Wow! The writing of this book had me floored. Seriously, this book is worth the read just for the writing alone. Ok, enough with the fangirling, I'll get to the real stuff now.

Alexis was able to make such an interesting cast of characters. Despite the fact that Above the Star is a YA novel, it was multigenerational and had attentive adults *applauds*. All the characters had their own personalities and hopes and dreams and wishes... Perfection. One thing that I wish was different was the character names. There were quite a few that started with "A" and I had to focus a lot more to make sure I was thinking (and reading) the correct character.

This book ends on an open note for Below the Moon to take over while still wrapping up the events of the book.

The one thing that disappointed me was Tessa's attitude toward her husband who left her. Yes, she had every right to be upset but she was wanting her daughter, Ella, to agree with statements that she made about him. It seemed very immature.

I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reviewing Below the Moon soon.



Rating: 4/5

Language: n/a

Romance: a few kisses

Spiritual: n/a

Violence: a lot, not super detailed, but very prominent; a lot of death



*I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts are my own. ( )

A Seattle Hospital nurse, Tessa, had met and married her college sweetheart feeling certain this would be her only love, forever. Arden was a History major and became a Professor of Ancient Egyptian Dynasties. They both were dedicated to their little daughter as well as each other. Then, the devastating news were given them that Ella had an advanced cancerous tumor at the base of her skull. The surgery and treatments didn't work.

Arden's parents were a big part of their lives but when Ella was seven, her grandma died and her Grandpa Archie moved in with them. Ella and her grandpa Archie developed a strong bond. Now for the past two years, the father, Arden, has been missing. Tessa is devastated and has lost all trust in her husband for abandoning them when Ella is so critically ill. Archie doesn't understand what happened to Arden, yet he retains faith in his son.

Arden was desperate. He had to find a cure for his daughter. He did the only thing he knew to do but he couldn't tell anyone or they would have him locked up in a psycho ward.

Archie found Arden's journals Tessa put in the attic. He felt he had a concrete clue to where his son had gone missing to. He used all his finances to create a marvelous cruise for him, Tessa and Ella. This became the cruise of a lifetime for many!

This book is packed with bizarre characters and constant action. in several instances the reader feels he/she has it figured out, yet delves into further surprises. This creative work is a cross genre of horror, fantasy, action/suspense and mystery/romance. For those who are concerned about ethnic/racial problems, this will lessen any mortal issues!

The author has extended her creativity to a severe bizarre characterization. There is much intrigue and emotion within these pages. Although preposterous, there are parts, of the tale, one can relate to and even gain a relevant message from.

AS outlandish as this book was, I was anxious to continue with the next one to discover "what happened next".

*This book was gifted me without pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review. ( )

This is a fun and intriguing book. It is a good start to this trilogy. Instantly, I fell in love with Ella. Upon discovering her circumstance, you can't help but feel for Ella and cheer for her. Her grandfather is a sweetheart. He would do anything for her.

In the beginning, I was not as drawn to Ella's mother, Tessa but as the story progressed, I found myself connecting to all three...Ella, her grandfather, and her mother. The island of Jarr-Wya is filled with tons of mythical creatures, plenty of action and adventure.

The ending leaves you wanting to read the next book to see what happens next. Young readers will enjoy this book. Ella is the perfect main lead that readers will connect with. ( )

I received this book for free from the publisher (SparkPress) as part of a promotional blogger unboxing campaign.

This is probably the most unique book I have read so far this year.

Up until I got about halfway through the book I thought it was weird. It was odd and bizarre, kind of in a Roald Dahl way, but stranger. It took me a while to get used to it and the world. I’ve never encountered a world quite like this one before, so there was definitely a learning curve.

One thing that really threw me for a loop early on was the amount of death in this book. I wasn’t expecting there to be so much of it and for it to be somewhat gruesome.

But once I got used to the peculiarities of the book, I started to really enjoy it. This book follows the typical quest storyline, but it was still a lot of fun.

As for the characters, it was interesting to see a grandfather as a main character in YA book. You don’t see that too often. I think my favorite character was Lady Sophia. She was a supporting character but she was so funny!

I also really liked the illustrations in the book. There is a hand drawn map of the world and various sketches that the character, Ella, draws dispersed throughout the novel.

The glossary at the end was a nice touch. It was super helpful in figuring out how the world worked.

Even though it took me a while to get into it, I’m really excited for the rest of the books in this trilogy! ( )