Principles: Sun, Moon, and Stars, Book 2

by E.J. Russell, Greg Boudreaux (Narrator)

Sun, Moon, and Stars marries magic and science, featuring a road trip, deepening friendship, and a world where choice is the most sacred value.

The books feature the continuing adventures of asexual Sun mage Zal and nonbinary cyborg Torian. In this second story, Zal and Torian finally make it to the capital, but things don't go exactly as planned...

Audible Audio

Published February 11, 2026

About the author

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Reviews

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Principles" continues with Zal and Torian's relationship slowly developing. On their trek to the Capital, Torian entertains Zal with the songs and verbal retellings of old Earth 'movies'. It's a sweet and affectionate slow burn.
The story takes a bit of a darker turn as they reach the Capital. Zal brings Torian to the Tine, convinced of his innocence. Things go horribly wrong. Zal is arrested and sentenced to execution for breaking his celibacy oath, because that's the 'only' way a sun stone can be destroyed. Torian is confiscated as a possession.
The worst of it was that at least one of the Tine was aware of the observing scientists. Had even been working with Edris to take over the Capital and Council not knowing Edris was dead and that the remaining scientists had fled the planet. The Tine member activated a hidden file in Torian's cybertronic memory but they escaped before it could be used.
Fast paced. Some new allies as well as new villains. The worldbuilding is descriptive and the tension rachets up from chapter one, ending on a cliffhanger. When the story ended rather abruptly, I went back to the e book(something I always have to do because my spelling is atrocious!) and found that there is a book three. I look forward to an audio of that one!
Greg Boudreaux's narration was absolutely delicious. The perfect combination. EJ Russell's wonderful story and his golden voice. One of the best narrators out there. And what an absolute treat hearing him sing "Frère Jacques".
I received an advanced audio copy of this story and this is my review.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the world the author has created. It's very interesting and I loved learning more about the different cultures. Torian and Zal continue their trip and their friendship gets stronger. Some really big things happened towards the end of the book. There were some unexpected moments that made me very emotional. I feel very connected to the two main characters. They are wonderful. I want more stories set in this world!
The narrator was fantastic and perfect for the story. I loved how he voiced Torian and Zal, the voices were distinct and matched the characters.

[SandyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Unlike the first in this duology, this book can't stand alone, but well worth the time. I hope the author comes back to this world - while Zal and Torian's story feels complete, I want to hear what happens next after their trip to The Capitol.