What do you think?
Rate this book
The Immortal World #1
Only the Stars Know
Rowan is a town that is seldom left, or found.
Within the cottage on the edge of town, Kali finds the quiet solitude that she has sentenced herself to. Keeping herself away from people, she hopes she can escape a past that leaves her terrified of her own subconscious.
Zane left the town twelve years ago and was never heard from again. Now he has returned to seek the advice of an old friend, only to find Kali in residence instead. While he will not reveal himself to his family and friends, something about Kali keeps drawing him back to the cottage.
He must leave soon though, tonight...because the ones who took him years before, are coming.
They will never stop looking for him.
Within the cottage on the edge of town, Kali finds the quiet solitude that she has sentenced herself to. Keeping herself away from people, she hopes she can escape a past that leaves her terrified of her own subconscious.
Zane left the town twelve years ago and was never heard from again. Now he has returned to seek the advice of an old friend, only to find Kali in residence instead. While he will not reveal himself to his family and friends, something about Kali keeps drawing him back to the cottage.
He must leave soon though, tonight...because the ones who took him years before, are coming.
They will never stop looking for him.
460 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2011
31 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Shannon A. Hiner
12 books34 followersShannon A Hiner lives in the mountains of Northern California where, she claims, there is a vampire city, a pack of werewolves, and plenty of faeries. She occupies a small parcel of land with her trusty cat, Pangur Ban and a computer fondly known as Raphael. She does not travel without pen and journal.
She has an Associates Degree in Language Arts from Butte College, in Oroville CA.
Upon publishing her first novel, Submerged In Darkness, in 2009, Shannon discovered that she had written the last book in an epic series. Since then, she has embarked upon a quest to write and publish all preceding books.
She has an Associates Degree in Language Arts from Butte College, in Oroville CA.
Upon publishing her first novel, Submerged In Darkness, in 2009, Shannon discovered that she had written the last book in an epic series. Since then, she has embarked upon a quest to write and publish all preceding books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Want to read
August 2, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/2/2019)! 🎁
August 22, 2019
My only experience with vampires is Twilight and Dracula. I feel like this carved a space in the middle of those types. The vampire characters felt a little more intimidating to me (like Dracula) than they did in Twilight (not so intimidating, just good-looking) but they also had a likability that I appreciated, too.
The author took my breath away on several occasions with her wording, particularly of setting descriptions. The kind of descriptions that you can really see or smell because they're so vivid and perfect.
The book handled real human issues in a somewhat fantasy way, and it was true to human nature. I related to the main character, Zane, very much, as he worked within his vampire clan and interacted with his master, because a lot of the emotions and basic concepts involving a sheltered cult-like environment were so authentic.
It was an enjoyable read for me, and I think it was a good choice to step outside of my usual literary interests to grow my reading horizons.
The author took my breath away on several occasions with her wording, particularly of setting descriptions. The kind of descriptions that you can really see or smell because they're so vivid and perfect.
The book handled real human issues in a somewhat fantasy way, and it was true to human nature. I related to the main character, Zane, very much, as he worked within his vampire clan and interacted with his master, because a lot of the emotions and basic concepts involving a sheltered cult-like environment were so authentic.
It was an enjoyable read for me, and I think it was a good choice to step outside of my usual literary interests to grow my reading horizons.
May 21, 2020
The story involves paranormal powerful forces. The world building is beautiful and romance is light and some moments of the romance after beautifully brought out. Overall enjoyable read.
August 4, 2019
A wonderful introduction to the immortal world.
I have been craving a vampire series lately, that doesn't revolve around a high school and isn't erotica. And here it is!
This book is multiple PoV following Zane and Kali. It starts when Zane returns to Rowan, the town he grew up in, to find Kali living in an old friends house. He tries to leave but there is something about Kali that keeps drawing him back. Naturally, vampires being friends with humans gains unwanted attention and chaos ensues.
What I love about this book is that it's a wonderful segway into a complex immortal world, without being too much. I also started this book out of order (I read the fourth and fifth book first. Shhh. Don't tell.) So it was really cool seeing the stories of characters I had questions about before. I'm looking at you Ignatius.
I also loved the underlying tension when it comes to Kali, we pretty much know she has a secret throughout the whole book but it's not revealed until the end. And when it is, it's glorious.
The only thing I didn't like is the romance came off a little bit instalove to me. I would have liked a little bit of a slower connection.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and I can't wait to discover more about the characters I've come to love. ❤
I have been craving a vampire series lately, that doesn't revolve around a high school and isn't erotica. And here it is!
This book is multiple PoV following Zane and Kali. It starts when Zane returns to Rowan, the town he grew up in, to find Kali living in an old friends house. He tries to leave but there is something about Kali that keeps drawing him back. Naturally, vampires being friends with humans gains unwanted attention and chaos ensues.
What I love about this book is that it's a wonderful segway into a complex immortal world, without being too much. I also started this book out of order (I read the fourth and fifth book first. Shhh. Don't tell.) So it was really cool seeing the stories of characters I had questions about before. I'm looking at you Ignatius.
I also loved the underlying tension when it comes to Kali, we pretty much know she has a secret throughout the whole book but it's not revealed until the end. And when it is, it's glorious.
The only thing I didn't like is the romance came off a little bit instalove to me. I would have liked a little bit of a slower connection.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and I can't wait to discover more about the characters I've come to love. ❤
April 19, 2019
I haven’t read a paranormal book in a long time, so when I started reading this I was a little excited to get back into the genre. And this novel did not disappoint.
The overall plot was solid and kept me reading. There was some juicy hints at a larger world building which I really appreciated. I get the feeling that there are many other supernatural races that we will get to meet in the next books.
The romance within the story was pretty good. It wasn’t instalove, which I really appreciated, and there were some very real and endearing momenta between the love interests.
I personally, found the final battle with the antagonist a little underwhelming, but I get the feeling that the antagonist is not done, and that we will see him again.
Fans of paranormal romance will really enjoy this read.
The overall plot was solid and kept me reading. There was some juicy hints at a larger world building which I really appreciated. I get the feeling that there are many other supernatural races that we will get to meet in the next books.
The romance within the story was pretty good. It wasn’t instalove, which I really appreciated, and there were some very real and endearing momenta between the love interests.
I personally, found the final battle with the antagonist a little underwhelming, but I get the feeling that the antagonist is not done, and that we will see him again.
Fans of paranormal romance will really enjoy this read.
March 28, 2019
Firstly I got this book from the author for an honest review. I've read quite a few vampire books over the years, a lot are very similar to each other but this one wasn't.
The main characters of Kali and Zane were written well and I got to like them. I loved that it didn't follow the usual vampire line but the author did her own thing, that makes a big difference to whether or not I'll follow a series (this one I will). I'm glad the romance part of it wasn't all soppy and that you got to know the characters as separate people. I also loved the fact that Kali wasn't a stunning "oh the man can save me" character but was willing to stand up and be in the partnership. Definitely different and well worth a read.
The main characters of Kali and Zane were written well and I got to like them. I loved that it didn't follow the usual vampire line but the author did her own thing, that makes a big difference to whether or not I'll follow a series (this one I will). I'm glad the romance part of it wasn't all soppy and that you got to know the characters as separate people. I also loved the fact that Kali wasn't a stunning "oh the man can save me" character but was willing to stand up and be in the partnership. Definitely different and well worth a read.
June 21, 2019
This is my first read in this genre. For a first time encounter, I must say, I am not much disappointed. I cannot say that it is a best among what I have read so far, but I really enjoyed this new experience. Those who enjoy the Twilight series and the like will definitely find it interesting. I say this because I am not much into this genre which is a blend of darkness, blood, vampires and passion.
I must say that it was a very slow read for me and I chose it to have an glimpse to much celebrated vampire fiction.Yet I cant rate the book without a bias.
I did enjoy this, sometimes afraid, sometimes irritated and sometimes weird. Kali and Zane gave an emotional trauma, yet I could relate with them, at times. I realized I wont be able to handle such vampire dark traumas.
And yes, those who want to have an interesting vampire read, give it a go...
I must say that it was a very slow read for me and I chose it to have an glimpse to much celebrated vampire fiction.Yet I cant rate the book without a bias.
I did enjoy this, sometimes afraid, sometimes irritated and sometimes weird. Kali and Zane gave an emotional trauma, yet I could relate with them, at times. I realized I wont be able to handle such vampire dark traumas.
And yes, those who want to have an interesting vampire read, give it a go...
April 3, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers in return for an honest review.
I so love vampire books; this book was different from the normal books I have read. The storyline enticed me from the first chapter to the last. I loved the main characters, Zane and Kali, each having their own secret, not wanting to share in fear of losing each other.
If you like a little bit of romance, excitement, wonder of what will happen next, then this is it.
This book is definitely a “must read”. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book and will read further books for this author.
I so love vampire books; this book was different from the normal books I have read. The storyline enticed me from the first chapter to the last. I loved the main characters, Zane and Kali, each having their own secret, not wanting to share in fear of losing each other.
If you like a little bit of romance, excitement, wonder of what will happen next, then this is it.
This book is definitely a “must read”. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book and will read further books for this author.
January 5, 2020
A Pleasant Surprise
To get the cons out of the way, first there are a few glaring mistakes in spelling. Second, there was at least one glaring inconsistency. In spite of those things, I really enjoyed this story. The setting was well done, easy to picture in my mind. The characters were interesting and I didn't feel they were too predictable. I'm intrigued to see where the story goes from here, but I was satisfied with the closure of Zane and Kali's tale. I recommend you give this a try if you like paranormal fantasy. However, if you're looking for paranormal romance, that side of this story is mild and minimal.
To get the cons out of the way, first there are a few glaring mistakes in spelling. Second, there was at least one glaring inconsistency. In spite of those things, I really enjoyed this story. The setting was well done, easy to picture in my mind. The characters were interesting and I didn't feel they were too predictable. I'm intrigued to see where the story goes from here, but I was satisfied with the closure of Zane and Kali's tale. I recommend you give this a try if you like paranormal fantasy. However, if you're looking for paranormal romance, that side of this story is mild and minimal.
April 19, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only. (If you haven't signed up you should, this has been great for me!).
I really enjoyed this book, it's full of great characters that are well written and well developed. It's an interesting story, a different twist to a supernatural story line. It's the type of book that demands you read it all, then the next book too. I'm dying to know what happens next. Also, as hopeless romantic I'm all for the for the two leads. I would definitely recommend this book!
I really enjoyed this book, it's full of great characters that are well written and well developed. It's an interesting story, a different twist to a supernatural story line. It's the type of book that demands you read it all, then the next book too. I'm dying to know what happens next. Also, as hopeless romantic I'm all for the for the two leads. I would definitely recommend this book!
May 14, 2019
I received a copy of this via the voracious reader and I have to say I'm so glad i got a copy the characters were well developed and the storyline so compelling. If you are a fan of stephanie Meyers then you will love this book but it's no twilight. This is the first book in the series and now I want to read them all.
May 30, 2019
I received a free copy of this book and let me just say it was amazing. The chemistry between the two characters was electrifying, even though the two never had sex. I loved the plot and the suspense had me on my toes. A truly good read I cant wait to start the next book. Also I loved the bit at the end.
April 15, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. This was a well-written vampire/supernatural book that kept my interest right from the start. It looks like it is a series and I look forward to reading the next one to see how the story continues.
November 14, 2019
Received this book from Voracious readers for an honest review. I really liked this book I loved the main characters Challenges and how they over came them . I found the book easy to get into and it always left me keen to start another chapter. Thank you.
June 11, 2020
A solid urban fantasy novel with a low-key romance. I really liked Kali and Zane, and the absence of melodrama so prevalent in similar books. I want to know more about the world, so I’m hoping the later books will give us more of an idea of the vampire and shapeshifter society.
May 30, 2021
I was gifted this book from voracious readers, it's been a while since I read anything supernatural and I have to admit it didn't really hold my attention, I struggled to bond or care about any of the characters and am not interested in reading any further.
April 10, 2019
A great, well written story, which was engaging from the beginning. If you are a fan of the paranormal then I recommend that you read this book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
August 4, 2019
Could not quite “get into it”. I found it a bit redundant. The book needs a good editor as well. It had potential, I guess, but just wasn’t my thing.
July 12, 2018
The author did a good job of taking common characters (vampires and shapeshifters) and making them intriguing. I liked the internalizations of the characters of Zane and Kali. The conflict conveyed through their thoughts kept me turning pages. This was a well-written story and a great start to a series for the author.
December 28, 2019
I'm able to do this review thanks to the author sending me a free copy
I read this in preparation for my Theory Of Resonance read & review a while back and I can't believe it's taken me this long to tell you my thoughts on the very first book in "The Immortal World Series." The books are written in such a way where you won't really be missing a huge chunk of things if you didn't read the previous one, but I still wanted to be introduced to the world set-up and the sorts of characters that I would possibly encounter going forward. Fortunately, Only The Stars Know gives this entire series a strong start.
The story focuses on main characters Zane and Kali (Kalina), both with completely different experiences and perspectives on the creatures of the night. Zane is a vampire who's been turned for years that seem almost countless--and is doing all he can to escape his clan. Kali, meanwhile, is a woman trying to escape her past with absolutely no knowledge that these creatures actually exist. All she knows is that there's something about herself that isn't quite right.
Being introduced to this series through the eyes of someone knowing more than we do combined with someone who knows even less than us provides for a glorious read that leaves us on the edge of our seats waiting to discover the secrets that lie around. We aren't totally in the dark, but to know that there's something about the world that we don't quite understand keeps us turning the page with a hunger equal to that of a freshly turned vampire. Adding to this is the interesting twists and turns the plot takes that left my jaw on the floor. The book doesn't keep to the status quo--and those that even seem as if they are end up going down a path less traveled.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book and, to be quite honest, didn't want it to end when it did. I highly recommend checking this out for you won't be disappointed. One of the best series I've started.
I read this in preparation for my Theory Of Resonance read & review a while back and I can't believe it's taken me this long to tell you my thoughts on the very first book in "The Immortal World Series." The books are written in such a way where you won't really be missing a huge chunk of things if you didn't read the previous one, but I still wanted to be introduced to the world set-up and the sorts of characters that I would possibly encounter going forward. Fortunately, Only The Stars Know gives this entire series a strong start.
The story focuses on main characters Zane and Kali (Kalina), both with completely different experiences and perspectives on the creatures of the night. Zane is a vampire who's been turned for years that seem almost countless--and is doing all he can to escape his clan. Kali, meanwhile, is a woman trying to escape her past with absolutely no knowledge that these creatures actually exist. All she knows is that there's something about herself that isn't quite right.
Being introduced to this series through the eyes of someone knowing more than we do combined with someone who knows even less than us provides for a glorious read that leaves us on the edge of our seats waiting to discover the secrets that lie around. We aren't totally in the dark, but to know that there's something about the world that we don't quite understand keeps us turning the page with a hunger equal to that of a freshly turned vampire. Adding to this is the interesting twists and turns the plot takes that left my jaw on the floor. The book doesn't keep to the status quo--and those that even seem as if they are end up going down a path less traveled.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book and, to be quite honest, didn't want it to end when it did. I highly recommend checking this out for you won't be disappointed. One of the best series I've started.
May 27, 2014
I admit that when I started reading this book and discovered who, or more specifically what, the characters were, my initial reaction was less than enthusiastic (more so because of how overdone this sort of paranormal fantasy genre has become). However, I cannot dispute that once I got into the story, I had to keep reading. It's been a while since I've read a book that I didn't want to put down.
I found myself truly liking the characters Zane and Kali. Their relationship, although rather abrupt (but then again, everyone falls in love pretty instantly in YA novels nowadays) was believable and you could see how good they were for each other.
Unfortunately, most of the other characters were not very memorable (perhaps in the sequels, they'll be developed more). I wish we could have had a little more from the main villain; the reader keeps getting hints to how "evil" he is, but then we see very little of it in action. Even the final confrontation (which I won't spoil) seems cut short and thus a bit anticlimactic.
The only other minor thing--and this may be more my personal pet peeve, since I am a grammar nut--is that maybe more care is taken with proofing and editing in the future books, as there were constant typos and punctuation errors that became distracting.
But this is a good start to what seems like will be an engaging series, and Hiner does have a good pacing and tone to her writing that readers of the paranormal genre will enjoy.
I found myself truly liking the characters Zane and Kali. Their relationship, although rather abrupt (but then again, everyone falls in love pretty instantly in YA novels nowadays) was believable and you could see how good they were for each other.
Unfortunately, most of the other characters were not very memorable (perhaps in the sequels, they'll be developed more). I wish we could have had a little more from the main villain; the reader keeps getting hints to how "evil" he is, but then we see very little of it in action. Even the final confrontation (which I won't spoil) seems cut short and thus a bit anticlimactic.
The only other minor thing--and this may be more my personal pet peeve, since I am a grammar nut--is that maybe more care is taken with proofing and editing in the future books, as there were constant typos and punctuation errors that became distracting.
But this is a good start to what seems like will be an engaging series, and Hiner does have a good pacing and tone to her writing that readers of the paranormal genre will enjoy.
Read
April 2, 2020Rated PG13 for Mysterious Backstories, Vampire Bites, The Devil Within, & Baddies Who Kill Indiscriminately.
Young woman hoping to disappear.
Guy thought to have disappeared seeking answers.
Jerk vampire who brings them together, only to threaten everything they both hold dear.
I mean, what could go wrong?
(Everything...everything could go wrong. And probably will.)
Young woman hoping to disappear.
Guy thought to have disappeared seeking answers.
Jerk vampire who brings them together, only to threaten everything they both hold dear.
I mean, what could go wrong?
(Everything...everything could go wrong. And probably will.)
Want to read
October 1, 2012Giving away a signed and personalized copy of Only The Stars Know this week! Right here: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBookVl...
September 28, 2018
The first of the series, I really enjoyed entering this new world. The author does a phenomenal job at restoring your faith in well-done vampires.
Zane is a character you can love easily. He has a great aura around him that draws you right in. While Kali, is similar she is shrouded with an ominous past hanging just beyond the readers grasp. You’re never quite sure where you sit with her until the very end; something I rather enjoyed.
The author does a beautiful job introducing the reader to what I can only presume will be a very complicated world, into a nice bite size piece.
Zane is a character you can love easily. He has a great aura around him that draws you right in. While Kali, is similar she is shrouded with an ominous past hanging just beyond the readers grasp. You’re never quite sure where you sit with her until the very end; something I rather enjoyed.
The author does a beautiful job introducing the reader to what I can only presume will be a very complicated world, into a nice bite size piece.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews