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Starlight #1
Assassin
Four years ago, I was just an ordinary teenager living an ordinary life. Until someone hid a secret in my mind without my knowledge. And the people who weren’t supposed to, found out…
Today, I am the best assassin the supernatural world has ever seen.
In a world where people turn into animals at will and others levitate things with their minds, it sucks to not have any magic in your veins. But I didn’t need magic to be a fighter. I didn’t need to float shit on air to learn how to use a dagger. I did the best I could with what I had, and I’m damn good at it, too.
When I finally made it inside the lair of the Red Rebels themselves—supernaturals I fought against every single day—the white lies that knitted my reality for so long began to untie.
My whole world is about to fall apart all over again, and I’m as ready for it as I was the first time…
Today, I am the best assassin the supernatural world has ever seen.
In a world where people turn into animals at will and others levitate things with their minds, it sucks to not have any magic in your veins. But I didn’t need magic to be a fighter. I didn’t need to float shit on air to learn how to use a dagger. I did the best I could with what I had, and I’m damn good at it, too.
When I finally made it inside the lair of the Red Rebels themselves—supernaturals I fought against every single day—the white lies that knitted my reality for so long began to untie.
My whole world is about to fall apart all over again, and I’m as ready for it as I was the first time…
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2017
638 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 15, 2017
Boy was this awesome!! You start with your typical ah agnsty teen who is turned into a kick ass killer all to keep her family safe from the horrible Red Rebels !!! Too bad she finds out the Rebels actually are the good guys to late to keep her family safe from those she's trusted 100% over the past four years!! Lots of magic,mayhem , facing things you did in front of those who it hurt most, finding out what you truly are and embracing it all to save your family a set those wrongs right in the only way possible... redemption . I truly loved this book from start to finish especially since this teen girl wasn't a total idiot who didn't learn from her mistakes!! I'm anxiously waiting for the next book but no pressure😉
April 13, 2017
The story line/blurb caught my interest and I just had to see what happened. I really wanted to know that secret. D.N. weaves the past and the present together over the next few chapters which was different then other fantasy stories I have read. But in the end I learned the back story and why Star is Star. Ok I am on her side. I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the book. Star was a hoot. I liked that Star was not universally loved. I thought it made the story more interesting. A few secrets were reveled and others introduced. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it. Conclusion - loved the story and want to see what happens next in D.N. Hoxa's fantasy world.
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June 14, 2018DNF @ 34%
There is something about the writing & dialogue that feels weirdly disjointed to me. Or maybe it's just that I hate multi-chapter flashbacks with a passion lol. I may give it a try again when I'm really bored, but for now this is going in the DNF pile.
There is something about the writing & dialogue that feels weirdly disjointed to me. Or maybe it's just that I hate multi-chapter flashbacks with a passion lol. I may give it a try again when I'm really bored, but for now this is going in the DNF pile.
April 20, 2017
Star Watson was thrust into a world of the supernatural by accident. Since then she's done everything that The Council asked of her. Her only thought was her family is safe from harm but that illusion is shattered by Star sighting her sister in the very last place she should be. The Red Rebels have been trying to get Star's attention for some time now but nothing worked in their favor until now. Star's family is kidnapped. Star must make her enemy her ally if she's to succeed in her task. What makes Star special? What truths will Star learn? Your answers await you in Assassin.
What if everything you ever knew was a lie? That is the premise which creates this stunning story from a new to me author. The characters and story were rich, bold, creative, unique, complex, compelling, and raw. I look forward to more from this series and author.
What if everything you ever knew was a lie? That is the premise which creates this stunning story from a new to me author. The characters and story were rich, bold, creative, unique, complex, compelling, and raw. I look forward to more from this series and author.
June 5, 2017
Bored
Suddenly the assassin character is intimidated by people? Why. The character does follow a coherent logic chain. Hard to care about a character that leaves you bored.
Suddenly the assassin character is intimidated by people? Why. The character does follow a coherent logic chain. Hard to care about a character that leaves you bored.
August 27, 2017
So here we have a helpless girl who just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Who just happens to hold information that could get her killed if it was ever found out and oh crap it hit the fan and caused her life to go from "what could happen" to "you got to be kidding me"
They take Star and turn her into a killing machine, so that her family will be protect from the people who want to kill her. Or do they? Does the people who promise to protect her family as long as she becomes the assassin she needs to be keep their word?
You will only find out by reading the book. I can tell you that this is an action packed book that doesn't let you come up for air anytime soon. I think I was dreaming fighting scenes in my sleep with this book. I do wish the author prolong the training scenes, but she skips it in a few paragraphs. Kind of like a song montage of training... did someone cue the Rocky song....
I did give it four and half stars because I feel the main character was selfish in many ways and needed her sister to kick her but again to get her mind back on track. I am wondering about Aaron and what part he has to play in the big scheme of things... the author really leaves us hanging with all the endless questions that she hints at, but doesn't answer.
We just have to wait and see in the next book.... which this chick will be reading!
They take Star and turn her into a killing machine, so that her family will be protect from the people who want to kill her. Or do they? Does the people who promise to protect her family as long as she becomes the assassin she needs to be keep their word?
You will only find out by reading the book. I can tell you that this is an action packed book that doesn't let you come up for air anytime soon. I think I was dreaming fighting scenes in my sleep with this book. I do wish the author prolong the training scenes, but she skips it in a few paragraphs. Kind of like a song montage of training... did someone cue the Rocky song....
I did give it four and half stars because I feel the main character was selfish in many ways and needed her sister to kick her but again to get her mind back on track. I am wondering about Aaron and what part he has to play in the big scheme of things... the author really leaves us hanging with all the endless questions that she hints at, but doesn't answer.
We just have to wait and see in the next book.... which this chick will be reading!
August 22, 2017
A Tough, Gritty Heroine
This a what I consider a "hard" fantasy, in that the plot and the action is all deadly serious. (If you are looking for a comic fantasy, this isn’t it). It has a tough, gritty heroine who has been betrayed on all sides by those she trusted. Much of the back story is told in flashbacks, which ordinarily I am not a fan of, but they are handled very well here. The story ends with a satisfying conclusion, but leaves a lot of unanswered questions, which I assume will be answered by the other books in the series. I don't mind this if the author doesn't drag the mystery out for too long. How long is too long you ask? Well, in my opinion, stringing readers along and dribbling out tidbits of information about an important sub-plot for more than a trilogy or at the most four books, is not playing fair with the reader. Then it becomes about selling books not good storytelling.
At any rate, I am curious enough to give the other two books a try. Four Stars.
This a what I consider a "hard" fantasy, in that the plot and the action is all deadly serious. (If you are looking for a comic fantasy, this isn’t it). It has a tough, gritty heroine who has been betrayed on all sides by those she trusted. Much of the back story is told in flashbacks, which ordinarily I am not a fan of, but they are handled very well here. The story ends with a satisfying conclusion, but leaves a lot of unanswered questions, which I assume will be answered by the other books in the series. I don't mind this if the author doesn't drag the mystery out for too long. How long is too long you ask? Well, in my opinion, stringing readers along and dribbling out tidbits of information about an important sub-plot for more than a trilogy or at the most four books, is not playing fair with the reader. Then it becomes about selling books not good storytelling.
At any rate, I am curious enough to give the other two books a try. Four Stars.
July 3, 2017
I am constantly on the hunt for strong female leads. This one was just terribly written. Besides being one dimensional, she's annoying--and her creation doesn't make much sense. The story wasn't tied together or written well at all. The suspense plot fell flat from the first chapter--there was no real inciting incident. We're given a girl that loves killing, she's good at it--unstoppable really because of some secret power that she has that's not magic.
SPOILERS FOLLOW
Finding out that she works for the people who tortured her--for a BS reason of keeping her family safe only to find out that she never even checked on them?
She's so rebellious, so distrusting but she doesn't look outside of what they teach her?
Her magical gut sense is so powerful against Red Rebels but she can't sense that everyone surrounding her hates her.
SPOILERS FOLLOW
Finding out that she works for the people who tortured her--for a BS reason of keeping her family safe only to find out that she never even checked on them?
She's so rebellious, so distrusting but she doesn't look outside of what they teach her?
Her magical gut sense is so powerful against Red Rebels but she can't sense that everyone surrounding her hates her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
Ups and downs all around.
I'm conflicted about the main character Star. Sometimes the author hints at some depth to get but most of the time I just see an immature child who for some reason is "the best assassin in the world" except she's only been killing people for a little over a year?
The premise and plot are meh, doesn't have anything to do with the preview description honestly.
If you're a younger reader or don't need high quality writing to enjoy a story (there's got to be some people like that out there, otherwise how did twilight succeed?) then you'll probably enjoy this book.
(Note the are no similarities between this book and twilight besides overall low quality writing)
I'm conflicted about the main character Star. Sometimes the author hints at some depth to get but most of the time I just see an immature child who for some reason is "the best assassin in the world" except she's only been killing people for a little over a year?
The premise and plot are meh, doesn't have anything to do with the preview description honestly.
If you're a younger reader or don't need high quality writing to enjoy a story (there's got to be some people like that out there, otherwise how did twilight succeed?) then you'll probably enjoy this book.
(Note the are no similarities between this book and twilight besides overall low quality writing)
June 26, 2017
GREAT Assassins Read!
One of the few Kindle unlimited ebooks that is highly entertaining and stands to be compared with um real books. I wish it were longer because I felt like the plot didn't really begin until 60%, but that's because the background was really long and well made, although the shifting between present and past was sometimes jarring. I really enjoy Star and her development- it feels authentic and not rushed. Overall, it's a well-written story, and I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next.
One of the few Kindle unlimited ebooks that is highly entertaining and stands to be compared with um real books. I wish it were longer because I felt like the plot didn't really begin until 60%, but that's because the background was really long and well made, although the shifting between present and past was sometimes jarring. I really enjoy Star and her development- it feels authentic and not rushed. Overall, it's a well-written story, and I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next.
May 13, 2017
Gravely Misjudged This Incredible Book
The cover and the blurb led me to gravely gravely misjudge this book!
I was not prepared for the unique, interesting and slightly edgy story that payed within these pages.
This is an incredible urban/para book.
Our heroine is COMPLICATED, stubborn and yes a bad a**. But boy did this author lower your defenses and have you sympathizing with her in a way I didn't know I would.
Can't wait for the next book!
The cover and the blurb led me to gravely gravely misjudge this book!
I was not prepared for the unique, interesting and slightly edgy story that payed within these pages.
This is an incredible urban/para book.
Our heroine is COMPLICATED, stubborn and yes a bad a**. But boy did this author lower your defenses and have you sympathizing with her in a way I didn't know I would.
Can't wait for the next book!
May 27, 2017
Great start
To what looks to be a good series. A bit too much whining & pandering to the little sister, Aaron had WAY TOO MANY feminine characteristics: giggling being the main one, and way too much crying. Other than that? This book kept me engrossed and I signed up to be notified when next book in series is realized.
To what looks to be a good series. A bit too much whining & pandering to the little sister, Aaron had WAY TOO MANY feminine characteristics: giggling being the main one, and way too much crying. Other than that? This book kept me engrossed and I signed up to be notified when next book in series is realized.
January 12, 2020
Exciting
This book has it all - fae, vampire, nymph, demon, etc. Almost taken out by a fae, Star becomes the best assassin the Council has. Going after the group that tried to take her out and protecting her family is what she lives and kills for. A few flashbacks to get the back-end of the story. Very exciting. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This book has it all - fae, vampire, nymph, demon, etc. Almost taken out by a fae, Star becomes the best assassin the Council has. Going after the group that tried to take her out and protecting her family is what she lives and kills for. A few flashbacks to get the back-end of the story. Very exciting. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 1, 2017
A great read
I was absolutely thrilled with this book. It was a delightful surprise of action, mystery and a tough as nails girl who nought she knew it all but learned she had been duped. Star is a wonderful character to read and I loved her world.
I was absolutely thrilled with this book. It was a delightful surprise of action, mystery and a tough as nails girl who nought she knew it all but learned she had been duped. Star is a wonderful character to read and I loved her world.
July 22, 2017
Definitely
So I am a bit jaded but without a doubt I loved this book. Gritty,, raw, and really felt powerfully honest with the way the heroine felt her shame and regret. This is the ultimate underdog heroine.
So I am a bit jaded but without a doubt I loved this book. Gritty,, raw, and really felt powerfully honest with the way the heroine felt her shame and regret. This is the ultimate underdog heroine.
August 30, 2017
The cover caught my attention and drew me in. I am a ginormous lover of all Fantasy stories. Especially those with the strong female lead. In this story, we meet a young facetious assassin named Star who would take over the entire supernatural community to protect her family. At first the story was hard to follow with the switching back and forth between the present and the past. But hang in there, it is well worth the read.
July 31, 2018
I don’t know how this book doesn’t have a five star rating! It’s outrageous! This is one of the most amazing series I’ve ever read. It took me a whole month to read the entire series because I didn’t want to end!! I’m so sad but I’m still going to reread this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
Couldn't put it down!
Again another great book from one of my favourite authors. The characters are well developed and interesting. The heroine is flawed yet vulnerable and I really got invested in her. This book was full of adventure and kept me reading late into the night.
Again another great book from one of my favourite authors. The characters are well developed and interesting. The heroine is flawed yet vulnerable and I really got invested in her. This book was full of adventure and kept me reading late into the night.
October 30, 2018
The book was going real slow. The “action” in the beginning of the book is ok but we don’t get to know the character that well to even care about her or any character. Really tried but just couldn’t keep going. It free so that’s great.
May 19, 2017
Fast paced, good characters. It was a fun read.
I rated high because I liked the nuances Hoxa gives the main character. It moves quickly and was fun to read.
I rated high because I liked the nuances Hoxa gives the main character. It moves quickly and was fun to read.
June 13, 2017
3.5 Stars
June 21, 2017
3.5 stars
July 20, 2017
Amazing
I devoured this whole series in 2 days it was so good. Star starts out as a bad ass and just when you think she can't get cooler she does.
I devoured this whole series in 2 days it was so good. Star starts out as a bad ass and just when you think she can't get cooler she does.
July 28, 2017
I dropped this book pretty soon. Pretty disappointed by the main character, the bad writing, the total absence of a story worth reading...
August 1, 2017
A little confusing
The first half was a bit confusing and choppy with all the flashbacks, but the second half got into the true heart of the story.
The first half was a bit confusing and choppy with all the flashbacks, but the second half got into the true heart of the story.
September 11, 2019
Really enjoyed this book
Cannot wait for the next book in this series. Excelent writing and a plot that makes it hard to out down. Recommend tbus book to anyone.
Cannot wait for the next book in this series. Excelent writing and a plot that makes it hard to out down. Recommend tbus book to anyone.
June 10, 2023
Awesome
June 2, 2025
3.5 stars
not bad
not bad
October 6, 2025
Short, shallow but Hoxa getting better. Basic teenage assasin until Star/Raven seeks the truth and starts to grow up/morals.
April 13, 2017
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I really liked this book. DN wasted no time pulling you into the story. I had so many questions running through my mind about Star. I kept reading hoping that I would get clarity and DN did not disappoint. The flashbacks were placed really well throughout the story. They gave enough info to understand Star without being drawn out or interrupting the flow of the story. A few things did bother me throughout the book. The bookstore owner's name Uncle Sam drove me crazy. Not sure why supernaturals needed the nickname sups, either way I didn't like. The initial daydream/sexual thought Star had of Aaron felt forced. As the story went on their relationship felt more natural and fluid. A pet peeve of mine is when the cover doesn't match the description of the main character. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the remaining books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews