Sea of Stars (Kricket #2) by Amy A. Bartol

From Goodreads

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

Release Date: March 31, 2015

My Review…

Whoa! Sea of Stars rang me through a whirl wind of fascinating, futuristic world building with a blend of lucid emotions and ecstatic glee of anticipation.

“I will love you even after my final breath.” -Trey

Amy A. Bartol is one of favorite authors so can only imagine the happy dance I did when I received Sea of Stars a month before release date. I held it hostage in my kindle till I could find some peace and quiet to indulge. I predicted to finish this book in at least two days, NOT what happened! This book took me a few days to read, tethering back and forth from love and frustration .

Sea of Stars continues where it left off in book one, Under Different Stars. Kricket and Trey are at the ship of Skye headquarters looking to start a new life together. What they don’t expect is to be pulled away from each other immediately. Kricket is fought over from all sides of Ethar rulers (the five houses), each one wants her for their own gain. Being able to see into the future and alter its course is a special, intriguing gift she has. Kricket becomes prisoner while she receives a vision of Alameeda planning an attack to Skye. No one believes her or don’t care to listen to the half breed. Kricket goes through a whole load of obstacles, including torture. A new villain-ally (*wink secret) with dreads, looking like a Cali surfer breaks into Skye and throws in his own mix of destruction. Kyon is on a determined mission to get his priestess back and if it means to burn all of Ethar down but Alameeda…which he will make happen.

“I want to rain down upon his head. Instead I murmur, “Did you try the znous? They taste lovely.” Kyon reaches out and gently rubs my cheek with the back of his fingers. He has an unguarded look, one I’ve never seen from him before as he murmurs, “An you a very lovely in your madness.”

(Shaking my fist) I want to share so much more that happens in this itty book because there’s a TON of twist and secrets unraveled but I can’t! Characters, plots, secrets are dished out that had me taking breather breaks to process it all. I refuse to spill the beans on any spoilers. Just know that you will most likely shake this book a few times (phone in my case), curse at Kricket once or five times, Ou and Ah at the steamy scenes, quirk your eyebrows up with new characters (MANY) are introduced, and curse the author and yell out loud for the heart stopping cliffhanger.  Just saying.

“It takes the best in us to tie ourselves up for love.” – Raspin

I must admit half way through the book I had it at a four. I didn’t think Trey and Kricket’s obsession with each other was doing this book justice, especially when their world is going to craps around them. They sometimes acted oblivious to their surroundings, cocooned in a bubble. Questions were fuming in my head. You know when you watch a movie and start to yell at the lead, ‘Nooo turn left! What are you doing!’ That was me throughout the whole book with Kricket. I was at the point I wanted her to sacrifice herself to Alameeda! Which wouldn’t have been to bad since I have a secret crush on Kyon…after all he was ultimately trying to teach Kricket her powers and be her consort to protect her. He just went about it in the psychotic wrong way…(snarky laugh!)

“You are the brightest star among the Sea of Stars, Kricket.” – Kyon

There’s reasoning to the madness of Kricket’s decision! Do I agree with half of them no but it’s Kricket’s adventure. A little blurred lines with Premonition Series and Kricket, example the Fellas and Cavars very much a like and in their actions. Still, this story has it’s own creativity in elements and plot.

When the action is kicking it’s in full throttle. Kricket being on the run, hunted down by all but Trey and his circle, can only imagine the mess they get into. Romance is up to a few levels into Adult! It’s much more risky and sexy from Amy A Bartol previous writing, which I can definitely appreciate.

“Please tell him that I’ll take care of his soul until he finds us. I’ll be expecting him soon.” -Kricket

What changed my whole mood around was literally the last few chapters. Oh my flipping stars does Amy know how to turn the story upside down. The unknown and past are shared in those last few pages that takes this book to another level, even another potential interest for Kricket?? Scandalous! At this point I was yelling ‘give me more’!

“We’re not done!” His lips brush the shell of my ear, causing me to shiver. “I’ll find you soon.” -Mysterious man

The story line itself is building to be an amazing explosion when it all comes to light! The writing in this book reveals a new side of Amy A. Bartol. She has dipped into the naughty side of romance, giving the readers a subtle peek. I loved how as an author she challenged herself to do different. The writing itself is vividly descriptive bringing the imagination easily to the book, I know I will be reading it for a second…third time. Awesomeness of an Etharian language dictionary is also provided in the back of the book, plus! Definitely want to know what Boosha, Immorato, and lurker mean… Note: Must read book one to understand book two.

“I swear that I will darken the stars forever.” -Kricket

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a review copy in an exchange for an honest review.