The Starlight Chronicles Series by C.S. Johnson

There is no surrendering your will without giving up your heart. Long before she took up the title of Starry Knight, Raiya Cole knew she was different. Ever since she survived the car crash that killed her parents, the truth about her supernatural powers—and her destiny as a fallen Star—shaped her life, preparing her for a battle she knew would come one day. With the help of Grandpa Odd, her beloved mentor, Raiya works to maintain control over her power and train as a Starlight Warrior... moreThere is no surrendering your will without giving up your heart. Long before she took up the title of Starry Knight, Raiya Cole knew she was different. Ever since she survived the car crash that killed her parents, the truth about her supernatural powers—and her destiny as a fallen Star—shaped her life, preparing her for a battle she knew would come one day. With the help of Grandpa Odd, her beloved mentor, Raiya works to maintain control over her power and train as a Starlight Warrior.But the battle she prepared for is not the first one she must face.As her seventh grade year begins, Raiya’s resolve is put to the test when her power unexpectedly—and exponentially—grows, threatening the fragile life she has managed to build over the last six years. Can Raiya embrace a duty that demands not only her life, but her heart as well? Can she survive paying the price that comes with her power?Searching is the prequel to The Starlight Chronicles, an epic fantasy adventure series from C. S. Johnson. FROM THE BOOK:  I was very young when I first learned the power of a broken heart. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, it was not my own heart that taught me this truth. My heart, after all, was already broken. And that’s why I’m here, I thought wryly, glancing up from the all- too-familiar patient room floor at Apollo City Hospital. Between the tarnished sense of sterility, its ash-colored tiles, and the dulled-white walls, I almost felt at home. In the last six years, I’d come here at least once every couple of months. Between all my visits, I had counted the cabinets along the wall countless times, even if I always forgot how many there actually were in the end. That wasn’t the only thing I’d forgotten, either. I frowned at the sudden, overwhelming scent of iodine. How long have I been sitting here, to have forgotten that? I hated that smell. It wasn’t just unpleasant in itself; it also brought up a wide array of unpleasant memories. “What is it, Raiya?” Despite my discomfort, a small, reassuring smile was already on my lips as I looked over at my grandfather. Through the loose tresses of my coppery hair, I saw him watching me with a concerned look on his face. My grandpa was a thin man, with a bushy, white beard and kind, ageless eyes. Every day since I’d finished elementary school, it seemed as though he was getting shorter as I was getting taller. As I gazed at him, taking in his plain clothes and his oversized coat, I thought how easy it would be for the average person to dismiss him, to see him as harmless and old, barely indistinguishable from any man walking in the street. Grandpa would never be that to me. No—to me, he was my hero. FROM THE AUTHOR:  Welcome to the Starlight Chronicles, an epic fantasy adventure about fallen stars! This is the prequel, Searching, featuing Starry Knight and her with her powers as she enters seventh grade.  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  It was nice the read through the mind of the other protagonist. It was great to actually read more than snippets of her life. ~ Natasha, Goodreads ReviewerWow. Utterly fantastic. ~ Jackie, Goodreads Reviewer less

A narcissistic teenager who doesn't believe in destiny.  A city under supernatural attack.  An adventure that unfortunately changes everything.  Sixteen-year-old Hamilton Dinger leads a charmed life. He's got the grades for the top of the class, the abilities of a star athlete and Tetris player, and the charisma to get away with anything. Everything seems to be going along perfectly, including his plans to ask out Gwen Kessler, as he enters into tenth grade at Apollo Central High School... moreA narcissistic teenager who doesn't believe in destiny.  A city under supernatural attack.  An adventure that unfortunately changes everything.  Sixteen-year-old Hamilton Dinger leads a charmed life. He's got the grades for the top of the class, the abilities of a star athlete and Tetris player, and the charisma to get away with anything. Everything seems to be going along perfectly, including his plans to ask out Gwen Kessler, as he enters into tenth grade at Apollo Central High School.Everything, that is, until a meteor crashes into the city, releasing the Seven Deadly Sinisters and their leader, Orpheus, from their celestial prison, and awakening Hamilton's longtime dormant supernatural abilities. Suddenly Hamilton finds himself reluctantly allied with his self-declared mentor, Elysian, a changeling dragon, and Starry Knight, a beautiful but dangerous warrior, as they seek to protect the souls of Apollo City from the Sinisters and their evil intentions.Can Hamilton give up his self-proclaimed entitlement to happiness in order to follow the call of a duty he doesn't want? More importantly, will he willingly sacrifice all he has to find out the truth? FROM THE BOOK:  At the time, I didn't really believe that anything outside my control would change my life. Or at least, not in a significant, substantial way. My life was all about myself, and I figured I had complete control over that. Anything that happened outside of my control was more or less because I let it happen, and didn't feel like stopping it. It's funny how one disaster of epic proportion can really make you change your mind. FROM THE AUTHOR:  Welcome to the epic world of The Starlight Chronicles, a young adult fantasy series about a team of fallen Stars with supernatural powers. Follow them through this alternatively snarky and sweet series as they become their city's resident superheroes, with all the fun and frustration of dragons and swords and homework! Look for Book 2, Calling, as the battle between good and evil continues on!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some wry humor with their reading!  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  If you like Narnia, superhero adventures, or coming-of-age tales, definitely give this book a try. ~ Chandler Brett, author of Wolf Code5 STARS! ~ Reader's Favorite... Hamilton's inner progress toward heroism feels touchingly genuine, and there are plenty of good comic moments to keep the story moving ... Percy Jackson fans will eagerly await the next volume in the series ... A fast-paced, effective teen-paranormal outing. ~ Kirkus Reviews less

A calling he never wanted.  A co-defender he can't ignore.  A choice that changes everything.  ​ As if Hamilton Dinger needs any more frustration at the moment. Not only has he accepted his duty as a starlight warrior, he's got swim meets to prepare for, his little brother to babysit, and an annoying new girl in his class... moreA calling he never wanted.  A co-defender he can't ignore.  A choice that changes everything.  ​ As if Hamilton Dinger needs any more frustration at the moment. Not only has he accepted his duty as a starlight warrior, he's got swim meets to prepare for, his little brother to babysit, and an annoying new girl in his class. Plus he's got his 'mentor' dragon, Elysian, on his back every chance he gets, and his 'co-defender,' Starry Knight, urging him to quit the superhero business after every battle.As the Seven Deadly Sinisters and their leader, Orpheus, search for new ways to gather power, Ham finds both betrayal and friendship in unexpected places. Desperately searching for a way he can get stronger, he finds his own inner struggles costing him the most as he attempts to keep the rest of the city safe.Will Hamilton realize his potential in the power of trust? Will he be able make peace with Starry Knight, or will their quarrels be the downfall of them both? FROM THE BOOK:  I found every layer of myself chiseled away, the blackened cynicism of my heart breaking open and oozing the kind of fear which only stems from the deepest sort of longing. "Don't leave me." And then I kissed her.  FROM THE AUTHOR:  Continue reading through the epic fantasy series from young adult author C. S. Johnson, as fallen Stars/superheroes Wingdinger, Starry Knight, along with their dragon Elysian, fight evil as much as they fight with each other.Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some sweetness!  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  Johnson really manages to make the main character's growth very believable. Even starting from where he left of in the previous book it is clear that Hamilton Dinger - just like all the rest of us real human beings - still has a long way to go.  ~ Jake Yaniak, author of Morality is the Problem4 STARS! ~ Reader's FavoriteBy far one of my most favorite young adult book & audio book series!!! ~ Teresa, Mom to a teen and Goodreads Reviewer less

A drastic change of heart.  A determined choice to commit.  An unexpected betrayal at a critical moment.  There is nothing like a birthday to give Hamilton Dinger something to look forward to in his busy life. With his new job as a part-time intern at the Mayor’s office, being a full-time high school student and starlight warrior has its challenges... moreA drastic change of heart.  A determined choice to commit.  An unexpected betrayal at a critical moment.  There is nothing like a birthday to give Hamilton Dinger something to look forward to in his busy life. With his new job as a part-time intern at the Mayor’s office, being a full-time high school student and starlight warrior has its challenges. And although he has the full support of his girlfriend, Gwen, and his best friend, Mikey, and even a tentative partnership with Starry Knight, his ally against the Seven Deadly Sinisters, Hamilton has definite cause for concern.The arrival of SWORD, the growing demonic activity in Apollo City, and the increasingly negative media attention has sparked ongoing unrest among the city and its inhabitants. To gain more power, Elysian and Hamilton set off for the Celestial Kingdom to deepen his commitment through learning, new landscapes, and cosmic surfing, evil forces continue in their quest for power and control. But when Hamilton finds uncertainty and distrust between his two worlds, will he be able to find the answers to his questions? Will he find the strength he needs to carry on? Will he realize the importance of his choices, and more importantly–make the right ones? FROM THE BOOK:  There had been a feeling hanging over me in the past few weeks, a feeling that change was coming. It didn't click until that moment that change had already arrived. I was changing, things were changing, and I was finally okay - in fact, more than okay - with that. It was flooring, the idea I was looking forward to something more in life than Tetris and being cheered on by my friends. Those things still mattered, of course, but there was more, and I was enthralled there was more.  FROM THE AUTHOR:  Cross through the River Veil and into the world beyond the Star of Time in the Starlight Chronicles, a young adult epic fantasy series from C. S. Johnson. Be on the lookout for Book 4, Remembering, as Hamilton and his fellow superheroes continue to fight evil and get their schoolwork finished!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama!  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  Once again, this book features a less than likeable main character, but we are seeing his grow and change and mature (just a bit) since the first book. This book has the benefit of being right in the middle of the story right away.  ~ Stephanie, Audiobook Enthusiast and Goodreads ReviewerThis series just keeps getting better and better, with new characters and a deeper story unfolding. ~ Terri, Emerging Author and Goodreads Reviewer less

A feeling he never imagined.  A revelation he never saw coming.  A love that transcends time and space.  With the arrival of 11th grade, Hamilton Dinger has no shortage of activities to pursue. With his job at the mayor’s office, schoolwork, and fighting off evil, he has no time to worry about Starry Knight’s recent betrayal and his relentless fixation with her.Even though he does anyway... moreA feeling he never imagined.  A revelation he never saw coming.  A love that transcends time and space.  With the arrival of 11th grade, Hamilton Dinger has no shortage of activities to pursue. With his job at the mayor’s office, schoolwork, and fighting off evil, he has no time to worry about Starry Knight’s recent betrayal and his relentless fixation with her.Even though he does anyway.Pushing past his emotional turmoil, he works with Aleia and Elysian to uncover the truth about the Seven Deadly Sinisters and his supernatural origins. When disaster strikes once more, Hamilton and his friends realize the only way to prevent chaos from taking over Apollo City, and eventually the world, is to find the answers to the questions hidden deep inside his heart and mind. FROM THE BOOK:  I looked at her, with her hand outstretched, and watched as the last of her power fizzled out and retreated inside of her. Her fist closed, and she straightened as she squarely met my gaze.  "... I'm Starry Knight," she said, her words soft and light, even as they soundly struck me to the core. FROM THE AUTHOR:  Enjoy this book? Look for the next book in this epic fantasy series for young adults! Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama!  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  Hamilton has some incredible growth in this one, both in maturity and in a heroic moment his WINGS develop!! That was so fun to read his excitement in that freedom as he continues to battle Sinisters!  ~ Kara, Vine Voice and Goodreads ReviewerA very satisfying addition to the adventures of Windinger and Starry Night. I am enjoying the entire series and cannot wait to finish this one so I can read the rest. Hamilton is very dear to my heart. A great character!! ~ Terri, Emerging Author and Goodreads Reviewer less

A time of loneliness.  A task to fulfill.  A heart to break.  Things have been peaceful for the past three months in Apollo City. And while this would normally make Hamilton Dinger happy, Raiya’s sudden departure leaves him irritated and angry.Despite the decrease in crime and attacks, Hamilton knows it is only a matter of time before the remaining Sinisters and their mysterious new leader cause more trouble for him... moreA time of loneliness.  A task to fulfill.  A heart to break.  Things have been peaceful for the past three months in Apollo City. And while this would normally make Hamilton Dinger happy, Raiya’s sudden departure leaves him irritated and angry.Despite the decrease in crime and attacks, Hamilton knows it is only a matter of time before the remaining Sinisters and their mysterious new leader cause more trouble for him. When Alora comes under attack, Hamilton and his team, with help from his new friend, Mary, set off with St. Brendan the Navigator to restore the flow of time.But it is only after they work to save Time do they realize how little of it they have left. FROM THE BOOK:  I was standing before the entrance to my high school, staring into space and sloshing my feet further into the cold wetness of the surrounding slush, when a foreboding premonition settled on me like softly falling snowflakes. I'm alone.  FROM THE AUTHOR:  The Starlight Chronicles epic fantasy adventure series continues on with Book 5, Continuing, as Hamilton Dinger and his friends face SWORD, Sinisters, and Elysian's long-lost brother, Draco the Dragon. Look for Book 6, Outpouring, to see how it all comes crashing together! Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama!  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  It is fun watching the youngsters turning into adults, watching their love mature and strengthen. Sure, they have lots to do on the hero side of things and there is the unraveling of mysteries as they go. Never a dull moment. ~ Gay, Goodreads ReviewerA Fantastic Continuation of The Starlight Chronicles. I cannot wait to read and listen to the next one.  ~ Malissa, Goodreads Reviewer less

A shaky resolution.  A sacrifice that overwhelms.  A battle beyond realms.  The end is approaching for Hamilton Dinger and his friends.As the forces of darkness in Apollo City gain power, Hamilton finds himself on trial as the media, the law, and even his friends seem to have turned on him. The souls of the city—and the world—are on the line as the long-fought war against Alküzor, Draco, and the Seven Deadly Sinisters comes to a crux with SWORD, Wingdinger, and the forces of Adonaias... moreA shaky resolution.  A sacrifice that overwhelms.  A battle beyond realms.  The end is approaching for Hamilton Dinger and his friends.As the forces of darkness in Apollo City gain power, Hamilton finds himself on trial as the media, the law, and even his friends seem to have turned on him. The souls of the city—and the world—are on the line as the long-fought war against Alküzor, Draco, and the Seven Deadly Sinisters comes to a crux with SWORD, Wingdinger, and the forces of Adonaias.With Elysian and Starry Knight by his side, Hamilton must face the harder truths and complicated answers found only in the challenges of life and the surprising power of love.But can his heart survive such an outpouring? FROM THE BOOK:  She'll die if she keeps fighting. I had to do something. With my free hand, I reached over and drew her close to me. I kissed her, fervently hoping that it wouldn't be our last, even as I feared it would be.  FROM THE AUTHOR:  Read through this part of the Starlight Chronicles, an epic fantasy adventure series for young adults, and remember that Book 7, Everlasting, is coming up next!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama!  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  ... Can’t wait to see what’s next!! ~ Gay, Goodreads ReviewerThis book tugged at all emotions. I am not ashamed to admit that I cried! This is the best book of the series yet! ~ Krissy, Goodreads Reviewer less

Starry Knight knew that the last battle with Draco and Alküzor would be the hardest battle she would ever face. Or was it? Once more at the heart of power, Starry Knight confronts the question of death and love, only to find Adonaias waiting for her, but plenty of other surprises - and battles - as well. Join her as she faces even darker forces in this short story that takes place between Book 6 and Book 7 of the Starlight Chronicles from C. S. Johnson.

A new calling.  An old enemy.  A discovery that demands action.  It has been many years since that day, the day Hamilton Dinger wishes to forget, along with the ache in his heart. But his desire to let go of the past is usurped when the future comes barreling into his apartment in the form of two young Starlight defenders, Lucas and Lyra, calling for a new mission for him... moreA new calling.  An old enemy.  A discovery that demands action.  It has been many years since that day, the day Hamilton Dinger wishes to forget, along with the ache in his heart. But his desire to let go of the past is usurped when the future comes barreling into his apartment in the form of two young Starlight defenders, Lucas and Lyra, calling for a new mission for him.More than reluctantly, Hamilton heads home to Apollo City as Dante Salyards, now a rogue agent from SWORD, seeks his help in dismantling a new administration of evil in Apollo City.After a shocking discovery, Hamilton is faced with the choice to renew his commitment, and embrace the responsibilities, both pleasant and painful, the Prince of Stars had in store for him–but it could cost him more than his heart this time.With everything on the line, can Hamilton finally have the life he had always dreamed of? Find out in this stunning conclusion of The Starlight Chronicles. FROM THE BOOK:  Mikey grinned, and for moment, I had to laugh; Mikey looked just like his high school self, with food stuck in his teeth, his smile wide and innocent. "If that's the best I can get from you for now, I'll take it. Besides, given our history, I'd say a miracle is right around the corner." "Ha, ha, yeah right." I rolled my eyes. I'd forgotten how to believe in miracles. FROM THE AUTHOR:  Can't get enough of this epic fantasy adventure? Be sure to check out the prequel, Searching, featuing Starry Knight and her struggle with her powers. Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama!  WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:  Good. No more tears. ~ Gay, Goodreads ReviewerI REALLY enjoyed this last installment of the Starlight Chronicles....I grew to love Hamilton and his take on the world. This last book really gelled how the warrior stars help in the physical world...and there are some nice twists to the story! ~ Connie, Goodreads Reviewer less