Book Review: “Stardust Emerging” (The Starless Series Book #3) by Samantha Heuwagen

“Stardust Emerging” (The Starless Series Book #3) by Samantha Heuwagen (2020)

Genre: Fiction, Sci-Fi

Page Length: 300 pages (electronic review edition)

Synospsis:

Some scars leave wounds that will never heal.

Kayin has finally made it to the Galactic Court to plead Earth’s case in the fight against the Temorshians. Though her La’Mursian allies have been teaching her about galactic politics, Kayin’s not ready to admit that she may be in way over her head. As her feelings for the Prince of Selucia grow, so do Kayin’s doubts that she’s doing the right thing for her planet.

Though Henry and Beenishia are still missing, Melissa and the other survivors have made it to Mackinac Island. Over the last few months, the community has grown, and while they feel safe in their isolation, they all know they’re running out of time. A Temorshian attack is inevitable. Their only chance at survival is making contact with Selucia.

Will these three Humans find a way to survive the next phase of the war, or will Earth be lost forever? (description from Goodreads)

*See reviews of Book One here and book two in the series here. Some series spoilers below!

Review:

Stardust Emerging kicks off the the third installment of the Starless Series with Kayin heading off to the galactic court to present her case to get aid for earth. She’s nervous and feels like she has the weight of the world on her hands. Pleading the case for earth’s humanity proves to be more difficult then Kayin thought. What is best way to save her planet from further destruction?

The Galactic court is ruthless and full of enemies with secret schemes. Will they be able to plead their case? Meanwhile the war still rages on back on earth. I really liked the progression for Naluba and Kayin as a couple in this novel. They work on growing to trust each other fully. Both are dealing with trauma and are trying to work through the past in order to move to the future.

Back on Earth, chaos continues to unfold as the survivors from Mackinac Island. The island offer a peaceful refuge with its scenic views. Its peaceful but being isolated on a small island leaves them open to vulnerability. They do their best to survive. Meanwhile Clarific and Melissa take the time to work on mending their relationship. Will they be able to move on from the past?

I was eager to dig into this book after the last book had so many shocking cliffhangers. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I really appreciate how the relationships in this series take the time move slowly and have deeper conversations among their harried situations. It makes the romance aspect this series so good!

Being the Sci-Fi fan that I am really enjoying the life in space aspect of the plot. It was really cool to see how Heuwagen developed the culture of the La’mursians and how they interact with humans and other plants. Some of the issues that arise in this mirrors topics in today’s society. It was nice to see that expanded upon and give the book a realistic feel.

The cliffhanger at the end caught me off guard, so I can’t wait to see what will happen next!

*Trigger Warnings: Some violence, death, mentions of abuse

Final Verdict: