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Guardian League #2
Stars in the Sand
Rules were made to be broken. When Earth’s hope lies at the wrong end of a one-way magical wormhole, the rules of physics and magic must be shattered.
To fight the Infected, Red must draw them out and take them on in locations of her choosing. With the explosion of the Mana’thiandriel, enchanted artifacts used to gather the invaders, she can no longer protect the Earth. What choice does she have but to break the rules, defying both science and magic, to retrace the one-way thaumaturgic journey that brought Earth’s defenders?
But reaching the world the elves call home brings new problems, and Red’s growing feelings for a Banished elf, who hides thousands of years of secrets, compounds her struggles. The elves have disappeared, opening their world to raids by human plunderers who have nicked the precious Mana’thiandriel.
With the risk of an invasion by monstrous aliens rising, can Red and her allies find help before the Earth is destroyed?
To fight the Infected, Red must draw them out and take them on in locations of her choosing. With the explosion of the Mana’thiandriel, enchanted artifacts used to gather the invaders, she can no longer protect the Earth. What choice does she have but to break the rules, defying both science and magic, to retrace the one-way thaumaturgic journey that brought Earth’s defenders?
But reaching the world the elves call home brings new problems, and Red’s growing feelings for a Banished elf, who hides thousands of years of secrets, compounds her struggles. The elves have disappeared, opening their world to raids by human plunderers who have nicked the precious Mana’thiandriel.
With the risk of an invasion by monstrous aliens rising, can Red and her allies find help before the Earth is destroyed?
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
387 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2021
35 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Steven J. Morris
11 books68 followersEngineer, husband, and father of three wonderful girls by day. Fantasy fiction writer by night (and other random times he's not taxiing kids, pulling hair out of drains, helping with math and science homework, coaching soccer, remodeling rooms, and walking the dogs).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 14, 2021
This one picks up right where book 1 left off so it can't be read as a standalone!
Stars in the Sand starts the action on page one. I can't get over how well Morris combines fantasy characters with aliens, and adds a huge FBI thriller element to this book. I am not normally someone who reads contemporary fantasy that genre mashes, but this is done extremely well. The action hardly ever ceases too so it's easy to end up reading half of the book in one sitting. One thing I want to thank the author for is the larger, distinct print font he chose - even *I* can read half the book without getting a headache and omg, thank you for that
There was a lot more world building too and character histories which was good to round out the aliens!
The deceptions, self realizations, and agency intrigue help move the story along as well, there is no second book slump to be found here. With so many "I" points of view, the story is told in first person from multiple standpoints, I thought that the voices all blend together instead of ringing distinct - but Red and Scan, the two main characters, are definitely unique. Ending on another exciting note, I 100% can't wait to read book 3!!
Overall definitely recommend for fans of Urban fantasy, gaming like DnD and Warcraft, and military fantasy.
Stars in the Sand starts the action on page one. I can't get over how well Morris combines fantasy characters with aliens, and adds a huge FBI thriller element to this book. I am not normally someone who reads contemporary fantasy that genre mashes, but this is done extremely well. The action hardly ever ceases too so it's easy to end up reading half of the book in one sitting. One thing I want to thank the author for is the larger, distinct print font he chose - even *I* can read half the book without getting a headache and omg, thank you for that
There was a lot more world building too and character histories which was good to round out the aliens!
The deceptions, self realizations, and agency intrigue help move the story along as well, there is no second book slump to be found here. With so many "I" points of view, the story is told in first person from multiple standpoints, I thought that the voices all blend together instead of ringing distinct - but Red and Scan, the two main characters, are definitely unique. Ending on another exciting note, I 100% can't wait to read book 3!!
Overall definitely recommend for fans of Urban fantasy, gaming like DnD and Warcraft, and military fantasy.
June 6, 2021
-Got this book in exchange for an honest review By The Book VBP-
I loved this book more than the first one I am really looking forward to where the story will go from here. I loved the characters even more this go round I liked learning more about them the number of characters was in no way hard to keep up with they all were so very interesting in their own ways. I still loved Red and Galad the most an interesting strong female character and an complicated yet very interesting to read about Elf. I really loved the plot it picked from where the story left off with the characters reeling and grieving the death of one of their own they now have to find a way to save the world along the way. I really liked how the story moved along going from character to character learning more about them as well as trying to find a way to save the world. So overall I loved this book and am looking forward to more.
I loved this book more than the first one I am really looking forward to where the story will go from here. I loved the characters even more this go round I liked learning more about them the number of characters was in no way hard to keep up with they all were so very interesting in their own ways. I still loved Red and Galad the most an interesting strong female character and an complicated yet very interesting to read about Elf. I really loved the plot it picked from where the story left off with the characters reeling and grieving the death of one of their own they now have to find a way to save the world along the way. I really liked how the story moved along going from character to character learning more about them as well as trying to find a way to save the world. So overall I loved this book and am looking forward to more.
June 1, 2021
4.5 Rounded to a 5
The battle at The Palace (even while a success) has devastated the group. Not only has the group suffered heartbreak and loss, the resivoirs of Mana (magic needed to draw out the Infected) have been severely depleted. With limited resources on hand, and the Infested an ever-growing problem, a new plan needs to be formed...but the question is how?
Scan believes he has figured out a way to travel backwards, in a sense, to the world the good-guy aliens came from. It's time for him to call in some favors and when he does ... The Guardian League is officially formed. Can working with the FBI, CIA and the President of the United States give them the resources they need? The bigger question is can they be trusted?
OK I'm completely digging this series. I was trying to figure out how to write the synopsis without giving anything away because there is a lot happening and ya you just need to read this series. 🤣🤣
It's clever. It's funny. It's action-packed at the right moments with kibbles of interplanetary romance thrown in. It's downright fun to read. Now my only dilemma is waiting for the final book(s) 🤣🤣
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and By The Book Virtual Book Promoters for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
The battle at The Palace (even while a success) has devastated the group. Not only has the group suffered heartbreak and loss, the resivoirs of Mana (magic needed to draw out the Infected) have been severely depleted. With limited resources on hand, and the Infested an ever-growing problem, a new plan needs to be formed...but the question is how?
Scan believes he has figured out a way to travel backwards, in a sense, to the world the good-guy aliens came from. It's time for him to call in some favors and when he does ... The Guardian League is officially formed. Can working with the FBI, CIA and the President of the United States give them the resources they need? The bigger question is can they be trusted?
OK I'm completely digging this series. I was trying to figure out how to write the synopsis without giving anything away because there is a lot happening and ya you just need to read this series. 🤣🤣
It's clever. It's funny. It's action-packed at the right moments with kibbles of interplanetary romance thrown in. It's downright fun to read. Now my only dilemma is waiting for the final book(s) 🤣🤣
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and By The Book Virtual Book Promoters for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Read
November 25, 2021I enjoyed expanding the cast in Book 2, adding more depth to the previous leads, and throwing in a budding romance.
Buckle up, because Book 3 gets bumpy!
Buckle up, because Book 3 gets bumpy!
May 31, 2021
“An elf, a dwarf and a troll go into a bar...”
Add some humans with and without “special powers”, other worlds complete with aliens trying to destroy earth and lots of magic and you have Stars in the Sand - Book 2 of The Guardian League.
I enjoyed Book 1 by Morris, but I loved this one! We see lots of new characters added to mix here and I enjoyed them all.
The original gang is still here as Stars picks up almost immediately where the last book leaves us hanging. Red, Rocks & Scan are mourning the loss of their beloved friend Bear while my favorite, Grundle❤️the 9 foot Troll remains hilariously endearing. Yes we still also have the empath Elf and the Dwarf too!
Still attempting to save Earth from “the infected” the journey now takes us from inside Galad’s (elf) mind where he’s shielding Red, to teleporting to alien worlds and back to Earth.
My favorite element here is all the magic spells, wards and enchantments (and magic). I can’t get enough. Think: Harry Potter with aliens. 🙌
I don’t normally read Sci-Fi or Fantasy too often, but I can’t wait for the third installment in this series. I recommend this one for all fantasy readers (sci fi too). It’s fun stuff with some great references to some old favorites with some laugh out loud humor also! Get this one on your radar!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Add some humans with and without “special powers”, other worlds complete with aliens trying to destroy earth and lots of magic and you have Stars in the Sand - Book 2 of The Guardian League.
I enjoyed Book 1 by Morris, but I loved this one! We see lots of new characters added to mix here and I enjoyed them all.
The original gang is still here as Stars picks up almost immediately where the last book leaves us hanging. Red, Rocks & Scan are mourning the loss of their beloved friend Bear while my favorite, Grundle❤️the 9 foot Troll remains hilariously endearing. Yes we still also have the empath Elf and the Dwarf too!
Still attempting to save Earth from “the infected” the journey now takes us from inside Galad’s (elf) mind where he’s shielding Red, to teleporting to alien worlds and back to Earth.
