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Green Rider #8
Falling in a Sea of Stars
After Sacoridia's victory over Second Empire, Karigan G'ladheon's life as a Green Rider should have settled into an ordinary routine. But her father's abrupt departure to rescue Laren Mapstone, leader of the Green Riders and the woman he loves, from the far distant land of Varos, has left Clan G'ladheon's business in disarray and Karigan's hands full.
Even as Karigan tries to sort out the clan's mess, a darker, more perilous crisis casts its shadows over her: Mornhavon the Black has reawakened. Moreover, he has freed two undead wraiths from their imprisoning tombs to hunt Karigan down and bring her to him in Blackveil Forest.
In a deadly confrontation with one of the wraiths amid the frivolity of the Harvest Ball, Karigan is left vulnerable to the intrigues of another old adversary she thought destroyed long ago. Haunted by the unceasing rhythm of the dance, she falls endlessly through the frigid dark of the heavens, and even Westrion, god of death, cannot save her.
King Zachary, bereft and hopeless, keeps vigil for her safe return. If they are not reunited, her loss may destroy him - and any chance Sacoridia has of overcoming Mornhavon's dark designs.
Even as Karigan tries to sort out the clan's mess, a darker, more perilous crisis casts its shadows over her: Mornhavon the Black has reawakened. Moreover, he has freed two undead wraiths from their imprisoning tombs to hunt Karigan down and bring her to him in Blackveil Forest.
In a deadly confrontation with one of the wraiths amid the frivolity of the Harvest Ball, Karigan is left vulnerable to the intrigues of another old adversary she thought destroyed long ago. Haunted by the unceasing rhythm of the dance, she falls endlessly through the frigid dark of the heavens, and even Westrion, god of death, cannot save her.
King Zachary, bereft and hopeless, keeps vigil for her safe return. If they are not reunited, her loss may destroy him - and any chance Sacoridia has of overcoming Mornhavon's dark designs.
659 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2025
323 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Britain
25 books3,172 followersKristen Britain grew up in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, where she started her first novel - an undersea fantasy featuring herself and her friends - at the age of nine. She published her first book, a cartoon collection called Horses and Horsepeople, at the age of thirteen. After completing her degree in film production at Ithaca College in 1987 she made the logical (?!) leap from cinema to the National Park Service. Her many years as a park ranger enabled her to work in a variety of natural and historical settings, from 300 feet below the surface of the Earth to 13,000 feet above sea level on the Continental Divide; and from the textile mills of the American Industrial Revolution to the homes of Americans who changed the course of history.
Currently she lives in a log cabin in Maine where she writes full time and pursues interests reading, guitar playing, and cartoon illustration, supervised by a cat and a dog. She enjoys exploring the magical places around her and can often be found paddling a canoe in stillwater, ambling through the woods to mountain summits, or sitting along the rocky shore listening, watching, and daydreaming. This is her fantasy, at least.
Currently she lives in a log cabin in Maine where she writes full time and pursues interests reading, guitar playing, and cartoon illustration, supervised by a cat and a dog. She enjoys exploring the magical places around her and can often be found paddling a canoe in stillwater, ambling through the woods to mountain summits, or sitting along the rocky shore listening, watching, and daydreaming. This is her fantasy, at least.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 1, 2025
Falling in a Sea of Stars (Green Rider #8) by Kristen Britain
Rating: *****
Feels: Adventure, Enthralled, Adored, Satisfied
Style: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Series Fantasy
First published September 30, 2025: 672 pages Kindle
I love returning to this lush world of magic, found family, cursed circumstances and the fate of the world hung in the balance. I’ve been reading this series for over 20 years and picking up this book felt like coming home, being wrapped In a cozy blanket and settling in for a wonderful story. I was pleasantly surprised by some character growth in this story, introduction of new people and elements and new plots. I’m always stunned with how much can fit into one book. I love that she easily refreshes our memory with past events as we go through this new book. There were scenes that had me giddy, tearful, anxious and laughing. Another thoroughly wonderful fantasy read from start to finish brought to us by the amazing mind of Kristen Britain. Happily waiting as long as it takes for each of these masterpiece’s.
Favorite Quote: "You are a woman of astonishing strength and resilience, and when I say I love you, my brave lady, I mean all of you."
This book has:
Meddling gods
Ancient Enemy
Politics between many lands
Hidden Enemies
Touch her and die
Forbidden Romance
Slow Burn
Found Family
Thank you to the author and DAW publishing for this gifted arc in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: *****
Feels: Adventure, Enthralled, Adored, Satisfied
Style: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Series Fantasy
First published September 30, 2025: 672 pages Kindle
I love returning to this lush world of magic, found family, cursed circumstances and the fate of the world hung in the balance. I’ve been reading this series for over 20 years and picking up this book felt like coming home, being wrapped In a cozy blanket and settling in for a wonderful story. I was pleasantly surprised by some character growth in this story, introduction of new people and elements and new plots. I’m always stunned with how much can fit into one book. I love that she easily refreshes our memory with past events as we go through this new book. There were scenes that had me giddy, tearful, anxious and laughing. Another thoroughly wonderful fantasy read from start to finish brought to us by the amazing mind of Kristen Britain. Happily waiting as long as it takes for each of these masterpiece’s.
Favorite Quote: "You are a woman of astonishing strength and resilience, and when I say I love you, my brave lady, I mean all of you."
This book has:
Meddling gods
Ancient Enemy
Politics between many lands
Hidden Enemies
Touch her and die
Forbidden Romance
Slow Burn
Found Family
Thank you to the author and DAW publishing for this gifted arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 29, 2025
As a long-time fan of the Green Rider series, it pains me to say this, but Falling in a Sea of Stars was . . . not very good. It had moments I enjoyed, and aspects I felt were well done, but overall . . . it was just lacking.
