The First Starborn (Book #2 in the Astral Alliance Series)

This is another good book and a very enjoyable read! I must say, I’m perhaps even more hooked on this series now than when I first started it. The story is pretty action-packed. You know that saying about real-life events where all you can say is “You can’t make this stuff up!”? Well, that’s exactly how this series feels right now. These books are like a mystery that has to be unraveled and discovered piece by piece. The plot thickens in ways that really keep you engaged.

One thing that stood out in this book is how Megan is called out more often for her heroic actions. We already had a sense of her being a hero from the first book, but now Megan and her sisters (as they call themselves) are taking on new challenges, especially in the effort to break open and end the child slave trade. The story really begins with the search for Megan’s father, but that goal is deeply entwined with the mission to rescue the starborn children.

I had the chance to meet the author and listen to one of his talks. His daughter was writing a book and asked him what to do next. He said, “You have to make them suffer more!” Incidentally, as I read along, I kept thinking, “They haven’t suffered enough!” So, I expected more hardships to come. It didn’t happen quite as I expected, but the storyline did take a twist.

I’m really pleased with the twists and turns in the book and to get to a resolution at the end, at least for this installment. They haven’t completely cracked the child slavery case, so the rest is left for the third book. I look forward to reading it to learn what happens next!

As with the first book, this one weaves morals into the characters’ actions and decisions, particularly Megan’s. She stands out as a righteous hero, willing to sacrifice to do what’s right. Even in life-and-death situations, she chooses not to kill senselessly, even when her enemies might deserve it. She shows a strong moral perspective, repeatedly praying to God when she needs help and treating all life as sacred. This reminds me of how we are to leave the judgment and justice to God. Others around Megan follow her lead as a moral guide and a leader, emphasizing mercy and restraint.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a pretty easy and relaxing read, and it’s nice to walk in the shoes of heroes in stories like this. I definitely recommend The First Starborn to anyone looking for an engaging, morally grounded, action-packed space adventure.