Author: FT Lukens
Publisher: Duet, an imprint of Interlude Press
Publication date: March 3, 2016
Length: 246 pages
Young Adult Science Fiction
Synopsis
Ren grew up listening to
his mother tell stories about the Star Hosts – a mythical group of
people possessed by the power of the stars. The stories were the most
exciting part of Ren’s life, and he often dreamed about leaving his
backwater planet and finding his place among the neighboring drifts.
When Ren is captured by soldiers and taken from his home, his dream
slips further out of his grasp. Now a slave of a despotic Baron, Ren
must remain inconspicuous while plotting his escape. It’s a challenge
since the general of the Baron’s army is convinced Ren is something out
of one of his mother’s stories.
Ren finds companionship in the occupant of the cell next to his, a drifter named Asher. A member of the Phoenix Corps, Asher is mysterious, charming, and exactly the person Ren needs to anchor him as his sudden technopathic ability threatens to consume him. Ren doesn’t mean to become attached, but after a daring escape, a trek across the planet, and an eventful ride on a merchant ship, Asher is the only thing that reminds Ren of home. Together, they must warn the drifts of the Baron’s plans, master Ren’s growing power, and try to save their friends while navigating the growing attraction between them.
Ren finds companionship in the occupant of the cell next to his, a drifter named Asher. A member of the Phoenix Corps, Asher is mysterious, charming, and exactly the person Ren needs to anchor him as his sudden technopathic ability threatens to consume him. Ren doesn’t mean to become attached, but after a daring escape, a trek across the planet, and an eventful ride on a merchant ship, Asher is the only thing that reminds Ren of home. Together, they must warn the drifts of the Baron’s plans, master Ren’s growing power, and try to save their friends while navigating the growing attraction between them.
Review
I’m
going to start this review off saying that this was a fabulous story.
This YA Paranormal was nonstop excitement. I was engaged the entire
time. It didn’t drag at all! The characters were brilliant. Starting the
story we meet Ren and by the end of chapter 1 you’re already entranced
with his situation. Set in Ren’s POV was perfect. We meet a lot of
characters but you’re never confused with who is who. Asher is his “cell
mate” at first. The evolution of this book and these characters was so
wonderfully put together. Creating new worlds is so hard but FT Lukens
mastered it brilliantly. I was emotionally invested in the mission, Ren,
Asher, and all the secondary characters. Ren’s gift…. How it’s
described…. What a Star Host is, it’s creative genius and outstanding
writing.
I highly recommend this book to paranormal fans or just anyone who really loves a great, engaging, wildly entertaining story!
I highly recommend this book to paranormal fans or just anyone who really loves a great, engaging, wildly entertaining story!
Excerpt
“Open a channel,” Rowan commanded. “On screen.”
The connection was immediate and before them, displayed across their viewing screens, was a
cold, calculating smile. Abiathar loomed, with piercing blue eyes, and a long nose and a severe
expression. The wrinkles around his eyes and mouth spoke of long years but certainly not frailty or
senility.
The other members of the bridge held their breath.
“I am Abiathar,” he said, his voice deep and hard. “You have something I want.”
“What right do you have impeding our passage on this trade route?” Rowan demanded. “We have
nothing of yours. This is a gross obstruction and violation of the Trade Route Protection Act of…”
“Good to see you again, Asher. Though you do look different not cowering behind bars. How’s
the shoulder? All right, I hope.”
Asher didn’t flinch, though Ren did. He tried to make himself as small as possible, but his
presence didn’t go unnoticed.
Abiathar’s eyes brightened and his lips pulled wider, his gaze settling hard on Ren. “There you
are. I’ve been looking for you. Your presence is requested on this ship within ten minutes or I will
take action.”
“He’s not going anywhere.”
The connection was immediate and before them, displayed across their viewing screens, was a
cold, calculating smile. Abiathar loomed, with piercing blue eyes, and a long nose and a severe
expression. The wrinkles around his eyes and mouth spoke of long years but certainly not frailty or
senility.
The other members of the bridge held their breath.
“I am Abiathar,” he said, his voice deep and hard. “You have something I want.”
“What right do you have impeding our passage on this trade route?” Rowan demanded. “We have
nothing of yours. This is a gross obstruction and violation of the Trade Route Protection Act of…”
“Good to see you again, Asher. Though you do look different not cowering behind bars. How’s
the shoulder? All right, I hope.”
Asher didn’t flinch, though Ren did. He tried to make himself as small as possible, but his
presence didn’t go unnoticed.
Abiathar’s eyes brightened and his lips pulled wider, his gaze settling hard on Ren. “There you
are. I’ve been looking for you. Your presence is requested on this ship within ten minutes or I will
take action.”
“He’s not going anywhere.”
About the Author
F.T. wrote her first short story when she was in third grade and her love of writing continued
from there. After placing in the top five out of ten thousand entries in a writing contest, she knew
it was time to dive in and try her hand at writing a novel.
A wife and mother of three, F.T. holds degrees in psychology and English literature, and is a longtime
member of her college’s science-fiction club. F.T. has a love of cheesy television shows,
superhero movies, and science-fiction novels—especially anything by Douglas Adams.
Connect with F.T. at authorftlukens.wordpress.com on Twitter @ftlukens, on Tumblr at
ftlukens.tumblr.com and on Goodreads at goodreads.com/ftlukens.
from there. After placing in the top five out of ten thousand entries in a writing contest, she knew
it was time to dive in and try her hand at writing a novel.
A wife and mother of three, F.T. holds degrees in psychology and English literature, and is a longtime
member of her college’s science-fiction club. F.T. has a love of cheesy television shows,
superhero movies, and science-fiction novels—especially anything by Douglas Adams.
Connect with F.T. at authorftlukens.wordpress.com on Twitter @ftlukens, on Tumblr at
ftlukens.tumblr.com and on Goodreads at goodreads.com/ftlukens.
Giveaway
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Thank you
Sci-fi is becoming one of my all time favorite things to read and this sounds right up my alley! I haven't wished on a star in a long time, but when I did I don't remember any coming true, sadly. Of course, that didn't stop me from trying to make my own dreams or wishes come true :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe when I was a lot younger I did. Can't remember if those dreams came true.
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