Michael J. Barnes

179 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

0 saved

1

My first review

The first review of Chapter One of my Quest for the Star anthology.

#scififantasy #booktok #indieauthor

2025/12/10 Edited to

Quest for the Star stands out as a remarkable addition to the sci-fi fantasy genre, especially with its thrilling opening chapter that feels like a cinematic experience. The character Guar, reminiscent of powerful figures such as Darth Vader and Klingon warriors, adds complexity to the narrative by balancing fierce strength with emotional depth during his confrontation with his father. Readers who enjoy immersive storytelling will appreciate how the author crafts a vivid universe filled with tension and intricate character relationships. The first chapter sets the tone for an epic journey, making it a compelling start for any anthology fan. Additionally, the review highlights the appeal for indie author supporters and BookTok communities, emphasizing the book's potential to resonate within these passionate groups. For anyone hunting for a fresh sci-fi fantasy series with engaging battles and rich character arcs, Quest for the Star promises an exciting read. This review not only captures the essence of the anthology's opening but also encourages readers to dive into a story blending action, emotion, and iconic sci-fi inspirations, making it a must-read in contemporary genre literature.

Related posts

My First NetGalley Review ✨

Publication Date: May 7th, 2024 ✨No Spoilers✨ This is a book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was skeptical because of the lower page count (270), but the there were times where I was almost literally stressed out and biting my nails. My favorite aspect of the book was the mystery of it,

1149 likes

Year end review 🫶 my first TikTok

Trends are fun. I’d rate 2023 a 7.5/10

34 likes

A collection of four skincare items: a yellow cleansing oil, a blue foaming cleanser, a large white moisturizing cream, and a dark bottle of organic oil, presented as products used in a skincare routine.

A close-up image showing skin with visible blemishes and an uneven tone, labeled 'BEFORE', illustrating the initial skin condition.

A close-up image showing clearer, more radiant skin with a glow, labeled 'AFTER', indicating an improved skin condition.

Skincare Review

I been trying these products for 3 weeks and let me tell you it has definitely help my skin a lot. If you swipe you’ll see how my skin was and after using these products my skin has almost clear completely💗 I also love the glowy look✨ **Please note that every product works differently on differe

611 likes

My First Review Video 🥰🌸

Hey Friends ♥️ , I absolutely love this product 🥰! It works so well & u can't even tell that my hair is dyed. It doesn't leave any type of residues or sticky textures after it was dried which makes it 10x better. Its price is very good for its high quality as well it was $10.99 ! UNBEAT

15 likes

Two b.tan tanning gel bottles, "glow your own way the og glow" and "glow your own way + shimmer," are displayed in a store aisle. The image highlights these products as "THE BEST TANNING GEL."

A hand holds a b.tan "glow your own way + shimmer" clear gradual tan gel bottle. It features golden liquid, a pink pump, and is labeled as containing hyaluronic acid + vitamin C.

A hand holds a b.tan "glow your own way the og glow" darkest clear self-tan gel bottle. It contains pink liquid, an orange pump, and is labeled with hyaluronic acid + vitamin C.

Tanning Gel Review 🤎 Help Me Choose!

I’ve been on the hunt for a self-tanner that delivers a natural glow without the drama—and b.tan tanning gels might just be the game-changer I’ve been looking for. Here’s what’s on my radar before I hit add to cart: • Glow your own way (OG glow) This one promises a natural-looking tan that

1236 likes

A hand holds a PHLUR Heavy Cream hair & body fragrance mist bottle. Text overlays announce a new fragrance review, highlighting scent profiles like whipped cream, bright citrus, sweet milk, velvety, silky, and floral.

First impression review

My nose tends to be blind to scents in this category oooorrrr I just prefer stronger scent profiles iono. I put this 3 notches above Bianco Latte in the "scents that i can't smell" category because my nose picks up on this an hour two after initial spray. The dry down is quite airy,

919 likes

A person with a pink headband and a clay mask on their face, holding a phone for a selfie, while another hand holds a jar of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Text indicates it's an Aztec facemask review.

A hand holds a jar of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay in a bathroom. Text states the product cleared fungal acne and leaves skin squeaky clean, with a 'before and after' prompt.

A person's face with a highlighted circle on the forehead showing small bumps, representing fungal acne. Text explains the difficulty of getting rid of fungal acne and that the picture doesn't fully capture the texture.

SKINCARE REVIEW 🫧🧖🏽‍♀️(this face mask CHANGED my life)

Hey girlies! I’ve always struggled with textured skin and fungal acne on my forehead UNTIL I found out about aztec a few years ago. WHAT IS AZTEC?!: - it’s a powder clay mask that you mix with either warm water or apple cider vinegar (depends on the strength you want, but i use water) and it de

1930 likes

skincare review: the ordinary

These are my thoughts on The Ordinary products that I have! I highly recommend them because it's like a holy grail to my skin. My skin type is oily-normal and using these have really helped my skin feel healthier and overall just amazing! And it's surprising how they're super afforda

280 likes

My first insight review 🎉

HAPPY ONE WEEK OF POSTING!! Although ive only been posting my diary challenges, i love this app so much! Thank you to my 9 followers couldnt have done it without yall 😜😜!! #lemon8insights #lemon8newbie #interact #lemon8followers #fyp #newfriends #blackgirlcreator

2 likes

A collection of Anua skincare products, including cleansing oil, cleansing foam, toner, serum, and lotion, displayed with text overlays indicating a "REAL TALK Anua Skincare Honest PRODUCT REVIEW."

A bottle of Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil on a green towel, described as a pore cleanser that effectively removes dirt without stripping the skin.

A tube of Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam on a green towel, highlighted for its soothing properties, foamy texture, and ability to make skin feel smooth and clean.

Korean Skincare Review

Hopped on the Anua Trend and let me talk you, it’s 100000000% worth the hype it has received! I have used these products 3 times now and within my first wash, I could already tell an immediate difference from everything else I’ve ever used. I’m a big skincare girly, like I have so much and ha

1403 likes

A hand holds a bottle of suncare oil spray with SPF 20, labeled for protection and tan. The image has a text overlay indicating it's an honest review of the product, specifically the SPF kind. The background shows a blurred indoor setting with a couch.

My HONEST review of Carroten

I have seen all over Tiktok that Carroten is the new brand to get you golden brown, and since i’m leaving for Ft. Lauderdale in less than a month, I had to try it. So here’s what I thought⬇️: - at first spray, it comes out as orange?? (if you’re like me and don’t immediately put together th

171 likes

MY FIRSTPRODUCT REVIEW

GUYSSS! I’m sharing my experiences with you all so yall don’t ever get discouraged💕. I am finally deciding not to put what I want to do on hold! Trust me i’ve been a “content” creator for almost 2 years and delete everything when i feel down. I’m finally beginning to take myself seriously and reach

12 likes

Maybelline Firework Mascara Review 💖

GUYSSS!! I’ve found a new mascara I am obsessed with!! I have used this mascara everyday since I first tried it!! I’ve gotten so many compliments after using this mascaras. It seriously is a blend of the features you hope for in a mascara, but all in one! Have you tried this mascara yet? Wha

3184 likes

My first customer review

My first Etsy customer review was so sweet 🙈😍🥹. I was so nervous to ship this out, but now I’m so glad I did. #etsysmallbusiness #etsyfinds #etsyshop #embracevulnerability #Lemon8Diary #acotarseries #acotar #acourtofmistandfury

2 likes

A smiling woman holds up her new Illinois Driver's License. Text overlays read "Got my Drivers License," "IT'S ABOUT TIME," and "Let's Talk About It," reflecting her journey and honest review of the challenging experience described in the article.

Review: Getting My Drivers License!

Getting my driver's license was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Last Summer, I was filled with so much anxiety and to make matters worse, I had to undergo the test in an area with a trainer and trainee, which threw me off even more. The specific place I went to had a unique r

329 likes

Series Review!!!

Hey Everyone! This is officially my first book review! I want to start off by saying I haven't finished the series yet but I'm far enough in to fully review it but I've read enough to be confident for this review! This is The Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is a Fantasy/Y

392 likes

📍Review - You Deserve This Shit!

❓How do you manage your day-to-day life? 📚 The book serves as a guide for everyone on how to navigate everyday life while staying connected to their of us rave lost touch with-this essential parrod, many ourselves. 📚 Furthermore, the younger generation often struggles to align with their true

802 likes

Field Notes Review!

I recently ordered 7 Field Notes memo books to start using! I wanted them to be able to write down mini daily diary entries, notes, sketches, etc. This is my first time ever purchasing anything from Field Notes, so I wanted to give a first look review on them. ❤️MEMO BOOKS I GOT: - Rooster 20

282 likes

An overhead flat lay of various packaged makeup products from the Twilight Collection, including lip oils, a highlighter, body shimmer, and eyeshadow palettes, with 'Twilight Collection REVIEW' text overlay.

A hand swatching three lip oils from the Twilight Collection on the back of the hand, labeled 'Team Jacob,' 'Bells,' and 'Team Edward.'

A hand swatching three eyeliners from the Twilight Collection on the back of the hand, labeled 'Coven,' 'Forever,' and 'Vampire,' showing varying pigmentation.

TWILIGHT COLLECTION REVIEW

Okay, no time to lose. I love Twilight, let’s jump right in! 👄 These lip oils are GORGEOUS. I love them, they stay nice and wet looking and feel great. Although I don’t see myself using the blue often, the red and black will definitely get high traffic 👁️ Alright, one slide in and we’ve reach

1193 likes

Three Sabrina Carpenter perfumes, Cherry Baby (red), Caramel Dream (gold), and Sweet Tooth (pink), shaped like chocolate bars, are displayed. A vintage illustration of a woman is in the corner.

Three stacked perfume boxes for Sabrina Carpenter's Sweet Tooth fragrance in red, gold, and pink, with a red lipstick kiss mark graphic.

A red perfume bottle, shaped like a chocolate bar, representing Sabrina Carpenter's Cherry Baby fragrance, with a cherry illustration.

Sabrina carpenter perfume review

Hi!! I have tried all the perfumes from Sabrina Carpenter. Here is my take on each… 🫢 Cherry Baby: 8/10 It had this strong Cherry note that almost smelled like wine at first but then turned into this sweet plum, chocolate, cherry flavor. Wasn’t my favorite but was good after letting it dry on

1385 likes

A LUSH Sticky Dates product display featuring the body spray, shower gel, and body lotion. Surrounding them are images of dates, benzoin, sandalwood, toffee, and a caramel drizzle, illustrating the key scent notes of the popular gourmand fragrance line.

LUSH - Sticky Dates - Body Spray Review!

Sticky Dates has gone viral recently, and you know i had to find out what the girlies were talking about. I ordered the travel size of the body wash, body spray, and body lotion to try. My first Impression: It was love at first spray. This is my definition for "sweet, creamy gourmand."

637 likes

August Lemme Empties✨honest review✨

As your Lemon8 health and wellness bestie, one of my favorite things to do is to try new vitamins and supplements that support my overall health and wellness. This month I decided to give the LEMME gummies a chance and here is my honest review on 3 of their products: LEMME PUR- I LOVED this gumm

550 likes

A visual review of the "Off-Campus Series" by Elle Kennedy, featuring five books: The Deal, The Mistake, The Score, The Goal, and The Legacy. It highlights the series as college hockey romance with individual stories and character pairings, rated five stars.

first post!! book review!

first review!! off-campus series by elle kennedy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🎀such a cute series, each book follows a different player on the broad university hockey team and their relationship timelines. 🎀10/10 series, super cute, each one has a totally different story but all are interconnected for the final

11 likes

BYOMA Skincare Review for Dry Skin

I have been seeing BYOMA everywhere and decided to try it on my dry skin. I went to my local Ulta and picked up three products that I believe would be best for my skin. What I first realized was how affordable the products were. Everything came out to under $45 which is cheaper than most moisturizer

2141 likes

A hand holds the book "Collide" by Pal Khabra, featuring an illustrated cover. The cover depicts a female character with a book and a male character in a varsity jacket with a hockey stick. The title "OFF THE ICE Collide" is prominent, with "Book Review Collide" overlaid.

Collide Review! 🏒📚

Omg I read this book in two days. Like no joke. I started it Sunday night and finished it Monday night. Since I’ve been snowed in literally one thing I’ve been doing. Also the book coming with a playlist was so cute. I’ve never had a book that’s had that. So this book is a good book. I love

7101 likes

Book Review: First Lie Wins

To the untrained eye, Evie Porter has a beautiful life: the perfect boyfriend, quaint home, stable job. But to a very small circle, Evie Porter is the job. And her life is a lie. Her boss, whom she has yet to actually meet and knows him only as Mr. Smith, leaves cryptic instructions and com

49 likes

Sol De Janeiro Limited Edition Unboxing and Review

I’ve been playing with these for a few hours so this is only my first impression. ❤️CARIOCA CRUSH PERFUME MIST: This starts off with crisp and fresh Lychee. There’s some pear in here but more lychee. The fruit aspect is more clean and fresh than juicy, tropical drink fruity. Unfortunately, I

698 likes

A pink perfume bottle and its box, labeled 'Sweet Tooth by Sabrina Carpenter,' are displayed on a wooden surface. A speech bubble overlay states, 'I HATED THIS!'.

A light brown perfume bottle, similar in design to the 'Sweet Tooth' bottle, is shown on a shelf among other perfumes. An overlay bubble reads, 'THIS ONE TOO!'.

The pink 'Sweet Tooth' perfume bottle and a light brown perfume bottle are displayed on a shelf. Overlays indicate '$50' above the pink bottle and '$30' above the light brown bottle.

Honest review on “Sweet Tooth” perfumes? 🤮

Sabrina Carpenter - Sweet Tooth & Caramel Dream Sold At: Amazon Prime / Sold exclusively at Walmart Overall rating: 0/10 I Purchased both new last week from Amazon Prime (blind bought.) I watched A LOT of reviews online and figured I’d like them based on what others have said. I have a l

1078 likes

Boox Palma 📚 E-Reader Review

***First things first…DO NOT buy from the Boox website. Their return policy is complicated, Amazon is a better option. *** 💵 Price: $279 💌 Brand: Boox This was definitely a want, not a need. I have a Kindle Paperwhite which I LOVE with all my little heart. However, on more than one occasion,

194 likes

A black and white image of a ceramic bust with pink and yellow graphic overlays. The text "What I Thrifted" is prominently displayed, with a smaller caption "Not this and I'm regretting that choice" below it, serving as a title card for the thrift haul.

A square throw pillow featuring an abstract giraffe design in earthy tones, with black and tan geometric patterns on the sides. The pillow is resting in a metal shopping cart, with the caption "She looked cute" overlaid.

A person holding a plush toy of The Snowman character, wearing a green hat and scarf. The toy has a tag attached, and the caption "I can cry just looking at him" is overlaid, indicating affection for the item.

What I Thrifted & My First 1 Star Review

Here are a few things I thrifted for resale on my last thrift trip. I have already sold the Danskos, I have someone interested in The Snowman plush and I’m going to try to clean up the pillow about before I list it. They had two but 1 had a stain on it and I just didn’t feel like dealing with that.

32 likes

An open book with text visible, featuring an overlay that reads "WLW Book Review ✨💕" and glowing butterfly and flower graphics. A Lemon8 watermark is at the bottom.

The back cover of the book "Forget Me Not" with red floral designs, a book blurb, ISBN, and price information. A Lemon8 watermark is at the bottom.

WLW Book Review ✨💕

I absolutely loved this book, This is definitely worth the read. This book definitely has plenty of cliffhangers. This was so so written. I wish I could re-read it again like it was the first time! #booktok #booktok #books #wlw #wlwbooks #queerbooks

87 likes

A TV screen displaying details for the movie '50 First Dates', including its synopsis, cast, director, and genres. A 'rating: 1000/10' text is overlaid, and the screen shows Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore holding pineapples.

A personal review of '50 First Dates' stating it's a favorite rom-com, reminds the user of their fiancé, and praises Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. The text is overlaid on a blurred background of an indoor setting with a lamp and couch.

50 First Dates review 🥰

this movie will always be one of my top movies to watch! if i could, i would rewatch it over and over and over again. one of my favorite rom-coms with the best rom-com duo ever - drew barrymore and adam sandler 🤩 highly recommend watching this if you haven’t already!! #foryou #WhatToW

28 likes

Film Review: My comfort movies

#moviereview In this diary entry I’ll be reviewing my top 5 comfort movies: Ever since I was a kid I loved watching movies. I remember my mom would sit me down and show me old movies that she would watch and resonated with, watching them made me feel closer to her. As I grew up, I started t

456 likes

Mid-Year Review 🗓️Reflect on first half of 2024 ✍🏻

It's time for a mid-year review ✍🏻 One of my favourite things to do at the end of June is to reflect on the past 6 months. A mid-year review is a crucial practice if you are looking to stay on track with your goals and personal growth. This allows you to reflect on your accomplishments,

25 likes

My FIRST book review!

A Court of Thorns and Roses! More acotar book reviews coming soon! #books #booktok #bookwormsoflemon8 #bookreviewers #BookReview #acotarseries #sarahjmaas #acourtofthornandroses

6 likes

See more