Under Different Stars (Kricket Series #1)

So this has been another slow week/weekend for reading because of grad school (I have a major test coming up this week).  So I wanted to spotlight one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors, Amy A. Bartol.  For fans of hers, I know that there has been a lot of complaints because it's been such a long wait with the Premonition series, but I'm looking at it as she wants to give us a book that is worth reading.  However, I want to review her second series, the Kricket series.  The third (and I do believe final) book will be coming out in September, so if you are interested, you can read these back to back and be caught up just in time to read the 3rd one!  It would be perfect :)

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series #1) by Amy A. Bartol
Publication Date: Dec. 19, 2013

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? 

Holy amazeballs this was good!!! Under Different Stars was quite simply one of the best starts to a series I have read in a long time. Amy has once again crafted a story that is unlike any other. She has given us a sexy new alien to pine after, and ladies he will have you drooling and swooning! His name is Trey Allairis, and ooh boy, I can't wait to read more about him. But more on him later. The world building is great; it is partially dystopian, but more alternate reality. Amy introduces readers to Ethar, a planet similar to our own, but still very different. My one complaint would be that some of the terminology the boys used in the beginning were a bit confusing at first, but by the end of the book, I could pretty much tell what all the terms meant.

The main character Kricket, was a fantastic lead. She is strong, brave, and doesn't put up with anything. She knows how to survive on her own, and doesn't back down from a fight. She's sarcastic and goes to great lengths for those she loves and cares for. Kricket is definitely a character to look up to and admire, which is something I greatly enjoy while reading a novel. The other thing that I loved about her character was her reaction to the whole situation. She had a typical reaction to everything that was happening, and didn't just accept the situation she was thrown in to. Overall, Kricket was a very relatable character, and I can't wait to read more about her. Now the part you want to hear about, Trey...first things first, I'm claiming this boy! He's a bad boy on the outside, and a good guy on the inside, which is the best of combinations. He tries to fight his feelings for Kricket, but fails miserably, and you can easily see how much he cares for her. There's some steamy scenes between the two of them, and I"m sure there will be more to come! The other boys are just as swoonworthy, and added a lot of humor to the story. I liked that even though they were secondary characters, they didn't fall to the way-side. They were in a lot of scenes and had a voice in those scenes. I hope we find out more about them in future books. I would also love to read from both them and Trey's POV because it would add an even better element to the next books in the series!

This novel is fraught with tension and suspicion; you don't know who to trust or believe, and it makes for a wonderful, interesting, and intriguing story. This one will definitely leave you guessing till the very end. There is plenty of action and adventure, as well as new creatures and a brand new world to enjoy. The writing flowed expertly off the page, and this novel will amaze any reader, especially Amy Bartol fans. I can't wait to see what Amy has in store for us next because judging by this book, the story will be even more mind-blowing. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie