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Between Starfalls

(Children of the Nexus #1)

S. Kaeth (Goodreads Author)

4.14 · Rating details · 14 ratings · 13 reviews

Never leave the path.

It’s sacred law, punishable by exile.

When her son goes missing in the perilous mountains, Kaemada defies the law to search for him. She enlists the help of her hero brother, a priestess berserker, and a fire-wielding friend.

But the law exists for a reason.

When the search party is captured by the mythical Kamalti, they learn that Kaemada’s son was se ...more

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Kindle Edition, 442 pages

Published March 27th 2020 by Hakea Media

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Average rating 4.14 ·

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· 14 ratings · 13 reviews

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Jul 02, 2020 Annemieke / A Dance with Books rated it liked it

Shelves: 2020, 3-and-a-half-star, fantasy

3,5 stars

Review to come

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Aug 03, 2020 Jennifer (bunnyreads) rated it liked it

Shelves: spfbo-6, 2020

I read this for SPFBO links and info at bottom.

***

This was my first read in my group of books and I enjoyed it a lot.

Between Starfalls started strong for me. It is one of those learn as you go worlds and it bends all those built-in expectations of what you’d find in a fantasy. For instance, Kae’s people had a first nations feel; they lived off the land and there was a huge sense of community and family, and Kae herself, was bonded to a wolf. But then there were also these weird Angels, a Pegasus ...more

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Jul 06, 2020 SFF ●llieSp●t Book Review rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-tour-coming, fantasy, tbr-2020-and-reviewed

I have a number of impressions, and thoughts on this book.

To begin with, and one thing that really left an impression on me, was the chapter intro’s. Each one was a highlight for me. There was a time in my life when I really thought I would become a globe trotting, trail blazing anthropologist. The perspective I got reading this, really made me nostalgic for those days, as the intro to each chapter read like the journal entry of someone outside the story, and outside the lives of the Kamlti, and I have a number of impressions, and thoughts on this book.

To begin with, and one thing that really left an impression on me, was the chapter intro’s. Each one was a highlight for me. There was a time in my life when I really thought I would become a globe trotting, trail blazing anthropologist. The perspective I got reading this, really made me nostalgic for those days, as the intro to each chapter read like the journal entry of someone outside the story, and outside the lives of the Kamlti, and Rinaryn. Being so different from Earth’s history, I felt like a witness to the events happening in this marvelously, and meticulously created world.

The Rinaryn people live in tribal, and close knit groups, scattered in seperate areas that could move as a whole, if the need arises, and would all join together as one people, to conduct, and partake of beautiful ceremony’s, rituals, and games once a year. Some of the people have unique and special powers, called psions, that would inevitably put them in the position of being a protector of the group. They also have their own language, created by the writer (more on that to come on the tour!) as do their ancient relatives, the Kamlti. The writer has gone to extreme heights to give these cultures, and the people, an authenticity that is rarely found. Which only help me to feel more immersed in this book.

The people are attempting the journey to the Starfall gathering when the story arc really hits. By now, we’ve been introduced to the main characters, each a unique and interesting world into themselves. And when Kaemada, who is travelling with her telepathic wolf, and son Eian, encounters one of the most intriguing, and freaky, things in the book to me, the Angels. This excerpt does a better job than I could, in getting that these Angels are not what we would normally mean, when talking about Angels.

As they try to sleep, being only a days Pegasus ride from the destination, the angels sing their song that begs you to follow, and look, it seems they are safe. But when Eian is gone in the morning, with footprints that lead right into a rock wall, the excitement takes off.

We find that there is more going on in this world, right underneath them, and because I don’t want to spoiler the heck out of this, I’ll say that this series will be a Must read for me. There is much more to explore, people’s, magical creatures, elves, trolls, cities in the water. And all introduced through the fascinating lives, and events that unfold in Between Starfalls.

With the world itself growing as the story goes on, woven in the experiences of the characters, it really grew on me, and my interest in the book only continued to increase the further I read. I will stop here for now. In a world where ratings exist, I will give this 4 out of 5 stars, as I look forward to what comes next.

...more

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Jul 10, 2020 Alex rated it really liked it

3.5 stars

Between Starfalls appealed to me with the premise of the main character being a mother. I can’t recall many fantasy books at all in which this is the case and this certainly adds a unique and powerful dynamic to the story that you can certainly count amongst its strengths.

It also meant Between Starfalls was a unique reading experience for me because this and a few other elements provoked a range of emotions in me; something I can’t usually say even for many of my favourite books.

I use a 3.5 stars

Between Starfalls appealed to me with the premise of the main character being a mother. I can’t recall many fantasy books at all in which this is the case and this certainly adds a unique and powerful dynamic to the story that you can certainly count amongst its strengths.

It also meant Between Starfalls was a unique reading experience for me because this and a few other elements provoked a range of emotions in me; something I can’t usually say even for many of my favourite books.

I use a scoring tool and when I finish a book I fill it in just to keep track of how I felt immediately afterwards for my own future reference. There are several categories and the emotional response category for Between Starfalls got the highest score from me yet.

This was almost exclusively due to Kaemada’s storyline. There were moments I felt an absolutely huge amount of anxiety for the character’s situation; that said to me that I’d become really invested in her wellbeing. As a parent, part of this was being able to empathise with her situation and how I’d feel but it’s written in such a way as to pull at your anxiety for her regardless and begin to feel a real panic for where she finds herself at a couple of points in the book particularly. Further tugging at the heartstrings, I thought I’d got some of the plotlines figured out. When one of the events I expected to happen didn’t, I felt really sad! Then the ending without giving anything away kind of killed me! Despite this, it was good to have my expectations subverted and not everything be predictable. Only fairy stories finish with everything being fine in the end.

Another powerful technique was how SKaeth portrays the Kamalti. They’re seen as a wise and interesting people but we soon learn the reality is a lot different. They were absolutely infuriating and I hated them for large parts of the book. They’re pretty much the reason for all of our characters hardships and it can feel quite bleak at times – forced servitude that borders on slavery in the guise of punishment, loss, abandonment, anxiety, torture, lack of a fair trial, discrimination. They suffer through it all. Despite this, and made more so because of this, there are a lot of heartwarming close bonds and loyalty to family and friends and this is a major theme. It’s quite character driven in this respect and seeing how much the characters can endure and keep moving forward plays a major role. There is a lot of courage, hope and love to keep a light against the encroaching darkness of what our characters face.

I prefer to talk about characters I love and whilst I enjoyed the other characters in the book, they didn’t stand out in the same way that Kaemada did to me personally. She’s a particularly interesting character because of her abilities. She’s a Psion which means she has abilities of the mind. Unlike most, she has the power of telekinesis and telepathy. Most psions control only one. She can use these abilities to dreamwalk and to bond with animals; her connection to her Wolf companion, Tannevar plays an important role. Their pain is felt through one another and he is extremely useful to her, almost as an extension of self, scouting ahead and offering protection.

As well as a skill for emotion, SKaeth puts a lot of effort into fleshing out the culture of the Rinaryns and the people of Torkae – the kaetal (village) most of our characters are from. It’s really interesting to learn about them and this is sometimes done through the story and other times in the form of the excerpts that start each chapter.

I think all books worth reading, no matter how well written or in depth, need something imaginative that stands out – something unique and sometimes weird. Something that gives the book an extra degree of personality. To me, Between Starfalls fulfills this with the Angels. Basically the opposite of traditional angels in almost every way, they are ominous predatory creatures that descend at night and basically lull their targets into a defenceless state with their song before feeding on them. Once you look an angel in the eye, you’ve sealed your fate. There’s an ominous, terrifying element to this and the way the people live in acceptance but fear of these mysterious and unsettling beings.

To conclude, if you’re looking for an action-packed, breathless tour de force with blockbuster sequences, heart in mouth betrayals and big battles this isn’t the fantasy for you.

