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The Starlight Duology #1
The Girl Who Called the Stars
The truth about me is out of this world.I've lived my life with one survival. That survival is built on secrets.When a creature from another planet attacks, I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, I’m not human and they’ve been scouring the galaxies to find me. The fact that they managed to track me here is little more than an inconvenience for a girl who’s lived her life on the run.Only this time, it’s different. I’m caught off guard, far too busy dreaming of a stranger. No name. No face. But his eyes–they haunt me because they’re all I remember of him.I’m a princess without a throne, running from an enemy who is scouring the galaxies for me—but those eyes are calling me home.The Girl Who Ruled The Stars is book 1 in a young adult science fantasy romance with action, mystery, and a love story that spans galaxies.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2018
189 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Heather Hildenbrand
175 books1,445 followersHeather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs.
You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.
You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 28, 2018
You have to read this!! It is one huge book, so well written that you will lose track of time. The words flow effortlessly off of their pages and transport you into their scenes. The prologue truly was heartbreaking and I may have shed a tear or two. I cannot imagine this story beginning in any other way! Our empress undergoes immense growth both with her powers and emotionally. She is a completely different girl at the conclusion from which we were introduced to. This has tender moments but also those strong ones that exude a fiercely entertaining plot. I loved towards the ending when the ah ha moment as to the naming of the book clicked into place! This cover not only captivates you and draws you in, but it also sets up the introduction of one dramatic and out of this world tale!!! Ms. Hildenbrand is beyond talented! She is the Empress of the Quill 💖💖💖 Most absolutely a one click author!!
November 7, 2020
Eh...
I wasn’t crazy about this one. The romance seemed forced and expected. The characters were flat. The inter dialogue awkward and a bit random. She seemed to focus on the trivial and ignore the important. Her actions didn’t seem to make sense either.
Example: Xander tells her of a problem with their relationship and she’s all...he’s so hot... those eyes... let’s make out. But when Peter says the same thing hours later, she’s all OMG what are we going to do? Um, I’m not really sure but I think the whole empress thing should go something like this: Rule #1 of Being An Empress: listen to the people around you. Rule #2 Don’t be a coward, especially when it comes to facing you’re own feelings. Rule #3 control the lust: at least until your people are safe
I wasn’t crazy about this one. The romance seemed forced and expected. The characters were flat. The inter dialogue awkward and a bit random. She seemed to focus on the trivial and ignore the important. Her actions didn’t seem to make sense either.
Example: Xander tells her of a problem with their relationship and she’s all...he’s so hot... those eyes... let’s make out. But when Peter says the same thing hours later, she’s all OMG what are we going to do? Um, I’m not really sure but I think the whole empress thing should go something like this: Rule #1 of Being An Empress: listen to the people around you. Rule #2 Don’t be a coward, especially when it comes to facing you’re own feelings. Rule #3 control the lust: at least until your people are safe
July 18, 2018
PROS:
Heather Hildenbrand is the angst master. I swear, every single time I read her books there’s always some super swoonworthy, colossal build up of steam and languishing right off the bat. Then it grows and before you know it, you’re flipping through the pages on the prowl for a happily ever after…or at least one measly kiss. Jeez. But that tension is what makes the reader keep reading.
The premise of this book is awesome. I loved the fast-paced tragedy and adventure, and also those horrifying Dementor-style demons. The mix of elemental-style powers with alien made this way different from your average space drama. Kingdoms in the space. I’m all for that. Also vicious wolf guardians? What’s not to love?
That explosive ending. I should have known. It was right there and somehow it went right over my head. Facepalm.
Read more here:
https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...
Heather Hildenbrand is the angst master. I swear, every single time I read her books there’s always some super swoonworthy, colossal build up of steam and languishing right off the bat. Then it grows and before you know it, you’re flipping through the pages on the prowl for a happily ever after…or at least one measly kiss. Jeez. But that tension is what makes the reader keep reading.
The premise of this book is awesome. I loved the fast-paced tragedy and adventure, and also those horrifying Dementor-style demons. The mix of elemental-style powers with alien made this way different from your average space drama. Kingdoms in the space. I’m all for that. Also vicious wolf guardians? What’s not to love?
That explosive ending. I should have known. It was right there and somehow it went right over my head. Facepalm.
Read more here:
https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...
March 13, 2024
Uh it started good but continued as a fake. Overrated cliche dialogues without the speaker backing them up. Nope. Though I think I'll start book 2 then see where it goes.
June 7, 2023
Alina was in hiding. She was hiding on Earth. Her guardian Peter kept her cloaked from their enemy even though their enemy looked far and wide for her. They looked human, but underneath, they were not. Subtle differences in their physiology allowed them to glow, among other things, and they could cast this energy at other objects and cause damage. Alina did not remember her home planet or life because her mother removed her memories before being sent to Earth to hide. But now, the shadows have found her, and she must run, but the shadows are not the only ones to find her. Eamon looked like a huge wolf from Earth but was from a planet called Bardawulf, and Xander, with his blue eyes that she had been dreaming about for years. They also found her, and now the four needed to escape Earth and return to Bardawulf, where more of her people, the survivors of their war with the shadows, lived. In this place, she would have to get involved in the politics of her people because some did not believe she should be their leader. Some thought they should not war with the shadows again and live out their lives in exile.
Huh! Star travel via old trees. It reminds me of the hypno-gourd from an old RPG, or was it a Pass-Plant spell or some combination? Oh well, my memory is missing enough about this subject. I’ll just have to look it up later once I remember where I put those old reference books. :) The physical world-building is missing a lot of detail, leaving the world fuzzy in my mind’s eye. The ambient feeling changes with the world and seems more delicate but full of far-ranging consequences.
I liked this story. It reminds me a little bit of another story, but that is neither here nor there. This series starter of a Duology is meant for young adults about them coming of age in both a fantasy and science fiction setting with paranormal elements and a bit of romance. If that sounds like you may like to read this tale, then download it now. I give this read five stars out of five stars.
Huh! Star travel via old trees. It reminds me of the hypno-gourd from an old RPG, or was it a Pass-Plant spell or some combination? Oh well, my memory is missing enough about this subject. I’ll just have to look it up later once I remember where I put those old reference books. :) The physical world-building is missing a lot of detail, leaving the world fuzzy in my mind’s eye. The ambient feeling changes with the world and seems more delicate but full of far-ranging consequences.
I liked this story. It reminds me a little bit of another story, but that is neither here nor there. This series starter of a Duology is meant for young adults about them coming of age in both a fantasy and science fiction setting with paranormal elements and a bit of romance. If that sounds like you may like to read this tale, then download it now. I give this read five stars out of five stars.
November 10, 2022
Riveting
The only real fault I can find is that the story doesn't finish at the end of the book. This first book, like many firsts of a series, gives the character arc of the main hero's development. There is a resolution to that, but not of the whole war. As such the resolution of this book seems both incomplete and a bit rushed.
Overall I'll give it four and a half stars (rounding up because independent authors do really deserve the boost). The writing was very good. I never once considered putting it down or found any part of it frustrating or unbelievable. And that's pretty rare for me. It's a pure fantasy story set in a sci-fi universe, which makes it seem unique even though the plot is a bit predictable. The main character is a princess in exile, her people driven into hiding and separated from her. This is the story of how she is finally reunited with them and restored to leadership, and also of how she learns to use the magical powers within her, although even at the end the magic is not fully under her control and further development will be needed in future books.
The author's description of physical objects is a bit lacking. That of places is adequate, and the characterization of even minor persons is quite excellent and very believable.
I'm not generally a fan of "series" books (other than truly epic series like Foundation or LoTR - which this is not), but none the less I will be checking out book two of this one. Definitely worth the read.
The only real fault I can find is that the story doesn't finish at the end of the book. This first book, like many firsts of a series, gives the character arc of the main hero's development. There is a resolution to that, but not of the whole war. As such the resolution of this book seems both incomplete and a bit rushed.
Overall I'll give it four and a half stars (rounding up because independent authors do really deserve the boost). The writing was very good. I never once considered putting it down or found any part of it frustrating or unbelievable. And that's pretty rare for me. It's a pure fantasy story set in a sci-fi universe, which makes it seem unique even though the plot is a bit predictable. The main character is a princess in exile, her people driven into hiding and separated from her. This is the story of how she is finally reunited with them and restored to leadership, and also of how she learns to use the magical powers within her, although even at the end the magic is not fully under her control and further development will be needed in future books.
The author's description of physical objects is a bit lacking. That of places is adequate, and the characterization of even minor persons is quite excellent and very believable.
I'm not generally a fan of "series" books (other than truly epic series like Foundation or LoTR - which this is not), but none the less I will be checking out book two of this one. Definitely worth the read.
June 14, 2024
Author Heather Hildenbrand brings us the tale of Alina a woman from another planet that has come to take refuge on Earth. In the five years that she and her guardian Peter had been on Earth he has trained her. But the thing holding her back is that her mother the queen of their homeplanet took her memories. One night while Alina is out riding her horse she comes across Xander and a large wolf whom killed a shadow in front of her. That night while they're back at her and Peter's place she overhears that they had been looking for them for a while. Alina knows that the current ruler of the UPA has sent bounty hunters through out the known universe looking for her and this night they found her. Peter and Xander along with the wolf head out the next night and come back with Peter being attacked by a Shadow. They deiced to leave Earth that night to head to the planet that they've setup as a refuge camp. Once there Xander let's everyone know that the true queen has returned. Alina dose not know how to take this but she dose give a speech to let her people know that she will stop at noting to regain their homeworld and her rightful place. This is an interesting book and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series. I recommend this book to all Science Fantasy fans.
July 22, 2018
This book, this book had me all kinds of feels. Skeptical, trust issues, and the ever present threat of something lurking in the shadows. However, sometimes the shadows move and they are the things that are out there lurking.
When I start a new genre (for me at least) I go in read a couple of chapters and put it down. If after a few minutes/hours of playing games on my phone (let’s be real, its usually watching animal videos) I pick the book back up again. During the time I’m not reading it I either get antsy and really want to read the book so I know what’s going to happen, or it’s the other... We won’t even go there cuz this book had me antsy!
If you have read any of the authors books, you know she loves her wolves, she has a writing style that’s all her own. In this case it felt like a completely different writer. I get like I was discovering a brand new author. She wrote a book that leaves you wanting more and at the same time, gives you a little satisfaction. There is action and romance. Scary witch types and of course wolves, but they are NOT your average wolf. The chemistry is off the charts between Alina and Xander.
Get this book yesterday!
When I start a new genre (for me at least) I go in read a couple of chapters and put it down. If after a few minutes/hours of playing games on my phone (let’s be real, its usually watching animal videos) I pick the book back up again. During the time I’m not reading it I either get antsy and really want to read the book so I know what’s going to happen, or it’s the other... We won’t even go there cuz this book had me antsy!
If you have read any of the authors books, you know she loves her wolves, she has a writing style that’s all her own. In this case it felt like a completely different writer. I get like I was discovering a brand new author. She wrote a book that leaves you wanting more and at the same time, gives you a little satisfaction. There is action and romance. Scary witch types and of course wolves, but they are NOT your average wolf. The chemistry is off the charts between Alina and Xander.
Get this book yesterday!
July 18, 2018
First of all, I just want to say thank you to Heather Hildenbrand for giving me an ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given, offered, or taken to alter the opinion.
This book is very different from the other books I read. I usually stick to reading supernatural or fantasy books. I don't read a lot of sci-fi books; however, I really enjoyed it! This story is filled with lots of action, adventure, a great heroine, and a touch of romance. The pace of this book makes it easy for the audience to fly through the book. I really loved the moment I discovered the meaning behind the title of the book. I loved seeing the growth in Alina over the course of the book and I'm looking forward to reading the second and final book in this duology!
This book is very different from the other books I read. I usually stick to reading supernatural or fantasy books. I don't read a lot of sci-fi books; however, I really enjoyed it! This story is filled with lots of action, adventure, a great heroine, and a touch of romance. The pace of this book makes it easy for the audience to fly through the book. I really loved the moment I discovered the meaning behind the title of the book. I loved seeing the growth in Alina over the course of the book and I'm looking forward to reading the second and final book in this duology!
July 18, 2018
Amazing Read
Once again this author has just amazed me with her story. Laughing, crying, and edge of your seat. Those are the things you need for the perfect story. Although though with the reason for the crying I might have to send her a long whiny message..lol
You can watch as the main character Alina comes into her own as the story goes on. We slowly get to see the Empress underneath shine through. Like me I hope you will enjoy this story and I cannot wait till the next one..
*knock knock* Ms Hildenbrand will you please hurry up and write the next one.. *gets on knees and begs*
Until Next Time....Tabi
Once again this author has just amazed me with her story. Laughing, crying, and edge of your seat. Those are the things you need for the perfect story. Although though with the reason for the crying I might have to send her a long whiny message..lol
You can watch as the main character Alina comes into her own as the story goes on. We slowly get to see the Empress underneath shine through. Like me I hope you will enjoy this story and I cannot wait till the next one..
*knock knock* Ms Hildenbrand will you please hurry up and write the next one.. *gets on knees and begs*
Until Next Time....Tabi
January 26, 2019
Great!
Cons: light comes out of their chest and that's their main weapon. The aliens don't know earth movies but know things like paparazzi and the game tag. She's an empress but wasn't taught politics, how to speak or read her people's language, wasn't taught how to lead a people or even how to really fight when she is going to be going to
War.
Pros: you're sucked into the story right from the first page! There's action, a little romance, betrayal, some funny parts and creepy enemies. The characters are well thought out and the story line keeps you wondering what's going to happen next! I can't wait to read the second book!
Cons: light comes out of their chest and that's their main weapon. The aliens don't know earth movies but know things like paparazzi and the game tag. She's an empress but wasn't taught politics, how to speak or read her people's language, wasn't taught how to lead a people or even how to really fight when she is going to be going to
War.
Pros: you're sucked into the story right from the first page! There's action, a little romance, betrayal, some funny parts and creepy enemies. The characters are well thought out and the story line keeps you wondering what's going to happen next! I can't wait to read the second book!
July 18, 2018
Star struck!
I love the new scifi book! Everything you can imagine a alien fantasy come to life with amazing characters. Interesting villain who you expect but hate so much especially the killings that occur. The author is creating multiple worlds and does such a thorough job describing each one you can clearly imagine what she writes. There is never enough of this and I am waiting anxiously for the next one to be out!
I love the new scifi book! Everything you can imagine a alien fantasy come to life with amazing characters. Interesting villain who you expect but hate so much especially the killings that occur. The author is creating multiple worlds and does such a thorough job describing each one you can clearly imagine what she writes. There is never enough of this and I am waiting anxiously for the next one to be out!
July 26, 2018
I'm a huge huge fan of Heather's Dirty Bloody series, so I was looking forward to trying something new from her, and I wasn't disappointed. Heather Hildenbrand's writing is simply captivating, the way she can suck you into another world with her words, it's just mind-blowing!
A book jam-packed full of adventure, action, edge of your seat moments and amazing characters, what's not to love! I was hooked from start to finish and I cannot wait for book 2.
A book jam-packed full of adventure, action, edge of your seat moments and amazing characters, what's not to love! I was hooked from start to finish and I cannot wait for book 2.
January 23, 2019
Coming of age
The young empress escaped her world as it was being over run. Her mind and memories swiped by her mother before she left her home planet. She and her royal companion escaped to Earth. That us, until the Shadows found her. While trying to fight one off, a huge wolf and man helped her. These two were aliens like her. Now, it was time to return and claim her throne. Great book. Very exciting.
The young empress escaped her world as it was being over run. Her mind and memories swiped by her mother before she left her home planet. She and her royal companion escaped to Earth. That us, until the Shadows found her. While trying to fight one off, a huge wolf and man helped her. These two were aliens like her. Now, it was time to return and claim her throne. Great book. Very exciting.
July 18, 2018
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
This book was not my style. I gave it a try thinking I could get into it as I love Heather Hildenbrands other books. This one was ok, but definitely not my fave. If you are a fan of Fantasy books dealing with other planets, then this book is right up your alley.
I look forward to reading future work from the talented Heather Hildenbrand.
This book was not my style. I gave it a try thinking I could get into it as I love Heather Hildenbrands other books. This one was ok, but definitely not my fave. If you are a fan of Fantasy books dealing with other planets, then this book is right up your alley.
I look forward to reading future work from the talented Heather Hildenbrand.
July 27, 2018
A Must Read
This is a fantastic book. A young woman forced to flee her home must go back 5 years later and lead them only she has no memories of then other than what she has been told, the only memories she has is of startling blue eyes.
This book is a must read! It's fast paced, well written and you can empathize with the characters.
This is a fantastic book. A young woman forced to flee her home must go back 5 years later and lead them only she has no memories of then other than what she has been told, the only memories she has is of startling blue eyes.
This book is a must read! It's fast paced, well written and you can empathize with the characters.
August 5, 2018
Alina, a girl sent away from her home when she was twelve and doesn't remember anything about it. A sci-fi action story that draws you into the intrigue. And did I mention blue eyes that keep haunting her memory or a terrifying killer that can wield magic. The story captures and holds your interest from the first page. A recommended choice for your reading satisfaction.
September 5, 2018
This was a good book. I liked the main character, I'm a sucker for a good broody boy who has a romantic past with her, and I love a good fantasy (but this is also sci-fi) "take back my kingdom" plot. This book just worked for me, and I recommend it to fans of interesting plots and well written characters.
December 7, 2019
Just ok
The story started off well and hooked me in, but by about halfway through I began losing interest. Once they left Earth the story starts to get some holes and the writing feels a little rushed. Didn't dislike the book just not a fan. Like I said in the title, just ok, a good way to burn a few hours in a light read.
The story started off well and hooked me in, but by about halfway through I began losing interest. Once they left Earth the story starts to get some holes and the writing feels a little rushed. Didn't dislike the book just not a fan. Like I said in the title, just ok, a good way to burn a few hours in a light read.
February 1, 2022
I was not sure what to expect so I opened the cover and began to read. From the first paragraph I was pulled in. An empress fleeing foe her life without her memories, facinating. I enjoyed the story and how clean it was, yet was sad to see the author us F___ You spelled out. That being said I cannot recommend it to younger readers.
Very sad because it was such a well written story.
Very sad because it was such a well written story.
March 3, 2022
Fun Space Opera Romance
Alina and Xanders' romace is fun and clean but is wrapped up in a galactic sized mystery adventure. It has everything you could want in a fun read.
Be warned there is some language in the text.
If you like romantic space adventures, you'll love this book.
Alina and Xanders' romace is fun and clean but is wrapped up in a galactic sized mystery adventure. It has everything you could want in a fun read.
Be warned there is some language in the text.
If you like romantic space adventures, you'll love this book.
December 18, 2022
I enjoyed the book and this world. We get to learn a lot right along with Alina. I like the concept of their powers, how the powers are used, and the different aspects of their planet. The story has good action.
The only thing I hoped for more of was information about the characters abilities, how things happen in their world, etc.
The only thing I hoped for more of was information about the characters abilities, how things happen in their world, etc.
December 18, 2018
To be continued
This is the first. The beginning and while it didn't end in a cliffhanger nothing in the story is resolved. Not really. Some things are unveiled but nothing is solved. The danger is just beginning. I can't wait to see how it goes!
This is the first. The beginning and while it didn't end in a cliffhanger nothing in the story is resolved. Not really. Some things are unveiled but nothing is solved. The danger is just beginning. I can't wait to see how it goes!
May 7, 2019
I've never read a book from the prospective of an alien before. This story was intriguing, the characters relatable, though not human, and I wanted to read the next book as soon as I finished this one. What more could you ask for?
June 29, 2019
Fast paced, fun read
I loved this story! I was immediately drawn in and read it so fast because I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. I will have to check out the next one, this was a great read.
I loved this story! I was immediately drawn in and read it so fast because I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. I will have to check out the next one, this was a great read.
September 24, 2019
Could Not Stop Reading it!
This is my FAVORITE book written by Heather Hildenbrand! The only thing I would change is how long it took for me to pick it up and start reading! I wish this series wouldn't end!!
This is my FAVORITE book written by Heather Hildenbrand! The only thing I would change is how long it took for me to pick it up and start reading! I wish this series wouldn't end!!
August 21, 2021
Imagine living in a place you know is not your home, but you don't know your home. That's the premise of the story. It is handled well and the characters are fleshed out. But there are secrets and the reader is kept in the dark for many of them because this is a series. The answers come later.
February 8, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Lagged at times and had typical times where everyone is being annoyingly aloof with giving information that would be super helpful to the MC. But enjoyable characters. Enjoyable story.
February 21, 2022
Fun read.
Creative super power, interesting plot. Characters and scenes are moderately developed, enough to keep reading but not enough to mind if I get pulled away for a while. Tension is not well developed. Readable but could be better.
Creative super power, interesting plot. Characters and scenes are moderately developed, enough to keep reading but not enough to mind if I get pulled away for a while. Tension is not well developed. Readable but could be better.
July 3, 2024
Great and exciting
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced something happening around every corner. The love between xander and Alina was real. The wolves were a special gift to the story.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced something happening around every corner. The love between xander and Alina was real. The wolves were a special gift to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews