By Fire and Stars – Chorillan Cycle : Book 3

Lucas felt that he could not trust anyone. His adolescent body was undergoing a transformation but he was afraid to confide in his younger brother, Sam or either of his parents. His closest childhood friend, Kay’li had left the Chorillan planet many years earlier with her father. Lucas’ tolerance of the plastics and chemicals in their house, clothes and even tools is low. Manmade items, even his mother’s cooking are making him sick; Lucas finds his succor only in natural surroundings, raw plants and herbs.

Slowly Lucas realizes that he is going through “Phase”, a mysterious condition that affects some of the children of the settlers on the Chorillan world as they mature. Sufferers of Phase usually transform into Wildings, growing increasingly violent because their bodies cannot cope with the chemicals and plastics used by their parents. Their bodies become so sensitive at the peak of Phase that unnatural surroundings have a toxic affect. Wildings who escape into the forests are hunted down to be treated and studied.

Lucas had received an experimental anti-Phase treatment as a boy, but it had nearly killed him and apparently failed. Unfortunately, circumstances separate Lucas from his family. When he tries to find them, Lucas is himself hunted by the Peacers. He escapes, so must keep hidden and on the run. Using survival techniques taught by Kay’li’s father, Lucas manages quite capably. By following an Azuli, a native Chorillan animal, Lucas is led to another lost Wilding boy, Trae. They intend to head for a rumored village of Wildings where they believe that they will be accepted.

Michelle L. Levigne’s Chorillan series is, for this reader, quite addictive. This futuristic world is gradually revealed in many installments, each through the eyes of a different character, yet all are linked. By Fire and Stars is able to be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the first two: Azuli Eyes - Chorillan Cycle 1 and Scout’s Pride – Chorillan Cycle 2, but the reader’s enjoyment is sure to be enriched if the series is read in order. The characters are strong and grow through their own efforts and challenges. Lucas is only a boy when introduced, but his capacity for growth and responsibility is clearly established. As much as he is able to help others, Lucas remains focused on his purpose, and his resolve to change the system is always his greatest drive. Many of the secondary characters have been developed in the earlier books, and provide a familiarity to the story. Newer characters also quite quickly become endearing and interesting. The Phase concept is only one of the author’s unusual ideas which make this series appealing. Reader’s who enjoy Sci-Fi/Futuristic tales should definitely give Michelle L. Levigne’s Chorillan books a try. I am quite eager to see where this series will go next.

Reviewed by: Naomi