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The Starlight Chronicles #3
Submerging
There had been a feeling hanging over me in the past few weeks, a feeling that change was coming. It didn't click until that moment that change had already arrived. I was changing, things were changing, and I was finally okay - in fact, more than okay - with that.
It was flooring, the idea I was looking forward to something more in life than Tetris and being cheered on by my friends. Those things still mattered, of course, but there was more, and I was enthralled there was more.
There is nothing like a birthday to give Hamilton Dinger something to look forward to in his busy life. With his new job as a part-time intern at the Mayor’s office, being a full-time high school student and Starlight Warrior has its challenges. And although he has the full support of his girlfriend, Gwen, and his best friend, Mikey, and even a tentative partnership with Starry Knight, his ally against the Seven Deadly Sinisters, he has definite cause for concern. The arrival of SWORD, the growing demonic activity in Apollo City, and the increasingly negative media attention has sparked ongoing unrest among the city and its inhabitants.
But Hamilton has some additional help in Aletheia, a new supernatural ally, who has come to equip Hamilton for his calling to be a Starlight defender. With the help of the crew of the Meallán and its captain, St. Brendan the Navigator, and Aletheia’s sister, the Star of Time, Elysian and Hamilton set off for the Celestial Kingdom to deepen his commitment through learning, new landscapes, and cosmic surfing.
As evil forces continue in their quest for power and control, Hamilton finds uncertainty and distrust between his two worlds. Can he find the answers that will help him? Will he find the strength he needs to carry on? Will Wingdinger realize the importance of his choices, and more importantly–make the right ones?
Cross through the River Veil and into the world beyond the Star of Time in the Starlight Chronicles, a young adult epic fantasy series from C. S. Johnson. Be on the lookout for Book 4, Remembering, as Hamilton and his fellow superheroes continue to fight evil and get their schoolwork finished!
It was flooring, the idea I was looking forward to something more in life than Tetris and being cheered on by my friends. Those things still mattered, of course, but there was more, and I was enthralled there was more.
There is nothing like a birthday to give Hamilton Dinger something to look forward to in his busy life. With his new job as a part-time intern at the Mayor’s office, being a full-time high school student and Starlight Warrior has its challenges. And although he has the full support of his girlfriend, Gwen, and his best friend, Mikey, and even a tentative partnership with Starry Knight, his ally against the Seven Deadly Sinisters, he has definite cause for concern. The arrival of SWORD, the growing demonic activity in Apollo City, and the increasingly negative media attention has sparked ongoing unrest among the city and its inhabitants.
But Hamilton has some additional help in Aletheia, a new supernatural ally, who has come to equip Hamilton for his calling to be a Starlight defender. With the help of the crew of the Meallán and its captain, St. Brendan the Navigator, and Aletheia’s sister, the Star of Time, Elysian and Hamilton set off for the Celestial Kingdom to deepen his commitment through learning, new landscapes, and cosmic surfing.
As evil forces continue in their quest for power and control, Hamilton finds uncertainty and distrust between his two worlds. Can he find the answers that will help him? Will he find the strength he needs to carry on? Will Wingdinger realize the importance of his choices, and more importantly–make the right ones?
Cross through the River Veil and into the world beyond the Star of Time in the Starlight Chronicles, a young adult epic fantasy series from C. S. Johnson. Be on the lookout for Book 4, Remembering, as Hamilton and his fellow superheroes continue to fight evil and get their schoolwork finished!
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
70 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Johnson
107 books631 followersC. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 9, 2017
Submerging (The Starlight Chronicles #3) by C.S. Johnson and narrated by Nicholas Santasier is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. This is the third book I have read/listened to and I have enjoyed each one. Hamilton, the narrow minded, self-centered superhero has made some progress in growing up in this book. It has been slow but the wheels are spinning up there. In this book, more evil and more good supers are introduced along with other problems for Ham. It is a fun, coming of age (and self) of a superhero. A wonderful book for teens. It is full of fun, emotions teens deal with, the super genre, coming of age, dating, and deeper emotions too. The narrator is the same and the first book I thought it should be another voice, second book he was better. Now I think I am just used to hearing him!
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July 14, 2020🎁 Books 3-6 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
May 6, 2016
*NOTE: I was given an advance reading copy by the author in return for an honest review.
My review:
This is one of those series’ that gets better with time. The first book was a 3-starrer, I gave the second a 3.5 and this one is really a 4. I wish I could rate it more but a few parts could have been done better
The last book Calling ended in a suspense with some more detail about the supernatural elements and few more characters brought in.
I noticed two major improvements in this book. One, the writing style. During the previous books I didn’t get the satisfaction of being completely immersed in, while here I had no problem and finished it within a few hours. Second, details. Many more intricate details were mentioned, more characters intervowen and clues left for us readers to find.
We still do not know Starry Knight’s identity but I think I might have figured it out and it does not at all feel dragged. I feel anticipation for when Hamilton Dinger finds out her identity.
The best part- Dinger and Starry Knight!! I’d been waiting for something to happen between them right from when she was introduced. Their story is happening! And turns out *whispers* they have history!
a more detailed review on my blog https://lightuptheshiningnightstars.w...
My review:
This is one of those series’ that gets better with time. The first book was a 3-starrer, I gave the second a 3.5 and this one is really a 4. I wish I could rate it more but a few parts could have been done better
The last book Calling ended in a suspense with some more detail about the supernatural elements and few more characters brought in.
I noticed two major improvements in this book. One, the writing style. During the previous books I didn’t get the satisfaction of being completely immersed in, while here I had no problem and finished it within a few hours. Second, details. Many more intricate details were mentioned, more characters intervowen and clues left for us readers to find.
We still do not know Starry Knight’s identity but I think I might have figured it out and it does not at all feel dragged. I feel anticipation for when Hamilton Dinger finds out her identity.
The best part- Dinger and Starry Knight!! I’d been waiting for something to happen between them right from when she was introduced. Their story is happening! And turns out *whispers* they have history!
a more detailed review on my blog https://lightuptheshiningnightstars.w...
December 27, 2018
The book starts out so happy as Hamilton anticipates his birthday party and my first thoughts are, his happiness is not going to last but it's nice he finally feels like that :) "I sigh happily as I sat up in my bed and stretched. I felt happy as a teenager could be. (It was very temporary, I assure you.)"
The cover shows Elysian the Dragon who is Hamilton's mentor (not a very good one), protector and companion. He's not scary at all and can switch from a dragon to a lizard whenever needed to stay discreet.
In this book, there are more battles but more importantly, Hamilton gets answers about the life he had as a Star before becoming human. Was he betrayed by Starry Knight? Why is he so in love with her when she can hardly stand fighting by his side? I also wanted answers and actually felt bad for him. Still can't stand Gwen, but she thinks she's in love with Hamilton and he is trying to work things out with her as he continues to be on call for demon fighting. Really enjoying this series even though I don't fully understand every spiritual aspect of it.
The cover shows Elysian the Dragon who is Hamilton's mentor (not a very good one), protector and companion. He's not scary at all and can switch from a dragon to a lizard whenever needed to stay discreet.
In this book, there are more battles but more importantly, Hamilton gets answers about the life he had as a Star before becoming human. Was he betrayed by Starry Knight? Why is he so in love with her when she can hardly stand fighting by his side? I also wanted answers and actually felt bad for him. Still can't stand Gwen, but she thinks she's in love with Hamilton and he is trying to work things out with her as he continues to be on call for demon fighting. Really enjoying this series even though I don't fully understand every spiritual aspect of it.
November 11, 2017
Narrator rating: 2 stars
I received a copy of Submerging in exchange for my honest review.
Submerging is the third book in the Starlight Chronicles by C.S. Johnson. This is the story where Dinger a lot of his memories back and is able to see who he was before he fell, and find out why he fell. There is still a lot of mystery around Starry Knight. I still try to sort out who it might be, though I have some suspicions.
I did enjoy this story, and I am growing more fond of Dinger in all of his assholiness, however, I still have some concerns about him. In general, the series has been good, and Dinger’s personality (though annoying) is essential. As the reader continues through the story, the reasons for his personality start making more sense. If I can be honest, I wish his parents knew he was. It also sucks that he has to literally drop everything (leave a date, leave class, not show up for practice) whenever anything happens and calls him to battle.
This story has many underlying religious elements. Normally I wouldn’t complain so much, but I felt it was too overdone. I am hoping it is not so much in the other stories in my continuation through the series. I am not religious, however, I have read many Christian Fiction books and they are okay and do not overdo certain concepts. Here, it felt like everything was thrown at the reader, and it felt constant, and it was exhausting. (For the record, I respect other people’s beliefs). The first two books, the religious elements were hidden between the lines, which made it more enjoyable.
As with Calling, the narrator is meh. The audio editing is bad. When he makes mistakes, there are silent pauses and you can here him say “oh” and he rereads the section again like he lost where he was. He again did this several times. I usually do not condone the changing of narrators in series, but, I would stand behind a change in this narrator 10000000000%.
I look forward to the ultimate finale of the series. I have a hard time not knowing what is going to happen. With the rate things are going, it is hard as the reader to believe it will end, and the town will have a reprieve. It feels like the town may have to have Wingdinger and Starry Knight to protect them for the rest of eternity at this point. There is a lot of action and there are hardly any points in which the story feels slow.
I received a copy of Submerging in exchange for my honest review.
Submerging is the third book in the Starlight Chronicles by C.S. Johnson. This is the story where Dinger a lot of his memories back and is able to see who he was before he fell, and find out why he fell. There is still a lot of mystery around Starry Knight. I still try to sort out who it might be, though I have some suspicions.
I did enjoy this story, and I am growing more fond of Dinger in all of his assholiness, however, I still have some concerns about him. In general, the series has been good, and Dinger’s personality (though annoying) is essential. As the reader continues through the story, the reasons for his personality start making more sense. If I can be honest, I wish his parents knew he was. It also sucks that he has to literally drop everything (leave a date, leave class, not show up for practice) whenever anything happens and calls him to battle.
This story has many underlying religious elements. Normally I wouldn’t complain so much, but I felt it was too overdone. I am hoping it is not so much in the other stories in my continuation through the series. I am not religious, however, I have read many Christian Fiction books and they are okay and do not overdo certain concepts. Here, it felt like everything was thrown at the reader, and it felt constant, and it was exhausting. (For the record, I respect other people’s beliefs). The first two books, the religious elements were hidden between the lines, which made it more enjoyable.
As with Calling, the narrator is meh. The audio editing is bad. When he makes mistakes, there are silent pauses and you can here him say “oh” and he rereads the section again like he lost where he was. He again did this several times. I usually do not condone the changing of narrators in series, but, I would stand behind a change in this narrator 10000000000%.
I look forward to the ultimate finale of the series. I have a hard time not knowing what is going to happen. With the rate things are going, it is hard as the reader to believe it will end, and the town will have a reprieve. It feels like the town may have to have Wingdinger and Starry Knight to protect them for the rest of eternity at this point. There is a lot of action and there are hardly any points in which the story feels slow.
August 14, 2017
HOLY HANNA!!!! This series just gets better and better the more you "dive in!" (DO NOT STOP AT BOOK 1 or 2...keep reading or you will miss out, big time!!!)
There is so, so much to Hamilton Dinger. (My fav character) WOW!! Throughout books 1 and 2, I felt like I had a good "perspective" of who he was and his personality, BUT...things have changed and so has my outlook! Ham is growing up and you can really see the change evolving in him the more the story goes on. You can see and feel "who" Hamilton is and who he wants to become in this book. (Don't get me wrong, he is still Hamilton, just smarter and more confident in the "right way" rather than "cocky way!" lol)
There are many twists and turns in this novel and I feel so many secrets, that are yet to be disclosed, but will soon be revealed, I'm sure!
As a reader I am again left wondering, "who is Starry Night?" This book has left a few thoughts in my mind of who she really is...I dare not say though as I may still be wrong and don't want to provide any spoilers!!
Overall, I am again glued to this series. It's fun, serious, thrilling, and at times very humorous!! C.S. Johnson has done an outstanding job AGAIN! I feel like the more she writes, the better her story becomes. You can feel this author evolving the more she writes. Great job, and thank you for the endless hours of entertainment and laughs! I cannot wait too move on to the next book and even listen to the audiobooks!
There is so, so much to Hamilton Dinger. (My fav character) WOW!! Throughout books 1 and 2, I felt like I had a good "perspective" of who he was and his personality, BUT...things have changed and so has my outlook! Ham is growing up and you can really see the change evolving in him the more the story goes on. You can see and feel "who" Hamilton is and who he wants to become in this book. (Don't get me wrong, he is still Hamilton, just smarter and more confident in the "right way" rather than "cocky way!" lol)
There are many twists and turns in this novel and I feel so many secrets, that are yet to be disclosed, but will soon be revealed, I'm sure!
As a reader I am again left wondering, "who is Starry Night?" This book has left a few thoughts in my mind of who she really is...I dare not say though as I may still be wrong and don't want to provide any spoilers!!
Overall, I am again glued to this series. It's fun, serious, thrilling, and at times very humorous!! C.S. Johnson has done an outstanding job AGAIN! I feel like the more she writes, the better her story becomes. You can feel this author evolving the more she writes. Great job, and thank you for the endless hours of entertainment and laughs! I cannot wait too move on to the next book and even listen to the audiobooks!
November 5, 2019
Hamilton Dinger must make a trip to The Celestial Kingdom to deepen his commitment to his Calling. He's having a hard time adjusting to living in two worlds once again. Hamilton is finding out that his part-time job at the Mayor's office was certainly what he was striving for but now finds it's a burden. Hamilton has a reluctant truce with Starry Knight on battling Deadly Sinisters. Will the Sinisters be caught? Find out in Submerging.
November 24, 2016
What if you found out why you can't live anyone else? What if you have up everything to be with that person?
Problem is neither one of you remembered why at first. You date and see other people but you don't know why you just can't fall for anyone else. What if the person you have up everything for and you right all the time. You think there is no possible way you could have ever loved this person.
The town is still in trouble and you have conflicting emotions for this person, which causes you to concentrate on them not the town.
Finding out who you are or were can be hard to swallow. All this and you are still trying to protect your town! It's a lot to take on with the emotions,school, sports team and working.
Amazing girlfriend who puts up with you and all your faults. Especially when you have to run off on her and work to protect the town.
There is so much more to find out you need to read this book in the series. Each one picks off after the other. The authors world that is created in this series is more like a universe you get pulled into.
The author makes you feel like you are there watching everything unfold.
Problem is neither one of you remembered why at first. You date and see other people but you don't know why you just can't fall for anyone else. What if the person you have up everything for and you right all the time. You think there is no possible way you could have ever loved this person.
The town is still in trouble and you have conflicting emotions for this person, which causes you to concentrate on them not the town.
Finding out who you are or were can be hard to swallow. All this and you are still trying to protect your town! It's a lot to take on with the emotions,school, sports team and working.
Amazing girlfriend who puts up with you and all your faults. Especially when you have to run off on her and work to protect the town.
There is so much more to find out you need to read this book in the series. Each one picks off after the other. The authors world that is created in this series is more like a universe you get pulled into.
The author makes you feel like you are there watching everything unfold.
April 9, 2016
I'm not a fast reader, but this series has me hooked. It's the same good fun from the last books, and I liked the new characters. St. Brendan made me smile with the idea of surfing on the cosmic waves, and Aleia reminded me a lot of Kalynn from the Sword of Truth series. It was also kind of cool to see Starry Knight's hidden side. Overall, pretty cool.
April 8, 2018
There is SO much to learn and to put in perspective during our struggle towards adulthood.
Hamilton is working hard to become more aware of others only to find that others are quite like him after all, full of flaws and insecurities. This Book 3 was a very enjoyable read. Well told and as the characters mature, they are becoming more lovable and fun. Cant wait for #4 next.
Hamilton is working hard to become more aware of others only to find that others are quite like him after all, full of flaws and insecurities. This Book 3 was a very enjoyable read. Well told and as the characters mature, they are becoming more lovable and fun. Cant wait for #4 next.
October 16, 2022
Hamilton Dinger, the superhero known as Wingdinger had finally committed to his role as savior of humanity, however in this book when he finds himself once again fighting off demons, Orpheus and the seven sinisters, and the group of humans known as SWORD. He feels he needs to know more about his past and who he really was. He knew he was a fallen star, but wondered why Starry Knight seemed to hate him, even when she was supposed to be his ally. He sought answers to the many questions he had but even when he got to travel with St Brendan and Aleia, to visit her sister Alora, the star of time herself, he felt no one was telling him the full truth in reply to his questions. He found himself angry most of the time at Elysian, and at himself for using Gwen, his girlfriend and then abandoning her or worse still leaving her babysitting Adam, his younger brother whilst he went to battle. He also felt that he was falling out of love with Gwen and in love with Starry Knight but hated the whole idea. He got shown a memory which he interpreted as a betrayal by Starry Knight and this angered him no end. He really wanted to do his best to redeem himself and maybe one day return to the Celestial Kingdom, but with the little he knew he doubted he'd ever get there! I love all the soul searching Hamilton is doing and the stars fallen and otherwise he is meeting up with as he tries to realign his past with his present. I look forward to the next book in this magical series!
August 11, 2017
This is the third book in a series, and I have devoured all three in one week. The story is intended for young adults, which is obvious, but it is still very enjoyable as an adult. I especially like to listen while I am commuting or during slow times at work. It really makes the time fly! Once again, this book features a less than likeable main character, but we are seeing his grow and change and mature (just a bit) since the first book. This book has the benefit of being right in the middle of the story right away. Though I enjoy the introducing and ramping up that happen in a first and second book, this third one is right into the action immediately.
The narration was stronger in this book than the last two. The narrator finally seems to be getting into the series and characters and putting more life and spark into the narration. This is just shy of a five star book for me - but I am very picky about what I rate that highly. This is not a perfect book, it is not a life-changing book, but it is a highly entertaining, well-written book that I would recommend to anyone who likes this genre.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review.
The narration was stronger in this book than the last two. The narrator finally seems to be getting into the series and characters and putting more life and spark into the narration. This is just shy of a five star book for me - but I am very picky about what I rate that highly. This is not a perfect book, it is not a life-changing book, but it is a highly entertaining, well-written book that I would recommend to anyone who likes this genre.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review.
September 22, 2017
The beautiful continuation of this wonderful and imaginative series. I cannot say that there is anything I dislike about this. It is a wonderful parallel to our own society and the trials and tribulations that we often put ourselves thru starting at young ages.
June 11, 2021
Love this series. In fact, I love every book that I've read that was written by this author. If you like fantasy books, you will love them, too. Give her books a try. You won't be sorry.
March 24, 2018
Opening up a new dynamic in science fiction. The spins and twists have me hooked.
September 22, 2017
Now things are a tad clearer....
This book helps the reader understand a bit more about Hamilton and his powers...how he came to earth. Good job! Looking forward to the next book!!
This book helps the reader understand a bit more about Hamilton and his powers...how he came to earth. Good job! Looking forward to the next book!!
February 21, 2019
Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better. Oh my goodness, the cover of this book!! I love dragons and having Elysian on the cover gave me so much joy!! Hamilton is growing up (he is anticipating his upcoming birthday) and is growing on me. He is a character I adore, but sometimes I just want to shake him. I know this is a series for young adults and I count as young at heart, so I could not help but see him with a mothers eye. This series just keeps getting better and better, with new characters and a deeper story unfolding. I am so glad that I was introduced to this extraordinary author (for so many wonderful reasons) and cannon wait to devour this book, then the next, and ... Well gotta go, Elysian is calling and I am dying to see what is going to happen in book 4. Happy reading everyone.
March 14, 2016
Enjoyed this book so much (as I knew I would)! I've wanted to read the next book in the series for so long, and now I finally had the chance to read it. It was just as good as I knew it would be. Better, even!! The writing was gorgeous, loved it so much.
Keep writing, C.S. Johnson!! * I was given a free copy for an honest review
Keep writing, C.S. Johnson!! * I was given a free copy for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews