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Arash #2
Raytara: Judgement of the Stars
This is an alternate Cover Edition for ISBN10: 1493559931/ ISBN13: 9781493559930.
The roles are changing:
Bright may not be bright after all when the past catches up with dark sins. But dark isn’t supposed to be the equivalent of bad, or is it?
Livia has been an Arash for five months when her perfect life starts to crumble around her. A second Arash family, led by the fierce Philomena, harbouring a century-old hatred against Randolph, threatens to destroy them all, while Ruth spills Livia’s best kept secret, wrecking her love affair. Philomena, out for revenge, infiltrates her followers into Randolph’s family, but will everyone fall for the ruse? In the course of events Livia discovers her amazing inexplicable powers but will she be strong enough to save Randolph, who hides more secrets than anyone could guess, from Raytara, the judgement of the stars? Will her best friend Natalie finally find true love in the most unexpected of persons and can Livia save her own love after all?
Like “Arash - Shadow Hunt”, the first volume of the four-book series, “Raytara – Judgement of the Stars” is a gripping love story about unthinkable challenges and dangers in the fascinating world of the Arash.
The roles are changing:
Bright may not be bright after all when the past catches up with dark sins. But dark isn’t supposed to be the equivalent of bad, or is it?
Livia has been an Arash for five months when her perfect life starts to crumble around her. A second Arash family, led by the fierce Philomena, harbouring a century-old hatred against Randolph, threatens to destroy them all, while Ruth spills Livia’s best kept secret, wrecking her love affair. Philomena, out for revenge, infiltrates her followers into Randolph’s family, but will everyone fall for the ruse? In the course of events Livia discovers her amazing inexplicable powers but will she be strong enough to save Randolph, who hides more secrets than anyone could guess, from Raytara, the judgement of the stars? Will her best friend Natalie finally find true love in the most unexpected of persons and can Livia save her own love after all?
Like “Arash - Shadow Hunt”, the first volume of the four-book series, “Raytara – Judgement of the Stars” is a gripping love story about unthinkable challenges and dangers in the fascinating world of the Arash.
242 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 11, 2013
2 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Elke Stevens
6 books8 followersElke Stevens lives in Vienna, Austria, and in London. She studied Romance philology and English and American Studies in Salzburg, Venice, and London, culminating in her dissertation on ‘Machiavelli under the Perspective of Greek and Latin Historiography’. After a career in marketing and the birth of her two daughters she founded a successful translation business. Elke loves books, modern art, travelling, shopping with her daughters and walking her dogs in Hyde Park.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 23, 2020
Keeps getting better
Even better than the first book. I'm loving the strength the characters are showing, and the twists and turns in the storyline too. Can't wait to read book 3
Even better than the first book. I'm loving the strength the characters are showing, and the twists and turns in the storyline too. Can't wait to read book 3
November 13, 2013
Raytara – Judgement of the Stars. Elke Schuster.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I loved Shadow Hunt, the first in this four book series so was really pleased to get this one for review. Like the first book its action right from the start. We heard briefly of another Arash family in the last book, they really come to the fore here. Its seems this other family have a real hatred of Randolph, head of this family and have been planning revenge on him for a very long time. This places all the family in danger, though its Randolph and Livia that are the main targets. There are lots of secrets, and as they slowly get revealed more and more dangers threaten the once happy family, setting them against one another. Can they get past all these problems and be a happy tight knit group once more, or is the damage permanent?
I love this world, its very different from the usual supernatural books, and I really enjoy meeting the characters within it. Its an interesting mix, and very cleverly put together to provide maximum entertainment for the reader. Thankfully although the series is linked so far each book is complete in itself, with suggestions as to what happen in next one but no awful, horrible, hateful, frustrating cliffhanger endings! I loathe those....Anyway, Livia is learning more about her new world and discovering some unexpected powers. She needs to learn to control them but at the same time she also has a huge, heartbreaking problem. Ruth has spilled her secret about what happened when she and Cassius were briefly apart, and he is distraught at what he learns, and wants nothing to do with her. I love this sort of drama, if a romance is all happy-happy it seems so boring :) so a bit of heartbreak – and this lasts ages in the book – adds so much more to the story and balances out the sweetness. Given time he'd probably be reasonable and think clearly about how confused Livia was at the time especially if he knew what Ruth had told her, but the problems facing the family need his attention right now and he can't take that time. He won't speak to Livia, can she get him to listen and persuade him it was a mistake, and will he let her back into his heart? There's lots of new people to get to know here too, from the new family to the mysterious Rose living in an island off Italy, along with secrets that come out, tumbling one after another and compounding all the difficulties for everyone, problems within both families, mysteries and then the fierce and threatening Raytara being convened. Livia needs all her wits if she's to stay on top of her problems and help her family.
Once again its a fast paced story, full of romance, heartbreak, mysteries and secrets. I didn't envisage half of what happened, Elke certainly kept me guessing about which way the story would go! And that's the sort of reading I like best, stuff that's unpredictable, that keeps me wondering what's going to happen. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series :) esp with that tantalising glimpse at the end...and its one I’ll definitely keep for re reading. Priced at £262/$4.24 for 247 pages its excellent value, being a complex and riveting read that will engage the reader for hours.
Stars: well, five of course!
NB: ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I loved Shadow Hunt, the first in this four book series so was really pleased to get this one for review. Like the first book its action right from the start. We heard briefly of another Arash family in the last book, they really come to the fore here. Its seems this other family have a real hatred of Randolph, head of this family and have been planning revenge on him for a very long time. This places all the family in danger, though its Randolph and Livia that are the main targets. There are lots of secrets, and as they slowly get revealed more and more dangers threaten the once happy family, setting them against one another. Can they get past all these problems and be a happy tight knit group once more, or is the damage permanent?
I love this world, its very different from the usual supernatural books, and I really enjoy meeting the characters within it. Its an interesting mix, and very cleverly put together to provide maximum entertainment for the reader. Thankfully although the series is linked so far each book is complete in itself, with suggestions as to what happen in next one but no awful, horrible, hateful, frustrating cliffhanger endings! I loathe those....Anyway, Livia is learning more about her new world and discovering some unexpected powers. She needs to learn to control them but at the same time she also has a huge, heartbreaking problem. Ruth has spilled her secret about what happened when she and Cassius were briefly apart, and he is distraught at what he learns, and wants nothing to do with her. I love this sort of drama, if a romance is all happy-happy it seems so boring :) so a bit of heartbreak – and this lasts ages in the book – adds so much more to the story and balances out the sweetness. Given time he'd probably be reasonable and think clearly about how confused Livia was at the time especially if he knew what Ruth had told her, but the problems facing the family need his attention right now and he can't take that time. He won't speak to Livia, can she get him to listen and persuade him it was a mistake, and will he let her back into his heart? There's lots of new people to get to know here too, from the new family to the mysterious Rose living in an island off Italy, along with secrets that come out, tumbling one after another and compounding all the difficulties for everyone, problems within both families, mysteries and then the fierce and threatening Raytara being convened. Livia needs all her wits if she's to stay on top of her problems and help her family.
Once again its a fast paced story, full of romance, heartbreak, mysteries and secrets. I didn't envisage half of what happened, Elke certainly kept me guessing about which way the story would go! And that's the sort of reading I like best, stuff that's unpredictable, that keeps me wondering what's going to happen. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series :) esp with that tantalising glimpse at the end...and its one I’ll definitely keep for re reading. Priced at £262/$4.24 for 247 pages its excellent value, being a complex and riveting read that will engage the reader for hours.
Stars: well, five of course!
NB: ARC supplied via Netgalley.
November 26, 2013
This is the sequel to Arash-Shadow Hunt, which when I read it, was one of the best books I had read in a long time. It’s a really different paranormal/science fiction series with just the right amount of romance, mystery and magic. I immediately requested this book from Net Galley when I found it and read it in a day. I received it in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What I Liked :
All of the characters from the previous book are back and it also introduced us to some pretty horrible villains as well. Livie is still the main character and is now five months into her life as an Arash. Arash are shadow beings originated directly from the stars. They are only visible to humans if they want to be and do not cast shadows. They are immortal.
Besides Livie, I really liked most of the characters. As I said in my previous review of Arash, the author has written characters that you care about and want to see what happens to each. The villains introduced, in particular, Fergus and Ruth( although Ruth was in the previous book), were very well written, as in the reader totally hates them-always a sign of a well written book when a villain is involved.
I also liked(loved) the world of the Arash that the author has created. The bright and the dark Arash, and the special powers they possess and how they live their secret life among humans was intriguing. We also learn a lot more about the Arash’s beginning and history. I also enjoyed seeing Livie coming in to her powers.
What I Disliked:
Actually not much. It was a bit slower then the first one but then, I can’t imagine that a sequel could be any better then the first book. And I say slower, but it was a one day read for me so it couldn’t have been that slow! The only other thing, was that it had a cliffhanger ending- but not a horrible one so I can live with it until the next one comes out.
Who I Would Recommend this Book to:
I would recommend this book to all paranormal book lovers out there, especially the ones that like something different from vampires and shape shifters. I think the science fiction fans might be interested also. As far as ages, there are no real sex scenes, though some are assumed, so I think it would be fine for probably ages 15 and up. (PureTextuality.com)
What I Liked :
All of the characters from the previous book are back and it also introduced us to some pretty horrible villains as well. Livie is still the main character and is now five months into her life as an Arash. Arash are shadow beings originated directly from the stars. They are only visible to humans if they want to be and do not cast shadows. They are immortal.
Besides Livie, I really liked most of the characters. As I said in my previous review of Arash, the author has written characters that you care about and want to see what happens to each. The villains introduced, in particular, Fergus and Ruth( although Ruth was in the previous book), were very well written, as in the reader totally hates them-always a sign of a well written book when a villain is involved.
I also liked(loved) the world of the Arash that the author has created. The bright and the dark Arash, and the special powers they possess and how they live their secret life among humans was intriguing. We also learn a lot more about the Arash’s beginning and history. I also enjoyed seeing Livie coming in to her powers.
What I Disliked:
Actually not much. It was a bit slower then the first one but then, I can’t imagine that a sequel could be any better then the first book. And I say slower, but it was a one day read for me so it couldn’t have been that slow! The only other thing, was that it had a cliffhanger ending- but not a horrible one so I can live with it until the next one comes out.
Who I Would Recommend this Book to:
I would recommend this book to all paranormal book lovers out there, especially the ones that like something different from vampires and shape shifters. I think the science fiction fans might be interested also. As far as ages, there are no real sex scenes, though some are assumed, so I think it would be fine for probably ages 15 and up. (PureTextuality.com)
January 1, 2014
Book Review- Raytara: Judgment of the Stars by Elke Schuster
Livia and her family of Arash are back. She is living with Cassius and now that she has finally been changed, hopes that things will be as they were. Cassius is keeping a short leash on Livia out of fear for her safety. She is frustrated. Things are about to change and Livia will be wishing for this time again.
Randolph has many secrets about his life before he formed his present family. His past confronts him the night of Natalie’s disastrous birthday party. The whole family is shocked and learns that another Arash family is targeting them. The girls are being followed and approached by men from the other family.
Ruth finds herself right in the middle of it all. Someone from her past as a human enters her life again and threatens her. She is forced to help betray her current Arash family. She helps reveal all Livia’s secrets and finds enjoyment as Livia’s world falls apart.
Everyone scatters. Natalie has fallen for the enemy and they hide from both families. Cassius disappears full of anger and pain. Augustus separates himself from the family and refuses to get involved with any of the turmoil. Livia is devastated. Cassius hates her and it’s her fault the family is in this state. She is also scared about what is happening to her. No one believes her. She must be going crazy. She needs someone to pull her back from her despair and her fear, but no one is able to.
This book was really good. I liked it better than the first one. It jumped right into the story and continues on the journey. I liked the added family feud and the new members. The fact that Randolph’s past was a big part of the storyline was fitting. He was such an enigma in the first book that having his secrets revealed kept me reading avidly.
Livia is still a weak young woman, but she is getting better. I wish she would get more self-confidence. Her decisions aren’t always the smartest. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Livia and her family of Arash are back. She is living with Cassius and now that she has finally been changed, hopes that things will be as they were. Cassius is keeping a short leash on Livia out of fear for her safety. She is frustrated. Things are about to change and Livia will be wishing for this time again.
Randolph has many secrets about his life before he formed his present family. His past confronts him the night of Natalie’s disastrous birthday party. The whole family is shocked and learns that another Arash family is targeting them. The girls are being followed and approached by men from the other family.
Ruth finds herself right in the middle of it all. Someone from her past as a human enters her life again and threatens her. She is forced to help betray her current Arash family. She helps reveal all Livia’s secrets and finds enjoyment as Livia’s world falls apart.
Everyone scatters. Natalie has fallen for the enemy and they hide from both families. Cassius disappears full of anger and pain. Augustus separates himself from the family and refuses to get involved with any of the turmoil. Livia is devastated. Cassius hates her and it’s her fault the family is in this state. She is also scared about what is happening to her. No one believes her. She must be going crazy. She needs someone to pull her back from her despair and her fear, but no one is able to.
This book was really good. I liked it better than the first one. It jumped right into the story and continues on the journey. I liked the added family feud and the new members. The fact that Randolph’s past was a big part of the storyline was fitting. He was such an enigma in the first book that having his secrets revealed kept me reading avidly.
Livia is still a weak young woman, but she is getting better. I wish she would get more self-confidence. Her decisions aren’t always the smartest. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I give it a 4 out of 5.
August 24, 2015
When I saw this book on NetGalley it was the Title that captured my attention and made me wan to read the book.
This was an excellent second book in what is going to be a 4 book series and is well worth the five star rating that I have given it, because I loved it from cover to cover, would and will recommend it to others as well as read it again in the future.
Elke's writing was even more captivating and descriptive in this book as it was in the first book. Especially when she described the scenes of the Raytara trial and Livvia's journey in space when she reached out to one of the characters miinds while he was ubilocating
I loved getting to know all the characters more especially Randolf and Livvia and seeing Livvia develop even more. It was also great being introduced to Rose another Arash who Livvia met while in hiding. I have to admit I was sad to see Ruth leave Randolfs family but it was nice that another Arash joined his Family.
I can't wait to see how the story develops further especially when it comes to them finding Livvia's mother who we found isn't actually dead but had been imprisoned by an evil non dark Arash from another family. It was lovely end to this story that Randolf and the head of his old family reconciled with each other.
I loved this book so much that as soon as I had finished reading it I started the next book in the series Tasagalt - Cross of the South.
This was an excellent second book in what is going to be a 4 book series and is well worth the five star rating that I have given it, because I loved it from cover to cover, would and will recommend it to others as well as read it again in the future.
Elke's writing was even more captivating and descriptive in this book as it was in the first book. Especially when she described the scenes of the Raytara trial and Livvia's journey in space when she reached out to one of the characters miinds while he was ubilocating
I loved getting to know all the characters more especially Randolf and Livvia and seeing Livvia develop even more. It was also great being introduced to Rose another Arash who Livvia met while in hiding. I have to admit I was sad to see Ruth leave Randolfs family but it was nice that another Arash joined his Family.
I can't wait to see how the story develops further especially when it comes to them finding Livvia's mother who we found isn't actually dead but had been imprisoned by an evil non dark Arash from another family. It was lovely end to this story that Randolf and the head of his old family reconciled with each other.
I loved this book so much that as soon as I had finished reading it I started the next book in the series Tasagalt - Cross of the South.
November 25, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After having read the first of this series, I wasn’t really sure where the second book would take me. The love story seemed to be in HEA territory, but this book threw all of that into turmoil.
After Livia and Cassius finally became a real couple, with Livia making the transition to Arash, now we are faced with a new bunch of issues. Ruth is still trying to figure out which side of the battle she should be on when he long lost lover resurfaces mysteriously. After some even more stunning revelations, it appears that there is another Arash family in town with the sole objective of calling judgment (Raytara) on Randolph. There is a lot of misunderstanding, betrayal, and forgiveness throughout this story. The introduction of a lot of new characters was also a welcome surprise. Sadly, we don’t get a lot of romance, because Cassius and Livia spend the majority of the book fighting or simply not talking to one another.
The world that the author has created continues to be completely unique and surprising at every turn. It really leaves you never knowing what will happen next.
After having read the first of this series, I wasn’t really sure where the second book would take me. The love story seemed to be in HEA territory, but this book threw all of that into turmoil.
After Livia and Cassius finally became a real couple, with Livia making the transition to Arash, now we are faced with a new bunch of issues. Ruth is still trying to figure out which side of the battle she should be on when he long lost lover resurfaces mysteriously. After some even more stunning revelations, it appears that there is another Arash family in town with the sole objective of calling judgment (Raytara) on Randolph. There is a lot of misunderstanding, betrayal, and forgiveness throughout this story. The introduction of a lot of new characters was also a welcome surprise. Sadly, we don’t get a lot of romance, because Cassius and Livia spend the majority of the book fighting or simply not talking to one another.
The world that the author has created continues to be completely unique and surprising at every turn. It really leaves you never knowing what will happen next.
July 7, 2014
This series must be read in order. The first book is Arash Shadow Hunt. This is the second book.
Livia and Cassius are deleriously happy but only on the surface. Livia's betrayal with Ralph still has not come to light and there are loads of other secrets she is being forced to keep from everyone (not just Cassius) and this is causing tension within the family. What is going on as Livia grows into her Arash powers? Why does she know things she cannot possibly know? Why does no one believe her? That is one of the great mysteries of this book!
The intrigue and suspense are even more intense in this installment. The romance but is way more a part of the story as it integral to the plot. The humor takes a thriller nature of this story most of the time but it is a very natural progression due to the heavier nature of the subject matter. I loved this sequel and cannot wait to read the next installment Tasagalt - Cross of the South (Arash)!!!
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers
Livia and Cassius are deleriously happy but only on the surface. Livia's betrayal with Ralph still has not come to light and there are loads of other secrets she is being forced to keep from everyone (not just Cassius) and this is causing tension within the family. What is going on as Livia grows into her Arash powers? Why does she know things she cannot possibly know? Why does no one believe her? That is one of the great mysteries of this book!
The intrigue and suspense are even more intense in this installment. The romance but is way more a part of the story as it integral to the plot. The humor takes a thriller nature of this story most of the time but it is a very natural progression due to the heavier nature of the subject matter. I loved this sequel and cannot wait to read the next installment Tasagalt - Cross of the South (Arash)!!!
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers
November 14, 2013
When I first started to read this series with Shadow Hunt I found it a little bit confusing with the way it switches from character to character's POV to what they are speaking, thinking, and actually doing. However, with that said I could not put it down because it pulled me in and made me want to see where this group of characters where going and what would happen next. I was very excited to read the second installment of this series. It gave me everything I was looking for in it with all the action, mystery, and romance. The plot was beautifully written and put together in such away that I couldn't put it down. The author kept it if fresh and exciting with her unique take on the immortals called the Arash. Especially with all the twist and turns that one does not see coming and leaving you gasping and turning the page to see what is next. I can not wait to see what the author comes up with for the next book.
May 31, 2014
Just when you couldn't think a series could get better this second book, blew my mind. It left off, right where the last book ended. This story takes you to another world like no other. You never can figure out what will happen next and never could guess it if you tried. The twists that happens keep you entertained from the beginning to the end. Once you pick this series up, you have to continue reading until you are finished. This author has truly amazed me with this storyline. Can't wait to start the next one in this series which is now. Glad the author recommended these books to me. Found an new favorite author.
December 17, 2013
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.com.
Love, love, love this book! This is a the second book to the Arash series, and it won't let you down! This books picks up the story of Livia and her "family". After the shadow hunt, things start to go wrong. The "family" is in trouble and must find a way to stay together. Just like the first book, this book is full of action, adventure, twists, and turns. It held me captivated til it was finished. I can't wait to see what the "family" has in store for them next!
Love, love, love this book! This is a the second book to the Arash series, and it won't let you down! This books picks up the story of Livia and her "family". After the shadow hunt, things start to go wrong. The "family" is in trouble and must find a way to stay together. Just like the first book, this book is full of action, adventure, twists, and turns. It held me captivated til it was finished. I can't wait to see what the "family" has in store for them next!
December 30, 2013
*I got a copy of this book as an ARC from NetGalley*
I really love this book. Its full of adventure, twists and romance. This book is just so nice that I can't seem to know when to stop. I have to say, it's wonderfully written. Although I felt confused when I first read the beginning but I eventually understand what's going on. This should be recommended to those who love SciFi and Fantasy.
I really love this book. Its full of adventure, twists and romance. This book is just so nice that I can't seem to know when to stop. I have to say, it's wonderfully written. Although I felt confused when I first read the beginning but I eventually understand what's going on. This should be recommended to those who love SciFi and Fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews