Customer Reviews

Stargazer

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Evernight series really stands out in the genre for me, particularly when it comes to throwing the audience curves that are completely in character for these people, and feel like everything builds logically, yet still surprises. Ever since the Harry Potter series of novels and Joss Whedon's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", there have been a number of YA supernatural series set in boarding schools and high school, where the structure of each novel follows the academic schedule--from first day of classes, through holiday break, until the students depart for the summer. As entertaining as school novels are, you are lulled into a false sense of security by thinking each installment will be the familiar tale of the characters' advancement through another teen right of passage we can all relate to. And so you think you know where the story is going.

But Stargazer defies expectations, and I am so impressed with how strongly the individual characters are drawn, and how the story goes places you'd never expect. There are no black-and-white stereotypes, or cookie-cutter high school tropes. All of the characters may be recognisable and familiar, but they each have strong personalities which dictate their actions. Bianca is a great lead, with strong opinions, and she learns from her mistakes, but also behaves in a very realistic way. She's brave and clever, but the audience aren't expected to agree with all of her choices, even if we understand them. Her relationships with her parents, Lucas, and especially Balthazar take on new depths in the second novel, and there's some fantastic world-building as the secrets of Evernight's past come to light, and Bianca begins to assemble more pieces of the puzzle. What's so satisfying for me is how the book builds to its climax, both in terms of Bianca and Lucas' relationship, as well as the battle between Evernight and the Black Cross.

Nothing will ever be the same after Stargazer, and now I simply can't wait for Hourglass, the next novel in the series.

I thought this was an excellent second book in the series. I couldn't put it down and I am now very sad that i finished it in one day because i wanted to stay in the story as long as possible. It was better than Evernight which I also enjoyed. I am making all my friends read it now because i loved it so much. I really fell in love with all the characters and loved the storyline. I would recommend this book to everyone, it is now one of my top 5 books. I would say it's even better then the Twilight series and that's one of my favorites. I can't wait for the next book!!

OMG! I'm so cheering for the underdog in this book, Go Balthazar!! Evernight was great but Stargazer actually had my heart hurting. If you haven't read either you really need to. And just because it's a vampire book doesn't mean you should compare it to Twilight. It isn't Twilight so read it that way. I know Evernight/Stargazer isn't as decriptive in parts as I would like it to be but it's quickly becoming my favorite book series. Chapter 18 is my favorite btw!!

This is the second book in the Evernight series. There are supposed to be four books in the series. This book was much like the first book for me. If you liked the first book you will like this one. It is beautifully written, the first part is kind of boring and nothing happens, and then the last few chapters are so packed with action it's amazing.

Bianca is returning to school after a grueling summer separated from Lucas. Upon returning to school she finds out that she is being haunted by wraiths. Much of the story deals with Bianca trying to get away from campus to secretly meet with Lucas. Balthazar is also in the story a lot.

The pacing of this book matched the first book. It is pretty darn boring for the first two thirds. A lot of teenage angsting going on as Bianca feels sorry for herself because she can't be with Lucas. The wraith hauntings happen at wide intervals and are the only interesting thing in the beginning of the book. The end of the book however is packed with so many revelations and action scenes that it leaves you dizzy.

This whole series has been much more well-written than the House of the Night series by PC and Kirsten Cast. Unfortunately the pacing is such that I find these books to be pretty dull. I don't really think Bianca is the most inspriing character either.

The end of the book is fantastic and almost makes up for the slow beginning. The end was enough to make me want to know what happens in the next book. This book was definitely a transition novel that builds to the next book. This book is definitely not a stand alone; you need to read Evernight first. Also this book doesn't resolve much at all; so for any resolution you'll have to hang around for the next book "Hourglass".

i really like this series and cannot wait for the next book! i finished both of the books in a couple of hours. its a good page turner. im getting a bit tired of the whole Lucas/Bianca bit. and im dying for her to go to Balthazar!!

I really liked Evernight. I mean I really really liked it! Loved it even! And as much as I loved Evernight- Stargazer is even better!

I don't want to go into the plot too much and really go into what happens because a lot happens! And you're really going to want to discover it all for yourself!

In my review of Evernight, I mentioned that I would like to learn more about Balthazar, and I was happy to see happen in this novel. The plot becomes even more complicated if you can believe that. Gray threw some huge twists in there, that I DID NOT see coming.

The character relationships became more complex as well, adding to the overall allure of the novel. It was interesting to see how some things tied together completely. One of the most important things to me as a reader is good characterization and Stargazer has that. As well as impressive writing on Gray's part. I love Bianca and Lucas's story!

The only thing bad about this novel is that ended! I'm dying to know what happens next! I really don't know if I can wait! A must read for vampire fans!

This is the second book in the Evernight series and I have to say that the storyline did improve a bit. I'm still not fully convinced that I will really, really love this series...right now...I like it, but I am definitely going to need quite a bit more to the story for me to really get into it as much as I was hoping.

Bianca and Lucas are being rebellious teenagers with secrets to boot. He is a part of a group called the Black Cross which are vampire hunters and of course, Bianca goes to a vampire academy with vampire parents. Balthazar is, by far, my favorite character in the entire series. He is much better fleshed-out than Lucas and Bianca and he is easily the more appealing choice for Bianca (as far as love triangles go). Bianca doesn't see Balthazar like she sees Lucas. She "loves" Lucas but cares a lot about Balthazar (who is a very old, but very attractive vampire). He also cares so much about Bianca (who acts like a spoiled-brat most of the time) that he even helps her to sneak out of the academy to visit with Lucas, who had to flee at the end of the first book because his cover as a member of the Black Cross was blown.

This installment in the series included a paranormal element - the wraith (basically, ghosts). There is something seriously weird going on that you can easily figure out has to do with Bianca & her becoming a full vampire or not...but it was kind of confusing and strange (to say the least). I have concluded that her parents are pretty sucky (no vampire pun intended) at raising a child regardless of what she is or might become. I liked them a lot in the first book, but now they seem just as spooky and untrustworthy as the uber-creepy Mrs. Bethany (the headmistress).

If you love vampires (or the supernatural & paranormal in general) I would recommend this book [series]. They are quick reads, but if you're looking for a lot of depth in the plot or characters, this probably isn't going to turn out to be a super-satisfying read for you.

I have bought all of the books that have been released, so I DO plan on reading all of them. I am hoping that the series gets better as it progresses, so we'll see!

Bianca and Lucas are determined to maintain their budding romance despite the revelation of Lucas' family history and his subsequent departure from Evernight Academy (see EVERNIGHT for more details). Unfortunately, a chance encounter with a vampire outside the walls of the school changes everything for both Lucas and Bianca, and now Balthazar is a party to their secrets as well. Meanwhile, just what is causing the frost and ghosts to appear at Evernight Academy? Will Bianca be forced to choose between the life she's led as the child of a vampire and her growing love for a vampire hunter?

STARGAZER is the second book in the Evernight series and is best appreciated if one has read EVERNIGHT first. EVERNIGHT is a stunningly clever book with some intriguing twists and turns and STARGAZER is a spectacular sequel! Readers will enjoy seeing the familiar faces of characters such as Balthazar and Raquel while gaining new insight into their motivations. Please note that STARGAZER is part of a four book series and therefore the book does not end with all the issues resolved. In fact, it adds more fuel to the fire, making me want to read HOURGLASS immediately to see what happens next.

Bianca is a character with whom it's easy to relate. Her trust has been shattered by everyone around her as the world she thought she knew is suddenly changed. Her parents have sheltered her from many of the negative aspects of being a vampire, only preparing her for the positive benefits and now Bianca is beginning to see the bigger picture and wonder just where she fits in. Her love for Lucas is understandable in this context and it will be curious to see how this love grows or changes in future books.

Claudia Gray writes a tale that is sheer fun to read! The fast pace keeps the story flowing smoothly along while the mysteries heighten the sense of danger. The class discussions with Mrs. Bethany on Shakespeare add a sense of depth to the storyline as often these discussions parallel the events occurring in the plot. STARGAZER is a dark tale and Claudia Gray does an excellent job at creating and maintaining the eerie atmosphere that permeates the entire book. Bravo!

COURTESY OF BOOK ILLUMINATIONS

My standing rule is the first, as in first book in a series, movie even love of your life is always the best. I enjoy the older original released movie over their recent remakes. However, I felt Stargazer was a better read than Evernight. In Evernight, I was not impressed with the scene in the Gazebo the night of the ball, nor the biting days afterward. I certainly did not see that coming. So I must give kudos where they are earned. I guess I am not into a 300 year old, experienced, man hitting on a teenager either. I get the point. I just did not connect with. Strangely though I found myself wishing she would dump Luke in book #2 and run off with Balthazar. Fun read. Not my favorite but fun.

The first book, "Evernight", was okay in opinion, a book worth renting from the library to read. This sequel, titled "Stargazer", outshone it's predecessor. This book took the events that had been laid down in a somewhat stilted way and ran away with story, plot and twists. I was completely shocked by how much I really enjoyed this book.

Bianca, the heroine, really grew as a three-dimentional person. She is presented with some awful truths and acts like a typical teenager, which I'm very glad to have seen her go through. There was more sexual awakenings (though no sex outright)and more development in her relationships with those around her.

The sub-plot was interesting too, because it presented a unique twist on the vampire genre. I think this book makes reading the first book well worth it, and I hope the next installment, titled "Hourglass", keeps the momentum rolling.