Why Didn't I Read This Sooner?

by Samantha C.

You May have heard of Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series, as well as A Court of Thorns and Roses (which debuted at number two on the New York Times bestseller list). You may have heard of Susan Dennard, author of theSomething Strange and Deadly series. You may even know that the two are best friends. But what you probably don't know is that the two are cowriting a story online: The Starkillers Cycle. To use their own words, it is "perfect for fans of epci sci-fi and steamy romance, THE STARKILLERS CYCLE is a seralized space opera set in a diverse and cutthroat galaxy. From an escaped convict with blood on her hands to a society girl turned fighter pilot, follow a sweeping cast of characters as they learn the galaxy is a far bigger - and more terrifying - place than they ever imagined."

        There was very, very little I disliked about The Starkillers Cycle. The story itself (which is currently 26 chapters long) alternates each chapter's point of view between one of seven characters: Mel, Daphne, Colt, Turner, Nico, Harrison, and Bennet. Each character's chapter is different, and very rarely overlaps chronologically with one or more of the others'. There are really only two things I disliked: the grammatical errors, and the time between updates. The grammar errors are understandable, since The Starkillers Cycle is essentially a rough draft written in what little free time that have as they work on their contracted novels (the last three books in the Throne of Glass series for Sarah J. Maas, and the upcoming Witchlands quartet for Susan Dennard). That also happens to be the reason for the delay between updates, which is completely understandable: they both have to focus on their jobs and hitting their deadlines so they can keep The Starkillers Cycle free to read.

        I recommend that everyone give this series a try, unless you dislike swearing and some sexual references. The Starkillers Cycle is intriguing, entertaining, and constantly keeps you guessing. If that isn't enough to interest you, then maybe the fact that they cited both Star Wars and Jurassic Park as influences is. The Starkillers Cycle is completely free, and only available online at thestarkillerscycle.tumblr.com.