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Broken Moon #2
Ghosts & Ashes
Three months have passed since the events of The Star Host, and Ren is living aboard the Star Stream under the watchful eyes of the Phoenix Corps. Plagued by vivid nightmares that ravage the ship in his sleep, he struggles to prove he isn’t a threat and fears he has traded one captor for another. His relationship with Asher, whose efforts to balance his personal loyalty to Ren with his professional duties to the Corps are failing, fractures.
Adrift without an anchor, Ren must return to his home planet of Erden if he has any chance of reversing his dangerous descent into madness. There, he hopes to search for his missing brother and salvage his relationship with Asher. What he finds is knowledge that puts everyone’s allegiance to the test.
Adrift without an anchor, Ren must return to his home planet of Erden if he has any chance of reversing his dangerous descent into madness. There, he hopes to search for his missing brother and salvage his relationship with Asher. What he finds is knowledge that puts everyone’s allegiance to the test.
258 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2017
22 people are currently reading
1218 people want to read
About the author
F.T. Lukens
13 books3,666 followersF.T. Lukens is a New York Times bestselling author of YA speculative fiction including the novels Otherworldly, Spell Bound, So This Is Ever After (2023 ALA Rainbow Booklist; 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards nominee), In Deeper Waters (2022 ALA Rainbow Booklist; Junior Library Guild Selection), and the forthcoming Love at Second Sight (2025) as well as other science-fiction and fantasy works. F.T. resides in North Carolina with their spouse, three kids, three dogs, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 9, 2017
I can’t tell you how excited I was when this book came across my email to review! I loved The Star Host (Book one) so freaking much! The writing is descriptive and beautiful. There’s a poetry in the way the author talks about people and situations. And I was constantly on the edge of my seat and I was pulling for Ren and Asher throughout!
In Ghosts & Ashes there’s quite the character shift in my opinion. Ren really embraces his star and has a hard time getting himself balanced. Asher… I sort of missed the Asher from book one. The disconnect between Ren and Asher in this one was so sad and my heart broke terribly.
Ghost & Ashes is, if you can believe it, a lot more angsty and haunting than the first one. I loved the book and following the journey of both characters; but if by the end of this book you don’t want to fling your Ereader across the room, you read it wrong. Yeah you guessed it… cliffy!
When reading a series, when knowing you’re reading one, you have to accept the voice in the back of your mind whispering, “Accept the fact a lot won’t be resolved.” Now things happened. People were found, answers were given, and small victories were had. But…. Yeah there’s a but…. Go into this knowing there’s at least another book after this one.
I understand the reason for the distance between Ren and Asher. But I didn’t have to like it. I adored their connection so much in book one and all they were able to do for each other, to see it fracture so epically in this hurt. Because of its ending I will impatiently wait for book three. There’s still people to find, others to NOW rescue, and a heck of a lot more answers needed.
This is a wonderfully creative, brilliantly written sci-fi YA series. I adore it to pieces and very much recommend you read it!
In Ghosts & Ashes there’s quite the character shift in my opinion. Ren really embraces his star and has a hard time getting himself balanced. Asher… I sort of missed the Asher from book one. The disconnect between Ren and Asher in this one was so sad and my heart broke terribly.
Ghost & Ashes is, if you can believe it, a lot more angsty and haunting than the first one. I loved the book and following the journey of both characters; but if by the end of this book you don’t want to fling your Ereader across the room, you read it wrong. Yeah you guessed it… cliffy!
When reading a series, when knowing you’re reading one, you have to accept the voice in the back of your mind whispering, “Accept the fact a lot won’t be resolved.” Now things happened. People were found, answers were given, and small victories were had. But…. Yeah there’s a but…. Go into this knowing there’s at least another book after this one.
I understand the reason for the distance between Ren and Asher. But I didn’t have to like it. I adored their connection so much in book one and all they were able to do for each other, to see it fracture so epically in this hurt. Because of its ending I will impatiently wait for book three. There’s still people to find, others to NOW rescue, and a heck of a lot more answers needed.
This is a wonderfully creative, brilliantly written sci-fi YA series. I adore it to pieces and very much recommend you read it!
March 4, 2017
It would be an understatement to say I was excited about book 2 in the Broken Moon series because book 1, The Star Host, was one of my favorite books of 2016. So I hoped Ghosts & Ashes would not disappoint. I'm happy to say Lukens met and exceeded my expectations this go around, and I'm eagerly awaiting book 3.
Despite Ren & Asher earning their freedom in The Star Host, Ghosts & Ashes is full of tension and questions about where everyone's loyalties truly lie. Readers will be kept guessing until the last page... and beyond. Although G&A ends on a cliffhanger, it feels satisfactory in a way and will get you excited for the finale.
Ghosts & Ashes is a worthy and exciting follow-up to The Star Host. Fans of Star Wars and Firefly will love the Broken Moon series for its space opera-style storyline and memorable characters.
Despite Ren & Asher earning their freedom in The Star Host, Ghosts & Ashes is full of tension and questions about where everyone's loyalties truly lie. Readers will be kept guessing until the last page... and beyond. Although G&A ends on a cliffhanger, it feels satisfactory in a way and will get you excited for the finale.
Ghosts & Ashes is a worthy and exciting follow-up to The Star Host. Fans of Star Wars and Firefly will love the Broken Moon series for its space opera-style storyline and memorable characters.
April 14, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Well…wow, that about sums up my reaction to part two in F.T. Luken’s Broken Moon series…just wow! Fair warning, if you have not read the first installment, The Star Host, then the beginning of this review will contain spoilers. If you have, then you know that when we left the first novel there was a lovely whisper of something more to develop between the star host Ren and the Phoenix Order soldier, Asher. Well, that whisper was quickly eaten up in secrets, half-truths, and a whole heap of betrayal. But all is not lost, I do think (read hope) that these two men will end up together; however, the journey to that place may be even rockier than the trip they are currently on.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Well…wow, that about sums up my reaction to part two in F.T. Luken’s Broken Moon series…just wow! Fair warning, if you have not read the first installment, The Star Host, then the beginning of this review will contain spoilers. If you have, then you know that when we left the first novel there was a lovely whisper of something more to develop between the star host Ren and the Phoenix Order soldier, Asher. Well, that whisper was quickly eaten up in secrets, half-truths, and a whole heap of betrayal. But all is not lost, I do think (read hope) that these two men will end up together; however, the journey to that place may be even rockier than the trip they are currently on.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
March 12, 2022
i enjoyed this! once again, it was a really easy read and the plot keeps me interested. ash and ren <33
March 9, 2017
You may remember that about a year ago, I was given the opportunity to preview a copy of F.T. Lukens’s first YA SF novel, The Star Host. I was thrilled when she contacted me to ask if I’d like to review the sequel, Ghosts & Ashes. My response was an enthusiastic YES!! The book is coming out this Thursday, on March 9th, from the Duet Books imprint of Interlude Press. You’ll want to go check that out right away (both books, if you haven’t yet read The Star Host).
While you do that, let me see if I can flail properly about Ghosts & Ashes.
Ghosts & Ashes is a very different book from The Star Host. In the first novel in the series, Ren was new to everything. He was discovering. He was reaching out, touching things, escaping, running, rushing from one thing to another. He was driven by new energy, new talents, and a new relationship. By the time Ghosts & Ashes Ren is mired within this new life, but he still doesn’t know everything.
And that makes his life difficult. He’s drowning inside of a power that both feels right, but seems to be destroying everything around him. He doesn’t know if he can trust himself, and he doesn’t know if he can trust the person he’s fallen for. He’s flailing, falling, going under with every breath he takes.
The opening to this book is a tough one. F.T. is a skilled author, and through her, Ren came alive as I read. I felt his pain deeply, and I admit, I shivered through the opening chapters. I kept wanting to pet Ren, to hug him, to wrap him up in a blanket burrito and fix all of his problems. And as things came together (and they do, so beautifully) to the point where he could start to move forward again, I cheered. From the moment Ren arrives on Erden, things start to rush forward. Once again, the pacing is excellent; I couldn’t stop reading, needing to know what happened next!
The book is worth it. This is very much a middle story, the second book in a three book arc. It’s The Empire Strikes Back, taking us from the opening events of that new hope, through the deeper events that break Ren down, allowing him to find the space where he will emerge stronger.
My quick little side note: I am a huge, huge fan of word play, and this title… I love this title so much for the layers of meaning within it. I’ll leave that to the reader to discover and to think about what it means as you read, but it really is just so, so beautifully perfect.
I was absolutely thrilled to be able to drop back into this world. I love Ren so much, and I love everyone around him (with a few notable exceptions that I cannot explain because spoilers), and in particular, I love Asher. F.T. is so good at creating this world, and these characters, that my heart aches for them every step of the way. Her characters have wormed their way into my heart, and I will be waiting with bated breath for the next installment in this series.
Ghosts & Ashes is a wonderful sequel to The Star Host and the story is building to a climax that I am dying to read. This continues to be a wonderful series that will appeal to adults and young adults alike. Ghosts & Ashes releases on March 9th, from Duet Books, an imprint of Interlude Press. My grade? A- and highly recommended!
While you do that, let me see if I can flail properly about Ghosts & Ashes.
Ghosts & Ashes is a very different book from The Star Host. In the first novel in the series, Ren was new to everything. He was discovering. He was reaching out, touching things, escaping, running, rushing from one thing to another. He was driven by new energy, new talents, and a new relationship. By the time Ghosts & Ashes Ren is mired within this new life, but he still doesn’t know everything.
And that makes his life difficult. He’s drowning inside of a power that both feels right, but seems to be destroying everything around him. He doesn’t know if he can trust himself, and he doesn’t know if he can trust the person he’s fallen for. He’s flailing, falling, going under with every breath he takes.
The opening to this book is a tough one. F.T. is a skilled author, and through her, Ren came alive as I read. I felt his pain deeply, and I admit, I shivered through the opening chapters. I kept wanting to pet Ren, to hug him, to wrap him up in a blanket burrito and fix all of his problems. And as things came together (and they do, so beautifully) to the point where he could start to move forward again, I cheered. From the moment Ren arrives on Erden, things start to rush forward. Once again, the pacing is excellent; I couldn’t stop reading, needing to know what happened next!
The book is worth it. This is very much a middle story, the second book in a three book arc. It’s The Empire Strikes Back, taking us from the opening events of that new hope, through the deeper events that break Ren down, allowing him to find the space where he will emerge stronger.
My quick little side note: I am a huge, huge fan of word play, and this title… I love this title so much for the layers of meaning within it. I’ll leave that to the reader to discover and to think about what it means as you read, but it really is just so, so beautifully perfect.
I was absolutely thrilled to be able to drop back into this world. I love Ren so much, and I love everyone around him (with a few notable exceptions that I cannot explain because spoilers), and in particular, I love Asher. F.T. is so good at creating this world, and these characters, that my heart aches for them every step of the way. Her characters have wormed their way into my heart, and I will be waiting with bated breath for the next installment in this series.
Ghosts & Ashes is a wonderful sequel to The Star Host and the story is building to a climax that I am dying to read. This continues to be a wonderful series that will appeal to adults and young adults alike. Ghosts & Ashes releases on March 9th, from Duet Books, an imprint of Interlude Press. My grade? A- and highly recommended!
March 2, 2017
Lukens deftly brings us back into the world of drifts and adventure with a fast-paced follow up to the amazing Star Host, where Ren discovered his technopath powers. Like the first of the series, Ghost & Ashes is every bit as intricately detailed, packed with rich imagery of the vastness of space, the incredible vistas of planets, the beauty of found-families in crews just trying to get by and protect their own.
Reading Star Host was like opening a fantastic door into space, and the second book just takes us out for a ride without looking back. We start with Ren, adrift, literally and figuratively. While he's escaped his last prison, he's now under the scrutiny of the Phoenix Corps, and to make things worse, his relationship with Asher has drifted as well; especially as Asher is bound by his loyalties to the Corps. They travel back to Erden, Ren's home planet, in hopes of grounding him, and with Ren's fervent hope of finding his missing brother, as well, but they learn more about the corrupt truths of the Phoenix Corps and Ren finds a message from Baron Vos, who may have more to offer him.
The novel is fraught with complexity and wonderful layers; both at once an adventure and a heartwrenching chapter in Ren and Asher's romance as they navigate trust and betrayal and how to best protect one another. Lukens handles communication and miscommunication so well; and the prose is done so skillfully, whether in the middle of an epic battle, or a dash of wry humor, or sibling banter. And with Ren and Asher's relationship, with all their insecurities and the way they fall apart and come back together and still can tease one another and care for each other, and I need the last book in the series right now.
Lukens has built up the stakes; both in romance and the fate of the universe, and I cannot wait to read how it all comes together in the last novel.
Reading Star Host was like opening a fantastic door into space, and the second book just takes us out for a ride without looking back. We start with Ren, adrift, literally and figuratively. While he's escaped his last prison, he's now under the scrutiny of the Phoenix Corps, and to make things worse, his relationship with Asher has drifted as well; especially as Asher is bound by his loyalties to the Corps. They travel back to Erden, Ren's home planet, in hopes of grounding him, and with Ren's fervent hope of finding his missing brother, as well, but they learn more about the corrupt truths of the Phoenix Corps and Ren finds a message from Baron Vos, who may have more to offer him.
The novel is fraught with complexity and wonderful layers; both at once an adventure and a heartwrenching chapter in Ren and Asher's romance as they navigate trust and betrayal and how to best protect one another. Lukens handles communication and miscommunication so well; and the prose is done so skillfully, whether in the middle of an epic battle, or a dash of wry humor, or sibling banter. And with Ren and Asher's relationship, with all their insecurities and the way they fall apart and come back together and still can tease one another and care for each other, and I need the last book in the series right now.
Lukens has built up the stakes; both in romance and the fate of the universe, and I cannot wait to read how it all comes together in the last novel.
March 12, 2017
I did love the sequel a lot even though it really broke my heart at times. It's super angsty from start to finish and I can't believe it's ending on this evil cliffhanger. How long do we have to wait for the last book?
Flawless writing and characters you just gotta love despite their flaws.
Flawless writing and characters you just gotta love despite their flaws.
April 18, 2017
Gahhhhh!!!! So goood!!!!
Dying to read the final installment!!
Hurryyyyy ~~~~!!!
----
That cover is wicked cool.
Dying to read the final installment!!
Hurryyyyy ~~~~!!!
----
That cover is wicked cool.
June 27, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for providing a DRC of Ghosts & Ashes in exchange for an honest review!
After reading The Star Host I talked about how my main wish for the series was that Ren became more of a flawed, 3-dimensional character and Ghosts and Ashes definitely delivered.
My favourite part of this section of the trilogy was definitely what it did to develop characters and their relationships! Everything felt incredibly realistic and like a natural progression of the characters and relationships presented in the first book and it was delightful to catch back up with these characters. Can't wait to find out how this story ends!
After reading The Star Host I talked about how my main wish for the series was that Ren became more of a flawed, 3-dimensional character and Ghosts and Ashes definitely delivered.
My favourite part of this section of the trilogy was definitely what it did to develop characters and their relationships! Everything felt incredibly realistic and like a natural progression of the characters and relationships presented in the first book and it was delightful to catch back up with these characters. Can't wait to find out how this story ends!
August 3, 2017
this was definitely better than the first book! mostly bc it was very focused on ren's trauma and general drama and i live for that shit. tho the drama was sometimes a little bit too much - i just dont have much patience for relationship drama that hinges on lack of communication, sorry. and i still dont care about the plot at all lmao. but this was a fast and entertaining read, perfect for getting you out of a reading slump.
March 14, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This story was wonderful! I was a bit thrown at first because the end of Star Host had so much potential for Asher and Ren and headed towards a happily ever after. They’re at odds through most of his story and I was a little sad at first. However I quickly realized there were some major reasons and huge things going on that affect their relationship.
Ren was so lost in this story. He struggled with his power and how it defined him. Both to himself and to others. He was missing his rock, his anchor, in this story. You could tell it deeply mattered to Ren to be adrift like that. However he had so much growth in this book. He figured out who he was as a person and as a star host. He worked to decide what he wanted in life and how to get it. I loved the times he stuck up for himself against those around him. His inner strength, outside of his star, shined through. He is a powerful human with having a star inside him. But he also has a strength that comes from his character and his conviction to take care of those around him. I’m eager to see how he grows in the next book.
Asher hurt my heart in this book. He was so broken throughout the story. He just wanted to do the right thing and ensure Ren was taken care of. Even if he went about it the wrong way from time to time. We only see his emotions and reasoning from Ren’s point of view. However we can figure out so much by reading between the lines and by the peeks we get when Ren is in the systems inadvertently spying. Asher gives everything for Ren and it’s bittersweet to see. I hate how his carefully constructed world view is shattered in this book. I desperately want to know what he gave at the end. I can’t wait to see how the events right at the end of this book affect Asher and his reactions in the next book.
The storyline pulled me in and once it had my attention, it held on until the very last page. If course I pretty much yelled at the end of the book because I desperately need to know what happens next. I adore Ms. Luken’s world and the characters in it. I’m deeply fascinated in how the political atmosphere within the world is going to wind up by the end of the series. This book gave us so much more world building and it is phenomenal! We get a deeper look at Phoenix Corps and Vos, plus how their interactions affect everyone else. I want to know more and how the political climate changes because of what happened right at the end of this book.
Ren and Asher’s relationship is very different from Star Host. You can still feel their affection for each other and see it grow and evolve. They still want to be together as a couple and they still want to finish falling in love with each other. They’re just not there yet. All of the obstacles in their path and the emotions they’re working on have to be dealt with first. I still hold out so much hope for these two. They’re going to be amazingly beautiful when they work out how to be together. I’m just not sure how many more books it’ll take them to get there.
Four and a half stars!
This story was wonderful! I was a bit thrown at first because the end of Star Host had so much potential for Asher and Ren and headed towards a happily ever after. They’re at odds through most of his story and I was a little sad at first. However I quickly realized there were some major reasons and huge things going on that affect their relationship.
Ren was so lost in this story. He struggled with his power and how it defined him. Both to himself and to others. He was missing his rock, his anchor, in this story. You could tell it deeply mattered to Ren to be adrift like that. However he had so much growth in this book. He figured out who he was as a person and as a star host. He worked to decide what he wanted in life and how to get it. I loved the times he stuck up for himself against those around him. His inner strength, outside of his star, shined through. He is a powerful human with having a star inside him. But he also has a strength that comes from his character and his conviction to take care of those around him. I’m eager to see how he grows in the next book.
Asher hurt my heart in this book. He was so broken throughout the story. He just wanted to do the right thing and ensure Ren was taken care of. Even if he went about it the wrong way from time to time. We only see his emotions and reasoning from Ren’s point of view. However we can figure out so much by reading between the lines and by the peeks we get when Ren is in the systems inadvertently spying. Asher gives everything for Ren and it’s bittersweet to see. I hate how his carefully constructed world view is shattered in this book. I desperately want to know what he gave at the end. I can’t wait to see how the events right at the end of this book affect Asher and his reactions in the next book.
The storyline pulled me in and once it had my attention, it held on until the very last page. If course I pretty much yelled at the end of the book because I desperately need to know what happens next. I adore Ms. Luken’s world and the characters in it. I’m deeply fascinated in how the political atmosphere within the world is going to wind up by the end of the series. This book gave us so much more world building and it is phenomenal! We get a deeper look at Phoenix Corps and Vos, plus how their interactions affect everyone else. I want to know more and how the political climate changes because of what happened right at the end of this book.
Ren and Asher’s relationship is very different from Star Host. You can still feel their affection for each other and see it grow and evolve. They still want to be together as a couple and they still want to finish falling in love with each other. They’re just not there yet. All of the obstacles in their path and the emotions they’re working on have to be dealt with first. I still hold out so much hope for these two. They’re going to be amazingly beautiful when they work out how to be together. I’m just not sure how many more books it’ll take them to get there.
March 23, 2017
What a ride. I was just as drawn in to the book as Ren was to the Star Stream. This series fills a giant 'Firefly' sized hole in my heart, and I cannot wait to read more. Ghost & Ashes is a sublimely written YA space opera of sorts that has just the right amount of emotional trauma, darkness, romance, adventure and mystery. From the very first page, you are sucked into the world the book has created. As far as the Sci Fi aspect goes, it's simple, logical and written in a way that even a non-fan could enjoy. I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes the YA genre, especially if you're looking for a book with an LGBTQ protagonist.
August 17, 2025
3,75 ⭐️ (no quería que su puntaje fuera mas alto que el primero)
I DONT DO RELATIONSHIP ANGST, but I need to accept that it was a good book. I know they love each other and all the actions they take prove it, but MY SHAYLAS! 😭. I wish I could give Ren a hug and then send him to a planet where he can reconnect with the Pachamama and align his chakras.
Idk, this book was like cocaine, it was addictive and destructive.
I DONT DO RELATIONSHIP ANGST, but I need to accept that it was a good book. I know they love each other and all the actions they take prove it, but MY SHAYLAS! 😭. I wish I could give Ren a hug and then send him to a planet where he can reconnect with the Pachamama and align his chakras.
Idk, this book was like cocaine, it was addictive and destructive.
April 4, 2017
5 Stars
Trying to put words to my level of excitement when this book came out is nearly impossible.
When I picked up the the first book in the Broken Moon series (The Star Host), I was a little skeptical about if I would enjoy it. I had no idea I would be so enthralled. Lukens has a special gift: her world building is so vivid it’s like you’re there. It was almost cinematic, in that I could picture everything that was happening. It’s not flowery prose: it’s direct and rich and clear. I loved that book enough that I have it on Kindle and hard copy. I’ve read it multiple times.
Circling back: I cannot express my level of anticipation and excitement for the second installment of this series.
Once again, Lukens did not disappoint. This book carries a kind of hardship and angst that is different from the first; which is necessary. I love Asher and Ren, I root for them so hard. But they are young, and they are being pulled in many very difficult directions in extremely difficult circumstances. Their miscommunication and frustrations felt so realistic to me. I’m a sucker for realistic, difficult, honest relationship issues. And without them, I feel like the difficulties they face, plot-wise, would have been cheapened. I have an irritation with YA books in which characters face this sort of dystopian plot and maintain a perfect relationship throughout. I certainly wasn’t that kind of 19 year old.
I love that I was taken by surprise by a plot twist at the end: it satisfied a deep worry I had and explained so much about it. The moments of sweetness and connection between Asher and Ren helped me hold on to hope for them throughout: through everything, they keep coming back together. The mystery of Ren’s brother…I am dying for that resolution. I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to ruin the plot.
I will say that there were many moments when I wanted to shake Ren or Asher because I could see how their decisions were colored by wrong information, by stubborness, by lack of self awareness. I felt so much for Asher, being put in a position between his position in the Phoenix Corps and with his commitment to Ren; for how difficult it was for him to see the changes Ren was going through at the start of the book, and the things he did to try to help that seemed, often, not helpful. Since the story is only told from Ren’s POV, we get an imperfect character voice. We live through Ren’s understanding of situations, which are not always accurate. As the reader, we have to wait through and be patient so we can see how Asher’s choices unfold. Lukens pulls this type of writing (single POV) very well.
The end of this book will absolutely put you on the edge of your seat. There has to be a word for a next level anticipation beyond where I was previously.
Trying to put words to my level of excitement when this book came out is nearly impossible.
When I picked up the the first book in the Broken Moon series (The Star Host), I was a little skeptical about if I would enjoy it. I had no idea I would be so enthralled. Lukens has a special gift: her world building is so vivid it’s like you’re there. It was almost cinematic, in that I could picture everything that was happening. It’s not flowery prose: it’s direct and rich and clear. I loved that book enough that I have it on Kindle and hard copy. I’ve read it multiple times.
Circling back: I cannot express my level of anticipation and excitement for the second installment of this series.
Once again, Lukens did not disappoint. This book carries a kind of hardship and angst that is different from the first; which is necessary. I love Asher and Ren, I root for them so hard. But they are young, and they are being pulled in many very difficult directions in extremely difficult circumstances. Their miscommunication and frustrations felt so realistic to me. I’m a sucker for realistic, difficult, honest relationship issues. And without them, I feel like the difficulties they face, plot-wise, would have been cheapened. I have an irritation with YA books in which characters face this sort of dystopian plot and maintain a perfect relationship throughout. I certainly wasn’t that kind of 19 year old.
I love that I was taken by surprise by a plot twist at the end: it satisfied a deep worry I had and explained so much about it. The moments of sweetness and connection between Asher and Ren helped me hold on to hope for them throughout: through everything, they keep coming back together. The mystery of Ren’s brother…I am dying for that resolution. I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to ruin the plot.
I will say that there were many moments when I wanted to shake Ren or Asher because I could see how their decisions were colored by wrong information, by stubborness, by lack of self awareness. I felt so much for Asher, being put in a position between his position in the Phoenix Corps and with his commitment to Ren; for how difficult it was for him to see the changes Ren was going through at the start of the book, and the things he did to try to help that seemed, often, not helpful. Since the story is only told from Ren’s POV, we get an imperfect character voice. We live through Ren’s understanding of situations, which are not always accurate. As the reader, we have to wait through and be patient so we can see how Asher’s choices unfold. Lukens pulls this type of writing (single POV) very well.
The end of this book will absolutely put you on the edge of your seat. There has to be a word for a next level anticipation beyond where I was previously.
May 19, 2021
A different tone (different settings; different stakes; the evolution of Ren's bond with the crew and , others), as is usual with all sagas. But still so lovely! This was easy to devour, dare I say even easier than the first one! But, rather than to blame it on quality (which is lacking in neither volume), I'd say it's probably the pace, the events that make this second volume Necessary to fully read asap. Here we have our crew struggling in space, then on Erden, and then back in space, on Crei... Our hero (and his friend, because of course Asher sticks to Ren like gum! But I'll get back to this afterwards) (re)discovers many spaces, places, and takes the reader with him -- and it is such a nice ride! It's almost obligatory to tear through the book (with the eyes, of course <3): what happens next, after Ren falls asleep? How does Erden look? Will Ren and Jakob be safe? And what are the legends? The birdmen? How will Ren and Asher get out of the planet (as pointed out by the pair themselves: again!!)? How will they manage, on the ship? What will happen, on Crei? Will Ren find Liam? With his body gone for now, will Ren follow Asher through comms? Will he follow Asher? What will happen next? (Read the next book to find out, haha...)
This book is seriously impossible to put down. So many things happening (well-paced, this is Not criticism!!), and so many questions that need answering (once again, not criticism -- the answers always lie ahead). So many hope and care for the characters, and the need to see things unfold. Turn out well. To see that everyone is safe.
I must admit my heart ached seeing Ren and Asher struggle together. The lines, 'Maybe that's all their relationship had been--born of mutual desperation. When the fighting was over, the flimsy premise had disappeared, and whatever they had been crumbled.' really hit home (the shared trauma of it all...), and man. Did they make me sad. These two who communicated so well in the first book, who were so united back then... Now stood (spiritually) apart for a good chunk of the second one. And yet! There remains care in their acts, in their bond. Because of course: they love each other. But, stars (these saga-related idioms make me so fond -- also they keep me from swearing so that's a win-win situation). Even struggling and fuming at each other they still try to communicate, and they.still.care. And while my heart ached here and there because Ren was sometimes a bit unkind to Asher, handing him no apology whatsoever after lashing out, I also 1) understand this book is told from Ren's pov, + the fact that he went through Things; 2) appreciate the fact this makes Ren flawed. Everyone is, of course (and this is told from Ren pov's, so it's easy to take his side as we're in his mind), but it's nice, to see flaws in a character -- especially when later on Rowan reminds Ren Asher lost a family when he lost the Phoenix Corps. I also (3!!) have hope that hopefully in book three these two will have a good talk, or at least settle down. Y.e.s Asher's speech to Ren towards the end had me emotti spaghetti but listen I just want these two to vibe happily in a quiet place where nobody is looking for them. Have a nice cuddle. Kiss kiss live a good life far away from dangers. Also Asher has always been following Ren no matter what no matter where he went therefore I am looking for a return of the lift (many lifts) Ash sent Ren his way, as the french say (renvoyer l'ascenseur) 👁👁👁👁
What more is there to say? Loved the settings. Absolutely gorgeous places, super interesting to read about and imagine. The stark difference between Erden and Crei!! The darkness where Ren finally met Liam... So many settings -- and with them, atmospheres. The snow on Erden (the Roper's house, such an interesting place!), the pollution on Crei... Delphi, which has changed since the last book... So so interesting. So lovely.
I also loved getting to meet old characters again 🥺 Sorcha, Ren's parents (sigh... sad confrontation there)... Even the castle, which has changed so much now! (Oz, if you're out there.....) It was really nice to catch up with them -- and to leave Jakob with them. This sweetheart. 'Who'd have thought I'd be best friends with the weird kid?' 'I don't need to marry Ezzy to be your brother.' 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 Brothers not in blood but in bond 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 I loved this bond so very much. And, 'She talked as if Jakob had died, and, in a way, he had. Rowan would never see him again. There would be no reason for their path to cross.' Like this hurts but in such a good way!! This is about Rowan, but I remember another line about Ren thinking about Jakob, and just... It is so sad they're parting but also, part of life (even with a little more dangers), and it's a nice, beautiful, dreamy way of tying this up.
Enjoyed the style, as well. Things are easy to picture -- they're painted, in a way, and the tableau they shape is colourful, beautiful -- intriguing, and so, so unique. I've said it before, first book was unique, and this follow-up only keeps, amps it up. It's amazing.
Different tone. Just as lovely. Author if you're reading this, thanks for keeping up the good work and putting out such a good book <3
This book is seriously impossible to put down. So many things happening (well-paced, this is Not criticism!!), and so many questions that need answering (once again, not criticism -- the answers always lie ahead). So many hope and care for the characters, and the need to see things unfold. Turn out well. To see that everyone is safe.
I must admit my heart ached seeing Ren and Asher struggle together. The lines, 'Maybe that's all their relationship had been--born of mutual desperation. When the fighting was over, the flimsy premise had disappeared, and whatever they had been crumbled.' really hit home (the shared trauma of it all...), and man. Did they make me sad. These two who communicated so well in the first book, who were so united back then... Now stood (spiritually) apart for a good chunk of the second one. And yet! There remains care in their acts, in their bond. Because of course: they love each other. But, stars (these saga-related idioms make me so fond -- also they keep me from swearing so that's a win-win situation). Even struggling and fuming at each other they still try to communicate, and they.still.care. And while my heart ached here and there because Ren was sometimes a bit unkind to Asher, handing him no apology whatsoever after lashing out, I also 1) understand this book is told from Ren's pov, + the fact that he went through Things; 2) appreciate the fact this makes Ren flawed. Everyone is, of course (and this is told from Ren pov's, so it's easy to take his side as we're in his mind), but it's nice, to see flaws in a character -- especially when later on Rowan reminds Ren Asher lost a family when he lost the Phoenix Corps. I also (3!!) have hope that hopefully in book three these two will have a good talk, or at least settle down. Y.e.s Asher's speech to Ren towards the end had me emotti spaghetti but listen I just want these two to vibe happily in a quiet place where nobody is looking for them. Have a nice cuddle. Kiss kiss live a good life far away from dangers. Also Asher has always been following Ren no matter what no matter where he went therefore I am looking for a return of the lift (many lifts) Ash sent Ren his way, as the french say (renvoyer l'ascenseur) 👁👁👁👁
What more is there to say? Loved the settings. Absolutely gorgeous places, super interesting to read about and imagine. The stark difference between Erden and Crei!! The darkness where Ren finally met Liam... So many settings -- and with them, atmospheres. The snow on Erden (the Roper's house, such an interesting place!), the pollution on Crei... Delphi, which has changed since the last book... So so interesting. So lovely.
I also loved getting to meet old characters again 🥺 Sorcha, Ren's parents (sigh... sad confrontation there)... Even the castle, which has changed so much now! (Oz, if you're out there.....) It was really nice to catch up with them -- and to leave Jakob with them. This sweetheart. 'Who'd have thought I'd be best friends with the weird kid?' 'I don't need to marry Ezzy to be your brother.' 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 Brothers not in blood but in bond 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 I loved this bond so very much. And, 'She talked as if Jakob had died, and, in a way, he had. Rowan would never see him again. There would be no reason for their path to cross.' Like this hurts but in such a good way!! This is about Rowan, but I remember another line about Ren thinking about Jakob, and just... It is so sad they're parting but also, part of life (even with a little more dangers), and it's a nice, beautiful, dreamy way of tying this up.
Enjoyed the style, as well. Things are easy to picture -- they're painted, in a way, and the tableau they shape is colourful, beautiful -- intriguing, and so, so unique. I've said it before, first book was unique, and this follow-up only keeps, amps it up. It's amazing.
Different tone. Just as lovely. Author if you're reading this, thanks for keeping up the good work and putting out such a good book <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
4.5 stars
Like the mix of sci fi with a romantic subplot
Like the mix of sci fi with a romantic subplot
August 29, 2023
TL;DR: Probably the hardest of the series to read. The plot is far more internal than external, mental, emotional, and with fractures. It's nothing unsurprising in terms of how a second book plays out in a series. The ending though. Oh my gods. If this book were adult instead of YA, it would have been devastating and I'm not sure I would have made it!
THIS REVIEW IS SPOILER-FREE
CHARACTERS: We still get more of the characters we love. It's painful to watch Ren's struggle in this one, but it's so much fun to see the characters that we come to love from the first book still here.
PLOT: As mentioned, the main conflict in this book feels a lot more internal/mental/emotional and interpersonal, rather than the us against them of the external conflict in book one. Seeing everything from Ren's POV, it's almost as though we have an unreliable narrator, but at the same time, how can it be unreliable when it IS his POV. This was harder for me to get through, not because it wasn't good! Just because emotionally it was more intense. And the very end of this book is wow. No spoilers, but wow. Impeccably done, excruciatingly heartbreaking, but not with all hope lost.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
5 out of 5. Honestly, if this were the final book, I likely would have needed a therapist afterwards. Only knowing that I had the final book to read and that not everything was ending this way kept me going.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
What exactly can I say here? Yes, the fulfillment is there. What I was so desperate for throughout the story does finally happen at the end of this one, with more mind-blowing conflict that occurs to make it bittersweet. For a book 2 and another book of plot to finish, I was definitely fulfilled by the end of this one.
WOULD I GO BACK IN TIME AND READ THIS BOOK KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW?
As mentioned for book 1, I'm deciding whether I want to purchase a personal copy of this book. So yes, I would absolutely still read this book. It's rare that I want to read a book a second time, but this is possibly one of those. So that says a lot.
THIS REVIEW IS SPOILER-FREE
CHARACTERS: We still get more of the characters we love. It's painful to watch Ren's struggle in this one, but it's so much fun to see the characters that we come to love from the first book still here.
PLOT: As mentioned, the main conflict in this book feels a lot more internal/mental/emotional and interpersonal, rather than the us against them of the external conflict in book one. Seeing everything from Ren's POV, it's almost as though we have an unreliable narrator, but at the same time, how can it be unreliable when it IS his POV. This was harder for me to get through, not because it wasn't good! Just because emotionally it was more intense. And the very end of this book is wow. No spoilers, but wow. Impeccably done, excruciatingly heartbreaking, but not with all hope lost.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
5 out of 5. Honestly, if this were the final book, I likely would have needed a therapist afterwards. Only knowing that I had the final book to read and that not everything was ending this way kept me going.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
What exactly can I say here? Yes, the fulfillment is there. What I was so desperate for throughout the story does finally happen at the end of this one, with more mind-blowing conflict that occurs to make it bittersweet. For a book 2 and another book of plot to finish, I was definitely fulfilled by the end of this one.
WOULD I GO BACK IN TIME AND READ THIS BOOK KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW?
As mentioned for book 1, I'm deciding whether I want to purchase a personal copy of this book. So yes, I would absolutely still read this book. It's rare that I want to read a book a second time, but this is possibly one of those. So that says a lot.
September 16, 2025
Alors alors... alors j'avais prévu de relire le tome 1 avant de relire celui pour me remettre dans l'histoire et finalement je n'ai pas pu attendre. Et heureusement pour moi, l'histoire m'est très vite revenue. Et une fois de plus j'ai adoré ce roman. Je l'ai dévoré. J'ai retrouvé tous les éléments que j'avais aimé dans le premier tome.
On retrouve l'univers dystopique cher à mon coeur ainsi que l'ambiance space opera que j'aime de plus en plus.
J'ai adoré retrouver Ren qui est vraiment un personnage que j'aime énormément et qui est toujours aussi attachant. On en apprend un peu plus sur lui, sur sa famille mais aussi sur ses origines. Comme dans toutes les dystopies, les révélations ne se font pas sans douleurs pour Ren, qui, comme le titre l'indique va aller d'épreuves en épreuves.
Les méchants ne sont peut etre pas ceux que l'on pensait être et Ren, du fait de sa particularité, va se retrouver au centre d'une lutte de pouvoir qui lui passe bien au dessus. C'est également un élément récurrent des dystopies et j'ai trouvé que l'auteure traité très bien ce sujet.
Dans ce tome, Ren se découvre un peu plus, ses pouvoirs, d'abord, ses origines, mais également en tant que personne. Il va grandir, se découvrir et approfondir sa relation avec Asher.
Ahhh Asher... lui aussi est le typique intérêt amoureux d'un héros de dystopie et au moins l'auteure évite(en tout cas pour l'instant) un des clichés que je déteste: le triangle amoureux. La relation entre Asher et Ren est assez complexe comme ça sans rajouter un troisième luron.
J'aime qu'ils aient tous les deux leurs convictions, leurs obligations qui ne sont pas toujours compatibles mais que leurs sentiments soient toujours présents.
Comme toujours, ils vont devoir grandir, accepter des vérités parfois difficile à digérer. Avancer, toujours, pour survivre et vivre. Ce deuxieme tome est toujours aussi entrainant, on va de révélations en révélations et je dois dire que j'ai super hâte aux révélations finales même si cette trilogie fera surement partie des romans que je relirai souvent.
Bonne nouvelle, le tome 3 est prévu pour Aout!
On retrouve l'univers dystopique cher à mon coeur ainsi que l'ambiance space opera que j'aime de plus en plus.
J'ai adoré retrouver Ren qui est vraiment un personnage que j'aime énormément et qui est toujours aussi attachant. On en apprend un peu plus sur lui, sur sa famille mais aussi sur ses origines. Comme dans toutes les dystopies, les révélations ne se font pas sans douleurs pour Ren, qui, comme le titre l'indique va aller d'épreuves en épreuves.
Les méchants ne sont peut etre pas ceux que l'on pensait être et Ren, du fait de sa particularité, va se retrouver au centre d'une lutte de pouvoir qui lui passe bien au dessus. C'est également un élément récurrent des dystopies et j'ai trouvé que l'auteure traité très bien ce sujet.
Dans ce tome, Ren se découvre un peu plus, ses pouvoirs, d'abord, ses origines, mais également en tant que personne. Il va grandir, se découvrir et approfondir sa relation avec Asher.
Ahhh Asher... lui aussi est le typique intérêt amoureux d'un héros de dystopie et au moins l'auteure évite(en tout cas pour l'instant) un des clichés que je déteste: le triangle amoureux. La relation entre Asher et Ren est assez complexe comme ça sans rajouter un troisième luron.
J'aime qu'ils aient tous les deux leurs convictions, leurs obligations qui ne sont pas toujours compatibles mais que leurs sentiments soient toujours présents.
Comme toujours, ils vont devoir grandir, accepter des vérités parfois difficile à digérer. Avancer, toujours, pour survivre et vivre. Ce deuxieme tome est toujours aussi entrainant, on va de révélations en révélations et je dois dire que j'ai super hâte aux révélations finales même si cette trilogie fera surement partie des romans que je relirai souvent.
Bonne nouvelle, le tome 3 est prévu pour Aout!
Read
February 16, 2018Reviewed for SLJ
Continuing a few months after the events of Star Host, this sci-fi novel begins with Ren and Asher at odds with each other. Ren is having trouble moving on from the traumatic events he’s experienced, and he struggles with his technopathic powers now that he’s aboard a ship chock-full of technology. Asher’s training as a soldier doesn’t allow him to place his loyalty to Ren above his devotion to the Phoenix Corps, no matter what he feels for Ren. As Ren slowly slips further and further away from humanity without his anchor, the crew of Star Stream decide that a trip to Ren’s home planet might be best for him. What they find there devastates Ren and his friend Jakob. Though the conflicts are more internally focused in the beginning, they feel no less dire than they did in the previous volume. Ren’s post-traumatic stress disorder is presented realistically alongside his challenges with his powers. Readers will cheer him on as he struggles to maintain control of himself. Ren and Asher’s relationship is more hot and cold this time, with the justification for their ever-changing feelings toward each other becoming increasingly weaker as the plot moves forward. There are also a few side plots on Erden, Ren’s home planet, that feel underdeveloped. However, there is enough to keep readers engaged until the cliff-hanger ending.
Continuing a few months after the events of Star Host, this sci-fi novel begins with Ren and Asher at odds with each other. Ren is having trouble moving on from the traumatic events he’s experienced, and he struggles with his technopathic powers now that he’s aboard a ship chock-full of technology. Asher’s training as a soldier doesn’t allow him to place his loyalty to Ren above his devotion to the Phoenix Corps, no matter what he feels for Ren. As Ren slowly slips further and further away from humanity without his anchor, the crew of Star Stream decide that a trip to Ren’s home planet might be best for him. What they find there devastates Ren and his friend Jakob. Though the conflicts are more internally focused in the beginning, they feel no less dire than they did in the previous volume. Ren’s post-traumatic stress disorder is presented realistically alongside his challenges with his powers. Readers will cheer him on as he struggles to maintain control of himself. Ren and Asher’s relationship is more hot and cold this time, with the justification for their ever-changing feelings toward each other becoming increasingly weaker as the plot moves forward. There are also a few side plots on Erden, Ren’s home planet, that feel underdeveloped. However, there is enough to keep readers engaged until the cliff-hanger ending.
April 17, 2017
...Okay, I'm just going to throw this out there, because I really did enjoy the first book. The Star Host was so good and definitely one of my favourite books from last year, and I was so excited for this one but...
Ren and Asher literally - and I mean literally - argue throughout... 80-85% of this entire book. I just don't... I don't get it. How do you go from such a well-developed, understanding, supportive friendship to- Whatever they had in this one? I get that neither of them are themselves, that they've had to change for the circumstances, but... What ever happened to talking about your issues? Did they just forget that you need communication to help structure and build a healthy relationship?
Honestly, after the second or third argument, I just got bored. You can legit skip most of this book if you really want to. Read the beginning, get a good grasp on the situation, and then all you really need is the last quarter or so and you're good to go.
I hate to say it, but if it wasn't for the fact that I am genuinely hopeful for this series and will still be reading the next one, I would rate this lower. 3 stars is far too generous for what we got. I really didn't want to read 200+ pages of petty back-and-forth... I get that this is the "middle book" and it's trying to set up the big finale, but... let's not do that again please.
Ren and Asher literally - and I mean literally - argue throughout... 80-85% of this entire book. I just don't... I don't get it. How do you go from such a well-developed, understanding, supportive friendship to- Whatever they had in this one? I get that neither of them are themselves, that they've had to change for the circumstances, but... What ever happened to talking about your issues? Did they just forget that you need communication to help structure and build a healthy relationship?
Honestly, after the second or third argument, I just got bored. You can legit skip most of this book if you really want to. Read the beginning, get a good grasp on the situation, and then all you really need is the last quarter or so and you're good to go.
I hate to say it, but if it wasn't for the fact that I am genuinely hopeful for this series and will still be reading the next one, I would rate this lower. 3 stars is far too generous for what we got. I really didn't want to read 200+ pages of petty back-and-forth... I get that this is the "middle book" and it's trying to set up the big finale, but... let's not do that again please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
How did this book start off so depressingly when the first one ended on a happy note? What happened in between? Why don't we get that story? As a reader, i am more invested in the character's decline (I can connect with it more too) if I experience it with them.
Alot of the same problems from the first book reoccurred in this one. The MC couldn't make up their minds on who/what to trust with no real reason, the relationship between the MC & Asher is NOT healthy (but no one points that out), and it is still unclear who the real antagonist of this story is...
I will read book 3 because I want to see how everything ends, but that's it.
Alot of the same problems from the first book reoccurred in this one. The MC couldn't make up their minds on who/what to trust with no real reason, the relationship between the MC & Asher is NOT healthy (but no one points that out), and it is still unclear who the real antagonist of this story is...
I will read book 3 because I want to see how everything ends, but that's it.
March 4, 2024
The first book was interesting, the start of something potentially good. The second book did a character transplant or time skip of some length and gave no explanation as to what happened so what seemed a good foundation of friendship and maybe more became so weakened; to the extent that it made me pause and try and figure out if I'd missed a book. It sort of gets better, and gives a late explanation much farther into the book but that jarring start is quite off putting.
October 23, 2018
He likes me, he hates me, I trust him, I don't trust him, and round and round and round they go. So much for the relationship part. The plot: it goes along... somewhere. The scifi aspect: well, they're in space... and there are planets... does that count?
Decent writing that could have been better if there was more of it (and less of the back and forth).
Decent writing that could have been better if there was more of it (and less of the back and forth).
February 22, 2023
I got very frustrated with the characters in this book. But I’m still going to finish the series.
March 21, 2021
Dire que j’attendais impatiemment la sortie de ce deuxième tome est un euphémisme. J’avais adoré le premier, mais sa sortie datait de 2018 et la traduction de celui-ci avait été annoncée et repoussée à de nombreuses reprises. Autant dire que lorsque j’ai enfin pu le lire, j’ai sauté dessus. Et j’en suis malheureusement sortie un peu déçue.
Il faut dire que ce que j’avais aimé dans le premier, c’était la relation entre les deux personnages principaux, Ren et Asher, mais aussi cet univers qui s’agrandissait petit à petit, passant d’une pauvre planète à un univers tout entier de dérives spatiales et de complots pour dominer toutes les étoiles.
On nous avait laissé sur la promesse de nouvelles explorations, et une situation toute neuve entre Ren et Asher qui ne demandait qu’à se développer.
Et j’ai été très désappointée de voir que le plus gros du roman consistait en de longs voyages spatiaux sur le Star Stream où les deux imbéciles se faisaient la gueule et boudaient. J’en ai été d’autant plus chagrinée qu’au bout d’un moment ce voyage infernal s’arrête et que le récit repart sur de très bonnes bases, le retour sur Erden, la planète natale de Ren, apportant plein de réponses, de rebondissements et une espèce de paix retrouvée qui faisait énormément de bien.
Tout ce passage lance l’intrigue dans une nouvelle direction et j’étais donc pleine d’espoir face à ce qui allait bien pouvoir se passer, parce que le mystère autour des Hôtes stellaires, leurs pouvoirs, le rôle de la Division Phoenix, tout ça me plait beaucoup et remettait un peu en question le rôle d’Asher dans quelque chose où il n’était jusque là qu’un petit pion sans beaucoup d’intérêt.
Malheureusement, on repart ensuite dans un long voyage spatial où je n’avais qu’une envie, prendre Ren pour taper sur Asher, et inversement. Heureusement que la soeur d’Asher est là pour remettre un peu de plomb dans la cervelle de ces deux idiots et j’en étais presque arriver à apprécier
Tout ça jusqu’à ce que le vaisseau arrive de nouveau sur une planète, celle de Millicent en l’occurrence, et que tout redevienne palpitant, jusqu’à nous amener vers un final où j’ai eu envie de crier tant je voulais avoir la suite. Qui devrait heureusement arriver bien plus vite que ce tome-ci puisque la parution de sa traduction est prévue pour l’été.
Je ne comprends donc pas trop ce qui c’est passé pour moi avec ce livre. Les moments de grande fatigue envers les personnages ont alterné avec des passages vraiment prenants où l’intrigue avance à grands pas, dans une direction très prometteuse, mais j’ai beaucoup trop pesté envers une relation pesante entre tous les membres d’équipage pour dire que cette lecture a été agréable. Et j’en suis la première déçue.
Il faut dire que ce que j’avais aimé dans le premier, c’était la relation entre les deux personnages principaux, Ren et Asher, mais aussi cet univers qui s’agrandissait petit à petit, passant d’une pauvre planète à un univers tout entier de dérives spatiales et de complots pour dominer toutes les étoiles.
On nous avait laissé sur la promesse de nouvelles explorations, et une situation toute neuve entre Ren et Asher qui ne demandait qu’à se développer.
Et j’ai été très désappointée de voir que le plus gros du roman consistait en de longs voyages spatiaux sur le Star Stream où les deux imbéciles se faisaient la gueule et boudaient. J’en ai été d’autant plus chagrinée qu’au bout d’un moment ce voyage infernal s’arrête et que le récit repart sur de très bonnes bases, le retour sur Erden, la planète natale de Ren, apportant plein de réponses, de rebondissements et une espèce de paix retrouvée qui faisait énormément de bien.
Tout ce passage lance l’intrigue dans une nouvelle direction et j’étais donc pleine d’espoir face à ce qui allait bien pouvoir se passer, parce que le mystère autour des Hôtes stellaires, leurs pouvoirs, le rôle de la Division Phoenix, tout ça me plait beaucoup et remettait un peu en question le rôle d’Asher dans quelque chose où il n’était jusque là qu’un petit pion sans beaucoup d’intérêt.
Malheureusement, on repart ensuite dans un long voyage spatial où je n’avais qu’une envie, prendre Ren pour taper sur Asher, et inversement. Heureusement que la soeur d’Asher est là pour remettre un peu de plomb dans la cervelle de ces deux idiots et j’en étais presque arriver à apprécier
Tout ça jusqu’à ce que le vaisseau arrive de nouveau sur une planète, celle de Millicent en l’occurrence, et que tout redevienne palpitant, jusqu’à nous amener vers un final où j’ai eu envie de crier tant je voulais avoir la suite. Qui devrait heureusement arriver bien plus vite que ce tome-ci puisque la parution de sa traduction est prévue pour l’été.
Je ne comprends donc pas trop ce qui c’est passé pour moi avec ce livre. Les moments de grande fatigue envers les personnages ont alterné avec des passages vraiment prenants où l’intrigue avance à grands pas, dans une direction très prometteuse, mais j’ai beaucoup trop pesté envers une relation pesante entre tous les membres d’équipage pour dire que cette lecture a été agréable. Et j’en suis la première déçue.
August 22, 2023
That was sooooo hard to read. I was whispering to the book gods to let it be finished already. It was here, there, everywhere, and nowhere.
Here was the love story developing and…there it went. Then it was everywhere with everyone. Then it was nowhere, teleported to another star system.
Just replace the “love story” with the “plot” or “character development” or “action”…
And Millicent. What the heck? And Rowan?? I don’t really know how to describe either of these characters’ development.
You know who I didn’t like at all, though? Ren. Asher needs more hugs and not from Ren, ok. Was it this book or the first where Ren just goes off and says how much he’s lost when Asher lost his entire regiment or whatever of possibly friends to the Baron. Whichever book it happens in, it pretty much sums up Ren.
“And I know you always keep your promises” is said like 500 times for no reason and before they even know each other well enough to know whether Asher keeps his promises. Ren is an idiot duster. A drama Queen duster. Blahhhhhh.
Oh and I forgot to say: Phoenix Corps is still a bunch of idiots.
Here was the love story developing and…there it went. Then it was everywhere with everyone. Then it was nowhere, teleported to another star system.
Just replace the “love story” with the “plot” or “character development” or “action”…
And Millicent. What the heck? And Rowan?? I don’t really know how to describe either of these characters’ development.
You know who I didn’t like at all, though? Ren. Asher needs more hugs and not from Ren, ok. Was it this book or the first where Ren just goes off and says how much he’s lost when Asher lost his entire regiment or whatever of possibly friends to the Baron. Whichever book it happens in, it pretty much sums up Ren.
“And I know you always keep your promises” is said like 500 times for no reason and before they even know each other well enough to know whether Asher keeps his promises. Ren is an idiot duster. A drama Queen duster. Blahhhhhh.
Oh and I forgot to say: Phoenix Corps is still a bunch of idiots.
September 18, 2020
I love YA, I love queer characters but I’m not really into science fiction or dystopia. But sometimes I need to read something outside my comfort zone and when I found this series on Koboplus I read the ‘ghost host’. I really liked it and started reading the other two books almost immediately afterwards. I decided to review the second and the third book in one review because the whole series is just one long story.
The books are fast paced, with action, romance, bantering and a lot of sci-fi elements. But because the books are so easy readable the sci-fi parts were -even for me, not being a sci-fi fan- enjoyable. The main characters are likable persons with flaws like we all have. The side characters are strong, witty and not quite average -I’m a big fan of not average-. Ren and Ash make a great team, they fight and make up but they love each other and protect another, whatever happens, even when they don’t understand each other. And the epilogue was a nice HEA.
Those books really got into me and I’d love to read more of F.T. Lukens!
The books are fast paced, with action, romance, bantering and a lot of sci-fi elements. But because the books are so easy readable the sci-fi parts were -even for me, not being a sci-fi fan- enjoyable. The main characters are likable persons with flaws like we all have. The side characters are strong, witty and not quite average -I’m a big fan of not average-. Ren and Ash make a great team, they fight and make up but they love each other and protect another, whatever happens, even when they don’t understand each other. And the epilogue was a nice HEA.
Those books really got into me and I’d love to read more of F.T. Lukens!
March 24, 2017
F.T. Lukens has done it again! After the edge-of-my-seat excitement of the first book in this series, The Star Host, Ren's victory and his budding relationship with Ash, I wasn't sure where this story would go -- but I needn't have worried. As this story progressed, I was at once heartbroken and encouraged for Ren and Ash's relationship, and so amazed at Ren's fortitude, sticking to his mission (which I'm not going to spoil here). By the end of the book, just like the first one, I was reading on the edge of my seat, terrified Ren wasn't going to make it. I can't wait until the third book comes out. I have no idea what's going to happen, but I trust F.T. Lukens to make the journey aweseome!
May 13, 2025
I liked the first one but this a bit of a mess. The characters/relationships changed drastically off page between books one and two and everyone spends most of this book arguing and distrusting each other and it's not always clear why. The author may understand what's going on but if so it's not well articulated. There's also some weirdness with the plot/timeline around the destruction of Ren's village that feels like it was a retcon to change the villain of the story. Maybe I'm just misremembering but the whole "phoenix core is evil" plot feels sloppy and ham-fisted. I will probably read the last book but I'm not happy about it.
May 8, 2024
I gave this four stars because this book has an airtight storyline and a good balance of tension, action, and down-time. I genuinely enjoyed it. I’m eager to finish this series ASAP!!
The one thing, however, is that Asher was completely insufferable to me the whole time. I understand his motivations, but everything that came out of his mouth just made me so annoyed to the point where I had to stop myself from skimming his dialogue. (Ren doesn’t need to apologize for shutting him out, is all I’m saying. Because Asher was the one being a jerk)
The one thing, however, is that Asher was completely insufferable to me the whole time. I understand his motivations, but everything that came out of his mouth just made me so annoyed to the point where I had to stop myself from skimming his dialogue. (Ren doesn’t need to apologize for shutting him out, is all I’m saying. Because Asher was the one being a jerk)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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