrior and a stubborn warrior is about to find out he has a partner who can stand tall with him in the face of danger.
S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
I had originally stopped at 17% and I think that was because I was ready to switch genre's. As an avid reader (1-2 books a day), I started over and found that I remembered bits from the first novel in this series but not much. It was hard to recall the situation/timing the characters were in at first but it ended up not mattering. There was no big info dump in the beginning to bring one up to speed. But it did happen gradually which is fine, I suppose. I ended up enjoying it very much and immediately grabbed the third in the series as I'm all about alien abduction this week:)
Quick Rundown: 3 sisters (acrobats from the circus) ended up being abducted by aliens only to escape their confines to save 2 warrior lords from a planet in a galaxy far far away.River's story was the first of the series and she's more like an adopted sister whereas Jo and Star are blood sisters. This novel is mostly about Star and her relationship with the youngest brother of the Kassis House of whatever Ruling over the planet Kassis which is the main player in the Planetary Alliance involving all kinds of planets and different aliens. But, almost more important than the relationship of this Chick (star) and Dude (Jazin), is the journey they all go through against an evil defector/ex-Counselor Big Bad Guy. He repeatedly steals Star and Dude has to save her many times. I realize that I've made this all sound so boring but it is quite an interesting plot and well developed.
Characterization: This is pretty fair. The Dude is kinda stereotypical Alpha male but likable and I suppose he has differences between his other brothers though I can't really recall from the first book. The Chick is a delightful fairy like thing. As an acrobat used to traveling the world among her circus family, she get's a little claustrophobic from Dude's attempt at keeping her safe and of course, she sneaks away from time to time mostly leading to trouble. I did appreciate her strength and fighting skills that she picked up. She was an enjoyable character. Secondary characters, oh there are so many of them which was why I was kinda lost in the beginning. But they end up being all unique and enjoyable. There are several higher ranking warriors in Dude's house (each brother has his own house with his own guard and such), and those guys kinda became interchangeable as far as personalities went but that didn't bother me too much. I figured if they were more important, they would have been further developed. The Big Bad is really lacking in development but I think maybe we got more of him and his motivations from the first book that I just couldn't remember
Plot: Again, we have a lot of situations of kidnapping the Chick and attempts by the Big Bad to just fuck things up in general but the author threw in some pleasant surprises in how some of them turned out and THAT really made me interested in the plot. I started to find myself skipping sex scenes so I could just get on with the plot ( i know, I know, I almost never do that but...). Sex scenes were medium hot and well written-- not terribly taboo but there were hints of future taboo (that will probably never come to fruition). The ending was satisfactory and not too much of a cliffhanger.
Writing: Writing in these novels are much better than some of Smith's other novels that I have read. There were some editing issues where words were misplaced in the sentence. Example: "if" placed behind "it" so it should have read, "if it..." but instead read, "it if...". But those were pretty rare and overloookable.
OVerall: A win for the plot alone but there were some good love scenes and action scenes as well.
Vivid action sequences increased the intensity and really brought forward the suspense of the story. The story was fast paced from cover to cover with new plot twists around every corner. But the novel was so much more than simply blowing things up. Emotions and real life are prominent throughout. World building is also fundamentally built into the story. I enjoyed the way that the religion of Kassis and the mythology behind it was developed. The extra insight into the world and how it works made it all the more real to me.
Star is such a little spitfire. She is such a vibrant character who definitely shines as she shows her true worth and mettle. I loved getting to know her. Seeing Jazin’s thoughts and emotions really gave me insight as to how Kassisan males think and the culture at large. The multifaceted development of his character had me falling in love with him from the first time he stuck his foot in his mouth. The romance between these two was intensely sensual. I love how they both had to work at the relationship, that it wasn’t always easy, yet it was always rewarding.
Smith has once again created a story that I couldn’t put down set in a world I don’t simply want to read about, but want to move to. This was an unforgettable story about so much more than simple romance.
I didn't like this book as much as I did the first book, but it is still a good read. I am looking forward to Jo & Manota's story and also Ricki & Risteard's story.
*****Re-read for the 3rd time***** Read last 12/29/2014
I didn't like this one as much as the first even though Jazin didn't do that annoying claiming declaration every chapter like his eldest brother.
This book/series is light-hearted, yet intense, with lots of action. The heroine and her sisters are who bring the fun. They are not anything close to what the Kassis warriors are used to. The women are fierce when it comes to those they love, independent, and sassy. And for all the killing, kidnapping, and torture it still retains its humorous feel. Except for the sexy times, then it downright sizzles.
This is the second book in this series. Book 1 "River's Run" featured River and Torak. Book 2 (this one) features Star and Jazim (Torak's brother). It picks up where the previous book left off so reading book one is encouraged. Star is a spitfire in petitie form who the aliens don't know what to do with... except Jazim. He claims her and thinks he's in for a lifetime of wedded bliss with his fragile human. WRONG. Star won't be kept in a bubble of protection or treated like a piece of treasured china. And when Jazim is presumed to be dead when he was on a secretive mission, it's up to Star and her new friend Madas to engineer a rescue mission to get Jazim out.
OK. Gushing and absolute love for this book. I got this book hours ago and read it cover to cover ignoring all of life's obligations just to finish it. For me it was the equivalent of going to a blockbuster sci fi movie. It had laughs, it had action, it had aliens with attitude, it even had kick ass Earth women who kicked ass - literally. Sure there are some corney parts that some may groan over but that's your problem. For me this book is going on my ten most favorite sci fi erotic romance reads. I so want to say this has a "Star Wars" feel to it and as an avid fan of that trilogy (I'm a purist) I love this sort of book.
I realize I really should give more of an objective review of this book and include some facts and details but I loved this book so much that I don't think I can. Star is the star and saves her man when everyone else has given up on him. And he repays that love and loyalty with gratitude sex that still has me giggling. "Mine" < weg >.......
I can't wait for the follow up books of this series - the next one being Jo. But darn. I can't wait for Ristéard Roald & Ricki's story. (please author rush this book out. PLEASE). But I so hope that the author features Madas & Gri, Jarmen, and of course River, Star, Torak, Jazim, Dakar, Armet, and Alajet in the follow up books in this series as all the different personalities not continuing would be a true loss. Not to mention two gay French guys and IQ and Numbnuts. :)
This is a series that I'm a big fan of. And the cover is very well done too.
Book 1, River's Run was about 8 book releases earlier, but book 2 is finally here and going straight into my favorites collection.
During River's Run, we meet River, Star and Jo and the three Lords of Kassis, four if you include their father. Star's Storm expands the story and reveals the strong personalities of Star and Jazin that were hinted at in book 1. Star is definitely nobody's doormat, more of an irresistible force. Jazin's the immovable object until he realizes that he has to change or risk losing Star. The trials they undergo deepen their relationship and move the story along very quickly. I reached the end and couldn't believe I had finished the story, I was so eager to keep reading more.
I would like to see some of the native women step up as strong personalities in future books. Unlike some of S.E.'s female characters in her other universes, we really haven't seen much of the females of Kassis. Surely the interesting men had equally vibrant women somewhere in their lives.
As with all of S.E.'s books, I'm also ready for stories about many of the secondary characters - Madas & Gril, Ristéard Roald & Ricki. Jarmen, Ajaska, Dakar and Armet also deserve happy endings. Jo and Manota's story is next in this universe and I can hardly wait. Although I think some characters from some of S.E.'s other universes are intending to have their stories released first.
Star has been apart of the circus her entire life. To be a flyer was the ultimate freedom. She and her sister Jo are in for the adventure of a lifetime as they kidnapped and taken to a galaxy. Jaizen never thought he would meet someone like Star. She's fierce, loyal, sexy and headstrong. In other world's she's not a typical Kassian female. All he want to do is keep her safe, after all she's such a delicate thing. Hah! He's living in a fool's paradise. The little dynamo is determined not to be put on a pedestal, but fight by her mates side. Whether he likes it or not.
I loved all the book of this series and I’m on the edges for the next one about Jarmen. But first, Star and Jazin story. We are back at where the previous book left us, with some short flashbacks to remind us of who is who. Star is the younger sister in the duet of flying performer they were before being abducted by aliens. It is how she meet Jazin, one of the heir of the house of Kassis, a technology advanced specie, not so far in aspect of the humans. All three women adopted by the Kassisan are more than meet the eyes, small by the stature but tall by the mind. Jazin as a son of their world’s ruler will have to accept that strength does not always come in large size. As someone will told him about Star : “ She will be a mate who can stand by your side, not in your shadow. “ Star will have to fight not only for her freedom but also for his, showing Jazin, he has to rely on her and in anyway put her in a box. A good story about confidence in the other.
Jazin met Star when the women rescued them in the first book. He knew that he wanted her for is mate from the start. So when she got hurt when a traitor Kassisian tried to kill the ruling family, Jazin decided to keep her in his house under guard. Jazin ended up going on a secret mission and got himself kidnapped. Star then proceeded to go with three other people to rescue him. Read to find out all of the ways Star seems to get herself in trouble during this story and how she ends up saving others in the process. The two French men and two robots that have been mentioned in some of this author's other books was mentioned in this one too. This book has several hilarious moments starring the robots, then again when the circus from earth comes back to Kassisian with Star and Jo's parents. I have fallen in love with this author's stories. Definitely give them a try a see what you think of them.
Star's Storm is book 2 in the Lord of Kassis series written by the lovely S.E. Smith. This book does include Adult content, so be warned. This book starts us off with the arrival of Storm and her sister's to the Kassis planet.
Jazin Ja Kel Coradon is the third son of the ruling House of Kassis and the story's love interest. I found him as a character to be less annoying then the first books love interest. The plot was well well thought out and well written I enjoyed this book greatly.
Alien abduction + Love and circus performers + Sex = A great story!
ANY book by Ms. Smith is an absolute guaranteed winner !
Love LOVE this writer . I have yet to find a book from S.E.Smith that I didn't fall in love with . Her writing is full of humour , well thought out plots and great characters . I have read every book she has written to date and eagerly await the next . As expensive as books are becoming now days one must be very careful of purchasing only those books that will be enjoyed deeply . I have gone back and reread most after a year of wait and enjoyed myself immensely . In fact , the reading was better the second go- around .
I loved theses ladies since reading the first book. They are feisty, strong, and can kick a** with the best warrior in the galaxy.
Star and Jacin are mated, but he still has in his head that she is the woman who needs protection. Even though he has heard what the prophecy says.
That is until Star is the one having to rescue him.
This one had more action than the first one, and is a great addition to the series. This is especially true since we more characters were introduced for the series and the world is expanding.
This is a fun story, full of adventures. Star, a trapeze artist from the circus, is claimed and loved by Jazin, youngest Lord of Kassis brother. There are a great number of plot twists, kidnappings, rescues, danger, excitement, and meeting strange and unusual new friends. In the end, there is a circus on Kassis filled with humans of all types as well as an intimidating blue ruler of a newly formed ally planet, a mysterious man/cyborg, and a possible baby on the way - oh, and clowns.
Read this book you will not be disappointed. You will be rushing to get the others in this series. Three women who can kick butt and laugh about it have just made my day. Loved their upbringing. So much happens I cannot tell you in a review as it goes in many directions. Still after the baddies, Star is kidnapped and the part with the French dudes was priceless. Whilst this book focuses on Star and Jazin we have the others all weaving through it and meet new characters who will hopefully get their own stories. I loved the circus coming back with Jo and Manota to Kassis. If you like amazing capable women kicking alien butt and finding their HEA's with hot hunky alien shifters whilst fighting a background battle this book is for you. This book ties in with Ms Smith’s alien world.
Maybe because I went through the phase of rolling my eyes in the first sequel at the naivety of some situations and beliefs that the heroines have, so it wasn't so irritating, I liked the sequel quite a bit, and sometimes I think in our Western civilization, how long it would take for men to have a harem of women just because they can... Phew... And that's why it's good that there are strong women who don't put up with it! Anyways, I liked the sequel and the way the plot is unfolding!
Storm and Jazin's story. You can't help but fall in love with the characters. They are all unique. I love how Storm gives Jazin a run for his money. He wants to protect her and she is determined to prove she can take care of herself. Leads to many dangerous and humourous moments.
This was a amazing adventure in space, S. E. Smith gives the readers another great story packed with lots of thrilling adventure,action and drama.Characters that were intriguing,compelling and brilliantly portrayed images of fantasy and romance in the farreaches of space. A five star read!
This book will pull you into the pages where secrets and fairytales live!
I absolutely knew that this story was going to be a seamless integration from the previous book and I have been absolutely enchanted, enthralled and endlessly entertained with every word read!!!
Love it especially when Star and River shows the men what they are capable even though they are not 'warriors'. Also like Madas kicking ass. Men are so full of themselves. How unexpected that 2 French men were abducted by aliens & survived for so long without being killed.
Jason and Star meet challenges head-on in this continuing story of Kassis and the Alliance. Lots of action, kidnappings and sexy scenes. A busy book with a love story.
I enjoyed the story , the romance, the originality of the book. I did not enjoy the explicit sex. I skipped that. It was Not necessary, but for a little book, at least it was easy to skip, so I tolerated it for the story. The story was great.
Star has to attempt to rescue Jaxar from a very bad Kassis man and the incredible issues that entails. Then Star gets captured by incompetent pirates and then there is the circus.
I was super happy that this didn't re-hash what we already knew from book #1. This was a story unique to Star and Jazin. It had me chuckling a bit when they spoke about Jo's trip to Earth and the clowns.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the rest in the series.
I really enjoyed the second book in this series. I think it's because I liked the male MC so much better. There was also a few really great cute hilarious moments that will make this book truly memorable.