There are a handful of plots to this book, any of which could have been worthy subplots in a more significant story, but instead of filling out that larger narrative, they’re left to stand alone, connected by a story that feels like padding. We get something of a resolution to the kidnapping of Laren Mapstone (except it’s interrupted and largely abandoned); we follow through on a pair of lingering consequences of Grandmother’s evil (one of which feels odd, the other of which is resolved too easily); and we witness a gathering of forces by Mornhavon the Black (the best part of the first half of the book, but a disappointing twist in the second).
As for Karigan, her story is so scattered that it’s hard to latch onto any one thread and become engaged. She’s a battle-scarred veteran trying to overcome the horrors of the Second Empire; she’s a love-struck young girl caught between desire and duty; she’s a struggling merchant fighting to keep her clan afloat in her father’s absence; she’s the avatar of a god, caught in a cycle of death and rebirth; she’s the target of a hidden, intangible enemy with games to play; and she spends most of the book either inside dreams or outside reality, never grounded long enough to really matter.
In many ways, this feels like Wheel of Time disease, where Sanderson took the outline for Jordan’s final book and stretched it into an unnecessarily padded trilogy. When originally announced, this was supposed to be the end of Karigan’s story arc, but Kristen Britain later chose to split it into 2 books due to its length, leaving us with the set-up book here and leaving the climax ahead of us. I can’t help but feel she had to do a lot of stretching and padding to turn one too-lengthy book into two lengthy books, and it does Falling in a Sea of Stars no favors. Had she given us a trio of focused novellas, akin to The Dream Gatherer and Spirit of the Wood, I think she could have accomplished the same goal with greater emphasis, but that’s just me.
At the end of the day, this is still a Green Rider book, and that makes it worth reading, but like Firebrand, it’s a transitional novel where I expected more.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2025/...
There are a handful of plots to this book, any of which could have been worthy subplots in a more significant story, but instead of filling out that larger narrative, they’re left to stand alone, connected by a story that feels like padding. We get something of a resolution to the kidnapping of Laren Mapstone (except it’s interrupted and largely abandoned); we follow through on a pair of lingering consequences of Grandmother’s evil (one of which feels odd, the other of which is resolved too easily); and we witness a gathering of forces by Mornhavon the Black (the best part of the first half of the book, but a disappointing twist in the second).
As for Karigan, her story is so scattered that it’s hard to latch onto any one thread and become engaged. She’s a battle-scarred veteran trying to overcome the horrors of the Second Empire; she’s a love-struck young girl caught between desire and duty; she’s a struggling merchant fighting to keep her clan afloat in her father’s absence; she’s the avatar of a god, caught in a cycle of death and rebirth; she’s the target of a hidden, intangible enemy with games to play; and she spends most of the book either inside dreams or outside reality, never grounded long enough to really matter.
In many ways, this feels like Wheel of Time disease, where Sanderson took the outline for Jordan’s final book and stretched it into an unnecessarily padded trilogy. When originally announced, this was supposed to be the end of Karigan’s story arc, but Kristen Britain later chose to split it into 2 books due to its length, leaving us with the set-up book here and leaving the climax ahead of us. I can’t help but feel she had to do a lot of stretching and padding to turn one too-lengthy book into two lengthy books, and it does Falling in a Sea of Stars no favors. Had she given us a trio of focused novellas, akin to The Dream Gatherer and Spirit of the Wood, I think she could have accomplished the same goal with greater emphasis, but that’s just me.
At the end of the day, this is still a Green Rider book, and that makes it worth reading, but like Firebrand, it’s a transitional novel where I expected more.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2025/...
October 19, 2025
Finally, a date! Absolutely cannot wait!
June 11, 2025
Falling in a Sea of Stars by Kristen Britain is another fantastic entry in the Green Rider saga. Filled with Britain’s beautifully descriptive prose, excellent lore and world-building, and excellent characters, this book was everything I come to expect from Britain.
FiaSoS picks up several storylines and continues to weave them together as we inch closer and closer to the return of Mornhaven and the darkness he threatens. Lacking a recap, it took me a second to remember some of the back details, so I would recommend doing a Winterlight reread if available first.
I really love Britain’s ability to bring complex plot lines together while keeping the reader engaged with the book. The book is written as third-person omniscient multi-POV. It would be easy to get lost in the switching POVs, but they taper down after the first 25% of the book or so and then the focus narrows back in on Karigan for the majority of the remainder.
There are plenty of emotional events and individual dramas that play out, and they keep the tension up while moving the plot along. There were a couple of moments of heartbreak - Britain is a master of the heartstring pull - but they were well-balanced by lighter moments and small victories to offset the darkness.
Plenty of favorites are present: Alton and Estral continue to work at the D’Yer wall to repair the damage done by Shawdell; Steric’s journey to rescue Laren is ongoing - and the fallout it caused with the clan; the Eletians (with the return of Enver!) come to visit; and the continuing throuple situationship of Zachary and Estora with Karigan.
This book is packed with plot and movement, heartbreak and resolution, dangers and challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, and I think long-time fans of the series will be thrilled. Highly recommend, I am now crushed that I have to wait even longer for the next installment to come out.
FiaSoS picks up several storylines and continues to weave them together as we inch closer and closer to the return of Mornhaven and the darkness he threatens. Lacking a recap, it took me a second to remember some of the back details, so I would recommend doing a Winterlight reread if available first.
I really love Britain’s ability to bring complex plot lines together while keeping the reader engaged with the book. The book is written as third-person omniscient multi-POV. It would be easy to get lost in the switching POVs, but they taper down after the first 25% of the book or so and then the focus narrows back in on Karigan for the majority of the remainder.
There are plenty of emotional events and individual dramas that play out, and they keep the tension up while moving the plot along. There were a couple of moments of heartbreak - Britain is a master of the heartstring pull - but they were well-balanced by lighter moments and small victories to offset the darkness.
