STARCHILD: Rebel

Starchild #2

by J Washburn

A new evil grows in power— 

The Shadowlyss.

Led by Lord Admiral Dray himself.

A twisted shadow of his former self, he will stop at nothing to fulfill his debt to Lethos: Dray must murder Kalhette Whitesun. He brings his forces to Solace, the war intensifies, and he draws steadily closer to his prey… 

The stakes were already too high, yet now it’s more than her life on the line:

Kalh’s pregnant. 

And having a child to protect changes everything. 

Dray’s armies wash over the planet, and the rebel forces struggle to endure the rising tide. Benton, leading the defense, learns that what starts a revolution may not be enough to win it. As the Renegades adapt, he strains to hold the tenuous alliance together, which forces him to face Blackserpent and the consequences of burning the dropships. The conflict also pushes Liink toward his abiisu, pairing him up with the Sovereign Spy in a deadly game of espionage that terminates at the Strand’s horrifying Project Darkstar. 

Amid all this turmoil, Nak struggles to create a new life without his ship and without his best friend. With Kalh at his side, he makes new connections and starts to put down roots for the first time. Though he longs for his vagabond life, he joins the rebel military for her sake, serving as a lieutenant and fighting the Shadowlyss in one violent battle after another. This makes him want to become a better protector of Kalh’s home, which is starting to become his as well, so he commits to train as a zhani neophyte. 

But saving the ones he loves from this tide of darkness will come at a high price. 

A higher price than he ever imagined. 

* * *

The second episode of STARCHILD is not for the faint of heart. 

It shows the horrors of revolution up close and may leave indelible marks on its readers. 

This epic story doubles down on the literary elements too. In a philosophical quandary reminiscent of Tolstoy, Benton faces the bitterness of an unending fight for freedom, and he learns first hand the gory cost of making moral choices not only in theory but also in practice. Meanwhile, during zhani training, Nak explores the contrary magics of the Song and the Shadow, exposing a detailed magic system that rivals the works of Brandon Sanderson in scope. 

The story is also a somber romance for the ages. Kalh, because of her deep emotional scars, has avoided romantic commitment all her life. Now she must answer the question Nak asked at the end of the first episode, and her reply will echo across the galaxy itself. So not only will this spectacular sequel quench your thirst for more galactic adventure, but it is also a fairy tale that crescendos from love to posterity, then legacy, and beyond. 

As the STARCHILD space opera marches into darker realms, how can good manage to triumph? 

Find out in another thrilling ride alongside your favorite characters! 

Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

J Washburn is the author of smart scifi and fantasy novels, including the acclaimed STARCHILD space opera books! He co-hosts the Start Writing podcast. And if you're wondering out his first name, check out
www.jwashburn.com !

Reviews

[Zachary Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated PG

███████.

I got the chance to read an early copy of this book, which I consider to be J's second best (Ecksdot is still my favorite). There's adventure, there are thrills, there is a surprising amount of philosophy. The science part of this science-fantasy book is pretty good. Following up on the previous story Exile, Rebel takes place several years later, mostly on Solace. Spoilers for book 1: after the defeat of Taiberos at the end of the last book, this book follows up with the fledgling government on Solace, trying to be the light that ignites unarchy on other planets.. I think this book is even stronger than the previous one, and is a must read in the trilogy. I'm excited to get my hands on part 3.

If you like spaceships, aliens, war stories, spy stories, tragedy, philosophy, star wars, hopeless fights, sacrifice, bravery, or Ron Swanson, you might enjoy this book.

[William Newbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, sad, exciting and disappointibg

This one was a tough book to judge. Lots of pluses and minuses, I didn’t like that the wife was separated. I thought that was a little dumb. Though I also understand why. I was surprised by the ending. Still interested though unsure at the same time.

[Israel von Niederhauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! The story really starts to hit its stride and I totally got sucked in. It takes a lot to get me interested in a new universe, I'm pretty picky and I hate anything too cheesy, but I think this one is rad and I'm excited for more! The characters are great. Their struggles relatable (yes, I own a spaceship and am involved in a galactic war).

The one part is particular I loved was when Nak is in the cave with the Miina trying to convince them to rejoin the war. After his speech one Miina lets out a roar which is followed by thousands who are tired of their corrupt leader who is willing to stand by and let Solace be captured by the Shadowlyss. That part hit me right in the feels and I was ready to jump up and grab my laser gun and go to war.

I'm excited for book 3 and beyond!

[Joseph Bendoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking
As the rebellion continues, the characters find that what starts a revolution cannot always win it. They must change or fail in stagnation. Each character must confront their views of the world, and if they refuse to change others will pay the price.