Starflight

My Elevator Pitch: Starflight is a strange (but perfect) combination of Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean. There is one scene that is basically Jack Sparrow and Han Solo having a run in while snarky Leia is watching and rolling her eyes. I have also heard it compared to Firefly but I can neither confirm nor deny this (I haven’t watched Firefly I AM SORRY DON’T YELL AT ME).

The plot of this book gripped me right away. Solara is trying to get to the outer realm for a job but can’t afford to get there. This leaves her with finding someone to pay her way in exchange for servitude. Enters ex-classmate and rich boy Doran. Solara quickly finds out that this arrangement isn’t going to work for her so she takes matters into her own hands. There are smugglers and pirates and a wedding and disguises plus a couple twists I didn’t see coming. This book is fast paced and full of action & swoons!

I absolutely love Solara! She is can be cutthroat at times because she will fight for what is important to her and she does what it takes to get where she needs to go. On top of that she is also smart are very knowledgeable on how to fix things. This gets both into and out of trouble. She tends to speak her mind which leads to plenty of fun and snarky banter between her and Doran. I was not expecting Doran to grow on me as much as he did! I wasn’t going to give him a chance to prove himself but he definitely came around.

I grew to love the rest of the crew! They each have their own quirks that add to the story. I am excited to read about them more in the second book, which to my understanding is going to be companion stye and feature Cassia and Kane!!

Starflight could have used a little more world-building in my opinion. Science fiction can get away with a lot less world building than fantasy but there are still some thing that need to be answered. We know that Earth is still Earth because Doran has childhood memories of living there but how long has space travel and living on different planets been around? Not everything needs a concrete answer (this is fiction after all) but there were some scenarios I would have liked more. This book might work more for those who don’t typically read science fiction because those elements seemed secondary to romance.

Overall I really enjoyed this one! I loved the characters and the romance. I cannot wait for book 2 but I will definitely be checking out Landers’ other series in the meantime.

Okay guys I’m crying over how great Starflight was please read it.

First of all, though this book has a companion coming out in 2017, it’s really a standalone. That’s right guys, you heard me: no cliffhangers to agonize over for a year until a sequel comes out.

On the one hand, I wish it was a series because I’m low key (extremely high key) in love with every single character, but on the other hand, it was a wonderful change of pace to read a standalone.

Anyway, back to real thoughts about this book:

One of the main characters has to deal with real issues like giving her past (and physical reminders of it) too much power over her present
There’s a kleptomaniac, a high class girl on a low class ship, space pirates, space in general, a sugar glider, girls who are badass but still like to look pretty, and people who you thought were great but actually suck

Every main character is the most lovable S.O.B. in the whole universe you have no idea

It has one of those guys who’s a huge rich douchebag but then he realizes that he’s a douche and changes for the better and it’s heartwarming tbh

The great part about this book is that the main characters take a while to warm up to each other, which is very realistic. At the beginning, the
relationship is filled with so much hate that even I thought that maybe they would seriously spend the whole book hating each other (spoiler: they don’t)

I want to be friends with every single character especially the sugar glider named Acorn bc I’m crying she’s perfect

There are a lot of plot twists and parts where you’re just like GOD DAMNIT STOP ALMOST RUINING EVERYTHING and I wanted to punch Melissa Landers like 10 times throughout this book I swear

I’m just kidding Melissa please don’t hate me I love you so much for writing this book because it ruined me and it’s not even a series there aren’t even cliffhangers and I’m ruined and I’m complete Doran trash oops

My Thoughts: I really liked Starflight a lot! I think I liked this one more than Landers other series!

We are introduced to Solara and Doran. Both come from different social worlds. Solara has always had it rough while Doran was pretty much rich. They get thrown into each other’s lifes pretty fast. Man, they had such chemistry, I loved it. Even though they bickered a lot I could sense the tension.

Doran picks Solara to go on board with him but the tables get turned a month later when Solara uses a device on him to make him forget who he was for a little while and the tables are turned.

Gosh, I want to write a lot about this one but it’s another one where I feel like I’ll just give you spoilers.

I loved the plot and I loved all the characters once again. That’s the problem. I want to to tell you all their stories but I feel like this is one where I want to keep my lips sealed and let you find out for yourself. It was so freaking good.

I’m just going to tell you to pick it up when it’s released. It was amazing and I loved all of it! I loved the pirates even!

Overall: Doran= HOT! Solara=Badass! Loved this!

Cover: Not sure if I saw the final cover or not! But the black with the yellow is cute as well!

What I’d Give It: 5/5 Cupcakes
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Taken From Princess Bookie

This was a fantastic read and my favourite of Melissa Landers so far. This book had a bunch of diverse characters: master, servant, fugitives, space pirates, rich kids, orphans and princesses. I was pulled into this from page one until the end.

I started off by hating Doran's entitled a**. This man needed to grow up. His treatment of Solara was pretty abhorrent. There's a but, his character development was huge, yet credible. Solara was a veritable spitfire of a personality, trying to find freedom and life in any place she could get it. She was likeable and had real integrity of character. There's some great chemistry between the lead characters but the romance doesn't overtake the story, and I liked that. My favourite side characters were Renny, the Captain and the pirate leader.

Some of the bad guys in this book are pretty grim, Landers created some intriguing characters and species of human. I felt the peril, with my heart in my mouth at times. The book is definitely left open for more, which I look forward to reading more of.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

I first saw this book when browsing through books the Uppercase Box previously mailed out - and what caught my eye was the comment that the story was Firefly meets ... something. I don't remember the other comparison because I was immediately hooked by the idea of a YA Firefly romance. So I went to the local library and picked up a copy, telling myself it was 'research' to see if I would enjoy Uppercase selections, when in reality I really just wanted to read the book.

It totally lived up to my expectations. Full of humor, misunderstandings, action, and surprising twists, Starflight is a fantastic sci-fi romance (easy on the romance). Fans of Firefly might find the story charming, and anyone who enjoys a good Western tale might like the 'space western' feel I got from the story. AND .... there are Space Pirates. Yeah.

Spoilers
The story was good. There were many interesting characters and explored more or less the effects of human life, poverty, and riches in space. However, when romance came into the mix, it ruined the pacing. The two main characters fall in love out of nowhere and didn't have enough time to fully build up. They hated each other for majority of the first quarter of the book; they slowly start to like each other in a romantic and sexual kind of way but I don't understand how since they both really hated each other in the past and present; then, they declare their love with only little relationship and then the next chapter and the rest of the book act like they been lovers for years.

Solara is a smart and capable young woman who just needs help getting started out. But her plans go awry when her past is revealed. So, she resorts to kidnapping her former “master,” making him think he’s the servant. But the ship they purchase passage on has it’s own share of problems.

Starflight is a fresh and fun, science fiction novel that reminded me a lot of the feel of the Firefly/Serenity crew. This exciting, standalone novel is fast-paced and thrilling. I loved the complex characters, especially Solara and Doran. Doran goes through an impressive amount of character development – from a spoiled brat to an actual sympathetic character. I loved every bit of this fantastic space adventure for young adults. And as much as I appreciate standalone novels, I’d really love to read more adventures from this crew.

*Previously posted at SciFiChick.

This book is adorable. It did an admirable job of scratching that itch I still have for more Firefly, while maintaining its own distinct universe and plot. The main characters are snappy and full of vigor, not to mention I have to give the author serious props for turning that relationship around. I was not entirely sure she'd be able to do that well--and I was wrong. Loved this and will look forward to more from Melissa Landers.

Such a fun read! Smugglers, space pirates, deadly bounty hunters, and an eccentric crew that fights and loves like family.
Solara needs to get off planet so bad that she is even willing to take a crappy valet job from her nemesis Doran. Doran is in a big hurry as well. He's on a mission for his father, under the guise of a playboy leisure trip. When things go wrong for both of them, they go really wrong. Stuck with each other on a smugglers transport ship, Doran and Solara must learn to work together if they want to survive. I love the interaction between Doran and Solara, as well as the rest of the crew! I really hope book 2 is about Kane and Cassia's past (and future!).

I kept hearing about this book from bloggers on twitter so I decided to read it...and I'm so happy I did! Solid book with characters that develop throughout the book. You have Solara, a criminal who indentures herself to get to a new job and doesn't want to discuss her past and Doran, an arrogant boy who seems to have the perfect life. Then you delve into their stories and they are so much more. The crew of the Banshee makes you want to hug and punch them (in the best way possible). Add in pirates, fighting, and a sugar glider and you have a great story line. And it takes place in space so what could be better than that?? Definitely recommend this book!

I read "Starflight" as part of our high school’s annual Kindle Tournament (the March Madness of books). This was the first book that I have read by Melissa Landers and a book that I will be recommending to students at the school. Meet Solara, an orphan convicted of a crime and the will of David, who will do what she needs to do in order to get what she wants. Her goal is to get to the outer fringe of space and do mechanical work in order to live in peace. Meet Doran, a spoiled rich kid who would like nothing better than to put Solara in her place. With a little loss of memory by Doran, caused by Solara, tables get turned very quickly. Both Doran and Solara end up on a spaceship manned by a motley crew and a sympathizing Captain. As Doran tries to figure out why he was supposed to get to Obsidian, find a hidden spacecraft, and complete a task that was given to him by his dad, he finds that there are secrets beginning to shed light. Add some space pirates in the mix, a little bit of romance, and you have a great light read. "Starflight" proves that you never know where your true friends come from and how true friends really have your back. Loved "Starflight"!

Melissa Landers has done it again! I first fell in love with her writing with Alienated and then Invaded and Starflight did not disappoint! She has a way of seamlessly weaving a tale based on a world that she's created out of thin air. Starflight is the story of how six lives come together to form a family. The lead character Solara is just the right amount of spunk and sweetness combined and the evolution of Doran's character is a beautiful thing to behold. The way the chemistry develops slowly between the two of them is truly magical. Starflight left me guessing what would happen until the very end and there were plenty of twists and excitement up until then.
On a separate note, the cover art is just amazing. Just like with her other books, I was thrilled with how beautifully it turned out.
I can't wait to read more from Melissa!

I really liked this book! The writing was engaging and the story was engrossing from the beginning. I have read reviews stating that it was slow in at the start but I didn't find that at all. I believe that the pacing was perfect and that the information that you get in the beginning is essential to the story.
Solara is a great main character and I love that she grows throughout the story. There is a lot of action and adventure as well as relationship building. None of the characters are perfect but that is what makes them so endearing. I look forward to the next book!

Good overall story. Could have used better world building and more realistically action and storylines to go with it , but I appreciates the characters a lot. All were realistic and unique in characterization and interaction. I also thought the romance was well done. It was slow but you could see why their feelings were changing every step of the way. It was realistic down to earth and very cute.

Actual Rating: 4.5

Loved it. This book was way more than I expected. Lately, I’ve been let down by some “pirate” novels that have come out. But this one, a sci-fi oddly enough, finally filled that need for a good story with some pirate badassery and a slow burn romance. The characters are well-developed and all around likable – from Solara and Doran to the Banshee crew. It was a very entertaining read that really had me consumed in the characters and plot.

Melissa never fails to create a beautiful galaxy with characters that have real flaws and makes them beautiful in there own ways.

BTW THERE ARE SPACE PIRATES!!!!!!!!!!

don't let the back summary stop you from picking up this book. If your skeptical about reading this book then you really should just pick it up. DO IT NOW! I mean if its okay with you. ;)

Humor, pirates, conspiracy, camaraderie, adventure, action, science, and a dash of romance... Loved it!! I love a little sarcasm and humor in my characters. The science fiction aspect of this was respectable as well. Even though this is YA I think it holds its own as a sci-fi book. The author didn't have to force the romance down our throats either which is always good. It felt very organic.

Solara and Doran were so mismatched in the beginning of the book but grew closer in a believable way because of their rocky flight into space. Solara took control of her situation and was at times funny and a little mean to Doran but he deserved the payback.

What a fun futuristic spin on sci-fi. Uppercase box February 2016. It was a little heavy on romance and albeit a bit cheesy, it is a YA novel after all, but very enjoyable. I think it's fitting that the author described it as Firefly meets the 80's movie Overboard. Solara is a wonderful character and I was happy that Doran the mean boy from her past redeemed himself. Quick paced read, and enjoyable.

I loved this novel so much! I was eagerly awaiting it, and I'm so happy it did not disappoint. Solara and Doran were the best main characters. I loved their growth, separate and apart, and the larger themes of the story such as finding your purpose, home, and family. The supporting crew took some time to grow on me, but eventually I fell for them, too. This is a light sci-fi read, and complete fun.

I bought this book for the shallowest of reasons-- look at that beautiful cover! Due to this, I didn't have super high expectations for the story. After all, you can't judge a book by its cover, right? Well, I'm happy to report that this book exceeded my expectations!

Starflight is about as action-packed as you could hope for, and I found it to be very similar to the TV show Firefly, but not in a rip-off sort of way. It was still a totally unique story. The characters were fantastic, but OBVIOUSLY the best is the little spaceship pet sugar glider, Acorn!! But seriously. Doran and Solara are badasses, and most crew members on the ship are totally hilarious in a way that makes it impossible not to like them.

I can't wait for book two!! Landers's world building is just perfect, and I stayed up until 2AM last night reading this book because I was so engrossed in the world.

I read "Starflight" as part of our high school’s annual Kindle Tournament (the March Madness of books). This was the first book that I have read by Melissa Landers and a book that I will be recommending to students at the school. Meet Solara, an orphan convicted of a crime and the will of David, who will do what she needs to do in order to get what she wants. Her goal is to get to the outer fringe of space and do mechanical work in order to live in peace. Meet Doran, a spoiled rich kid who would like nothing better than to put Solara in her place. With a little loss of memory by Doran, caused by Solara, tables get turned very quickly. Both Doran and Solara end up on a spaceship manned by a motley crew and a sympathizing Captain. As Doran tries to figure out why he was supposed to get to Obsidian, find a hidden spacecraft, and complete a task that was given to him by his dad, he finds that there are secrets beginning to shed light. Add some space pirates in the mix, a little bit of romance, and you have a great light read. "Starflight" proves that you never know where your true friends come from and how true friends really have your back. Loved "Starflight"!

I love love love this book. It was recommended to me based in my love for the lunar chronicles and it didn't disappoint. I loved the coming together of the misfit characters who all have something or someone to run away from. They form a bond with little questions asked. It is set in space, there is pirates, awesome fights, and the development of the characters makes for such a great read.

If you want to introduce your teenager to Firefly space westerns (that aren't Star Wars) then this is the book for you. I felt like the author had been watching Firefly while she was writing this story and I'm completely okay with that. This book was definitely not what I expected from a young adult novel and I am very impressed

If you're looking for a novel with unoriginal metaphors, juvenile writing, an unoriginal storyline, and flat cringeworthy characters then this is the book for you. It reads like every poorly written young adult novel that's been popularized with a 'different' and 'strong' female lead who (shockingly) falls in love with a guy who experiences 'character development' and random quirky characters. I can't believe that people enjoyed this book because so much of it just didn't make sense. Take for example the quote above, which would suggest that anyone with $200 would be exorbitantly rich because Einstein's IQ was 165. I think this took away years from my life because after reading it the only feeling I had was a desire to leave an Earth that gave this book a 4 star rating.

I seriously enjoyed reading this book! I read it in one day and stayed up until 3 A.M. to finish it. That's how good it was! I loved all the characters. both good and bad. I enjoyed the funny comments and smart remarks throughout the book. Well done! I haven't looked, yet, but I certainly hope there is a second and possibly a third book in this series! (Found it! - Starfall is book 2 and will release Feb. 2017)

If you're looking for a novel with unoriginal metaphors, juvenile writing, an unoriginal storyline, and flat cringeworthy characters then this is the book for you. It reads like every poorly written young adult novel that's been popularized with a 'different' and 'strong' female lead who (shockingly) falls in love with a guy who experiences 'character development' and random quirky characters. I can't believe that people enjoyed this book because so much of it just didn't make sense. Take for example the quote above, which would suggest that anyone with $200 would be exorbitantly rich because Einstein's IQ was 165. I think this took away years from my life because after reading it the only feeling I had was a desire to leave an Earth that gave this book a 4 star rating.