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Plotting the Stars #3
Plotting the Stars 3: Ashgarden
Cast into a dangerous new world and separated from her friends, Myra uncovers secrets and lies the Governing Council has been cultivating for centuries. The third book in the searing STEAM-inspired Plotting the Stars middle grade series perfect for fans of The City of Ember and Divergent.
Out of the ashes, change will grow.
Thrown on a ship on a one-way voyage to uninhabitable Earth, Myra, Hannah, and Bernard believe they’ll never see their home or the people they care about again. After crash landing, they’re attacked, sedated, and dragged away . . . by people? There are still people on Earth? Unbeknownst to just about everyone in the galaxy, the Old World is inhabited by Botans and many generations of their offspring. And that means maybe Canter’s mother and Hannah’s sister might be there, too.
Back on Venus, Canter and Lila have an insider spying on MFI’s operations and are biding their time, waiting for the right moment to expose Melfin's treachery before he risks more than just the Settlement food supply.
But there’s more at stake than revealing the continued existence of the Botans and freeing the Reps. Other long-buried Old World secrets. Secrets that were buried for a very good reason. . . .
Will Myra and her friends kindle and cultivate a new future from the ruins of the old, or have they ignited an inferno that will destroy all they hold dear?
The third book in the Plotting the Stars series, Ashgarden burns with determination, exploring the devastating possibilities of climate change and the power of the young voices fighting for something better.
Out of the ashes, change will grow.
Thrown on a ship on a one-way voyage to uninhabitable Earth, Myra, Hannah, and Bernard believe they’ll never see their home or the people they care about again. After crash landing, they’re attacked, sedated, and dragged away . . . by people? There are still people on Earth? Unbeknownst to just about everyone in the galaxy, the Old World is inhabited by Botans and many generations of their offspring. And that means maybe Canter’s mother and Hannah’s sister might be there, too.
Back on Venus, Canter and Lila have an insider spying on MFI’s operations and are biding their time, waiting for the right moment to expose Melfin's treachery before he risks more than just the Settlement food supply.
But there’s more at stake than revealing the continued existence of the Botans and freeing the Reps. Other long-buried Old World secrets. Secrets that were buried for a very good reason. . . .
Will Myra and her friends kindle and cultivate a new future from the ruins of the old, or have they ignited an inferno that will destroy all they hold dear?
The third book in the Plotting the Stars series, Ashgarden burns with determination, exploring the devastating possibilities of climate change and the power of the young voices fighting for something better.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2024
8 people are currently reading
1867 people want to read
About the author
Michelle A. Barry
4 books79 followersMichelle A. Barry grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was later cajoled over the border into Connecticut by her future husband. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, freelance writer and editor, and marketing professional. She currently lives in Connecticut with her charming husband and their two delightful children. Moongarden is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 20, 2025
It's repetitive and boring, full of forced bonding moments and growing-up monologues that practically bored me to sleep upon the, I don't know, NINTH time hearing them? It also included various brutal deaths, which were out of nowhere, as the previous books were fairly clean.
For some reason, at the end, the characters starts yelling the most obscure words for weather phenomena then giving a simpler definition for it, as if they normally talked this way throughout the series. I feel that the STEM propaganda was essentially pushed here, and it slowed down the story.
I liked seeing Myra and Canter's growth after the events of Seagarden, and Bernard's newfound personality.
Bin-ro still had no place in anything. Barry expects me to believe he 'rivals R2-D2' (as said on the blurb of Moongarden) when he has no personality, and only rolls around all the time. Why was S.L.A.M keeping him around anyway?
For some reason, at the end, the characters starts yelling the most obscure words for weather phenomena then giving a simpler definition for it, as if they normally talked this way throughout the series. I feel that the STEM propaganda was essentially pushed here, and it slowed down the story.
I liked seeing Myra and Canter's growth after the events of Seagarden, and Bernard's newfound personality.
Bin-ro still had no place in anything. Barry expects me to believe he 'rivals R2-D2' (as said on the blurb of Moongarden) when he has no personality, and only rolls around all the time. Why was S.L.A.M keeping him around anyway?
July 8, 2025
Spoiler warning.
Wow! Such a great book. Unlike the second book in the series, Seagarden, I couldn't breeze through this one as easily because I was busy. This book, like the rest of the series, is one of those types of books where you have to listen to every detail, or make sure to read every word. like, for example, if you zone out and skip only a page, you're missing a crucial hunk of info. I say this because throughout all three of the books the characters are constantly problem solving and figuring out solutions. But it really is a fun read!
Let's start with the plot. Myra, Hannah, and Bernard are shipped off to the old world, where they figure out that the Botans have survived, including Fiona, Canters mother. However, there is a whole other type of magic users out there, the meteorons, and they hate the Botans. It turns out that Hannahs sister, Meredith, belongs to this group.
Canter and Lila think Myra is dead, and they have lost their magic. But they figure out Myra is alive, and, with the help of the traitorous Noah, they are able to send a shuttle to help them escape. However, the Meteorons intercept the shuttle and Hannah and Meredith betray Myra and get on the shuttle along with the other Meteorons. So now I hate Hannah.
Luckily, Myra, Bernard, and Fiona are able to escape with the help of some Tekkies. They board another ship with more Botans and figure out the Meteorons have sided with Jake Melfin. The two sides battle on Mars, and Meredith dies (YAAAAYYYYY). But Ms. Curie also dies (NOOOOOOO). But anyways, everyone reunites and they say hello for the first time (in the case of Canter and his mother) and apologize to each other (Myra and Canter). Sorry I've left out a lot of crucial details but I'm kind of lazy right now.
Now for the characters:
Myra Hodger: Okay, so its like a 50/50 for me. I like her for being cool and chill all the time but I think she has made some pretty bad mistakes before which I also hate her for. But I also feel bad for her because in the second book all she wanted to do was spend time with her friends and display her trombone skills.
Noah: He's mid. I like how in the second book he called Myra 'M' which is cute and made me start to ship them but then he betrayed her. He makes a comeback in this book and redeems himself, but it might be a while before I ship them again.
Hannah: I hate her. She belongs in a Mercurian prison, and I'm glad Myra doesn't forgive her in the end.
Canter Weathers: I kinda hate him. He's annoying and stuck up and whiny and cries all the time like the spoiled brat he is. He doesn't do anything significant in this book, and he bullied Kyle for no reason. I ship him with Lila.
Lila: healer, mid
Bernard: Secret Botan, has no major role. I used to ship him with Hannah
Meredith: I hate her
Kyle Melfin: I feel bad for him. Like, just because your father is evil means you're evil? Canter is a real dumbass.
Anyways, I love this series so much!
Wow! Such a great book. Unlike the second book in the series, Seagarden, I couldn't breeze through this one as easily because I was busy. This book, like the rest of the series, is one of those types of books where you have to listen to every detail, or make sure to read every word. like, for example, if you zone out and skip only a page, you're missing a crucial hunk of info. I say this because throughout all three of the books the characters are constantly problem solving and figuring out solutions. But it really is a fun read!
Let's start with the plot. Myra, Hannah, and Bernard are shipped off to the old world, where they figure out that the Botans have survived, including Fiona, Canters mother. However, there is a whole other type of magic users out there, the meteorons, and they hate the Botans. It turns out that Hannahs sister, Meredith, belongs to this group.
Canter and Lila think Myra is dead, and they have lost their magic. But they figure out Myra is alive, and, with the help of the traitorous Noah, they are able to send a shuttle to help them escape. However, the Meteorons intercept the shuttle and Hannah and Meredith betray Myra and get on the shuttle along with the other Meteorons. So now I hate Hannah.
Luckily, Myra, Bernard, and Fiona are able to escape with the help of some Tekkies. They board another ship with more Botans and figure out the Meteorons have sided with Jake Melfin. The two sides battle on Mars, and Meredith dies (YAAAAYYYYY). But Ms. Curie also dies (NOOOOOOO). But anyways, everyone reunites and they say hello for the first time (in the case of Canter and his mother) and apologize to each other (Myra and Canter). Sorry I've left out a lot of crucial details but I'm kind of lazy right now.
