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Wish Upon the Stars #2
Wish Upon the Stars 2
Unmask assassins. Empower allies. Challenge the Academy ranks.
Fresh off his victory, Shane ventures to the capital city of Rajak, eyes set on the Academy—the planet's most elite training ground for heroes. But prestige and power come with their own set of challenges. Barely settling in, Shane receives a chilling message from the Heartrippers, shadowy assassins with ties to a formidable cult.
His connection to the Wish Curse Palace drags him deeper into its treacherous underworld. While the academy's halls are a battleground of ambition and rivalry, the city's alleys hide darker secrets. Shane must weave through both worlds, racing against time to uncover and neutralize the looming threat against him.
In a city where everyone wears a mask, trust is rare and betrayal is a heartbeat away.
Shane's journey continues in book 2 of Wish Upon the Stars, a series featuring a weak to strong protagonist with limitless potential in a futuristic LitRPG setting featuring a crunchy, unique progression system. Perfect for fans of The Path of Ascension and He Who Fights with Monsters.
Fresh off his victory, Shane ventures to the capital city of Rajak, eyes set on the Academy—the planet's most elite training ground for heroes. But prestige and power come with their own set of challenges. Barely settling in, Shane receives a chilling message from the Heartrippers, shadowy assassins with ties to a formidable cult.
His connection to the Wish Curse Palace drags him deeper into its treacherous underworld. While the academy's halls are a battleground of ambition and rivalry, the city's alleys hide darker secrets. Shane must weave through both worlds, racing against time to uncover and neutralize the looming threat against him.
In a city where everyone wears a mask, trust is rare and betrayal is a heartbeat away.
Shane's journey continues in book 2 of Wish Upon the Stars, a series featuring a weak to strong protagonist with limitless potential in a futuristic LitRPG setting featuring a crunchy, unique progression system. Perfect for fans of The Path of Ascension and He Who Fights with Monsters.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
333 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 28, 2023
Unfortunately, huge drop off in quality from the first book.
As someone who LOVED the first book, and had been patiently waiting for this sequel, I can't help but feel let down.
On a positive note, the main characters are still very likable. Shane and Callie are both competent, relatively assertive protagonists without crossing into arrogant/Mary Sue territory. Towards the end of the book though, Shane becomes super passive and defers to Callie on everything for some reason. Seemed very out of character, but not a huge deal. The concept of the wish driven system is still interesting, in theory. This is where my problems with the book begin.
To start, there is WAY too much focus on side characters that frankly as a reader were difficult to care about. The MC, so driven in the first novel, seemingly abandons his own growth to essentially "power level" his orbiters. This was not handled in an interesting way either. Instead of teaching/training them, he simply funnels all his resources into gifting them free power every day. MC stagnates, they "catch up" by doing nothing. Sorry, but I just don't give a shit about Benny/Jess.
The wish system was the most interesting part of this series initially. In this one, it increasingly ignores it's own rules and quickly becomes a joke. The idea that someone has to sacrifice something of equal value to gain power had so much potential. Here, we have things like:
-Character trades a box of junk he happened to be carrying in exchange for immortality/super powers.
-Another character orders a steak from a restaurant, and trades the "memory" of eating the steak for permanent power upgrades. Not kidding.
-His teammates trade a promise of "fighting with the MC" for huge boons. Something they were already doing anyway.
Outside of this, the system is largely ignored and feels more like a footnote at the beginning of a chapter, i.e. "I spent the next week trading wishes and got my friend 30 more strength points!"
The fights kind of lack a flow to them and instead of an intense real time battle, almost descends into what feels like turn based combat where everyone is standing around while the MC decides which skills to activate.
One of the things that kept me hanging on was I loved the relationship between Shane and Callie. Though progress was made on this front, a lot of the organic development was stifled by the fact that they barely spent any time alone, their weaker allies always clinging to them like lost ducklings.
Ultimately, not completely giving up on the series quite yet because I do feel it has potential, but my excitement is severely diminished at the moment. Will wait and see on Book 3; hopefully it finds a better direction.
As someone who LOVED the first book, and had been patiently waiting for this sequel, I can't help but feel let down.
On a positive note, the main characters are still very likable. Shane and Callie are both competent, relatively assertive protagonists without crossing into arrogant/Mary Sue territory. Towards the end of the book though, Shane becomes super passive and defers to Callie on everything for some reason. Seemed very out of character, but not a huge deal. The concept of the wish driven system is still interesting, in theory. This is where my problems with the book begin.
To start, there is WAY too much focus on side characters that frankly as a reader were difficult to care about. The MC, so driven in the first novel, seemingly abandons his own growth to essentially "power level" his orbiters. This was not handled in an interesting way either. Instead of teaching/training them, he simply funnels all his resources into gifting them free power every day. MC stagnates, they "catch up" by doing nothing. Sorry, but I just don't give a shit about Benny/Jess.
The wish system was the most interesting part of this series initially. In this one, it increasingly ignores it's own rules and quickly becomes a joke. The idea that someone has to sacrifice something of equal value to gain power had so much potential. Here, we have things like:
-Character trades a box of junk he happened to be carrying in exchange for immortality/super powers.
-Another character orders a steak from a restaurant, and trades the "memory" of eating the steak for permanent power upgrades. Not kidding.
-His teammates trade a promise of "fighting with the MC" for huge boons. Something they were already doing anyway.
Outside of this, the system is largely ignored and feels more like a footnote at the beginning of a chapter, i.e. "I spent the next week trading wishes and got my friend 30 more strength points!"
The fights kind of lack a flow to them and instead of an intense real time battle, almost descends into what feels like turn based combat where everyone is standing around while the MC decides which skills to activate.
One of the things that kept me hanging on was I loved the relationship between Shane and Callie. Though progress was made on this front, a lot of the organic development was stifled by the fact that they barely spent any time alone, their weaker allies always clinging to them like lost ducklings.
Ultimately, not completely giving up on the series quite yet because I do feel it has potential, but my excitement is severely diminished at the moment. Will wait and see on Book 3; hopefully it finds a better direction.
December 5, 2023
Aimless Story
The beginning of the first novel was great. It hooked me. Ever since, the story has had little direction. Instead of focusing on the protagonist’s growth as a candidate, the author decides to dedicate much of his writing on what the side character’s are doing. If you want well fleshed out side characters, consider POV switches. Otherwise, focus on the development of your protagonist!! I want to see him leverage his wish power to gain strength and grow in the ranks. Instead, he decides to use his wishes to learn how an F-Rank steak tastes like. Even worse, he continues to trade wishes for memories of skills that have NO RELEVANCE to his skillset. Needless to say, if you thought this story would be about the protagonist cultivating to the peak of power… it’s not. It’s become a day-in-the-life type of story where the MC is much more concerned about becoming a better cook and flirt than a powerhouse. Drop the crew of side characters and focus on your MC, PLEASE!!
The beginning of the first novel was great. It hooked me. Ever since, the story has had little direction. Instead of focusing on the protagonist’s growth as a candidate, the author decides to dedicate much of his writing on what the side character’s are doing. If you want well fleshed out side characters, consider POV switches. Otherwise, focus on the development of your protagonist!! I want to see him leverage his wish power to gain strength and grow in the ranks. Instead, he decides to use his wishes to learn how an F-Rank steak tastes like. Even worse, he continues to trade wishes for memories of skills that have NO RELEVANCE to his skillset. Needless to say, if you thought this story would be about the protagonist cultivating to the peak of power… it’s not. It’s become a day-in-the-life type of story where the MC is much more concerned about becoming a better cook and flirt than a powerhouse. Drop the crew of side characters and focus on your MC, PLEASE!!
did-not-finish
November 7, 2023This one annoyed me pretty quickly.
October 20, 2023
Bland and overall a disappointment.
The move to Unity at the capital was pointless. Nothing came of it but some bland time in a crafting hall. The entire book seemed like a transition away from the entertaining Wishmaster aspects from book one. All of the power uses were boring and rote. The plotline came off as a generic side quest and was nowhere near interesting enough to carry the book. It is almost like the second book was incredibly long and was therefore split in two leaving this one as nothing but the boring set up bits.
The move to Unity at the capital was pointless. Nothing came of it but some bland time in a crafting hall. The entire book seemed like a transition away from the entertaining Wishmaster aspects from book one. All of the power uses were boring and rote. The plotline came off as a generic side quest and was nowhere near interesting enough to carry the book. It is almost like the second book was incredibly long and was therefore split in two leaving this one as nothing but the boring set up bits.
October 26, 2023
Disappointing is the best word I have for this series. The first book had hiccups that I overlooked because the concept was of great interest to me but the flaws that plagued the beginning of the story just grow. Minor inconsistencies make for a jarring read between the major plot points of nothing. The author tries to do too many things, diluting an interesting world into a series of uninteresting cliches. A laundry list of ideas were shoved into a story that needs to be four times the size of the book to try and fit it all in any meaningful way.
October 20, 2023
Not impressed
This book is boring and I am thinking about dropping it. So far I have read about 64% and I am super disappointed. I’m not sure wtf this academy arc is about, the cultivation and wishes make zero sense to me at this point. This had potential it as or right now it’s a let down I mean a city with 10 billion people come on it’s kind of like this Chinese novel I was reading and the MC had a body that was millions of light years so unrealistic that it throws you out of immersion.
This book is boring and I am thinking about dropping it. So far I have read about 64% and I am super disappointed. I’m not sure wtf this academy arc is about, the cultivation and wishes make zero sense to me at this point. This had potential it as or right now it’s a let down I mean a city with 10 billion people come on it’s kind of like this Chinese novel I was reading and the MC had a body that was millions of light years so unrealistic that it throws you out of immersion.
February 5, 2024
The first book was so promising. I struggled to finish this, it was very close to a DNF.
October 19, 2023
not bad story
Some weird choices - joining the Academy and not taking any classes??? Why?
Clearly abused some wishes, paying with things you were going to do anyway seems wrong.
But general concept is still strong.
Some weird choices - joining the Academy and not taking any classes??? Why?
Clearly abused some wishes, paying with things you were going to do anyway seems wrong.
But general concept is still strong.
May 14, 2024
K, wow, just wow, the reviews on this one are too real, in a simple sentence, the plot got wished away, yep it's what it sounds like, the whole plot got turned into a wierd side gig, i mean come on, it was barely sustainable in book one, we simply had a murder mystery with some side dishes, and that was k since it was just a pallet cleanser after reading a bunch of garbage, but wow, this one sorta exposed the lack of true thought behind the whole wish system, especially with the lack of true price for anything, I mean sure u can't become a god, but if some new off the block kid can do this much with his wishing, how is there even a logical explanation of the super grand wishmaster to not be the most powerfull person in existence, I mean u seriously telling me that the organisation is letting these children with powers of breaking the world, roam free and grant powers to everyone,the fk.
K point being, the book has lost its charm, it was already a young adults book, meaning it was going to use a kid as a mc to avoid character building, then it went with the typical system with zero thought process, filled with small nuggets that make it realistic enough to digest, then there is the typical love interest, then the whole part of being something bigger all while being treated as the center of that bigger thing while not even being relevant enough to be that close.
And all these things done with a bit more work, would have made a good book, since the mc is likable, and sure the world is too sterile for the kind of world described with the kind of system in place, and in the end the whole wish thing is simply a gimmick, like if a captain America movie was 80% about the shield and how it's made, basically focusing on the wrong thing, surely there is something going on here in the world, but we are stuck with a kid who is skating through shit just because.
K point being, the book has lost its charm, it was already a young adults book, meaning it was going to use a kid as a mc to avoid character building, then it went with the typical system with zero thought process, filled with small nuggets that make it realistic enough to digest, then there is the typical love interest, then the whole part of being something bigger all while being treated as the center of that bigger thing while not even being relevant enough to be that close.
And all these things done with a bit more work, would have made a good book, since the mc is likable, and sure the world is too sterile for the kind of world described with the kind of system in place, and in the end the whole wish thing is simply a gimmick, like if a captain America movie was 80% about the shield and how it's made, basically focusing on the wrong thing, surely there is something going on here in the world, but we are stuck with a kid who is skating through shit just because.
March 14, 2024
This is sad. Quarter of the book is finished and I'm not really interested in what's happening.
This book is not keeping the steam the series started with in book one, and the protagonist seems keen on empowering his friends than himself. He also toys with the idea of telling people he met recently his secret, while others need a Non Disclosure Agreement.
Sadly this is looking like it will turn into one of those friendship fights evil books. We will see.
Why do all these YA books make it seem that the protagonist has to tell his secrets, and they "feel bad" that their friends aren't in the loop. This trope has been around for decades, and I just noticed it. The authors make it seem like the protagonist is a douche for not sharing a secret that can get the protagonist captured, tortured and killed if the information got out. This "trust in friendship" bullshit really pisses me off.
This wasn't like the previous book. I thought the protagonist would have found new ways to use his abilities, and combine what he already has. Instead it looks like a companion power up novel.
This is also the second time someone was after the protag, and he has to find out who. I really don't like whodunits. I don't like the direction the series is going if every book is going to be some detective crap. I've read literally hundreds of those book, I want something different with. With the basis the author has, so much can be done.
I will pick up the sequel. I just hope there is less of the fluff fillers and more of the protagonist doing stuff.
3/5 Stars
This book is not keeping the steam the series started with in book one, and the protagonist seems keen on empowering his friends than himself. He also toys with the idea of telling people he met recently his secret, while others need a Non Disclosure Agreement.
Sadly this is looking like it will turn into one of those friendship fights evil books. We will see.
Why do all these YA books make it seem that the protagonist has to tell his secrets, and they "feel bad" that their friends aren't in the loop. This trope has been around for decades, and I just noticed it. The authors make it seem like the protagonist is a douche for not sharing a secret that can get the protagonist captured, tortured and killed if the information got out. This "trust in friendship" bullshit really pisses me off.
This wasn't like the previous book. I thought the protagonist would have found new ways to use his abilities, and combine what he already has. Instead it looks like a companion power up novel.
This is also the second time someone was after the protag, and he has to find out who. I really don't like whodunits. I don't like the direction the series is going if every book is going to be some detective crap. I've read literally hundreds of those book, I want something different with. With the basis the author has, so much can be done.
I will pick up the sequel. I just hope there is less of the fluff fillers and more of the protagonist doing stuff.
3/5 Stars
February 12, 2024
Frustrating often annoying read and what's going on with wish system.
#. Wish system: no way would something like a stat point be equal to say memory of tast of food for example is just stupid. 😡
Make it realist & make sense that no wear near equal exchange.
#. Romance hear is tedious and hole don't callie look great isn't she pretty extra plz just stop. (I don't care.)
#. Needs spend less time on side characters. (Like Benny)
#. Don't care about Benny never have and hoped is skill given to him was a dud it would of been funny and interesting, like glow in dark or something.
Ability got seems simple enough but when made no sense when started integrating tech that not how said works grr.
#.
Skipped a lot and felt like missed nothing and that's a shame as was a novel and interesting idea.
(Never big fan of how points gained in series but admit was original.)
#. Wish system: no way would something like a stat point be equal to say memory of tast of food for example is just stupid. 😡
Make it realist & make sense that no wear near equal exchange.
#. Romance hear is tedious and hole don't callie look great isn't she pretty extra plz just stop. (I don't care.)
#. Needs spend less time on side characters. (Like Benny)
#. Don't care about Benny never have and hoped is skill given to him was a dud it would of been funny and interesting, like glow in dark or something.
Ability got seems simple enough but when made no sense when started integrating tech that not how said works grr.
#.
Skipped a lot and felt like missed nothing and that's a shame as was a novel and interesting idea.
(Never big fan of how points gained in series but admit was original.)
April 12, 2024
This wasn't a bad installation it was just so much less than the last one. It felt like a fair bit of rambling, and I understand that some of it was actually fairly useful information but it just took away from the story. They haven't even truly began the academy (i.e classes and the sort).
I enjoyed the character relationships and conversations and once again Zeke is a cool character but the story just lacked that drive that the first book had, I really hope that it's just a second book problem and that the series will recatch its step as the world/universe continues to be fairly fascinating.
3.25*
I enjoyed the character relationships and conversations and once again Zeke is a cool character but the story just lacked that drive that the first book had, I really hope that it's just a second book problem and that the series will recatch its step as the world/universe continues to be fairly fascinating.
3.25*
February 17, 2025
A
Still on the side of amateurish, but it's noticeable that the author is putting in the effort.
I'm really liking how the author is shaping this story out to be.
I can't say anything, but mysteries are were solved in this book, and as we all know as readers. That only means there are more to be solved.
I'm hoping in the following books that the author starts to flesh out Shane's power a bit more. Our at least make it a tad more interesting, the novelty is starting to wear off a bit. It's a power that can be used for so much, and I feel that it's getting pigeon held but the authors desire for plot to develop. Though I am fine with that.
Still on the side of amateurish, but it's noticeable that the author is putting in the effort.
I'm really liking how the author is shaping this story out to be.
I can't say anything, but mysteries are were solved in this book, and as we all know as readers. That only means there are more to be solved.
I'm hoping in the following books that the author starts to flesh out Shane's power a bit more. Our at least make it a tad more interesting, the novelty is starting to wear off a bit. It's a power that can be used for so much, and I feel that it's getting pigeon held but the authors desire for plot to develop. Though I am fine with that.
October 21, 2023
Solid book
Loved the power development in this book, Incredibly unique and well thought out.
Felt at some times that the wishes weren't being used to their full potential but some unique ones satisfied that.
I do have a hard time picturing some of the characters but the settings are pretty well detailed.
Incredibly solid book overall, read it pretty much straight through. Will read the next one!
Loved the power development in this book, Incredibly unique and well thought out.
Felt at some times that the wishes weren't being used to their full potential but some unique ones satisfied that.
I do have a hard time picturing some of the characters but the settings are pretty well detailed.
Incredibly solid book overall, read it pretty much straight through. Will read the next one!
January 29, 2024
I liked it sure this one wasn’t as fast as book 1 but it was (in my opinion) paced beautifully. The dynamics between all the characters were is shaping wonderfully. Zeke being dad/uncle/big brother to Shane will never get old. Finding out about what little information we had on Solomon/Shane’s mom was wonderful and I can’t wait to see how that develops. Plus informing the fact that Shane’s dad is the biggest dick around. I can’t wait for the next one.
February 21, 2024
Over-explaining
For all the massively interesting world-building, I have to complain a little bit, character intentions are always explained in full during conversations and interactions to the point of minor annoyance, it feels mildly patronising to not be allowed to deduce details yourself as an audience.
However, it's still a very interesting read of your can ignore that detail and a few other minor hangups and I recommended the book.
For all the massively interesting world-building, I have to complain a little bit, character intentions are always explained in full during conversations and interactions to the point of minor annoyance, it feels mildly patronising to not be allowed to deduce details yourself as an audience.
However, it's still a very interesting read of your can ignore that detail and a few other minor hangups and I recommended the book.
April 13, 2024
Nothing is explained fully, or explored fully. How are they figuring out new ways to cheese the wish skill still? It's like they only discuss the skill when the writer actually write it.
Why aren't they spending every waking minute to try and cheese it.
Dnf, they are chased by bad guys at the end of the book and they don't wanna hurt some trees because the animals will loose their homes. Really??
Why aren't they spending every waking minute to try and cheese it.
Dnf, they are chased by bad guys at the end of the book and they don't wanna hurt some trees because the animals will loose their homes. Really??
October 24, 2023
not bad, just
Not compelling.
I have put this book down to pick up others twice. That tells me it just isn’t working.
It may be a pacing issue. There is a lack of urgency and direction at the beginning of this book.
DNF
Not compelling.
I have put this book down to pick up others twice. That tells me it just isn’t working.
It may be a pacing issue. There is a lack of urgency and direction at the beginning of this book.
DNF
November 1, 2023
A very good read
A very good read indeed as is the first to the second they are very compelling so well written and masterly told they are of the top order I can only recommend you give them a go .
A very good read indeed as is the first to the second they are very compelling so well written and masterly told they are of the top order I can only recommend you give them a go .
April 29, 2025
Wonderful 2nd Installment to the series, this one had me tearing up at the end. Love the development of both the characters and their relationships. Sorry to compare, but for me this is as enjoyable as Dungeon Crawler Carl.
October 17, 2023
great book
amazing book. great read. would recommend to everyone. a grwat lotRPG adventure. be sure you read book one. thank you
amazing book. great read. would recommend to everyone. a grwat lotRPG adventure. be sure you read book one. thank you
October 24, 2023
Read this on Royalroad.com
Highly recommended series. Very good story. Original with character depth. Definitely a good one too read. Great storyline and it gets even better.
Highly recommended series. Very good story. Original with character depth. Definitely a good one too read. Great storyline and it gets even better.
October 24, 2023
Great
Can't wait for book 3. Would have like to see he upgraded stats, before the book ended. Three more words
Can't wait for book 3. Would have like to see he upgraded stats, before the book ended. Three more words
October 25, 2023
Great book
This is a really good series and an incredible super hero litrpg series. It is honestly my favorite suoer hero series. The stories is great and not a gimic.
This is a really good series and an incredible super hero litrpg series. It is honestly my favorite suoer hero series. The stories is great and not a gimic.
October 29, 2023
A great sequel
Simply put, if you liked the first one, you'll probably like this cone. It was a lot of fun.
Highly recommended.
Simply put, if you liked the first one, you'll probably like this cone. It was a lot of fun.
Highly recommended.
November 9, 2023
Great book
This is a great series I hope it is a long one I like the characters and the action the dark parts are super cringy
This is a great series I hope it is a long one I like the characters and the action the dark parts are super cringy
December 21, 2023
Excellent read
It felt very much like an Empire Strikes Back vibe. Middle book of the series bridging the gap. A lot of build up, still plenty of action.
It felt very much like an Empire Strikes Back vibe. Middle book of the series bridging the gap. A lot of build up, still plenty of action.
March 28, 2024
Amazing
This is an amazing novel with lots of different aspects going on. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend to anyone.
This is an amazing novel with lots of different aspects going on. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews