Series Review: Starflight by Melissa Landers

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

Starflight Series

Synopsis for Starflight (from Goodreads):

Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. She’s so desperate to reach the realm that she’s willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.

When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he’s been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world—and each other—the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe…

SERIESous’ Top Picks: New Must Read Author
Series: Starflight
Author: Melissa Landers
# of Books: 2 (Starflight, Starfall)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Humour
Heat Rating: cool
Point of View: Third Person, Alternating
Publication Date: February 2016 – February 2017
Source & Format: Public Library–Hardcover; eBook

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

When I finished Melissa Lander’s series Alienated last year (though it technically isn’t “finished”–she is writing a new sequel to it), I immediately looked up what else she had written. Alienated was her debut, and it was a strong one at that. It was witty, smart, fun and had its touching moments too. And so, I was eager to read another novel by her.

So I’ve been waiting a YEAR to read Starflight. I tried to keep my expectations low but I was super, super excited to dive into this one.

What I Liked:

Starflight was sheer perfection! It reminded me how much I love sci-fi ☄✨? I highly recommend it!

— Lauren (@SERIESousBooks) March 14, 2016

–The World–

I love Science Fiction stories though I rarely read them. This world was just so great! It wasn’t overly complicated so it was super easy to follow. I never felt overwhelmed and everything is clearly explained. It was great to seamlessly fall into a story (especially with some of the other books I had been reading at the time).

–The Banter–

Man, Melissa Landers writes the best banter between her characters. They have me laughing and reading with a huge smile on my face. The one liners in this novel are FANTASTIC!

–The Plot–

Normally, I’m not a huge adventure fan but this one had my attention from the get-go. It helps that the cast of characters is so intriguing and you can’t help but love them. Solara was such a smart heroine and I loved how she approached problems and handled them. Doran was also amazing and I easily fell in love with him. But even the side characters were great. They have such interesting pasts that you makes you want to know more.

As for the actual plot, it had just enough to it to keep the plot moving but not so much that it was overwhelming. I loved everything this ragtag group encountered. Their journey reminded me of something that would happen on Cowboy Bebop so I didn’t mind in the slightest.

What I Didn’t Like:

–No Complaints Here–

Honestly, I loved this book! It was everything I wanted it to be. I was worried that this was going to be like Illuminae but it was so different so don’t worry about that at all.

My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:

After reading the synopsis for Starfall, I am super excited. I like that it is a chronological sequel but focuses on two different characters. It’s going to be so much fun!

–July 1, 2017– Book #2: Starfall

Like its predecessor, I was eager to get my hands on this one! The only thing holding me back was the fact that my library didn’t get their copy right away -.-

Regardless, I devoured this book once I finally got it in my hands! Landers has such a fabulous flow to her writing that it’s so easy to get sucked into the story.

I will say that this one wasn’t as “fun” as Starflight because the story isn’t as light hearted. These characters find themselves in a dangerous and precarious situation and the tone of the story reflects that. Of course, you have the great banter between the characters and jabs at some of the crazy predicaments and antics the characters experienced in Starflight so it isn’t all doom and gloom.

Regardless, I really enjoyed this story immensely and it is a great way to wrap up this series!

Though I totally could read 10 volumes of this groups various adventures.

My Rating: 5/5

Starflight 5/5 | Starfall 4/5

If you love fun Science Fiction adventure stories, this is for you! It’s smart, fast-paced and fun. It’s a blast from start to finish. Melissa Landers is one of my new “must read” authors and I highly recommend this one!

Read if You Like: science fiction, world-building, witty stories
Avoid if You: dislike adventure, want a more romance focused story

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• Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows Series #1)
• Inherit the Stars by Tessa Elwood (Inherit the Stars Series #1)
• The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross (The Steampunk Chronicles #1)