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?
Kricket was an amazing heroine, her strength and determination was awe-inspiring. Not to mention her character was witty, brave and really down to earth...or I should say down to Ethar. From the beginning we know there's something special about Kricket, and so the notion of her being from another world is not only believable but completely acceptable. The problem with magical realism is it sometimes sounds too far fetched, or the author's trying to hard and you find holes within the story. Amy does such a fantastic job of illustrating this other world, I had moments where I seriously believed it existed and wish more than anything I could go visit! The smoothness with which Kricket falls into this world and begins to adapt is beautiful, you can feel her struggle to adapt so quickly, her confusion and fear of the unknown. But she takes it all in stride, refusing to cower and give in to her fate. Each chapter is a stepping stone for not just Kricket, but for us the reader to become intimately acclimated to Ethar. Step by step we grasp an understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of this other world, absorbing the information just like Kricket thereby allowing us to draw on a deeper connection with her. Allowing us to then begin to understand why Kricket is so important, and the significance she plays for the people living on Ethar.
Her relationship with Trey was just wow, I mean there was no insta-love or lust it all just felt right. Like they were meant to be. Through their journey we begin to see the gradual sparks fly between them, and before you know it you're gripping your Kindle like it holds the meaning of life just from the anticipation of their scenes. The looks, banter, touches and scorching kisses. It was just perfect. Everything happened at a reasonable place, syncing with the plot line so that it all eventually builds to this amazing crescendo. Their relationship, while a pivotal aspect was not the focus point for the book, Amy constantly has you aware of the bigger picture, the other central characters and issues that will eventually arise. Which is why watching Kricket and Trey's relationship play out is so captivating, because all the events around them contribute to the pieces clicking into place. Not to mention their chemistry was just smoking, their banter was hilarious and their intense scenes give you a serious case of the warm fuzzies.
“We have to make the stars align for us now—find a way for us not to get burned for being together.”
I loved the camaraderie between Trey, Jax and Wyra. I'd love for Jax and Wyra to get their own little book or novella, they just totally kicked ass. I loved watching their resolve crumble regarding Kricket, as the story progressed they seemed more like adorable big brothers than they did captors. They were also the ones who kept Trey in line, because it wasn't all sunshine and daisies minions. When things got to intense or serious, they were there to lighten the mood. I also think there's a lot more to come from both of them, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming battle. As evidenced so far loyalties will be tested and everyone wants a piece of Kricket, it's a question now of how they survive and come out victorious.
“You could never be a temporary situation for me, Kricket. I know that once I have you, I’ll never be able to let you go.” He looks concerned as he scans my face. “I want you as my consort…until death do us part, and then forever after that,”
Then there's the whole political upheaval throughout the book, which introduces some very disturbing characters...like the perverted Manus. You find yourself trying to figure out their ulterior motives, because where Kricket's concerned nothing is as it seems. In many ways it was like a game of chess, with each character making a play and you could almost hear the deathly silence that follows as they make their move, waiting to see who will declare checkmate. Learning of the different factions, leaders, traditions and intriguing history was detailed concisely and beautifully. I don't think I can say enough to covey how spectacularly it was all constructed.
Let me play out for you how me reading this awesome book went: