Helia's Shadow Part One

The Starlight Age #1

by K.C. Neal

Nineteen years ago, aliens arrived on a dying Earth with advanced technology and the promise of ensuring human survival in exchange for a place to settle. They were hailed as the saviors of humans and Earth.

Today, 16-year-old Helia wants two things in life: to step out of her over-protective mother’s shadow and become an engineer, and to stop hiding her romance with alien boy Kalo. But the world definitely isn’t ready for a human-alien romance. And worse, the human-alien partnership is crumbling. Humans are being arrested without explanation. Some of them are never seen again.

When the alien leader imprisons her mother on a false charge, Helia discovers the aliens never intended to help humans at all. Now, she must join forces with alien rebels and convince the young rebel leader that humans aren't expendable. If she succeeds, humans have a chance at survival and she has a chance at love. If she fails, the dwindling human race dies out in slavery.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Unknown Binding

First published November 23, 2014

About the author

Most of K.C. Neal's days are filled with some combination of writing, reading, gardening, working, and watching stuff on Netflix with her maltipoo, Oscar. She has an irrational fixation with L.A., and during occasional trips there she pretends her life is more glamorous than it really is ("Entourage" is her guilty pleasure). She likes to surf and hang out on sandy beaches, especially where drinks are served adorned with tiny umbrellas.

Reviews

[Kat Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helia’s Shadow is a breath of fresh air that we all need.

Saying that I read a lot of YA Science Fiction is just a fact but recently every science fiction book I have read has been similar, with the same story lines and plot twists...

Helia's Shadow however was different.

It had everything that made a book science fiction but the way it was done was impeccable. Not only because it involved aliens and saving our beloved dying Earth but also because there were plot twists I hadn’t even considered, there was characterization that made one feel connected, the romance was there but never overwhelming and as a whole it was a definite page turner.

Helia’s Shadow kept me up till dawn, on the edge of my seat and craving more of this incredible story.


The aliens arrived to save the doomed planet humans called home, they were praised and labeled liberators of Earth.

But that was before everything changed…

Humans are being taken, arrested without proper explanation and questions are always left unanswered.

Helia lives what is considered a normal life with a protective mother, dreams, wants and of course thoughts about boys but she and her friends are also the ones asking questions, seeking the truth and when they dig too deep trouble arises.

Halia joins the alien rebels and does all she can to save her world once she realizes that the aliens aren’t actually there to help the humans.

Love, loss, mystery and sorrow Halia's Shadows is a must read for all alien lovers.

I gave Helia's Shadow five out of five stars and I read it in under 12 hours.
I simply couldn't put it down...

[Jackie -Sated Faery · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHMYGOSH – this is killing me!! Where is part 2? I can’t possibly wait for it, I need it now!! This was completely intense! Earth has been destroyed and the aliens have come to save the humans that are left! Helia is one of those humans. She also happens to have a forbidden human-alien romance with Kalo, one of the Talons. Everything is going smoothing until the aliens begin showing their true intentions of enslaving the human race. Humans start being arrested for no reason, disappearing, or even dying. Something has to be done but the alien leader is very powerful. The only hope is for human rebels and alien rebels to work together but that seems pretty impossible since they refuse to trust each other. Helia and Kalo are definitely unique in their feelings toward each other. I love them both for trusting in each other and their love against all odds! Now I just need to know what happens next!!

[Amphitrite · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked: Helia was different from what I expect at times. She didn’t want to cause a war, she wanted peace with the Talans and hoped that everything was a big misunderstanding and things would be explained by the leader of the Talans watching over Haven, Tal-Reku. I liked that about her, and how she had a friend who was always more dead-on about what was happening than Helia ever knew. I also liked the folio’s the people of Haven carried around, it was an interesting bit of technology and it was also nice to see how the Talan’s had changed the lives of the people of Haven since their arrival in a good way for the most part. The humans and Talan’s are working on a way that will heal the Earth from the nuclear war that decimated the Earth prior to the arrival of the Talan. I really liked the “forbidden romance” part of this story because even though it’s technically not outright against the rules you can see how it would be taboo for the people.

What I didn’t like: I think in a way I was hoping that this book wouldn’t have the “evil aliens trying to enslave/kill all humans” portion, because every book I’ve read where off-world aliens of some kind come to a planet where human/human-like beings are natives they either just appear to take over and enslave all the human/human-like beings, or they’re out to kill everyone and do planet-wide genocide. It feels a tad overdone and I was hoping in a way Helia’s Shadow would be different in that way.

Overall Review: While not straying too far from normal off-world alien arrival sci-fi stories, Helia’s Shadow did manage to take different twist than I was expecting and managed to keep me interested in the story to see it through to the cliffhanger ending, which made me really want to read the second book in this series. The characters were what make the story shine and I can’t wait to see more of the ones we meet in this book in the next installment and see how everything goes after the way it ended.

Recommend?: Yes, you will really like the spin this book takes on something I thought would be repetitive to other stories with a similar basis idea (off-world aliens come and try to enslave all of the humans) and made it more enjoyable.

[Esperanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

In
essence for humanity to survive here on planet earth, we must be at
peace with one another. This is also the case in the book Helia's
Shadow Part 1 by K.C. Neal. Although in this book we are no longer at
war with humans or trying to keep peace within humanity but also with
aliens as well. This is an eye opener story and guaranteed to light
up the lives of many young adults and teens. This is a triumphant
story of love and the struggle for peace in an a post apocalyptic
world. 

 

Neal
really keeps the readers interest piqued and the reader is definitely
waiting for the continuation of this story. I look forward to reading
it as well. I give the rating of FIVE stars and recommend for all
teens and young adults as well as others that are interested in the
survival of humanity in a post apocalyptic world!

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since a story has grabbed me right from the beginning and kept my attention all the way to the end. A true science fiction ride that brings together technology, aliens, hybrids and so much more. I was captivated by the story, able to picture the characters and scenery as if I was in the story itself and playing like a movie. It ended with a cliffhanger that would satisfy even those that absolutely hate them because a realization was made at the same time.

For me, this story had a familiar feel to it. Not a negative, been there, done that feel, but the characters felt like a meld of several different ones from current science fiction culture. I felt a mix of Star-Crossed, Defiance, Alienated and more. The YA genre has come a long way with how it views aliens and given in to the fact that not everything is as it seems. Yes, aliens are still trying to do us in, but not all of them are, some actually have our back quite well.

The author has come up with an Earth, far in our future, that has gone through a transition due to wastefulness and a nuclear incident. She describes the climate, the feel of the environment and the catastrophic changes so well. It's a realization that made me wonder just how far we are from starting down the wrong path with the balance of nature or if we have already hit that tipping point. In ways, I felt a sense of mourn for the Earth as we know it.

Having read the author bio, she has put her past professions to good use with this novel. She was able to draw from her knowledge the way things could be. She also sensed a good story of the savior aliens swooping in to save us but with an ulterior motive. Her characters are strong, the relationships between all the different sections are diverse and the fact that she made use of the moon shows she has a plan for her story that won't cut things short and shows a layered story that keeps on giving.

I recommend this book to all readers of the science fiction genre, no matter how young or old. This is a story that intrigues, makes you think and really grabs hold of your attention. You will see just how creative the characters are and will find yourself wanting to tinker with extra equipment that you have laying around.

I look forward to the subsequent novels in this series and can't wait to read more about Helia, Kalo and the rest of the gang. I can't wait to read what the author will be bringing to the table next. Bravo Ms. Neal! You say that you haven't gotten your dream job of being a drummer in a rock band, well, I'm telling you that your creative mind are the sticks and the story is your drum. You have reached that goal and you are a rock star with it. Your screaming fans await the next book in the Starlight Age. Rock on!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abridged from my blog, the Paisley Reader.

This book has been on my radar for quite some time. I was actually one of its beta readers. So I’ve read this book technically twice, once in its early stages to give beta feedback and again as an ARC.

When I was asked if I would beta read Helia’s Shadow I took a look at the synopsis and I knew I had to jump in right then. If you are intrigued by the synopsis you will not be displeased with the book. It delivers.

In Helia's Shadow Part One you easily become invested in who Helia is as a character. I really enjoyed her, and it was great to see a girl so interested in technology. You don’t see that all too often. She is one of the strongest female heroines out there right now, and without naming names, I think you’ll be able to see comparisons between her and some of the big names out there right now. Helia can definitely stand on her own amongst them.

There's some great world building going on here too. A dystopian, not only does Neal create Haven both in physical description but also in social description, you easily grasp the dry, sandy, and hot climate that it’s set in and get an idea of the political make up quite readily. Neal also creates a past for the setting, giving glimpses into how the world came to be as it is now. As an additional element to the already fantastic world building, Neal also gives us the creation of the alien race. She gives them character defining physical features from clothes to hair to eyes. You even get snippets of their culture and their native language too, which is awesome.

The pacing is very good with parts that will make you go awww and others that will leave your heart racing as Helia is pursued by those wishing to stop her. There were parts that caused me to gasp too, both times I read the book.

Had Helia’s Shadow ended a chapter or two before, the cliffhanger may have left me and other readers dangling. With the last chapter, Neal pushes readers slightly away from the edge, nicely closing out the story arc of book one and setting up where book two will take off. It was a satisfying ending that left me eager to find out what happens next.

Easily one of my favorite books read this year.

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a bunch of very likeable people in Helia's Shadow who go up against the bad guys---our heroine, Helia, her best friend, Ellerine, and the alien, Kalo, to mention a few. Then there are Helia's friend and third cousin, Gordon, his girlfriend, Minnow, and a hybrid named Alder. Helia and Kalo are the stars of the show but they all play important roles and it's a strength of Ms. Neal that she's able to make them all come to life. Helia is especially appealing because she's not only smart but also mechanically clever, something we don't often see in female major characters. As for the romantic feelings between Helia and Kalo, that's already a pre-existing condition, so to speak, as the story opens so the reader doesn't have to fear the dreaded insta-love.

The leader of the aliens is a shady fellow named Tal-Reku who has only the worst interest of humans at heart. The upcoming 19th anniversary of Arrival Day is going to be a very important day but not in the way most humans are anticipating and Haven's existence may become a thing of the past.

Worldbuilding is nicely done for the most part. The time is unknown but is after the Final War and the Collapse, the last two cities to collapse were Oasis and Elysium, and the world was poisoned by industry and overpopulation, then finished by nuclear war. We also know that the air in Haven is bad but the Followers of the Light in the Outlands are rumored to have developed clean air without technology. What we don't know is how these young people are going to overcome the many obstacles to help save Earth from this new threat.

Science fiction that centers on the younger generations sometimes feel forced, as though the authors are trying to make young adults fit into an adult scenario but that is most definitely not the case here. Readers looking for well-done young adult science fiction are likely to really enjoy Helia's Shadow and I'm already looking forward to the next book, Helia's Shadow, Part Two.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2015.

[S.J. Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

***This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review***

The Good:

The writing. Ms. Neal's prose is easily digested and flows seamlessly. There's no awkward or stilted phrasing or dialogue, and that's important to me. If I find myself stumbling over the words or struggling to read, I last all of ten minutes before I decide not to waste anymore of my time. The story itself could be exceptional, but the writing has to be... well, readable. That's another great thing about this book: the story/ premise. I love any story that has to do with others living among us, except this time, instead of it being a secret or needing to remain hidden, the aliens live openly and intermingled with society.

Helia, the POV character. She's smart, loyal and loving, but she's also strong. SO not the damsel in distress type, which gets major bonus points with me. I also appreciate the relationship with her mother. There's a strong bond there, but it's also realistic. The mom wants what's best (on the verge of overbearing), but Helia has desires and plans of her own.

The aliens. I LOVE me some humanoid aliens - like us, but a tad different. I also loved Kalo and Helia's relationship - sweet but complicated because she has to hide it. Great way to keep me interested! Forbidden romance!!!

The plot line. I don't want to give away too much because there are so many twists and turns and I want the reader to experience them without any kind of hint as to what might happen. Let's just say the first half of the book is very character-driven and sets everything up nicley, then you're thrown into a whirlwind and are devouring pages to find out what happens next. Well done, Ms. Neal!!! I'll definitely be buying Book Two.

Be forewarned, however, that the novel ends in a cliffhanger!!!


The Bad:

Nothing to say in this category.


The Ugly:

Nothing to say in this category.

In conclusion, this well-thought-out Young Adult Science-Fiction novel (with a touch of Dystopian) will draw you in, endear you, rattle you, and have you clambering for the next book right away.

[Ivey Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helia's Shadow Part One is an amazing story filled with adventure and intrigue, and I loved it. We are taken on a journey of a battle against the aliens to try to save Helia's family and her city. It's really gripping. The beginning was very intriguing and very descriptive, which makes the book’s world open up around you. I have found it hard to understand some science fiction books because they are so foreign to me, but Helia's Shadow isn't hard to understand at all. Everything is laid out to where you can easily understand the world she is in. I had some trouble understanding the technological talk in the book, but there wasn't enough in there to where it hindered my understanding of the situation.

I am so glad I took a chance on this ARC of Helia's Shadow because I really loved it. It's my second time reading a science fiction book, and I have to tell you, this book makes me want to read more of this genre. It took time for me to get acclimated to the world of this book, but when I did, it was easy to put myself in Helia's shoes. I love how fierce yet vulnerable she is and how strong her character becomes. It made the story that much better because I could relate so well to her. And by the end, I felt like I was her. Helia's Shadow really captures your heart and emotions. I was surprised at how emotional this story made me. I really connected with the characters, and that made everything seem so real, especially the emotions surrounding Heila and Kalo. The hint of romance between them kept me hungry for more too. The ending had me begging for more! I REALLY need the sequel. This is a great novel to lose yourself in because it is so complex, but easy to understand. It's so full of action and emotions that you cannot help but be captivated. I highly recommend Helia’s Shadow Part One to anyone who liked Divergent or The Hunger Games. Helia reminds me of strong heroines like Tris (Divergent) and Katniss (The Hunger Games), but she is her own amazing character.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helia lives in a post apocalyptic world. A nuclear war has almost decimated the earth. A few years after the war aliens land on earth with the promise to share technology and help the earth heal. Humans and aliens co-exist and share in research and technology to survive. Helia is just a normal girl whose single mother is a bit protective of. She had a connection with an alien named Kalo, when she was a six. Her interaction with Kalo in front of everyone made the humans love the aliens. Ten years later, her and Kalo still share a connection, a forbidden affection for each other that no one can know, especially her mother. Earthborn people are starting to be taken and strict curfews are put into place. The aliens aren’t really there to help the humans, they want to enslave them. After Helia’s mother is taken, Kalo saves Helia and they join in the combined rebellion against the leaders.

Okay, so my little synopsis did nothing for this book. That was like an oversimplified version of what happened. It doesn’t tell you that we really get to know Helia before the sh*t hits the fan, or that the world building in this story is easy to imagine. Helia suffers a lot of loss in this story. She is also really smart and enjoys fixing things. Her aspiration to become an engineer is so awesome. It was easy to root for her because she is just a good person. Kalo is a mysterious alien that I really want to learn more about. there was a lot of running around and the scenes change up a bit throughout the story, but the pacing seemed just right for the action. We get to meet a lot of really different characters, some I think will be featured much more in later books. I guess we just have to wait and see.

Being that this is part one, it ends on a cliffhanger. It probably would have been a 5 star story for me, but the ending just really left me hanging.

[Chris Torretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and curious book! The beginning was a little slow for my taste but it did not take too long to get into the thick of it. Humans are being taken and Helia has to hide her love for an alien. Good start.

Although a little slow, I liked Helia from the beginning. She’s quirky and a bit different and her mom is way overbearing. Her reactions to that make complete sense. Her reactions to her friend who is way into left field with his conspiracy theories are also right on for how I was understanding her personality.

Surprisingly, although sci fi this is not out of the world, and out of understanding, type of sci fi. I was able to understand the aliens and K. C. Neal’s explanations and descriptions made the world all that easier to understand. I think what appealed to me most was that it also had a bit of a dystopian feel to it. Had I known it was in that realm I would not have hesitated to read this!

After the beginning, the story pace picks up quite a bit and the pacing is fabulous from there on. I raced to the end, loving each of the twists, and all of the nuances of the forbidden relationship. The romance did not overwhelm the story but it added just enough to keep me wondering.

Ended on a cliffhanger! I sort of expected it being that it is the first in the series. Lots of answered needed!

[Ashley Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying how much I love this book! It captured my attention from the first chapter and within a few hours I was already halfway through it. It almost pained me to set the book down, that's how good it is. It is a young-adult, science fiction book. It's filled with advanced technologies, aliens, rebels and alien/human hybrids. All that you need in a good science fiction read.

Being a "part one" immediately told me there would be a cliff hanger ending, and man was there! I don't know how I'm supposed to just continue living while I wait for part two.

I like the strong, smart female lead. Helia isn't the "usual" female leads. She tinkered in technology, which isn't something I've read in a female lead before but I loved it. It proved she held a valuable role in the story. She wasn't just there to be a pretty face. There was a part when she refused to back down to a stern alien that just made me smile at her bravery.

There was some romance to it but it wasn't overwhelming like it could have been. That was refreshing! So many books focus so much on the love interest almost losing everything else in the process. I was glad this book didn't.

[Becky Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helia's Shadow is filled with beautiful aliens, advanced alien technology and clothing, a human heroine who is easy to root for, and an alien boy with a big heart, all in a post-war world filled with such imagery that the reader feels like a part of the story.

The dried-up landscape of Haven in its hot climate made me feel guilty while sipping water when Helia was desperately thirsty. Neal did a wonderful job creating this amazing world.

Our heroine, Helia, is a smart girl who is tech-smart, and that's refreshing. She's not a damsel in distress. Instead, she's brave and takes the reigns in order to save Earthborns. She makes mistakes along the way, but that's what makes her human.

Then, take a look at the Talans. This alien race is similar to humans, yet their features, from their skin color to their mesmerizing irises, make them interesting and beautiful in their own way.

While there is a bit of romance, it doesn't overwhelm the story. The science fiction elements remain at the center, and the Earthborn/Talan relationship is the focal point.

I really enjoyed Helia's Shadow Part One, and I am very much looking forward to Part Two.

[Laura Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Helia's Shadow has strong characters and a well written storyline. You'll meet Helia who is smart and brave and the heroine of the story, Kalo, the forbidden alien who is Helia's love interest and many other characters that will quickly pull you in for an extraordinary ride. Years ago, the planet as we know it changed and the Talans arrived making promises which had humanity heralding them as saviors, but, are they really what they claim to be or is there something sinister behind their arrival? You've got to read it to find out.
KC Neal has done a superb job and every detail is perfect from the barren landscape to the good looking life forms. You'll find yourself pulled into the vivid imagery and the storyline. This book does not disappoint.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I received an eARC to Helia's Shadow. Second, I'm not sure how to say this. It was interesting. I liked it, mostly. I thought the beginning started off a little slow. It picked up later, around page 50. Anyway, when part 2 comes out, I will probably end up reading it. Assuming, I remember to pick it up when it comes out...

Anyway, aliens have arrived on Earth. Tal-Reku, the leader of the Talons, and has many Talons following him. Of course, not everyone agrees with with what Reku is doing. Kalo, another alien, develops a relationship with an Earthborn. He reveals that not every Talon agrees with Reku. That he is actually with a rebellion, that wants to take down Tal-Reku.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a frustrating, tantalising book. The sort of book that makes you want to read faster, so that you can find out what happens next.

Throughout this book, the author explores Helia's relationships; with her mother; with her friends; with the aliens; with the environment. And it is really skilfully done. I felt that there was an undercurrent of tension and mistrust which ran throughout the book, which made me second guess what was going on at some points.

I really enjoyed this story (though not the ending!). Thankfully, book 2 is already out. That TBR pile is starting to look precariously tall......

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Deitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helia’s world has come to an end and those who you would lest expect are there to save her. Aliens. This science fiction book is filled with originality, a unique love interest and a will for survival. The aliens that save those on earth, are giving humans the sense of hope and life.

To read the rest of the review, simply follow the link: http://www.aleisuremoment.com/2015/03...

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the action and suspense in this sci fi thriller. Aliens have landed and in the guise of offering help have moved into a position of power and now the real deal behind the reason for their "saving" earth comes to light. Helia is in a fight to save her family and the rest of survivors. Lots of twist and turns and so much more. Great read. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helia's Shadow is a unique adventure! While it holds elements to other YA books, it still stands in its own place. It's unique! It was an amazing story!

Fans of the hunger games, divergent and the fifth wave will love this book!

Full review coming to the blog soon!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very suspenseful and exciting! The characters are awesome and the story rocks. Well worth reading. Looking forward to reading the second book.