Charting Stars
The Nine Realms Tales, Book 1
by Micheline Ryckman
Narrated by Lauren Amanda
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Dec 03 2025 | Archive Date Jan 05 2026
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Description
A girl thrown between worlds. A prophecy untold. An unexpected romance. A quest for home.
Stargazer and artist Talia Benson never wanted an adventure. The titles of student, dutiful daughter, and crazy cat lady suited her just fine. But when she’s swept into an unknown world where sentient animals exist, monsters roam, and angelic beings sway fate, she’s forced to adjust to adventuring as she embarks on a quest to return to her quiet Canadian life.
Jarrett is the best runner in the Nine Realms. Well, maybe not the best––still, he’s proud of the reputation he’s built for himself. But with only a squirrel for company during his extensive travels, his social skills have grown rusty. At least, that’s what he tells himself when he impulsively delays an important mission to help a strange, vibrant girl find her way home.
Unbeknownst to most, turmoil brews in the otherworldly Nine Realms. The guardians have seen a shift in the heavens. Something has changed, a prophecy unleashed. A darkness is coming, throwing Talia, the runner she’s failing to suppress her feelings for, and their growing band of fantastical friends into the center of an oncoming war.
Charting Stars is the first book in a cozy, (though spirited), fantasy series. If you enjoy feel-good tales, magic and mayhem, cozy romance, he falls first, animal sidekicks, rag tag companions, witches and angels, and a lot of heart, then you will love this young adult adventure.
A Note From the Publisher
I wrote Charting Stars during one of the most difficult times of my life… My chronic illness was at an all-time high. My days were plagued by nearly unbearable pain, and I was bedridden... I needed something to make me smile.
Chartings Stars is a comedic, cozy (but spirited) fantasy. It doesn't pretend to be award-winning literary fiction and it isn't meant to be read as such. It's meant to be read as a feel-good fantasy that hopefully leaves you with a smile.
Advance Praise
"Narnia meets Goldstone Wood in this lush portal fantasy. Ryckman has mixed gorgeous prose with an amazing cast and vivid settings. It's the sort of world you could linger in book after book (here's to hoping). If you love feel-good adventure, mystery, relatable heroines, and perfect-imperfect heroes, then I highly recommend this tale!"
Available Editions
| EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
| ISBN | 9080986937347 |
| PRICE | |
| DURATION | 7 Hours, 14 Minutes |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 75 members
Featured Reviews
This whimsical fantasy is cozy and so fun. I loved the dynamics between the characters—they’re all unique, layered, and you really get to know them. It feels like making a bunch of new friends.
The FMC, Talia, is kind and clever, and when she’s suddenly transported into a whole new world, she doesn’t jump to conclusions or go in guns blazing. Instead, she approaches the unknown with curiosity and a genuine desire to understand, which I really appreciated. It is a breath of fresh air to have a fantasy FMC that isn't a hothead.
The adventure feels epic while being cozy and comforting, kind of like loaded mashed potatoes, which I absolutely love!
The slow-burn romance is sweet and full of gentle yearning and quiet moments that had me kicking my feet and giggling whenever they barely even touched hands. I’m so excited to see how their love story develops.
The audiobook narrator, Lauren Amanda, did a fantastic job portraying each of the character’s POV and giving everyone a distinct, memorable voice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Micheline Ryckman, and Whimsical Publishing for the ALC. I adored it and I can't wait for the next one!
Got to listen to the audiobook of this story, and I loved it!! The whimsy and wonder and quirky characters and cozy of it all works so well!
This is a portal fantasy where Canadian Talia Bensen is magically transported to a fantasy world known as the Nine Realms and finds herself on a long journey with Jarrett and his trusty sidekick QB, who happens to be a sentient squirrel. This book will give you the warm fuzzies, and Lauren Amanda’s narration brings the delight and humor from the page and into your ears.
Thank you Whimsical Publishing and NetGalley for letting me listen to an advanced listener copy for review. This is my honest opinion, and I highly recommend this book!
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