Zenith Dream

Broken Moon #3

by F.T. Lukens

When Ren wakes from his life-threatening injury on the Star Stream, he learns that Asher has left with the Phoenix Corps and that the Corps believes Ren to be dead. Despite the opportunity to disappear, Ren is determined to fix his mistakes. He convinces the crew to join him for one last mission—find Asher, free Liam, and escape from the Corps’ reach. But a war is brewing between two formidable armies, and, despite his wish to flee, Ren is drawn into the conflict. With his friends by his side, Ren must make a choice, and it will affect the future of his found family and the cluster forever.

Genres: Science Fiction, Queer, Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy, LGBT, M M Romance

260 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2018

About the author

F.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.

Reviews

[ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

the ending was very sweet.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to be out in March as the other books, so I went happily to read the second one. And what happened? I was left on a cliff hanger.

But I thought: "Oh, it's okay, you only have to wait a few weeks. It won't be so harsh."

Today I discover that the book is due in October. October.

My life has no meaning ._.

[Riina Y.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren's journey from when he was captured by soldiers and taken from his home planet, Erden, through discovering that he was a Star Host, learning and struggling to live with his new powers and abilities to be both, human and Star while being enslaved and then on the run from the Phoenix Corps who wanted him dead  – and eventually killing him! – all the while making friends, living aboard the Star Stream and falling in love will always stay with me! 

I adored Ren and Asher from the moment we met them in book #1 The Star Host. I LOVED continuing their outer space adventure with Ghosts & Ashes which came to an exciting, electric really, ending with Zenith Dream! 

I'm a bit teary eyed still, having to say goodbye to Ren, Asher and their old and new friends!! This was such a wonderful series, one I'll never forget...

Zenith Dream was FANTASTIC. 

The book opens with Ren opening his eyes weeks after being reanimated by his friends from the Corps' lethal attack in the previous installment. Watching Ren return into his corporeal body after staying in the Star Stream for weeks was rough, I worried for a while he wouldn't manage to get back to his old self. BUT! Not only did he get better, I feel like he grew into an even stronger and more wonderful person throughout the book!

In the beginning of the story, the gang makes a new friend, Darby, who is a great addition to the family! I enjoyed seeing everyone grow closer, fighting the bad guys, and man, having Asher back was truly the best feeling in this world! =D

Honest. I'm probably the biggest fan here. I was completely captured by the story and atmosphere, I didn't want to put the book down. Every little moment between Asher and Ren were my highlight, not gonna lie.

I'm glad to see the series got a (lovely) epilogue, which rounded everything up nicely. 

Perhaps we can still hope for a coda or two on FT Luken's website? Something...!

I just hate endings & goodbyes. 

▽
Many, many thanks to the publisher who kindly provided a free copy for an honest and impartial review.

[Jo Álvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

ESTOY TAN TRISTE QUE SE HAYA ACABADO!
Tuve que aguantarme y obligarme a tomar pausas para que me durara un poquito más. Esta saga me dejó un vacío y tengo miedo de no encontrar algo igual en mucho tiempo. De verdad no puedo creer como pasó desapercibida (mentira, si me lo puedo creer porq esa portada está muy nada que ver), es una lectura ligera sin ser insulsa y los personajes y sus dinámicas son todo lo que me gusta leer. Adoro un found family bien hecho y que la meta de las sagas no sea que al final la pareja principal esté junta, si no que se establezcan desde el principio y después tengan que moverse a través de la trama.
No quería que se terminara, pero no pude parar de leer.

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

And, they live happily till the end of the time.

[someone on the internet · Rating 5 out of 5]

All is well that ends well! And my heart is soothed and I now wonder what I will read with love and impatience and desire to know More.

Ah, I will truly miss this universe. It's only been three days of reading this saga, but stars did it feel like forever. And I don't say that like, 'urgh, this took f.o.r.e.v.e.r to read', but as in, I was caught up in the ride, in Ren's world, and I felt like I was there as time passed. As he went through things and grew. As he was kidnapped, and then as he escaped, with Asher, as they fled Erden, as they came back, as they explored it then Crei, as he rescued Asher and then things wrapped up. It's been three days, for my physical self. It's been a long time, for my heart (and eyes that lay their gaze on each word painting this saga). And I just know I'm gonna miss it.

Where do I start with this? How do I leave a proper review when I just wrapped this saga up and now have to file it away? It is a tough thing, but I shall try.

This was, just like the second one, a different tone than the first (and second!) books. This was a rescue mission, and then another, and then saving the world. It was a lot. It was fast (and I thought second book had a lot of action...!) and it was Packed, and yet! Still very well-paced. Events unfolded and unfolded (and Ren and Asher's relationship settled into the start of a definite shape ♡) and I could not put this book down. I had to know. Had to read more. In case you aren't aware at this point -- I cogging loved it.

It's just so unique!! Even here, following in the footsteps of the two precedent books, borrowing from them and of course remaining in the same framework, the same universe -- this remains a unique read, something special, unlike no other. The humour, amped up by Darby -- who becomes such an endearing character as time goes by. Annoying at first, a simple rascal, she becomes lovely when faced with the possibilities of scamming and general sketchy business -- as time goes by, and the crew, just like the reader, adopts her with her flaws and qualities.
Speaking of which!! Found Family!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sure I'm not pointing out anything new (when it comes to tropes, I believe it takes one to know one), but, still. I'd like to point out I'm amazed at the pacing of the found family trope in this saga. In book one I was warming up to the crew, and though they were all endearing, Ren wasn't fully attached to them -- and thus, neither was I. But as words went by... As I turned pages and then opened this book, turned its pages too, it really sunk in that the crew was family. I knew, of course -- book two had left a mark on me, the knowledge that Ren was safe and truly loved, cared for there. But ach nae, this book... Found family galore. And I could not be more happy (emotti spaghetti). The group hug after Ren, Ash, Ollie and Darby leave for like two minutes and Rowan comes back for them!! The constant hugs and care they all have for each other!!!!! How Ollie decided to go with Ren and Asher to rescue Liam (I love Ollie so much. My gentle giant 😭🖤). How they took Liam in immediately. And Rowan 🥺🥺🥺 Oh, Rowan. 'She had a bruise on her cheek and a smear of blood along her jawline, but otherwise she was an avenging angel as beautiful as she had been when Ren first saw her on Nineveh.' This took me back! And wow, did it remind me of her journey, and my journey with her character. She first appeared likeable, already ready to defend Ren and take him aboard her ship -- but she had doubts, along the way (which are pretty natural considering the whole freaky science-magic situation she was put in). Doubts that sometimes had me frowning -- but that made her human, a fully-fleshed character. And to see her get along so well with Ren, to see her ready to do So Much for him -- it warms the heart. She would burn the world down for Asher -- for family, and I believe it is truth to say Ren is counted in it.

I was surprised to encounter the big bad of this book. There were many throughout the saga (VanMeerten and the Phoenix Corps, Vos and his minions, creepy af Abiathar), of course, but finding out Millicent was going to be the one giving us a showdown this time was surprising. It was cool, it was neat, it was unexpected in a way not every book is. Lovely. I love that part of her ability is injuring Ren. Not the strongest, indeed, but a twisted skill to have, still.
I do wish, perhaps, this showdown, its buildup, had lasted a bit more -- that we'd gotten more of the whole Vos vs. Phoenix Corps conflict, and the sides Ren & Cie. were trying to take as they decided to take down Millicent. It was such a beautiful feast of grey area, as neither side fit them! Very lovely. I guess I wish I'd gotten more of it, along with every side of the aftermath, but - I understand why there isn't. The pacing was perfect until the end, and I feel like these wishes of mine could have make the book a little , less of what it is (which is, definitely this author's product, something that stands out and shines brightly).

I guess I'm also not that keen on farewells; on closing a book and leaving the world it took me to -- which is probably why I favoured the rescue missions plots, too -- especially Asher's. I'm getting into it (it being Ren and Asher's relationship), of course I am, but - this mission really was Ren sending the lift back to Asher (as the french say), and it was such a lovely thing. If there is one thing this goodbye has given me, it is the beauty of their relationship throughout the book. Growth! So much growth. (So much domesticity... Every scene of them being domestic had me putting the book down and taking a break like come on!! This is what I love to see!!!) Them standing on equal grounds, and now having rescued each other, showing the other a million ways he matters to the other. Them telling each other they love eo, and walking the talk, protecting, caring, loving eo in a billion ways. Them communicating, always, and sticking to eo's side, always. Them still fighting from time to time, but communicating, always, and as the epilogue states, always trying to make up. So many lines I could quote, so many times Ren looked at Ash and saw the world -- so many time Ash held Ren like he was the most precious thing in the universe, and you know what, star aside, only taking Ash's heart into account -- he is. They are in love and end up, still in love, healing, happy, and it is a beautiful thing. First book felt like slow burn, an impatient wait for an actual reveal of feelings, of kisses -- looking back on it, it turns out the slow burn was longer: it took two books, and a rescue, for these two to settle into something truly tangible, that finally connected them through conflicts and mishaps. It took time, and in the end, I am glad for it. Building relationships, bonds in general, isn't easy, and there often isn't any charm to rushed ones -- but here, author took their time, and yet gave the reader clues, moments -- steps of a stairs, which, as time went on, became sturdier and sturdier. Something beautiful, which can not only be applied to Ren and Ash, but to Ren and the crew, other characters as well. Things took time -- closing the book, they are where we wished them to be as we read the saga -- they will evolve, still, and become even better. They are far from what I imagined when I started reading the first book -- but they are, in the end, what my heart needed -- and I am pleased with them.

I fear this review being too long, therefore I will make sure to wrap it up soon, but only after I mention the atmospheres and descriptions, settings of this book. Just like with the two precedent books, things were easy to imagine. They were unique, like I keep saying, and each place, each scene had an atmosphere, a lighting, an angle, a cinematography of its own. The Bara scenes were a delight -- how lovely the scenes were in my mind! Blues, so much blues -- rain, as Asher got beaten -- and a bright red, as Darby blew things up. Out of all planets, Bara might be my favourite -- the descriptions of the sights it offered, its climate, its tropicalness, settled in my imagination and thus, my heart.
Another sequence that has my heart, is the debris moments. The ghosts, talking to Ren. Guiding him and wishing him luck, protecting him and helping him. I was genuinely touched when they first appeared -- when Ren put them over the comm, and everyone could hear them -- when the crew left Perilous Space, and 'He sent his goodbyes out into space./ Goodbye, Ren.' -- here is now eternal beings; losers, victorious, immortal, perilous -- remnants of the past, proof of the tales we hear at the very beginning of the saga. Here are ancient, mythical, legendary beings -- here is Ren's kind, and it humbles one, to meet them, even as a reader. The atmosphere with them was so haunting, so beautiful. Like feeling like a gone loved one lingers around, around one -- at the very least in their heart, and helps them carry on, forward. It was sincerely so lovely, absolutely beautiful, and this too, has my heart.

All in all, this is so far from where we started. This is the furthest from what I'd expected when I started these books, but then again - I was focusing on the ride, and only hoping for things to end well -- I was enjoying the books, and nothing more. This is indeed the furthest thing from the start -- but it is lovely, to read a book and be taken to places you couldn't even imagine -- to be grabbed by the hand, and led through ways you hadn't even considered. To be introduced to characters, and to watch them evolve, to see them grow. It is something, something very dear, an indescribable feeling, and I am glad it exists in these books. I would have never known, I would have never guessed -- this saga beats every guess I could ever had, and for that -- I am happy. I say thank you. There is pleasure in closing your eyes and enjoying the sensations of the ride -- there is pleasure, in taking a star host's hand, and letting him lead the way, letting him show you many, many worlds. This was a superb ride, and I'd like the author to know, I'm very grateful for it.

A special mention to mental illness being tackled, and recovery, seeing a therapist, being mentioned as well. Ren and Asher (and the others, too, but the pair is our mcs) have gone through things, and indeed have to work through them. I forgot to point it out in my review on the second book, but I genuinely enjoyed seeing Ren struggling with what had happened in the first book. Not because I like to see characters suffer -- but because it is nice, to be realistic about such events, and to take into account that adventures like these would take a toll on people irl. Of course, these two have support -- but it is what's good, too: where there is suffering, there is recovery -- and if one has a pillar as they try to swim up to the surface, if they have wood and floaters and a hand, hands reaching towards them -- then efforts can seem less tiresome, less stressful. The light may be less blinding, and it may be easier, to lie underneath it.
I liked the nod to Ren's nightmares at the end, and I liked the nod to Asher's uniform. We never were in Asher's head, but he suffered, too -- and it is nice to see this being acknowledged. These two have each other, these two have family -- these two walk forward, and will get better. Together. And for that, I am thankful.

All is well that ends well. Things are wrapped up nicely, and everything is good, everything is well. The universe Ren belongs to is at peace, and he has just what he wished for: 'a soft place to land at the end of the day, Asher right beside him, and all the domesticity and routine and happiness of a life filled with love and certainty'. Ren, it Was possible, and you've made it.
And the rest? It is stardust.

Thank you, dear author, for bringing this saga to life. You've made my world a little bluer, a little blue and purple and red black around the edges. I like these shades -- I shall treasure them. Thank you.🖤

[The Typed Writer · Rating 3 out of 5]

So if you’ve been following my blog you might have read the reviews for The Star Host and Ghost & Ashes, also by F.T. Lukens. Zenith Dream, is the third and final book in the trilogy and while it is good it doesn’t quite deliver like the first two books in the installment do.

First, the first two books in the series are arguably really enjoyable. You combine science-fiction tyranny, adventure, love, space, and rebel organizations and you have a culminating concoction of interest and intrigue. Having left off Ghost & Ashes as a cliffhanger I was super pumped and exhilarated to return to Asher, Ren, and the whole crew of the Star Stream and while we did return to these beloved characters I did feel like there was one major problem with the novel: pacing.

Asher, Ren, Penelope, and the others are still characterized well and written cleanly and with care, but the timing of the book felt long and strangely off-kilter to me. The beginning was stretched and drawn out and to be very candid, nothing of much substance happened. Ren manages to pick up another stray in the form of Darby, who I found annoying but begrudgingly likable (Lukens seems to be very good at this), but I still despise when an author introduces an important character in the very last installment. Ren and the others manage to rescue Asher and I anticipated some intense therapy and discussion for these two lovebirds seeing as they spent a majority of Ghost & Ashes fighting, but they seemed to get over their argument as if it had been a molehill instead of the mountain book two perceived it to be.

In addition, I disliked how the main villain of the series ended up being Millicent, the other Star Host, as she never seemed that dangerous to me and her motives seemed weak and unsupported compared to people like Vos or other tyrants.

The beginning and middle muddled together as line after line talked about what previously happened and then I realized there were thirty pages of the book left and literally nothing had been resolved. Like actually zero content had been fixed. So the last thirty pages was a messy rush of furious activity, poorly written action scenes, and a rushed epilogue that halfway delivers on what I want but still left me dissatisfied and insatiable.

This series was always a guilty pleasure of mine, The Bachelor in book form you might say, but the ending did not hold a candle to the charm and the uniqueness of the first two and the rushed conclusion makes it seem like a waste of time and a hurried homage to characters that deserved better.

Recommendation: Read the first two books in the series, The Star Host and Ghost & Ashes, and then read my reviews (and comment) and then return to this blog to read this short synopsis on the third book instead of wasting valuable money and valuable time on a conclusion that does’t deliver.

Score: 5/10

[Samantha Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alors alors…. aloooooooors qu’est ce que j’ai aimé cette trilogie!!!! Sérieusement, dès le premier tome j’avais senti le coup de coeur et maintenant que j’en ai refermé la dernière page je peux vous confirmer que j’ai adoré chaque ligne de chaque tome de cette superbe série.

Je voulais profiter de cette chronique (dernier tome, pas de spoil, blablabla) pour vous parler de la collection Teen Spirit des éditions Bookmark qui est une de mes collections préférées. C’est donc une collection Young Adult avec des titres vraiment très très bons. On se rapproche clairement des éditions Lumen pour la qualité des textes, du travail éditorial et des couvertures toutes plus belles les unes que les autres. Alors si vous aimez le Young Adult et que vous n’avez pas encore découvert les titres de la collection Teen Spirit, foncez!!!

Pour revenir à cette trilogie, il s’agit donc d’un space opéra. Et si vous ne le savez pas encore, j’adore les space opera donc j’ai forcément adoré cette série. Les personnages sont vraiment super attachants et j’ai aimé les voir évoluer au fil des tomes.

Comme souvent dans ces romans YA fantasy/dystopique… le personnage principal, Ren, va vraiment passer par tout un tas d’épreuves et l’auteure ne l’épargne clairement pas. J’ai beaucoup aimé le voir évoluer au fil des tomes. L’histoire étant uniquement de son point de vue, on s’attache énormément à lui et on subit avec lui toutes les épreuves que l’auteure met sur son chemin.

De l’autre coté du duo amoureux, on trouve le personnage d’Asher qui est un personnage que j’aime énormément. Il est droit dans ses bottes et lui aussi à subit quelques épreuves. Il est avant tout fidèle à ses convictions et à Ren et fera tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour le protéger.

J’ai beaucoup aimé les reste de l’équipage du vaisseau, les personnages secondaires sont toujours important dans ce genre de roman et la famille qui s’est crée à bord du Star Stream est tout simplement géniale.

L’intrigue de ce troisieme tome est savamment dosée, on monte peu à peu vers la résolution finale et l’épilogue est juste parfaite.

La plume de l’auteure est toujours aussi fluide, pas de soucis de correction cette fois ci et j’ai vraiment savouré ma lecture. Ca me confirme donc que les problèmes sur le tome 3 de la série de Zaya Feli étaient passager et qu’ils seront corrigés.

Encore une fois, un très très bon titre d’une collection que j’adore. Un tome final en apothéose dont le rythme est prenant et fluide. Une série et une auteure à découvrir sans plus tarder!

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Homophobia & transphobia
Panic attacks
Auditory hallucinations
Kidnapping
Imprisonment

[SER · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I didn't want to read this because I wasn't ready to let this series go. This was probably the first m/m story I really fell in love with. The plot and the characters had me from the start and continued to hold my heart.

Unfortunately, this final book left me feeling dissatisfied, especially when compared to the first two.

I know it's been a while since I read the first two books, but I could have sworn the writing was much better than it was in this installment. Don't get me wrong, the writing isn't bad, it's just simplistic, and I caught numerous times where the same thing was repeated (just worded differently). For example:

[...] and he clutched Asher closer. He wrapped his arms tight around his shoulders.

And the simplicity of much of the writing, like:

Liam rolled over. "There are resort drifts?" he asked sleepily. "I wanna go." Then he snored.

And

Ren scoffed. "Stars. Figured we'd run into an utter cog," Ren said.

Lots of asked or said. I don't know what happened, maybe the author was stressed or maybe they swapped editors or something. Something had to have happened, because the writing took an abrupt shift.

Did Asher and Ren have to always be touching? Like, everytime they're in a room together, they're touching, holding hands, leaning against each other, pulling, making out. Dear lord, I just wanted one scene where they were together in the same room and didn't feel the urge to be touching. I get it, they're in love. They're in a relationship. I understand. But this felt more like the author was trying to remind us over and over and over again they were involved romantically, as if we had somehow forgotten. Which I didn't need. They've had a thing for each other since the first book and it only grew in the second book. I have no problems believing they're head over heels for one another. But in this book, something about how it was written felt...off. I guess this too buckles down to the issue I have with the writing.

The final battle felt kind of...lackluster. Even the fact that Ren was a supernova, destined to metaphorically explode on himself in the battle against Millicent, fell short. The battle literally lasts for less than two pages! The final battle, the final confrontation, lasts less than TWO PAGES.

I don't know how I feel about the ending. I really don't. I mean, it's great everyone got their happy ending. And I mean EVERYONE. But it felt too perfect. Too easily obtained. In the first two books, there were struggles and fights to get just little snippets of happiness or freedom, and that's what made those books so great to me. In this book? There's a lot of having our gang plan things, but when it comes to said situations actually happening, they're brief and just...meh. What is the point of chapters and chapters of having the gang map out these elaborate plans and gather information, only for the actual thing to take less than a chapter when it goes down? There's a grand build up only for it to puff out in a blink.

Millicent. Was she really this big bad threat? We're told of all these things she's doing, we saw what she was capable of in the last book, she's treated like the main antagonist, but she's literally taken care of in less than two pages and I'm just going "that's it?" She didn't feel like much of a threat.

Darby. I love this girl. I swear I do. But, uh, what was the point of her character? She didn't really contribute anything someone else couldn't have done instead.

I don't know. I still liked this book, but it's not a favorite and I'm really heartbroken about it. For a series I adored, I wanted to be left feeling something more than what I do for the final installment.

[Yoda Bor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Après un deuxième tome qui m’avait un petit peu déçue tant les atermoiements des deux personnages princiapux prenaient le dessus sur l’intrigue en elle-même, j’allais un petit peu à reculons vers cette conclusion.
Du coup, je ne sais pas si c’est parce que j’avais revu mes attentes à la baisse mais j’ai passé un excellent moment avec ce tome qui enchaine les péripéties à toute vitesse, mais qui ne laisse pas pour autant de côté l’évolution de chacun.

Ren est gravement blessé et Asher est retourné se constituer prisonnier auprès de la Division Phénix, ils passent donc un peu de temps loin de l’autre mais l’équilibre du vaisseau se retrouve avec l’ajout d’un nouveau personnage, Darby, qui est intéressante, pleine de peps et rafraichissante parce qu’elle ne connait rien aux hôtes stellaires.
L’équipage se lance dans plusieurs missions : Faire évader Asher, libérer Liam, le frère de Ren, et puis comprendre ce qu’il se passe dans l’espace, avec ces dérives qui tombent au fur et à mesure aux mains de Millicent.

J’ai beaucoup aimé ces différentes parties qui se succèdent assez logiquement. Le retour d’Asher sur le vaisseau se fait assez naturellement sans que tout le monde ne se remette à bouder. les explications se font très vite, personne n’avait d’ailleurs vraiment tord dans cette affaire, il s’agissait plus d’une histoire de confiance, et on passe rapidement à la suite.
Une suite qui consiste à prendre d’assaut une prison spatiale, rien que ça.

Les différentes parties sont fluides et s’enchainent bien et, si, à l’arrivée, tout peut sembler un peu facile, il y a tout de même énormément de négociations qui entrent en jeu et tous les camps ont du faire des compromis.

Je suis très heureuse que cette saga se termine sur ce tome à la fois mouvementé et touchant.
Je suis fière de voir le chemin qu’a parcouru Ren, petit bonhomme enlevé à sa planète pour devenir ce qu’il est et avoir appris à contrôler sa puissance. Malgré tous les dangers, venant parfois de lui-même, il a su rester droit dans ses convictions et les alliances temporaires qu’il créé ont toujours un fond de raison. C’est sa grande force d’ailleurs de penser qu’il peut trouver un arrangement avec à peu près tout le monde, quitte à parfois mettre de côté ses sentiments.
Mais je suis aussi très contente de savoir qu’il peut compter sur Asher et réciproquement et j’ai aimé les voir grandir tout au long des tomes.
Cette saga aura connu des hauts et des bas dans mon appréciation, mais elle s’achève de la meilleure des façons.

[Melissa Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me way too long to read. Honestly, the rest of the books on my shelf are suffering from this one’s lack of, well, star power. I think I speed read the first half then got bogged down. Those last 100 pages were the worst sort of rushed ending.

I contend that the Phoenix Corps got dumber. If you finished this book, then you know the ending was like a clown show. So unbelievable, so incredible (in the basest definition of the word: not credible at all).

And there at the end, Rowan and Asher’s mom is just like, byeeee. -Oh yeah, just keep trying to kill my children, ‘sokay, I don’t even really like them.- This after they’re all like, wait til I tell my mom on you. No one apologizes for or soliloquys about the pile of lies or the list of wrongdoings. It just felt so off.

So throughout the books, Phoenix Corps denied the existence of Star Hosts while simultaneously using them to further their own cause. And likely still had Star Hosts imprisoned and likely likely still used them after the plot of this book. There’s no resolution for what amounts to war crimes and torture. No one answers for it. And people still being tortured. I don’t know.

Anyway. Asher still deserves better lol Ren is still kinda jerky. But oh well.

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Alex Nonymous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for providing a DRC of Zenith Dream in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so sad to be done with this series. Normally with trilogies I try to spread out the books over at least a few weeks but since the compilation book is coming out in about a week I wanted to make sure I had these reviews up in time and now I'm devastated to be done with these characters.

The level of growth between this book and The Star Host is unbelievable. In my Star Host review I talk about how my main issue was how flat and 'perfect' our protagonists felt but over the course of this trilogy everyone (including this book's plethora of side characters) has developped into unique, realistic feeling personalities and relationships.

Speaking of, Asher & Ren have one of my absolute favourite sci-fi relationships to date. Watching them develop and grow together was an absolute delight and I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a star wars-esc queer sci-fi trilogy.

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL;DR: Oh, be still my fluttering heart. I am beyond grateful for this book and how everything came together in the end. Thank you thank you thank you.



THIS REVIEW IS SPOILER-FREE


CHARACTERS: There is nothing I love more than having the found family back together and all working together to win. It's also so much fun to finally bring back in a character that we've missed since the very beginning too.


PLOT: The plot of this one returns back to the us-versus-them external conflict in this book. In other words, everyone gets their shi*t together and it's because they're back as a team that they're able to tackle the final main conflict. It's such a relief that the author doesn't drag out some places that could have kept everyone separated longer. Everything is perfectly paced and I was so relieved reading this one, because it's so refreshing to read it with a plot that also makes sense in terms of pacing and the events that occur. Thank you!


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.

4 out of 5. I apparently do much better when we're back to an external conflict as the main conflict, cresting the high wave of the final 'battle'. I was fully invested in this story, in these characters, in wanting them to succeed.


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?

Fulfilled, settled, happy. The author took me up over the wave of the climax and surfed us right back to shore. While the wave of the climax had the potential to be even greater, for a YA novel it fit perfectly. The stakes were all set up, everything led right where it was supposed to go, and the author tied everything up at the end. I'm happy.


WOULD I GO BACK IN TIME AND READ THIS BOOK KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW?

Absolutely. It's almost impossible to read book two and not immediately move to this book. But the whole series is so worth it that I am considering purchasing a personal copy because I just might actually read this series again. Completely worth it.

[Kinsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3.5 rounded up. A nice end to the trilogy. Left a little open ended, but realistic. Ash and Ren both have some unresolved issues, but after everything, it only makes sense. The characters in this series really shine. The world building is cool and you can really tell the thought the author put into it. But there's just something missing. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's room for improvement. Either way, I'll be looking into more of her books.
P.s. She had some chances to add some spicy scenes, then did not take them. I was much sad...

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how the trilogy ended, and that epilogue was everything!!
One scene maybe was a bit rushed, in my opinion, but othet than that, I really really liked how the characters grew, how they were there for each other, trusting their choices and opinions, and calling each other out if they were being dumb.
Perfect found family plus a new character addition that I thought was going to cause drama, but instead was great!!
I want more books by Lukens, right now!

[Kelsey Riggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was better than the first two. However, this whole series would have been way better as a full book. Some of the holes would have been easier to explain or ignore and the story would have just flowed a lot better.

My last little bug...why Broken Moon? this moon was only mentioned once, maybe twice throughout the whole series, what exactly was the significance? There were better options when titling this series than this...

[Naomi Tajedler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh my stars ! What a finale to a brilliant series! Not only does the story pick up the pace, on every level, but it gives me an appetite for ... more! Even as it wraps up in the most satisfactory way!!!
Broken Moon is one hell of a scifi powerhouse (which should totally be translated into a show, Netflix, get on it) and my scifi heart belongs to F.T. Lukens forever and to the stars and back.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I didn’t know this was out when it was and I’m glad I rectified that grave error! What a way to end a story I’ve been emotionally invested in since the beginning. As happy as I was with the book, I’m considering starting a petition to demand seven books instead of three! Ah well, at least we have a potential Rules sequel to look forward to? Gimme more FT!!!

[Radstronaut · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best sci-fi trilogy I've ever had the experience of holding very close to my heart. And that's exactly what I did before shelving this last book... 🌟 Thank you to F.T. Lukens for giving life to such a story, I am so happy to have lived in it.

[B. Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a happy ending. More of a 3.5 from me, but this was probably the best of the bunch and it was far more coherent that the second book. I definitely had to suspend my disbelief for this series, but it was fine. Not my favorite F.T. Lukens, but still an interesting concept.

[Nyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and beautiful story. This is seriously my new favorite writer. I have never specifically looked for a book from a particular author. At this point if I see anything book like and the author is F.T. Lukens I will be reading it! No questions asked.

[Beach Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic ending to this great sci-if trilogy!! It was non-stop action and introduced a fun new character. I loved reconnecting with the characters from the earlier books. I am very happy that I read these three interesting stories.

[Robert Fontenot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad it’s over. This is better than the middle volume, but overall it’s not a great series. I still love the author, well, I like the author and will continue reading them.

I do not necessarily recommend this book or this series.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to an awesome series! Fab characters and pace.

[Levi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3

[Ráyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good conclusion, though I do think some of the situations are a bit too conveniently escaped from.

[Vendetta Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is getting a solid 5 stars solely because of the rescue mission reunion, which i'm always a whore for, and the sweetest of epilogues 💕