As fractured alliances plunge humanity into civil war, Hinata battles a cunning enemy while Freyja hunts for the origin of a mysterious signal, and Skyla, stranded on a hostile planet, becomes the focus of a desperate rescue mission. Amidst galactic conflict, the story weaves together high-stakes action, slow-burn romance, and explorations of loyalty, technology, and found family, all building toward a tense cliffhanger ending.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a fractured galaxy where the United Tribal Axis has splintered into warring factions, the story follows three main characters—Skyla, Hinata, and Freyja—each navigating their own perilous missions in the aftermath of the events of Umbra. Skyla is stranded on a frozen planet after a failed attempt to find her father, accompanied only by her AI starship Pele and animal companion Fenrir. Hinata, now a Navy commander, is embroiled in a losing war against an unpredictable enemy, while Freyja is determined to uncover the origin of a mysterious signal she believes is central to the chaos threatening their society. The narrative is told through a triple POV structure, interweaving personal journeys, galactic battles, and a rescue mission to find the missing Skyla, all while larger, unseen forces manipulate events from the shadows. The book features a blend of space battles, political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and explorations of technology, including the deep bond between AI ships and their captains.

Readers consistently praised the book’s character development, especially the growth and depth of Skyla, Hinata, and Freyja, as well as the strong presence of side characters like Kylian, Tristan, and the AI ship Pele. The triple POV structure was highlighted as effective in maintaining pacing and engagement, with many noting the seamless transitions and the way each perspective added to the overall tension and emotional stakes. The slow-burn romances, particularly between Skyla and Hinata and between Freyja and Kylian, were frequently mentioned as compelling, with readers enjoying the angst, mutual pining, and eventual payoff. The worldbuilding, including unique settings like an abandoned underwater city and the integration of AI, was also cited as immersive, and the balance between action, interpersonal drama, and humor was appreciated. Many readers found the book gripping, with cliffhangers at both the chapter and book level keeping them eager for the next installment.

Some readers noted that the book leaves several plot threads unresolved, with a cliffhanger ending that, while not as dramatic as the previous book, still left them wanting more answers. A few mentioned that the focus on character relationships sometimes overshadowed the broader political and scientific aspects, making some of the more complex worldbuilding or political scheming harder to follow. There were occasional comments about wanting more POVs from side characters like Kylian and Tristan, and a few readers found certain character decisions frustrating, particularly Hinata’s reluctance to express his feelings. Additionally, while the slow-burn romance was generally well received, some readers found the romantic tension drawn out or wished for more resolution.

The book is the second in the Sentient Stars series and builds directly on the events of Umbra, with a timeline jump of about six months. It features a mix of genres, including space opera, science fiction, and elements of romantasy, and includes themes of found family, loyalty, betrayal, and the ethical implications of technology such as deepfakes. The narrative includes both action-packed sequences and quieter moments of introspection, with animal companions and AI ships playing significant roles. The book has received a high average reader rating (4.69/5) from over 40 ratings and more than 30 full reviews, and is noted for its pacing, dialogue, and emotional impact. The story is positioned as the middle entry in a trilogy, setting up for a concluding volume that will address the remaining mysteries and character arcs.