Under Different Stars (The Kricket Series Book 1)

Author: Amy A. Bartol

Published: December 15, 2013

Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance

Stars: 5 Content Rating: 3

Cover: Kricket Hollowell is normally not one to wish upon stars; she believes they’re rarely in her favor. Well versed at dodging caseworkers from Chicago’s foster care system, the past few years on her own have made Kricket an expert at the art of survival and blending in. With her 18th birthday fast approaching, she dreams of the day when she can stop running and find what her heart needs most: a home.

Trey Allairis hates Earth and doubts that anyone from his world can thrive here. What he’s learning of Kricket and her existence away from her true home only confirms his theory. But, when he and Kricket lie together under the stars of Ethar, counting them all may be easier than letting her go.

Kyon Ensin’s secrets number the stars; he knows more about Kricket’s gifts than anyone and plans to possess her because of them. He also knows she’s more valuable than any fire in the night sky. He’ll move the heavens and align them all in order to make her his own.

When everything in their world can be broken, will Kricket rely upon love to save her under different stars?

When I think sci-fi what comes to mind are movies. Signs, Star Wars, Star Crossed and Guardians of the Galaxy. I did read Ender’s Game before the movie came out but that is it! I know that this is crazy but I have never given it a chance. I always think green alien monsters are coming to invade earth! So anyways, I am in the middle of few other reads and wasn’t in the mood for them. I want to read them but for some reason they just weren’t doing in for me. Goodreads had a deal on The Kricket Series a few days ago. There are 3 books in the series and each book was under $2 for the kindle edition. I thought “what the heck, they sound pretty good.”

I AM BLOWN AWAY! Maybe I came into it with low expectations but this first book got me in the first 3 chapters. I LOVE it when a story just reaches out and grabs you. It was interesting. I stayed up late because I could NOT put it down. Kricket is amazing from the start. You can tell she has it rough when she is running from foster care and on her own. She is waiting to turn 18 so she can start her life. All she has ever wanted is a real family. In one day 2 different sets of big guys are after her. One group being led by Trey the other by Kyron. Both want to take Kricket back to their home.. on a different planet. The way the author introduces you to this new planet and their culture is amazing. Kricket’s personality is street smart. She had to learn at a young age how to take care of herself. To defend herself and to survive. As she is thrust into this different world she has to learn fast and as she is learning so are you. I feel like everything is explained very well. It all makes sense even though they are using different words and slang. I didn’t feel like it was too much or confusing. I actually thought it was really fun and smart.

In this world ‘Ethar’ there are 5 nations. Most of this first book is about Alameeda and Rafe because Kricket’s mother was an Alameeda Priestess and her father was a titled Rafe soldier. She is half and half and both sides want her. (hence the two groups of guys that were after her in the beginning) Trey’s group caught her and brought her to Rafe where she is trying to figure everything out. The Alameeda Priestess’ have prophetic powers and Kricket is no exception. Which makes her valuable to everyone. Pretty much everyone is ready to go to war over her. Kricket and Trey have a little love going on. She was supposed to be committed to Kyron and he can help her with her gifts. I love the dynamic between these three. Who will she choose? War? The ending left me hanging and now I’m on to book 2.

This whole Etharian society is incredible. It is not what I thought at all. I have truly enjoyed this read and would recommend it my friends. It was very refreshing for me to read something a little bit different. I couldn’t put the book down.

Happy Reading!