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Starstruck #4
Celestial
Sally, Zander, and Blayde, accompanied by their new friend Nim, have only one request: no more bizarre distractions on their hunt for Earth.
But before their cells can complete a single jump, the team is shoved off course and crash into a dreary old temple. Worse yet, there seems to be some confusion over Sally’s face, as it looks exactly like that the local deity, Selena, goddess of the moon and omniscient absentee. Sally’s ticking every box on the ancient prophecies checklist.
Fresh off of her meds and riding the withdrawal, and Sally must choose between embracing the role of Goddess so as to protect the planet from mysterious Sky People, or being thrown in a Volcano. Not the best way to start a tropical vacation. It’s not going to be easy uniting warring factions, dealing with excitable whispering forests, or fighting both literal and figurative demons. Not to mention keeping up the appearance of divinity when all Sally wants is a nap.
Armed only with some high school improv’ classes and a basic knowledge of foreign pop songs, Sally must save the planet – before everything goes up in flames.
But before their cells can complete a single jump, the team is shoved off course and crash into a dreary old temple. Worse yet, there seems to be some confusion over Sally’s face, as it looks exactly like that the local deity, Selena, goddess of the moon and omniscient absentee. Sally’s ticking every box on the ancient prophecies checklist.
Fresh off of her meds and riding the withdrawal, and Sally must choose between embracing the role of Goddess so as to protect the planet from mysterious Sky People, or being thrown in a Volcano. Not the best way to start a tropical vacation. It’s not going to be easy uniting warring factions, dealing with excitable whispering forests, or fighting both literal and figurative demons. Not to mention keeping up the appearance of divinity when all Sally wants is a nap.
Armed only with some high school improv’ classes and a basic knowledge of foreign pop songs, Sally must save the planet – before everything goes up in flames.
367 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2018
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Anderson
31 books158 followersS.E. ANDERSON, PhD, is the author of the YA science fiction humor series THE STARSTRUCK SAGA and OVER THE MOON, as well as a YA contemporary novel, AIX MARKS THE SPOT, based on her childhood in Provence.
During the day, she's an astrophysics researcher and studies what comets can tell us about the formation of the Solar System. She currently lives in Marseille, France, where she is currently trying to wrangle some comets, her cats, and her husband.
During the day, she's an astrophysics researcher and studies what comets can tell us about the formation of the Solar System. She currently lives in Marseille, France, where she is currently trying to wrangle some comets, her cats, and her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 4, 2018
S.E. Anderson can’t ever tell you where she’s from. Not because she doesn’t want to, but because it inevitably leads to a confusing conversation where she goes over where she was born (England) where she grew up (France) and where her family is from (USA) and it tends to make things very complicated.
She’s lived pretty much her entire life in the South of France, except for a brief stint where she moved to Washington DC, or the eighty years she spent as a queen of Narnia before coming back home five minutes after she had left. Currently, she goes to university in Marseille, where she’s studying Physics and aiming for a career in Astrophysics.
When she’s not writing, or trying to science, she’s either reading, designing, crafting, or attempting to speak with various woodland creatures in an attempt to get them to do household chores for her. She could also be gaming, or pretending she’s not watching anything on Netflix.
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Disclaimer- I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and this does not affect my views , opinions, or thoughts on this book.
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“Don’t you ever... just feel how amazing it is to be out of your own galaxy?”
*
I've never loved a series more and did this book get me laughing and in tears? Sure as hell it did! Celestial by S.E Anderson is powerful, exciting and action packed! This saga is taking me by the arm and twisting it until I literally can’t breathe anymore...IT'S THAT GOOD OKAY!
*
S.E. Anderson had such a great concept that adds on either each book, Zander and Sally take on the world one step at a time and I can’t even begin to explain how much I am in LOVE with their relationship. Believe me, you won’t be able to contain your squeals. I loved seeing a new side to the main characters as well, Sally was already a warrior but now she is a goddess, like Anderson are you trying to make me want to buy 80 of your books, make a small house with them and just live in their world...BECAUSE I WILL.
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I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Science Fiction, YA or really anything! This book, as well as the rest of the Starstruck saga has such an amazing quality to its content and character developments that these books will be enjoyable for just about anyone! Trust me when I tell you, this is a fandom you will definitely jump on board for because i’ve been on board since book 1!
She’s lived pretty much her entire life in the South of France, except for a brief stint where she moved to Washington DC, or the eighty years she spent as a queen of Narnia before coming back home five minutes after she had left. Currently, she goes to university in Marseille, where she’s studying Physics and aiming for a career in Astrophysics.
When she’s not writing, or trying to science, she’s either reading, designing, crafting, or attempting to speak with various woodland creatures in an attempt to get them to do household chores for her. She could also be gaming, or pretending she’s not watching anything on Netflix.
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Disclaimer- I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and this does not affect my views , opinions, or thoughts on this book.
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“Don’t you ever... just feel how amazing it is to be out of your own galaxy?”
*
I've never loved a series more and did this book get me laughing and in tears? Sure as hell it did! Celestial by S.E Anderson is powerful, exciting and action packed! This saga is taking me by the arm and twisting it until I literally can’t breathe anymore...IT'S THAT GOOD OKAY!
*
S.E. Anderson had such a great concept that adds on either each book, Zander and Sally take on the world one step at a time and I can’t even begin to explain how much I am in LOVE with their relationship. Believe me, you won’t be able to contain your squeals. I loved seeing a new side to the main characters as well, Sally was already a warrior but now she is a goddess, like Anderson are you trying to make me want to buy 80 of your books, make a small house with them and just live in their world...BECAUSE I WILL.
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I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Science Fiction, YA or really anything! This book, as well as the rest of the Starstruck saga has such an amazing quality to its content and character developments that these books will be enjoyable for just about anyone! Trust me when I tell you, this is a fandom you will definitely jump on board for because i’ve been on board since book 1!
October 9, 2018
"You're reckless and resourceful and you care way too much. You could pluck the stars out of the sky if you put your mind to it. That's why the universe wants you--because you want nothing more than the universe itself."
Anderson has taken me on another bold adventure, and all I can say is wow! I think Celestial has become my favorite of the series. It was spellbinding! I loved the humor and intensity, and all the beauty and action! This one alone made the series worth reading, and I have loved every book so far!
What I have loved so far in the series, and what I loved the most about this book, is how Anderson touched on the subject of depression and anxiety and entwined it in to such a highly entertaining storyline with grace, appropriate humor, and sensitivity. Sally has been one of my favorite characters since book 1 because of how she was created. She has always been strong and vulnerable at the same time. She's always hit with these insane adventures and situations and has always taken steps to inwardly reflect before acting while showcasing how someone with mental health handles less than normal situations in general.
"Sally Webber, you are a literal goddess right now. Believe in yourself, or no one else will."
And, Sally truly became a goddess in this one. I loved her so much and enjoyed how she changed and grew and let a little more of herself out in to the universe. I loved really seeing how she has affected Zander and Blayde without even realizing it herself. And, of course, I loved getting another facet to both Zander and Blayde's characters because of Sally and her choices and actions.
Celestial was truly out of this world. It had me laughing and feeling at every twist and turn. It gave me all the nostalgia for the first three books, but also gave me something brand new and exciting itself. It was action packed and full of humor and wild entertainment! If this book series were a tv show it would be at the top of my list, along with Doctor Who! Anderson has consistently continued to develop these amazing characters, and the universe they have been bouncing around in, since Starstruck, and I have not been able to get enough of it!
"And so, together, we danced, the cold waves crashing against our bare feet while we stared at the stars that would never be ours."
Anderson has taken me on another bold adventure, and all I can say is wow! I think Celestial has become my favorite of the series. It was spellbinding! I loved the humor and intensity, and all the beauty and action! This one alone made the series worth reading, and I have loved every book so far!
What I have loved so far in the series, and what I loved the most about this book, is how Anderson touched on the subject of depression and anxiety and entwined it in to such a highly entertaining storyline with grace, appropriate humor, and sensitivity. Sally has been one of my favorite characters since book 1 because of how she was created. She has always been strong and vulnerable at the same time. She's always hit with these insane adventures and situations and has always taken steps to inwardly reflect before acting while showcasing how someone with mental health handles less than normal situations in general.
"Sally Webber, you are a literal goddess right now. Believe in yourself, or no one else will."
And, Sally truly became a goddess in this one. I loved her so much and enjoyed how she changed and grew and let a little more of herself out in to the universe. I loved really seeing how she has affected Zander and Blayde without even realizing it herself. And, of course, I loved getting another facet to both Zander and Blayde's characters because of Sally and her choices and actions.
Celestial was truly out of this world. It had me laughing and feeling at every twist and turn. It gave me all the nostalgia for the first three books, but also gave me something brand new and exciting itself. It was action packed and full of humor and wild entertainment! If this book series were a tv show it would be at the top of my list, along with Doctor Who! Anderson has consistently continued to develop these amazing characters, and the universe they have been bouncing around in, since Starstruck, and I have not been able to get enough of it!
"And so, together, we danced, the cold waves crashing against our bare feet while we stared at the stars that would never be ours."
I had the opportunity to read this e-ARC for free, in exchange for my honest review, after connecting with the author through The Book Robin Hoods site. If you are an author looking for more reviews, or a reviewer looking to help out Indie/Self Published and Lesser Known Authors, make sure to click the link below and join us!
All quotes are from the book, written by the author, and may be subject to change since this was an advanced e-copy.
November 27, 2018
Celestial, the fourth book in S.E. Anderson's Starstruck series, is as quirky and irreverent as the previous entries in the series. But what sets this entry apart from the others is the emotional heft that comes with the chuckles.
One of the reasons I love this series is the fact that, in a genre that loves to take itself too seriously, Anderson isn't afraid to point out just how ludicrous everything is. It's not quite fourth wall-breaking, but the little nods and self jabs give the story a heart and a refreshing bit of self-awareness. Anderson realizes how out there a lot of this is, and so do the characters.
And while that could easily fall into camp, Anderson has a deft narrative touch that prevents that.
Now... about that emotional heft... I won't get into specifics (because hello, spoilers), but Celestial is the first entry of the series in which the stakes are so starkly, plainly clear. Not that Sally hasn't been in danger or found herself in near-death experiences before. She has. But this book brings those consequences front and center, nakedly so, and the results are really satisfying.
I originally thought Celestial was the last book in the series, but I'm told there will be at least two more entries. I'm glad, too, not just because it means I get to revisit Sally and Zander and Blayde, but... come on, you can't end the series like that!
If you're not in on this series yet, do yourself a favor and hop on board. Sci-fi doesn't get much more fun than this.
One of the reasons I love this series is the fact that, in a genre that loves to take itself too seriously, Anderson isn't afraid to point out just how ludicrous everything is. It's not quite fourth wall-breaking, but the little nods and self jabs give the story a heart and a refreshing bit of self-awareness. Anderson realizes how out there a lot of this is, and so do the characters.
And while that could easily fall into camp, Anderson has a deft narrative touch that prevents that.
Now... about that emotional heft... I won't get into specifics (because hello, spoilers), but Celestial is the first entry of the series in which the stakes are so starkly, plainly clear. Not that Sally hasn't been in danger or found herself in near-death experiences before. She has. But this book brings those consequences front and center, nakedly so, and the results are really satisfying.
I originally thought Celestial was the last book in the series, but I'm told there will be at least two more entries. I'm glad, too, not just because it means I get to revisit Sally and Zander and Blayde, but... come on, you can't end the series like that!
If you're not in on this series yet, do yourself a favor and hop on board. Sci-fi doesn't get much more fun than this.
January 26, 2019
As the author, I can't leave a starred review. However, I can tell you want you can expect from this book!
- Sally gets her spotlight
- Blayde and Sally buddy cop
- Creepy whispering forests
- Teenage angst
- Last Minute Cyborg Cyclops therapy sessions
And so much more!
- Sally gets her spotlight
- Blayde and Sally buddy cop
- Creepy whispering forests
- Teenage angst
- Last Minute Cyborg Cyclops therapy sessions
And so much more!
November 7, 2018
This is the best book of the Starstruck series yet! I loved absolutely everything about this book. It was such a fun read, and I love the direction the story has been shoved. (Did you feel that? I sure did.)
Sally has found herself thrust off-course yet again, but this time she lands on a planet that's been waiting for her. A long foretold prophecy has promised the planet's inhabitants that Sally is coming to save them. And how can she turn them down? The growth of the characters in this series shines in this novel that both had me laughing out loud, and near tears when someone really great gets... well, I can't tell you. But dang.
Sally has found herself thrust off-course yet again, but this time she lands on a planet that's been waiting for her. A long foretold prophecy has promised the planet's inhabitants that Sally is coming to save them. And how can she turn them down? The growth of the characters in this series shines in this novel that both had me laughing out loud, and near tears when someone really great gets... well, I can't tell you. But dang.
September 25, 2018
Action packed with the main focus on Sally. The story was well paced except for a little in the middle. Enjoyed the Sally saves the planet them. Truly love the chapter titles. Need more Sally and Zander interaction! Doesn't have to be romantic, I just love their conversations. It did have a WTH ending. Who knew that stupid trick your uncle taught you on how to move your thumb would come in handy?
September 12, 2018
Ever since I read S.E. Anderson's debut, STARSTRUCK, I've been hooked on her books. These are fun sci-fi adventures like no others I've read, and I was lucky enough to get an advance reader copy of the fourth in the series, CELESTIAL.
And let me tell you this: With phenomenal character development, huge plot twists, and worldbuilding that gives us something new in the Starstruck world, CELESTIAL is an entertaining adventure and an emotional story that really makes you think about what's right and wrong.
The main thing about this book is it's so different to the others. We see a whole new side to Sally as her mental health is explored further, and as she jumps into the role of Goddess for a group of people she's only just meant. She becomes almost harder-faced and harsher, and some of her decisions surprised me, but I really liked how we saw her confidence grow. She felt like she'd grown into her role within the space-traveling-trio and she owned it--she's far from a tag-along now. She spoke her own mind, and although at times I didn't agree with her or her actions, I appreciated that she felt strong.
The other thing that's really different is the worldbuiling. There's less science-fiction in this book compared to the others in the series, and it's more fantasy-based, more spiritual. I really liked that and the new setting allowed us to see new sides to all the characters (not just Sally). I especially liked how we see much more of Blayde and understand her more.
The plot itself reminded me a lot of The Road to El Dorado, but it had a serious tone underlying it too.
The tension's high in this book, and there are many twists. Sort of a spoiler: there was also one death that made me cry.
And the ending...! Wow. I did not see that coming and evoked some VERY strong emotions. I can't wait for book five now.
And let me tell you this: With phenomenal character development, huge plot twists, and worldbuilding that gives us something new in the Starstruck world, CELESTIAL is an entertaining adventure and an emotional story that really makes you think about what's right and wrong.
The main thing about this book is it's so different to the others. We see a whole new side to Sally as her mental health is explored further, and as she jumps into the role of Goddess for a group of people she's only just meant. She becomes almost harder-faced and harsher, and some of her decisions surprised me, but I really liked how we saw her confidence grow. She felt like she'd grown into her role within the space-traveling-trio and she owned it--she's far from a tag-along now. She spoke her own mind, and although at times I didn't agree with her or her actions, I appreciated that she felt strong.
The other thing that's really different is the worldbuiling. There's less science-fiction in this book compared to the others in the series, and it's more fantasy-based, more spiritual. I really liked that and the new setting allowed us to see new sides to all the characters (not just Sally). I especially liked how we see much more of Blayde and understand her more.
The plot itself reminded me a lot of The Road to El Dorado, but it had a serious tone underlying it too.
The tension's high in this book, and there are many twists. Sort of a spoiler: there was also one death that made me cry.
And the ending...! Wow. I did not see that coming and evoked some VERY strong emotions. I can't wait for book five now.
June 26, 2019
S E Anderson is back with another thrilling story in the Starstruck Saga! “Calm is advisable when facing your inevitable…” excitement for this latest book! Sally and her celestial cohorts, head off on another adventure!
The fun-loving hilarity is back once again, to exercise your core muscles. Sally’s perfect balance of amazing fandom references keeps you smiling all the way through, even when she’s embarrassed on deep celestial levels!
We learn that there are in fact six or seven stages of grief, in a beautiful story that goes from goofy to heroic. We learn that sometimes it’s easier to be cold, and hard, than it is to face those stages of grief. All while discovering unbelievable places that only the brilliant mind of S.E. Anderson could conjure up.
I adored this book right until the very last page, and if any book has ever made me want to read the next book immediately – it hasn’t done it like this one has. Celestial leaves us hanging on the edges of our seats asking what on Earth just happened. And the only thing that keeps me sane is the fact that I know there’s more books left in this series. It’s beautifully written, as always, sucking you into this whole new world and adventure. The flow of the story, the character development, the vivid descriptions, all work together to make this book a must-read.
I honestly believe that one day this will be up among all the great fandoms that Sally herself references while lost in the universe. Kids will have Starstruck-themed birthday parties complete with Blayde laser toys, Traveler ship piñatas, and more. The pronunciation of Blayde will be a fan-wide argument. It. Will. Be. Epic.
So, that said, if you haven’t gotten into the series yet – I strongly recommend you get into it now! This is a fandom you will be proud to say “I was there from the beginning.” I know I am.
The fun-loving hilarity is back once again, to exercise your core muscles. Sally’s perfect balance of amazing fandom references keeps you smiling all the way through, even when she’s embarrassed on deep celestial levels!
We learn that there are in fact six or seven stages of grief, in a beautiful story that goes from goofy to heroic. We learn that sometimes it’s easier to be cold, and hard, than it is to face those stages of grief. All while discovering unbelievable places that only the brilliant mind of S.E. Anderson could conjure up.
I adored this book right until the very last page, and if any book has ever made me want to read the next book immediately – it hasn’t done it like this one has. Celestial leaves us hanging on the edges of our seats asking what on Earth just happened. And the only thing that keeps me sane is the fact that I know there’s more books left in this series. It’s beautifully written, as always, sucking you into this whole new world and adventure. The flow of the story, the character development, the vivid descriptions, all work together to make this book a must-read.
I honestly believe that one day this will be up among all the great fandoms that Sally herself references while lost in the universe. Kids will have Starstruck-themed birthday parties complete with Blayde laser toys, Traveler ship piñatas, and more. The pronunciation of Blayde will be a fan-wide argument. It. Will. Be. Epic.
So, that said, if you haven’t gotten into the series yet – I strongly recommend you get into it now! This is a fandom you will be proud to say “I was there from the beginning.” I know I am.
March 9, 2021
Celestial by Se Anderson is the fourth book in the Starstruck Saga. It continues a brilliant plot of immortal heroes, mortal heroes and begins a prophecy Sally doesn’t want to deny she’s a little more in-over-her-head than she thought.
Here’s the thing about this saga. It’s one of those brilliant works of art where you’re shocked every book. Every book gets better and better. The first book was 5 stars, the second was an even better 5 stars, and this one absolutely blew me away.
I am going to have some spoilers in this review, but I’ll let you know when that happens. I have to rave about this series a little bit more before I tell you what book #4 is about. SE Anderson has an addictive writing style that is so completely immersive you want to finish all of her books in one sitting back to back to back. She is creative. It’s unique. The pop culture references both make you go “AHA I KNOW THAT ONE” and crack up laughing at the same time. Her characters are so beautifully written and so real sounding despite despite being completely unreal that you connect with them instantly and you have to cheer them on. I can’t suggest highly enough that you check out this book.
Now onto spoilers for the rest of the books!
Sally, Zander, Blayde and Nim jump to a planet that is strangely familiar to Sally, is it earth in the year 3000? Why is there busts and prophecies with Sally’s name on it? Sally is proclaimed to be the goddess Serena who has come to save this planet from the Sky People who appear every 5000 years, take all of their children and decimate the planet. Can our heroes save another planet from its own doom.
Again. This book was brilliant. It was so addicting I definitely got through it the fastest. The ending left me shook to the core, and I’m so glad I can hope right into book 5!
Here’s the thing about this saga. It’s one of those brilliant works of art where you’re shocked every book. Every book gets better and better. The first book was 5 stars, the second was an even better 5 stars, and this one absolutely blew me away.
I am going to have some spoilers in this review, but I’ll let you know when that happens. I have to rave about this series a little bit more before I tell you what book #4 is about. SE Anderson has an addictive writing style that is so completely immersive you want to finish all of her books in one sitting back to back to back. She is creative. It’s unique. The pop culture references both make you go “AHA I KNOW THAT ONE” and crack up laughing at the same time. Her characters are so beautifully written and so real sounding despite despite being completely unreal that you connect with them instantly and you have to cheer them on. I can’t suggest highly enough that you check out this book.
Now onto spoilers for the rest of the books!
Sally, Zander, Blayde and Nim jump to a planet that is strangely familiar to Sally, is it earth in the year 3000? Why is there busts and prophecies with Sally’s name on it? Sally is proclaimed to be the goddess Serena who has come to save this planet from the Sky People who appear every 5000 years, take all of their children and decimate the planet. Can our heroes save another planet from its own doom.
Again. This book was brilliant. It was so addicting I definitely got through it the fastest. The ending left me shook to the core, and I’m so glad I can hope right into book 5!
November 12, 2018
It's hard for me to write this without giving spoilers...so I'll refrain, and simply say that I utterly enjoy the Starstruck series for pure entertainment value. In the vein of The Hitchhikers' Guide and Doctor Who, this isn't so much Science/Fiction as ordinary people having extraordinary adventures in out-of-this-world situations (where much hilarity ensues)...and speaking of hilarity...but I promised no spoilers, so I will refrain (except to warn you that entering a forest will never be the same after reading Celestial.) And no spoilers, but dear me, the ending! I'm shattered! ...How soon until Book #5 comes out?!
Okay, for all my vagueness, I must say that I thoroughly appreciate watching Sally grow through her ceaseless series of crises. This gives me hope for humanity, that such a catastrophic character faces death with such ferocious tenacity. The things she worries about don't come to pass while the situations she encounters defy the imagination, and yet are totally plausible. There's a certain comfort in observing the discomfort of being entirely out of control of life, and learning to control one's self in the midst of shit hitting fan. I hope I've not made this sound too cognitive--it's the fact that the Starstruck series is so danged fun to read, and such a wild world to escape into (and that I can't put the book down once I've started) that it's another 5-star for me.
Okay, for all my vagueness, I must say that I thoroughly appreciate watching Sally grow through her ceaseless series of crises. This gives me hope for humanity, that such a catastrophic character faces death with such ferocious tenacity. The things she worries about don't come to pass while the situations she encounters defy the imagination, and yet are totally plausible. There's a certain comfort in observing the discomfort of being entirely out of control of life, and learning to control one's self in the midst of shit hitting fan. I hope I've not made this sound too cognitive--it's the fact that the Starstruck series is so danged fun to read, and such a wild world to escape into (and that I can't put the book down once I've started) that it's another 5-star for me.
November 23, 2018
Another hit!
I laughed, I cried, and I got angry at times. This was definitely worth the wait. I'm not sure if there is going to be another one but I can only hope so. My favorite parts were a tie between the chapter headings and the forest of horny trees. My heart broke a little towards the end and completely shattered at the end. If this is indeed the last book, I will be devastated. Things finally got to a good place between Sally and Blayde and Sally and Zander before things went belly-up. Sally really shined in this book, in more ways than one, and we got to see how meeting Zander in the first place impacted her mind. This was an amazing series which fans of Doctor Who and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy would enjoy.
I laughed, I cried, and I got angry at times. This was definitely worth the wait. I'm not sure if there is going to be another one but I can only hope so. My favorite parts were a tie between the chapter headings and the forest of horny trees. My heart broke a little towards the end and completely shattered at the end. If this is indeed the last book, I will be devastated. Things finally got to a good place between Sally and Blayde and Sally and Zander before things went belly-up. Sally really shined in this book, in more ways than one, and we got to see how meeting Zander in the first place impacted her mind. This was an amazing series which fans of Doctor Who and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy would enjoy.
November 30, 2018
I was eagerly awaiting this release and I dived into the book the moment I could and I was not disappointed. It's amazing, even better than the first three! I loved Sally and the way she was portrayed with real mental health issues. I loved the story and Zander and Blayde and Nim of course. It was just a brilliantly told story and I am in awe of Anderson's skills. This series is mindblowingly good and I can't wait for book five! The story is a whirlwind of roller-coasters and it just keeps getting better! Highly recommended!
December 16, 2018
*I received a free copy of an eARC in return for an honest review*
Sally, Blayde, Zander, and Nim are back for another action-packed, quirky and fun adventure. Some serious themes are also covered that make for a well-rounded book. I enjoyed seeing Sally front stage with all the action and the ending left me wanting to read another story in the series.
Sally, Blayde, Zander, and Nim are back for another action-packed, quirky and fun adventure. Some serious themes are also covered that make for a well-rounded book. I enjoyed seeing Sally front stage with all the action and the ending left me wanting to read another story in the series.
September 12, 2019
I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. This is simply my opinion on the book and is not influenced by any external factor.
Still following the adventures of Sally, Zander, Blayde and Nim, we open this adventure with another jump hoping to get back to Earth; however, they are thrown off course and land in an ancient temple. And because Sally looks so much like the people’s revered goddess, Selena, she is mistaken for her and treated as a goddess. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Wrong. Sally’s run out of anxiety medicine, and there isn’t a pharmacy in this civilization for a refill.
Again, an amazing cast of characters, a creatively thought-out and thorough world and a capitvating plot, coupled with a good dose of humour. However, while the first few have been fast paced and exciting, this one presents more threats to the protagonists in the story, and explores the concept of grief and anxiety in an enlightening way.
With Sally acting as goddess Selena, there is more of a focus on her in the story, and while reading, it is amazing to see how much she has grown since the start of the series.
As usual, some innuendo, no graphic adult content or mature scenes, but strong language.
Reading this book was like riding an emotional rollercoaster filled with highs and lows but gives you a real feel for the characters and their situations. There are so many twists and turns and things you will not expect, including the ending, which will make you want to pick up the next book immediately.
Overall, amazing, so excited (and a little nervous, because I love this series) to see how it ends.
Still following the adventures of Sally, Zander, Blayde and Nim, we open this adventure with another jump hoping to get back to Earth; however, they are thrown off course and land in an ancient temple. And because Sally looks so much like the people’s revered goddess, Selena, she is mistaken for her and treated as a goddess. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Wrong. Sally’s run out of anxiety medicine, and there isn’t a pharmacy in this civilization for a refill.
Again, an amazing cast of characters, a creatively thought-out and thorough world and a capitvating plot, coupled with a good dose of humour. However, while the first few have been fast paced and exciting, this one presents more threats to the protagonists in the story, and explores the concept of grief and anxiety in an enlightening way.
With Sally acting as goddess Selena, there is more of a focus on her in the story, and while reading, it is amazing to see how much she has grown since the start of the series.
As usual, some innuendo, no graphic adult content or mature scenes, but strong language.
Reading this book was like riding an emotional rollercoaster filled with highs and lows but gives you a real feel for the characters and their situations. There are so many twists and turns and things you will not expect, including the ending, which will make you want to pick up the next book immediately.
Overall, amazing, so excited (and a little nervous, because I love this series) to see how it ends.
August 21, 2019
I received a final copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This. Book. Was. Amazing. I loved how much Blayde had improved as a character since book 1. The romance between Zander and Sally (even though they both would never admit it) was definitely heating up. I cried when Nim died and was excited when Sally finally got home to Earth.
My favorite lines from this book are:
“I tore down the hill, racing as fast as I could, barely stopping myself from tripping over my own feet. Nim had a head start on me, and the distance between us was growing. He was a fast runner. I, on the other hand, was the girl who ran nothing but Netflix marathons—but you already know that. Hashtag: Relatable. My heart pounded as I forced myself to run faster, the air burning my lungs as I inhaled. I was more out of shape than a toddler's playdough.”
And:
“This is where lying gets you, folks—in too deep. Literally.”
This. Book. Was. Amazing. I loved how much Blayde had improved as a character since book 1. The romance between Zander and Sally (even though they both would never admit it) was definitely heating up. I cried when Nim died and was excited when Sally finally got home to Earth.
My favorite lines from this book are:
“I tore down the hill, racing as fast as I could, barely stopping myself from tripping over my own feet. Nim had a head start on me, and the distance between us was growing. He was a fast runner. I, on the other hand, was the girl who ran nothing but Netflix marathons—but you already know that. Hashtag: Relatable. My heart pounded as I forced myself to run faster, the air burning my lungs as I inhaled. I was more out of shape than a toddler's playdough.”
And:
“This is where lying gets you, folks—in too deep. Literally.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2018
The Starstruck saga ended on a high. This is a very big leap in defining Sally's character. I love the way she has matured and become a lot more self reliant on her instincts. This has been a very good way for her to shine. The story was brilliant and I think Sally did a wonderful job defending people against their overlords.
I have great praise for S E Anderson. Her writing is very consistent and continues to amaze me. It's a very powerful characterisation of standing up in the face of adversity. Even the screw ups in life can make a difference. It reminds me that everyone in life is unique no matter how flawed their personality is.
I have great praise for S E Anderson. Her writing is very consistent and continues to amaze me. It's a very powerful characterisation of standing up in the face of adversity. Even the screw ups in life can make a difference. It reminds me that everyone in life is unique no matter how flawed their personality is.
August 12, 2019
As an advanced reader of this new and upcoming book I am giving an honest review.
This time Sally really had to try to be someone else. She had to put on a brave face and work through her problems as well as another planets problems. Her journey through the galaxy has seemed to take her anywhere but her home planet Earth. I have really enjoyed the witty characters and the relationships between them. Each book reveals a little something extra. This book has been one of my favorites through the series. Sally has been thrown up, down and all around but she keeps coming out on top. Her character really sets a standard for believing in yourself and having faith things will work out.
This time Sally really had to try to be someone else. She had to put on a brave face and work through her problems as well as another planets problems. Her journey through the galaxy has seemed to take her anywhere but her home planet Earth. I have really enjoyed the witty characters and the relationships between them. Each book reveals a little something extra. This book has been one of my favorites through the series. Sally has been thrown up, down and all around but she keeps coming out on top. Her character really sets a standard for believing in yourself and having faith things will work out.
November 12, 2019
The author does an incredible job of weaving together humor and sarcasm within real human emotions and experiences. There is so much to be said about how hard that is to pull off from a writing perspective, but she pulls this off with ease. As the three travelers Zander, Blayde, and Sally grow closer and closer through their adventures, the reader feels like they're along for the ride. And this particular installment featuring Sally as a goddess was hilarious yet intense in all the right ways. Two thumbs up from this reader! Can't wait to read the final installment next.
October 4, 2024
Just keeps getting better.
Love this series and each subsequent book just keeps getting better. Sally's development as a character is spectacular as well building her confidence while fighting against anxiety to do what needs to be done.
Read this series you will not be disappointed. Off to the next book in the series.
Love this series and each subsequent book just keeps getting better. Sally's development as a character is spectacular as well building her confidence while fighting against anxiety to do what needs to be done.
Read this series you will not be disappointed. Off to the next book in the series.
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