Release: April 21st 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: iRead Book Tours
Find it at: Amazon, Amazon.ca, B&N, Target, Google play, Book Depository
__
__
Book Description:
When frumpy senior citizen Archie goes in search of his missing son in the Spanish Canary Islands, he stumbles upon a higher mission. By locating a magical cure for his ailing fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Ella. Using a portal-jumping device called the Tillastrion, Archie and a stone-headed creature named Zeno are transported to Jarr-Wya. Jarr-Wya is a magnificent yet terrifying island in a connected realm. Ella and her strong-willed mother, Tessa, accidentally stow away on this not-so-secret quest.
What they find on Jarr-Wya is a wicked Star in the sea torturing the island . Also a raging three-way battle for dominion between the stone-wielding Bangols, the fiery Olearons, and the evil Millia sands. Ella’s wit and resourcefulness emerge in this new world. Also, Tessa has to confront her long-buried secrets and a confusing new love triangle. When the Bangols capture Ella, Tessa and Archie set out to save her and unravel the terrible mystery of her cure. A mesmerizing, stay-up-all-night adventure of three unlikely heroes. Above the Star reminds us that even the smallest act of bravery can transform our lives and the fates of the worlds around us.
About the Author:
Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning author, artist, photographer, art curator, filmmaker, and public speaker. She has received over 40 noteworthy distinctions for her visual and literary work. Her award-winning fantasy series The 8th Island Trilogy includes, Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. The series has been described as “A WRINKLE IN TIME meets THE PRINCESS BRIDE” by The Perpetual You magazine. “Fast and bizarre… never a dull moment” by Forward Reviews. The 8th Island Trilogy “weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for blooklovers of all ages” – US Review of Books.
Chute’s bestselling memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss, was a top Kirkus title of 2017 and received a plethora of other literary distinctions. The memoir was accompanied by the feature documentary of the same name. It has screened internationally for the last three years. Chute received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta, Canada. She studied at Media Design school in Auckland, New Zealand.
She graduated valedictorian with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, USA. Chute is a highly regarded public speaker. She has presented on art, writing, bereavement, and the healing capacities of creativity around the world. Contact the Author/Artist for bookings info@alexismariechute.com When not in her art/photo studio or at her computer, Chute loves to spend quality time with her family. She reads fiction and non-fiction, watch reality TV, paddleboard, and canoe. She is not a winter person but lives in frosty Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with her husband and their three living children.
Above the Star Review:
Wow! I did not expect this book to be such a wild ride. What starts off as a family cruise turns out to be a fantastic fantasy adventure.
Firstly, I loved the characters. My favorite character is Archie. It is SO refreshing to see an older man be one of the leads. Arden/Ardenal is also wonderful and I loved the sacrifices he makes for his family. The romance between Nate, Tessa, Arden and Valerie was also intense. In fact, Valerie turned out to be a very interesting character. On a side note, I laughed out loud whenever Lady Sophia made an appearance.
There are other reasons that made me appreciate the author, apart the characters. I loved way she changed perspectives when Ella converses, and added the beautiful illustrations. The world building is also amazing, and I had no trouble visualizing the details (without referring to the glossary). There are also some intense action scenes, like Tessa’s hallucinations coming true, and when they meet Rolace.
However, I felt that the story was a little too fast at times, especially after they meet Rolace. As there are many characters, and the story is so fast, it took a while for me to understand what was happening. Also, I really wanted to like Tessa but really didn’t like how hostile she was towards her family. She only does what she thinks is right and at times doesn’t even connect with her daughter.
Apart from that, this was very entertaining and interesting. I am curious to see how the series continues. Overall, “Above the Star” is a very nice start to the 8th Island Trilogy.
Book Trailer:
Giveaway:
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Above the Star by Alexis Marie Chute Blog Tour hosted by IRead Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway! Here is the tour schedule.