Plenty of favorites are present: Alton and Estral continue to work at the D’Yer wall to repair the damage done by Shawdell; Steric’s journey to rescue Laren is ongoing - and the fallout it caused with the clan; the Eletians (with the return of Enver!) come to visit; and the continuing throuple situationship of Zachary and Estora with Karigan.
This book is packed with plot and movement, heartbreak and resolution, dangers and challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, and I think long-time fans of the series will be thrilled. Highly recommend, I am now crushed that I have to wait even longer for the next installment to come out.
October 4, 2025
Yesss yes yes yes I finally finished Falling in A Sea of Stars and it left nothing wanting!
Now I hear there are not one, but two more books coming 🤷🏻♀️
I absolutely failed at reading this ARC on time, even though I ENDLESSLY APPRECIATE the digital copy from DAW Books 🙌 My eyes are so shot from surgery and work that I just couldn't read it nearly as quickly as I wanted to 🙌
Anyway: Britain is back, I freaking loved everything about this book. The dialogue and writing felt a bit stiff at first but quickly smoothed out as the characters got reacquainted with each other, and I started to feel like it was intentional.
From banter and inconveniently sick dogs 😂 to the death of a god, Falling in A Sea of Stars literally has everything I wanted from this book. I do wish she had just written one mega volume and was done with it but now I'm eagerly awaiting the conclusion ❤️
Now I hear there are not one, but two more books coming 🤷🏻♀️
I absolutely failed at reading this ARC on time, even though I ENDLESSLY APPRECIATE the digital copy from DAW Books 🙌 My eyes are so shot from surgery and work that I just couldn't read it nearly as quickly as I wanted to 🙌
Anyway: Britain is back, I freaking loved everything about this book. The dialogue and writing felt a bit stiff at first but quickly smoothed out as the characters got reacquainted with each other, and I started to feel like it was intentional.
From banter and inconveniently sick dogs 😂 to the death of a god, Falling in A Sea of Stars literally has everything I wanted from this book. I do wish she had just written one mega volume and was done with it but now I'm eagerly awaiting the conclusion ❤️
September 30, 2025
A bit more rough around the edges
Story was great as usual, end to end run. There's some flow problems in this book unfortunately. A bit more exposition in places, some rough chapters especially at the beginning. Just not as smooth of a read as previous books in this series. New POV characters that I didn't feel needed to be POV characters and a bit of clunkiness to the secondary villains. Some great laugh out loud moments though, like the dog, and I felt the Lala story made great progress. But for all this it seemed like a filler book. Maybe it's half a book syndrome but it's a lot of setup for the big finale and not much in the way of payoff. That said, I'm looking forward to the next one. Been following this series since the beginning, let's see where this goes.
Story was great as usual, end to end run. There's some flow problems in this book unfortunately. A bit more exposition in places, some rough chapters especially at the beginning. Just not as smooth of a read as previous books in this series. New POV characters that I didn't feel needed to be POV characters and a bit of clunkiness to the secondary villains. Some great laugh out loud moments though, like the dog, and I felt the Lala story made great progress. But for all this it seemed like a filler book. Maybe it's half a book syndrome but it's a lot of setup for the big finale and not much in the way of payoff. That said, I'm looking forward to the next one. Been following this series since the beginning, let's see where this goes.
October 9, 2025
My biggest gripe is that this book reintroduces a villain that was already dealt with earlier in the books while there are already two!! villains this book could have focused on. I think it was meant to be a somewhat nostalgic look back at how far the series has come but it just felt confusing and frustrating. In earlier books, when Karigan was the subject of extraordinary events or suffered something terrible, it felt like it was necessary to develop characters and move the story forward, but in this book it felt particularly repetitious and gratuitous.
I did overall still enjoyed reading Kristen Britain’s writing and the familiar cast of characters. I will be reading the next book so 🤷🏻♀️
Spoilers ahead for some plot points that really stood out.
1. The point that sticks out to me the most is the Estral/baby/wall scene. Everything about it just struck me as weird and I can’t really articulate why so I’m just going to leave it at that.
2. I really didn’t like the fight scene at the guild headquarters. I understand Karigan was under intense stress and grieving but it just felt icky and she definitely got special treatment to get out of it.
3. I thought falling through a sea of stars part would be an epic journey that would reveal more about her mirror eye and the destiny of all the characters, but instead it really wasn’t relevant at all.
4. Shawdell was really relying on that net to catch Karigan and it didn’t work well at all but then by the end he’s able put everyone in the castle under his spell?
5. Please just tell me what Estora is seeing in the the mirror 😭
6. I’m over Dark Karigan
I did really like Lala’s storyline and her revenge.
I did overall still enjoyed reading Kristen Britain’s writing and the familiar cast of characters. I will be reading the next book so 🤷🏻♀️
Spoilers ahead for some plot points that really stood out.
1. The point that sticks out to me the most is the Estral/baby/wall scene. Everything about it just struck me as weird and I can’t really articulate why so I’m just going to leave it at that.
2. I really didn’t like the fight scene at the guild headquarters. I understand Karigan was under intense stress and grieving but it just felt icky and she definitely got special treatment to get out of it.
3. I thought falling through a sea of stars part would be an epic journey that would reveal more about her mirror eye and the destiny of all the characters, but instead it really wasn’t relevant at all.
4. Shawdell was really relying on that net to catch Karigan and it didn’t work well at all but then by the end he’s able put everyone in the castle under his spell?
5. Please just tell me what Estora is seeing in the the mirror 😭
6. I’m over Dark Karigan
I did really like Lala’s storyline and her revenge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
I went into this expecting it to be the last book. You may well imagine my incredulity when I started realizing that would not be the case. I have since discovered that Kristen Britain thought book 8 was too long and decided she needed to split it into two, which is laughable on two counts: 1) because this series never should have been eight books long in the first place, and 2) this is basically a non-book. Nothing of note really happens. Karigan's character does not progress, her relationship with Zachary does not progress, and the plot itself does not progress. A solid portion of this book is simply recapping what happened in other books, and the plot is mostly a repetition of elements from earlier (and better) books.
Although I must assume this book went through several passes between author and editor before publication, it does not read like it. The writing is sloppy and repetitive all the way down to a sentence level. There were verb tense mix-ups, grammatical errors, repeated words, unnecessarily telling, etc, the list goes on. It felt like I was reading a first draft. Britain's command of language was never brilliant, and it seems to get worse with each passing book. In the past (particularly book 7) I've looked past this because her characters were interesting enough to distract me, but there was no such saving grace in this installment. All the characters, including the ones we love most, are watered down to almost nothing. The Green Riders are neither here nor there, which made the camaraderie between them--which is really the heart and point of these books in the first place--negligible at best.
I could write a litany of other complaints, but why bother. Anybody with half a brain already knows that Kristen Britain has been off the rails since book 5 (since book 3, really), and that's about when everyone with a fully formed brain bailed. Not me, though. I'm still here. Because I'm a masochist, I guess.
I added a generous extra star because I was, at minimum, mildly entertained, and the handful of interesting scenes that were here (maybe three of them, with a total of perhaps 10 pages) were creative and made for good fantasy reading. Objectively, however, this was a one-star book. But don't worry, I no longer blame just Kristen Britain for the way this book and this series in general have gone. It's not unusual for a creative to be short-sighted and unwise about their own work. That's what editors are for. So I will also place blame on her editor and, if they are not the same person, the sadist who offered Britain an 8-book contract in the first place.
I also blame myself for continuing with this series. Because will I read the last one? Yes. Yes I will.
Although I must assume this book went through several passes between author and editor before publication, it does not read like it. The writing is sloppy and repetitive all the way down to a sentence level. There were verb tense mix-ups, grammatical errors, repeated words, unnecessarily telling, etc, the list goes on. It felt like I was reading a first draft. Britain's command of language was never brilliant, and it seems to get worse with each passing book. In the past (particularly book 7) I've looked past this because her characters were interesting enough to distract me, but there was no such saving grace in this installment. All the characters, including the ones we love most, are watered down to almost nothing. The Green Riders are neither here nor there, which made the camaraderie between them--which is really the heart and point of these books in the first place--negligible at best.
I could write a litany of other complaints, but why bother. Anybody with half a brain already knows that Kristen Britain has been off the rails since book 5 (since book 3, really), and that's about when everyone with a fully formed brain bailed. Not me, though. I'm still here. Because I'm a masochist, I guess.
I added a generous extra star because I was, at minimum, mildly entertained, and the handful of interesting scenes that were here (maybe three of them, with a total of perhaps 10 pages) were creative and made for good fantasy reading. Objectively, however, this was a one-star book. But don't worry, I no longer blame just Kristen Britain for the way this book and this series in general have gone. It's not unusual for a creative to be short-sighted and unwise about their own work. That's what editors are for. So I will also place blame on her editor and, if they are not the same person, the sadist who offered Britain an 8-book contract in the first place.
I also blame myself for continuing with this series. Because will I read the last one? Yes. Yes I will.
September 30, 2025
First love reignited!
I remember where it all started, The Green Rider! I was so caught up in the adventure of it all. Now it’s over twenty-five years since I first read The Green Rider. Wow!
Then came Green Rider’s Call. Again a winner. Interestingly I don’t remember the series being touted as young adult reading matter. To me it was a simply a great series of fantasy novels to be enjoyed by all.
Some of the later novels I found I was not so invested in. That happens.
However Falling in a Sea of Stars takes me back to my initial celebrations of the Green Rider series. Fabulous!
A DAW ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
I remember where it all started, The Green Rider! I was so caught up in the adventure of it all. Now it’s over twenty-five years since I first read The Green Rider. Wow!
Then came Green Rider’s Call. Again a winner. Interestingly I don’t remember the series being touted as young adult reading matter. To me it was a simply a great series of fantasy novels to be enjoyed by all.
Some of the later novels I found I was not so invested in. That happens.
However Falling in a Sea of Stars takes me back to my initial celebrations of the Green Rider series. Fabulous!
A DAW ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
September 18, 2025
Ahhh I am now caught up on this series. I was given an arc of this book so let’s jump into my review.
This kinda felt like a lot of filler. I enjoyed it but it had a lot of build up and everything was spaced out weird. We had a few different stories we were following which is normal for the Green Rider series but some felt more forced than others. We got some loose threads tied up but a lot of story lines are still out in the open. I really wonder if this will be a nine or ten book series but I do feel we are headed to the end and boy is it gonna be a wild ride.
This kinda felt like a lot of filler. I enjoyed it but it had a lot of build up and everything was spaced out weird. We had a few different stories we were following which is normal for the Green Rider series but some felt more forced than others. We got some loose threads tied up but a lot of story lines are still out in the open. I really wonder if this will be a nine or ten book series but I do feel we are headed to the end and boy is it gonna be a wild ride.
October 9, 2025
This book didn’t feel like it paid off after 4 years of waiting. Felt mostly like filler and set up for the next book. Still, I’m never giving up this series, and I’ll wait another 4 years happily for the next book.
But also, TWO POOP INCIDENTS Kristen??? 8 books of yearning for Karigan and Zachary to finally be together, body and soul, and they’re derailed not once but TWICE by animals defecating??? You’re killing me.
But also, TWO POOP INCIDENTS Kristen??? 8 books of yearning for Karigan and Zachary to finally be together, body and soul, and they’re derailed not once but TWICE by animals defecating??? You’re killing me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
It’s always a pleasure to be back in Sacordidia, but we didn’t really go anywhere in this installment. A little progress with personal storylines, to be cherished, but not much action for me (which maybe I’m ok with because I don’t want the series to end anytime soon). I’m predicting at least two more installments.
November 11, 2025
8th book in a continuous series, start at book one.
Lots of stuff happens in this book. Karigan meets some relatives she never knew. Action at the D'Yer wall amps up. Something we've been hoping would happen forever almost happens (Grrr). An old enemy reappears to tease and tempt Karigan. A new stable boy discovers a mysterious ghost horse.
If you're already a fan of the series you'll read it anyway.
If you've never heard of the Green Rider series then go read some reviews of book one, conveniently titled 'Green Rider' and see if it's something that interests you.
If you've read at least some of the books but would not call yourself a fan, read it anyway!
Lots of stuff happens in this book. Karigan meets some relatives she never knew. Action at the D'Yer wall amps up. Something we've been hoping would happen forever almost happens (Grrr). An old enemy reappears to tease and tempt Karigan. A new stable boy discovers a mysterious ghost horse.
If you're already a fan of the series you'll read it anyway.
If you've never heard of the Green Rider series then go read some reviews of book one, conveniently titled 'Green Rider' and see if it's something that interests you.
If you've read at least some of the books but would not call yourself a fan, read it anyway!
Read
October 5, 2025My video review is now live: https://youtu.be/twNtSKqWrcQ
Thanks for watching :)
The long awaited 8th book in the Green Rider series is finally here. But surprise, it’s not the last book in the series. Ok, I knew that for a while now ;)
We are going back to the main story of Blackveil and Mornhaven. The future has arrived and we finally need to deal with him. Not that anyone is more prepared than when we sent him to the future. We still don’t have that magical weapon, the wall is still not fixed. It’s going to be an interesting fight…
Book 8 feels like a setup book. Knowing that this was supposed to be the first half of book 8 that was later split into book 8 and 9, it makes sense. The first half of a book is typically the setup. Lots of characters are preparing for the end goal. There are some side quests we follow along, but ultimately, Fallen in a Sea of Stars is a pretty low stakes book. And dare I say, I’m done with waiting for the end… Winterlight was already a stretch with the Varosiens - an addition that really isn’t needed in my opinion especially since it was resolved right at the beginning of book 8 - and book 8 continues to add some minor stakes that we could just leave out. Let’s get to the finish line, please.
Sorry for the rant… I did like the book overall. We get to meet lots of great characters again (hello, Berry Sisters), a lot of wrongs are being righted, and we get lots of page time with the horses, especially with the mischievous “horse” ;) Kristen Britain’s descriptions are as beautiful as ever. And I appreciate that Karigan continues to not be perfect and has to figure things out (and at the end, doesn’t because she’s not perfect in everything).
But then there is also just lots of dilly paddling… things that are not really moving forward or at the contrary, are resolved way too fast (Lala, Mapstone’s kidnapping…). And then we have K’s and Z’s relationship that was just plain awkward in this book. (Is it just me that thinks the relationship is rather one-sided? It’s always Z worrying and doting on K. Sometimes it feels like K is not reciprocating the feelings. Yes, she’s saying she loves him, but I’m not seeing it on the page - at least not as much as the other way around). Listen, I’m rooting for them, but it felt off.
Big sigh… I really hope we don’t have to wait too long for book 9, since it’s already written. And to be honest, I need this to be done with book 9, lol. Winterlight and Fallen in a Sea of Stars are not of the same quality as the other 6 books. They are both very plot heavy (and I prefer the more character driven stories in the first 6 books) and it’s all of the sudden so much more that (again, in my opinion), is not needed. We have so much going on already. Please just tell me how it ends, lol.
Thank you Netgalley and DAW for giving me an eArc for this book. All opinions are my own.
Thanks for watching :)
The long awaited 8th book in the Green Rider series is finally here. But surprise, it’s not the last book in the series. Ok, I knew that for a while now ;)
We are going back to the main story of Blackveil and Mornhaven. The future has arrived and we finally need to deal with him. Not that anyone is more prepared than when we sent him to the future. We still don’t have that magical weapon, the wall is still not fixed. It’s going to be an interesting fight…
Book 8 feels like a setup book. Knowing that this was supposed to be the first half of book 8 that was later split into book 8 and 9, it makes sense. The first half of a book is typically the setup. Lots of characters are preparing for the end goal. There are some side quests we follow along, but ultimately, Fallen in a Sea of Stars is a pretty low stakes book. And dare I say, I’m done with waiting for the end… Winterlight was already a stretch with the Varosiens - an addition that really isn’t needed in my opinion especially since it was resolved right at the beginning of book 8 - and book 8 continues to add some minor stakes that we could just leave out. Let’s get to the finish line, please.
Sorry for the rant… I did like the book overall. We get to meet lots of great characters again (hello, Berry Sisters), a lot of wrongs are being righted, and we get lots of page time with the horses, especially with the mischievous “horse” ;) Kristen Britain’s descriptions are as beautiful as ever. And I appreciate that Karigan continues to not be perfect and has to figure things out (and at the end, doesn’t because she’s not perfect in everything).
But then there is also just lots of dilly paddling… things that are not really moving forward or at the contrary, are resolved way too fast (Lala, Mapstone’s kidnapping…). And then we have K’s and Z’s relationship that was just plain awkward in this book. (Is it just me that thinks the relationship is rather one-sided? It’s always Z worrying and doting on K. Sometimes it feels like K is not reciprocating the feelings. Yes, she’s saying she loves him, but I’m not seeing it on the page - at least not as much as the other way around). Listen, I’m rooting for them, but it felt off.
Big sigh… I really hope we don’t have to wait too long for book 9, since it’s already written. And to be honest, I need this to be done with book 9, lol. Winterlight and Fallen in a Sea of Stars are not of the same quality as the other 6 books. They are both very plot heavy (and I prefer the more character driven stories in the first 6 books) and it’s all of the sudden so much more that (again, in my opinion), is not needed. We have so much going on already. Please just tell me how it ends, lol.
Thank you Netgalley and DAW for giving me an eArc for this book. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
FALLING IN A SEA OF STARS the eighth entry to the Green Rider series. As such, I shall endeavor to avoid much spoilers as possible. If you are a new reader that has recently received their "call" to His Majesty's messenger service, please turn back and start with the first book, Green Rider. But know, each book is as intense, immersive, and life-changing as the last. Welcome.
*
It's good to be back, Riders. Are we all still falling? Hunting dragonfly devices? Keeping watch at the wall? Outrunning pirates? Or learning manners from the Berry Sisters?
We rejoin Karigan in a time of transition. A war has been fought and won, and life returns to some semblance of normal. She is balancing messenger duties alongside leading her father's merchant responsibilities in his absence. There's also her relationship with King Zachary, and her choice between honor and passion. So much of her life has been in service to others. Falling in a Sea of Stars makes time for her to also consider herself. Even if that looks like battling her inner darkness.
Luckily, there are many threads of intrigue outside of Karigan that alleviates some of the pressure of being the main character. Stevic is on a mission to rescue the kidnapped Colonel Mapstone. Alton and Estral are overseeing the defense of the wall. Even Lala steals a scene of two. I appreciate, too, big overt moments where Karigan's friends and fellow riders band together to support her unasked. To anchor her to the life that she's sacrificed so much for.
Kristen Britain proves she is a master mage for all the threads she weaves and tugs and loosens and severs and spins right before our eyes. It's a greater working than grandmother could ever achieve. I'm always in awe of the epic scope of each Green Rider book, and Falling in a Sea of Stars is a brilliant entry to the series.
Thank you Netgalley and DAW Books for the advance copy to read and review.
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It's good to be back, Riders. Are we all still falling? Hunting dragonfly devices? Keeping watch at the wall? Outrunning pirates? Or learning manners from the Berry Sisters?
We rejoin Karigan in a time of transition. A war has been fought and won, and life returns to some semblance of normal. She is balancing messenger duties alongside leading her father's merchant responsibilities in his absence. There's also her relationship with King Zachary, and her choice between honor and passion. So much of her life has been in service to others. Falling in a Sea of Stars makes time for her to also consider herself. Even if that looks like battling her inner darkness.
Luckily, there are many threads of intrigue outside of Karigan that alleviates some of the pressure of being the main character. Stevic is on a mission to rescue the kidnapped Colonel Mapstone. Alton and Estral are overseeing the defense of the wall. Even Lala steals a scene of two. I appreciate, too, big overt moments where Karigan's friends and fellow riders band together to support her unasked. To anchor her to the life that she's sacrificed so much for.
Kristen Britain proves she is a master mage for all the threads she weaves and tugs and loosens and severs and spins right before our eyes. It's a greater working than grandmother could ever achieve. I'm always in awe of the epic scope of each Green Rider book, and Falling in a Sea of Stars is a brilliant entry to the series.
Thank you Netgalley and DAW Books for the advance copy to read and review.
November 14, 2025
I am so conflicted with this series and this book.
There is so much that doesn't happen and so much that gets pushed aside. Did we really leave Mapstone on a boat in the ocean mid rescue? What happened to the possessed pirate king and his witch lover? The weird alternate reality magical realms is losing its intrigue (speaking of intrigue, the game at the end was interesting).
Did we forget about Mornhaven? Also the wraiths were supposed to have been scary and important and they also get pushed out of the plot.
And poor Estral, was that necessary???
AND CAN THE KING AND KARIGAN PLEASE STOP GETTING COCKBLOCKED FOR GOODNESS SAKE. I never wanted a dog to die but this might be the exception.
There is so much that doesn't happen and so much that gets pushed aside. Did we really leave Mapstone on a boat in the ocean mid rescue? What happened to the possessed pirate king and his witch lover? The weird alternate reality magical realms is losing its intrigue (speaking of intrigue, the game at the end was interesting).
Did we forget about Mornhaven? Also the wraiths were supposed to have been scary and important and they also get pushed out of the plot.
And poor Estral, was that necessary???
AND CAN THE KING AND KARIGAN PLEASE STOP GETTING COCKBLOCKED FOR GOODNESS SAKE. I never wanted a dog to die but this might be the exception.
October 23, 2025
Well, after a long wait for this book, I was not disappointed! It’s starts off with an ominous opening chapter. Blackveil is trying to break through the D’Yer wall and bring Mornhavon the Black back to take over the land. We know the dark beings are getting closer to an attack. How are our protagonists handling this situation? We get to see a bit of gryphons in action with the wall guardians. Also there’s more of Alton, which I’m very happy about. However he’s still person non grata with the guardians, and I hope this changes. I know I’m in the minority here, but I’m not a fan of the potential Karigan and Zachary relationship. Estora is a good woman and mother. I’m biting my nails watching this whole situation unfold.
I enjoyed the scenes where Karigan is grappling with her family’s business and juggling being a Rider at the same time. Some welcome humor happens when distant relatives show up and want her to marry within their family. Although some of this gets resolved, it’s not without trouble, aches and pains for Karigan. Somehow she always attracts trouble and she makes it worse.
On the more dark side of events, she is haunted by the grey entity, Shawdrell, a dark Eletian. These chapters are suspenseful and fun. There is some sadness, but then a new horse is introduced, which brings hope. There’s also a rescue of sorts, so we don’t know how that will play out. And Lala ends up with Berry sisters. This could be good or bad. But I have faith in Bay and Bunch Berry!
Thank
You to NetGalley for this copy.
I enjoyed the scenes where Karigan is grappling with her family’s business and juggling being a Rider at the same time. Some welcome humor happens when distant relatives show up and want her to marry within their family. Although some of this gets resolved, it’s not without trouble, aches and pains for Karigan. Somehow she always attracts trouble and she makes it worse.
On the more dark side of events, she is haunted by the grey entity, Shawdrell, a dark Eletian. These chapters are suspenseful and fun. There is some sadness, but then a new horse is introduced, which brings hope. There’s also a rescue of sorts, so we don’t know how that will play out. And Lala ends up with Berry sisters. This could be good or bad. But I have faith in Bay and Bunch Berry!
Thank
You to NetGalley for this copy.
October 10, 2025
Still a fun read, but I think it did struggle in managing the various plot lines. Some felt very “and it was resolved” like they had been set up to be these big things, but then Kristen Britain decided to wrap it up in a page and move on to other things instead of using what she had set up. There were a few conflicts and moments that were introduced and promptly resolved to the point where it felt like she wanted a commentary on something but hadn’t built up the story to do so. It was still an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the next one, but it felt like she wanted to resolve too much in too short a time, though I understand the hesitation to push some elements to the next book (doing that, you might upset other readers who were looking forward to it).
Much better than Mirror Sight (my least favorite of the series) but I never felt like I got the chance to really be drawn in and captivated by any one core aspect. Instead, I was entertained by a deluge of decently done elements.
Much better than Mirror Sight (my least favorite of the series) but I never felt like I got the chance to really be drawn in and captivated by any one core aspect. Instead, I was entertained by a deluge of decently done elements.
July 19, 2025
The only good thing that came out of my delayed flight is that I finished this wonderful book.
It wasn't what I expected but enjoyed it a lot and was glued to it for the past week. This was definitely the quiet before the storm. I was a little Confused that we didn't get to see more of the dragon side of thing as I felt like it was heavily alluded to it being the main part of this book.
However, I loved everything else I enjoyed the slice of life side of things. It's definitely building up towards the action and I can't wait.
It wasn't what I expected but enjoyed it a lot and was glued to it for the past week. This was definitely the quiet before the storm. I was a little Confused that we didn't get to see more of the dragon side of thing as I felt like it was heavily alluded to it being the main part of this book.
However, I loved everything else I enjoyed the slice of life side of things. It's definitely building up towards the action and I can't wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
Finally, another thrilling ride in the Green Rider series! In this eighth installment, Falling in a Sea of Stars, Kristen Britain once again delivers, moving the epic story forward toward the final confrontation with Mornhavon the Black, who makes an appearance or two.
It's difficult to watch our heroine, Karigan G'ladheon, endure more trials and suffering after all she has sacrificed for Sacoridia. In this volume, she even questions how much she has endured, but a touching interaction with a family member helps her find the strength to pull through. While Karigan can sometimes seem otherworldly, Britain grounds her by having her make several crucial mistakes. In response, the community of Green Riders and other supportive characters rally to help her. This is a testament to Britain’s skill at writing fully-fleshed characters, as even the minor players are so vital and interesting that you care about them just as much as the main cast.
As with Britain’s later books, this story expands beyond Karigan’s point of view. The storyline with Laren Mapstone and Karigan’s father is particularly riveting and heartwarming, bringing Laren’s arc to a deeply satisfying close. Other side characters also have meaningful storylines, and the simmering tension between Karigan and King Zachary always adds to the drama. And, of course, the Eletians are back, flickering in and out of the story, with Enver as mysterious as ever (I know he has an important part to play, just wait!). There's a lot of action, fun cameos from characters in previous books, and major events involving the gods that will carry into the next installment. This book is well worth the read—just be sure to savor it, as we’ll likely be waiting a while for the next one. It’s a good thing Britain’s books are just as good during a reread.
It's difficult to watch our heroine, Karigan G'ladheon, endure more trials and suffering after all she has sacrificed for Sacoridia. In this volume, she even questions how much she has endured, but a touching interaction with a family member helps her find the strength to pull through. While Karigan can sometimes seem otherworldly, Britain grounds her by having her make several crucial mistakes. In response, the community of Green Riders and other supportive characters rally to help her. This is a testament to Britain’s skill at writing fully-fleshed characters, as even the minor players are so vital and interesting that you care about them just as much as the main cast.
As with Britain’s later books, this story expands beyond Karigan’s point of view. The storyline with Laren Mapstone and Karigan’s father is particularly riveting and heartwarming, bringing Laren’s arc to a deeply satisfying close. Other side characters also have meaningful storylines, and the simmering tension between Karigan and King Zachary always adds to the drama. And, of course, the Eletians are back, flickering in and out of the story, with Enver as mysterious as ever (I know he has an important part to play, just wait!). There's a lot of action, fun cameos from characters in previous books, and major events involving the gods that will carry into the next installment. This book is well worth the read—just be sure to savor it, as we’ll likely be waiting a while for the next one. It’s a good thing Britain’s books are just as good during a reread.
November 15, 2025
The author has spent so much time building up the tension and frustration between the two Star-crossed Lovers Zachary and Karigan that it completely overshadows the plot of the series. She's thrown up so many roadblocks between the two that it feels impossible for either one of them to choose to be with the other without compromising their established character.
As a reader I don't even care about the plot anymore, the main villain introduced 4 books ago still hasn't broken out of his prison to be any kind of threat in the story. All of the other side villains have been defeated and discarded. The other threats in the story were a no-show in this book completely, which is baffling given how much time was spent setting them up in previous books.
So the only question left on my mind is how the author plans to bring her two characters together and this book did nothing to even hint at an answer. The Two previous books feel entirely tangential and seem more like the author is stalling than telling a story. At least show the reader you have an Idea of where you want the story to go, instead of just diverting us into future and past time lines all the time that don't make sense with the rest of the plot.
As a reader I don't even care about the plot anymore, the main villain introduced 4 books ago still hasn't broken out of his prison to be any kind of threat in the story. All of the other side villains have been defeated and discarded. The other threats in the story were a no-show in this book completely, which is baffling given how much time was spent setting them up in previous books.
So the only question left on my mind is how the author plans to bring her two characters together and this book did nothing to even hint at an answer. The Two previous books feel entirely tangential and seem more like the author is stalling than telling a story. At least show the reader you have an Idea of where you want the story to go, instead of just diverting us into future and past time lines all the time that don't make sense with the rest of the plot.
October 22, 2025
I fell back into Sacoridia and the world of Karigan and Zachary, and it did not let me go. It was a big book and it took me some time because I had little time, but I actually enjoy taking my time. A lot always happens in the GR books and I love this world so much. Once again, Karigan got the worst of it, and I feel like we got to know her a lot better in this book. Very curious to see what the rest of the series will bring!
October 12, 2025
Like all the others from this series, I finished it and am dying for the next one! If there was one critique, it took a few chapters at the beginning to get back to Karigan's story. A positive? Finally, a little progress with Zachary. That's all I'm going to say. Just read it.
October 22, 2025
For me this is the most disappointing book yet. Kristen spends so much time explaining past situations, which is just filler. If someone reads a book out of order, that is on them, stop re-explaining things over and over. This book really had no progress and why are we dealing with Shawdell(i may have that spelled wrong)? I agree with what others have said about the interruptions between Karigan and Zachary are really kind of childish. With Karigan's Clan having so much trouble, that truly was hard to understand as well. I don't know, but the last three books including this one seem to have more filler than story and of course Karigan is always getting hurt badly. I love this series because of Karigan and Zachary and will read it until the end, but I will give real reviews as this was not a five star book. The saving of Lauren could or should have been a novella book as I am not sure there was reason to have it in this one. I listened to the audible version and the narrator was wonderful as always. This book, like the last left me wanting more out of the story. And I really do not understand the two sides of Karrigan and their conversations that they have to have all the time, that is distracting from the story.
October 16, 2025
As with every book in the Green Rider series, it brought me something I needed. It was a glorious journey to experience and I very much look forward to the next one.
October 2, 2025
Absolute loved it! My only complaint is that I wish there was more!!
October 17, 2025
This was a disappointment to have to wait so long between books. The plot didn’t progress much. The editing was poor, and I caught a lot of typos.
June 11, 2025
Holy heck I just devoured this book. Green Rider has been one of my favorite series for years, and getting the NetGalley email that I was approved for an ARC will forever be a core memory. I know many of the later books in the series are controversial among readers; some think it should have ended with book three or four, but others, like me, will never be upset at another installation.
Falling in a Sea of Stars did NOT disappoint. I love seeing where Kristen has decided to take things, from the romance to the most heart wrenching moments. She doesn’t shy away from putting her characters through the wringer, and I love it.
Even though Karrigan is protected by the plot armor of the being the FMC, she is not spared from suffering. Physically and emotionally, that girl has been through more than any one person should have to endure. But she always comes out on top, showcasing her strength and pride, and making her the kind of leading lady I love to read about.
Lala’s chapters surprises me the most. I wasn’t expecting to cry, but man, Kristen knows how to create emotional impact.
I don’t want to say much more because I think this is a story best discovered on your own, but for me, it was a 10/10.
Falling in a Sea of Stars did NOT disappoint. I love seeing where Kristen has decided to take things, from the romance to the most heart wrenching moments. She doesn’t shy away from putting her characters through the wringer, and I love it.
Even though Karrigan is protected by the plot armor of the being the FMC, she is not spared from suffering. Physically and emotionally, that girl has been through more than any one person should have to endure. But she always comes out on top, showcasing her strength and pride, and making her the kind of leading lady I love to read about.
Lala’s chapters surprises me the most. I wasn’t expecting to cry, but man, Kristen knows how to create emotional impact.
I don’t want to say much more because I think this is a story best discovered on your own, but for me, it was a 10/10.
October 19, 2025
So I didn't get my pastel matching paperbacks to go with my beautiful set. The black is jarring on the shelf, so it's a good job. I loved this one so much!
There are so many threads in this book waiting to be unpicked in the one that one thing remains constant - the longing between her and Zachary is absolutely killing me. When he lost her and then held on, he was heartbreaking.
Poor Karigan has had such a rough journey, and this book explores that well and how it affected her.
I'm very excited but also concerned for what's to come. It's all pointing towards a battle that many of our beloved characters might perish. lots of foreboding. The gods don't seem finished with her yet. I feel a new journey is brimming.
Overall, it was a great read, I sped through it.
There are so many threads in this book waiting to be unpicked in the one that one thing remains constant - the longing between her and Zachary is absolutely killing me. When he lost her and then held on, he was heartbreaking.
Poor Karigan has had such a rough journey, and this book explores that well and how it affected her.
I'm very excited but also concerned for what's to come. It's all pointing towards a battle that many of our beloved characters might perish. lots of foreboding. The gods don't seem finished with her yet. I feel a new journey is brimming.
Overall, it was a great read, I sped through it.
July 25, 2025
I’ve discovered the Green Rider books when I was a teenager and loved them ever since so I’m more then happy to read book 8.
As expected we get the same brilliant writing, get our favourite characters back and I was sucked into the story from page one. To say I loved every single page and word of it would be the suitable description.
The book kinda felt like a starting point for more to come and I’m here for it- can’t wait to read more!
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC
As expected we get the same brilliant writing, get our favourite characters back and I was sucked into the story from page one. To say I loved every single page and word of it would be the suitable description.
The book kinda felt like a starting point for more to come and I’m here for it- can’t wait to read more!
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC
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