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Starstruck #3
Starbound
Being a Princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
Between keeping high security secrets from everyone (including Rigel) and trying to keep Rigel and Sean from killing each other (with no help from Trina, of course!) M has more than enough on her plate already.
She knew that as newly discovered Princess of a secret Martian colony, she’d have to return there someday—but over spring break?? An emergency requires her immediate presence but not everyone is overjoyed to have their long-lost Princess back. Can she win her people over in time to save the colony from destruction? And what will she have to give up in return?
Between keeping high security secrets from everyone (including Rigel) and trying to keep Rigel and Sean from killing each other (with no help from Trina, of course!) M has more than enough on her plate already.
She knew that as newly discovered Princess of a secret Martian colony, she’d have to return there someday—but over spring break?? An emergency requires her immediate presence but not everyone is overjoyed to have their long-lost Princess back. Can she win her people over in time to save the colony from destruction? And what will she have to give up in return?
315 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2014
113 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Hiatt
99 books517 followersBrenda Hiatt is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sparkling romantic adventure. She's written twenty-five novels (so far), including sweet and spicy historical romance, time travel romance, humorous mystery, and her young adult science fiction STARSTRUCK series. Brenda began in traditional publishing with Harlequin, HarperCollins and Avon Books and later made a transition to indie publishing as she began getting rights back to her older books. So far, she hasn't been sorry! She is an active member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists, Inc, where she has served as president. In addition to writing, Brenda is passionate about embracing life to the fullest, to include scuba diving (she has over 60 dives to her credit), Taekwondo (where she is working toward her 4th degree black belt), hiking, traveling…and reading, of course!
Learn more at http://brendahiatt.com
Learn more at http://brendahiatt.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 21, 2015
I continue to enjoy this series and now the kids are in Mars trying to get M elected. There is quite a bit of conflict and I won't give anything away. The story is very clean and I so wish that they characters were a little older, 17 or 18 so that the book could be a bit more descriptive, if you know what I mean. ;)
I finished it late at night and instead of going to sleep, immediately started the next one.
Overall, well written story, targeted to an younger audience. I'd say that middle school and high school kids would enjoy it. I am way past that point but still liked this series a lot.
I finished it late at night and instead of going to sleep, immediately started the next one.
Overall, well written story, targeted to an younger audience. I'd say that middle school and high school kids would enjoy it. I am way past that point but still liked this series a lot.
April 7, 2019
The third exciting scify-fantasy/romance in the “Starstruck” series “Starbound” opens as M (Marsha Truitt) after being accused of attacking Trina in the lunch room and breaking her nose when the vindictive cheerleader reveals a photoshopped image of her and a lover is whisked away to Ireland where she takes a spaceship to the secret Mars colony of Nuath.
With the Grentl crisis emerging and needing to be acclaimed as Sovereign to heal the void Faxon’s government left, M returns to Nuath with Sean, Molly, their father Quinn O’Gara and Rigel by her side as her bodyguard. But although her relationship with Sean's a sham to hide her true bond with Rigel, all too soon their feelings are exposed on a video taken in her suite on the ship. With the stakes too high to ignore Quinn O’Gara acts, igniting a solution that will have Rigel swept away, his memory of her in jeopardy and M struggling with broken promises.
In this well-written and flowing romantic adventure, Brenda Hiatt builds the remarkable underground world of Nuath with its laws versus traditions. Populated by various “fines” and run by Royals, M is caught up in a world of intrigue as she struggles not only to be acclaimed so she can defuse the volatile situation with the Grentl, but to save Rigel from a memory wipe. Intensity and suspense quickly build when a video is released of M and Rigel seeking privacy in her room that hinders her speedy acclimation as Sovereign, and with the sudden emergence of Morag Teague who has a sinister plan for the problem of her grandson. All too quickly the plot progresses smoothly to a cliff-hanger that promises a tense and unpredictable conclusion.
Brenda Hiatt creates an impulsive and reckless sixteen-year-old in M (Princess Emileia) whose determination to spend time with the loyal, protective and lovesick Rigel ends up in him being blamed for their clandestine meetings and swept away by a controlling and devious grandmother. Yet in this story M does develop as a leader showing her sense of responsibility to her duty as Sovereign of her people while her heart’s breaking.
In this plot Sean does use a bad situation to his advantage as he tries to grow closer to M. Yet you can’t dislike a teenage Royal Consort who grew up loving an illusion especially when he shows compassion and caring in trying to keep M from suffering the effects of her separation from Rigel. And then there is her friend/ handmaid Molly who doesn’t show much sensibility or loyalty when M comes into conflict with her father and brother. Yet it's these compelling personalities, especially the secretive and manipulative Quinn O’Gara that keep the reader engrossed and closely following this series.
I enjoyed “Starbound” with its political intrigue and plotting to separate the bonded lovers. I look forward to reading the last book and even the additional novella in this series.
With the Grentl crisis emerging and needing to be acclaimed as Sovereign to heal the void Faxon’s government left, M returns to Nuath with Sean, Molly, their father Quinn O’Gara and Rigel by her side as her bodyguard. But although her relationship with Sean's a sham to hide her true bond with Rigel, all too soon their feelings are exposed on a video taken in her suite on the ship. With the stakes too high to ignore Quinn O’Gara acts, igniting a solution that will have Rigel swept away, his memory of her in jeopardy and M struggling with broken promises.
In this well-written and flowing romantic adventure, Brenda Hiatt builds the remarkable underground world of Nuath with its laws versus traditions. Populated by various “fines” and run by Royals, M is caught up in a world of intrigue as she struggles not only to be acclaimed so she can defuse the volatile situation with the Grentl, but to save Rigel from a memory wipe. Intensity and suspense quickly build when a video is released of M and Rigel seeking privacy in her room that hinders her speedy acclimation as Sovereign, and with the sudden emergence of Morag Teague who has a sinister plan for the problem of her grandson. All too quickly the plot progresses smoothly to a cliff-hanger that promises a tense and unpredictable conclusion.
Brenda Hiatt creates an impulsive and reckless sixteen-year-old in M (Princess Emileia) whose determination to spend time with the loyal, protective and lovesick Rigel ends up in him being blamed for their clandestine meetings and swept away by a controlling and devious grandmother. Yet in this story M does develop as a leader showing her sense of responsibility to her duty as Sovereign of her people while her heart’s breaking.
In this plot Sean does use a bad situation to his advantage as he tries to grow closer to M. Yet you can’t dislike a teenage Royal Consort who grew up loving an illusion especially when he shows compassion and caring in trying to keep M from suffering the effects of her separation from Rigel. And then there is her friend/ handmaid Molly who doesn’t show much sensibility or loyalty when M comes into conflict with her father and brother. Yet it's these compelling personalities, especially the secretive and manipulative Quinn O’Gara that keep the reader engrossed and closely following this series.
I enjoyed “Starbound” with its political intrigue and plotting to separate the bonded lovers. I look forward to reading the last book and even the additional novella in this series.
January 3, 2015
Starbound is an exciting and invigorating addition to the Starstruck Series. I read this book easily in under four days. The only problem I had with it is that the next book and concluding edition will not be out until the end of February 2015. I should have paced myself more. That being said, if you haven't read the first two books, read those first before jumping into this one. While it certainly can stand alone, nothing beats the full experience of this series.
Although I now wish I had paced myself more, with a book this intriguing, I couldn't stop even if I tried. The book picks up a few months after the conclusion of Starstruck ( the second book in the series.) After discovering she is the only heir to the Royal Crown on Mars, she also discovers she is the only one who could possibly divert an alien race. These aliens, far more technologically advanced than humans, appear to be a threat not only to Mars, but Earth as well. In addition, M and her true love Rigel, are kept apart. Hiatt shows us the story brilliantly with vivid detail and plenty of tense moments. She keeps us rooting for M and Rigel, and I found myself wanting them to be together almost as much as they wanted to be together. There were a few moments I caught myself yelling out loud, "Oh noooooo," but the final twists in this book will leave you craving the final installment. Hiatt's work was pure genius so far in this series. I can't move time quickly enough so that I can get my hands on the next book.
Although I now wish I had paced myself more, with a book this intriguing, I couldn't stop even if I tried. The book picks up a few months after the conclusion of Starstruck ( the second book in the series.) After discovering she is the only heir to the Royal Crown on Mars, she also discovers she is the only one who could possibly divert an alien race. These aliens, far more technologically advanced than humans, appear to be a threat not only to Mars, but Earth as well. In addition, M and her true love Rigel, are kept apart. Hiatt shows us the story brilliantly with vivid detail and plenty of tense moments. She keeps us rooting for M and Rigel, and I found myself wanting them to be together almost as much as they wanted to be together. There were a few moments I caught myself yelling out loud, "Oh noooooo," but the final twists in this book will leave you craving the final installment. Hiatt's work was pure genius so far in this series. I can't move time quickly enough so that I can get my hands on the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2016
3.5 stars. Yeah, we get to see Nuath! I don't know if I was more excited with going to Mars than the characters were. Probably not. I sincerely enjoyed M standing up to Trina the way that she did. It was gratifying as I used to be bullied similarly as her; mostly by boys though. Some of the things that happened to cause conflict were a bit predictable. Again, we find another Trina-like character with near similar motives. I find myself doubting Molly's loyalty, or common sense a bit, but hey - someone's gotta do it. Regardless, once again M makes huge mistakes that actually show her age despite her awesome vocabulary. When the conflict between her and Rigel arise again with another separation, I was very worried that M was going to pull a Twilight and go comatose. Thankfully it didn't really happen. I didn't care about Sean's POV, but luckily it didn't pop up often. Nuath is well developed, and I enjoyed it, though I wish I had seen more of it. Once more the author is consistent with her writing that I find so enjoyable.
January 8, 2016
I see more drama in the near future... M, Sean, and Rigel.... oh what drama there was in the last book.... and of course that old dude (I am so angry at him I can't think of his name) you know the one who wanted to try to kill Rigel off, Sean's uncle... yeah that dude I am glad he was exiled to montana. With every book I am getting closer and closer to the end of this series and to be honest I am not ready for the end.... maybe I should read slower but I can't help it I have to know what is around the next bend and reading slowly won't get me there. I want to punch Sean in the face he is really starting to get on my nerves.
September 11, 2014
How have these "Starstruck" series books stayed under the radar? They are amazing and should be as big as Harry Potter and Twilight. Starbound leaves you hanging and I can't wait for the fourth book.
Highly recommend these books for kids from 9 to 90.
Highly recommend these books for kids from 9 to 90.
February 4, 2017
Another great installment with M, Rigel, Sean, and Molly. I love love triangles! Sean and Rigel are both great martians lol. The plot was intricate and I loved the world building. I can't wait for book 4! Five glittery stars!
September 28, 2015
❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️need I say more? Ok I'll say more! I can't stop reading this series. I am so broke, but once I finish one book in this series I immediately have to buy the next.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️need I say more? Ok I'll say more! I can't stop reading this series. I am so broke, but once I finish one book in this series I immediately have to buy the next.
May 10, 2016
Awesome cliffhanger! I'm so glad that the next book is out, I'll have to read that soon!
January 6, 2019
You know when you have read X amount of books in a series and you are quickly loosing interest but your curiosity won’t let you stop until you finish??? That’s where I’m at. On to book 4
Read
December 26, 2020Book 3 of this series has M or Emileia, as she is known on Mars, going to Mars for the first time since her birth. she goes with her "Consort" Sean, her love, Rigel, Sean's dad and younger sister Molly. She tries to stay away from Rigel, but the bond they share needs touching which renews their strength and abilities. But when they are caught by the video in M's suite kissing when they aren't supposed to be together, it causes all kinds of problems. When they finally get to Mars, she has to fight to get acclaimed so she can take power and start to set the wrongs to right, starting with contacting the Grentl, the aliens who started the Martian enclave as an experiment thousands of years ago. When she finds out they took a whole year of memories away from Rigel, she hits the roof and ends up going back to Earth. She finally appoints a Regent, who is Rigel's grandfather Shim, who is not a Royal, but works out really well for everyone.
I really enjoyed this book, now need to get the next 4 in this series.
I really enjoyed this book, now need to get the next 4 in this series.
September 27, 2022
I've been enjoying this series more than I thought I would. I do wish the kids were a bit older or it moved along at a faster pace than it does. Three books for 1 year is pretty slow going. I get frustrated with M sometimes but I have to keep reminding myself she's 16 and makes mistakes. Also don't understand why her aunt hates her so much to the point they remind me of Dursley's. I also hate how trusting she is of the O'G family when they've done nothing but lie and manipulate her. She keeps giving them a pass when she really shouldn't. I do like Molly (although she's a huge pushover and does what they say) and I don't think Sean is a bad guy, but his parents, no.
September 2, 2020
There was a lot of suspense in this one and others manipulating M, or at lease trying to. It seems like many things are stacked against Rigel and M. That part was hard to read and kept me reading to find resolution.
I loved M's development and how she gains a backbone with the help of her ancestors.
I had to immediately purchase and start reading the next one.
A series that is hard to put down and gets right in your heart and mind.
I loved M's development and how she gains a backbone with the help of her ancestors.
I had to immediately purchase and start reading the next one.
A series that is hard to put down and gets right in your heart and mind.
August 7, 2024
>Book Review – Starbound
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 3rd in the Starstruck series and ends in a cliffhanger. M travels to Mars with Rigel and Sean. She is unsure who to trust. I love the enhanced senses and the descriptions of the underground cities on Mars. Even among Martians, M has enemies.
>This book is appropriate for a young adult (16+) audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. M becomes regal and the communication with the aliens is described so well.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 3rd in the Starstruck series and ends in a cliffhanger. M travels to Mars with Rigel and Sean. She is unsure who to trust. I love the enhanced senses and the descriptions of the underground cities on Mars. Even among Martians, M has enemies.
>This book is appropriate for a young adult (16+) audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. M becomes regal and the communication with the aliens is described so well.
October 23, 2016
An Excellent Tale
I found this story to be more detailed, enthralling, and majestic from the last two. With higher stakes, and an emotional, startling cliffhanger, I felt that the author really hit her stride in book three. I can't wait for book four. Five stars!
I found this story to be more detailed, enthralling, and majestic from the last two. With higher stakes, and an emotional, startling cliffhanger, I felt that the author really hit her stride in book three. I can't wait for book four. Five stars!
June 16, 2018
Awesome
Love this series. Can't wait for the next one. The characters are so real and the story pulls you in. It's almost like you there. I would read when in bed and next thing I know it's morning. Love this author
Love this series. Can't wait for the next one. The characters are so real and the story pulls you in. It's almost like you there. I would read when in bed and next thing I know it's morning. Love this author
March 4, 2020
Hero
Eric lives much longer than most so he could guide the Sovereign. New Sovereign Emileai also known as M, has been willing to be guided by advisors. The end of Starbound is set for her to confront Rigel's grandmother and many others! It is bound to be as good.
Eric lives much longer than most so he could guide the Sovereign. New Sovereign Emileai also known as M, has been willing to be guided by advisors. The end of Starbound is set for her to confront Rigel's grandmother and many others! It is bound to be as good.
May 10, 2020
This third book in the series takes M to Mars and to life changing decisions, some good, some not so much. There's a lot of tension in the story with plot twists and turns. Be ready for a lot of emotion too.
November 7, 2022
Love this series. I actively dislike Sean, and putting scenes in his POV makes it clear what a petulant brat he is, but M is surrounded by people who don't have her best interests at heart. And poor Rigel! Well, M continues to grow in book 3, and that's why this series is so great.
August 28, 2025
Riveting adventure
Amazing how M and her friends keep getting into tight situations and creatively find ways to escape them. The description of space travel and development of characters is superb. I’m definitely looking forward to getting involved in the next volume.
Amazing how M and her friends keep getting into tight situations and creatively find ways to escape them. The description of space travel and development of characters is superb. I’m definitely looking forward to getting involved in the next volume.
May 14, 2018
Love this series
December 16, 2019
Quick entertaining read.
May 5, 2020
Really liked it.
June 24, 2020
Not since Twilight have I hated a love triangle more than this one. Two wonderful guys, awesome girl and hard decisions. The story is great and unusual and I wish we could visit some of those places. Be aware...I bought the boxed set of 3 on Kindle but there are more than 3 books..which of course you have to read. So you may just want to buy one at a time.
September 7, 2020
Amazing series
I loved Twilight and Harry Potter, so this was awesome. I kind wish there was more juiciness, but it is still amazing and relatable
I loved Twilight and Harry Potter, so this was awesome. I kind wish there was more juiciness, but it is still amazing and relatable
September 5, 2021
My god this is beautiful
May 23, 2022
Ok this 3rd book was the best one so far. It felt like things were really starting to actually happen.
January 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book I actually felt like I was apart of the book as I was reading I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone thay loves fictional stories.
June 1, 2017
I am so much in love with the story altogether that it is so difficult to put the book down. And every time i start to predict something, Brenda surprises me with another twist. Excellent Series! Started with Starfall already:)
March 3, 2020
Star bound
Even thought it is geared for a teen crowd I Thoroughly enjoyed it. I did not like the audio that went to this just so you know
Even thought it is geared for a teen crowd I Thoroughly enjoyed it. I did not like the audio that went to this just so you know
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews