Eturian Princess Cassia and her best friend, Kane, have been on the run for the last two years, but eventually her past catches up with her and Cassia is returned to her sadistic fiancé, who has since made her kingdom his own ong with most of the rest of the planet. Once they're married, she turns the tables, imprisons him, and tries to deal with a citizens' rebellion bent on ending sovereign rule altogether. Her husband's mysterious allies release a chemical weapon, and Cassie and Kane enlist the aid of their friends to trace the source, leading them into danger at the hands of the largest Moboutfit on the galaxy fringe. This lively space opera, featuring two minor characters from Landers' companion book, Starflight (2016), is chock-full of conflicts between love and duty; drug-enhanced, Vegas-style pit fighting; and the idea that sometimes your friends may be your only family. Try this with fans of Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's Starbound series or Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles.

After two years hiding among crew on the Banshee, Princess Cassia returns to Eturia--as bounty. When her shipmates attempt rescue, they find Cassia has claimed her birthright on the war-torn planet; despite loving Kane, Cassia may have to marry for her people. Many engaging characters from Starflight return, but this sequel is missing the predecessor's sense of a tight-knit crew with a mission.

Gr 8 Up-n Starflight, Princess Cassia Rose fled from her planet to save those she loved, or so she thought. After two years of living in hiding, things now come to a head when she is finally captured by the ruthless bounty hunters who have been stalking her and best friend Kane. Cassie must quickly decide what type of monarch she will be when she returns home to a planet ravaged by war and misguidance. Cassie and Kane have decisions to make, and they must trust in each other or let it all go. This title will draw in sci-fi romance lovers of the previous volume, but teens don't have to have read it to enjoy the followup. The galactic journey from the first book is referenced, but all of the plotlines from Starflight are explained when needed. It is an interesting switch to hear the narrative voices of two secondary characters from the first volume now having primary roles. The strong message of finding a love of equals shines throughout. Landers sets an intergalactic stage that fans of sci-fi, romance, and adventure will devour. Readers who enjoyed Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff will be drawn to this title. VERDICT A great addition to YA sci-fi collections.Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East High School, IL