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The Star Realm Saga #1
The Stars Wait Not
Ryllis Camden has a secret—she can talk to nature, and it speaks to her in return. But her gift is forbidden by the Vilarian Star Realm who controls her planet, and the penalty is death. When she’s falsely accused of treason and exiled to the Vilarian home world, hiding her power becomes even more critical. But how can she hide anything when she’s forced to toil in the home of the emperor’s youngest son?
Kresten Westermark might be a prince, but long ago he shunned a life of luxury to work as a telepath in the Vilarian Imperial Fleet. His job demands he treat his new prisoner as a slave and test his deteriorating telepathic powers on her, but the only thing on his mind is the growing attraction he feels toward the earnest young woman tending his gardens.
As the mountain winter fades, a reluctant respect between the two becomes trust, and trust soon blossoms into affection. But when the Fleet arrives to arrest Kresten for treason, Ryllis must make an impossible decision.
Save Kresten’s life—or hers.
Kresten Westermark might be a prince, but long ago he shunned a life of luxury to work as a telepath in the Vilarian Imperial Fleet. His job demands he treat his new prisoner as a slave and test his deteriorating telepathic powers on her, but the only thing on his mind is the growing attraction he feels toward the earnest young woman tending his gardens.
As the mountain winter fades, a reluctant respect between the two becomes trust, and trust soon blossoms into affection. But when the Fleet arrives to arrest Kresten for treason, Ryllis must make an impossible decision.
Save Kresten’s life—or hers.
- GenresRomanceScience Fiction
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2020
11 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Anne Wheeler
29 books30 followersAnne Wheeler grew up with her nose in a book but earned two degrees in aviation before it occurred to her she was allowed to write her own. Fascinated with space travel from an early age, science fiction was a natural fit. When not working, moving, or writing her next novel, she can be found planning her next escape to the desert. She currently lives in Georgia with her husband, son, and herd of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 8, 2023
A fairytale in space? Yes, please! I was held captive by this book from the very first page to the last. I didn't want it to end.
The worldbuilding was great. There was a very unique and fascinating feel to it. It was very much science fiction, but there was a sprinkling of traditional fairytale fantasy to it as well, which I really loved. It was such a great combo. And I loved that there was artwork included throughout the book. It made the story come alive even more.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and it made me an even bigger fan. I'm eager to get caught up on her entire backlist. Highly recommended!
The worldbuilding was great. There was a very unique and fascinating feel to it. It was very much science fiction, but there was a sprinkling of traditional fairytale fantasy to it as well, which I really loved. It was such a great combo. And I loved that there was artwork included throughout the book. It made the story come alive even more.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and it made me an even bigger fan. I'm eager to get caught up on her entire backlist. Highly recommended!
June 13, 2022
My word. I can't think of a time I read a book so quickly!
I am not much in for sci-fi, I'll be honest. Few, if any, gather my attention and even fewer hold it for longer than a graphic novel, but this had elements of fantasy and the back cover sounded intriguing (plus the word "stars" was in the title).
I would've liked to see more character and plot development, but mainly because everything was so interesting and I wanted to know more about everything. (Anne, seriously, can you please just write a history book on this world? Pretty please? And also more stories.) That is really my only complaints.
Other than that, the main characters were absolutely precious and I need more stories about them, please and thank you.
I stayed up way too late reading this and read every moment I could get. 10/10 would read more books with these characters.
I am not much in for sci-fi, I'll be honest. Few, if any, gather my attention and even fewer hold it for longer than a graphic novel, but this had elements of fantasy and the back cover sounded intriguing (plus the word "stars" was in the title).
I would've liked to see more character and plot development, but mainly because everything was so interesting and I wanted to know more about everything. (Anne, seriously, can you please just write a history book on this world? Pretty please? And also more stories.) That is really my only complaints.
Other than that, the main characters were absolutely precious and I need more stories about them, please and thank you.
I stayed up way too late reading this and read every moment I could get. 10/10 would read more books with these characters.
December 6, 2020
This is not a difficult book to read by any means.
However, I will never cease to be amazed by this author's ability to portray human truths in a subtle way. There are beautiful, meaningful ideas in this story that one might easily miss, being deceived by how easy it is to read. It's not a flaw, as far as I'm concerned. It's the kind of writing I prefer.
I think it's important to remember that simple language and uncomplicated stories do not mean "fluff" or that a story is lacking in nuance, meaning, or depth.
The book doesn't slap you in the face with "the moral of the story," like a cup of coffee that jolts your heart and gives you an artificial energy to run on. Though there are some obvious messages about prejudice, bigotry, and the importance of empathy.
But some of the best parts of this story are delivered like tea: words, bagged in a book, steeped in the hot water of conflict for just long enough, and eventually giving us the mild (compared to coffee) flavor of truths. You have to taste it carefully. Some throw tea off because it's not coffee. I think that's a mistake. Less obvious, but profound points in the story relate to marriage, intimacy, and the perversion of God/nature's good gifts and what it can do to people.
I strongly prefer nuanced stories, and that, I think, is what The Stars Wait Not is. That's how life is, after all: full of nuance. Humans are like that, too, and Anne writes some of the most human characters I've ever known.
I have never failed to get something profound from Anne's books. Quite possibly my favorite author. I'm thankful I got my hands on it before it was no longer available. <3 I just wish I had gotten a paperback instead of e-book!
However, I will never cease to be amazed by this author's ability to portray human truths in a subtle way. There are beautiful, meaningful ideas in this story that one might easily miss, being deceived by how easy it is to read. It's not a flaw, as far as I'm concerned. It's the kind of writing I prefer.
I think it's important to remember that simple language and uncomplicated stories do not mean "fluff" or that a story is lacking in nuance, meaning, or depth.
The book doesn't slap you in the face with "the moral of the story," like a cup of coffee that jolts your heart and gives you an artificial energy to run on. Though there are some obvious messages about prejudice, bigotry, and the importance of empathy.
But some of the best parts of this story are delivered like tea: words, bagged in a book, steeped in the hot water of conflict for just long enough, and eventually giving us the mild (compared to coffee) flavor of truths. You have to taste it carefully. Some throw tea off because it's not coffee. I think that's a mistake. Less obvious, but profound points in the story relate to marriage, intimacy, and the perversion of God/nature's good gifts and what it can do to people.
I strongly prefer nuanced stories, and that, I think, is what The Stars Wait Not is. That's how life is, after all: full of nuance. Humans are like that, too, and Anne writes some of the most human characters I've ever known.
I have never failed to get something profound from Anne's books. Quite possibly my favorite author. I'm thankful I got my hands on it before it was no longer available. <3 I just wish I had gotten a paperback instead of e-book!
August 20, 2020
If you are in the market for a simple romance/scifi/fantasy-ish book then look no further. The story is not remarkable in any way, it doesn't attempt to pave a new path in the genre. What it does do is deliver a light read with decent enough plot and characters albeit with some caveats.
The story if simplified is one we all have come across before in some form. Heroine is accused of a crime she did not commit, the hero is on the side of those accusing her, doubts arise and romance ensues. If you look no further than this you will enjoy the book, however, if you like character development or a plot that implies greater things to come, then look elsewhere.
My point is that with a little more writing much of the bigger issues with the story could have been resolved.
Beyond the protagonists and and a single supporting character the world is void of life. We are introduced to the Heroine's parents, who are tied in some way to her current situation but this never gets addressed. There is no moment where she learns of her accusers or the fate of those whom she left behind.
Another issue is the Hero's family. They turn up once or twice to play the role of a convenient plot device, who's impact feels lackluster and who's presence insignificant. Like the heroine's home world/family they cease to exist beyond their scenes. The Heroine's reaction to meeting the characters who inspired dread was baffling.
The world and the characters would give you an impression that each protagonist represents opposing ideologies. That there would be some discourse and a sort of enlightenment at the end of it. The book even tries to imply that changes are to come but once again it feels halfhearted.
The book could have been greater than it is. This book is for those who want a predictable read which is simple enough that you don't need to pay attention to follow along. This is essentially like walking down a corridor with no doors or windows, not truly leading anywhere. The objects and sights in the corridor entertain you for a while but you reach the end before it gets old.
The story if simplified is one we all have come across before in some form. Heroine is accused of a crime she did not commit, the hero is on the side of those accusing her, doubts arise and romance ensues. If you look no further than this you will enjoy the book, however, if you like character development or a plot that implies greater things to come, then look elsewhere.
My point is that with a little more writing much of the bigger issues with the story could have been resolved.
Beyond the protagonists and and a single supporting character the world is void of life. We are introduced to the Heroine's parents, who are tied in some way to her current situation but this never gets addressed. There is no moment where she learns of her accusers or the fate of those whom she left behind.
Another issue is the Hero's family. They turn up once or twice to play the role of a convenient plot device, who's impact feels lackluster and who's presence insignificant. Like the heroine's home world/family they cease to exist beyond their scenes. The Heroine's reaction to meeting the characters who inspired dread was baffling.
The world and the characters would give you an impression that each protagonist represents opposing ideologies. That there would be some discourse and a sort of enlightenment at the end of it. The book even tries to imply that changes are to come but once again it feels halfhearted.
The book could have been greater than it is. This book is for those who want a predictable read which is simple enough that you don't need to pay attention to follow along. This is essentially like walking down a corridor with no doors or windows, not truly leading anywhere. The objects and sights in the corridor entertain you for a while but you reach the end before it gets old.
October 23, 2020
I liked this story. It was interesting and unique. I would have liked to see more character development and background on Kresten. I felt like there was a lot more to explore and I wanted to get to know the characters better. The ending tidied up a little too fast for me. I wanted to see some people get in trouble for messing with him. Other than that, I think Anne Wheeler is a talented story teller and I look forward to other novels she writes.
Content:
Sexual: kissing & mild innuendos
Violence: torture - not too graphic
Language: A**
Content:
Sexual: kissing & mild innuendos
Violence: torture - not too graphic
Language: A**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2023
DNF. I got half way and gave up. The first half felt very bland. Even the romance felt dry. There didn't seem enough attraction between the two to think they liked each other, but that he likes her for some reason and she likes him for his kindness? The story seemed to pick up midway but the dialogue stopped me from continuing also. Sorry, it's a DNF for me.
August 24, 2020
Stars, this was good!
Read this in one evening. It was impossible to put down. An excellent read. If you like sci-fi, fantasy, and clean romance, you will love this. Loved the characters and the storyworld was great too. Can't wait to read another by this author!
Read this in one evening. It was impossible to put down. An excellent read. If you like sci-fi, fantasy, and clean romance, you will love this. Loved the characters and the storyworld was great too. Can't wait to read another by this author!
September 14, 2020
DNF 7% I don't even remember this
September 24, 2021
Way too simple for me. I struggled to finish this book.
Read
August 29, 2023DNF 17%
March 3, 2024
The first book in this duology was a great start to the story with Ryllis being accused of a crime she didn't commit and as punishment, has to leave her home planet and serve the prince. As they spend more time together, their romantic feelings grow and they develop a very cute relationship. I enjoyed the plot of this book, it revolves around Ryllis proving her innocence and the blossoming romance that is threatened when the prince is accused of treason. It was a quick fun read, I just would've liked a bit more development across the board, the book didn't feel completely fleshed out but was still an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews