Dawn Among the Stars

The Starless #1

by Samantha Heuwagen, Hannah Bauman (Editor)

Set against the backdrop of intergalactic politics and war, Dawn Among the Stars follows the stories of three Humans as they struggle to understand the universe on a cosmic scale.
Kayin has a rough start when the Shielders, a potential alien ally for Earth, come out of hiding and into the public consciousness. Not only does their very existence cause her trouble, her panic attacks threaten to derail her everyday life. Can she overcome her mental health issues or will she be swallowed up in a political mess?
As for Henry Rickner, he wishes he could take back all of his mistakes in life, starting with his choice to leave Kayin. Yet he finds himself within the chaos of war as he tries to reunite with those he holds dear.
Melissa Pebbles only has one goal: to keep her family safe during the attack. She will do anything to make sure she and her family make it through whatever challenges are thrown their way. While Melissa fights to keep her family alive, she learns that family is more than just blood.
Can these three work with the Shielders to save Earth or will they lose the only home they’ve ever known?

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Samantha Heuwagen works as a Marriage and Family Therapist that specializes in Sex Therapy in Atlanta, GA. She is a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine where she earned her second Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her first Master’s degree is in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida where she first realized her passion for sex education and the power of the written word. When she isn’t working with clients, she writes about faraway places and tries to change the world through fiction bridging mental health awareness and social justice together.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I read an advanced copy of this novel.*

Dawn Among the Stars is a new take on science fiction, offering readers a diverse, female-led cast caught in the middle of an alien war.

Kayin Aves, a 20-something Latina living in Michigan, has been struggling with her mental health since the Shielders first arrived on Earth. The threat of invasion from the Temorshians isn't helping, and when Kayin wakes up to find their arrival imminent, goes into full-on survival mode to help the thing that matters most to her: her family. On her way to find them, she encounters someone she never thought she would, and her ensuing adventure explores not only mental health, but themes like family, loyalty, and the human condition. We also follow along with her ex-boyfriend, Henry, as he struggles to prove himself as a capable soldier and loyal friend, and her best friend, Melissa, who is also fighting for her family.

The worldbuilding is rich, the characters are relatable, and the portrayals of anxiety and depression are realistic. If you like aliens, strong characters, and classic themes, this book is for you!

[Katelyn Uhrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** I read an advanced copy of this book ****

The story follows three humans, Kayin, her ex, Henry and her best friend, Melissa, as they're forced to accept that aliens are, not only real, but attacking their planet. If Kayin, Henry, and Melissa are going to have any chance at protecting their loved ones and saving their home, they have to team up with another group of aliens called the Shielders.

I loved reading about the shielders. They aren't your typical aliens. They're unique, from their appearance to their customs and even their names. Samantha did an excellent job with her world building. From their introduction, I just wanted to learn more about them, and you will too!

I also loved that this story portrayed strong female characters, of all ages and backgrounds, and depicted positive female relationships (mother/daughter, sisters, friends).

If you like books with awesome world building, strong and diverse characters, space, lots of action and a touch of romance, then you will want to read Dawn Among the Stars!

[Jane Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Samantha for a copy of this book

Dawn among the stars follows the story of three humans after the Shielders, a powerful race of aliens, arrive on Earth not to take over, but to warn and protect us of an imminent attack on our planet. The Thermoshians have long exhausted the natural resources of their planet and have now set their eyes on our planet… or so the Shielders say. Can we trust them or is that just a ploy to take over?

Kayin, her ex-Henry, and best friend Melissa find themselves in the middle of it all have to fight to survive. Kayin suffers from panic attacks which only get worse since the Shielders arrived and tries to cope with her own problems when she hears the distressing news and leaves Michigan in an attempt to reunite with her family before things turn truly sour. However, things turn for the worse as she is travelling to see her family and a chance encounter will change the course of her life forever. She finds herself into the clutches of the Shielders, the aliens she hates for turning the world upside down. Kayin is thrust into a world she doesn't understand with people that she cannot trust, and far away from what calls home. Will she be able to beat the odds?

Henry, ridden with guilt for abandoning the love of his life for a career, sets off on a journey to find Kayin knowing that she will attempt to reunite with her family. But things are not what they seem and Henry is forced to change course in order to survive the war happening around him.

Melissa and her family are in the refuge and manage to survive through the first attack, but her grandmother dies. When a Shielder offers them help and protection, they reluctantly accept, but will they manage to overcome their hate and survive? Will the odds be in their favour?

I really enjoyed seeing the world through these characters. They each had something to fight for and something to lose whilst trying to find themselves in the middle of the war. The main plot deals with a dystopian/apocalyptic world and the struggles humans face to survive, but also deals with issues like mental health, friendship, the complexities of family and love. What’s not to love about, right?!

My favourite POV was Kayin’s… maybe, just maybe because of the sexy prince (a girl can have her favourites, can’t she?!). Initially, I was a little taken aback by the way the different POV’s were organised as it was not something I expected and when I realised I wouldn’t see them again until book 2, my heart was crushed… and quickly went over it because every POV was great and it made more sense!

Would I recommend this book? Hell yeah! This book hooked me in from the start and I loved it so much, I read it in two days. I am so looking forward to reading the sequel!

[Mai Vabø · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn Among the Stars follows Kayin, Henry and Melissa as they are all faced with the reality of an alien attack on planet earth. It tackles mental health issues and trauma in a way that forces the reader to face the incredible discomfort of such illnesses head on, and, I thought, really got into the way in which society handles crises situations and how we validate other peoples feelings, and the importance of doing so.
Split into three parts, we are reliving the same timeline thrice over, always learning something new and never feeling like the story is being retold. I was worried when I first realised this choice, and curious as to why the author chose to tell the story in this way, instead of skipping between POV, but having finished I'm really glad she did. Too much back and forth between POVs tends to take me out of my focus, and I get easily distracted while reading. Instead, she has managed to tell what is essentially the same experiences three times, but rarely feeling repetitive or unnecessary.
As I first got into and started reading Dawn Among the Stars, I was worried. It took a long time for me to become fond of the characters, some plot points seemed rushed to me, and I struggled to keep going. All traits that I often find in debut books. However, as I kept going, it occurred to me that my struggles were mostly because Kayins part of the story is also having to set up the entire world the author is building, and giving us backstory. This makes it hard to connect to the character, as there is also so much other information being given. Additionally, introducing all the other characters and still building a relationship with Kayin became difficult. I'm looking forward to reading more about her and her journey in the next book, now being more acquainted with the story.
Getting into the next two parts of the story proved much more easy. Henry is a likeable character, who like many of us, has made some mistakes. His unwavering resolve and courage is inspiring, but I did have some problems with his shifting loyalties, and every now and then I felt simply exasperated with him. Men, right? Ha!
Finally, I have to admit, I simply devoured the last third of the book. Melissa as a character really got through to me, she felt relatable and, she was so easy to read. And it didn't hurt that her part definitely hit the jackpot in terms of romance. I was sold by the 3rd chapter. Her struggles and victories felt familiar in ways I had missed while reading the other characters, and I felt like I finally really connected with what Samantha wanted to do with this book.
The true variety of characters and diversity in the book both in terms of characters, point of views, experiences and problems, is sure to built appeal to an equal variety of audiences. In my opinion, Samantha has written a book that is intriguing and exciting, and takes the reader on a journey. For me, it really had me thinking about my own reactions, how I would handle myself in any of these situations, and how human kind is truly special.
I think fans of The Lunar Chronicles, soft Sci-Fi and the likes will love The Starless Series. You can get it on Amazon today!

[Rachel Pudelek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not your average sci-fi novel--it's not heavy on the science. In fact, there isn't much science at all. This is a book about an alien invasion on earth in which two different alien races are fighting for the planet. One is fighting to save the planet for the humans and the other is fighting to have the planet for themselves. There are three parts to this story, each told from a different human point of view, and each showing interactions with the aliens. This story is, at its core, about how the human characters respond and react to the trauma and destruction the aliens bring. It's an examination of emotions, mostly told through dialog. And I particularly appreciated the backstory woven throughout wherein you learn how the aliens came to find earth, for how long they've been visiting, and who's to blame for the invasion. If you're searching for an emotional read that asks the question, What would we do if aliens invaded tomorrow? then this is the perfect book for you. Of course the elements of alien romance are pretty awesome too. :)

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was able to get a review copy of this book early! HOLY CRAP!*

This book is AMAZING. Science Fiction. Fantasy. Social Justice. Mental Health. Real Life. Genuine. LITERALLY, out-of-this-world. This book has it all. I am so impressed with the author's writing, and cannot wait for the next book in the series!

The author truly knows how to write and weave a story of a different world, one that even though is thrown into significant chaos I would still want to live in. The characters are so relatable, I honestly felt like I was sitting right there with them - like I knew them! I haven't read a book that has drawn me so completely in to the story in quite some time. I was inspired, outraged, laughed, felt my chest tighten, started shaking, and then giggled again after that.

If you want an amazing narrative that will inspire you, and take you for an emotional roller coaster ride, screaming for more - get this book and start on it today. You'll be done tomorrow. It's that good.

[Julia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with some books, it took me a while to get into this one, but once I was hooked, I steamed through it! Dawn Among the Stars tells the story of an alien war come to earth, and is told from three viewpoints. I usually struggle with 'head hopping' but because the viewpoints were divided into three parts rather than scattered through the book, I found it really enjoyable. I would find myself reading about one person whilst wondering how the other is getting on. But I knew I'd have to wait until book two to find out!

Heuwagen's attention to detail brings the world and situations to life, with everything so easy to imagine and visualise. And the emotions that the characters carry come across as genuine and well described.

I'm happily jumping straight on in to book two, to find out what happens next!

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a real fun book. I thought all the characters had nice arcs. I am excited for the second one!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I should begin by saying that I know the author from graduate school. She is a brilliant person, and I was delighted to support her in her writing career by buying her first novel. It's taken me some time to read it, but I have finally gotten around to it.

Per the book's descriptions, readers follow three distinct characters as they each navigate the new realities of living in a cosmically "integrated" universe. Each character begins with fear and prejudice for the new aliens, Shielders, and anger at the abrupt and catastrophic changes to the world. Truly a first contact novel, each character has a one-to-one experience with a Shielder that begins to shift the humans' worldviews.

I'm a lover of science fiction though first contact is not a subgenre I read often. From the beginning, I knew that this was book one of a series. It reads like a book one of a series. Heuwagen is building her world and her characters, showing the reader their back stories, motivations, and foibles. I like the different narrative voices. The main human characters were intertwined in the beginning, separated, and are trying to return to each other. Each has their own path to follow: Kayin's journey is unexpectedly interrupted, Henry takes on a leadership role, and Melly becomes an ambassador of sorts.

The aliens appear both cold emotionally and high-handed intellectually. There is something often paternalistic in their behavior, insisting that the humans around them do as they say. Still, in this scenario, the aliens are the experts. Although there is plenty of description, I'm having a hard time visualizing what they look like. At every turn, it seems the aliens "do the right thing," and I'm waiting for book two for the other shoe to drop. Surely they can't be that... good?

My biggest criticism for the narrative is the fast paced character development. In several places, characters express real anger, disdain, and disgust for each other, and then within a few pages everyone is singing kum-bye-yah. I understand how personal experience can quickly change something that has been largely emotional/theoretical, but I'm not convinced that having a deep and meaningful change of heart happens so quickly. This is most pronounced in Melly's story arc concerning a survivalist, Dom, that her family group encounters. I would have liked to see the characters really work through their issues instead of turning on a dime.

Still, it was an enjoyable escape read, and I'll look forward to learning more of the story in Fading Starlight when it is published.

[S.r. Algernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn Among the Stars is the first in a series of novels that depicts Earth caught in the grip of an alien invasion. The Temorshians, an aggressive species, threatens Earth and another species, known as the Shielders, aims to protect the human species. The human protagonists, Kayin Aves, Henry Rickner and Melissa Pebbles, find themselves cut off from each other while the battle rages. Dawn among the Stars focuses on their quest to understand the world around them, figure out who to trust, and find a way to rebuild and fight back.

The novel does a good job of bringing the reader into the action. I did find myself wishing at times that the story had started a bit earlier, so that we could get a sense of the character’s lives before the invasion and to get to know the aliens as well. Most of the plot and character development is driven by confusion, anger and uncertainty in the wake of the invasion. Our understanding of the aliens, too, is shaped by the fog of war, so it is focused on the tactical and psychological needs of the present rather than a deeper first contact. I hope the sequels allow for more world=building and contact. Dawn among the Stars seems to be more psychological and personal in tone than some alien invasion stories. It doesn’t have the political overtones of V or the communicative complexities of Arrival, but it tells an intriguing story – or should I say a trio of converging stories. Fans of alien invasion tales who want to focus on interpersonal relationships are likely to enjoy this story. Without spoiling anything specific, the book does end with a “to be continued” that leaves the story arcs unresolved. I don’t mind that, personally, but I think it bears mention for anybody who expects a novel to tie everything up neatly at the end.

I’m giving this novel four stars because I believe it tells an engaging take with interesting characters caught in compelling situations. While I would personally have preferred more world-building, deeper social and political themes and richer character backstory, I don’t think the novel was aiming for these things. What I got was an introduction to characters in extremis in a world that only offered up broad strokes and faint outlines of the cosmic big picture. On that basis, the story works. It leaves you wanting more, hoping that answers might lie on the other side of that “to be continued.”

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

See even more book reviews at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile.com

Dawn Among The Stars is a fast-paced Sci-fi/Fantasy novel that had me hooked from the first page. The plot has a post-apocalyptic/dystopian vibe as Kayin lives in a world where aliens and humans somewhat co-exist on the same planet. Kayin is fearful that something will happen and as a result is plagued with panic attacks which she tries to manage. (I liked how this mental health aspect was handled). As the planet becomes under attack, chaos erupts on earth and we see how it affects our main characters differently.

The first part of the book focuses on Kayin’s pov and as readers we get a good sense of her character. She has a good heart and cares a lot about her friends and family. Though she too like many other humans are struggling, she tries to hold on as best she can despite losing hope We as readers can feel the fear and uncertainty of what will happen to their planet. The second part of the book follows Henry, Kayin’s ex-boyfriend, as he teams up with a couple to search for Kayin. The last section focuses on Melissa and her family a group of survivors that were in a shelter. They meet up with Clarfic, a Shielder, and them up to look for help and survivors.

I also liked that different parts of the novel took place in different places. Kayin’s is set in space, while Henry and Melissa is on earth with the Shielders. The different viewpoints of the survivors added to the intensity of the story. Huewegen has great attention to detail in the landscape you could almost picture the landscape as being one big post-apocalyptic disaster movie. It add suspense and a kind of eeriness to the story.

Overall, the plot was entertaining and i like that the story is set in space. Glactic novels are always fun and this one is filled with action and suspense. Recommend for Sci-Fi fans!


FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Rebekkah Brainerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first word to describe this book: unique.

It’s a sci-fi, for sure. Aliens abound. Good aliens, bad aliens, a war over a planet. But it’s a lot more focused on the characters, the intricacies of how people would react to aliens and an intergalactic war, and family. There’s a focus on mental health and psychology, through a therapist’s POV – as Heuwagen is one – that’s a REALLY neat mixture. It’s a sci-fi you snuggle up with and learn about people while you do it, if that makes any sense.

The writing is very good, and the plot is a slow build and dialogue heavy, which is all very lovely. The book is split into three points of view, in three segments. From this perspective you get to see all sides of this story – literally – and seeing the whole situation from the three lenses is really cool. Within this, Dawn Among the Stars feels like the powerful building of a great epic series to come; the foundations of something truly unique in the way sci-fi is handled.

I’m really looking forward to the next book! I need to know what’s happening next with Kayin and Melissa!!!! (I mean, sure, Henry too 😉)

[Herminia Chow · Rating 3 out of 5]

About the book: It’s the first in a series, following the perspective of three characters: Kayin, Henry, and Melissa in that respective order.

I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

First impressions: I like the premise of the novel with other beings arriving on earth. I also love the title, and the cover page reflects what the story is about.

Characters: The three characters are different with each having their own goals. What’s more, the secondary characters are likeable.

Maybe it’s just me, but Kayin, Henry, and Melissa seem younger than they actually are.

“Sometimes it is better to be disappointed than to never know at all.”

Writing: There’s a mix of description and dialogue. The world building is done well because the author doesn’t bombard readers with too much information all at once.

Even though the book follows three characters, their perspectives are written in the first person.

Final thoughts: The book wraps up many loose ends but still leaves questions to be answered in the second instalment of the series.

If you love sci-fi reads about survival, check out Dawn Among The Stars.

[Neg Dardashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don among the stars is an action-packed sci-fi where to alien races are at war with our earth as the innocent bystander. But beneath the outer layers, the author explores humanity as she follows her characters to the trials and tribulations they face while trying to navigate among the new realities. There’s fear, hope, anger, and a spare as we are taking along the journey with them. The author does a fantastic job of capturing to human nature and what it means to be a love one, a family member, and Houman. Can’t wait to dive into the second installment of the series!

[Patricia Friedrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually a reader of the genre, but it was so nice to read a sci-fi which is (also) focused on character development, human emotions and interaction—and that builds tension in unique ways—because those features transcend genre and time. Add the mental-health and social justice themes and you have a complex story that will really resonate with the readers of sci-fi.

[Suanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Heuwagen deftly combines alien-invasion-type science fiction with psychological drama and strong, capable women. Her background as a psychologist allows her to write accurate—if heart-wrenching—descriptions of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety/panic attacks, and sexual assault. She follows book one with a similarly interesting book two. Now eagerly awaiting #3.

[David Cearley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters, slow start

I don't mind series books too much. You know the kind, an end without an ending, but this story went virtually nowhere in the first volume.
The characters still aren't fully developed, you can't see the arc of the story, the foundation isn't fully laid. I'm enjoying the story, but I still don't know where it's going.

[James Mitchell]

The book has an interesting construction to it. It follows one character pretty much through the entire story arc and then does the same for two other characters before wrapping it all up at the end. Very enjoyable read, all in all.

[Camillea Camillea · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be reviewed.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep at it

Was a bit of a struggle to read, way too much dialogue and shifting character perspective too often. Storyline is good just too chopped up

[Arden McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Where's the next one?

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF

I liked the initial set up for DAWN AMONG THE STARS with the alien race learning to live with humans on Earth but Kayin is an absolute mess and it's not enjoyable to read for me.

[Julie Embleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise behind this sci-fi aliens-come-to-earth tale is different in terms of the author focusing on how humans behave under the trauma of war, loss and terror. Under the backdrop of two warring alien races causing destruction on Earth, the characters find themselves on the run, or in the case of Kayin, rescued and heading into Space with the Shielder alien race.

Three main characters take centre stage in this novel, each getting their own third of the book for their tale to be told in the first person. I personally found it hard to connect with the main characters. Kayin’s anxiety comes across as rudeness and foul temper towards the Shielders which didn’t endear her to me, while the behaviour of Henry and Melissa felt erratic in places, making it difficult to pin their characters down. I also struggled with having the characters segregated to their own sections of the story. If a return to how Kayin and Henry were faring had been interspersed throughout the book, they would have stayed more present for me, but unfortunately, by the time I got to the end of the book, both had drifted aside. I also felt in places that the author relied on dialogue too much which slowed the pace.

What I did enjoy was Huewagen’s ability to build great imagery of a ruined world and the struggle those remaining have to face. It’s not a book that’s heavy on the sci-fi detail; the author allows the reader room to come to their own conclusions about the science bits which is refreshing. As a series starter is has great potential, especially with Kayin deep in space while her friends remain on Earth oblivious to her whereabouts. I also enjoyed the warring alien races, and closed the book wondering if the Shielders have good intentions or are as nasty as the Temorshians. I guess I’ll have to read the sequel to find out!

Overall, a clever viewpoint on the emotional impact of alien invasion, unfortunately, the three main characters just didn’t click with me.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn was an amazing introduction to the characters and the story, exploring mental health, healthy relationships (friends, family, and otherwise), and so much more. I dragged in some spots (primarily because I wasn't a fan of one character, though they are written really well). Just push through.

PS. part 3 of book 1 was my favorite

PSS. Book 2 is better than book 1. Definitely go read it no matter how you felt about book 1.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing first book in the series by a debut author! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I can't wait for the next one to come out! If you are a fan of science fiction, with strong female characters, and an engaging story - definitely a good book to read.

[Raheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

These movie was definitely fantastic.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will review this in 3 sections. 2.66 stars.

Kayin Aves is a nut, from the beginning of the book. She's laughing, then crying, then amused, then rolled into a ball. She yells at everyone who tries to tell her what is going on. And the aliens are like the United Nations - slow moving and not helping. In fact, they made everything worse. And then drugging her instead of telling her what's going on. Ridiculous. I give this section 2 stars (more like 1-1/2).

The book blurb described Henry Rickner as a misguided do-gooder. I don't know about that. He runs into people who help him out more than he's helping other people out. He does miraculously meet up with some of the people he was looking for and gets them to hunker down with him. That's about all the do-gooding he does. Okay section. 3 stars.

Melissa Pebbles - A little better story here. She and her family hook up with a Shielder and try to find safety. Lots of happy coincidences here too. There's a slow going romance. 3 stars.

The book ends in a cliffhanger hanging. I'm not sure if I'll read more of this series.

[Mike Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun beginning to a new take on Sci-Fi. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!