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Starr Valentine
What happens when the beautiful swan becomes the ugly duckling?
Starr Valentine has a perfect life in Middleton, Ohio. She was named captain of the cheer squad, her mother finally allowed her to get highlights, and the cutest boy in school asked her to homecoming. But everything comes crashing down when she finds out her parents are actually monarchs in exile from a mysterious planet called Vega. Starr doesn’t want to leave, but loves the idea of being a princess, and decides moving to an alien world might not be so bad. When she gets there, however, she discovers that something is terribly wrong.
Starr has always been the winner of the family, but now everyone is fawning over her chubby older sister, Astra. And everyone, even a handsome and annoying young duke named Julian, seems to hate her. That is when she realizes the awful truth. Astra is now the pretty one. Astra has all the friends. Astra gets all of the attention. And Starr Valentine, voted Miss Perfect, is now the ugly duckling. Her biggest fear is…will she be able to turn back into a swan, or is she doomed to be a loser forever?
Starr Valentine has a perfect life in Middleton, Ohio. She was named captain of the cheer squad, her mother finally allowed her to get highlights, and the cutest boy in school asked her to homecoming. But everything comes crashing down when she finds out her parents are actually monarchs in exile from a mysterious planet called Vega. Starr doesn’t want to leave, but loves the idea of being a princess, and decides moving to an alien world might not be so bad. When she gets there, however, she discovers that something is terribly wrong.
Starr has always been the winner of the family, but now everyone is fawning over her chubby older sister, Astra. And everyone, even a handsome and annoying young duke named Julian, seems to hate her. That is when she realizes the awful truth. Astra is now the pretty one. Astra has all the friends. Astra gets all of the attention. And Starr Valentine, voted Miss Perfect, is now the ugly duckling. Her biggest fear is…will she be able to turn back into a swan, or is she doomed to be a loser forever?
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2016
3 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Wende Dikec
5 books65 followersNational award winning author Wende Dikec writes Young Adult speculative fiction with romantic and humorous elements. An avid traveler who spent many years abroad, she now lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband, three sons, a puppy named Capone, and a very well used espresso machine.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 1, 2016
„…great read - I highly recommend it....“
That's all I have to say!!! Thanks for reading my review.
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The author will understand this!
When you begin to love selfish, vain, shallow, spoiled sixteen-year-old brat, then you know the author is good at her (his) job.
With her Sweet-Sixteen just a moment away, the most popular gay in school her homecoming dance date, and her head cheerleader status; not to mention her one popularity, Star is the happiest girl on planet Earth.
And then, from nowhere her parents tell her they move, not in another town, not in another state but on another fricking planet.
STARR FATHER: „Weith Star, don't panic! You see, you mother is queen of the planet Vega, and we all must go back there because…………………“
STARR: „Yeah, yeah, yeah! You are aware that I don't listen to you anymore, right?“
Of course, she is a thrill and believe that is exactly what she deserve.
And then, on the starship, on her way to the even better new life, she starts to realize something is not quite right.
And all of her greatest fear comes to life when they finally arrive on Vega.
Starr realizes that on this planet everything is different.
She said one sentence that explains everything.
„I don't know how not to be pretty!“
It's all she thinks she is, and all that everybody else is thinking about her all her life. She doesn't know what is she if not a pretty, popular girl.
And that is sad.
There is some traveling in a spaceship, little romance, some thinking, learning and growing up. Little action, and one thing I must mentions, big loving sister.
To the end of the book, heroine went long way from the girl at the beginning. Of corse with the help of one great guy who see more in her.
I must say I love this Vega planet. Thay have really HOT men in there who love they, women, to be curvy, and real.
In my next life, I want to be Veganes.
NO, not That not eating meat kind of vegans!!!
This book is for all young teenage girl out there. The author sends a message to them trough nice, and interesting story.
Why not more stars than, you ask?
Because it just too juvenile for me. It's good, but not like the authors other YA book
Tiger Lily
***Kindle book received as gifts from the author in exchange for an honest review***
December 27, 2016
Starr Valentine has it all, she's pretty, she's popular and her parents have enough money to give her anything she wants to have. She's looking forward to homecoming and she's going out with the cutest boy in her school. She's head cheerleader, which she enjoys very much. Everybody thinks she's gorgeous. Starr's sister Astra hasn't got those stunning looks, she's the plain big sister who's always in Starr's shadow. Starr likes all the attention people are giving her and she doesn't want anything to change. Her parents have other plans though. After many years they're finally able to go home to Vega and Starr has to go with them. She discovers she is from another planet and they have to travel through space to get there.
Starr suspects things will be even better on Vega, their home planet, when she discovers her mother is a queen. That means she's a princess. She's in for a nasty surprise though as on Vega people see beauty in a different way and all of a sudden Starr is the ugly one and her sister is the gorgeous girl everybody admires. When Julian, a duke who's assigned to keep an eye on Starr, tells her the truth she gets the shock of her life. Is it too late for Starr or can she become pretty again?
Starr Valentine is a fun and original book. I loved the idea of a planet where beauty is defined in a different way. Starr is shallow, vain and not very kind. She only thinks about herself and doesn't care much about others. Speaking to Julian makes her think and she comes up with a plan to make her life better. She's resourceful and fierce. Secretly she has a big heart which always remained hidden because of her perfectly groomed exterior. It was great to slowly see her change, which doesn't always go smoothly though. Wendy Dikec writes her stories with a lovely sense of humor and Starr's actions often made me laugh.
The planet Vega is a wonderful setting and Wende Dikec makes it come to life really well. It's a magical place to live. Even though things aren't as good for her on Vega as they used to be on Earth, Starr is completely herself and she remains true to her feelings and her values. She isn't afraid to look inside herself even though she might not like what she sees. She's taking care of herself and when she wants something she fights for it. Julian is a good guy and they're really sweet together, but there's a lot that's standing in their way. Eventually some shocking secrets come to light which will influence the course of Starr's future. The ending is definitely unusual with a scene that put a big smile on my face. Starr Valentine is an enjoyable feminine story with a lot of spunk.
Starr suspects things will be even better on Vega, their home planet, when she discovers her mother is a queen. That means she's a princess. She's in for a nasty surprise though as on Vega people see beauty in a different way and all of a sudden Starr is the ugly one and her sister is the gorgeous girl everybody admires. When Julian, a duke who's assigned to keep an eye on Starr, tells her the truth she gets the shock of her life. Is it too late for Starr or can she become pretty again?
Starr Valentine is a fun and original book. I loved the idea of a planet where beauty is defined in a different way. Starr is shallow, vain and not very kind. She only thinks about herself and doesn't care much about others. Speaking to Julian makes her think and she comes up with a plan to make her life better. She's resourceful and fierce. Secretly she has a big heart which always remained hidden because of her perfectly groomed exterior. It was great to slowly see her change, which doesn't always go smoothly though. Wendy Dikec writes her stories with a lovely sense of humor and Starr's actions often made me laugh.
The planet Vega is a wonderful setting and Wende Dikec makes it come to life really well. It's a magical place to live. Even though things aren't as good for her on Vega as they used to be on Earth, Starr is completely herself and she remains true to her feelings and her values. She isn't afraid to look inside herself even though she might not like what she sees. She's taking care of herself and when she wants something she fights for it. Julian is a good guy and they're really sweet together, but there's a lot that's standing in their way. Eventually some shocking secrets come to light which will influence the course of Starr's future. The ending is definitely unusual with a scene that put a big smile on my face. Starr Valentine is an enjoyable feminine story with a lot of spunk.
March 30, 2022
Starr Valentine is miss popular, head cheerleader, homecoming queen and dating the star of the high school football team. Nobody can dispute how beautiful she is. But that changes when she finds out her family are refugees from a planet called Vega and her mother is THE QUEEN!
That means Starr is a real life princess! What could be better that that? Now that Vega is safe, the royal family is ready to return home, but something seems off on Vega. Starr doesn't seem to have her STAR power, she no longer turns heads. Something is surely amiss on this planet.
This was a cute YA book which brings the message "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" to life. It had a touch of love, mystery and action. A fun, light hearted and entertaining book, with perfect narration.
That means Starr is a real life princess! What could be better that that? Now that Vega is safe, the royal family is ready to return home, but something seems off on Vega. Starr doesn't seem to have her STAR power, she no longer turns heads. Something is surely amiss on this planet.
This was a cute YA book which brings the message "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" to life. It had a touch of love, mystery and action. A fun, light hearted and entertaining book, with perfect narration.
April 25, 2016
Starr Valentine is your typical popular high school girl. She's beautiful, spoiled, the hottest guy asked her to homecoming - where she expects to be announced Queen. Her sister - Astra - isn't as lucky in the looks department, but she has maturity and kindness in spades. When their mother announces that they are aliens and will be returning to their home planet, Starr is ecstatic. She always knew she was princess and now it will be official, but everything on their home world is not what Starr expected.
Let me give it to you straight... Starr is exactly how the bratty, spoiled girls when I was in school acted. Let me say, it wasn't pleasant to be inside one of their heads. I REALLY didn't like listening to Starr commenting of the fatness of her mother or just how "special" she is. Although, once the story progressed and Starr realizes that she's not the most beautiful person on her home world, Vega, she does have an attitude change that is much needed - it felt like I had to be inside of her head more than I would have liked.
My absolute favorite aspect of Starr Valentine is the world Wende Dikec created. Vega is imagined to be a wondrous place that I wish I could visit. Her prose and world-building are spot on. (I had to read this on a different device than I usually do, so I don't have examples and quotes for you, but trust me - the writing is amazing!)
I think the moral of the story kind of overlaps the romance - which I actually enjoyed. Julian is a charming love interest. It especially pleased me that he wasn't falling over himself to be with Starr. She had to make a positive change in her life in order to be truly attractive to him. Again... love it!
If you a fan of selfish brats learning valuable lessons, handsome Dukes with a good head on their shoulders, a mother and sister who are beautiful - even when the narrator doesn't think so, alien worlds with vivid imagery, and a smooth writing style that flowed - then Starr Valentine is the book for you.
Let me give it to you straight... Starr is exactly how the bratty, spoiled girls when I was in school acted. Let me say, it wasn't pleasant to be inside one of their heads. I REALLY didn't like listening to Starr commenting of the fatness of her mother or just how "special" she is. Although, once the story progressed and Starr realizes that she's not the most beautiful person on her home world, Vega, she does have an attitude change that is much needed - it felt like I had to be inside of her head more than I would have liked.
My absolute favorite aspect of Starr Valentine is the world Wende Dikec created. Vega is imagined to be a wondrous place that I wish I could visit. Her prose and world-building are spot on. (I had to read this on a different device than I usually do, so I don't have examples and quotes for you, but trust me - the writing is amazing!)
I think the moral of the story kind of overlaps the romance - which I actually enjoyed. Julian is a charming love interest. It especially pleased me that he wasn't falling over himself to be with Starr. She had to make a positive change in her life in order to be truly attractive to him. Again... love it!
If you a fan of selfish brats learning valuable lessons, handsome Dukes with a good head on their shoulders, a mother and sister who are beautiful - even when the narrator doesn't think so, alien worlds with vivid imagery, and a smooth writing style that flowed - then Starr Valentine is the book for you.
April 29, 2016
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Inner beauty is the true kind of beauty. Looks will go away but what is inside will remain forever. Have you ever heard any of these sayings? I have heard them so many times and, as cliché as they sound, every one of them is truth. In a society that tends to forget the meaning of true beauty and the value of kindness, being yourself, and a good heart, Wende Dikec presents us with a marvelous adaptation of The Ugly Duckling.
Starr is the perfect material for homecoming queen. She is gorgeous, captain cheerleader, and the date of the cutest guy in her school. In other words, she is envy of tons and the dream of even more. Nevertheless, her life is materialistic and self-centered. Therefore, when her parents tell her that her mother is a royal of another world, she doesn’t miss the chance to shine in a whole different level, as a princess. Astra, her sister, is everything Starr is not. Sure, she isn’t as beautiful as Starr and might be the center of attention, but she has a good heart. I loved how the author subtly criticizing humans for centering in materialistic and vain things by showing how people in Vega, the new home planet for Starr and her family, didn’t measure beauty by how thin a girl is or how pretty her face was. In fact, a kind heart and sincerity were much more important than a thin waist.
I must confess I wanted Starr to change her way of seeing the world. At the beginning of the book she was too rude, selfish, and arrogant. I wanted her to open her eyes and see how she was waiting time in trivial things when she could be spending with her amazing family. Nevertheless, it hurt when she started to realized how people in Vega truly see her as, ugly. Probably ugly wouldn’t be the right word to define it but the point is that they didn’t fall for her looks, they saw her true nature and made her and outcast. A valuable moral lesson if you ask me but I was really hoping that things wouldn’t end like that. After all, everyone deserves a second chance.
I truly recommend this book to any fairy tale adaptation fans that love a good mix of romance, action, deception, self-growth, a spark of comedy, space traveling, and a hell of an adventure.
5 hearts <3
Reviewer of Romance Authors That Rock
Starr is the perfect material for homecoming queen. She is gorgeous, captain cheerleader, and the date of the cutest guy in her school. In other words, she is envy of tons and the dream of even more. Nevertheless, her life is materialistic and self-centered. Therefore, when her parents tell her that her mother is a royal of another world, she doesn’t miss the chance to shine in a whole different level, as a princess. Astra, her sister, is everything Starr is not. Sure, she isn’t as beautiful as Starr and might be the center of attention, but she has a good heart. I loved how the author subtly criticizing humans for centering in materialistic and vain things by showing how people in Vega, the new home planet for Starr and her family, didn’t measure beauty by how thin a girl is or how pretty her face was. In fact, a kind heart and sincerity were much more important than a thin waist.
I must confess I wanted Starr to change her way of seeing the world. At the beginning of the book she was too rude, selfish, and arrogant. I wanted her to open her eyes and see how she was waiting time in trivial things when she could be spending with her amazing family. Nevertheless, it hurt when she started to realized how people in Vega truly see her as, ugly. Probably ugly wouldn’t be the right word to define it but the point is that they didn’t fall for her looks, they saw her true nature and made her and outcast. A valuable moral lesson if you ask me but I was really hoping that things wouldn’t end like that. After all, everyone deserves a second chance.
I truly recommend this book to any fairy tale adaptation fans that love a good mix of romance, action, deception, self-growth, a spark of comedy, space traveling, and a hell of an adventure.
5 hearts <3
Reviewer of Romance Authors That Rock
May 19, 2016
Usually I get very easily disengaged when it comes to reading novels where the protagonist is bratty, spoiled, selfish, gorgeous, and young. I think to myself its just going to be another book where she is rude and selfish and thinks shes all that then something dramatic is gonna happen and then things are gonna change and shes gonna be nice, blah blah blah we know the rest. Well this story was different.
I'm gonna spare some details because you must read this book:
Starr Valentine is 15 years old, cheerleader captain at her high school, and planning on attending the homecoming dance with the quarterback of the football team. Starr's parents change her whole life when they tell her that they are actually king and queen of planet Vega and that Starr and her sister are actually princesses and that it is now time to return to their home. As they spend the first couple days in Vega Starr becomes distraught, she no longer believes she is pretty since her sister is getting all the attention and she is sad because her new-found boyfriend lives far from her. She is immediately introduced the "Duke of Celesta" whom seems to be a bother at first but eventually Starr and him hit it off pretty well. Starr tries to escape Vega and go back to Earth and then well..... I'm gonna stop there!
Buy the book! There is so much more that happens!
I sure am a sucker for cute love stories.
This novel was a great one, just like Dikec's other book, Tiger Lily, quickly one of my favorites. The theme of this book is extremely captivating and makes the book great for young adults: Don't be someone you are not to impress others. Be who you really are and others with admire your greatness and your strengths. Honesty, courage, and respect go a long way. Looks are not everything.
The book was fairly predictable, as I was reading I knew what was going to happen next and found myself often yelling out loud you're so stupid Starr, Omg just listen to her, Ugh will you just shut up already! Yes, I got frustrated with her but it was such a great story it made up for it in the end.
Miss. Wende Dikec-- can you please just write me a sequel, just of Julian and Starr. That is all I need in life! <3
xoxo
Alexis
I'm gonna spare some details because you must read this book:
Starr Valentine is 15 years old, cheerleader captain at her high school, and planning on attending the homecoming dance with the quarterback of the football team. Starr's parents change her whole life when they tell her that they are actually king and queen of planet Vega and that Starr and her sister are actually princesses and that it is now time to return to their home. As they spend the first couple days in Vega Starr becomes distraught, she no longer believes she is pretty since her sister is getting all the attention and she is sad because her new-found boyfriend lives far from her. She is immediately introduced the "Duke of Celesta" whom seems to be a bother at first but eventually Starr and him hit it off pretty well. Starr tries to escape Vega and go back to Earth and then well..... I'm gonna stop there!
Buy the book! There is so much more that happens!
I sure am a sucker for cute love stories.
This novel was a great one, just like Dikec's other book, Tiger Lily, quickly one of my favorites. The theme of this book is extremely captivating and makes the book great for young adults: Don't be someone you are not to impress others. Be who you really are and others with admire your greatness and your strengths. Honesty, courage, and respect go a long way. Looks are not everything.
The book was fairly predictable, as I was reading I knew what was going to happen next and found myself often yelling out loud you're so stupid Starr, Omg just listen to her, Ugh will you just shut up already! Yes, I got frustrated with her but it was such a great story it made up for it in the end.
Miss. Wende Dikec-- can you please just write me a sequel, just of Julian and Starr. That is all I need in life! <3
xoxo
Alexis
March 29, 2016
I adored Starr Valentine!
From the beginning of the book I was chuckling and thoroughly enjoying myself.
I kept reading snippets to my family who even loved it. They usually despise when I read parts of my books as they aren't readers by choice usually. LOL
But they loved it as well.
I love how Starr starts out as beautiful but she is also selfish, thoughtless and doesn't have much insight about true beauty at first.
She even believes her mother and sister to be unattractive and considers them an embarrassment to herself and her father.
But soon she realizes maybe she isn't as hot as she once believed herself to be, she meets Julian an infuriating but very attractive duke who doesn't fall head over heels for her like most the boys on earth did.
Will Starr be able to find out what true beauty is?
And maybe learn that it's not the outside that makes you beautiful but rather what's on the inside.
My only complaint was that it had to end.
Absolutely a 5 STAR READ for me!
From the beginning of the book I was chuckling and thoroughly enjoying myself.
I kept reading snippets to my family who even loved it. They usually despise when I read parts of my books as they aren't readers by choice usually. LOL
But they loved it as well.
I love how Starr starts out as beautiful but she is also selfish, thoughtless and doesn't have much insight about true beauty at first.
She even believes her mother and sister to be unattractive and considers them an embarrassment to herself and her father.
But soon she realizes maybe she isn't as hot as she once believed herself to be, she meets Julian an infuriating but very attractive duke who doesn't fall head over heels for her like most the boys on earth did.
Will Starr be able to find out what true beauty is?
And maybe learn that it's not the outside that makes you beautiful but rather what's on the inside.
My only complaint was that it had to end.
Absolutely a 5 STAR READ for me!
September 21, 2016
I have had this book for a while now and I was really conflicted on wheather or not I should read this book. I thought it might just be one of those cheesy books where the main character will change dramatically and realize the mistake that they made in the past. But it turn out to be a great read that I enjoyed so much. Of course I was correct when I guessed that the main character Starr will have to learn from her mistakes but it was more because she grow to become a better person and realized a lot of things in her that she didn't know before. I've learned a lot just from reading this book and I think that this book has taught me a lesson that to always be the beautiful you no matter what others think or says about you.
May 4, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this spunky book! I have to admit that at first, I completely hated Starr and her self-absorbed petty airhead attitude. The author does a spectacular job of exposing the mind of a bubblehead teenager. However, it was very interesting to enter the world of Vega and experience their different standards of beauty and culture. The complexity of the society was very intricate and appealing to me! It was very intriguing to slowly see Starr get a much needed attitude adjustment! With a complex, unique storyline, well written dialogue and a splash of romance, I had an absolute blast reading this book! I loved that it was kept light-hearted and spunky all throughout!
May 16, 2016
Starr Valentine was really a refreshing fun read, for me it read like I was watching clueless again on Netflix. It made me smile, it made me laugh and it even made me sad at times.
To be honest, at first I did not know what to expect, I thought it was going to be something somewhat fun and silly and enough to distract me from my piles of work for a few hours. But, it was really something more…
Full review: http://www.amkindabusy.com/2016/05/16...
To be honest, at first I did not know what to expect, I thought it was going to be something somewhat fun and silly and enough to distract me from my piles of work for a few hours. But, it was really something more…
Full review: http://www.amkindabusy.com/2016/05/16...
July 13, 2016
I loved this book. It took me longer to get into it but once I was into it I was hooked and there was no turning back. There were things in it that I didn't expect to happen and that kept me on my toes but it didn't help that my mom had already read it and wouldn't tell me what was going on. It was very descriptive and easy to paint pictures in my head which is one of the things that I love about this book.
December 23, 2016
A good pick for teen fiction, especially for young women. It' so nice to read about how young women's looks fade when they show vanity and self-absorption and blossom as they demonstrate such traits as kindness and intelligence. I enjoyed the development of Starr's character and of the friendship between the two sisters. Starr Valentine is a bit predictable but its charm is not eclipsed by the predictability. Quintessential Wende Dikec with a touch of sarcastic humor.
March 10, 2016
Starr Valentine delves into the problem of living a superficial life and allowing physical appearance to affect how you view yourself and others. A great book for tweens and teens to read in modern America.
June 14, 2016
I loved the book! Wende has a unique ability to draw a reader into her story where one truly begins to know and care for the characters. She has you laughing one minute and crying the next. I recommend any book written by Wende!
March 20, 2016
Starr
Great job Wende, loved this book and ready for another adventure with one of your books, what is next to read?
Great job Wende, loved this book and ready for another adventure with one of your books, what is next to read?
December 2, 2021
Good
Imagine being very popular on school and dubbed beautiful by all. Then right before homecoming your parents tell you big secret and moving away from the life yo always knew.
Once moving to your new home or shall we say planet you are dubbed ugly because beauty comes from within and then shines on the out side. This is the reality that Starr must come to terms with. With an annoying duke she meets to him actually being not so bad. Will she find happiness in her new home and change her ways or maybe can she sneak back to earth.
Good book loved watching the characters grow.
Imagine being very popular on school and dubbed beautiful by all. Then right before homecoming your parents tell you big secret and moving away from the life yo always knew.
Once moving to your new home or shall we say planet you are dubbed ugly because beauty comes from within and then shines on the out side. This is the reality that Starr must come to terms with. With an annoying duke she meets to him actually being not so bad. Will she find happiness in her new home and change her ways or maybe can she sneak back to earth.
Good book loved watching the characters grow.
May 9, 2017
YA, Speculative Fiction
Starr Valentine has it all: beauty, friends, fashion sense, popularity galore. But "life" throws her a curve ball that she can't dodge. Her family is from another planet and it's time to head home, her real home! Starr's world is turned upside down and inside out. This can't be happening!
Starr discovers her real inner beauty and talent(s)-- that saves her family and gives her what her heart desires.
Starr Valentine has it all: beauty, friends, fashion sense, popularity galore. But "life" throws her a curve ball that she can't dodge. Her family is from another planet and it's time to head home, her real home! Starr's world is turned upside down and inside out. This can't be happening!
Starr discovers her real inner beauty and talent(s)-- that saves her family and gives her what her heart desires.
September 21, 2017
Such a great read! I am no longer a teenager or a young adult, but I still enjoyed this book by Wende Dikec. She really has a way of creating an atmosphere and story that just pulls you in and doesn't want to let you put the book down until you complete it. Should definitely be on your reading list.
January 9, 2020
Not the type of book I would normally read but I loved it. I needed a story like this in my life! It’s like the Princess Diaries but the girl gets uglier instead of prettier, and it’s another planet instead of New York. Good teen drama mixed with some funny parts that made me laugh out loud! A great read at the end of a long day!
January 22, 2019
Enticing novel! You can't put it down once you start!
December 15, 2021
A little Disney-ish and some inconsistencies but overall very nice message and wonderful character's development.
October 14, 2016
Reading Wende's books makes me wish I was a teen again. I can't remember any (of the many) I read back then which were so much fun and Starr Valentine didn't disappoint. Even though Starr is spoiled and selfish, she's impossible not to like. And the planet Vega?!? We could all benefit from a nice long stay on that planet, even if we aren't princesses. Thank you Wende for giving me another thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
May 11, 2016
"Star Valentine"
By: Wende Dikec
"I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review"
I have read other YA novels that had a lot more sexual activity, violence and dark matters. This will feel totally vanilla to those who enjoy a more mature theme but I would say to most of those readers: "Everyone still likes a good Cinderella Story". Kudos to Wende for keeping our kids young.
Packed full of powerful life lessons, Wende Dikec has written a great story to emphasize self awareness in youth. This is the second YA novel I have read from this author and she doesn't disappoint. There is a similar theme I noticed in both reads, A smart, sassy fashion conscious young teen with a little danger and romance but mainly a story about judging others, adaption to change, self reflection and a good chance at "happily every after".
Imaging being a teenager and your parents announce that they are returning to their real home. Only that home is on another planet! And your somewhat frumpy mother is the Queen! Having made a success of her "so far" young life on planet earth (being beautiful, popular and a shoe in to be Prom Queen) Starr is looking forward to conquering the next planet with the same attributes. Imagine on her arrival that what is conceived as beautiful has a whole new meaning.
Deciding to return to earth at all costs she embarks on a adventure that helps put things in perspective. Well thought out storyline and heartwarming relationships would definitely have me handing this out to my children and grandchildren!
Jeanie G.
I give this 4.5 "beautiful" sheep!
By: Wende Dikec
"I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review"
I have read other YA novels that had a lot more sexual activity, violence and dark matters. This will feel totally vanilla to those who enjoy a more mature theme but I would say to most of those readers: "Everyone still likes a good Cinderella Story". Kudos to Wende for keeping our kids young.
Packed full of powerful life lessons, Wende Dikec has written a great story to emphasize self awareness in youth. This is the second YA novel I have read from this author and she doesn't disappoint. There is a similar theme I noticed in both reads, A smart, sassy fashion conscious young teen with a little danger and romance but mainly a story about judging others, adaption to change, self reflection and a good chance at "happily every after".
Imaging being a teenager and your parents announce that they are returning to their real home. Only that home is on another planet! And your somewhat frumpy mother is the Queen! Having made a success of her "so far" young life on planet earth (being beautiful, popular and a shoe in to be Prom Queen) Starr is looking forward to conquering the next planet with the same attributes. Imagine on her arrival that what is conceived as beautiful has a whole new meaning.
Deciding to return to earth at all costs she embarks on a adventure that helps put things in perspective. Well thought out storyline and heartwarming relationships would definitely have me handing this out to my children and grandchildren!
Jeanie G.
I give this 4.5 "beautiful" sheep!
August 17, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Starr Valentine by Wende Dikec is a story with so much to offer its readers. I love, love, loved it! The book really sent out some good messages for all of us, and it did it without being boring. To me, this was the ideal young adult book, with everything I love from humor to romance. Starr Valentine was an otherworldly coming of age story with well built characters who grew throughout the story as they learned more about love, friendship, and life. I was sad when it ended & wasn't ready to leave their world just yet!
Starr Valentine by Wende Dikec was kindly provided to me by Bewitching Book Tours for review. The opinions are my own.
June 23, 2016
Enjoyed this book. It is entertaining, and a quick read. I loved the spin on the usual pretty girl gets all the goodies. I really liked how she taught herself and transformed herself into a beautiful person on the inside before anyone would notice the beauty on the outside. Great lessons weaved into the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2021
21st Century Aesops Fable All Young Women Should Read
Wonderfully written book that keeps your interest throughout. Good story, well developed characters and a message to takeaway at the end. I would highly recommend for all girls!
Wonderfully written book that keeps your interest throughout. Good story, well developed characters and a message to takeaway at the end. I would highly recommend for all girls!
April 19, 2016
At first I didn't like Starr, because she was mean, but now I like her. Yesterday I pretended that my toy cat was a marmasou. If you don't know what a marmasou is, you better read the book and find out!
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