Review : Under Different Stars by Amy A. Bartol

Summary (from Goodreads) 

Title : Under Different Stars (Kricket #1)
Author : Amy A. Bartol
Publication Date : December 9th 2014
Publisher : 47North
Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble

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? 

Personal Thoughts

When I saw that Nereyda at Mostly YA Book Obsessed loved Under Different Stars when it was self-published (it's now being re-published by Amazon), I immediately added the book to my TBR list. So when a copy dropped on my doorsteps a few weeks ago, I was thrilled and dove into the story right away.

I really enjoyed the character of Kricket, the protagonist, and I was able to instantly connect with her. She had a really rough life in her childhood what with running away from her foster homes and trying to dodge social services. Even when she was kidnapped by Trey and co., she did not bow down and continued to fight and try to escape, unfortunately in vain. Still though, I admired her resilience and was rooting for her to find out about who she really was. Then there was Trey, her love interest, who I felt very negatively towards at the beginning of the book. Slowly though, as Trey's character opened up to the readers, the ice around my heart started to melt. By the end of the book, I was head over heels in love with him. Although he came across as a little rough at first with his handling of Kricket, he was a genuinely sweet guy who tended to be protective and just really kind to everyone around him. It was hard not to fall for him because he gave me the butterflies. Honestly, where can I find myself a cute alien like Trey? The secondary characters were also really great. I enjoyed getting to know the fun bunch and I would howl out in laughter multiple times throughout the book with how confused they were with "Earth terms".

In addition to some great characters, Under Different Stars also had a fantastic romance. It was very much a slow-burn romance that gave me many feels. I love relationships that start off with the two parties involved being wary of each other, but then eventually warm up to each other. Seeing Kricket and Trey go from that slight animosity phase to the romance phase was very entertaining for him. They definitely had a really swoony romance. I was very much involved in their relationship. The world building was also great. I loved getting to know the planet that Trey came from, Ethar. Amy Bartol did a splendid job at making her world vivid and easy to portray. It was really fascinating because it was unique. I will admit that the plot was a little slow, especially in the middle. At one point, I really did feel like the plot kind of dragged and I wanted it to move forward. It did pick up towards the end though and the slow pace of the plot didn't really affect my enjoyment of the book.

Under Different Stars was an intriguing story with some great characters and a lovely romance. If you're into YA sci-fi books that are heavy on the romance, you might enjoy Under Different Stars. I, for one, was impressed and I'm looking forward to the next installment already.

Rating 

Cover : 4/5
Plot : 3/5
Characters : 4/5
Writing : 4/5


Thank you to 47North for the ARC of Under Different Stars.

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