Synopsis
All she wants is a home, but can she find one…UNDER DIFFERENT STARS
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?
Kota's Review
Under Different Stars is Book 1 in Amy Bartol’s newest paranormal series. In this story we meet Kricket Hollowell, a young girl trying to survive in a world where she doesn’t quite have a home. She is flying under the radar, surviving on cash jobs on the sly as she is underage, and needs to avoid detection from authorities. At least just for a little bit longer.
Kricket has few friends, because it is safer that way, but the ones she does have are there for her, well the ‘her’ Kricket lets them know. Kricket doesn’t lay roots because her life has been one need after another to pick up and move on in a hurry.
Little does Kricket know, there are a whole lot of people interested in her and circumstances come to pass that they take more than a fleeting interest.
Meet Trey Allairis, an Etharian solider, who is drawn to Kricket in ways that he wishes he wasn’t but cant control. The relationship these two build is perfectly matched. Kricket’s spirit challenges all of the control that Trey exercises in every aspect of his life.
Life is not easy for Kricket though, because not only does she have to tend with the likes of Trey and his band of hot guys, but she also has to deal with Kyon Ensin, who stakes his claim very early in the piece. Kricket’s chaos doesn’t stop with just Trey or Kyon, but you will have to read the book to find out more.
I am a fan of Amy Bartol. I love her Premonition Series and eagerly await the next (final) installment. It is because of my love for that series that I procrastinated reading Under Different Stars. I mean what if it wasn’t as good? What if nothing can compare to Reed, Evie and Brennus? What if after reading so much adult content a nice YA/NA story just doesn’t cut it? Anywhoo – I bit the bullet.. and I am so very glad that i did!
Amy creates such wonderful characters, with depth and conviction. Her paranormal worlds are complex, she details them with such clarity there is little reason to second guess their actual existence.
Amy’s formula of worlds colliding, good versus evil battles and just the right amount of romance is well tested, but I find Amy’s point of difference is in her ability to create clearly unique stories while applying this formula. And, if sticking to Amy’s personal formula works – I know that the next chapters in Kricket’s story are going to intensify and keep my heart racing.
Amy’s characters are all engaging – whether you like or loathe them, they suck you in. Kricket’s banter with the secondary characters is just as detailed and important as her interactions with Trey et al. This story is not perfect to me (there are things I wished were explained further, and others not overlooked) but can I complain about it – no. Do I wish the story kept going.. yes… will I wait for Kricket #2 – well I don’t have a choice do i?
Ms Bartol, I have already fangirled you via FB and told you how wonderful I think you are. Here is my public declaration… I love Amy Bartol’s work! I find your stories engaging, and compelling in their telling. I find they are perfect for their genre, and look forward to each new installment with great anticipation.
Now I just need to calm the farm when I talk to my Miss 13 about the need for her to finish whatever she is currently reading and get on to this! I mean its not like the Divergent trilogy or Half Bad are not good books – but I am impatient for her to meet Kricket and Trey!
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About Amy
I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons.
My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed.
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