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star bright
Seventeen-year-old Bright runs to stay alive. Her dad left before she was born, her mom died of cancer, and she’s spent years trying to numb her pain. She’s on the road to recovery when she decides to run an ultra-relay race in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It doesn’t hurt that Levi, gorgeous and nineteen, is on her team. One terrible decision during the race changes everything. Soon, Bright must call upon strength she’s not sure she has and decide she is worth fighting for. To survive the wilds of the Blue Ridge, she’ll have to rely on the one person she's spent her entire life herself.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2018
7 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 1, 2018
This story was so much more than I was expecting. I knew going in that it was a thriller and that always speaks to me, but what I didn't know was how emotional Bright's story would be.
Star Bright is labeled as a thriller, but it is so much more than that. The main character Bright hasn't had an easy life and from the beginning the story pulls you into her life and its ups but mostly downs. I felt connected to her from the get go and I just wanted to know all the why's and how's of Bright's life. I think the way the author used her counseling sessions really helped the reader see into Bright more so than most characters. We get to see her answer tough questions and we get to see a lot of backstory that explains why she is the way she is. I really enjoyed these parts of the story because I felt like I could understand Bright in so many ways.
My favorite part though was the thriller element. Wakefield manages to completely capture the creepy vibe with her descriptions. One of my favorites was "She sounded like a horror-movie doll come to life." I mean CHILLS! This is just one example, believe me there are many, many more crazy descriptions that will stay with me for a very long time. I won't say more because you definitely need to read this and I refuse to give spoilers. I'll just say I did not see that twist coming and it was amazing!
This story is something that I have been looking for, but didn't even know it. Wakefield's voice is fresh and something I think is desperately needed on those YA shelves. Brilliant debut!
Star Bright is labeled as a thriller, but it is so much more than that. The main character Bright hasn't had an easy life and from the beginning the story pulls you into her life and its ups but mostly downs. I felt connected to her from the get go and I just wanted to know all the why's and how's of Bright's life. I think the way the author used her counseling sessions really helped the reader see into Bright more so than most characters. We get to see her answer tough questions and we get to see a lot of backstory that explains why she is the way she is. I really enjoyed these parts of the story because I felt like I could understand Bright in so many ways.
My favorite part though was the thriller element. Wakefield manages to completely capture the creepy vibe with her descriptions. One of my favorites was "She sounded like a horror-movie doll come to life." I mean CHILLS! This is just one example, believe me there are many, many more crazy descriptions that will stay with me for a very long time. I won't say more because you definitely need to read this and I refuse to give spoilers. I'll just say I did not see that twist coming and it was amazing!
This story is something that I have been looking for, but didn't even know it. Wakefield's voice is fresh and something I think is desperately needed on those YA shelves. Brilliant debut!
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January 15, 2019YA thriller fans! Request a review copy of this gem here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
December 22, 2018
What an amazing rollercoaster! “Star Bright” is an emotional story, with thriller elements, so twice the gripping feeling! There are so many things I loved about it, but probably it’s best to go one by one.
Bright has had a lot to face for a seventeen year old girl. Left to fend for herself, she has hit a low point already. There is always that hope that somewhere inside she can find the strength to start over, properly. With proper counseling and a lot of effort, Bright is doing just fine – or is she not? I loved her fears, I loved her uncertainties and most importantly, I loved how she managed to discover herself once again. The author did a very good job describing this healing process and that brings all the emotions this story needed.
The mystery element is so well built around Bright’s inner torments and somehow all these actions surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are a mirror to Bright’s soul. Layer by layer, she has to understand both the exterior world and the one in her heart and mind.
Bright has had a lot to face for a seventeen year old girl. Left to fend for herself, she has hit a low point already. There is always that hope that somewhere inside she can find the strength to start over, properly. With proper counseling and a lot of effort, Bright is doing just fine – or is she not? I loved her fears, I loved her uncertainties and most importantly, I loved how she managed to discover herself once again. The author did a very good job describing this healing process and that brings all the emotions this story needed.
The mystery element is so well built around Bright’s inner torments and somehow all these actions surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are a mirror to Bright’s soul. Layer by layer, she has to understand both the exterior world and the one in her heart and mind.
March 13, 2019
I LOVED this book!!! But before I go on to talk about why, there are some triggers associated with the content. While I’ll do my best to not touch on them much in this review, Star Bright does contain the following triggers and, therefore, may not be suitable for everyone: cutting, self-harm, attempted suicide, depression, severe trauma.
The Story:
Guys, this story is crazy amazing!!!
Actually, my biggest issue with the entire book is that the synopsis does not do it credit. The pages of Star Bright contain this fierce story about a teen who’s kidnapped during an ultra marathon race. The kidnapping might not be enough to make the story amazing, but add in all the stuff Bright’s been dealing with before the race: the loss of her mother, her inability to connect with her step-father, bullying at school, depression, self-harming, etc. and you’ve got to wonder – is she even prepared to want to escape??
The thriller aspect of the book has so many different levels to it! You’re not just wrapped up in the kidnapping… Because the story flashes back and forth between “before” and “after” you find yourself panicked for Bright in the past both before, during and after the kidnapping! And just when you think she’s safe…
Well, you’re just gonna have to read the book!!!
The Characters
I was immediately connected to Bright. The first chapter is only 3 pages long and by the end of those 3 pages, I knew I was fully into this story with her!
There are some books you just can’t put down because you don’t want to leave the characters alone and Star Bright was one of those for me. I drove my husband crazy for two days because I was literally feeling bad for setting the book down and leaving Bright alone.
Something I didn’t expect, was how I felt about Bright’s captor. When she’s kidnapped, you don’t feel sorry for the person who kidnaps her at first, but after a while I really felt pity for her, even though she was doing some pretty awful things!
So the characters are well-written and relatable!
Final Thoughts
I wish I could say more about Star Bright, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’m just going to wrap up here by saying PLEASE go read this book and then e-mail me so we can talk about it!
I received this book for free from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. You can read my full review at Combing Through the Pages
The Story:
Guys, this story is crazy amazing!!!
Actually, my biggest issue with the entire book is that the synopsis does not do it credit. The pages of Star Bright contain this fierce story about a teen who’s kidnapped during an ultra marathon race. The kidnapping might not be enough to make the story amazing, but add in all the stuff Bright’s been dealing with before the race: the loss of her mother, her inability to connect with her step-father, bullying at school, depression, self-harming, etc. and you’ve got to wonder – is she even prepared to want to escape??
The thriller aspect of the book has so many different levels to it! You’re not just wrapped up in the kidnapping… Because the story flashes back and forth between “before” and “after” you find yourself panicked for Bright in the past both before, during and after the kidnapping! And just when you think she’s safe…
Well, you’re just gonna have to read the book!!!
The Characters
I was immediately connected to Bright. The first chapter is only 3 pages long and by the end of those 3 pages, I knew I was fully into this story with her!
There are some books you just can’t put down because you don’t want to leave the characters alone and Star Bright was one of those for me. I drove my husband crazy for two days because I was literally feeling bad for setting the book down and leaving Bright alone.
Something I didn’t expect, was how I felt about Bright’s captor. When she’s kidnapped, you don’t feel sorry for the person who kidnaps her at first, but after a while I really felt pity for her, even though she was doing some pretty awful things!
So the characters are well-written and relatable!
Final Thoughts
I wish I could say more about Star Bright, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’m just going to wrap up here by saying PLEASE go read this book and then e-mail me so we can talk about it!
I received this book for free from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. You can read my full review at Combing Through the Pages
December 8, 2018
Eerie and chilling on the inside and out, this thriller dives not only into the horrors of a mentally unstable kidnapper but into the dark corners of a girl overcoming her own demons as well.
Bright has never gotten over her father's disappearance and her mother's death through cancer, despite the care and security she received from her uncle. Her pain runs deep and the best way for her to fight it is to run. She's a very talented runner and likes nothing more than to pound marathons. When she convinces her uncle to allow her to enter a daring race across the desert with a dedicated team, it's like a dream come true. Unfortunately, her dream mutates into a horrific nightmare.
This is a amazing psycho-thriller for teens. Bright has tons of insecurities, and many readers will easily relate to her and understand her...to a certain point. She holds her emotions deeper than is healthy and has been to more than her share of therapy. Still, she got guts and determination and is pretty normal in most aspects for a girl her age when looking past her emotional state. Her desire to run is inspirational, and she is a caring person.
The thrilling scenes build slowly and are well constructed. While some moments are almost predictable, it's in that deliciously creepy way...the kind that hints in the gut just like a thriller should do. Others are unexpected and add the right amount of surprise. It's dark, digs deep and harsh as well as brutal. It's not for sensitive readers and does hit a nerve. But this is exactly what it should do.
The only thing which pulled me out of the story were some hiccups in the logic behind several details. Still, it was, in general, a solid read fans of thrills and psycho-chills are sure to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
Bright has never gotten over her father's disappearance and her mother's death through cancer, despite the care and security she received from her uncle. Her pain runs deep and the best way for her to fight it is to run. She's a very talented runner and likes nothing more than to pound marathons. When she convinces her uncle to allow her to enter a daring race across the desert with a dedicated team, it's like a dream come true. Unfortunately, her dream mutates into a horrific nightmare.
This is a amazing psycho-thriller for teens. Bright has tons of insecurities, and many readers will easily relate to her and understand her...to a certain point. She holds her emotions deeper than is healthy and has been to more than her share of therapy. Still, she got guts and determination and is pretty normal in most aspects for a girl her age when looking past her emotional state. Her desire to run is inspirational, and she is a caring person.
The thrilling scenes build slowly and are well constructed. While some moments are almost predictable, it's in that deliciously creepy way...the kind that hints in the gut just like a thriller should do. Others are unexpected and add the right amount of surprise. It's dark, digs deep and harsh as well as brutal. It's not for sensitive readers and does hit a nerve. But this is exactly what it should do.
The only thing which pulled me out of the story were some hiccups in the logic behind several details. Still, it was, in general, a solid read fans of thrills and psycho-chills are sure to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
August 8, 2018
I didn’t want to put the book down. The story kept tugging at me. I loved witnessing the changes in Bright’s physical circumstances, and how they mirrored her emotional evolution. The book showed incredible insight into the teenage psyche from this former therapist turned writer. I can’t wait to read this author’s next novel! Loved it!
September 14, 2018
Suspenseful, raw emotion. An intense read.
December 26, 2018
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with an advance copy.
When I first started reading Star Bright I thought it was going to be another YA novel with romance as the main genre, but I was completely wrong. This book is anything but boring, it’s fast paced, full of surprises and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Bright’s character has so much depth and well layered that makes her so relatable and not like just any other book character. The major twist in the book threw me off and made the story so much more interesting. The book is written in two different timelines i.e. before the race and during the race. The parts where Bright’s therapy is shown gives the reader insight into the inner workings of her mind and forms the backbone of the story. The descriptive powers of the author are so good where in specific situations she used small yet effective sentences to give a chill to the reader. I really liked the progression of the story that shows Bright overcoming her fears and fighting with resilience and in the end becoming an entirely better person. I really liked how the other characters did not overpower the story and throughout the focus stayed on Bight and her road to self-discovery. Definitely a great read.
Catch my other reviews at https://www.instagram.com/_.thephiloc...
When I first started reading Star Bright I thought it was going to be another YA novel with romance as the main genre, but I was completely wrong. This book is anything but boring, it’s fast paced, full of surprises and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Bright’s character has so much depth and well layered that makes her so relatable and not like just any other book character. The major twist in the book threw me off and made the story so much more interesting. The book is written in two different timelines i.e. before the race and during the race. The parts where Bright’s therapy is shown gives the reader insight into the inner workings of her mind and forms the backbone of the story. The descriptive powers of the author are so good where in specific situations she used small yet effective sentences to give a chill to the reader. I really liked the progression of the story that shows Bright overcoming her fears and fighting with resilience and in the end becoming an entirely better person. I really liked how the other characters did not overpower the story and throughout the focus stayed on Bight and her road to self-discovery. Definitely a great read.
Catch my other reviews at https://www.instagram.com/_.thephiloc...
December 7, 2018
5 Cranky Stars
Fasten you seat belts because this ride is going to get bumpy. That's the warning that I wish was stated prior to being sucked into this masterpiece. Although I found the beginning a bit confusing it all makes sense in the end.
Bright Shelby has had a tough life. From her dad skipping out to her Mothers death and then there's the bullying. I honestly cried when she recounted the abuse at the hands of others. She's not a freak and she's not a bad person. Bright is a beautiful human being that needs to learn to stand up and fight for herself.
When the story takes an evil turn Bright has to face the fight of her life. Now survival is the only thing running through her mind.
I've been on the edge of my seat since page one. This story evoked so many strong emotions from me that I had to take a step back at times to regroup. The subject matter was relevant and horrific at the same time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Fasten you seat belts because this ride is going to get bumpy. That's the warning that I wish was stated prior to being sucked into this masterpiece. Although I found the beginning a bit confusing it all makes sense in the end.
Bright Shelby has had a tough life. From her dad skipping out to her Mothers death and then there's the bullying. I honestly cried when she recounted the abuse at the hands of others. She's not a freak and she's not a bad person. Bright is a beautiful human being that needs to learn to stand up and fight for herself.
When the story takes an evil turn Bright has to face the fight of her life. Now survival is the only thing running through her mind.
I've been on the edge of my seat since page one. This story evoked so many strong emotions from me that I had to take a step back at times to regroup. The subject matter was relevant and horrific at the same time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews