Starlight

Immortal Heritage #1

by Selene Kallan

For Nick, moving to a new city is one more burden to endure on his already complicated life. His parents believe that the change will help him to overcome the death of the one that he loved, but a new school can’t stop his nightmares, or change the fate that was imposed to him before his birth. His transformation lurks around the corner.
Dahlia lives a lonely, secluded life by choice. Fearful of letting someone become close enough to hurt them with her powers, which she hates and tries to keep under control. Her self-control falters when the hunger she can not avoid appears to take away her sanity. Both will be involved in a dangerous relationship that neither one will want to avoid.
Two lives half torn apart, two different people, and a secret that no one can hide for a long time... Even if the price to pay is their lives.

Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B0762FXXJB here.

Genres: Paranormal

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2020

About the author

Selene Kallan is a fantasy author who daydreams about her imaginary worlds most of the time. Her obsession with vampires, and all things supernatural, has made her an avid reader. She loves writing, discovering new metal bands, and watching superhero movies. She is also feeling a little crazy while writing about herself in third person, but apparently, this is the way to go.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the very enjoyable YA Fantasy/Romance STARLIGHT in one day - the perfect book escape for this overcast, freezing rain day in the Vermont woods. One of the things I love about this book is it's mysterious air - so I won't say too much to avoid spoilers (author Kallan releases this book's secrets at a nice pace, which kept me reading). The chemistry between the supernatural leads, Dahlia and Nick, is beautifully done (their first kiss is absolutely swoon-worthy), and the side characters are well drawn. All in all, a fresh take on the supernatural-star-crossed-lovers genre. Recommended.

[Sarah Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the series. My attention was grasped from the moment I started reading. This Author painted the scene with the story and I felt as if I were there and feeling what Nick and Dahlia were experiencing. In the beginning, I wasn’t entirely sure what Dahlia was but eventually found out which pushed me to read on. David, Cal, and Sarah really pissed me off. The entire time I had hoped Cal and Sarah would surely see the good in Dahlia, but they just angered me further. I’m definitely looking forward to the second book to find out what happens to them. (ARC provided for an honest review)

[Jenna Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new author Selen Kallan has done a wonderful job writing this book. It grabs your attention right from the start and keeps you guessing. The wonderful paranormal world she has created is definitely read worthy. I can't wait to read her next book.

[Debbie Victorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

This is the first time I have read books by this author. I am glad I found her. She is a great author. This book has a great story line and great characters. It held my interest from the first page to the last. Nick is a great character due to the fact he lost his love his parents decide a change is needed. New things do not take away his pain or his nightmares. And he can't stop his transformation..... Dahilia has powers and she pulls away from everything and everyone. She is terrified she will hurt someone with her powers. The story between these two is awesome..... I highly recommend this book to anyone. A great must read !!!!!!!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this down

I lived this book so much!! I was hooked from the beginning. Going through all the emotions of the nick and Dahlia had me laughing; crying and on the edge of my seat. I I can’t wait to read in. I hope you fall in love with this series as much as I have.

[Angela J. Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it takes someone else to see the best in you, to help you heal and overcome the darkness of the past. This is a fast read for fans of paranormal fantasy and romance. If you like those kinds of books you’ll certainly enjoy this one!

[Selene Kallan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, after re-reading it like 12 times I still love it, so...

[Nisareen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starlight is the first book in the Immortal Heritage series by Selene Kallan. Following the events of it’s prequel, Broken, Nick has moved to Lakeport following the death of his girlfriend, Katie. His parents hope the move will help him overcome his grief and adapt to the upcoming change that will see him transform into a lycanthrope.

Dahlia lives with her foster mum, Jenna along with Cassie and Ben. Dahlia fears her powers will hurt others and avoids human contact and relationships in general.

When Nick meets Dahlia at school, he feels an instant connection to her. Problems arise when he learns that there’s more to Dahlia than meets the eye. Her species are the sworn enemies of lycanthropes.

Despite this, Nick and Dahlia fall in love. Dahlia finds her life in mortal danger at the hands of Nick’s brother David. Can Nick protect her in time? How will his family react when they learn who Dahlia really is? Most of all, what secret is Nick’s mother hiding from her son?

Fans of paranormal fantasy and romance will find themselves instantly rooting for Nick and Dahlia. I liked the way the author wrote from the point of view of both Nick and Dahlia as it gave us better insight into their characters and backgrounds. It took me a while to figure out what Dahlia was.

The epilogue was intriguing to say the least. We’ll have to wait until Moonlight to find out Sarah’s secret.

I received this book as a gifted copy from the author. Judging from her debut, Selene’s got a great future in the Young Adult and Paranormal genre. I look forward to her future works.

[Ivy Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Selene Kallan's debut novel but based on this book I am confident that she is an author to watch out for in the YA world.

Her style is gripping, the narrative is fast-paced and keeps you wanting more.

I will refrain from sharing plot details I think they are best explored by the reader but I especially liked the way she builds up the chemistry, the intimacy and growing love between the leads Nick and Dahlia. Their romance is neither rushed nor does it jar.

If you enjoy YA and supernatural tales this one is a super read. Once I started I didn't stop until I finished.

[Tracy Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starlight was an amazing read. I read it right after the prequel,Broken, I couldn’t wait to see what happens. Nick and Dahlia story is one of great love born through secrets and the struggle to keep them.
Nick is starting a new school after moving away to help get over the loss of his love, Kate. He just wants to go to school and go home. Not interact with anyone. Not only because of his grief, he also has a secret that can’t be found out.
He notices Dahlia that first day, she is distant, reserved,hiding, not accepted by the other students. But when they look at each other there’s a connection so strong it can’t be ignored.
Nick tries to help her later on in the day from some bullies but she is still reserved and mine’s in, as she has a secret too.
Once they learn of the secrets they share they become closer like one.
This is where the story changes and takes you on an amazing ride. With vampires,werewolves,fae’s.
Once again Ms. Kallan pulled me in and didn’t let me go until the very last page. She has this ability to put you right in the moment with the character, feeling , and experiencing everything they feel. If you are a paranormal fan this is a Must read. If you are not I strongly recommend you give this one a try I believe it will change your mind.

[CR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starlight felt very much like an indie title. Although it was edited well and each character was fully formed. I still felt like something was just a tad off. The story felt very deliberate in parts of word choice and structure. I liked the characters and the story was ok. I just felt like it needed more overall.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this story and how the author wrote it out. I have read lots of paranormal books, it’s one of my favorite genres to read. But like most they give away what the characters are, unlike Selene, she takes her time, to allow you to get to know the characters of the book before finding out about their powers or what kind of creature they are to become. The book as a whole is written very well and is easy to read. A page turner without even knowing that you haven’t stopped reading or put down the book until your already half way through it. Falling in love with Nick and Dahlia, waiting to find out what powers to be they are binding from the readers and then once you find out the pieces come together, making me feel like I should have been able to know that awhile back but love the ride that it takes to find out. I can’t wait to get the next book and find out what happens to this couple! I would recommend this book to my paranormal friends.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, paranormal/supernatural fantasy and certainly not anything YA/NA or romantic, is a genre I never had any sort of interest in reading - until now that is. This book has, for me, provided a means for me to start reading again as for some time now I've struggled to read anything due to changes in my Aspergers and other mental health issues. Though I prefer print books, I read Starlight in ebook format, and not only did I find Selene Kallan's style very easy to read, I also found reading it as an ebook easier given my current struggles with reading. This was the only book I managed to read and actually finish in 2020, particularly with increased difficulties as a result of the pandemic. For me, this has been a personal achievement under such circumstances. I would like to personally thank Selene for not only broadening my reading horizons, but also in having a style that is so easy to read that made it possible for me to start reading again.

So, what can I say about the story of Starlight? My thoughts are mixed, but I’ve weighed the likes against the dislikes and found that anything I did not particularly get along with was, for the most part, just a matter of personal taste, and what I did enjoy largely outweighed those things. I feel it could have done with being more descriptive, but that happens to be one aspect of books I am generally particularly fussy about which is linked to how I visualise, and after all I needed to take into account that it’s Selene’s debut novel, and that she also writes in English which isn’t her first language. In actual fact, she pulls this off extremely well and very accurately depicts the attitudes commonly seen in young adult students in high schools and colleges, and how the main characters are forced to contend with them.

I must admit, I immediately took to Nick, whose sense of justice is well beyond his years. I found myself relating to him a lot and share many of his views. The feathers of my feminist streak did get a bit ruffled at times with his chivalry, but he’s really far too much of a sweetheart to stay mad at. Dahlia took a bit more getting used to due to her reserved nature, but I also found her relatable in that regard; especially with the way she’s regarded by her peers. That was all too familiar for me, and as such I commend Selene on her ability to express the views of the oppressed and under-represented; those who are deemed outcasts because there’s just something about us that happens to be different from what the majority consider “normal”. There are characters harbouring deep resentment and prejudice who you’ll just love to hate, and Selene injects a very strong feeling of making the reader seethe, longing for their comeuppance and I’m very certain that when the time is right, she will deliver on this.

Both Nick and Dahlia don’t yet understand the true reality of what they are; their species have long been at war, but this is a story where two young people defy such prejudices and care about each other despite their differences. It’s clear in reading Starlight that there’s a great deal these two have yet to discover about themselves, including the supernatural changes going on inside them, along with the promise of threats they must contend with in order to be together.

All in all, this book was an excellent read and with very little to criticise. I also admit that while writing this review, I might have already got stuck into reading Haunted, the second book in the Immortal Heritage series; and what can I say, it’s looking to be even better.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not the average story but well worth it. The whole story was well written, and the characters as well. The myth and legends in this book are really thought out and a great story about younger kids and what it's like to be different. Can't wait for more.

[David Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of young love and a terrible danger! Nick and his family have move to a new town. The plan is to give Nick a fresh start to help him get over the death of Kate the girl he loved! Nick in his personal funk dose not want to associate with others because of his secret! On the first day in his new school he sits next to a strange looking girl named Dahlia. She seems to be hiding from life and is shunned by the other students! When Nick gets a look at her he feels a connection like they are kindred spirits! Nick then defends her during an altercation in the hall and follows her out side! Dahlia wants nothing to due with anyone as she has her own secret! Nick soon learns Dahlia's secret at the same time she learns of his! Because of his evil brother David they are soon forced to flee! A fantastic story of growing trust and a budding romance between two outcasts!

[Jacky Dahlhaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cover of this book (the Black and Red one, not the one that came up here) and had to read it. It was immediately clear that Ms. Kallan is a novice writer. She still has a lot to learn. BUT, even though there are some major issues with her writing, her story captured my interest and drew me into the story, making me read more and more, letting me loose sleep to find out what was going to happen next. I have read books of better quality that didn't manage to do this. Hence the four stars for Starlight.
I have contacted Ms. Kalland and found out that 1. She is dyslexic (not that this was an issue with her writing, but thumbs up for managing to write a whole novel!!!), and 2. The book is with a professional editor as I write this. So, check out this wonderful story by this new author and give her a chance. I see a great future ahead for her :)

[DH VDL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flashes of brilliance

A book that I both loved and hated. Loved the characters and the storyline but hated the pace. A good story with likable characters, an interesting world, forbidden love, interesting paranormal family, and more, ruined partially by a plodding pace. I just wanted to jump ahead. Now, I get why it was slow and the interesting way the author had of telling us about the powers of both MC’s by having them explain to each other what they are capable of almost made up for it, but it was still too slow. But maybe that’s just me demanding a quicker story, so take what I have said and see if you are okay with that, because if you are, you will love this book.

[Elitta Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahlia stays to herself to keep from hurting anyone she cares about. She tries to keep her control, while it takes away her sanity. Nick is dealing with the death of the one he loved. He moves to a new place to try and overcome this tragedy. Dahlia and Nick are both dealing with a degree of despair. Their paths cross and they form a connection right away that grows as they get to know each other better. I recommend you give this book a try.

[Sheila Levasseur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I really like the plot, but the author needs a good proofreader or grammar program.
The storyline is fun, and it's a fast read.