My favorite element here is all the magic spells, wards and enchantments (and magic). I can’t get enough. Think: Harry Potter with aliens. 🙌
I don’t normally read Sci-Fi or Fantasy too often, but I can’t wait for the third installment in this series. I recommend this one for all fantasy readers (sci fi too). It’s fun stuff with some great references to some old favorites with some laugh out loud humor also! Get this one on your radar!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
May 27, 2021
After the last battle with the Infected, Red is left recovering, but she's recovering in the mind of Galad, an empath. To gain her energy back, she needs to sort through their combined memories. As she does so, she sees things that start to make her wonder about the Guardians and their motivations. Can the humans trust Grundle and his crew to help save the world from the Infected? Do they even have a choice?
"We're saving the world here. A world."
This book picks up exactly where the first left out and we get much of the same: the same magic-packed pages, the same witty banter with the same lovable characters. Admittedly, I am not a big sci-fi or fantasy reader, but this book had enough real-world aspects to give me the buy-in I needed. The human characters in the book had such a hard time understanding what was going on with the aliens and themselves that it was believable to me & somehow more compelling than the first book in the series. I'm definitely enjoying the progression of the series & can't wait to see where it goes from here!
"We're saving the world here. A world."
This book picks up exactly where the first left out and we get much of the same: the same magic-packed pages, the same witty banter with the same lovable characters. Admittedly, I am not a big sci-fi or fantasy reader, but this book had enough real-world aspects to give me the buy-in I needed. The human characters in the book had such a hard time understanding what was going on with the aliens and themselves that it was believable to me & somehow more compelling than the first book in the series. I'm definitely enjoying the progression of the series & can't wait to see where it goes from here!
May 29, 2021
Stars in the Sand by Steven J Morris is the second book in the Guardian league. It is a fantasy sci-fi that is action packed and keeps up the incredible edges of book 1
4/5 stars
We begin from the end of book 1, where things are a bit discombobulated. I’m not going to too in depth to avoid spoilers, but the aliens, magic, and action in this book don’t let up at all.
Told from many perspectives, it is a fast paced novel that’ll keep you reading from page 1 until you have to immediately try and figure out when book 3 will be released. We have our prior main characters (avoiding spoilers I’m not naming them) and a ton of fun and new main characters to add extra depth to the overall story.
Stevens writing style is very enjoyable and while it’s not nostalgic, it gives you that same sense of nostalgia.
I really enjoyed this book! I highly suggest it to my fantasy and sci-fi lovers!
4/5 stars
We begin from the end of book 1, where things are a bit discombobulated. I’m not going to too in depth to avoid spoilers, but the aliens, magic, and action in this book don’t let up at all.
Told from many perspectives, it is a fast paced novel that’ll keep you reading from page 1 until you have to immediately try and figure out when book 3 will be released. We have our prior main characters (avoiding spoilers I’m not naming them) and a ton of fun and new main characters to add extra depth to the overall story.
Stevens writing style is very enjoyable and while it’s not nostalgic, it gives you that same sense of nostalgia.
I really enjoyed this book! I highly suggest it to my fantasy and sci-fi lovers!
May 2, 2021
Stars in the Sand
by Steven J. Morris
is a quadrant series in which this is the second wave of the sea. This book is comprised of the SciFi thrill and excitement which a SciFi lover can accentuate in his way. The first book was written with a cliff hanger at the end so I was waiting for the second book to come. And here I am quite content getting the second book. The story goes as follows
Red Hernandez, struggling to reboot her existence, finds herself stuck while preventing an apocalyptic takeover of Earth by magic-wielding aliens. Red helps to uncover the intentions of the aliens to strive to deter them from taking a foothold on Earth. To defeat the Infected, the Guardians wanted the opportunity to lure them out, to take them on in situations of their own choice. The strategy ended with the devastation of the magical objects used to collect the Infected, an occurrence that not only persuaded the planet of the reality of the issue but also secured the fate of humanity. Stanley Ashcroft, alias Scan claims he will track the magic of the alien interplanetary flight, and return the Guardians to the beginning of their one-way journey to Earth. “Return the Guardians, bring more enchanted artefacts, rescue the Earth… quick peasy.”
If only it were that easy.
Red continues to discover that the Guardians are not what they believed, and a return to their homeworld may not offer the redemption that Scan, and the earth, wishes for.
Red knew Galad to be an Empath, but no one had given her the alert label, “Caution: Could trigger emotional entrapment.” And who had Scan seen right before the explosion—Galad was the last magic-wielding elf on Earth. Wasn’t he?
There are several questions to answer but I will not reveal them yet. For getting the essence of it you need to get the book and prove yourself to be a hardcore SciFi lover. Although this book will not disappoint you in any way. I like how the most common plot can be designed by the author in an artistic way that you still want to read the masterpiece with your eyes stuck to it for a long enough time.
Surely recommended for all SciFi lovers and for those who are thinking of getting their hands on the genre SciFi for the first time. An escape from the weekend during all the negativity outside.
by Steven J. Morris
is a quadrant series in which this is the second wave of the sea. This book is comprised of the SciFi thrill and excitement which a SciFi lover can accentuate in his way. The first book was written with a cliff hanger at the end so I was waiting for the second book to come. And here I am quite content getting the second book. The story goes as follows
Red Hernandez, struggling to reboot her existence, finds herself stuck while preventing an apocalyptic takeover of Earth by magic-wielding aliens. Red helps to uncover the intentions of the aliens to strive to deter them from taking a foothold on Earth. To defeat the Infected, the Guardians wanted the opportunity to lure them out, to take them on in situations of their own choice. The strategy ended with the devastation of the magical objects used to collect the Infected, an occurrence that not only persuaded the planet of the reality of the issue but also secured the fate of humanity. Stanley Ashcroft, alias Scan claims he will track the magic of the alien interplanetary flight, and return the Guardians to the beginning of their one-way journey to Earth. “Return the Guardians, bring more enchanted artefacts, rescue the Earth… quick peasy.”
If only it were that easy.
Red continues to discover that the Guardians are not what they believed, and a return to their homeworld may not offer the redemption that Scan, and the earth, wishes for.
Red knew Galad to be an Empath, but no one had given her the alert label, “Caution: Could trigger emotional entrapment.” And who had Scan seen right before the explosion—Galad was the last magic-wielding elf on Earth. Wasn’t he?
There are several questions to answer but I will not reveal them yet. For getting the essence of it you need to get the book and prove yourself to be a hardcore SciFi lover. Although this book will not disappoint you in any way. I like how the most common plot can be designed by the author in an artistic way that you still want to read the masterpiece with your eyes stuck to it for a long enough time.
Surely recommended for all SciFi lovers and for those who are thinking of getting their hands on the genre SciFi for the first time. An escape from the weekend during all the negativity outside.
December 16, 2021
My review will not do this book/series justice, but here goes nothing...
After a traumatic event happens, Red finds herself locked in Galad's head. In order to free them both, Red has to separate her memories from Galad's and quickly so they can help their friends find a way to defeat the Infected.
Stars in the Sand picked up right where The Guardian of the Palace left off. More characters are added, but it doesn't get overwhelming. I liked that there was more backstory given for the existing characters. Stars in the Sand is still a great mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller that I think will appeal to a wide range of readers. Steven J. Morris knows how to pull off the perfect shocking cliffhanger that ensured I will be starting book 3 today even though I finished this late last night!
After a traumatic event happens, Red finds herself locked in Galad's head. In order to free them both, Red has to separate her memories from Galad's and quickly so they can help their friends find a way to defeat the Infected.
Stars in the Sand picked up right where The Guardian of the Palace left off. More characters are added, but it doesn't get overwhelming. I liked that there was more backstory given for the existing characters. Stars in the Sand is still a great mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller that I think will appeal to a wide range of readers. Steven J. Morris knows how to pull off the perfect shocking cliffhanger that ensured I will be starting book 3 today even though I finished this late last night!
June 12, 2021
Thank you to By The Book and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
~~~~
STARS IN THE SAND: BOOK TWO OF THE GUARDIAN LEAGUE
By: Steven J. Morris
~~~~
ABOUT THE BOOK
To fight the Infected, the Guardians needed the ability to draw them out, to take them on in circumstances of their own choosing. That tactic ended with the destruction of the enchanted artifacts used to gather the Infected, an event which not only convinced the world of the reality of the problem, but also sealed the fate of humankind.
Stanley Ashcroft, aka Scan, thinks there may be a way out. Using his magical Gift, he believes he can trace the magic of the alien interplanetary travel, and return the Guardians to the origin of their one-way trip to Earth. “Return the Guardians, get more magical artifacts, save the Earth… easy peasy.”
If only it were that simple.
Red knew Galad to be an Empath, but no one had shown her the warning label, “Caution: May cause mental entrapment.” While stuck in his head, she begins to learn that the Guardians are not what they claimed, and a return to their home world may not bring the salvation that Scan, and the world, hopes for.
Rocks’ adrenaline-fueled past and his risk-averse present collide when he is forced onto a world stage, tasked with holding the pieces of their fledgling organization together. He must gather the strength they need to protect the Earth, but family is family.
And who had Scan seen just before the explosion—Galad was the only magic-wielding elf on Earth. Wasn’t he?
Can the ragtag gang, thrown together by happenstance, fight their way through their own past, navigate their own self-deceptions, and find their way on a path to save the Earth?
~~~~
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
STARS IN THE SAND is book two of Steven J. Morris's planned four book series, The Guardian League. Transitioning smoothly from the ending of book one, THE GUARDIAN OF THE PALACE, this story begins the next phase of whatever awaits the characters.
Nothing ever goes to plan, and the feeling of something amiss is present from the beginning.
"...the brokenness that we accept, we can use to help others. That which we deny, we cannot use."
Can you help others if you cannot help yourself? At the heart of everything is this bizarre assortment of characters who, contrary to intuitive reasoning, should not, yet, do, coalesce into a complimentary unit. Admittedly, Red is still my favorite, and her situation is intriguing and fascinating, to say the least. She, along with Scan, Galad, Rocks and company each have a thread of the story unique to them. As these threads weave in and around one another, a bigger picture begins to form. I, however, will not attempt to predict how the story turns out.
Anything can happen at any moment, especially in a world such as this with its mix of traditional scifi/fantasy elements and glaring modernity. I find the unique cast and imaginative setting appealing and refreshing. The author has cleverly crafted circumstances to eventually lead to zany, dramatic, dire, entertaining and unpredictable moments for the characters and the reader. Additionally, I enjoy the dry sense of humor peeking through here and there. Such as:
" "Where am I?," I asked... "This is my...subconscious mind," he said... "That explains the dull monotony stretching on endlessly," I said."
"Yes, that's our biggest problem...let's focus on your wardrobe."
" "What happened?," the woman asked, looking around... "Some kind of festival of erotic horrors, near as I can tell, and I hate to think of what they did to those of us who were unconscious." "
I'm out of my comfort zone with this book, and that's okay because I'm totally invested in the outcome at this point. To have a future, the past must be overcome, but will this prove too difficult an obstacle for one or all of these unlikely heroes? What is the next and best move? Will Earth be saved? Trust and hope will be necessary to move forward, and a little luck would be great, too! SAND IN THE STARS is different from your typical scifi/fantasy, and I recommend trying the series!
~~~
#guardianleague #starsinthesand #authorsofinstagram #fantasybooks #fantasyauthor #fantasyauthorsofinsta #modernfantasy #scifiauthor #bookstagram #scifiauthorsofinstagram #bythebookvbp
~~~~
STARS IN THE SAND: BOOK TWO OF THE GUARDIAN LEAGUE
By: Steven J. Morris
~~~~
ABOUT THE BOOK
To fight the Infected, the Guardians needed the ability to draw them out, to take them on in circumstances of their own choosing. That tactic ended with the destruction of the enchanted artifacts used to gather the Infected, an event which not only convinced the world of the reality of the problem, but also sealed the fate of humankind.
Stanley Ashcroft, aka Scan, thinks there may be a way out. Using his magical Gift, he believes he can trace the magic of the alien interplanetary travel, and return the Guardians to the origin of their one-way trip to Earth. “Return the Guardians, get more magical artifacts, save the Earth… easy peasy.”
If only it were that simple.
Red knew Galad to be an Empath, but no one had shown her the warning label, “Caution: May cause mental entrapment.” While stuck in his head, she begins to learn that the Guardians are not what they claimed, and a return to their home world may not bring the salvation that Scan, and the world, hopes for.
Rocks’ adrenaline-fueled past and his risk-averse present collide when he is forced onto a world stage, tasked with holding the pieces of their fledgling organization together. He must gather the strength they need to protect the Earth, but family is family.
And who had Scan seen just before the explosion—Galad was the only magic-wielding elf on Earth. Wasn’t he?
Can the ragtag gang, thrown together by happenstance, fight their way through their own past, navigate their own self-deceptions, and find their way on a path to save the Earth?
~~~~
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
STARS IN THE SAND is book two of Steven J. Morris's planned four book series, The Guardian League. Transitioning smoothly from the ending of book one, THE GUARDIAN OF THE PALACE, this story begins the next phase of whatever awaits the characters.
Nothing ever goes to plan, and the feeling of something amiss is present from the beginning.
"...the brokenness that we accept, we can use to help others. That which we deny, we cannot use."
Can you help others if you cannot help yourself? At the heart of everything is this bizarre assortment of characters who, contrary to intuitive reasoning, should not, yet, do, coalesce into a complimentary unit. Admittedly, Red is still my favorite, and her situation is intriguing and fascinating, to say the least. She, along with Scan, Galad, Rocks and company each have a thread of the story unique to them. As these threads weave in and around one another, a bigger picture begins to form. I, however, will not attempt to predict how the story turns out.
Anything can happen at any moment, especially in a world such as this with its mix of traditional scifi/fantasy elements and glaring modernity. I find the unique cast and imaginative setting appealing and refreshing. The author has cleverly crafted circumstances to eventually lead to zany, dramatic, dire, entertaining and unpredictable moments for the characters and the reader. Additionally, I enjoy the dry sense of humor peeking through here and there. Such as:
" "Where am I?," I asked... "This is my...subconscious mind," he said... "That explains the dull monotony stretching on endlessly," I said."
"Yes, that's our biggest problem...let's focus on your wardrobe."
" "What happened?," the woman asked, looking around... "Some kind of festival of erotic horrors, near as I can tell, and I hate to think of what they did to those of us who were unconscious." "
I'm out of my comfort zone with this book, and that's okay because I'm totally invested in the outcome at this point. To have a future, the past must be overcome, but will this prove too difficult an obstacle for one or all of these unlikely heroes? What is the next and best move? Will Earth be saved? Trust and hope will be necessary to move forward, and a little luck would be great, too! SAND IN THE STARS is different from your typical scifi/fantasy, and I recommend trying the series!
~~~
#guardianleague #starsinthesand #authorsofinstagram #fantasybooks #fantasyauthor #fantasyauthorsofinsta #modernfantasy #scifiauthor #bookstagram #scifiauthorsofinstagram #bythebookvbp
June 13, 2021
This one was hard for me. I loved book one once it got started. They ending pulled your heart strings and left you wanting more so I was excited to get started in book two. Book two started off strong with a sadness and an ominous feeling hanging around the characters. We found out about powers with some new friends that will join us more in book two which was exciting. Book two also leaves with a mystery in the end which I’m super curious about. Where I lost it was purely my reading preferences. While the writing is still easy and flows nicely we get a lot more characters and a lot more POV’s. He’s multiple POV’s did make sense they weren’t their to mess anything up; they all contribute to the story line it’s just really my preference when reading. Which I’m personally not a fan of Multiple POV’s over three and even three sometimes pushes my limit. I personally have a hard time seeing the story line when I’m trying to keep track of multiple characters. While he did great keeping the story line present I still lost the flow. But that me. All in all still a great story, lovely characters, and would recommend to others who don’t mind multiple POV over three.
May 31, 2021
The book "Stars In The Sand" is a science fiction read✍️This is the second book of the guardian league.An engrossing read which will keep you hooked till the end.
As I have already read the first book- "The Guardian Of The Palace" by the author,I had a lot of expectations from this book🙈The story revolves around the character,Red Hernandez.She tries to expose the evil intentions of the aliens who were planning something dangerous for the planet.She along with Grundle and his crew tries their best to destroy these evil plans and save the planet.Will they be successful❓Or will all their efforts go in vain❓To know the answers to your questions,you must read this book out.
The plot is very well crafted and designed with usage of beautiful words😍The language used by the author is simple and easy to understand.The storyline is unique.The characters are also well described.The tittle is apt for the story💕Recommended to all the ones who love reading sci-fi novels.Overall,it's a fantastic read,and I enjoyed it.
As I have already read the first book- "The Guardian Of The Palace" by the author,I had a lot of expectations from this book🙈The story revolves around the character,Red Hernandez.She tries to expose the evil intentions of the aliens who were planning something dangerous for the planet.She along with Grundle and his crew tries their best to destroy these evil plans and save the planet.Will they be successful❓Or will all their efforts go in vain❓To know the answers to your questions,you must read this book out.
The plot is very well crafted and designed with usage of beautiful words😍The language used by the author is simple and easy to understand.The storyline is unique.The characters are also well described.The tittle is apt for the story💕Recommended to all the ones who love reading sci-fi novels.Overall,it's a fantastic read,and I enjoyed it.
June 9, 2021
The first book was the perfect blend to draw you in... just enough modern and just enough mystical to really suck you into the story. And it just got better in book two! Adding in more and more of the magical elements while still keeping with the modern age. I loved the blend of magic and science again, and seeing the development of character and relationships. Really looking forward to the next book(s) and whatever else Steven J. Morris comes up with!! Thanks to you for having me on your ARC team!
February 7, 2024
A fun follow up to the first book, with the classic "tune in next time" ending this author likes to throw in right when things are getting wild. Nerdier (movie quotes and sci-fi references aplenty,) funnier, and with a lot more character development and world building.
January 6, 2024
much potential!
These books FEEL like reading the work of a young, inexperienced - yet brilliant author. The world building is amazing, but the names and some of the characters seem straight out of D&D. But, I don’t care!
The humor, the OTHER characters, the plot, the saga - these will always bring me back.
These books FEEL like reading the work of a young, inexperienced - yet brilliant author. The world building is amazing, but the names and some of the characters seem straight out of D&D. But, I don’t care!
The humor, the OTHER characters, the plot, the saga - these will always bring me back.
July 14, 2021
The infected just keep multiplying and the battle at the Palace finally proved to the world that we need the Guardian League. During the battle, a special mana canister was destroyed, and with it, the hope of saving Earth. Scan thinks he can use his Gift and follow the magic threads to where Galad, Grundle, and Harry traveled from to reach earth....and hopefully find Earth’s saving grace before the infected destroy humanity. Once at Galad’s home planet, can they find help? Will the Guardian League find more mana canisters? Will they find answers or be left with more questions and no hope?
First off, this isn’t my genre of choice. Having said that, I have to tell you this is a great series. I have so many theories and questions!! I even told the author a few and tried to get him to spill the beans about if I was right or not. Spoiler alert: he didn’t tell me.
First off, this isn’t my genre of choice. Having said that, I have to tell you this is a great series. I have so many theories and questions!! I even told the author a few and tried to get him to spill the beans about if I was right or not. Spoiler alert: he didn’t tell me.
February 25, 2022
A Fantasy-Space Adventure
The second book in the GL series, this one picks up where the first left off. It is written in the same accessible and humorous tone. However, instead of following mostly Red's POV, we now have at least 10 POVs, each written in first person with an identifier at the beginning of each chapter. It follows two storylines: Red, Galad, et al as they explore an Elven planet and seek the magic cannisters needed to fight the infected and a squad of engineers who gains magic powers from the fallout of book one. I finally connected to Red and Galad when they get stuck detangling their memories and Agent Smith is still my favorite character - she's smart, practical, tough, and funny. I also loved exploring the elven planet! The law and culture explanations definitely appealed to me. However, I found the misfit engineers a bit tedious - every time one of their training montages began, I wondered if I could just skip forward to the next exploration team POV. This book is detailed with a complex network of characters; if you like problem solving along with the characters, some slightly raunchy humor, and don't mind keeping track of a big cast, this series is for you.
The second book in the GL series, this one picks up where the first left off. It is written in the same accessible and humorous tone. However, instead of following mostly Red's POV, we now have at least 10 POVs, each written in first person with an identifier at the beginning of each chapter. It follows two storylines: Red, Galad, et al as they explore an Elven planet and seek the magic cannisters needed to fight the infected and a squad of engineers who gains magic powers from the fallout of book one. I finally connected to Red and Galad when they get stuck detangling their memories and Agent Smith is still my favorite character - she's smart, practical, tough, and funny. I also loved exploring the elven planet! The law and culture explanations definitely appealed to me. However, I found the misfit engineers a bit tedious - every time one of their training montages began, I wondered if I could just skip forward to the next exploration team POV. This book is detailed with a complex network of characters; if you like problem solving along with the characters, some slightly raunchy humor, and don't mind keeping track of a big cast, this series is for you.
March 28, 2022
The second book in the GL series, this one picks up where the first left off, and is written in the same accessible and humorous tone. However, instead of following mostly Red's POV, we now have at least 10 POVs, each written in first person with an identifier at the beginning of each chapter. We were following two storylines - Red and Galad et al as they explore an Elven planet and seek the magic cannisters needed to fight the infected and a squad of engineers who gains magic powers from the fallout of book one. I finally connected to Red and Galad when they get stuck detangling their memories and Agent Smith is still my favorite character - she's smart, practical, tough, and funny. I also loved exploring the elven planet! The law and culture explanations definitely appealed to me. However, I found the misfit engineers a bit tedious - every time one of their training began, I wondered if I could just skip forward to the next exploration team POV. This book is detailed with a complex network of characters; if you like problem solving along with the characters, some slightly raunchy humor, and don't mind keeping track of a big cast, this series is for you.
June 14, 2022
Wow the story gets better. Book 2 of this sci fi fantasy about Red and her crew of magical creatures and misfits. this story has so many points of view I had to be careful not to stop in the middle of the chapter cause I forgot whose perspective I was reading.... this is my only criticism of the book. I love the part of the book where Red and Galad have to pull apart their memories it gave us so much more insight to their relationship and I was so happy for it. Agent smith got sometime to shine in this book, and was happy to get more on the relationship with Rocks and his wife they are just too too cute!!!! the addition of Elliah and company is great I can't wait to get to know them more.
the humor in these books are wonderful and fun. I love the comradery of the team and it is my favorite part of each book.
I don't want to add spoilers so that's it for me.
the humor in these books are wonderful and fun. I love the comradery of the team and it is my favorite part of each book.
I don't want to add spoilers so that's it for me.
March 24, 2022
This is a fantastic YA Epic Fantasy! The details and other worlds or "realms" are incredible and Steven J. Morris allows you to see the story through the eyes of many different characters.
I believe the multiple POVs are well done. Although some people find multiple POVs daunting, here me out. When the author keeps the core main character's POV, such as from book 1, the reader retains their familiar space in between the POV of the side characters. Also, you get completely different viewpoints and even the protagonist/antagonist perspective on the events unfolding.
That being said, Stars in the Sand was creative, funny, magical, and packed with imagination. I cannot wait to read the next book, We're Going on an Elf Hunt next!
I believe the multiple POVs are well done. Although some people find multiple POVs daunting, here me out. When the author keeps the core main character's POV, such as from book 1, the reader retains their familiar space in between the POV of the side characters. Also, you get completely different viewpoints and even the protagonist/antagonist perspective on the events unfolding.
That being said, Stars in the Sand was creative, funny, magical, and packed with imagination. I cannot wait to read the next book, We're Going on an Elf Hunt next!
Read
December 2, 2023Loved, loved, LOVED this book!!! The action is bracing, the humor is delightful, and the writing is delicious. Oh my goodness, there are so many places where I just have to stop and re-read passages to revel in the deliciousness! And the sprinkling of sexual tension adds a nice touch of spiciness too :) I'm so excited about reading this series...I jumped right into #3, "We're going on an Elf Hunt." If you have not yet read any of Stephen J. Morris's books, you've got to get going on this series!
Read
December 2, 2023Loved, loved, LOVED this book!!! The action is bracing, the humor is delightful, and the writing is delicious. Oh my goodness, there are so many places where I just have to stop and re-read passages to revel in the deliciousness! And the sprinkling of sexual tension adds a nice touch of spiciness too :) I'm so excited about reading this series...I jumped right into #3, "We're going on an Elf Hunt." If you have not yet read any of Stephen J. Morris's books, you've got to get going on this series!
July 15, 2021
BOOK: Stars in the Sand
AUTHOR: Steven J. Morris
5 out of 5 stars! I loved this book. I love his writing style! I could reread these books so many times and never get tired of them! I can't wait to read more in this world! I highly recommend this book and all books by this amazing author!
AUTHOR: Steven J. Morris
5 out of 5 stars! I loved this book. I love his writing style! I could reread these books so many times and never get tired of them! I can't wait to read more in this world! I highly recommend this book and all books by this amazing author!
February 18, 2024
Good books
I'm really enjoyed reading these books so far up there with Harry Potter and the guardians of the Galaxy lord of the rings they should be made into a movie or a series would recommend
I'm really enjoyed reading these books so far up there with Harry Potter and the guardians of the Galaxy lord of the rings they should be made into a movie or a series would recommend
September 3, 2025
an excellent series
That I’m now binge reading. Great world building and human characters with gifts and foibles and history together of betrayal and victory
That I’m now binge reading. Great world building and human characters with gifts and foibles and history together of betrayal and victory
August 31, 2024
Too many changes of perspective
I enjoyed this novel, but there was a point in the book where it was just changing perspectives too often. The story was jumping around from different events and different people in those events, and plus flashbacks to the past. It was too much. It was disruptive. I got to the point where I started skipping through the stuff I didn’t care about to get to the stuff that I did care about.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story. I give it 4/5 stars.
I enjoyed this novel, but there was a point in the book where it was just changing perspectives too often. The story was jumping around from different events and different people in those events, and plus flashbacks to the past. It was too much. It was disruptive. I got to the point where I started skipping through the stuff I didn’t care about to get to the stuff that I did care about.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story. I give it 4/5 stars.
March 19, 2025
Stars in the Sand
A good addition to the series. Plenty of action and suspense. Familiar characters continue to develop. New characters are introduced and developing begins with them. Recommended
A good addition to the series. Plenty of action and suspense. Familiar characters continue to develop. New characters are introduced and developing begins with them. Recommended
May 3, 2025
Interesting, slight changes
As the number of characters increase in importance to the story, and vital to key plot lines, the narrative of these characters changes. Interesting in that the reader changes location and perspective with each character.
As the number of characters increase in importance to the story, and vital to key plot lines, the narrative of these characters changes. Interesting in that the reader changes location and perspective with each character.
June 13, 2021
4.5 book two lived up to my expectations after book one. There is so much magic, humor and adventure. New favorite and old favorite characters coming together. Highly recommended and will be patiently waiting for book 3
May 6, 2024
I am loving this series. Great characters and a great adventure!
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