SPACE IS VAST AND UNTAMED, AND IT HOLDS MANY SECRETS.Now two individuals from opposite ends of settled space are on a collision course with the darkest of those secrets, even as the world threatens to explode around them.The year is 2322. Humanity has expanded into the stars, inhabiting over 100 worlds across a third of the galaxy. Though thriving as never before, they have discovered neither … have discovered neither alien life nor the key to utopia. Earth struggles to retain authority over far-flung planets and free-wheeling corporations while an uneasy armistice with a breakaway federation hangs by a thread as the former rebels rise in wealth and power.
Alexis Solovy is Earth Alliance royalty, her father a fallen war hero and her mother an influential military leader. But she seeks only the freedom of space and has made a fortune by reading the patterns in the chaos to discover the hidden wonders of the stars.
Nothing about her latest objective suggests the secret it conceals will turn her life— not to mention the entire galaxy—upside down. But a chance encounter with a mysterious spy leads to a discovery which will thrust Alex into the middle of a galactic power struggle and a sinister conspiracy, whether she likes it or not.
more
I downloaded this on a whim because of a deal on the ebook, and I’m so glad I read it! As soon as I started getting used to the world and all of the characters, I was hooked and finished it in about a day. I literally would not put it down and now I can’t wait to start the next book of the trilogy (and there are good deals for continuing the series if you go to the author’s website or if you keep checking BookBub).
To sum it up, a couple centuries into the future humans have colonized much of our galaxy, without encountering any significant extraterrestrial life. But the Earth Alliance lost some of its new planets in a devastating war with a group of colonies that formed the Senecan Federation. The Alliance and Federation are trying to mend relations decades later, but suspicious and violent events start unfolding that threaten to increase animosity and start war again. But pinpointing who set those events in motion proves to be a baffling challenge.
Meanwhile, the two awesome main characters, Alex (Alliance) and Caleb (Federation), meet on a mysterious planet where they realize that maybe the dismissal of intelligent extraterrestrial life came too soon, and maybe their governments should stop turning against an old nemesis to focus on a new and bigger threat.
Predictably, there’s a love story involved, and I liked how that relationship developed. I enjoyed the characters, and I like the intrigue of the plot as tensions build. I’ll have to continue the story in the next books though, because many questions were left unanswered, and the main conflicts will carry over to the next parts of the story. I highly recommend it! And the author is really great about responding to her readers if you choose to reach out to her.
When I started the book I was trying to understand all the technical aspects but realized it was beyond me. So, I just decided that if it’s sci-fi it will work out in the end and so I relaxed and enjoyed the story. It was truly amazing. Very well written and I couldn’t put it down. Loved the book.
I appreciate the blend of action and romance, as well as the development of the believable characters and story. I will definitely look to read more by this author!
This epic science fiction space opera is rich with detail, filled with memorable characters, and anchored with a strong romance at its center. Humanity has settled the stars and a previous war has left two sides at a delicate truce. Alexis Solovy is Earth Alliance—a renegade explorer who doesn’t like being told what to do. Caleb Marano is a Senecan spy, and when war erupts he becomes Alexis’s enemy. But the two of them have found something far worse than war between their factions on the outskirts of the solar system. Together they must convince their respective governments of the real threat. Ms. Jennsen has written a complicated tale of espionage and terrorism, alongside a compelling romance between Alexis and Caleb. Smartly written, riveting, with great dialogue and character development—I couldn’t put it down! I look forward to the reading the next book.
I’ve read all 3 series and waiting for the rest, 1 of the best series ever in the Simi genre, easy read, great look for an inclusive world, still got wealth and greed trying to own it all,Great author, read them all.
Starshine is just the first book in a trilogy of trilogies. I got the first on free here on BookBub (thank you!), and the following book through the author’s site. I almost NEVER buy books, but I bought the next seven and don’t regret it at all.
At first I gave Starshine four stars, and perhaps that’s what it deserves, but being just the first of 9 books that pulled me through them like a winch on an off-road vehicle, I changed it to 5.
Starshine will carry you through a grand space opera. Hold on to your seat.
Entertaining sci fi story with aliens, interstellar conflict and a little romance thrown in. This was the first of a series. The author has many more about this world.
Got involved in the chracters’ lives and worlds. Great depiction of interpersonal relationships. Think about it afterwards and want to read the other two in the trilogy.
Very good story. I have read all of the Aurora Rising novels and give them a thumbs up. As with most SciFi, you have to just accept certain facts with regard to space travel. The author does go a little bit “David Weber” in trying to explain certain technological advances in the future, but it wasn’t too bad. Good characters, and a fairly original spin on some traditional plot lines weaving through an overall single story line. Definitely a go to read if you like strong female characters.
Innovative world building combined with good character development. Fast paced with a touch of wry humor that made me smile or laugh out loud on multiple occasions. I generally don’t care for romance but the subplot is well done and integral to the story.
SciFi far in the future. Two people from different governments explore a nebula. They find the first aliens and the aliens come armed. The budding romance between the two is nicely offset with the brewing civil war followed by galactic war.
Great book. Plot was wonderfully hidden and developed by main character. Great usage of human frailities to challenge creativity.
Can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
Great 1st book of a great scifi series! Highly recommend.
Well done and a very entertaining read. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Never thought I would like space stories, but it was very interesting, you could see how this could really hapen.
Thourally enjoyed this book,hard to put down!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and looking f ok rward to reading more in the series.
Well written, good characters and an interesting plot.
Couldn’t put it down! Great storyline- lots of twists & turns! Enjoyed it so much—bought the next 2 books in series! Read 2nd book – can hardly wait to read the third!