Member Reviews
Thanks to ,Entangled: Red Tower Books for the ARC!
This was such a fun sci-fi romance read, and my first read in this genre! We follow a band of misfits through space in the best spaceship ever - one that thinks for itself and honestly became such a lovable character. While the page count is long, Star Bringer is so worth it and I can’t wait to see where this series goes. I loved every character aboard the Starlight, enjoyed gasping through multiple twists, and can’t believe we were left with that ending!!! This is pretty light sci-fi, so if you’ve been scared of the genre but love other fantasy (including Tracy’s CRAVE book series), try this out! Red Tower Books is killing it with these book releases this year and I’m so excited for what’s coming next!
Read if you:
- like The Breakfast Club / a band of misfits
- enjoy cheering for fun side characters
- like romance with your sci fi / fantasy
- can handle a cliffhanger at the end of a book
“Everything came to life about five minutes ago. I pressed that big red button over there—“ He waves a hand at the big red button in question.
“Why?” I demand. Did the asshole not think we didn’t have enough problems? He needed to create more? “Because it’s big and red and I wanted to see what it would do.” He says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
And, okay. Sure. What else are big red buttons for if not for morons to press?
Then I walk over and push the big red button for what apparently is the second time. Because it’s big and red and how much worse can we be fu**ed than we are already?”
Red tower books has done it yet again, somehow they’ve managed to slip crack in the pages and I’m a full blown addict! Star bringer is a non stop,fast paced, edge of your seat adventure that I couldn’t put down. I admit this is a book I don’t know if I would’ve picked up on my own accord, typically sci-fi isn’t my thing but when I got an opportunity to read an E-Arc I decided what the hell I’m in a slump from Fourth Wing maybe this will do the trick coming from the same publisher and I was not disappointed. It’s advertised as having firefly and the breakfast club vibes both of which I haven’t seen, I have however seen Guardians of the Galaxy and that’s all I could think about while reading this. This book has it all, it’s told from multi pov which I was unsure of but loved, it allowed me to understand and love each and every character in the book that much more. This book has corrupt government, found family, adventure, action, twists and turns,LGBT+ rep and so much more in sure I’m forgetting to mention. The world building is amazing and character growth and development truly beautiful and hilarious at some points. The sarcasm in some of the dialogue is top tier and one of the characters, Ian reminds me so much of my husband it’s uncanny. One of my all time favorite scenes in the book was the one I opened this review up with the “big red button” It lives rent free in my mind and has me laughing every time I read it or think about it and it was that scene that had me fully in love and hooked into the book. I think everyone should take the leap and read this story, even if it’s not your usual go to because it wasn’t mine either and I couldn’t put it down. I’m so thankful that I picked it up and started it. The cliff hanger and twist at the end of the book has me waiting not so patiently for book two, I can not wait to continue this adventure with my merry band of misfits. Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft truly knocked it out of the park with this story. I doubt this review even gives the book the true recognition it deserves, I never have the right words to explain it when I love a book. Take the chance and go on the adventure Star Bringer is worth it! 💙💙💙
I was THRILLED to read this book because Tracy Wolff is one of the authors who wrote it. Sci fi is normally not my thing. So I went into this excited to read another adventure, but being a little nervous because again…space? Not my jam normally. Knowing how much I LOVE how Tracy writes characters especially, I figured I would enjoy it anyways. Even if I wasn’t a fan of the setting…surely I would love the characters right?
Far beyond my expectations for this book! Don’t love sci fi? Pick it up. Still. I beg you! Right away I was drawn to the characters that were being introduced. For all of the Crave fans out there I know you must be wondering…well…did you like anybody as much as the Katmere gang? Yup! It’s hard not fall head of heels for these misfits. I’ve cleared a spot on my shelf already for my physical preorder. 📖
Space? Did it throw me off one bit? Not a chance. I found myself flipping quickly to the next page eager to learn more and more about these planets and this universe and somehow I lost track of time itself because I flipped and suddenly I was at the acknowledgments. 🫣
The story is amazing and the twists and turns were so enjoyable, suspenseful and full of laughs. I was at the edge of my seat for this adventure, especially from the middle to the end. If anybody knows me…they know I call Tracy the Cliffhanger Queen. And can I just say, I will be not so patiently awaiting what’s next for my beloved Star Bringer characters! 🚀
And I know many folks are excited about the rating on this book because it allows for some spice and romance. And you will not be disappointed!!! So well written, in such a way, to really understand the emotional depths of these misfits and cheer for them even more along the way. ♥️
This book was such a fun ride! It kept me reading from start to finish!! Great conflict. Excellent writing. Amazing character development. I want sure I love this sci fi book, but I did! I love her premise. The sun is dying and seven strangers are throw together for an exciting adventure! Great poolside book. Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book!
I’m not typically a sci-fi reader but was fortunate enough to receive an arc of this book.
I found myself enjoying it much more than expected, the book centers around a group of 7 characters thrown together, a stolen spaceship and the fact the sun is dying.
The character building and action are the two biggest highlights of this book I found myself genuinely caring about each of them, multi pov really allows us the chance to do that too and it didn’t feel overwhelming even with the amount of pov’s which is an achievement. I also liked the representation and how different the characters were it’s so much better than the same cookie cutter characters!
There is no shortage of action emotion romance or humor and it gave me a guardians of the galaxy vibe, while it has not fully converted me to the science-fiction genre it’s definitely shown me I can read and enjoy books in it!
All in all this is just another example of why I will read whatever this publisher puts out, they are absolutely killing it at the moment and whoever is deciding on their books just gets it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review:
CW: death of loved one (past and on page), war like situations, violence, murder in self-defense, toxic relationship with parent
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-NA SciFi
-sapphic rep
-a band of misfits
-forced proximity
-chosen one vibes
-twists and turns
I had heard this one compared to the Breakfast Club and Guardians of the Galaxy and it had the same vibes thought with a bit more violence. I enjoyed this one so much. While the romance was the b plot, I was turning every page to figure out what was going on with the band of misfits. Stuck together, on the run, and it seems like everyone's trying to kill them with a ship that might also be a bit omniscient, this was just fun.
I was sucked into the romance, and just the twists and turns it took. While it resolves many of the plots it does end on a cliffhanger that will leave you needing the next book!
Steam: 3
Star Wars meets the Breakfast Club. That's my take on Star Bringer. It's been a long time since I've read a scifi romance and I really enjoyed this. Ian and Kalia gave me Han and Leia vibes. Their banter was awesome and their chemistry blazing. The storyline was well paced and the differing POVs kept everything moving along. I can't wait to see what happens next.
One hell of a space adventure!
I’ve never been a huge fan of sci-fi but after taking a look at Star Bringer I instantly knew I had to read it! And OMG did it Not disappoint.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and basically devoured it in less than two days. It took me a few chapters to get used to all those different point of views but after getting to know the characters I really enjoyed the switches. I can’t say which of our crew of misfits I liked the most, but I definitely would jump headfirst into adventure with each and everyone of them.
“You can blow up with the rest of the ship or you can come with me”
I’d take the latter one, please.
Even tho the genre wasn’t mine to begin with, I can’t wait to get my hands on book two. That ending… was nothing but mean for my poor reader’s heart. Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft have really outdone themselves with this ingenious story.
If you are looking for an interstellar space- adventure with lots of humor and tons of great feelings, this is a perfect fit for you!
People were saying that this book was the next big thing after Fourth Wing. I was having major fomo over this book but my blue book fairy granted my wish and I was given the ARC. I’ll be honest though, I am not a fan of the Crave series, which was written by the same author. I was really nervous that I would hate it.
Unlike Fourth Wing, this had multiple POVs. There were two characters that I found irritating and didn’t enjoy being in their heads which knocked a few points off.
The story itself is very different from anything I’ve ever read. I don’t read a lot of books about space but it honestly didn’t phase me. The romance between the two characters that I cared about was a slow burn. The tension and the chemistry was hot!
Overall, I really enjoyed the book
Star Bringer is a sci fi adventure with romantic elements. Definitely has Firefly vibes and was a fun and exciting book. The story is told from multiple pov from the crew members and has multiple romantic relationships. There is spice on the page, but I would not consider this a spicy book. I enjoyed the characters and the story and am excited to see how this saga continues. This book does end in a cliffhanger.
I received and ARC of this book and voluntarily give my honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“As crews go, we're a godd*mn disaster. A princess, a priestess, a bodyguard, a prisoner, a con artist, a goofball, and me, self-appointed a**hole in charge of them all.”
This book has incredible world-building, lovable and flawed characters, and some great spice (FM and FF). I LOVED that this book is told from multiple characters’ perspectives; we get great insight into characters’ motivations and life experiences to better-understand why they act/think the way they do. The whole thing is so well-written and keeps you hooked until the very end (and sticks with you, even when the book is over).
This book is a B I G boi at 608 pages. How is it that this book is so long, yet I’m left wanting SO MUCH MORE! When does book 2 come out? There HAS to be a book 2!
If you felt the Fourth Wing slump, this book is the cure. 🩺
Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book.
Star Bringer
The first thing that drew me to Star Bringer is the GORGEOUS cover. Then came the blurb and I knew I wanted to dive right into this space adventure!
I absolutely adored everything about this sci-fi space book. It is multi-POV and I couldn't get enough of the entire cast of characters. They made me literally laugh out loud, never stopped bickering, and I loved getting the diverse backstories that led them to all getting onboard. I wanted them all to find their happiness AND save the world. Of course it's that simple and after the initial world building, I was definitely kept on my toes through the twists and turns.
Add in the two budding romances on the spaceship and I was HOOKED. I am so so happy one of the story lines is sapphic and I can't wait to see more from those two characters! There was so much growth between all the characters, but especially within the two budding relationships. While there is definitely some spice, it's not the focus of this book at all!
I can't recommend this book enough - it is so so fun and I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to Red Tower and Entangled Publishing for an eARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️(maybe 1.5)
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the newest book from Red Tower which is the new adult publication from Entangled Teen. You know, the ones that recently released Fourth Wing?!
I absolutely loved the story. It’s like a mix of Aurora Cycle meets the snark of Leia and Han from Star Wars: A New Hope. Maybe a little Star Trek thrown in.
A group of people from different planets end up together escaping an explosion on a space station. They end up on a mission to rescue someone from an experimental prison while trying to evade getting blown up all while trying to beat the clock on the sun dying and killing the entire solar system.
It’s got:
Space adventure, found family, misfits, rebels, political intrigue, royalty, battles, religious zealots, a little spice (M/F and F/F; two different couples), the chosen one, alien/ancient life, dying sun.
It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
OUT OF THIS WORLD PUB DAY REVIEW
Star Bringer by Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft 💫
Buckle up Bookstagram, it’s another Red Tower Tuesday coming at ya and your feed may soon be full of intergalactic book reviews!
Star Bringer is a fun and wild ride of misfits from the Senestris System smashed together in a stolen spaceship and on a task to save their galaxy! This was my first Sci Fi in a LONG time but the world building was really fun and easy to follow.
It’s being billed as Firefly meets The Breakfast Club and, while I have no clue what Firefly is (sorry!), I can say I 100% agree with the BC comparisons in all the best ways! I also got some REALLY fun Guardians of the Galaxy vibes so I hope that continues 🙌🏻 The romance was steamy (although maybe a few cheesy bits at the beginning?), action was thumping, and the banter was amazing! The multi-POV was so much fun and helped with the BC vibes as you rooted for each of the misfits on board. There was amazing character growth and enough OMFG moments that I crushed this book in only a few sittings! 600 pages down and I am DEFINITELY craving more, I’m going to need book 2 ASAP 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Thank you to the Red Tower for providing an advance giveaway copy in exchange for an honest review 🖤
This was fantastic! It didn’t take me too long to fall for this rag-tag group of characters at the heart of this story. There were some pretty big surprises worked into the story and I found the book almost impossible to set aside once I reached the final 30%. I am so glad that I decided to pick up this entertaining and exciting story.
After a catastrophe aboard a space station, this group of characters finds themselves on a very interesting spaceship fleeing for their safety. I loved just how different the characters were from each other and how they were eventually able to learn to work together and depend on one another. You couldn’t have hand-picked a group of people as diverse as this group so there were times when their personalities clashed but that was to be expected. The story is told from the point of view of various crew members so it was really easy to get to know each of these characters and find out what they are really thinking.
This story takes place in a world with a dying sun aboard a spaceship with a bit of an attitude. I thought that the world-building was incredibly well done and I loved discovering all the elements of the world along with some of the more sheltered characters. There was plenty of excitement to go around and not just one, but two, romances that kept things very interesting.
I would highly recommend this book to others! I found this book to be incredibly entertaining and loved the journey that I was able to take with a delightful group of characters. It is my understanding that this is the first book in a planned trilogy and I cannot wait to see what is in store in the next installment!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Red Tower Books.
4.5 stars!
I don't read sci-fi as much as I do fantasy or paranormal, but I really enjoyed this book. It was something very unique from what I am used to reading. I'd consider it sci-fi light, sci-fi elements, but not overloaded with technical details. You can read the premise from the book blurb, so I won't go into more detail on that to avoid any spoilers. I will say that there we several twists that I was not expecting in the book, or thought I knew what the twist was going to be but was wrong. This book has a little of everything, violence, corruption, betrayal, mystery, friendship, romance (enemies to lovers and LGBTQ+). If Sci-fi isn't normally your thing, I think this would be a good one to dip your toe in the waters. I'd definitely recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing (Red Tower Books) for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sci-fi is so not a genre that I generally read. But I could not help but be curious about Star Bringer. In all honesty, until the hero Ian showed up, I was just mah about the book. His chapter (chapter three) had me sitting up a little straighter, and the moment he opened his mouth I was in love and there was a smile on my face.
Star Bringer is the story of strangers and enemies brought together by a horrific explosion onboard the Imperial Space Station Caelestis, a sophisticated science vessel. The Caelestis was built specifically to conduct research on an orb known as the Heptosphere, which is thought to be an ancient alien artifact. One that is also thought to be key in saving the Senestris System from being destroyed by a dying sun. During the explosion and chaos, the group escapes aboard a spaceship that appears to have seen better days, only to watch in horror as the Caelestis implodes, presumably sending those still onboard to their deaths.
When the dust settles, there are seven people aboard what is soon to be called the Starlight, who realize they don’t know, like, or trust one another. They all have different thoughts and agendas as to what they should do next. There’s Kalinda (Kali) Crown Princess of the Nine Planets, as known as the Senestris System; Rain, the High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Light; Merrick a warrior priest and Rain’s bodyguard; Beckett, a prisoner who escapes the prison ship Reformer, which for some reason docks on the ISS; Ian and Max, two mercenaries who have snuck onboard the ISS with the sole goal of sneaking onto the Reformer to locate and rescue their friend Milla; and Gage, a technician for the ISS who has been paid off by Ian and Max to help them with their plan.
It’s not surprising that this group of misfits slowly but surely start to care for one another and become friends, as they make their way through space trying to avoid being killed by an unknown enemy or enemies. Lucky for them, the Starlight has their backs.
I found Star Bringer to be special in that the seven onboard were all missing something that they didn’t know they were. They were missing having people they could call friends and a family that was there for them no matter what. These seven souls burrowed themselves into my heart and I didn’t even know it. I loved Rain because of her curiosity, her faux pas. You immediately see her warmth and the goodness in her. Beckett is a crazy escaped prisoner who makes you wonder if she's okay. But you know inside she has a heart of gold and would do anything for those she loves. And Rain is who she loves, though she doesn't think she deserves her. Max is someone who I honestly don't think got enough page time. Oh we learn about him and we know what's in his heart and what makes him tic, but I just wanted a little more. I would have loved for there to have been a chapter or two from his perspective and really see how he was feeling about everything happening around him. Merrick has some major secrets. He's very serious and doesn't loosen up at all. But when he speaks, you know that what he has to say is important. Kali is a pampered princess who is beyond sheltered and naive. But she surprisingly doesn't want to be. She has a kind heart and will do absolutely anything for her new friends, especially because having friends is something new to her. Ian has been on his own since the death of his mother when he was eleven. Outside of Max and Milla who came into his life when he was twelve, he hasn’t had friends or cared about anyone. He isn’t prepared for the idea of being responsible for five people he’s just met, one of whom he dislikes on principle. He definitely isn’t prepared for the strong, unexpected feelings he has for Kali.
Star Bringer is a story that for me is hard to describe/explain, without spoiling it. But what I can say is that it's one of those reads that is engrossing and will have you on the edge of your seat. You will laugh. You will probably cry. You will rejoice. And you will be left dismayed because there is a cliffhanger. One that seems to have come out of nowhere. To say Star Bringer is sooo good is an understatement.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Life’s too short to waste it on lies.”
“There’s nothing wrong with fighting for what you need. Or what you believe in.”
“I hate it when somebody tells me I can’t do something. It makes me want to prove them wrong.”
“We see people and we make judgments and believe we know who they really are, but mostly, we’re wrong.”
“We can never truly understand what someone else is going through.”
“Family is…often complicated. And love even more so.”
“There’s always a choice. You just have to accept the consequences.”
“We’re all products of our circumstances.”
“We are who we are because we’ve been taught to be that way.”
“Moments are fleeting. No matter how hard we try to capture them, they disappear as easily as they come.”
“I can make a difference.”
“Some things are worth fighting for. And so are some people.”
“When you hurt someone, you should apologize to them.”
“Never say never.”
**Received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a hardcover copy.**
*thank you to Entangled for the gifted eARC.
Y'all. I don't know what I thought when I went into this book, but OMG. This book. This book was billed as The Breakfast Club meets Firefly. I respectfully disagree and say it is Aurora Rising meets CHAOS. It was such a fun ride from end to end.
The characters: this group is such a fun crew! There is a princess, two members of a "sisterhood", a couple of mercenaries, the dumbest smart person alive, and a runaway prisoner. That is a very odd group. I love all of them. These people are all crazy different and I loved watching them figure out the life thing together. They have all been sheltered and struggling for very different reasons, and watching them try to come to terms and overcome their differences in life was so refreshing.
I loved Kali and Ian. Full stop, they are perfect together. They are both so dang weird but they complete each other. Their banter, their FLIRTING, their chaos. It is delicious.
The story was so chaotic and confusing, which kind of happens in a 1st book in a series. The world building was so confusing at times because there is just so much world. There are so many planets and places that it took me a hot minute to figure it out. A map would be lovely.
I did struggle a bit with purpose. Ian was dead set on going to find Milla and I feel like the crew didn't really have questions about that. Or really, they didn't have enough questions. They just kind of let it happen. I wish that they would have demanded answers a bit sooner, but I do appreciate that they were figuring out how to survive.
There is a plot twist at about 70% into the book that I did say WTF? to. I want more info and details and story on why that *thing* happened. Once you read the book, I promise you will know what I am talking about. It was wild.
Overall, this book was fun. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next entry into the series.
Happy release day!! I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this book thanks to Red Tower books & Entangled publishing! I don’t typically read sci-fi, but the premise of this book sounded so good and I’m so beyond happy that I stepped outside my comfort zone and read this because it was amazing.
This book has found family, reluctant allies, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and such great character development. I also feel like although this book is sci-fi (a genre I find daunting), this was very easy to read and follow along with the world(s) building and concepts of this universe.
I have to say, Ian is absolutely my favorite of the group. He’s the epitome of a morally grey character and honestly kind of gives me Starlord vibes from guardians of the galaxy which I love. I really enjoyed seeing Kali and Beckett’s development as characters because both felt so realistic and the push and pull between them and their opposing upbringings was great. I really hope to see more development from Rain in the sequel (or sequels??) after everything she’s now discovered and been through I want to see her bloom more as a individual.
Okay this is a super long review but I genuinely really enjoyed this book and if you’ve thought about reading it or picking up a sci-fi book, I highly recommend this one! Plus it’s the same publisher as Fourth Wing so we know they have good taste in the books they produce😏
Red Tower/Entangled Publishing doing god's work and putting out absolute GAME CHANGERS - welcome to your next obsession
When I saw that this was described as "Breakfast Club" meets "Firefly" I knew I HAD to read this. IT WAS EXACTLY THIS. This book is filled with a fantastic cast of characters (a princess, a bodyguard, a priestess, Two Mercs, a convict and a ex-corporation member), nail biting action, sweet romance, and a sentient ship.
The plot was fast paced and exciting, unlike anything I have encountered before. It was filled with a ton of unexpected twists, particularly towards the end, which continued to surprise me. However, what truly captivated me were the characters. All of them were so unique, yet all undergo such profound character development. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they were all united by extraordinary circumstances, leading to a deep connection among them. And at the end of the day, that's what we all want right?
This book is an absolute ride and I cannot wait to see where it goes next, all I know, is that i've already preordered it in my mind. Even if you aren't a sci-fi fan, I think this is a great starting point. Fans of Aurora Rising will enjoy this immensely!
Read this if you enjoy
- Multiple pov's
- Diverse cast of characters
- Sapphic Romance
- M/F romance
- Unexpected twists
- Sci-fi
- Found family
- Enemies to Lovers
- Space adventures
- Slow Burn
- a tad INSTALOVE (not usually my favorite, but i'll allow it this one time).
Thank you Red Tower and Entangled Publishing for the Free eARC - I feel incredibly lucky to have received one and cannot wait to read what you put out next!