by E. A. Hendryx
publisher’s synopsis
A girl in hiding. A boy on the run. The fate of the galaxy between them.
In the Xerus Galaxy, Soaring Staress Talie Zarna is hiding her true identity on the circus spaceship Midway. When she’s forced to shelter rogue soldier, Renner Cartha, it’s easy to see he has secrets of his own. Secrets like evidence of a political assassination he must deliver to the high council. But his former captain, Jas Uli-Tai, is intent on putting an end to him.
With Jas closing in at every turn, Renner faces the decision to abandon his mission—and Talie—or risk widespread fallout from his failure, but the weight of the galaxy rests on Talie’s shoulders. Is she willing to sacrifice everything—even if that means giving up the boy she loves?
2024 Reread: I don’t know whether I somehow didn’t notice it the first time I read Suspended in the Stars or if I’d just forgotten about it, but there’s a lot more romance and physical attraction than I remembered. None of it’s inappropriate, but it’s more romantic than I prefer to read. Still enjoyed the story though!
(original reivew)
Suspended in the Stars is pitched as Star Wars meets The Greatest Showman, and they are some pretty good comp titles. It’s got space, the circus, secrets, smugglers, and more.
The characters were really fun. Renner’s love for muffins might rival my own. It made me weirdly happy to find a character who loved muffins as much as I do. 😂 Also, the unreliable narrators will keep you flipping pages to discover the secrets that the characters are keeping from you. And one certain character… let’s just say that he throws a few plot twists at you.
The worldbuilding was fun, and you can tell that Hendryx has really fleshed out the universe. Various planets, cultures, and races are explored and mentioned. I’m excited to see and learn more in the rest of the series. Also, there needs to be more science fantasy novels. The fantasy elements of Suspended in the Stars fit great within the space setting.
Cautions: moderate romance; a few kisses; brief, moderate violence *
*Please note that it’s been a while since I finished Suspended in the Stars, so I may have forgotten a caution
Hailey Huntington 
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