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The Desert Series #2
Desert Star
Larsen Davis isn’t afraid to stand up to those who bully him, but in a two-against-one situation at Mystekal High, it’s never easy. When classmate River Dalworth witnesses the abuse and intervenes, the two seniors become good friends. Larsen explains that he’s fighting another battle at his own mother, Raylene, bullies him for being gay. When Larsen meets River’s mother, Arielle, and learns she is overseeing the renovation of the Desert Theater, he shares his dream for a career on stage. Soon, Arielle offers Larsen a job as her assistant, but Raylene is dead set against the idea of her son doing what she considers “gay work.” After Raylene gets a new boyfriend, Reggie, the bad situation at home worsens and Larsen has no choice but to leave. Now working at the Desert Theater, Larsen feels the unearthly presence of someone in the long-abandoned theater. Meanwhile, as the theater nears completion, a talent show is scheduled for opening night. As it becomes more evident that the theater may have a ghost, it also comes to light that someone may be sabotaging the renovation and the show. Is the ghost real or just the handiwork of someone with a grudge? Opening night at the Desert Theater sets the stage for a crime, never-imagined reunions, long-awaited explanations, and otherworldly miracles. CONTENT Mild sexual content and non-gratuitous profanity. Recommended 14+ Book 1 in The Desert Series, MYSTICAL HIGH, was the 2014 eFestival of Words winner for Best Young Adult novel.
350 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2014
186 people want to read
About the author
Lisette Brodey
20 books255 followersLisette was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. She spent ten years in New York City, and now resides in Los Angeles.
She’s a multigenre author of fifteen books: Crooked Moon (General/Literary Fiction); Squalor, New Mexico (Coming-of-Age/Literary Fiction); Molly Hacker Is Too Picky! (Women's Fiction/RomCom), The Desert Series: Mystical High; Desert Star; and Drawn Apart (YA paranormal), Barrie Hill Reunion (Literary Fiction); Hotel Obscure (themed short stories, Literary Fiction); Love, Look Away (Women's Fiction/RomCom), The Sum of our Sorrows (Contemporary Fiction), The Waiting House: A Novel in Stories (Literary Fiction), All That Was Taken (Contemporary Fiction), Twice a Broken Breath (suspense), What the Years Remember, and Too Far Standing Still.
In addition to her fifteen books, two of Lisette’s short stories are published in an anthology: Triptychs (Book 3, The Mind’s Eye Series.)
She’s a multigenre author of fifteen books: Crooked Moon (General/Literary Fiction); Squalor, New Mexico (Coming-of-Age/Literary Fiction); Molly Hacker Is Too Picky! (Women's Fiction/RomCom), The Desert Series: Mystical High; Desert Star; and Drawn Apart (YA paranormal), Barrie Hill Reunion (Literary Fiction); Hotel Obscure (themed short stories, Literary Fiction); Love, Look Away (Women's Fiction/RomCom), The Sum of our Sorrows (Contemporary Fiction), The Waiting House: A Novel in Stories (Literary Fiction), All That Was Taken (Contemporary Fiction), Twice a Broken Breath (suspense), What the Years Remember, and Too Far Standing Still.
In addition to her fifteen books, two of Lisette’s short stories are published in an anthology: Triptychs (Book 3, The Mind’s Eye Series.)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 31, 2014
A lot has changed in Mystekal since book one. And for most of those living in the small, California desert community, life seems to be returning to normal. In just a few short years the high school has been rebuilt, businesses are reopening, and the town is enjoying a full restoration.
In the first installment, we learned about the town's tragic past, and discovered that the hallways of the school -- as well as the surrounding desert -- were overrun with ghosts. Now, as old buildings are being reopened, there are still a few restless spirits who aren't quite ready to move on ... and they are about to make themselves known in a very big way.
River Dalworth, a high school senior, is becoming a confident and capable young man. Along with his best friend, Larsen "Lars" Davis, River is in the forefront of this story. As someone with a peculiar ability to draw ghosts, he is sympathetic to the new girl in town, Avalon, who is also an artist with other unique talents. River's girlfriend, Gina, isn't too fond of Avalon, as she believes the new girl has her sights set on River. And although River has no plans to stray, Gina's jealousy and insecurities get the best of her, causing her to keep a secret from River ... and with dire consequences.
As an openly gay teen, Lars is having a tough time at school and at home. In the hallways of Mystekal High, the school bully, Jax, has made it his mission to make Lars's life miserable. At home, Lars has to deal with a mother who drinks, brings home strange men, and is verbally abusive. River stands up for him, and the Dalworth's offer support, but the reality of Lars's home life doesn't change. His mother forbids him from helping out with the grand opening of a local theater, but he finds a way. And on opening night, his mother is just one of many unexpected guests. What happens, both before and after the curtain rises, will surprise everyone.
Such a great story! River and Lars were definitely my favorite characters, so I was happy to see them in the forefront. I wasn't crazy about Gina, and could see she was going to be trouble, but there were a lot of other twists to keep me guessing. I imagine we will see more of Avalon in future installments. The other characters -- both human, and of the ghostly variety -- added depth, as each individual story line helped to propel the plot toward the final climax. A very well written tale, with believable characters, and plenty of attention to detail. If you are interested in young adult paranormal, this is a must read!
Note: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
In the first installment, we learned about the town's tragic past, and discovered that the hallways of the school -- as well as the surrounding desert -- were overrun with ghosts. Now, as old buildings are being reopened, there are still a few restless spirits who aren't quite ready to move on ... and they are about to make themselves known in a very big way.
River Dalworth, a high school senior, is becoming a confident and capable young man. Along with his best friend, Larsen "Lars" Davis, River is in the forefront of this story. As someone with a peculiar ability to draw ghosts, he is sympathetic to the new girl in town, Avalon, who is also an artist with other unique talents. River's girlfriend, Gina, isn't too fond of Avalon, as she believes the new girl has her sights set on River. And although River has no plans to stray, Gina's jealousy and insecurities get the best of her, causing her to keep a secret from River ... and with dire consequences.
As an openly gay teen, Lars is having a tough time at school and at home. In the hallways of Mystekal High, the school bully, Jax, has made it his mission to make Lars's life miserable. At home, Lars has to deal with a mother who drinks, brings home strange men, and is verbally abusive. River stands up for him, and the Dalworth's offer support, but the reality of Lars's home life doesn't change. His mother forbids him from helping out with the grand opening of a local theater, but he finds a way. And on opening night, his mother is just one of many unexpected guests. What happens, both before and after the curtain rises, will surprise everyone.
Such a great story! River and Lars were definitely my favorite characters, so I was happy to see them in the forefront. I wasn't crazy about Gina, and could see she was going to be trouble, but there were a lot of other twists to keep me guessing. I imagine we will see more of Avalon in future installments. The other characters -- both human, and of the ghostly variety -- added depth, as each individual story line helped to propel the plot toward the final climax. A very well written tale, with believable characters, and plenty of attention to detail. If you are interested in young adult paranormal, this is a must read!
Note: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2014
DESERT STAR’s intriguing cover first captured my interest and after reading the synopsis and a few sample pages, I knew the story would be so engrossing that I wouldn’t want to put it down. Though I’m many years past the young-adult age, the complexity, intrigue, and cleverness in this paranormal story made my read a thrilling one. Once again, Ms. Brodey’s dialogues are brilliant—I fell a little bit in love with River, his ever-present wisdom and banter.
The synopsis told me that this novel would be about bullying – and it is – but there is so much more to the story. As I became more intimately engaged with the characters in DESERT STAR, I realized there was another theme enriching my read: transformation. Even those characters who are only peripherally involved in the renovation of an abandoned theater end up experiencing an affirmation of their personhood, a rebuilding of self-confidence. There are quite a few side stories in this novel, ones that feature characters in various complicated circumstances. I loved how the intimacy of their interactions fostered each others’ personal transformations, and how each story ended up supporting the main plot.
One of my favorite themes is also prominent in this novel: basic kindness. Ms. Brodey is candid in her portrayal of characters who flaunt the cruel side of human nature. She is superb in juxtaposing the distasteful behaviors of flawed characters with those who display the best of our human qualities. The bullying situations are realistically described, but it was surprising to me that my attention was not held so much by the words and actions of the bully. Instead, I was deeply moved by the author’s portrayal of those who stepped in to offer support to the victims. In real-life bullying situations reported in the news, the bully’s actions tend to take center stage. Rarely do we hear about those who step in to offer support—Ms. Brodey gave me this perspective in a way that made me feel as if I, too, was there in support.
Throughout the story—even in minor ways—acts of emboldened kindness are expertly interspersed within the segments displaying ruthless, belittling actions. What struck me deeply was the insightfulness the author displayed in writing these segments. It was the simple acts of kindness that enlivened the spirits of those who were struggling in some way with very personal issues, ones that so many deal with today: being victims of bullying, having no validation as a person from a parent, fearing not being loved by another in a relationship, and trying to use self-restraint in dealing with a bully in order to retain a personal sense of dignity.
Having read book one, MYSTICAL HIGH, and been thoroughly satisfied with its ending, I was intensely curious as to how Ms. Brodey could continue to engage me so completely in book two. DESERT STAR was as intense, dramatic, intricate, and mysterious as was book one. And as she was in writing the first book of the series, the author is exceptional when it comes to weaving the threads of her story into a finely choreographed ending. Be prepared for some unexpected surprises, especially those related to the realm of mystery.
The synopsis told me that this novel would be about bullying – and it is – but there is so much more to the story. As I became more intimately engaged with the characters in DESERT STAR, I realized there was another theme enriching my read: transformation. Even those characters who are only peripherally involved in the renovation of an abandoned theater end up experiencing an affirmation of their personhood, a rebuilding of self-confidence. There are quite a few side stories in this novel, ones that feature characters in various complicated circumstances. I loved how the intimacy of their interactions fostered each others’ personal transformations, and how each story ended up supporting the main plot.
One of my favorite themes is also prominent in this novel: basic kindness. Ms. Brodey is candid in her portrayal of characters who flaunt the cruel side of human nature. She is superb in juxtaposing the distasteful behaviors of flawed characters with those who display the best of our human qualities. The bullying situations are realistically described, but it was surprising to me that my attention was not held so much by the words and actions of the bully. Instead, I was deeply moved by the author’s portrayal of those who stepped in to offer support to the victims. In real-life bullying situations reported in the news, the bully’s actions tend to take center stage. Rarely do we hear about those who step in to offer support—Ms. Brodey gave me this perspective in a way that made me feel as if I, too, was there in support.
Throughout the story—even in minor ways—acts of emboldened kindness are expertly interspersed within the segments displaying ruthless, belittling actions. What struck me deeply was the insightfulness the author displayed in writing these segments. It was the simple acts of kindness that enlivened the spirits of those who were struggling in some way with very personal issues, ones that so many deal with today: being victims of bullying, having no validation as a person from a parent, fearing not being loved by another in a relationship, and trying to use self-restraint in dealing with a bully in order to retain a personal sense of dignity.
Having read book one, MYSTICAL HIGH, and been thoroughly satisfied with its ending, I was intensely curious as to how Ms. Brodey could continue to engage me so completely in book two. DESERT STAR was as intense, dramatic, intricate, and mysterious as was book one. And as she was in writing the first book of the series, the author is exceptional when it comes to weaving the threads of her story into a finely choreographed ending. Be prepared for some unexpected surprises, especially those related to the realm of mystery.
December 14, 2014
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
In Mystical High, the first book of The Desert Series, the town of Mystekal was in decay. As if to underscore how much, multiple people reported ghost sitings. But they quickly found out that the living could be much more frightening than the dead, and the death of the Ernest Carrow, the murderous high school principal who also owned much of the town, allowed the residents to start rebuilding their lives and rebuilding Mystekal.
Arielle Dalworth, newly returned to Mystekal (and remarried to her husband after an ill-conceived tryst with a slimeball Hollywood producer) is charged with reviving the once grand theater. As she's making arrangements, her hilariously brilliant son River meets Larsen "Lars" Davis, a talented young man who dreams of a career as an actor but whose life is made hellish by the bullying he suffers over his sexuality- both in school and at home. River may be quirky, but he's also brave, and there's no way he's going to watch someone suffer like that. But there are limits to what a good friend can do, especially when most of your trouble is at home. Lars is going to need a guardian angel to help get him out of his miserable situation...and one happens to be working in his school cafeteria. But what is haunting gentle, kind Kathryn, and why does it hurt her so much to see him bullied? There's a lot to unravel and unpack, and some of it is going to include a shocking revelation that will help explain some of the past. But is that going to be enough to prevent another disaster just as the town is coming back to life?
From page one, the reader knows this story is going to be about bullying. As hard as it is to read about someone being bullied in school, it's even harder to read about someone being bullied at home. Your heart will break as you read how sweet and thoughtful Lars suffers through his mother's insults (and those of the people she brings home). However, seeing the Dalworths, especially River and Arielle, reach out inspires hope that Lars' situation will improve.
One of the things I love about Brodey's writing is that she shows the shades of all of her characters, whether they're "good" or "bad". Some of the characters do stupid things, but she gives all of them the capacity to dig deep and understand why so that both they and the readers understand. Still, as someone points out, it takes a lot more than logical understanding to prevent your insecurities from being your own worst enemies, and sometimes that process takes time. Arguably, one of the questions lingering over the series is whether people have enough time to "grow up" before they do something they'll regret.
The shocking revelation in this book helps shed some light on some of what happened in the first book. (Hint: if you liked Book Two and Six of the Harry Potter series, you'll definitely get a kick out of this one.) But ultimately, tragedy is a circumstance, and people still make choices. Brodey explains some of her characters' actions more deeply, but she doesn't excuse them.
I found myself tearing up at the end when we finally get to meet the "desert star", and I'm pretty sure other readers will too. Recommended for fans of young adult paranormal.
In Mystical High, the first book of The Desert Series, the town of Mystekal was in decay. As if to underscore how much, multiple people reported ghost sitings. But they quickly found out that the living could be much more frightening than the dead, and the death of the Ernest Carrow, the murderous high school principal who also owned much of the town, allowed the residents to start rebuilding their lives and rebuilding Mystekal.
Arielle Dalworth, newly returned to Mystekal (and remarried to her husband after an ill-conceived tryst with a slimeball Hollywood producer) is charged with reviving the once grand theater. As she's making arrangements, her hilariously brilliant son River meets Larsen "Lars" Davis, a talented young man who dreams of a career as an actor but whose life is made hellish by the bullying he suffers over his sexuality- both in school and at home. River may be quirky, but he's also brave, and there's no way he's going to watch someone suffer like that. But there are limits to what a good friend can do, especially when most of your trouble is at home. Lars is going to need a guardian angel to help get him out of his miserable situation...and one happens to be working in his school cafeteria. But what is haunting gentle, kind Kathryn, and why does it hurt her so much to see him bullied? There's a lot to unravel and unpack, and some of it is going to include a shocking revelation that will help explain some of the past. But is that going to be enough to prevent another disaster just as the town is coming back to life?
From page one, the reader knows this story is going to be about bullying. As hard as it is to read about someone being bullied in school, it's even harder to read about someone being bullied at home. Your heart will break as you read how sweet and thoughtful Lars suffers through his mother's insults (and those of the people she brings home). However, seeing the Dalworths, especially River and Arielle, reach out inspires hope that Lars' situation will improve.
One of the things I love about Brodey's writing is that she shows the shades of all of her characters, whether they're "good" or "bad". Some of the characters do stupid things, but she gives all of them the capacity to dig deep and understand why so that both they and the readers understand. Still, as someone points out, it takes a lot more than logical understanding to prevent your insecurities from being your own worst enemies, and sometimes that process takes time. Arguably, one of the questions lingering over the series is whether people have enough time to "grow up" before they do something they'll regret.
The shocking revelation in this book helps shed some light on some of what happened in the first book. (Hint: if you liked Book Two and Six of the Harry Potter series, you'll definitely get a kick out of this one.) But ultimately, tragedy is a circumstance, and people still make choices. Brodey explains some of her characters' actions more deeply, but she doesn't excuse them.
I found myself tearing up at the end when we finally get to meet the "desert star", and I'm pretty sure other readers will too. Recommended for fans of young adult paranormal.
November 19, 2014
DESERT STAR (The Desert Series Book 2) by Lisette Brodey
Larsen Davis is the new boy in town. When River Dalworth sees him being bullied and stands up for him, they soon become good friends. Not only is he being bullied at school but his own mother is the biggest bully of all, she can not accept that he is gay.
Larsen meets River's mother Arielle, who offers him a job at the old movie theater. Arielle is in charge of the renovations at The Desert Theater. Larsen stars to feel something in the Theater, he wonders could it be a ghost?
Some unexpected events occur in the building, and they all begin to wonder if someone is playing tricks? Is there any possibility it could be a ghost? As opening night approaches things start to unravel. Tension, excitement and even danger awaits.
A well written story with likable characters, suspense, mystery and secrets. Larsen is very likable and his situation is true to life. River is very unique, lovable and loyal to those he cares about. Arielle is everyone's "Dream Mom" kind, loving and passionate about her work.
We meets new characters and are reunited with some from book one. The story is original, gripping and filled with secrets, I love that in a book. I was hooked from the first page until the last!
I highly recommend DESERT STAR To Y/A, Adults and those who love paranormal. Although it is great as a stand alone, I strongly suggest reading book one Mystical High, in the Desert series, also by Lisette Brodey.
Larsen Davis is the new boy in town. When River Dalworth sees him being bullied and stands up for him, they soon become good friends. Not only is he being bullied at school but his own mother is the biggest bully of all, she can not accept that he is gay.
Larsen meets River's mother Arielle, who offers him a job at the old movie theater. Arielle is in charge of the renovations at The Desert Theater. Larsen stars to feel something in the Theater, he wonders could it be a ghost?
Some unexpected events occur in the building, and they all begin to wonder if someone is playing tricks? Is there any possibility it could be a ghost? As opening night approaches things start to unravel. Tension, excitement and even danger awaits.
A well written story with likable characters, suspense, mystery and secrets. Larsen is very likable and his situation is true to life. River is very unique, lovable and loyal to those he cares about. Arielle is everyone's "Dream Mom" kind, loving and passionate about her work.
We meets new characters and are reunited with some from book one. The story is original, gripping and filled with secrets, I love that in a book. I was hooked from the first page until the last!
I highly recommend DESERT STAR To Y/A, Adults and those who love paranormal. Although it is great as a stand alone, I strongly suggest reading book one Mystical High, in the Desert series, also by Lisette Brodey.
February 23, 2015
Desert Star, the second book in Lisette Brodey's The Desert Series, picks up a couple of years after Book One, Mystical High with many of the same characters and some new ones for added flavor. As with the first book, I was drawn in from page 1. The characters are carefully and realistically constructed and the story moves at a really good pace. The twists and turns are better than a roller coaster ride.
This book's main protagonist is a gay teenager who is befriended by River, well-remembered from the first book. The boy is the victim of bullying because of his sexual orientation. Even his mother bullies and berates him, delivering the lowest possible blows.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot. The beginning of the revitalization of the town we read about in Book One is riveting. The dialogue is realistic. This is a thoroughly satisfying entry into the series.
This book's main protagonist is a gay teenager who is befriended by River, well-remembered from the first book. The boy is the victim of bullying because of his sexual orientation. Even his mother bullies and berates him, delivering the lowest possible blows.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot. The beginning of the revitalization of the town we read about in Book One is riveting. The dialogue is realistic. This is a thoroughly satisfying entry into the series.
November 13, 2015
DESERT STAR (The Desert Series Book 2) by Lisette Brodey
Larsen Davis is the new boy in town. When River Dalworth sees him being bullied and stands up for him, they soon become good friends. Not only is he being bullied at school but his own mother is the biggest bully of all, she can not accept that he is gay.
Larsen meets River's mother Arielle, who offers him a job at the old movie theater. Arielle is in charge of the renovations at The Desert Theater. Larsen stars to feel something in the Theater, he wonders could it be a ghost?
Some unexpected events occur in the building, and they all begin to wonder if someone is playing tricks? Is there any possibility it could be a ghost? As opening night approaches things start to unravel. Tension, excitement and even danger awaits.
A well written story with likable characters, suspense, mystery and secrets. Larsen is very likable and his situation is true to life. River is very unique, lovable and loyal to those he cares about. Arielle is everyone's "Dream Mom" kind, loving and passionate about her work.
We meets new characters and are reunited with some from book one. The story is original, gripping and filled with secrets, I love that in a book. I was hooked from the first page until the last!
I highly recommend DESERT STAR To Y/A, Adults and those who love paranormal. Although it is great as a stand alone, I strongly suggest reading book one Mystical High In the Desert Series. I look forward to reading the final book, Drawn Apart.
Larsen Davis is the new boy in town. When River Dalworth sees him being bullied and stands up for him, they soon become good friends. Not only is he being bullied at school but his own mother is the biggest bully of all, she can not accept that he is gay.
Larsen meets River's mother Arielle, who offers him a job at the old movie theater. Arielle is in charge of the renovations at The Desert Theater. Larsen stars to feel something in the Theater, he wonders could it be a ghost?
Some unexpected events occur in the building, and they all begin to wonder if someone is playing tricks? Is there any possibility it could be a ghost? As opening night approaches things start to unravel. Tension, excitement and even danger awaits.
A well written story with likable characters, suspense, mystery and secrets. Larsen is very likable and his situation is true to life. River is very unique, lovable and loyal to those he cares about. Arielle is everyone's "Dream Mom" kind, loving and passionate about her work.
We meets new characters and are reunited with some from book one. The story is original, gripping and filled with secrets, I love that in a book. I was hooked from the first page until the last!
I highly recommend DESERT STAR To Y/A, Adults and those who love paranormal. Although it is great as a stand alone, I strongly suggest reading book one Mystical High In the Desert Series. I look forward to reading the final book, Drawn Apart.
April 19, 2015
***Friendship and acceptance are important themes in Desert Star***
Desert Star, the second book in The Desert Series, follows Mystical High. This book centers on Larsen Davis, a gay teenager, who is bullied both at school and at home. River Dalworth, whom I loved from book one, befriends Larsen, and this is their story.
The characters are well developed and their lives will tug at your heart. Friendship and kindness give rise to the hope that there is goodness in the world, despite the narrow-minded attitudes of some.
At its core, Desert Star is about acceptance from friends and intolerance from adults who should know better.
More importantly, there is nothing wrong with being ‘different,’ and this is a strong and overriding message in the book.
I devoured Desert Star, a wonderful companion piece to Mystical High. Even if you have not read book one, this is a terrific story filled with redeeming themes that young adults need today. I would highly recommend you start with Mystical High to enjoy the continuity of the layered and multi-dimensional characters.
Bravo to Ms. Brodey for tackling a difficult subject in a voice that is honest and true.
Desert Star, the second book in The Desert Series, follows Mystical High. This book centers on Larsen Davis, a gay teenager, who is bullied both at school and at home. River Dalworth, whom I loved from book one, befriends Larsen, and this is their story.
The characters are well developed and their lives will tug at your heart. Friendship and kindness give rise to the hope that there is goodness in the world, despite the narrow-minded attitudes of some.
At its core, Desert Star is about acceptance from friends and intolerance from adults who should know better.
More importantly, there is nothing wrong with being ‘different,’ and this is a strong and overriding message in the book.
I devoured Desert Star, a wonderful companion piece to Mystical High. Even if you have not read book one, this is a terrific story filled with redeeming themes that young adults need today. I would highly recommend you start with Mystical High to enjoy the continuity of the layered and multi-dimensional characters.
Bravo to Ms. Brodey for tackling a difficult subject in a voice that is honest and true.
November 26, 2014
When River Dalworth see's Larsen Davis the new boy in town being bullied he stands up for him. Larsen is bullied at school and even at home because he is gay and his Mother can't accept that he is Gay. River introduces Larsen to his Mom Arielle , she offers him a job at the Desert Theater. Larsen soon starts to feel something in the theater could it be a ghost? Un expected things start happening in the building. Is someone playing tricks they wonder? Things start to come apart as opening night approaches. Tension, danger, excitement await. A very well written story. I loved the characters, plenty of suspense, mystery and secrets. We meet some new characters and are reunited with some characters from the first book. If you enjoy paranormal stories i highly recommend you read Desert Star.
December 13, 2014
I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Character wise, this one was better than book 1. It didn't feel so cluttered because most of the characters had been established already, so I didn't feel confused while I was reading it. Although the recurring character's development from the first book was unrealistic, and the new ones felt like they were just added for token minority. I was offended a few times at the author's portrayal of some of the characters.
The dialogue was worse in this book. I cringed many times. I would not have finished this one if it wasn't gifted to me and I didn't feel obligated. Again, I had no issue with the grammar and didn't catch any typos.
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/d...
Character wise, this one was better than book 1. It didn't feel so cluttered because most of the characters had been established already, so I didn't feel confused while I was reading it. Although the recurring character's development from the first book was unrealistic, and the new ones felt like they were just added for token minority. I was offended a few times at the author's portrayal of some of the characters.
The dialogue was worse in this book. I cringed many times. I would not have finished this one if it wasn't gifted to me and I didn't feel obligated. Again, I had no issue with the grammar and didn't catch any typos.
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/d...
March 14, 2015
4.5-5/5 stars
September 20, 2017
I had read the first book in this series by Lisette Brodey, Mystical High. For me it was a rare foray into YA fiction. What I found was a very human story about a family in crisis, dark undercurrents in the town of Mystekal and a spicing of paranormal phenomenon. The combination worked well and I had no hesitation picking up the sequel, Desert Star. This book is a segue rather than a continuation and features a new protagonist and characters from the first book. Larson Davis, a gay black youth, is getting it from all sides; between bullies at school and his angry homophobic mother his life feels like hell. At the same time his new buddy River offers a lifeline and a look into a happier world. River's mother is renovating an old theatre and offers Larson the opportunity to become involved. Again, there are dark things afoot; including a helpful ghost and several characters who are not what they seem. Brodey brings compassion to her characters and mood to her settings; for me a perfect combination. If you are a fan of YA fiction with a paranormal twist I highly recommend this series.
October 3, 2016
I loved book #1 - Mystical High in the Desert series so I knew I would feel the same about book #2 - Desert Star. The author didn't disappoint. Ms. Brodey gives us two main characters, Larsen and River in Desert Star who you can't help but care about right away. There's also an amazing cast of secondary characters that add to the conflict and to the joy in this story. Larsen's world spins out of control when he is bullied for being gay and when his own mother turns her back on him because she can't deal with who he is. River comes to his defense and they become great friends. The trials of being teens in high school seems to multiply by the day. On top of it, there's a paranormal element that fits into this story perfectly. In my humble opinion, this is a well-thought-out tale that brings to light - bullying, the difficulties of being LGBTQ, insecurities, starting over in a new school, the haunts of your past, parents who don't support their children even if they don't agree with their lifestyle, how great friends can make all the difference in your life and bring out the best in you, and more. Because this book was so good, I can't wait to dive into book #3 - Drawn Apart.
October 9, 2017
I had read the first book in this series by Lisette Brodey, Mystical High. For me it was a rare foray into YA fiction. What I found was a very human story about a family in crisis, dark undercurrents in the town of Mystekal and a spicing of paranormal phenomenon. The combination worked well and I had no hesitation picking up the sequel, Desert Star. This book is a segue rather than a continuation and features a new protagonist and characters from the first book. Larson Davis, a gay black youth, is getting it from all sides; between bullies at school and his angry homophobic mother his life feels like hell. At the same time his new buddy River offers a lifeline and a look into a happier world. River's mother is renovating an old theatre and offers Larson the opportunity to become involved. Again, there are dark things afoot; including a helpful ghost and several characters who are not what they seem. Brodey brings compassion to her characters and mood to her settings; for me a perfect combination. If you are a fan of YA fiction with a paranormal twist I highly recommend this series.
May 26, 2016
A terrific followup to Brodey's Mystical High, this book blends real world issues like bullying, friendship, love, and family with a paranormal twist. Brodey's characters are well-written and engaging, and the issues are the issues that matter right here and now: fitting in at school and at home, finding your own way in the world, dealing with judgemental family members and classmates if when you're a young gay person, and dealing with love (and lust!) as a teenager.
September 11, 2015
This is an outstanding second installment in this trilogy. Brodey has written a fun, exciting, and intriguing. The characters are well-developed, have their own internal struggles to work out, and must face many of the struggles that high school students face as they evolve into young adults.
Don't miss this book!
Don't miss this book!
August 3, 2023
A decent young adult fantasy book, with a touch of romance and suspense thrown in
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