Now for the characters:
Myra Hodger: Okay, so its like a 50/50 for me. I like her for being cool and chill all the time but I think she has made some pretty bad mistakes before which I also hate her for. But I also feel bad for her because in the second book all she wanted to do was spend time with her friends and display her trombone skills.
Noah: He's mid. I like how in the second book he called Myra 'M' which is cute and made me start to ship them but then he betrayed her. He makes a comeback in this book and redeems himself, but it might be a while before I ship them again.
Hannah: I hate her. She belongs in a Mercurian prison, and I'm glad Myra doesn't forgive her in the end.
Canter Weathers: I kinda hate him. He's annoying and stuck up and whiny and cries all the time like the spoiled brat he is. He doesn't do anything significant in this book, and he bullied Kyle for no reason. I ship him with Lila.
Lila: healer, mid
Bernard: Secret Botan, has no major role. I used to ship him with Hannah
Meredith: I hate her
Kyle Melfin: I feel bad for him. Like, just because your father is evil means you're evil? Canter is a real dumbass.
Anyways, I love this series so much!
November 3, 2024
OH MY GOD! THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! I have been a fan of the Plotting the Stars series since the beginning and let me tell you, this is the best one yet! While reading, this book quickly rose to the top of my favorites list for many reasons, a few being: it's captivating, it's magical, and the characters are just too good. Thank you so much author Michelle A. Barry for sending me a copy of this book!
Ashgarden has such a gripping storyline. After the cliffhanger in Seagarden, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next and Ashgarden did not disappoint. New characters are introduced, friendships evolve, and we even get to meet a new Creer!
The worldbuilding in this installment lives up to every expectation. Barry builds on everything we've known from the last two books to create a something so marvelous! When Myra first sees the ocean is an amazing bit of writing and such a magical moment.
Lastly, the characters. We are introduced to many new characters in Ashgarden and I love seeing how the new friendships bloomed. My favorite of the new friendships is Canter and a new character, Eli. We also get to see old favorites like Myra and Lila (and Canter).
Ashgarden is one of my favorite books and I'm sure it would be yours too! Definitely make sure to find it next time you visit your local library or bookstore! You can also hear some sneak peaks about Michelle A. Barry's writing process and creation of this book on my podcast, The Author Interrogations. Talking to Michelle was so fun!
A definite 5/5 stars.
Ashgarden has such a gripping storyline. After the cliffhanger in Seagarden, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next and Ashgarden did not disappoint. New characters are introduced, friendships evolve, and we even get to meet a new Creer!
The worldbuilding in this installment lives up to every expectation. Barry builds on everything we've known from the last two books to create a something so marvelous! When Myra first sees the ocean is an amazing bit of writing and such a magical moment.
Lastly, the characters. We are introduced to many new characters in Ashgarden and I love seeing how the new friendships bloomed. My favorite of the new friendships is Canter and a new character, Eli. We also get to see old favorites like Myra and Lila (and Canter).
Ashgarden is one of my favorite books and I'm sure it would be yours too! Definitely make sure to find it next time you visit your local library or bookstore! You can also hear some sneak peaks about Michelle A. Barry's writing process and creation of this book on my podcast, The Author Interrogations. Talking to Michelle was so fun!
A definite 5/5 stars.
December 1, 2024
Plotting the Stars trilogy ends with most of the loose ends tied up in a high energy and satisfying way. When the 2nd in series ended, Myra, Bernard and Hannah have been sent, presumably to die, on the Old World (Earth after environmental disaster leaves the planet virtually unliveable) and Lila and now magic-less Canter are trying to cope with the loss and continue the fight against Jake Melvin and his corrupt yet seemingly all powerful corporation.
Without providing too many spoilers, the Old World is not the poison planet the lunar, Martian and Venusian settlements have been led to believe but neither is it a perfect place to be marooned. There are factions, those with magic have no one to teach them, and many without are, as in the Settlements, viewed as less valuable. Surprise reunions occur but none are as joyous as one would hope. Nevertheless, there is a concentrated effort to get a shuttle ready to return many to the Moon in order to join Canter and Perennial’s re-magicked Reps in their efforts to remove Melfin and find a way for Creers, non-Creers and Reps to co-exist in a fair and productive way.
Love the non-stop action, the frequent revelations and changing allegiances that make this final installment move quickly. Cantor and Myra’s friendship weathers mistakes and remains strong while others do not fare so well, providing realistic models of life. Text is free of profanity, violence is appropriate to the plot and without blood and gore, and there is no sexual content.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
Without providing too many spoilers, the Old World is not the poison planet the lunar, Martian and Venusian settlements have been led to believe but neither is it a perfect place to be marooned. There are factions, those with magic have no one to teach them, and many without are, as in the Settlements, viewed as less valuable. Surprise reunions occur but none are as joyous as one would hope. Nevertheless, there is a concentrated effort to get a shuttle ready to return many to the Moon in order to join Canter and Perennial’s re-magicked Reps in their efforts to remove Melfin and find a way for Creers, non-Creers and Reps to co-exist in a fair and productive way.
Love the non-stop action, the frequent revelations and changing allegiances that make this final installment move quickly. Cantor and Myra’s friendship weathers mistakes and remains strong while others do not fare so well, providing realistic models of life. Text is free of profanity, violence is appropriate to the plot and without blood and gore, and there is no sexual content.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
December 1, 2024
Written by my 11-year-old:
Ashgarden is a wonderful third book in Plotting the Stars. It picks up right where Seagarden left off and takes place on… Earth. I would recommend this book to middle grade and adult readers alike. I love how this series contemplates nature and plants, but also humans and technology. Unlike the other two books, it alternates points of view between Canter and Myra, which gives perspective on the difference between cultures, with a shared origin. Ashgarden also explores friendship, and forgiveness. My favorite quote is, “Think of life as a garden. The plants in it are the people you know, including you… They grow over rocks and dead branches and even other plants… These obstacles are like the experiences we have throughout our lives. Sometimes they make us stronger, and sometimes they force us to change.” I loved this quote because it applies to anyone anywhere. This is such a great series! I have legitimately recommended this series to everyone in my school as I would recommend it to anyone else. This is a great series and is definitely up there with my favorites.
Ashgarden is a wonderful third book in Plotting the Stars. It picks up right where Seagarden left off and takes place on… Earth. I would recommend this book to middle grade and adult readers alike. I love how this series contemplates nature and plants, but also humans and technology. Unlike the other two books, it alternates points of view between Canter and Myra, which gives perspective on the difference between cultures, with a shared origin. Ashgarden also explores friendship, and forgiveness. My favorite quote is, “Think of life as a garden. The plants in it are the people you know, including you… They grow over rocks and dead branches and even other plants… These obstacles are like the experiences we have throughout our lives. Sometimes they make us stronger, and sometimes they force us to change.” I loved this quote because it applies to anyone anywhere. This is such a great series! I have legitimately recommended this series to everyone in my school as I would recommend it to anyone else. This is a great series and is definitely up there with my favorites.
April 27, 2025
I feel a little underwhelmed by this ending. For the majority of the book, I was enjoying it more than the first two (definitely the second one), but then there's a lot about everything that feels unresolved. I think the meteorons were a pretty weak addition to the world. I understand their purpose thematically, but it would've been nice to have any idea about them before this book. The meteorons were just hellbent on revenge and destruction, and then changed their tune rather easily towards the end. And I suppose this next complaint stems from me wanting more than a middle grade book in certain ways, but I didn't understand the meteorons' motivations. We didn't get to see inside their camp any, really, and why Meredith was so gung-ho about them or why she left the botans and insisted the meteorons were more inclusive.
I loved that we branched out from just Myra's perspective, though. I like Canter quite a lot, so it was nice to follow him more closely, and the change in scenery and storylines helped keep me engaged more. 3.5
I loved that we branched out from just Myra's perspective, though. I like Canter quite a lot, so it was nice to follow him more closely, and the change in scenery and storylines helped keep me engaged more. 3.5
May 24, 2025
Ashgarden, Book 3, of Plotting The Stars series.
This story is unlike book one and two. We follow two different groups on two different planets.
The story felt a little disjointed and rushed. The pace felt off and way more high stakes than the previous two books.
I loved that the story had adventure, going up against the big guys, and grit. We learned some revelations from the past, that brings the storyline and plot points together.
I didn’t like the friendship dynamic so much in this story. Oddly, it felt like there were more secrets in this one than previous. There wasn’t as much shared mission to me in this one. There was a loss of space puns in the story as well.
Overall good adventure story that is geared perfectly towards middle grade, and I would recommend to other readers.
This story is unlike book one and two. We follow two different groups on two different planets.
The story felt a little disjointed and rushed. The pace felt off and way more high stakes than the previous two books.
I loved that the story had adventure, going up against the big guys, and grit. We learned some revelations from the past, that brings the storyline and plot points together.
I didn’t like the friendship dynamic so much in this story. Oddly, it felt like there were more secrets in this one than previous. There wasn’t as much shared mission to me in this one. There was a loss of space puns in the story as well.
Overall good adventure story that is geared perfectly towards middle grade, and I would recommend to other readers.
April 30, 2025
4.0 stars
Audiobook (narration excellent)
Is this the last book in the series? The major plot point in this series was satisfactorily designed. However, I love these characters so much that I wish we could see what happens next in their lives. This is a story about power, corruption and greed. Sounds kind of boring, huh? When you place the action in a fantasy Earth, Moon and Venus, it really holds your interest. How do our characters do this time? We’re there any surprise heroes and villains? Does everyone live happily ever after? I suggest you read all three books in order. Plotting the Stars series is an excellent series and was very easy to read. The author snuck a few little real-life facts in to help an astute reader learn a few new facts.
Highly recommend.
Audiobook (narration excellent)
Is this the last book in the series? The major plot point in this series was satisfactorily designed. However, I love these characters so much that I wish we could see what happens next in their lives. This is a story about power, corruption and greed. Sounds kind of boring, huh? When you place the action in a fantasy Earth, Moon and Venus, it really holds your interest. How do our characters do this time? We’re there any surprise heroes and villains? Does everyone live happily ever after? I suggest you read all three books in order. Plotting the Stars series is an excellent series and was very easy to read. The author snuck a few little real-life facts in to help an astute reader learn a few new facts.
Highly recommend.
June 24, 2024
I am SO excited for this book!
I have been following PTS since the beginning, and I can't wait to see where the series goes.
Minor spoiler alert:
MYRAANDCANTERFORLIFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I have been following PTS since the beginning, and I can't wait to see where the series goes.
Minor spoiler alert:
MYRAANDCANTERFORLIFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
December 4, 2024
A five-star finish to an exciting series. Loved watching the characters grow (especially Myra), and seeing to the deeper motivations and characteristics of the cast. Well done, and I highly recommend this book and series.
May 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
July 5, 2025
A very good continuation / conclusion of the series, though the alternating first person narrators got a little confusing, especially when they were both in the same place.
November 18, 2025
Overdone high-drama and teen angst. Trigger Warning: deaths and violence. ...I'm ready for this series to come to an end!
November 10, 2025
I read the first two books in this series last year and rated them both five stars so I was really excited to read this one. Well spoiler alert IT SUCKED like this book was really mid. I don’t remember the other two books being this cringy like they’re always like “crashing comets” and it drives me nuts. The plot of this book also made absolutely no sense to me and the romance I was WAITING to happen never freaking did happen.
A quote I liked: “Your childhood friend group seems pretty intact,” Bernard remarks. “What’s the secret?”
“Laughter, loyalty, and the ability to say I’m sorry and accept and I’m sorry in return,” she answers without hesitation.
A quote I liked: “Your childhood friend group seems pretty intact,” Bernard remarks. “What’s the secret?”
“Laughter, loyalty, and the ability to say I’m sorry and accept and I’m sorry in return,” she answers without hesitation.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews