Principles

Sun, Moon, and Stars #2

by E.J. Russell

Sun, Moon, and Stars marries magic and science, featuring a road trip, deepening friendship, and a world where choice is the most sacred value.

The books feature the continuing adventures of asexual Sun mage Zal and nonbinary cyborg Torian. In this second story, Zal and Torian finally make it to the capital, but things don't go exactly as planned...

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, LGBT, Friendship

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

E.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings.

Reality? Eh, not so much.

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Principles is the second installment in E.J. Russell’s Sun, Moon, and Stars series. The action picks up almost immediately after the first book, Partnership, and can be broken down into two main chunks. The first is Zal and Torian continuing their journey to the capital and the second is what happens when they get there.

True to the spirit of the first book, I felt like Principles did a great job developing an emotionally intimate relationship between Zal and Torian without a physical one. These two characters have clearly come to care deeply about each other, but that presents its own challenges once they’ve met the Trine.

If you are a reader who enjoys well structured alternate universes or if you are fascinated with how a single story can seamlessly combine magic and science and the entire social constructs that encapsulate those concepts, then I think you’ll love the tone and world building in this story.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asexual sun mage Zal has lost his powers while saving non-binary cyborg Torian’s life. Zal’s sun stone has shattered and he’ll have some explaining to do in front of the Mage Triune. Zal still has faith in the mage council and stubbornly insists they travel to the Capital. Without Zal’s powers, this is a more dangerous trip and Torian has grave misgivings about what they’ll face on the journey and when they arrive.

This was an exciting sequel to Partnership, there’s a satisfyingly juicy conspiracy that drives the action. But this ends on a rather flat HFN, I can’t help feeling like the third and final book is missing. Is this a romance? Yes, the budding relationship between Zal and Torian is full of real emotion and tenderness, and EJ Russell is great at creating decent, heartwarming characters. Here’s hoping for a final book to tidy up the storylines. 🎧 US voice actor Greg Boudreaux is a strong audio narrator and he does his usual great job here. He gives Zal a British accent, which mostly works, but I’m not sure why the story needed one—I’ve heard Greg differentiate multiple characters in a single book many times without needing to resort to accents from other nationalities.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

“Principles” by E.J. Russell is the second novella in the ‘Sun, Stars, and Moon’ series that features Torin and Zal, an unlikely pair who are trying to follow the rules of their society but discover that Torin’s escape from his unfeeling masters may not be as definitive as he would like, and his and Zal’s future together might just be doomed.

This gay science fiction/fantasy romance continues to explore the relationship between an asexual character who has made a supreme sacrifice and the non-binary being he has formed a mutual attachment with. The artful blend of science fiction and fantasy explores the concept of finding ways to explain the apparently inexplicable without the tools to do so.

I formed a connection to these characters in “Partnership,” the previous story in the series (which I think is required reading in order to understand the framework of this world), and I love watching their relationship deepen even as I wince at the trials they’re dealing with. I enjoy the creative world-building this author is expert at, and I like the twists and turns that keep the action exciting. This is another fun, entertaining quick read featuring memorable characters. As with the previous story, this one ends with plenty of dangling threads, so I definitely hope the sequel will be coming soon.

A copy of this title was provided for review

[Harrison Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Zal and Torian continues in this intriguing science fiction tale by Russell. The novella takes up right from the end of the first, with Torian and Zal on a road trip to the capital city. Of course, what they find there is nothing that either expects and both of them have to rely on their friendship to combat what they find.

As with the first novella, I was reminded of a "Star Trek" tale, with the natives of a "primitive" planet being observed by an alien presence. But Russell gives the story her own twists and turns it into a fascinating morality play, where actions have consequences in a society where consent is one of the defining values. Having set the world in motion in the first tale, Russell is able to flesh out the story a bit more here and focus on Zal and Torian as they deal with new friends and foes.

In some ways I wish this tale had been combined with the first story as it would have been a more complete tale. As it is, I found this to be quite an entertaining quick adventure tale with some interesting moral questions.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fantastic.

But I am struggling to write this review since I finished it a bit ago and have no notes since, as usual, I listened to the audiobook. Try to keep up on those at least since they're harder to write reviews for after the fact...

But I really enjoyed this one and the journey. Parts of me wished that Zal wasn't quite so honorable and him and Torian hadn't had to make the journey to the capital in the first place. Guess it works out for the best since they get needed information...? Yikes. Awful what they find out.

I liked the way things played out here, how the science and fantasy are blended and this world.

Love how Zal and Torian are here as they continue to be a comfort and care for each other through these trials they're forced into. It's so tender and loving.

Really hope the third is in the making! Where this left off... Such a scene when Zal's hair is shorn, though...! ;-;

(Might bump this up to 5 stars in the future.)

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zal and Torian are headed to the capital to be seen by the powers that be.
As they stop to rest, they make some friends who definitely come in handy.
They soon discover they've been betrayed and are in mortal danger.
For Zal the betrayal rocks his world to it's core and calls into question everything he's ever believed in.
Tobin is very clever and is able to rescue Zal with help from their new friends.
Together they escape, going on the run only knowing for certain that they have one powerful ally.
They're heading towards danger, seeking a mythical place and the world as they know it is poised for revolution.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Principles is book two in the series, and takes off right where Partnership ends. Zal's world is rattled when he has to deal with betrayal from unexpected sources.

I loved how Ms. Russell continues to explore Zal and Torian's friendship and how she's introducing new characters into the mix. Also enjoyed the ace representation and that Torian being nonbinary is so well accepted. 

All in all, an interesting addition to the series, and I'll be looking forward to more. Very recommendable! 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Introvirtuous · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m now tearing my hair out because I cannot wait so long (an undefined period too!) for the next book! Anything I might say here would be a spoiler but I will try…

This was a great follow up to the first book! Still lovely, still a nice ace romance (and great relationship building at that), plus an adventure in a sci-fi world. What’s not to love?

Well, except for the fact that this book ends at a stage where it’s impossible to rest without knowing what happens next. I need book 3, like, yesterday! Ahhhhhh.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 This takes off where book 1 ended. We get to see Zal and Torian travel more—and more encounter more consequences from what happened in book 1. I loved their platonic closeness and how very much they care for one another.

They meet some really great people along the way—and also some terrible ones. (No surprise there, I suppose, lol.) I definitely want more of their continuing adventures!

Greg Boudreaux continues to deliver a wonderful performance.

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please make sure you read Partnership first! I am caught up in this fascinating world. I enjoyed the first one and this one is just as good. Sol is unfortunately learning that there is even more in his life that isn’t quite what it seems. But the one thing he can definitely count on is Torian staying by his side. I am loving the non binary and the asexual rep in this series. These characters are definitely worth reading.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 4 out of 5]

Principles is the second book in the series and it starts where the first book ended. I can't say much about the plot because I don't want to spoil anything but I can say that I really enjoy the world the author has created. It's very interesting and I loved learning more about the different cultures. Torian and Zal continue their trip and their friendship gets stronger. Some really big things happened towards the end of the book. There were some unexpected moments that made me very emotional. I feel very connected to the two main characters. They are wonderful. I can't wait to read more books in the series especially after that ending!

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sun, Moon and Stars series. After finishing the first book, I could not wait to read this. It did not disappoint; it was a wonderful continuation of the first book in the series. The characters were again, wonderful as I got to know them more. The setting continued to amaze me and the pace was wonderful. I can’t wait for the next installment.

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

You must read Partnership first, this book is not a standalone. As the story progresses, Zal and Torian grow closer and come to depend more and more in each other. Zal deals with unexpected betrayal, and realises that not all people can be trusted. EJ explores the interplay between ethics, and the evolution of society. Parts of this are heartbreaking for both Zal and Torian, but in one another they find hope. 4.5 stars.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this book is that the story just draws you in. What I did not like about this book was that there are TWO more. Hopefully there won't be forever until the last two books are published. This series is absolutely enthralling. Maybe there is a magical compulsion from Moon born Torian.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've given this three stars, though 2.5 would be closer to the experience, partly because I was often bored (I knew all the plot points well before they happened), but mostly because of a worldbuilding fail. If you read this, maybe you won't notice, and that's fine. But I did.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this story picks up right where the other ended. This story has great world building and wonderful characters. The friendship that is building between the 2 MCs is so good. I can't wait to read more. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

Zal from Sun, Moon, and Stars is asexual!

https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio narrated by Greg Boudreaux.

2nd novella in this series, again short, but packed full of action and drama. I'm really hoping there will be more to follow!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Principles" continues with Zal and Torian's relationship slowly developing. On their trek to the Capital, Torian entertains Zal with the songs and verbal retellings of old Earth 'movies'. It's a sweet and affectionate slow burn.
The story takes a bit of a darker turn as they reach the Capital. Zal brings Torian to the Tine, convinced of his innocence. Things go horribly wrong. Zal is arrested and sentenced to execution for breaking his celibacy oath, because that's the 'only' way a sun stone can be destroyed. Torian is confiscated as a possession.
The worst of it was that at least one of the Tine was aware of the observing scientists. Had even been working with Edris to take over the Capital and Council not knowing Edris was dead and that the remaining scientists had fled the planet. The Tine member activated a hidden file in Torian's cybertronic memory but they escaped before it could be used.
Fast paced. Some new allies as well as new villains. The worldbuilding is descriptive and the tension rachets up from chapter one, ending on a cliffhanger. When the story ended rather abruptly, I went back to the e book(something I always have to do because my spelling is atrocious!) and found that there is a book three. I look forward to an audio of that one!
Greg Boudreaux's narration was absolutely delicious. The perfect combination. EJ Russell's wonderful story and his golden voice. One of the best narrators out there. And what an absolute treat hearing him sing "Frère Jacques".
I received an advanced audio copy of this story and this is my review.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read Partnership a while back, I really needed more and now it's here! I just love Zal and Torian. The world building is great. I loved going on their journey with them and I can't wait for more.
I love the focus on Zal and Torian's friendship and that there was no attempt made to make Zal into someone who he is not. Great ace representation even though off course, it's not named in this story. It's also very refreshing to see how normal and well accepted non-binary people are in this world. I definitely recommend this story!

New update after the audiobook:

This book continues the road Zal and Torian travel together, they finally arrive at the capital where things not always are what they seem. I loved to see their relationship grow from where we left of in book 1. Knowing who to trust becomes quite critical but I don’t want to give away too much, If you loved book 1, then you’ll enjoy this one too. I could really go for a book 3 though. I want to know what the future has in store for Zal and Torian.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the world the author has created. It's very interesting and I loved learning more about the different cultures. Torian and Zal continue their trip and their friendship gets stronger. Some really big things happened towards the end of the book. There were some unexpected moments that made me very emotional. I feel very connected to the two main characters. They are wonderful. I want more stories set in this world!
The narrator was fantastic and perfect for the story. I loved how he voiced Torian and Zal, the voices were distinct and matched the characters.

[SandyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Unlike the first in this duology, this book can't stand alone, but well worth the time. I hope the author comes back to this world - while Zal and Torian's story feels complete, I want to hear what happens next after their trip to The Capitol.