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I am Ryder Carter of Minato – a leader, star knight, and lover.

A leader is one who keeps their head up high, in any situation.
A knight is one who is strong, diligent and ready to lay their life on the line for those they've sworn to protect.
A lover is one who'd do anything to see their companion smile.
I am all of those things.

Yet, here I stand - alone in the darkness, questioning if I can fulfill any of those roles.
Some look to me for guidance; others look at me in envy.

Yet, no one knows my internal struggles - the nightmares that plagued me for cycles or the emotions that clawed at my very soul.
Everyone assigns me a role in their mind, without knowing my past, ignoring the present and attempting to predetermine my future.
I'm tired of such assumptions, craving for my tale to be heard.

It's time to share my story and how one girl changed my world.

Recommended for 18+ audience, containing mature sexual content, violence and strong language. TRIGGER WARNING- Anyone who has dealt with self-harm should NOT read this book. You have been warned.

NOTE: RYDER is written in CANADIAN ENGLISH - meaning both American and British English is used.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2018

111 people are currently reading
240 people want to read

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Yumoyori Wilson

71 books849 followers

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5 stars
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36 (12%)
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16 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Felicia.
598 reviews
January 18, 2019
This was an amazing look at how Ryder became who he is after Mako was kidnapped. And I absolutely adored this story. It may not have been anything towards the current storyline. However, there is so much in Ryder’s past, in all the guys past, that is effecting them presently that makes this book super important.

This book is almost all in the POV of Ryder and Stryker. And I absolutely loved it. In the first books you got glimpses into the guys heads. But this book being in Ryder’s POV was refreshing. Now don’t get me wrong I love Mako and all but I absolutely loved learning more about Ryder and the boys.

This book goes through Ryder’s time before Rosalina was kidnapped all the way up until that cliffhanger ending of book two with Mako. It hits all the important things that happened to Ryder while Mako was away. You see him meet Rosalina, the kidnapping, meeting the other star knights for the first time, his sisters kidnapping, the rescue of Mako, and Ryder’s POV for some important events that transpired between him and Mako.

You learn why Ryder is the way he is. Why he’s so hard on himself. Why he has trouble sleeping. Why he doesn’t show emotions. Why he is close to the guys but at the same time keeps to himself.

And you can’t help but fall even more in love with Ryder throughout this book. Learning more about all of the terrible struggles he had to endure growing up just makes you appreciate him so much more.

I absolutely love this book. And I again will mention I am so happy I decided to read this. Because it has completely and unexpectedly surpassed my expectations.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,872 reviews54 followers
January 26, 2018
A leader is one who keeps their head up high, in any situation.
A knight is one who is strong, diligent and ready to lay their life on the line for those they've sworn to protect.
A lover is one who'd do anything to see their companion smile.
I am all of those things.
I am Ryder Carter, host to the demon spirit Stryker, son of King Alexander Carter and Queen Violet Carter of Minato; leader of the Star Knights of Rosalina Mackenzie Heart (Makoto) future heir of Heila and Savior from the darkness; lover to the only girl in the world for me, Mako. I love my family, my brother knights, and especially Mako. I have failed them all more than once, but I will never quit trying my best to be what they need.

This is Ryder's story, a look at the man who fills so many roles, has so much weight on his shoulders. This is Ryder's POV of the first two Starlight Gods Books. It's a heartfelt story full of his self-doubt, the unattainable expectations he places upon himself, his hopes, his dreams, his fears. It's an emotional journey from childhood to early manhood. The outside world sees a secure, powerful young man but we meet Ryder and he's so much more than his image. This is a loving, caring man who feels every emotion around him. He has insecurities and anxiety. He is full of regret and guilt but still hopeful and willing.

I was enchanted with the childhood meeting and friendship between Ryder and Rosalina. She had already secured the role of my favorite fictional little girl and Ryder quickly joined her. Is it possible to have a 'favorite couple under age 10' category? They win hands down. Adorable, precious, sweet only touch upon this part of the book. I also enjoyed Ryder having to deal with Rosalina's protective big brothers. So funny and cute. This part of the book was delightful. Ryder was so eager and earnest, so open and enthusiastic. But his childhood ended the moment Rosalina was taken. She may have suffered in the most horrible ways for 16 years but Ryder's life changed forever that night too. Guilt and anxiety became a part of his character. Self-doubt won a bigger slice of his inner thoughts. This was only magnified when Anya was taken years later. Still, he didn't give up, give in to the darkness; he learned to lead his team and was rewarded when they found his love, their princess. It was enlightening to get to know him this in-depth. I now understand him. I love and respect the man he has become. He's strong, devoted, loving, good. For too brief of time, he found the happiness he had always wanted. He had everything his heart desired. Then Mako was hurt again and it's almost more than the team can deal with this time. However, they have each been there to help Ryder and Stryker through their rough moments, he won't fail them now. Ryder will be strong, he will be there for Mako and her Knights. He and Stryker will get them all through this with the help of the Starlight gods.

I almost believe this book should come with a warning! If you finish this book without swooning over Ryder repeatedly and loving him completely, I need you to contact me and explain how that can possibly be! This book is so good but it will cause emotional overload. I read with glassy eyes through the better part of the book. It causes a heavy heart in the best and worst of ways. It is nearly impossible to put down once you start reading. And it leaves you craving to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Calm Your Pits.
576 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2018
Good look back

A good look into a lot of the knights back story and of the time Ryder and Mako spent together. Along with what happen after stupid Leo’s exam.
Profile Image for K.E. Harwood.
109 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2018
Ryder takes place right after Tainted Heart in the Starlight Gods series. However, keep in mind that finally gives us the backstory of Ryder and the meeting of the knights. It may get a wee bit confusing because of this. If you can keep up it is well worth the read. It also brings us up current to Helia where Makoto is from. I have a feeling the next book will be taking place here.

In addition, to all that you get a bit of the backstory of Makoto and Ryder's first meeting. A hint about the sixth knight ( did you forget about them? I didn't and I have my own ideas of what is going on with that ) and what happened with Ryder's sister.

There are also hints about a character from a new series soon to be coming out (Freebird - I can't wait!)

I know some people may find this book boring considering how action packed and sexy her stories usually are, but keep in mind this information is all relative and just experiencing it from third person tends to making things confusing. There is a reason an author tells us a complex backstory! I highly suggest you read it because I have a feeling something big is coming!
323 reviews
May 14, 2018
This one picks up where book 2, Tainted Rose, ends. Now, I don’t typically enjoy books from a male pint of view but I seriously loved this one! I initially let myself get distracted away from this series by other books because I wasn’t interested in reading an entire book from one of the males perspectives. I. Am. So. Glad. I. Was. Wrong. The entire book is a view into the events of Ryder’s life, from childhood and first meeting Mako to the current events.

And it will get you right in the feels. No shame here, I shed tears especially when seeing Makos disappearance from a young Ryder’s point of view. Oh my gosh, this book seriously got to me.

I particularly enjoyed that we get to see more of Mako’s siblings as they’ve only really been hinted at so far. Oh and there is one part that was from a previous book that I’ve been waiting to crop back up and it finally happened, I’m so freakin happy?

Anyway, obviously I immensely enjoyed this book and can easily recommend it (and the entire series) to anyone who enjoys a good RH!
Profile Image for Carli Liles.
75 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2018
I've loved all of the Starlight Gods book thus far. This one is held to the same standards. The format is a bit different though. This book follows Ryder, the caring leader, from when he was about 9 till a little past the end of Tainted Rose (basically).

This book gives a LOT of insight into why Ryder is the way he is, but also into the other guys as well. It's really nice and really rounds out their characters. Gives them a good bit more depth.

There's not much of Makoto in this book. But it works. You get to learn plenty about the guys and their dynamics as well as how the universe works politically. We get to learn about Ryder's parents/family and Mako's parents/family. Both are great, caring, powerful families. This bbook also hints that there may be some closure for Ryder at some point in the near future regarding his sister, Anya.

I really liked this story. Can't wait to see where things go with the whole team in the next book.
402 reviews29 followers
February 12, 2018
Talk about a 360 degree change. Even in this book's universe, there can never be an always happy or fun settings. All the starlight gods know too well that all these wonderful characters deserve all of those things. But anyway, it's a little disconcerting to learn that Ryder, Daniel, Elias, Marcus and Kai have very troubled and unstable beginnings. And when I say disconcerting, I just meant surprising in a good way. And that-that reaction tells just how amazing these guys have come in the present times. Dear beloved extraordinaire leader, Ryder (and Stryker, too), all my love and respect goes to you, Carter Jr (lmao). But in all seriousness, it;s such a great read to delve further into Ryder's character, to his past, his own insecurities...that raw and vulnerable qualities that one might not encounter with any other heroes, all those preconceived notions about being male, gahhhh. Ryder, he's the real man.
Profile Image for Marie Lewis.
85 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2018
So I'm determined for this to be a spoiler free review. As always, Yumoyori created this incredible storyline that had me hooked from the first to the last page. I re-read this sometimes to see the little nuances to the characters that I sometimes forget. It honestly gets better and better and the ending... Prepare yourself because woooow. That's all I'll say. I love that we see so much of this from Ryder and Stryker's POV. I really like getting a look from their point of view. It makes me feel like I KNOW the characters, and I love that we get a more well-rounded view. Makoto didn't get the same upbringing as the boys did so it's nice to get a view of the worlds and cultures from their perspectives. All around must read. If you haven't started this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Get on it!
Profile Image for Sierra Farris.
56 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2018
Ryder POV

Basically, only the first and last chapter continue from book 2. Everything in between is Ryder’s childhood, book one and two, and some of book three. You get to really understand Ryder as a person and learn how deep his love for the princess is. Reading about them as children was wildly entertaining as well. Even though this book was excellent it only built the tension in me to find out what happened after book two. With book three being a side story and this being Ryder’s POV I’m dying to know what happens next. After reading this, I do believe it was important to understand Ryder’s character better based upon what each characters struggle is the continuation. All in all, you have to read this!
Profile Image for Book Addict.
1,563 reviews
January 31, 2018
This is a book all from Ryder’s perspective and even though it is from the ending of Tainted Heart it tells Ryder’s story from when he first met Mako. This story goes back in time and we get an insight to who Ryder is, his feelings and how is sister was actually taken. This book is not the same as the other books in this series, it is slower paced and it does go backwards and forwards so we get that overall picture of Ryder. I did not enjoy this as much as the other books as I feel that Ryder gets a lot of attention in the other books as well and I can’t wait to read about the other guys in the team and what their feelings are. This is an emotion book in this very enjoyable series and even though not as fast paced and full of action still an intriguing insight and highly recommended.
1,254 reviews
May 17, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, liked Yumo did a book solely from Ryder’s POV. We get to see a little bit after Tainted Rose but the majority is seeing Ryder grow up with losing Rosalina when they were young, then losing Anya, and then finally finding his Princess and regaining his relationship with the love of his life. Definitely got hit with all the feels when his love and sister were kidnapped...Yumo did an amazing job capturing Ryder’s heartbreak and Stryker’s strong will. I can’t wait to read the other POV’s from Mako’s other star knights. Highly recommend reading this book if you want to get another side of the story, to understand the incredible deep leader of Mako’s star knights, and to fall more for the purple eyed demon shifter.
Profile Image for Lakerea.
74 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2018
Ryder, the leader of Mako's knights, has been enamored with the Princess since he first laid eyes on her. This book follows Ryder during the most important events of his life. We see a more emotional side of Ryder and we get to understand where his insecurities and his anxieties stem from.

I loved reading about how instantaneous and deep his love for Mako was. His devotion to her was instinctive and true. I also liked reading about how the boys interacted when they first got to know each other.

While I loved the different point of view, the tease of Mako's problems after being attacked makes me hope the next book will continue the story line!

Another great book by the author
Profile Image for Danni Rogers.
256 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2018
What a great way to better understand Ryder, the leader of Makoto's star nights.
An insight into the story of Ryder's childhood and when the knights found each other. I loved seeing the beginning of their knight bond and their friendships. Seeing them raw and vulnerable, but forming a bond through their loss & hardship. Coping together, growing together, healing together.
You get a greater understanding to the love Ryder & Stryker have for Makoto (Rosalina) and her spirits (especially Rose).
A book to make you laugh and cry & leave you looking forward to Poisonous Dream.
Profile Image for Kayla Pipkin.
782 reviews38 followers
January 29, 2018
I love seeing an entire book from a male’s POV.

In this story we get a more in-depth knowledge of his history with Makoto and what happened that fateful night she was taken.

You see what he had to go through, how he learned to become stronger in her absence and in his search for her, and him finding the other knights he would share her with.

I’m excited to see what the other guys’ books will entail. What we will learn from their points of views.

I highly recommend reading this book.
If you haven’t started the Star Knights series already, you should pick it up.
It’s a great series.

55 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2018
Love Ryder's POV

Yumoyori is spoiling me with the way she is writing this series - we have not only the Crossover series but now a book dedicated to the POV of One of the guys!! Can you hear me squeal?!?! It gives us such a different perspective plus a little more history that helps piece the storyline together. In top of that the prologue gives us a sneak at what is to come in the next book......yep I am still in love with this series - so much I think I need a unicorn onesie!!😀.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,369 reviews15 followers
January 24, 2018
Okay this book gave me a serious case of the feels! It goes back to the beginning and we learn how Ryder and Mako met and events leading up to the first book, we also see events in previous books through Ryder’s POV (this book is all in Ryder’s POV)

Well written with a great pace we learn a lot about Ryder Mako and the knights, this is a great addition to an awesome series and has left me wanting to read more in the series
Profile Image for S.
36 reviews
January 26, 2018
For those of us who love the Starlight Gods series this is a must! Written from Ryder and his demon Strykers POV it gives us a new understanding for the struggles not just Ryders been through but all of Makos knights. There are some interesting facts in it that will be important in the continuation of the series and I can't wait for Poisonous Dream.

This book is well written and it will make you laugh and cry, it's a book full of struggles and loss but also of new beginnings and love.
Profile Image for Sarah.
80 reviews
January 26, 2018
TEAR JEARKER

So this book is by far the most emotional in the series yet. You really dive in not only to Ryder as a character himself but his bonds and relationships with his family and the other knights. It really gives you an amazing insight into the complexity of the way everyone works together and why Makoto is so important to them. This story is beautifully written, nary an error to be found and the story is perfection. It doesn’t get better than this right here.
Profile Image for Juanita Tejeda.
46 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2018
Picks up where the last book left off then dives back into the past to show us Ryder’s journey from a young boy with his first crush to a man who will do whatever it takes to help the woman he loves as well as his friends. I must say I love the insight on Ryder’s POV and hope to see more from the other males as well as it seems they all have a past that deserve to be seen and explored. There is a bit of a cliff hanger and build up for the next book which I can’t wait to read!
Profile Image for Tiffen.
32 reviews
January 27, 2018
If you value your emotional stability I would suggest not reading this book...but I can’t suggest you not reading it because you’d seriously be missing out!

Ryder’s heart wrenching losses hit you where it hurt, but the boys coming together as friends and as a team make you fall in love with the Makos boys all over again.

You really should read it, but keep some tissues handy, and prepare to cure Yumo for her amazing writing that always leaves you wanting more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anna.
838 reviews
January 27, 2018
Ryder

This is not a forward progression into this series. This is exactly what it sounds like, a look inside Ryder. We get to see inside of his head and feel the things he felt. Not only through the first two books but all the way back to the beginning. This book gives us a lot of backstory and understanding. While we don't move forward in the story, we still learn so much and we get all the feels. Definite must read if you love this group.
137 reviews10 followers
February 2, 2018
This book goes back to the beginning and we learn how Ryder and Mako met, and the events leading up to the first book. The book is from Ryder’s POV and is a look inside his head. As well as the backstory we also see events in previous books through Ryder’s eyes. I really enjoyed seeing Ryder’s POV and understanding his insecurities and watching him become the leader. This book gives you the feels and as always I look forward to reading more from Yumoyori Wilson.
Profile Image for Ashley Ed.
177 reviews9 followers
February 4, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! It started right where Tainted Hearts ended but all from Ryder’s POV instead, and Can I just say I loved seeing some of Mako’s story from a guys POV, it made such a nice change, I really enjoyed the different side of things. Yumoyori still managed to bring the emotion, the laughs and everything else within this book, she still made it feel like I was right there experiencing everything with the characters! Another amazing book!
87 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2018
Sooo good!

WOW!! I cant even begin to describe this most recent story.  In this book we get to see Ryder's point of view of Mako and her story.  This story literally sucked me in and I couldn't put it down.  This has definitely been one of my favorite books by Yumoyori Wilson.  You must check this out!
Profile Image for TipseyBookReviews.
1,440 reviews52 followers
January 28, 2018
Great!

You definitely need to have read Dark Wish and Tainted Rose before reading Ryder. This story gives you Ryder’s perspective at various highlights in those two stories. I loved seeming Ryder’s POV and understanding his insecurities and seeing him become the leader. I can’t wait for Poisonous Dream to come out!
Profile Image for stacey Ellis.
183 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2018
Great

Love this book and I loved it from Ryder's p.o.v at some point its quite emotional and I don't usually get emotional but this book I had tears in my eyes,
Its well written and I can't wait for the next one in the series I just wished we got more story on what happened to mako
Profile Image for Sandi Devlin.
246 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2018
Another fantastic book

This is a great book in the Starlight series. This is from Ryder’s POV and gives great insight in his thinking.

We learn so much more about the history of Mako’s knights and about Ryder’s life specifically. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Hazel Stewart.
177 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2018
This was a great insight to Ryder and his background. Not my favourite in the series as I it felt like more of a POV book rather than a new book in the series. But maybe that was the intention and if so then job very well done. It was awesome being in Ryder and strikers head. Can’t wait for the next Book in the series.
Profile Image for Vanessa Vargas.
302 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2018
Wow, amazing book!

I loved that this book gave you an amazing insight it not only Ryders past but as well as how the guys met and a bit of their past too. It's a very emotional book but you won't be able to put it down until you're done. I can't wait to read more of the Starlight God Series.
34 reviews
February 4, 2018
Love Ryder

In this book we get to know a lot more about Ryder. I love that the book is told in Ryder’s POV and we get to know more about Mako’s past and how and when Ryder fell in love with her. We get to know how he spent his years after Mako was kidnapped and how the knights met and developed their relationship. Amazing book that I would definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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