Behind the Stars, Complete Series

Behind the Stars #1-6

by Leigh Talbert Moore

Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
And she never expected to become a hero.

Red Dawn meets L O S T in this new action-adventure/paranormal romance from Amazon bestselling author Leigh Talbert Moore.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia, Paranormal

ebook

First published November 9, 2014

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Reviews

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆

★★★☆ 3.75-4 stars!!



Behind the Stars almost lost me at 30% into the book. It just didn’t catch me with the amount of flashbacks (particularly of Jackson) as it felt quite unnecessary and redundant after awhile.

Luckily though, it did pick up the pace around the 35% mark and from there I was intrigued.

A lot of the plot revolves around….
1) Who are these invaders? Why did they kidnap us?
2) Are they really not from our world? What do they want from us?...our world?
3) What does the future hold us? Are they going to kill us? Who will live? Who will die? And will things ever be the same?

These are the questions that plague Prentiss Puckett as she and her friends are kidnapped and forced to work a secluded camp on the outskirts of her hometown. Determined to regain her freedom, free her fellow kin, and find her longtime love and boyfriend, Jackson… Prentiss develops a plan of escape… ONLY, that’s easier said than done.

When handsome Gallatin enters the picture, Prentiss becomes majorly conflicted as he is one of her captors keeping her locked up in that prison. The more she spends time Gallatin, the more she can’t help but feel more of a pull and attraction for. You’re not supposed to fall in love with the enemy, right? And yet, this is where Prentiss’ loyalty and inner turmoil dwindles.

Will she be able to get to the bottom of everything and find a way to rescue herself and the rest of the people captured?

What about Jackson? Who will Prentiss choose? Him or Gallatin?

And with a human resistance brewing, what will Prentiss do? Who’s side will she choose?



Read and you will find out!

#So overall: A slow start, but nevertheless, captivating read that was mildly solid yet well-crafted and captivating!! Loved the PrentissXGallatin pairing though!! I totally shipped them!!♡♥

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for some new and fresh and Moore has managed to do just that in her new book Behind the Stars.

So very different from anything I have read by her yet or even in this genre by anyone.

It is described as Red Dawn meets Lost and I think that is very fitting because this was quite the read.

This doesn't necessarily have action in it so much as it just had a lot going on between the past and present that kept you turning the pages and constantly guessing. Flashes of Prentiss' life before the invasion and during and what it all means for her and those she cares for gave insight to her feelings about her life then and her life now.

Prentiss is a smart girl in a life where smarts and determination aren't always smiled on. Her small town is very backwards at times and the whole place has an almost sad feeling to it.

In fact, I would guess the kidnapping of her and several town's people, is the most exciting thing to happen to it ever.

This was a very interesting read. One filled with choices that not only changes Prentiss but makes her stronger too. Makes her really shine and see who she is and what she can become when she doesn't always have others to lean on for help and to fight her battles.

I liked this, it was much different from Moore's other reads but in a good, entirely original kind of way. I am a fan of Moore's and I have been from the beginning and reads like this, just show me all over again why I can keep turning to her work when I want something fun, entertaining, and original.

[Aestas Book Blog]

This sounds really cool!! It's described as a New Adult action-adventure romance ... "Red Dawn meets LOST"



Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
And she never expected to become a hero.
______________________________

RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2014

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Behind the stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Leigh Talbert Moore.)

This was an interesting story, and not what I expected at all!

Prentiss was a strong character, and it was admiral how hard she worked to look out for her friends, and to try and get back to her boyfriend Jackson. She didn’t lose hope, even when things looked bad, and always strived to try and work out what was going on, and what she could do about it.

The storyline in this wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I was expecting a story about a kidnapped girl, I didn’t expect there to be more than one kidnapped person, and I didn’t expect the kidnapers to be who they were! I won’t say more because I don’t want to drop spoilers, but this was definitely not your average contemporary mystery story.

There was some romance in this, and it was in the form of a love triangle. I have to say that Prentiss made the right decision with regards to the two boys though, as one of them was really not worth her time.

The ending to this was good, although there was also room for further adventures.
7 out of 10

[CARLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

5 stars!

This book clears two of my challenge spots. An alien invasion Sci/Fi hosted by Just Another Girl and Her Books and a finishing the series hosted by Bea’s Book Nook.

This was not what I was expecting at all! I’ve read a few books by LTM and I expected the story line to be similar in this book. I have never loved being wrong more in my life. This story starts off with a bang. Literally within the first few paragraphs you see what the main story line is.

You may be wondering how I could have NOT known about the alien invasion part when its clearly in the blurb. Well, I don’t normally read blurbs if I can help it. Most of my recs come from other book lovers and bloggers. I rarely do any pro-active searching for a book. There are so many books out there and I’ll admit, I’m lazy when it comes to looking for books. So I just put my ear to the ground and listen to others recs.

At any rate, this series started out a bit slow but it held my interest anyway. There was intrigue, suspense, strength of character and hopelessness. It ran the scope of emotion for me, as each character contributed to one extreme of emotion or another.

Prentiss (Love that name) was a simple, country girl who held no ambition in life but to be the wife of a farmer. She didn’t think she was special or smart and she wasn’t intent on climbing any ladders; be they social or professional. She was content with her life. And I liked that about her. I too, am content with my life. We see her growth as a character in this book and its subtle enough that I didn’t find it too fast. The strengths she thought she saw were in others were actually being exhibited by her once she was out of the shadow of the one she planned on spending her life with.

It was a wonderful path we followed with her. She was so unassuming in the beginning, and we go on a journey of self discovery with her, realizing that the slightest change in circumstance can make an enormous difference in how you look at yourself. The romance subplot was just a bonus for me. I would have been happy if it was just about her.

Just….go read this. The first one is FREE!!!

[Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!
Ok first off this book is in six series. I HIGHLY recommend reading the complete series together. If not you are going to have to endure five cliffhangers lol.

Prentiss is a young inspiring veterinarian assistant. With a wonderful boyfriend, Jackson and great friends, her life is going just as planned. Until she is captured by a clan of people that she questions their human origin.

Determined to escape the farm in southern Mississippi that she is forced to work on, she finds allies in other captives. She wants to know if her boyfriend is ok but can she get past the tracking device that has been rumored to be implanted in her arm?

When one captive defies the clan and disappears she realizes that she is in more danger than she first thought.

After finding a way out of the fence behind the shed she starts investigating the clan more.

After they learn of her livestock skills they assign her a permanent position milking the cows in the barn where she starts trying to befriend Gallatin, the brother of Cato the clan leader.

Gallatin starts opening up to her when tragedy strikes her. After almost dying while assisting birthing a calf, Prentiss realizes that Gallatin saved her.

They start spending more time together where she tells herself that it's to "get information" but secretly she is starting to like him. He is different from the rest. But when he tells her the truth about his people she gets angry and thinks his is lying to her.

Little does she know the truths that will be revealed as well as the feelings that they share. When Jackson reappears, she escapes and learns that maybe Gallatin was not the enemy after all. Only then does she realize the true feelings she as for him, but will it be too late? OMG OMG at this point I was hyperventilating. Tearing through these virtual pages wanting to know what happens next.

TEAM Gallatin!

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I actually rated this book 4.5 stars…but when leaving reviews at sites such as Goodreads, Amazon, etc…I round it to the next highest star.

**
Anyway, Gallatin and I weren’t really friends. When all was said and done, we were on opposite sides of the line. We were enemies, and for now, I was his prisoner.
**

Plucked off the road and sent to stay in a camp against her will, Prentiss makes it her mission to find out who it is that kidnapped her and get her friends out alive. Even if it means befriending the enemy.

This was a great book. Although the first part dragged a tinsy, tiny bit…the 2nd half really picked up and I flew through it until I was finished. I enjoyed the characters throughout the book and the relationships that formed. Especially between Prentiss and Gallatin. So when the ending came, I was rooting for the right thing to happen. And I was very pleased. Very pleased! And not mention, the romance that showed itself at all the right times...loved it!

**
Still, just as a secret for me, just for tonight, I allowed myself to drift to sleep thinking of a harvest moon somewhere in a different world. Somewhere where it would be okay to let myself relax in his arms. Where it would be okay to reach up and touch his face, to seal our dance with a kiss.
**

The author takes the reader on a fabulous journey the whole time. You are not sure who it is that is behind the abduction of half a town or even the why, but you get so immersed you steadily read on to know what happens next. You have to know what the heck is going on and why has the rest of the world has not taken noticed? Or have they? Is this happening everywhere or just small town Dabb Creek?

If you are looking for a great YA read, this is the book for you. Full of nail biting suspense, this book is sure to keep your attention. 4.5 Stars!

[Anncleire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog Tour on my blog on 11th January
Review + Giveaway
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...



Sono rimasta piacevolmente colpita da “Behind the stars”. Non mi ero fatta molte idee a riguardo, e anzi ero partita leggermente prevenuta, pur non avendo minimamente letto la trama. Quando mi hanno proposto di partecipare al Tour organizzato da YA Bound l’ho fatto per fiducia nelle capacità della Moore, una scrittrice che apprezzo molto per le sue doti creative e le idee originali. E anche in questo caso non mi ha deluso, anzi, ci ha regalato una storia molto originale, pieno di mistero e di temi di riflessione importanti.


Prentiss Puckett è certa di tre cose:
- Al diploma mancano solo due settimane,
- l’estate può solo diventare più calda nel Mississippi del sud
- Troverà un lavoro con l’aria condizionata.
Quello che non si aspetta è di essere rapita mentre va a lavoro.
E non si sarebbe mai aspettata di diventare un eroe.


Si lo so, la trama è molto scarna e non dice nulla, ma sicuramente mette in luce la protagonista di questa storia, Prentiss che emerge in tutto il suo splendore nel mezzo di una città rurale del Sud del Mississippi. È lei che racconta la storia in prima persona, è lei che si dibatte nel fumo di una situazioni misteriosa, di cui ci viene raccontato a piccole gocce, senza indugiare particolarmente nei dettagli. Prentiss sembra sapere cosa vuole, una vita con il ragazzo con cui è cresciuta, Jackson, che l’ha protetta fin da quando ha memoria, in un mondo fatto di fattorie e mucche, con la consapevolezza di creare con le proprie mani ciò di cui vivono. Prentiss in fondo non si è mai messa in gioco, e ha seguito ciecamente il ragazzo che è sempre stato al suo fianco. Non si è mai domandata niente, e ha chiuso gli occhi di fronte ai sospetti che le sono balenati alla mente. Ma Prentiss è molto più di una marionetta di un ragazzo che vuol scappare da un’esistenza che gli sta stretta, Prentiss è abbastanza intelligente da capire che la vita non si ferma. Il rapimento, arriva, improvviso e tutti restano immobili di fronte ad un gruppo di soldati/guardie/agricoltori, senza capire cosa è successo, cosa fare, come salvarsi. Prentiss resta al centro, divisa tra l’angoscia di aver perso il suo ragazzo e quella di scoprire cosa sta succedendo. È lei che emerge, che diventa un leader, che guida una sorta di resistenza alla conquista della verità. Suo fratello, Dee il migliore amico di Jackson, Yolanda e Flora, guardano a lei come l’unica speranza di scappare dalla prigionia. Di certo tutto resta sorprendentemente nell’ombra, fino a quando compare sulla scena Gallantin. Posso dirvi che è un personaggio misterioso, imperfetto e che ha molte cose da raccontare. Generoso e impulsivo, tende a scostarsi dalle regole, ma soprattutto instaurerà un rapporto speciale con Prentiss, che ancora una volta si ritroverà in mezzo a due fuochi.
Quello che rende questo libro speciale è l’affrontare temi importanti. Quando si verifica una crisi cosa succede? Quando messi di fronte ad una difficoltà come si reagisce. C’è chi perde la fede, chi si lascia andare alla depressione, chi fa di tutto per reagire e scoprire la verità. Chi diventa violento, chi è incapace di capire quando tirarsi indietro e quando agire. Ma ci mostra anche un altro lato, quello dei sopravvissuti. Il mondo fuori dalla prigionia, in un momento quando la società civile crolla, come si riprende, cosa fa? Un po’ come “Il Signore delle Mosche” quel misto di nature verso nurture, quella riflessione profonda della legge e della morale. Quando tutto cade cosa vince? L’istinto di sopravvivenza e le azioni selvagge. E le conseguenze saranno terribili.
Lo stile della Moore è semplice ed efficace, ma di certo dà uno specchio ampio sulle emozioni umane e invita davvero alla riflessione. I colpi di scena, i misteri e la romance, rendono questo libro molto godibile ed estremamente interessante.
L’ambientazione è molto curata, con questo paesino sperduto tra le colline, nel mezzo della campagna, che un po’ mi ricorda le mie colline. Il calore e l’umidità del Sud del Mississippi sono rappresentati benissimo e ho davvero apprezzato le descrizioni, comprese quelle della piccola radura in cui hanno luogo alcune scene bellissime.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un medaglione.

Una storia molto particolare, in cui l’umanità di certe scelte, si scontra con l’impulsività della guerra. Uno sci-fi con i fiocchi in cui l’azione va a braccetto con la romance, e dove non manca niente per rendere la storia interessante e piena. Ve lo consiglio sicuramente, sapendo che la Moore è un’ottima narratrice.
Buona lettura guys!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out this review and more at my blog!




“I needed to spend more time remembering what our world used to be like and thinking about reality. Not this mixed-up summer camp existence I’d somehow fallen into believing we were living.”

When you read the synopsis for Behind the Stars you will notice that it does not give much away as to what this story is about. I will not be spoiling the book in this review, because this synopsis is perfect! It was so much better to go into this book that way and learn more as the story unfolds. I have read others books by Leigh Talbert Moore including Dragonfly and The Truth about Letting Go and really enjoyed them. I was very excited to read Behind The Stars and experience her writing once again but in a different genre.

As stated in the synopsis, Prentiss has a Summer job and is working hard. On her way to work one day she is kidnapped and blacks out. When she wakes up everything in her world is different. That is all I will give away… the rest you have to find out for yourself!

At first I did not like Prentiss, she kind of came off as a clueless bumpkin. I felt bad for her situation, she had a horrible home life and the only security she had was her boyfriend Jackson. Prentiss is one of those characters that has so much personal growth in a novel that they end up really coming to life in your eyes. As she changed and became more confident and secure, I began to like her more and more.

“I’ve learned something about myself… I’m smart. I’m strong. And I can be strong without you. I can make my own future.”

When Prentiss befriends Gallatin, I liked him immediately. He is an unwilling member of the group keeping Prentiss and others captive. He was not cold and unfriendly like the others were. Despite everything against them, they’re friendship grows and they become very close. I was so invested in their friendship and how it grew and changed.

There are several other secondary characters as well, including Prentiss’ brother Braxton and several of her friends from high school including D’Lo, Yolanda and Roxie. They each play a part to create the world that Moore creates of the camp and the life they are all forced to live, which is totally captivating and engrossing. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next! The mystery surrounding the captors was so good! It honestly kept me wondering and guessing until the very end!

“I had to see how we were all losing our identities in this place, and the longer we were here, the more this captive mentality became the new normal for us.”

I’m having a tough time reviewing this without giving too much away, but I will say that it does have a paranormal element to it and you are wondering pretty much the entire time who these captors are and what they want. That wonder and suspense was one of my favorite things about this novel.

I really enjoyed Behind the Stars and was so happy that I got to read all 6 stories as one and would recommend reading them in this format. It seemed as though this story ended, but at the same time I still had questions and could see it continuing from that ending. I would actually welcome more to this story, but at the same time I could be content with this ending.

[Jennifer Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.

Just a couple days ago I said I'm a fan of serials, and Behind the Stars is another reason why. Well written, intelligent, and mysterious, this series is the kind that keeps you in a constant state of holding your breath either hoping for or against the next thing to happen. And while you don't know what will happen, you do know there's enough tension to cut with a knife and keep you on the edge of your seat.

I really liked trying to figure out the mystery behind Prentiss's kidnapping. One day she's on her way to work but never makes it there. Instead, she wakes up in a strange place with kids she knows from school - male and female. I couldn't tell who had kidnapped all of these kids and why. Was there a war? An invasion? What do the kidnappers want with these kids?

In the meantime, Prentiss takes us back in her memories to her relationship with her boyfriend Jackson, the turmoil at home between her brother and their father, and losing her mom at an early age. I was able to get to know what Prentiss was like before she was taken as well as afterward. It's clear from the start she isn't going to go down without a fight. While everyone else seems resigned to their fate, she's thinking of ways to escape and bring help to get everyone else out, too.

With so many people in their small town unaccounted for, no one knows if they've been taken, too, and whether they're dead or alive. I couldn't put this book down...I had to find out what was going on! What I wanted to know the most, almost more than if Prentiss could make a break for it, was who had kidnapped them and why. What were they planning on doing with those they had abducted and how were they able to get away with it? Neither the military nor the police comes to save the day, so why is that?

The answers will surprise you, even shock you. There were so many moments where I really think I did hold my breath! I would have rated this five stars, but after the first episode, the story slowed down a bit; however, I realize this was to build up relationships between characters for what would happen later down the road. Not long after, the story picks back up again with speed.

Behind the Stars is definitely the kind of series I look for when wanting something fresh and original to read. I loved losing myself in the pages and playing Sherlock as I tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Definitely recommend this!

[Blondies Little Book Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why was this happening? I wasn’t this kind of person. Other girls got their feelings all mixed up over boys, but I didn’t. That question had been settled in my mind years ago, and yet here I was acting like a starry-eyed little twit . I was failing in my job to rescue us. Everyone was counting on me, and here I was useless, fighting this battle with myself. I had to get it together. I had to get myself back on track, for all of us.

This is my first time reading a Leigh Talbert Moore book, and I am officially a fan. I loved this series so much. It was so different and unique, I didn't know what to expect. From beginning to end I was hooked, I couldn't wait till I had the next episode in my hands. The story it self, flowed at the perfect pace. There was always something happening to keep you intrigued. All the characters in this series were beautifully written. The main character Prentiss has her future all worked out, until she is taken captive. She is then forced to take action, to help her friends and family escape an unknown future. While in the midst of planning her escape, she devises a plan to get all the information she can from her Captives. Which leads her to my favorite character, Gallatin. Oh where do I even begin. I was on the fence with him at the beginning, because I didn't want anything or anyone coming between Prentiss and her boyfriend Jackson. But as the story goes on, Gallatin grew on me. I hated that he did, but I couldn't help it. He is quiet, sweet and absolutely sexy in his own way. There is just something about him that draws you in. If you are wondering, Yes this series does have a Love Triangle. I am not a fan of them to be honest, but the way it was written and betrayed in this series, was perfect for the story. Just when you think you know who she ends up with, you would be wrong. I wanted so much to love both guys. I did for a while. Then as the story continues, secrets are revealed and futures are not as certain as they once were. Your heart will break for Prentiss with everything she has gone through and is still going through. Her choices are not the easiest to make, but she makes them, knowing that she is doing what she knows in heart to be right. The ending of this series was absolutely perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better ending. I really hope that Leigh Talbert Moore continues Prentiss's story. There is so much more to be told.

I highly recommend this series. You will not be disappointed.

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

For my first Leigh Talbert Moore book, I picked a really good one. I was aware she'd written contemporary novels but hadn't had a chance to read them yet. Then when she announced this book was going to be re-released with a new title and as a serial I was surprised, but not quite eager to read the book. Then I read the first chapter. After finishing it, all I wanted to do was read this book.

Thankfully the high energy that I felt in the first chapter carried out through out the book. There was never a dull moment and I was always on edge about what was going to happen next. As someone who thinks they can tell what the twists will be before they arrive, I couldn't guess a single one. And as usual I devoured this book. I honestly think I read it in about two hours.

Prentiss is a hero, she's my hero. This is a teenage girl who woke up in unfamiliar surroundings and did what she had to do in order to get by and keep the people around her safe. Plus she was on a mission to get to the one person she thought would never let her down too. I loved seeing Prentiss go from this dependent and almost malleable girl to a strong willed, determined woman. I hated to see the changes that most of her fellow "inmates" underwent and I'm sincerely hoping this series is not over, even if this book is. I would love to read more about Prentiss and how she handles the new hurdles and challenges she has to face.

There's so much more I would like to say, but I can't without ruining the story. For readers like me who don't read lots of paranormal and scifi, this book is pretty amazing. Pick it up, I think it'll convince you not all books are dark and scary or about saving the world. Even though this book had dark moments, there was still enough lightness and hope to balance it out. I'm really looking forward to reading more by Leigh Talbert Moore and being impressed.

[Alina Syed · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

‘Behind the Stars’ is a story about a farm girl, Prentiss Pucket. After her graduation in two weeks, she and her boyfriend, Jackson, are going to get married and live a happy life on Jackson’s father’s farm. But suddenly, Prentiss is kidnapped. She wakes up in a sort of a camp with some people she recognises, inter alia, her brother. Jackson is nowhere to be seen. The people in the camp have to fulfil tasks in groups. Prentiss wants to escape badly. She knows she can’t just run away, so she will have to find another way. She agrees to do some extra work with the cows, so that she can befriend Gallatin, the brother of the leader of the camp, Cato. Gallatin may be able to help her escape. Prentiss and Gallatin start to develop feelings for each other.

I give this book 5 stars. The story is very unique, very different from other books. It gets more and more exciting as it continues. The suspense is nicely built. It’s a great concept. Prentiss is a great main character. She is very small, but smart, strong and brave. And of course, I really love Gallatin! <3 He is totally sweet! All the moments with him are so cute! They are adorable as a couple!

I advise this book to everyone who would like to read something light and sweet but interesting nonetheless!

Thank you so much, Leigh Talbert Moore for letting me read this awesome book!

[Leigh Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Formerly titled 21 DAYS.)

Pre-Order links are LIVE!

Note: I'm releasing the book in a serial format starting Nov. 9; however the *complete* book will go LIVE on Dec. 31!

BEHIND THE STARS - Everywhere Dec. 31 - http://smarturl.it/BTSAM

SERIAL Schedule & Buy/Pre-Order Links

Captive (#1) - OUT NOW! **FREE EPISODE!**
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/BTS1AM
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/BTS1GP
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/BTS1i
Nook: http://smarturl.it/BTS1N
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/BTS1K

Learning to Spy (#2) - OUT NOW! http://smarturl.it/BTS2AM

Harvest Moon (#3) - OUT NOW! http://smarturl.it/BTS3AM

Jackson (#4) - Dec. 7 http://smarturl.it/BTS4AM

Into the Woods (#5) - Dec. 21 http://smarturl.it/BTS5AM

If I Fly (#6) - Dec. 28 http://smarturl.it/BTS6AM

Print Copies - Dec. 15
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/BTSPBA
CreateSpace: *coming Dec. 15!


THANKS for reading! Can't wait to see what you think! <3

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

Prentiss was a pretty complex character. In the beginning, she has her little world. She chooses to keep herself blind to things, she has her little life plan, and she tells herself she's happy with it. As the story progresses, she comes out of her little world shell. Of course, being kidnapped has a way of waking a person up, but I enjoyed watching her strengthen as a character.

This book was a wonderful read with suspense, drama, romance, and even a band of what I call the demented lost boys.

Behind the Stars by Leigh Talbert Moore was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those of us who've been around the reading block a few times ;-) know that reading tastes are cyclical and what floats your boat at one time in your life may very well fade into the past at some point. There was a rather lengthy time in my life when I couldn't get enough of books set in the South or small farm towns and the like. The first pages of Behind the Stars took me there again with the dust of the dirt road on a hot summer's day in Dabb Creek, Mississippi.

This is a book filled with mystery, some in the guise of teases, making us wonder just what is going on. Is this science fiction with aliens capturing humans? Maybe. Is it a paranormal sort of thing? Maybe. Certainly, Prentiss's description of her captors' eyes might lead you to think so but could something else entirely be going on? Perhaps this is just another coming-of-age story but then you'd have to ignore the fact that Prentiss most certainly is not in a place of her own choosing.

Prentiss is a girl I like very much, primarily because she's so normal. In the beginning, she comes across as that girl we've all known, the one who is far too dependent on her boyfriend. She also harks back to an earlier time when many teens were content to stay in their small communities and farm as their family and neighbors always have; she seems to have no desire to "see the world out there" and, thus, she's a bit old-fashioned. At the same time, Prentiss is a little irritating in this modern day when life goes at a faster pace and there were times when I wanted to tell her to wake up, especially with regards to her boyfriend, Jackson. Being held captive and away from Jackson just might be the chance she needs to stand on her own two feet.

Ah, Jackson. Jackson SHOULD be the ideal boyfriend but maybe he's a bit too controlling, maybe he's even a bit of a bully. He is an oasis for Prentiss from the bad things in her life for the most part but there's just something missing inside and, the more I saw of him, the more I wanted him gone. Perhaps Gallatin, one of the mysterious captors, would be a good replacement for Jackson, hmm?

Behind the Stars is the first work by Leigh Talbert Moore I've read but I like her style and she's got the storytelling gene, for sure. I'll be looking for more from her.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, January 2015.

[Derna · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~

Behind the Stars (Behind the Stars #1-6) by Leigh Talbert Moore was a little different from my normal read. Paranormal fantasy is not my first choice, but I won't say no. When the synopsis said it was Red Dawn meets Lost I thought why not give it ago. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Lost, but I did love Red Dawn the 1984 version starring Patrick Swayze. (I’m a big fan of Patrick)

Prentiss Puckett is happy, It’s summer; she has a job, graduation is not far away and a boyfriend who she plans to marry. Life is good, or it was until she gets kidnapped along with some of her friends.

It was an interesting storyline and told from Prentiss's point of view. I did feel it was a little slow to get going, but that being said it didn’t put me off. I was more curious as to where it was heading, and how it was all going to pan out, and it was not as expected so I liked that.

I liked Prentiss she was a determined and feisty thing at times, and you could see a change in her as the story progress. I did feel for her at times, as what she has to go through, and the choices she has to make for herself and others

For me it had the right amount of mystery, science fiction, and action. There was romance a bit of a love triangle, but it was heavy, and in the end the right guy got the girl. I have to say parts towards the end of the book did make me think of Lord Of the Flies, and I think when you read it you will understand why.

I’m glad that I was able to read it in one go; I think that made me enjoy the story more than if I had read it in the six separate novellas. I loved the diversity of the secondary characters; it was refreshing to see, and fitting for where the book is set. I like Gallatin! I had a good feeling about him from the start.

I liked the way it was ending. You’re not left hanging or anything like that, but there is the feeling that if Leigh wanted to she could continue the story.

Overall I enjoyed Behind the Stars; it was the first book I have read by Leigh, and I would definitely read more, as I liked her writing style. I liked at the end how Leigh explains how the idea grew into a story. I think that is always interesting to read.

If you like a little mystery, science fiction, and paranormal then I would recommend this one ago.

[Sherilynn Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving the review to Behind the starts 1 and 2 together. I was leery about reading this book when one of the reviews likened it to Red Dawn. That book/movie kept me awake for months after reviewing it. But, I delved into it with caution I almost scrapped it due to cussing in a few places, I have a hard time with swearing in books. (this is why the book only rated 3 stars otherwise I would have given it 4) I braved reading past the cussing and found I really liked the story. When I was able to put it down it was because I was finished and there was nothing else left to read.

The author held my interest from the very first until the last. Leaving me wanting more. It was a good clean read without a lot of violence (I was worried about that) So far with what I've read I'd refer this book to my daughter and granddaughters and anyone else that might be interested.

The characters came alive to me. Each had his or her own distinct personalities and I could relate to them. I ended up feeling a kindred spirit with the characters, especially with Prentiss. The story seems to be told through her eyes. It does seem to start out a bit like Red Dawn where her little community is taken hostage by an unknown group of people. She, along with a number of others are imprisoned within a compound where they are put to work growing and harvesting food in the fields and taking care of milk cows for the milk and butter.

Prentiss is determined to find a way out and in doing so pulls you deeper into the story. She soon learns it's not going to be as easy as just getting away from her captors and needs to learn more about them.

Behind the Stars was a pleasant surprise., I don't know what the other installments have in store but if there anything like the first two it will have been time well invested and money well spent in the purchase and reading of the remaining books in the series.

Take advantage of the first book Captive, it's a freebie on Amazon and is well worth the read. I've not read any of this authors work before but will soon remedy this.

Sherilynn

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tagline for this series reads "Red Dawn Meets LOST" - All books must be read in order as they follow and connect the readers to the "Whole" story.

Also available as a serial , Behind the Stars is a new collection and tale from Leigh Talbert Moore who is known for her Mosaic Series. Behind the Stars is not normally a book I would have picked up, but since I have enjoyed this author in the past - I did. To give you a heads up, this book is a Science Fiction adventure and in a way reminded me of the TV series "Starcrossed". A group of aliens have invaded earth and especially the small community of Dabbs Creek . They have kidnapped the townspeople and split them into two groups - the ones that they needed are in a working camp and the rest of the community have been placed under a sleep serum and put underground. Phone calls have been made to outsiders , so that the incident isn't drawn any attention. The big question though is why are they here and what do they want ? Turns out that their planet is under attack and they need somewhere new to survive and live and the humans have been sourced to help them in their tasks to survive. Unlike the majority of them it seems that Prentiss is the only one who has not been affected by what was given to them all and is the only one actually conscious of what is happening around her. As the story goes on , we see people killed and people die - unintentionally though as well as Prentiss becoming closer to one of the captors - a guy named Gallatin and they both teach each other of their worlds and what is happening. Near the end of the series - we read of the escape but it turns out that things aren't really that simple as Prentiss is forced to make a decision - one that prior to this she had no doubts of what she would choose. Will she stand by Jackson and kill Gallatin or will she discover that her heart now belongs to Gallatin ?

This was a fast-paced and action packed series and for someone who does not like Science Fiction or alien stories, I really enjoyed it. The action and adventure of the story makes the reader feel that they aren't just reading another sort of Alien race story.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prentiss is in the last year of high school. She has her life planned out for her, graduate, become a veterinary, marry Jackson the love of her life, and live the rest of her life on a farm. After her broken home with her mother’s death, her father’s drunkenness, and her brother’s fire and brimstone preaching, she decides that is the best form of stability.

But one day she is kidnapped and waked up with several other kids her age in a strange camp. It resembles something like a summer camp. The exception is they are fed on a prison schedule, the boys go do heavy lifting and the girls are divided up to tend crops or take care of cows. Prentiss decides that she is going to do whatever it takes to get away to Jackson, and then he will come up with a plan to save everyone.

Because of her knowledge of cows she gets assigned to the barn and there she meets Cato the leader and her brother Gallatin. Something is going on and Prentiss decides to try and get close to Gallatin to figure out what is going on and find some way to escape. But things don’t go as planned for her.

She gets closer to Gallatin but further away from her plans. But when something happens to a close friend and someone is found looking for the missing people things are going to go in an unexpected direction for Prentiss. The question is if she is strong enough to stay the course laid out in front of her.

This is one of the best series I have read in a long time. I started reading each episode but when I finally got the full book I couldn’t put it down. Prentiss is so strong even though she doesn’t really think she is and it is great following her and having her realize how special she really is. Jackson is just a jerk and I think gets off too easy at the end of the book. And Gallatin, I loved watching him go from a cold person to so loving.

This is a great young adult series that everyone will like. The story will suck you in and you won’t be getting any sleep until you are done reading it.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't picked up the first installment of this serial release, I highly recommend you pick up the full series which released today! I've been a fan of Leigh Talbert Moore for a while now, and when I heard her next series would be adventurous and sci-fi based I knew I had to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed.

Prentiss was a character that grew on me. I loved her constant questioning and her unfailing determination to save her friends. I thought I knew where the story was headed but there were several unexpected twists that I enjoyed a lot. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but needless to say, Prentiss definitely found her voice.

I really enjoyed the world building, having only briefly driven through Mississippi as a child I don't have much familiarity with the area. Moore does a wonderful job not only creating the scenery but also the feel of a summer in south Mississippi. I could feel the sweat on my brow as she describes the kids working on the farm in the humid and hot summer air.

This book was not what I expected at all and I think that's what I enjoyed most about it. I haven't read anything like it. The plot was always moving forward, even throughout the flashbacks, I could tell there was something coming. I enjoyed the bits of backstory that the flashbacks provided and it gave a real sense of Prentiss and what her life was like prior to being kidnapped. I do want to mention that while there is some action and sci-fi elements, most of the story revolves around relationships and how they can change and develop even in the most dire circumstances.

If you're looking for an interesting story with some well built characters and a bit of action, this is the book for you. Leight Talbert Moore has done it again!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.*

[Sassy Southern Book Affair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh got in touch with me about reviewing this book and I'm glad she did. Just based on the synopsis, this book is not what I thought it was. This was a paranormal read but luckily that doesn't bother me at all. In fact at the time, I was needing a change.

Prentiss is a strong character. She's a hard worker. Wanting to better herself, she helps out and learns all she can from the local vet. Her plans are to get through school, then marry Jackson and help out on the farm. But there are a turn of events that prevent that.

Prentiss is a character who works hard and looks out for those she cares about, even after being kidnpped. She tries so hard to get back to her boyfriend Jackson and never loses hope. No matter how hopeless the situation seems, she never gives up. She is always thinking of a way out of the situation she is in.

Just from the synopsis you think this is just a story of Prentiss being kidnapped and how she finds a way out, but it's not. Oh, it's so much more than that. She is actually kidnapped but wakes in a camp with people she recognizes like her brother and people she went to school with. However, she doesn't see Jackson but she does see his best friend.r. The people in the camp are put into groups to perform tasks daily.

Like I said, Prentiss wants so bad to escape but hears from the others that if she does, it will be deadly. To try and get closer and figure things out, she agrees to do extra work the cows. Having worked with the vet she knows what she's doing but doesn't want to let her kidnappers know that. The camp's leader is Cato. Her brother, Gallatin, ends up coming to the camp and things develop between Prentiss and him.

Will Gallatin be able to help her escape? Does he share the same feelings or is there another motive for getting close to Prentiss?

I completely enjoyed this book and it was an easy read.

~Jade

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Moore is a talented author who brings exciting stories to her readers and Behind the Stars is no different.

Behind the Stars is the complete story from 6 individual parts, Captive, Learning to Spy, Harvest Moon, Jackson, Into the Woods and If I Fly. Each part is full of emotional moments giving the reader a spike sense uncertainty before the next part is revealed.

Prentsis Puckett is a young girl from a farming community that has been dealt a hard young life. The only consist in her life is her long time boyfriend, Jackson, the boy whom she has depended on since they were in middle school.

As graduation from high school is approaching so is the biggest change in Prentsis' life as she walks along a lonely county road. Prentsis will have to learn to adapt in order to survive.

Throughout the book, Prentsis grows stronger in all the fascists of her life, both physically and emotionally learning to be a leader. As the future continues,Prentsis gives her friends hope and faith to cling onto never giving up while opening her eyes to all the truths that she has ignored from the past.

As Prentsis past collides with the present so does the reality that not everything is what you believed. With her eyes opened to the truth, Prentsis has choices to make, stick to the past or move towards the future. With a heavy heart, she makes the ultimate decision by listening to her heart.

Behind the Stars is a sweet and caring book that brings unexpected people together for the common good.

Great job Leigh. You once again gave the world a book that is a joy to read while teaching us about love and acceptance.

Its adventurous and exciting, a great book for anyone. I plan on downloading the entire series for both my children. Hopefully, Leigh will consider another another addition or two into the future of Prentsis.

[Kelly Mccurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~

Man, this is one of the best series that Leigh has put out! I couldn't put it down at all!!! In a small town something strange is happens. Prentiss is on her way to Dr. Greens, when suddenly everything goes dark. She wakes up, unsure of the day, and unsure where she is. All she knows is that she has to get out of there and back to Jackson. But, things aren't what they seem. The people that are holding her captive, aren't who they claim to be. And Gallatin isn't what she wants, or is he?!

OK, this series is seriously the best series that I have read in a while. I couldn't put it down at all. This series still has my attention, begging to be revisited!! There are so many things in this book that are fantastic, I am not going to give anything away because that is cheating. So here are my thoughts. Leigh has written a series that is refreshingly different than what I have ever read. There isn't any wild passionate love making, no poorly dressed people. This book is teenage love and the act of not wanting to listen to authority. Sometimes not listening is a good thing. Other times, well, you will just have to read the book to find out.
I am going to be re-reading this book again. It is that good! If you have never read Leigh's books, you are missing out. She writes with passion. You can feel the love she puts into her characters. They take on a life of their own and you can see it being played out in front of your eyes. I honestly thought that I was watching a movie and not reading a book. This book is well put together. You need to read this book now!

[Nancy The book junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75/5

**I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

I will start by saying that the storyline wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I started reading thinking it was going to be a story about at kidnapped girl and well… let’s just say that it was much more than that!

The story took some time before catching my attention. There’s a lot of flashback and they might help us get to know the characters more they felt redundant after a while and it made me felt like the story was dragging. Still I stuck to my reading and I’m glad I did because it became really interesting eventually.

I wasn’t much a Prentiss’s fan at first. I felt like she was letting everybody around her using her as a doormat and I wanted her to try to do something for herself instead of always going with what everybody was expecting from her. I’m happy to say that she did a lot of growing up during the book and she’s definitely another person at the end.

I can’t say too much because I don’t want to spoil any surprise but give it a try, this is definitely original and entertaining!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really was not sure what to expect when I began this book. The synopsis the author provided does not really begin to describe all that is about to happen. I don’t want to give away too much so I will just say I am really glad I took a chance on this story.

Prentiss was a strong character like a Hermione or Katniss. She was someone who had no idea how strong she was until she had to be. Prentiss had a rough upbringing after losing her mom at an early age. She learned to depend on her boyfriend Jackson. She was also described as short and petite. People often underestimated what she was capable of accomplishing. I like strong females and characters who find their inner strength so this aspect was great.

The tension between Prentiss and Gallatin was interesting to read, and the evolution of their friendship was really enjoyable. I also liked the supporting characters. Overall, the unfolding of events was quite fascinating to read.

Usually I read New Adult or Contemporary, but I would say this book is appropriate for upper young adult because of some violence.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first 2 parts of this book and could not wait to finish the series. It is described as "Red Dawn" meets "Lost," & what an accurate description that is! Prentiss is a small town girl who finds herself held prisoner in some kind of camp and has no memory of how she got there. She is tiny, yet smart & strong-willed, and sets out to find why she is there and who the people are that are holding much of her Mississippi town captive.
This book was intriguing and once I started reading I did not want to put it down. It kept me guessing and had surprises throughout the book. The characters were well developed. Some I loved and some I wanted to drop kick.;)
Overall, very enjoyable book. I don't want to say too much and spoil anything for future readers. I do hope to read more about Prentiss in the future.

**I was given an ARC from the author, Leigh Talbert Moore, in exchange for an honest review. :)

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Behind the Stars grabbed my interest quickly and it was difficult to put the book down. It was a “just one more chapter” book. I’m really glad that I waited until all 6 parts were available before I read it.

Leigh Talbert Moore has a nice writing style that flows well and is easy to read. Even though there are many times that the story goes back to the past, it’s done in a way that’s not confusing.

The main character, Prentiss, is small but that doesn’t stop her from getting what she wants. Her whole life is planned: high school graduation, marrying Jackson, and running the farm they’ll inherit. Everything changes when the strangers show up and suddenly Prentiss doesn’t know what the future holds.

I thought that the changes in relationships between Prentiss and other characters after the strangers showed up were realistic. I also liked the way the friendship between Prentiss and Gallatin started and blossomed.

I definitely recommend Behind the Stars for young adult and new adult readers, as well as adult readers.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating scifi adventure. I was hooked from page one becoming fully emerged in the story. The plot was well paced and engaging. The characters were interesting and I found it easy to sympathize with their situation and root for a happy ending. Though, at first, I didn't care for the main character but she quickly grew on me throughout the book.
I loved the high stakes and action that made the story move quickly towards the end.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great series! I loved each section and how it left you one wondering what could happen next! Prentiss is a heroine that every girl should look up to! This would be a great series to read for any age and I throughly enjoyed every minute of it!! I also gave individual reviews for each book! A must read series!