Phoenix

Stardust, Book 1

By: Autumn Reed, Julia Clarke

Narrated by: Emily Lawrence

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

All Haley Jones wants for her 18th birthday is answers.

Thanks to an overprotective dad and a secluded existence in the Sierra Nevada wilderness, Haley has never experienced a typical life. Her dad claims there's a good reason for their isolation, but he refuses to tell her why, delaying her questions with the promise of answers when she turns 18.

That day has finally arrived, but the explanation raises more questions than answers. And when Haley wishes for the chance to explore the world, she finds that the old adage rings true - be careful what you wish for.

Contains mature themes.

©2015 Autumn Reed and Julia Clarke (P)2017 Tantor

What a mystery! Good guys or bad?

This RH so far has a very PG start. Haley has been sheltered and secluded most of her life. Everything changes on her 18th birthday. Homeschooled with no high school diploma, identification or driver’s license she must figure out her past, find her father and navigate a world she’s been hidden from for most of her life. She’s taken in by 6 members of an intelligence team. Can she trust them? This book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger as we learn the team is definitely hiding something from her. I usually like a steamier RH but in this case, the story is good and the lack of steam makes sense because although Haley is tough and smart she is also very naive and inexperienced around people especially men. Can’t wait to start the next book!

Love this Series!

This is a slow burning reverse harem series and I love how Haley and the Boy’s relationships progress and the building suspense in each book. This is only book one in the series but I would highly recommend starting this series. It’s well written and enjoyable to series to listen too. Can’t wait for all of the series to be available.

Couldn’t listen to

I tried… I tried slowing down and speeding up the speed, but nothing I did helped the annoyance I felt at listening to this woman narrate this book. It was like nails on a chalk board.
It’s possible that this is a wonderful story, but I will have to read it for myself.

Great story

Really great story that held my interest so it kept me reading/ listening. The narration however was a little hit a miss at times but for the most part it was good.

Loved it

This was a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The performance by Emily Lawrence is spot on. This is definitely a slow-burn book, but I really enjoyed the building of the relationships between the MC and the guys. I've already started the next book in the series and look forward to seeing how the plot plays out.

Very good

I love the books and I am a heavy reader (or obsessed as my husband says) and these were some of my first choices for Audible since I had a career change and am driving a lot more. I truly enjoyed “Haley’s” voice, it actually suited the picture in my head for Haley and I have been able to listen to this series over and over. Highly recommend it for people that are hesitate to purchase an audio book.

Why have I never listened to these books before?!?

I had heard a lot about the Stardust series by Julia Clarke and Autumn Reed before but for some reason I never had time to pick them up. I was on a work trip last week and decided to get book 1 on audio for the plane trip and I am so glad I did! This series is addicting, let me tell you!!

First, the storyline: I loved Haley and her tenacious attitude. I loved her inner monologues and her apprehension and cautiousness seemed genuine and not love at first sight, let’s trust a handful of strangers who keep appearing to kidnap me. She has a logical thought process which I can appreciate. I enjoyed getting to meet all the guys and see how she slowly adapts to her new surroundings when her life goes to crap. Couldn’t wait to pick up book 2!

Secondly, the narration: I loved Emily Lawrence’s performance and have definitely added her to my top 10 narrator list! As I mentioned before I hadn’t read the books before listening but I think based on the story I have heard, she embodies Haley and the guys. I think she does a great job with the different women and men characters, pleasantly surprised by her rendition of Liam. Great job, have already gotten the rest of the series available so I can continue to listen ❤️

Last but not least...the guys!!! Daaaang these guys are all so different but so awesome at the same time. Not sure how I feel about Liam and Jackson but I will find out soon since I am currently listening to Draco as I review this 🤓😉😍. I thought I would connect with Ethan the most because of his nerdy tendencies (totally my kryptonite!!) but definitely am loving the brothers and Chase the most 🤤

Error

I thought it was sci-fi or fantasy and it’s not so I’m not a good judge of the book.

Fantastic Reverse Harem series

I thought Emily Lawrence did a fantastic job with this book. Loved reading it, and loved listening to it.

wondering and wishing

I'm wondering what the plot is. im wishing the narrator wasn't so monotone. but im engaged and curious enough to listen to the next one.