Shooting Stars: Book Two of the Nine Realms Tales

by Micheline Ryckman

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

Micheline Ryckman lives on a farm in the Rocky Mountains of Canada with her family and multiple pets. When she’s not spending time with said family and pets she writes, reads, and illustrates. It was her love of art and literature that inspired her to found Whimsical Publishing, and she gives thanks everyday for how much the small press has grown. She now works as the editor-in-chief and lead designer for Whimsical Publishing, and she’s an accomplished artist and illustrator in multiple mediums. Her young adult, epic fantasy series, The Maiden Ship, and young adult, cozy fantasy series, Charting Stars (The Nine Realms Tales), are all available now.


Stay up-to-date and connected with Micheline by signing up for Whimsical's newsletter via her publisher website/blog: whimsicalpublishing.ca or connect with her on social media sites—Instagram: @theogwhimsicalartist

Reviews

[Naomi]

So grateful to be able to read Shooting Stars right after Charting Stars, because I can't imagine having to wait 5 years after reading that ending?! But let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The stakes are higher, the adventure more action-packed, and the group feels even more like a family than before!

While Charting Stars gave more cozy adventure vibes, Shooting Stars feels more mature and more goal-oriented. Our pocket-loving artistic FMC, Talia Benson, has yet to find a way back home to her mother in Canada. Together with the friends she made along the way, they fight epic monsters and some of their greatest fears. There is quite a strong divide between good and evil, neglecting the complexity of this divide, but making it easier to comprehend the Nine Realms. This doesn't mean that the characters lack depth. On the contrary, they all feel so unique and developed. Talia, Jarrett, Tae, Maren, Bash, Moses, and a few others all come from different backgrounds. Therefore, they make a loving and loyal found family. There are allocated animals, meaning that some can speak/are more humane, which I really loved!

I've already written about Talia and Jarrett in my previous review, so I'll write here more about the story, plot, arc, etc. While I adored the adventure, some side quests felt a bit too much or too long for their main objective. I loved them! Personally, it just made me question the timing of everything. Like, weren't they in a kind of hurry? But other than that, I don't have any other comments other than positive ones. The worldbuilding is fantastic, and you can see that Ryckman is an artist herself. The way she describes the culture, the colours, fabrics, etc. ✨ is so mesmerizing. We see less of Maren and Moses, in my opinion, but that makes way for a few new characters. Like Bash's brothers and Joost (a stable boy). I 100% agree that we often underestimate the younger folks. I also found that there was a bit more politics here, which I enjoyed very much! It adds that maturity to it, I think.

The writing feels immersive, fast-paced, and is easy to comprehend. The characters are so likable, and there is a great balance between humour, romance, and adventure. The dynamics between all characters feel alive and genuine, but the chemistry between Talia and Jarrett is just so so cute!!! They're like star-crossed lovers, and the fact that you know that they have to part eventually is heartbreaking. But magic is possible 😌

Another strong element of this book is the character development, particularly that of Talia. It's admiring to see her stay true to herself but also find her brave heart. The ending was just perfect, though; I can totally see (or I'm just rooting for) novellas focusing on some of the side characters. Or just a whole other book! Hehehe.

Thank you Michelene Rycman and Whimsical Publishing for this e-arc!

[Christina]

I’ve read every version of Charting Stars there is - the graphic novel prequel, the first edition, the revised edition, and the audiobook. So when I say Shooting Stars felt like coming home, it really did. I grew to love these characters so much.

Talia is still the fish out of water (or more appropriately, girl out of realm) that she was in the first book, though she’s finding her courage more in this second installment. She’s learned that she CAN be brave, fierce, and heroic - even if her dress doesn’t have pockets (though let’s be real, everything is better with pockets).

Jarrett’s chapters are more introspective. He’s also undergone a significant change, and even more changes come throughout this story. He’s learned to rely on others and ask for help.

As far as the story goes, the action starts the moment you open the book, and it never stops. Our unlikely band of heroes is thrown from one obstacle to the other, but with the help of some new lovable characters, they tackle each hurdle that comes their way. There’s only one scene that felt out of place. Without giving spoilers, it’s after two characters are reunited, and there’s a missing sense of urgency that should be more important considering the circumstances.

This duology is definitely for anyone who loves portal fantasies, found family, or animal sidekicks. It's marketed for YA. Aside from some moderate violence that's to be expected in a fantasy setting during a conflict, I feel it is appropriate for younger teens as well as older.

Finishing it felt like a warm hug. It has a satisfying ending for Talia’s story while leaving plenty of loose threads to tell more tales of the Nine Realms. I truly hope to see books centered around Tae, Bash, Maren, and Moses in the future.

I already can’t wait to reread it when the audiobook comes out!

Thank you so much to the author for an advance review copy. My opinions are my own.

[C Redfern]

4.5 Stars

First, I just want to say; I really enjoyed this book! The story pulled me in from the beginning, and I loved seeing the characters from the first book and getting to know them even more as we follow them on this new journey.
This book was a long time coming, and I felt the author really delivered! I'm so happy she was able to realize her dreams and finish this book after battling with debilitating chronic illness.
The only small issue I had (which is probably more selfishness than anything, lol) was the ending—it felt more rushed than I would have liked, especially compared to the rest of the book. I would have liked to spend a bit more time with just Jarret and Talia at the end. I also would have liked more of a confrontion with Bain (maybe there's a third book in the works? 😏)
That said, I still really enjoyed the book overall and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy a more middle-grade fantasy.

[Hannah Greentree]

Cozy, sweet, adventurous, funny, adorable… I LOVED every second of this sequel to Charting Stars! 🥰 After 5 long years it was SO worth it!!

[Micheline Ryckman]

Can you believe it!?

Some of you may already know the long, gruelling story of Charting Stars, but I’m gonna share it again for those who don’t.❤️

This tale started out as some artwork that then became a graphic novel, but the project got cancelled because of my chronic health problems. (Graphic novels were just too labour intensive for my poor body.😢) After that it was supposed to become a full fledged novel with another author, but that also fell through and got cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances.

I just moved on, leaving CS behind to write The Maiden Ship. It wasn’t until after that series was complete that I decided to just pick up Charting Stars again and write it myself—BUT then I released it at completely the wrong time, with the wrong kind of cover, and it flopped. 😅

In a last ditch effort, I rebranded the cover and re-released it again. And this time, my little tale got far more traction and love. For which I am so grateful. thank you all! 🥹

These trials and tribulations happened amidst many hard years of health struggles, so Charting Stars and I have had a journey!!! But after a long five year wait since CS, (I was too sick to complete this earlier) the second book, Shooting Stars, will be released on October 20, 2026!

Hope and perseverance are everything my luvs, don’t give up!!! Take the journey, day by day, fight through whatever monsters you face, however many years it takes, because there is joy on the other side. ❤️