You’ll enjoy this if you are looking to read something to inspire hope amongst darkness and adversity whilst exploring a new fantasy culture with a strong focus on relationships, love and those close bonds we all need to get us through life. ...more

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May 25, 2020 Ariana rated it it was amazing

A heartbreaking and intense tale of community, cultural rifts, and the lengths mothers will go for their children. Told from multiple perspectives, but my favourite is Kaemada’s as she navigates being an injured warrior stumbling over horrific truths and overcoming her naivety to come into her full power.

Can’t wait for book two!!

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Jul 09, 2020 Kriti | Armed with A Book rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: bought, blog-tours

One of my favorite books this year!

Reading experience:

“We must draw on all our skills to succeed, even those frowned upon,” says Takiyah in Between Starfalls and since I could not find the words to start this review in spite of all my notes and quotes, I called upon one of my favorite characters to start it for me. There is so much to write about and I will not be able to touch on everything. I will make a quick honorary mention here to the terrifying angels in the book and the fact that peopl ...more

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May 08, 2020 TNE Book Critic rated it it was amazing

Between Starfalls, is the first book in the Children of the Nexus saga, is a beautifully written epic fantasy novel sprinkled with science fiction. Between Starfalls, is a whopping 372 pages; but you won't notice it due to the well-developed storyline and intriguing characters that are introduced throughout the book. Overcome with tiredness, Kaemada falls asleep only to discover that her son, Euin, is missing. Forbidden to leave the path, Kaemada defies authority and enlist her brother, a priest ...more

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Jun 19, 2020 Ben Gartner rated it really liked it

Kaemada prepares to fight invaders while living in a near-utopian tribe of the Rinaryn called a kaetal---until her young son Eian takes a fateful turn off of “the path” and disappears. Like most mothers probably would, she goes after him even though leaving the path is prohibited. To her shock, she discovers a dystopian world that has only been whispered about in legends. She becomes a slave and is forced to use her psionic powers to battle for her life and the life of her son.

Between Starfalls ...more

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Jun 28, 2020 Kathryn rated it really liked it

I loved the world-building in Between Starfalls. The different cultures and their ways of living were fascinating. The mystery of the Angels, and hints about some of the characters made me want to read more of the series. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next! ...more

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Jul 04, 2020 Amanda Thorne rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this one, though it took me longer than usual to finish. It's smart, introducing names and customs slowly, but putting together a well rounded world. ...more

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Jul 27, 2020 Jerusha Renee rated it it was amazing

Another wonderful story by S. Kaeth! Set in the same world as Windward, Between Starfalls follows the story of four characters as they stray from their familiar path and discover a people living under the mountains. The book explores a clash of cultures, misunderstandings, and the desperation of the characters as they try to find Kaemada's son and return home. The author has an amazing imagination and the cultures within her book feel real and unique. I definitely grew attached to the characters ...more

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Jul 12, 2020 Dorian Graves rated it really liked it

A group of adventuring friends try to rescue a child and find themselves separated and trapped in a land thought lost to legend. They'll face hardships and question everything they knew about themselves in order to survive.
The characters are at their strongest and most engaging when they are apart, trying to survive a society they don't understand where failure can lead to their deaths. The world-building between the different cultures is also intricate and made me want to learn more! The beginn ...more

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Jul 10, 2020 Paulette Kennedy rated it it was amazing

Beautifully written, epic high fantasy with well-rounded characters in a believable world. Plenty of tension, emotional stakes, and cliffhangers to keep you hooked and reading. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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About S. Kaeth

S. Kaeth

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SK is the indie author of Windward and Between Starfalls. She's a co-founder of Indie Story Geek as well as a co-founder of Teacup Dragon. You'll also find her at WriteHive, where she is a Coordinator, and Writer In Motion as Forum Moderator, and when she’s not buried under edits, you can often find her cheering people on in Twitter’s Writing Community.

Stay in touch on her mailing list! ...more