What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seekers #2
The Stuff of Stars
The second volume in award winning author David Litwack’s dystopian trilogy, The Seekers
But what are we without dreams?
Against all odds, Orah and Nathaniel have found the keep and revealed the truth about the darkness, initiating what they hoped would be a new age of enlightenment. But the people were more set in their ways than anticipated, and a faction of vicars whispered in their ears, urging a return to traditional ways.
Desperate to keep their movement alive, Orah and Nathaniel cross the ocean to seek the living descendants of the keepmasters’ kin. Those they find on the distant shore are both more and less advanced than expected.
The seekers become caught between the two sides, and face the challenge of bringing them together to make a better world. The prize: a chance to bring home miracles and a more promising future for their people. But if they fail this time, they risk not a stoning but losing themselves in the twilight of a never-ending dream.
But what are we without dreams?
Against all odds, Orah and Nathaniel have found the keep and revealed the truth about the darkness, initiating what they hoped would be a new age of enlightenment. But the people were more set in their ways than anticipated, and a faction of vicars whispered in their ears, urging a return to traditional ways.
Desperate to keep their movement alive, Orah and Nathaniel cross the ocean to seek the living descendants of the keepmasters’ kin. Those they find on the distant shore are both more and less advanced than expected.
The seekers become caught between the two sides, and face the challenge of bringing them together to make a better world. The prize: a chance to bring home miracles and a more promising future for their people. But if they fail this time, they risk not a stoning but losing themselves in the twilight of a never-ending dream.
220 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2015
31 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
David Litwack
11 books292 followersThe urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
In this new stage of his life, he’s published Along the Watchtower in June, 2013 and The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky in May, 2014. His latest book, The Children of Darkness, the first of the Seekers series, a dystopian trilogy, was published in June, 2015.
David now lives in the great Northwest and anywhere else that catches his fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
In this new stage of his life, he’s published Along the Watchtower in June, 2013 and The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky in May, 2014. His latest book, The Children of Darkness, the first of the Seekers series, a dystopian trilogy, was published in June, 2015.
David now lives in the great Northwest and anywhere else that catches his fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 10, 2016
In this sequel to the Children of Darkness, Orah and Nathaniel continue their journey as seekers. The language and prose of this book is just as beautiful as the first, making this as easy to read as the first. The words just flow off the page effortlessly, it is such a pleasure to read.
Orah and Nathaniel have set off overseas in this adventure, looking for help for those beyond their shores. They have changed their own land, having changed how the vicars operate. No more teachings, the Keep has been opened to all, and people have finally had their minds opened to technology. But things are not working as fast as they should, the Vicars are starting to push the old ways again, and people are not learning as fast as they should. Technology has not been re-learnt, new inventions have not come into the land, in fact, the old ones have not much returned either, even with the help of the Keep. So Orah and Nathaniel set off to find those that can help across the see, and this is where this book really starts off. Orah and Nathaniel wake up on the other side of the world, their ship having been ship wrecked on the coast.
It is here that Orah and Nathaniel find out what happened to those that left and crossed the sea a 1000yrs before.
Litwack covers some interesting territory here, using Orah and Nathaniel to cover a variety of different topics such as the morality of AI, human interfaces with machines (as in transference of minds with machines) and how far we can go, the true meaning of ascendance, love and hate, as well as loss. He covers all of them with such exquisite language and dialogue, bringing such feeling to the story that you find yourself becoming so enamoured and engrossed.
This is a fascinating story of a search for knowledge, of two people trying to not only save themselves, but save the future of their community, their people, and possibly humanity. Of two people trying to seek knowledge of the old ways and learn of technology. In the first book, they had to battle against the Vicars to succeed, finally reaching their goals. In this one, they will face new challenges, some just as difficult, some greater than those they faced against the Vicars.
Throughout all of it though, there is the love that they have for each other, that keeps them strong, keeps them going, gives them the strength to face any challenge. Litwack writes so beautifully of the feelings they have for each other and the power it brings them. You can feel the love come through the pages as you read it.
If you read the first, you must read the second, and if you haven’t yet read this series, it is a must for any who are fans of works such as Wyndham’s the Chrysalids, The Tripods series, the Hunger Games and many others. Litwack’s writing is far superior in a lot of ways to a lot of other works, with his stunning language and prose, skilful dialogue, bringing his characters to life. This is not something to be missed.
Orah and Nathaniel have set off overseas in this adventure, looking for help for those beyond their shores. They have changed their own land, having changed how the vicars operate. No more teachings, the Keep has been opened to all, and people have finally had their minds opened to technology. But things are not working as fast as they should, the Vicars are starting to push the old ways again, and people are not learning as fast as they should. Technology has not been re-learnt, new inventions have not come into the land, in fact, the old ones have not much returned either, even with the help of the Keep. So Orah and Nathaniel set off to find those that can help across the see, and this is where this book really starts off. Orah and Nathaniel wake up on the other side of the world, their ship having been ship wrecked on the coast.
It is here that Orah and Nathaniel find out what happened to those that left and crossed the sea a 1000yrs before.
Litwack covers some interesting territory here, using Orah and Nathaniel to cover a variety of different topics such as the morality of AI, human interfaces with machines (as in transference of minds with machines) and how far we can go, the true meaning of ascendance, love and hate, as well as loss. He covers all of them with such exquisite language and dialogue, bringing such feeling to the story that you find yourself becoming so enamoured and engrossed.
This is a fascinating story of a search for knowledge, of two people trying to not only save themselves, but save the future of their community, their people, and possibly humanity. Of two people trying to seek knowledge of the old ways and learn of technology. In the first book, they had to battle against the Vicars to succeed, finally reaching their goals. In this one, they will face new challenges, some just as difficult, some greater than those they faced against the Vicars.
Throughout all of it though, there is the love that they have for each other, that keeps them strong, keeps them going, gives them the strength to face any challenge. Litwack writes so beautifully of the feelings they have for each other and the power it brings them. You can feel the love come through the pages as you read it.
If you read the first, you must read the second, and if you haven’t yet read this series, it is a must for any who are fans of works such as Wyndham’s the Chrysalids, The Tripods series, the Hunger Games and many others. Litwack’s writing is far superior in a lot of ways to a lot of other works, with his stunning language and prose, skilful dialogue, bringing his characters to life. This is not something to be missed.
June 6, 2017
This is the second in a series.Erin deWard gives a straight forward, plodding narration.It works for this book.Orah and Nathanial finally make it to the land across the sea.It is not what they expect.Instead of a working metropolis, they find it in disrepair.The inhabitants are either part of the mechanical side or the 'green' side.There is a lot of repetition.I was provided this book free by the author, narrator or publisher.
March 1, 2019
it was ok
March 21, 2017
Orah and Nathaniel have set off from Little Pond, attempting to cross the ocean in search of the keepmasters' kin. What they discover isn't exactly what they were hoping to find.
The technos, those who still cling to knowledge and wonder, are struggling to survive. A cataclysm has claimed their best and brightest - locking them in the Dream - leaving only the very old and the very young who struggle to keep the city alive.
On the other hand, the greenies who have rejected technology, and those who have been cast out of the city, struggle to survive, barely being able to feed and clothe themselves.
Yet what the city has is still more advanced that anything in the Keep and Orah and Nathaniel must walk that thin line between the warring parties if they hope to return home - with or without their hoped-for tech.
The Stuff of Stars is a delicate web of desires and hatred, each party pulling for their own goals to the detriment of all else. It's told in Orah's voice, giving you the insight and folly of a young woman consumed with the goal of making her world a better place.
As with The Children of Darkness, Litwack pushes the narrative to balance the quest for truth and knowledge against the desire to be right, because in this dystopian world, to seek knowledge is synonymous with seeking the dark and destruction.
The technos, those who still cling to knowledge and wonder, are struggling to survive. A cataclysm has claimed their best and brightest - locking them in the Dream - leaving only the very old and the very young who struggle to keep the city alive.
On the other hand, the greenies who have rejected technology, and those who have been cast out of the city, struggle to survive, barely being able to feed and clothe themselves.
Yet what the city has is still more advanced that anything in the Keep and Orah and Nathaniel must walk that thin line between the warring parties if they hope to return home - with or without their hoped-for tech.
The Stuff of Stars is a delicate web of desires and hatred, each party pulling for their own goals to the detriment of all else. It's told in Orah's voice, giving you the insight and folly of a young woman consumed with the goal of making her world a better place.
As with The Children of Darkness, Litwack pushes the narrative to balance the quest for truth and knowledge against the desire to be right, because in this dystopian world, to seek knowledge is synonymous with seeking the dark and destruction.
February 23, 2017
I had such high hopes for this book. It has been a while, but I remember really enjoying the first in this series. However, there are some aspects here that didn’t settle with me while I read.
To start off positive, one aspect that I did enjoy here was the debate of whether using technology or nature was better. In life, we need both. However, in the society that Orah and Nathaniel stumbled upon, there were two groups who believed in one or the other. I thought this was handled fairly well.
On the other hand, the perspective is very different from the first read. In the first book, the reader gets to know Orah’s, Nathaniel’s, and Thomas’s thoughts because the perspective changed from one to the next. However, here the reader only gets to know Orah’s thoughts. I’m not sure why the sudden change, but the plot was lacking due to this. Also, I was saddened that Thomas was barely in the picture. Though only Nathaniel and Orah traveled, I have come to enjoy Thomas, and for him to barely be in this read was very disappointing.
Read my full review here:
https://bookloverblogs.com/2017/02/23...
I received a free copy of this book from the JGBS Review Library in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own and no compensation was received.
To start off positive, one aspect that I did enjoy here was the debate of whether using technology or nature was better. In life, we need both. However, in the society that Orah and Nathaniel stumbled upon, there were two groups who believed in one or the other. I thought this was handled fairly well.
On the other hand, the perspective is very different from the first read. In the first book, the reader gets to know Orah’s, Nathaniel’s, and Thomas’s thoughts because the perspective changed from one to the next. However, here the reader only gets to know Orah’s thoughts. I’m not sure why the sudden change, but the plot was lacking due to this. Also, I was saddened that Thomas was barely in the picture. Though only Nathaniel and Orah traveled, I have come to enjoy Thomas, and for him to barely be in this read was very disappointing.
Read my full review here:
https://bookloverblogs.com/2017/02/23...
I received a free copy of this book from the JGBS Review Library in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own and no compensation was received.
February 18, 2017
A great story of friendship and purpose
I very much enjoyed reading “There Comes a Prophet” almost 5 years ago and was delighted to learn that it had been transformed into a trilogy. Orah, Nathaniel, and Thomas were very interesting characters and so was their dystopian world, where everyday life was simple and any technology was tightly controlled by the vicars of the Temple of Light.
The sequel starts off with Orah and Nathaniel having successfully completed their long voyage across the ocean to seek and learn from their ancient ancestors. They encounter a split society, one group oriented towards technology and one with a fear of progress. Not only are they seeking knowledge to help their homeland, but they are in need of help in building a replacement for their shipwrecked boat. However, it seems that their first task is to heal this fragmented society, half a world away from their homeland. The character development is excellent and the themes of love, friendship, loyalty and courage work well with the technological and moral challenges that society faces in its evolution. I particularly like the story being told through Orah.
Mr. Litwack paints each scene vividly and the storytelling is engaging, making it hard to put this book down. I truly enjoyed these first two books in the trilogy and I’m sure that Orah and Nathaniel will overcome more challenges in the third book, reinforcing the core theme of working towards a better world that all of humankind so needs. A great story for readers having a broad range of ages and interests.
I very much enjoyed reading “There Comes a Prophet” almost 5 years ago and was delighted to learn that it had been transformed into a trilogy. Orah, Nathaniel, and Thomas were very interesting characters and so was their dystopian world, where everyday life was simple and any technology was tightly controlled by the vicars of the Temple of Light.
The sequel starts off with Orah and Nathaniel having successfully completed their long voyage across the ocean to seek and learn from their ancient ancestors. They encounter a split society, one group oriented towards technology and one with a fear of progress. Not only are they seeking knowledge to help their homeland, but they are in need of help in building a replacement for their shipwrecked boat. However, it seems that their first task is to heal this fragmented society, half a world away from their homeland. The character development is excellent and the themes of love, friendship, loyalty and courage work well with the technological and moral challenges that society faces in its evolution. I particularly like the story being told through Orah.
Mr. Litwack paints each scene vividly and the storytelling is engaging, making it hard to put this book down. I truly enjoyed these first two books in the trilogy and I’m sure that Orah and Nathaniel will overcome more challenges in the third book, reinforcing the core theme of working towards a better world that all of humankind so needs. A great story for readers having a broad range of ages and interests.
October 19, 2016
Orah and Nathaniel have built their boat and have traveled to the other side of the water in search of the decedents of the Keepmasters. They are seeking knowledge to bring back to the people of Little Pond hoping to make their lives better. They are still seeking the truth as well.
On the other side of the water they meet two groups of people. The first group they meet are still using the machines that their parents, the dreamers left to them to make their lives easier. They are called the technos. The technos follow the Mentor and always do what he says as he is their leader.
The other group of people they meet are the greenies. The greenies live off the land and no long rely on the machines for their survival. The greenies have their own leader whom they call Earth Mother.
The greenies and the technos each have their own beliefs and want nothing to do with the other. They had a falling out of sorts a long time ago and each stay to their selves with no contact between the two groups.
When Orah and Nathaniel try to be friends with both groups each group accuse them of betraying the other. But that is not the case Orah and Nathaniel are only trying to be friends with everyone and to help each group in any way they can. They also know that each group has different things that they can teach them to take back to their homeland to help the people there as well.
Nathaniel and Orah finally convenience technos and the greenies that they can help make their lives easier with the things they can teach them. They also convenience them that they can be friends with both groups at the same time and not betray the other. Can Orah and Nathaniel get the two groups to come together and work as one? Will they ever be friends again?
I have really and truly love going along with Orah and Nathaniel on their search in seeking the truth. What is the truth? Is there actually more than one truth? Can they be more than one truth? Can Orah and Nathaniel ever get people to understand that we are one?
I hope to see Orah and Nathaniel again on their next journey. I highly recommend that you grab your copy of The Stuff of Stars and go with Orah and Nathaniel as they cross the water to the new land and people. But I would suggest that you start with The Children of Darkness to follow Orah, Nathaniel and their friend Thomas to find out how it all began.
On the other side of the water they meet two groups of people. The first group they meet are still using the machines that their parents, the dreamers left to them to make their lives easier. They are called the technos. The technos follow the Mentor and always do what he says as he is their leader.
The other group of people they meet are the greenies. The greenies live off the land and no long rely on the machines for their survival. The greenies have their own leader whom they call Earth Mother.
The greenies and the technos each have their own beliefs and want nothing to do with the other. They had a falling out of sorts a long time ago and each stay to their selves with no contact between the two groups.
When Orah and Nathaniel try to be friends with both groups each group accuse them of betraying the other. But that is not the case Orah and Nathaniel are only trying to be friends with everyone and to help each group in any way they can. They also know that each group has different things that they can teach them to take back to their homeland to help the people there as well.
Nathaniel and Orah finally convenience technos and the greenies that they can help make their lives easier with the things they can teach them. They also convenience them that they can be friends with both groups at the same time and not betray the other. Can Orah and Nathaniel get the two groups to come together and work as one? Will they ever be friends again?
I have really and truly love going along with Orah and Nathaniel on their search in seeking the truth. What is the truth? Is there actually more than one truth? Can they be more than one truth? Can Orah and Nathaniel ever get people to understand that we are one?
I hope to see Orah and Nathaniel again on their next journey. I highly recommend that you grab your copy of The Stuff of Stars and go with Orah and Nathaniel as they cross the water to the new land and people. But I would suggest that you start with The Children of Darkness to follow Orah, Nathaniel and their friend Thomas to find out how it all began.
August 22, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include THE STUFF OF STARS (The Seekers #2) by DAVID LITWACK in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
The Stuff of Stars is the second book in David Litwacks The Seekers series’, and it’s as unique, unpredictable and well-written as the first book.
This story takes place after Orah and Nathanial arrive on the other side of the ocean. They’re seeking the descendants of the Keepers, those who left the Keep—a receptacle for advanced knowledge now forbidden. They find them, but they’re not as they expected. Their world is falling into disrepair, their advanced technology able to be used by only one aging man. The other adults are trapped in the dream—a mental state where they leave their bodies to become pure mind. Only children inhabit the city, and others have joined the Earth Mother and her Greenies—those who have eschewed technology and left the city to live off the land. Orah had hoped to find technology to take home that would help her people, instead she and Nathaniel find themselves teaching the Greenies the basic skills they grew up with: how to weave and die fabric, and how to sew and reap grain to make bread. They also become the first to attempt to talk to the dreamers since an earthquake upset their machines and trapped them in the dream.
These are not light books; the mood is dark in this well-rendered and somewhat dour fantasy world, and yet I never once wanted to put the book down. The story kept me highly engaged and the prose was a delight to read. The overriding theme is the conflict between those who see technology as a god and those who see it as a demon. The author shows that the truth is in neither of the extremes.
This book, though a sequel, could be read as a standalone or the previous book could be read afterwards, because the story stands well on its own and anything important from the previous book is mentioned where its needed.
Another 5 star beauty from David Litwack.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
The Stuff of Stars is the second book in David Litwacks The Seekers series’, and it’s as unique, unpredictable and well-written as the first book.
This story takes place after Orah and Nathanial arrive on the other side of the ocean. They’re seeking the descendants of the Keepers, those who left the Keep—a receptacle for advanced knowledge now forbidden. They find them, but they’re not as they expected. Their world is falling into disrepair, their advanced technology able to be used by only one aging man. The other adults are trapped in the dream—a mental state where they leave their bodies to become pure mind. Only children inhabit the city, and others have joined the Earth Mother and her Greenies—those who have eschewed technology and left the city to live off the land. Orah had hoped to find technology to take home that would help her people, instead she and Nathaniel find themselves teaching the Greenies the basic skills they grew up with: how to weave and die fabric, and how to sew and reap grain to make bread. They also become the first to attempt to talk to the dreamers since an earthquake upset their machines and trapped them in the dream.
These are not light books; the mood is dark in this well-rendered and somewhat dour fantasy world, and yet I never once wanted to put the book down. The story kept me highly engaged and the prose was a delight to read. The overriding theme is the conflict between those who see technology as a god and those who see it as a demon. The author shows that the truth is in neither of the extremes.
This book, though a sequel, could be read as a standalone or the previous book could be read afterwards, because the story stands well on its own and anything important from the previous book is mentioned where its needed.
Another 5 star beauty from David Litwack.
December 5, 2016
Another well written, entertaining. engaging and very enjoyable installment to the seekers trilogy. This installment once again pulls you and weaves a interesting, complex yet simple story.
What happens to a world that has become to dependent on technology when that technology and the knowledge to understand/master it is no loner there.
Orah and Nathaniel have traveled across the ocean looking for the descendants of the Keepers. What they find is not what they expected.
The people Orah and Nathaniel find have divided themselves into separate groups. The Technos, mainly just children who are left, believe in machines. The dreamers, the adult Techno's trapped in dream state. The Greenies, believe in the land and shun technology. Orah and Nathaniel have come seeking help instead they find the people on this side of the ocean need just as much help from them in many ways as they were hoping to find when they started their journey.
They find that as with life on their side of the ocean, each group has their own ideas and strictly adherence to their beliefs. They have forgotten that they need each other and the balance that each group brings. They are too busy judging each other to see the value in each group.
Missed having the different POV's in this book. Really missed not having more of Thomas in this story. Love the creative and detailed descriptions of their world.
Erin deWard does another great job with the narration. Pleasant voice easy on the ears. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. Good singing voice. Good character voices. The narration is very good but struck me as being too soft and soothing for much of the story this time. She almost sounded like she was whispering sometimes. Much softer than in the first book in the series. I do have to say I prefer the narration in the first book better.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
What happens to a world that has become to dependent on technology when that technology and the knowledge to understand/master it is no loner there.
Orah and Nathaniel have traveled across the ocean looking for the descendants of the Keepers. What they find is not what they expected.
The people Orah and Nathaniel find have divided themselves into separate groups. The Technos, mainly just children who are left, believe in machines. The dreamers, the adult Techno's trapped in dream state. The Greenies, believe in the land and shun technology. Orah and Nathaniel have come seeking help instead they find the people on this side of the ocean need just as much help from them in many ways as they were hoping to find when they started their journey.
They find that as with life on their side of the ocean, each group has their own ideas and strictly adherence to their beliefs. They have forgotten that they need each other and the balance that each group brings. They are too busy judging each other to see the value in each group.
Missed having the different POV's in this book. Really missed not having more of Thomas in this story. Love the creative and detailed descriptions of their world.
Erin deWard does another great job with the narration. Pleasant voice easy on the ears. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. Good singing voice. Good character voices. The narration is very good but struck me as being too soft and soothing for much of the story this time. She almost sounded like she was whispering sometimes. Much softer than in the first book in the series. I do have to say I prefer the narration in the first book better.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
October 10, 2016
3.75 stars
“The Stuff of Stars” by David Litwack is Book 2 of ‘The Seekers’ series and follows the adventures of Orah Weber and her husband, Nathaniel, as they explore the lands across the ocean in a courageous attempt to find those with more advanced technology to help with the challenges facing those they left behind. The interactions with their distant relatives are full of surprises, including a distinct division between those who are dependent on failing technology and those who have become self-reliant and are attempting to live on the land. Unfortunately, strife and intolerance have not been left behind, and Orah and Nathaniel may have based all of their hopes on a non-existent resource, unless they can unlock the mystery of the Dreamers.
This science fiction story explores the dichotomy between believing someone else has a solution and finding one’s own answer to problems. The story can be read as a stand alone as there is enough backstory to parse out previous events, but I am sure things would be less mysterious if one was familiar with the trauma and challenges already overcome by this resourceful and determined couple. There are nice twists to the tale but I found myself wondering whether anything major was actually going to happen or if this was a somewhat ponderous character study…although I didn’t feel any depth of connection to the main characters until close to the end. I think this is a tale that would be most appreciated by those who like to follow a gentle tale of discoveries set in another world, that is both primitive and advanced, with plenty of thorny philosophical questions as well as the pragmatic ones involving day-to-day survival.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“The Stuff of Stars” by David Litwack is Book 2 of ‘The Seekers’ series and follows the adventures of Orah Weber and her husband, Nathaniel, as they explore the lands across the ocean in a courageous attempt to find those with more advanced technology to help with the challenges facing those they left behind. The interactions with their distant relatives are full of surprises, including a distinct division between those who are dependent on failing technology and those who have become self-reliant and are attempting to live on the land. Unfortunately, strife and intolerance have not been left behind, and Orah and Nathaniel may have based all of their hopes on a non-existent resource, unless they can unlock the mystery of the Dreamers.
This science fiction story explores the dichotomy between believing someone else has a solution and finding one’s own answer to problems. The story can be read as a stand alone as there is enough backstory to parse out previous events, but I am sure things would be less mysterious if one was familiar with the trauma and challenges already overcome by this resourceful and determined couple. There are nice twists to the tale but I found myself wondering whether anything major was actually going to happen or if this was a somewhat ponderous character study…although I didn’t feel any depth of connection to the main characters until close to the end. I think this is a tale that would be most appreciated by those who like to follow a gentle tale of discoveries set in another world, that is both primitive and advanced, with plenty of thorny philosophical questions as well as the pragmatic ones involving day-to-day survival.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
November 9, 2016
The sequel to The Children of Darkness, I could easily see this book working as a standalone novel if there were a brief summary of the previous events of the book preceding the story. We join Orah and Nathaniel a few years after the events of the first book as they make a journey across the ocean to see what kind of people there might be able to help me in their attempts to bring progress to their world. Instead, they find a society ruled by techno children with problems of their own, almost at war with another group of people who have shunned technology and have chosen to live off the land. Turns out, they need Orah and Nathaniel’s help just as much as the other way around.
This book was mesmerizing from start to finish. The different cultures can easily be symbolic of modern society and the trials we have to go through in attempts to survive, and there are so many minor themes going on: family, friendship, religion, etc, and it kind of reminds me of the Matrix a little bit. The plot is majorly deep and at times tear-jerking. The only thing I didn’t much care for was the point of view. While the previous story jumped around to follow one of the three main characters, which was my favorite part of the book as I mentioned in my previous review, this book was told solely in first person from Orah’s POV. Thomas was not even present for most of the story (appearing only in “dreams” of sorts), which was super disappointing. Even more disappointing was that Nathaniel was present in this story, but he seemed even less relevant to the plot than Thomas. It was kind of sad. I like Orah, but I really missed the two guys from the story.
This book was mesmerizing from start to finish. The different cultures can easily be symbolic of modern society and the trials we have to go through in attempts to survive, and there are so many minor themes going on: family, friendship, religion, etc, and it kind of reminds me of the Matrix a little bit. The plot is majorly deep and at times tear-jerking. The only thing I didn’t much care for was the point of view. While the previous story jumped around to follow one of the three main characters, which was my favorite part of the book as I mentioned in my previous review, this book was told solely in first person from Orah’s POV. Thomas was not even present for most of the story (appearing only in “dreams” of sorts), which was super disappointing. Even more disappointing was that Nathaniel was present in this story, but he seemed even less relevant to the plot than Thomas. It was kind of sad. I like Orah, but I really missed the two guys from the story.
January 21, 2016
The moment I finished reading " The Children of Darkness", I began nagging David Litwack as to when I would be able to read the sequel. And, he was kind enough to gift me with a copy of "The Stuff of Stars" in exchange for an honest review (and, possibly, to get me to stop asking when it was going to come out...LOL). Honestly, I thought I had posted my review before this and am deeply apologetic that it has taken this long. Now, down to the important things!!
This book was so well written and the Orah and Nathaniel were still the same as when I fell in love with them in the first book, even as they had grown wiser and learned from their journey. They have journeyed across the ocean to seeking the living descendants of the Keepers, in the hopes that they have knowledge that can help their home. They encounter two very different groups of people, one who is almost worshipful of all things technological and one who scorns technology completely. Orah and Nathaniel find themselves caught in the middle of the feud between these very different peoples. On both sides, the people were so well written and planned out. There were some very interesting concepts introduced about the dangers of going too far in either direction and the importance of obtaining balance in life. Questions were both raised and answered. And, I can not wait to read what happens next as Orah and Nathaniel make their journey back across the ocean and begin teaching what they have learned.
This book was so well written and the Orah and Nathaniel were still the same as when I fell in love with them in the first book, even as they had grown wiser and learned from their journey. They have journeyed across the ocean to seeking the living descendants of the Keepers, in the hopes that they have knowledge that can help their home. They encounter two very different groups of people, one who is almost worshipful of all things technological and one who scorns technology completely. Orah and Nathaniel find themselves caught in the middle of the feud between these very different peoples. On both sides, the people were so well written and planned out. There were some very interesting concepts introduced about the dangers of going too far in either direction and the importance of obtaining balance in life. Questions were both raised and answered. And, I can not wait to read what happens next as Orah and Nathaniel make their journey back across the ocean and begin teaching what they have learned.
February 15, 2017
Kindle Unlimited but think got the first of the 3 from one of my freebie sites. Would say for adults or younger, although of course the subject matter isn't all lights and roses obviously but says is dystopian.Follows events and changes through 3 books.
The Children of Darkness (The Seekers Book 1)
The Stuff of Stars (The Seekers Book 2)
The Light of Reason (The Seekers Book 3)
The Children of Darkness (The Seekers Book 1)
The Stuff of Stars (The Seekers Book 2)
The Light of Reason (The Seekers Book 3)
November 29, 2015
I was given an electronic copy by the author, David Litwack, in exchange for an honest review.
The Stuff of Stars is the second book in The Seekers series featuring main characters Orah and Nathaniel. In their quest to find the descendants, the kin of the Keepmasters, Orah and Nathaniel travel the great ocean by boat until crashing upon the shores of a distant land. With such a gap between the two distinct inhabitants of this area, can Orah and Nathaniel find knowledge to bring home to Little Pond and the rest of the world? Will the trouble they encounter inhibit their progress?
Always a fan of a good quest novel, The Stuff of Stars did not disappoint. With well established characters such as Orah and Nathaniel, this book also features new main players such as the Earth Mother, the Mentor, Kara, and a host of others. The world that author David Litwack has created is so vibrant, with a rich environment that one cannot help but to imagine living within its splendor. This book delves more into the past, with different perspectives than the previous book. Although it can be read as a standalone, The Stuff of Stars builds upon the foundation laid in Book 1. With the future uncertain for Orah and Nathaniel, I cannot wait to see what might happen.
The Stuff of Stars is the second book in The Seekers series featuring main characters Orah and Nathaniel. In their quest to find the descendants, the kin of the Keepmasters, Orah and Nathaniel travel the great ocean by boat until crashing upon the shores of a distant land. With such a gap between the two distinct inhabitants of this area, can Orah and Nathaniel find knowledge to bring home to Little Pond and the rest of the world? Will the trouble they encounter inhibit their progress?
Always a fan of a good quest novel, The Stuff of Stars did not disappoint. With well established characters such as Orah and Nathaniel, this book also features new main players such as the Earth Mother, the Mentor, Kara, and a host of others. The world that author David Litwack has created is so vibrant, with a rich environment that one cannot help but to imagine living within its splendor. This book delves more into the past, with different perspectives than the previous book. Although it can be read as a standalone, The Stuff of Stars builds upon the foundation laid in Book 1. With the future uncertain for Orah and Nathaniel, I cannot wait to see what might happen.
November 29, 2015
In this second novel, Nathaniel and Orah travel across the sea in search of the descendents of the Keep, in hope that they will be able to assist their people in recovering from the times of darkness.
This was a really great book, perhaps excelling even the first. There is a great mystery here about two types of people that Nathaniel and Orah discover... I don't want to give too much away but it was an excellent book about what it means to be human, what humanity can strive for, and ultimately the balance between technology and nature, dreams and reality. Orah and Nathaniel are tasked with determining the fate of 4 different societies, so the stakes are very high. It was a great page turner and a ton of fun to read. I don't have anything bad to say about this except perhaps Nathaniel could have featured a little bit more as Orah tended to overshadow him. This one is 5 stars for me and one of my new favorites.
NOTE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
This was a really great book, perhaps excelling even the first. There is a great mystery here about two types of people that Nathaniel and Orah discover... I don't want to give too much away but it was an excellent book about what it means to be human, what humanity can strive for, and ultimately the balance between technology and nature, dreams and reality. Orah and Nathaniel are tasked with determining the fate of 4 different societies, so the stakes are very high. It was a great page turner and a ton of fun to read. I don't have anything bad to say about this except perhaps Nathaniel could have featured a little bit more as Orah tended to overshadow him. This one is 5 stars for me and one of my new favorites.
NOTE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
November 29, 2015
Despite formidable obstacles, Orah and Nathaniel found the keep and revealed the truth that the vicars had been keeping from them. They crossed the ocean seeking the descendants of the keepmasters’ kin, hoping they will have the answers they seek. To their dismay, they discover those they seek are both more and less advanced than expected, and they find themselves caught up in a struggle between two sides—those who worship technology, and those who want to return to a pre-technological existence.
In order to broker peace between the sides, they volunteer to enter the realm of the never-ending dream in which some of the people have been trapped. What they discover has profound implications for the future of everyone.
The Stuff of Stars by David Litwack is entertaining sci-fi/fantasy, with compelling characters in a credible setting. Like good fantasy, it goes where no mind has gone before, and like good sci-fi, makes the reader believe it just might be real.
The Stuff of Stars is the stuff of a good story.
In order to broker peace between the sides, they volunteer to enter the realm of the never-ending dream in which some of the people have been trapped. What they discover has profound implications for the future of everyone.
The Stuff of Stars by David Litwack is entertaining sci-fi/fantasy, with compelling characters in a credible setting. Like good fantasy, it goes where no mind has gone before, and like good sci-fi, makes the reader believe it just might be real.
The Stuff of Stars is the stuff of a good story.
January 18, 2016
Holy smokes. This is the second book in the series and I must say, it grabbed me a lot better than the first book. And I LIKED the first book. Dare I say I loved this one?? Yes.
Orah and Nathaniel have exposed the truth about the darkness and are now trying to keep people on their side.
The Stuff of Stars was full of excitement. As with the first book, it was beautifully written. I can't get over how imaginative the author was with both of these books. And again, he delivers well-written and developed characters. It is hard to really understand and like a story if you don't relate to or like the characters, and he succeeded in both books.
I can't wait to see how this series ends (although I will be sad for it to be over). I give The Stuff of Stars 4.5 stars and highly recommend.
Orah and Nathaniel have exposed the truth about the darkness and are now trying to keep people on their side.
The Stuff of Stars was full of excitement. As with the first book, it was beautifully written. I can't get over how imaginative the author was with both of these books. And again, he delivers well-written and developed characters. It is hard to really understand and like a story if you don't relate to or like the characters, and he succeeded in both books.
I can't wait to see how this series ends (although I will be sad for it to be over). I give The Stuff of Stars 4.5 stars and highly recommend.
January 26, 2017
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.
I have read the first book in the series. The narrator was great as from the first novel. She speaks softly as Orah, which I felt was really in character, but some people may not like. She impresses me with her character voices. When they first met the mentor, for example, she sounds both frail and bursting with excitement, which is perfect for the character.
I felt the journey lost a bit of magic from the first story, but perhaps it's because of the characters. Orah and Nathaniel are no longer the naive children who trusted in the temple, and they see the world more realistically now. For example, in the beginning, orah is impressed by the "keep", but soon realizes it's not what she expected.
I have read the first book in the series. The narrator was great as from the first novel. She speaks softly as Orah, which I felt was really in character, but some people may not like. She impresses me with her character voices. When they first met the mentor, for example, she sounds both frail and bursting with excitement, which is perfect for the character.
I felt the journey lost a bit of magic from the first story, but perhaps it's because of the characters. Orah and Nathaniel are no longer the naive children who trusted in the temple, and they see the world more realistically now. For example, in the beginning, orah is impressed by the "keep", but soon realizes it's not what she expected.
February 5, 2017
Evolving from book one, Orah and Nathaniel cross the vast ocean in the hope of further knowledge, but what they find prompts yet more battles and confusion...what will they decide?
A brilliant concept makes this story a compelling read. It questions human behaviour, ignorance, arrogance, forced thoughts and beliefs, and much more. What does it mean to be alive? What sacrifices are necessary for the pursuit of knowledge and what is the meaning of life? These philosophical questions are just part of this imaginative and adventurous story.
Fabulous characters, a sense of place and storytelling; all of which bring both mystery and wonder to this thought-provoking, well-written tale.
Highly recommended.
A brilliant concept makes this story a compelling read. It questions human behaviour, ignorance, arrogance, forced thoughts and beliefs, and much more. What does it mean to be alive? What sacrifices are necessary for the pursuit of knowledge and what is the meaning of life? These philosophical questions are just part of this imaginative and adventurous story.
Fabulous characters, a sense of place and storytelling; all of which bring both mystery and wonder to this thought-provoking, well-written tale.
Highly recommended.
February 11, 2017
Orah and Nathaniel have found their way across the ocean and have found even more people pitted against each other. One advanced and one just beginning their journey. Can Orah and Nathaniel bring the sides together so they can become one, and can Orah and Nathaniel do it before the lose themselves to the dreamers in the never ending dream.
This is a great sequel to the first book The Children of Darkness, there is a lot of action, suspense, and so much emotion in this book it will keep you mesmerized until the end. The narrator Erin deWard brought this book to life for the listener as Orah, telling her story for all to hear. She is a awesome narrator making each character unique, I really can't wait for the next book.
This is a great sequel to the first book The Children of Darkness, there is a lot of action, suspense, and so much emotion in this book it will keep you mesmerized until the end. The narrator Erin deWard brought this book to life for the listener as Orah, telling her story for all to hear. She is a awesome narrator making each character unique, I really can't wait for the next book.
December 27, 2016
This book is even better than the first & I loved it. I wasn't even finished with it when I went looking for book 3!
It's inventive, visionary, thought provoking, clean, sensitive..... and so much more.
All of the characters come to life before your eyes. You can picture everything perfectly.
I can't say enough good things about this series. I recommend it for any age.
It's inventive, visionary, thought provoking, clean, sensitive..... and so much more.
All of the characters come to life before your eyes. You can picture everything perfectly.
I can't say enough good things about this series. I recommend it for any age.
January 1, 2017
This book was TERRIBLE. I wanted to love it SO SO MUCH and It was just abysmal. The voice sounded different than the first book, the characters (who were much much older) felt like different characters without the benefit of us having been there to see them grow and change. The new characters were lifeless. I'm just so disappointed.
December 12, 2015
Loved it!!
Oh how I have loved this series so far! I can't wait to see what happens next!! Great job to the author!!!
Oh how I have loved this series so far! I can't wait to see what happens next!! Great job to the author!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews