A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole (Faloiv book 1)

“Octavia has only ever had one goal: to follow in the footsteps of her parents and become a prestigious whitecoat, one of the scientists who study the natural wonders of Faloiv. The secrets of the jungle’s exotic plants and animals are protected fiercely in the labs by the Council of N’Terra, so when the rules suddenly change, allowing students inside, Octavia should be overjoyed.

But something isn’t right. The newly elected leader of the Council has some extremist views about the way he believes N’Terra should be run, and he’s influencing others to follow him. When Octavia witnesses one of the Faloii—the indigenous people of Faloiv—attacked in front of her in the dark of night, she knows the Council is hiding something. They are living in separate worlds on a shared planet, and their fragile peace may soon turn into an all-out war.

With the help of Rondo, a quiet boy in class with a skill for hacking, and her inquisitive best friend, Alma, Octavia is set on a collision course to discover the secrets behind the history she’s been taught, the science she’s lived by, and the truth about her family.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Octavia English is the daughter of two zoologists living on the planet of N’Terra. Before she was born, her family and others were forced to leave their dying origin plant. The group had to land early because of mechanical problems with their ship. The natives called the Falovi have allowed the settlers to stay but no one has seen them since. With the election of Dr. Albatur as the head of the council, Octavia’s parents are at odds with each other. Not only are secrets being kept between her parents but Octavia has no idea what is really going on.

While visiting the Beak (Aviary), a philax a large red bird escapes but is quickly recaptured. After making eye contact with the philax, Octavia somehow connects with it and passes out when the bird is tranquilized. Here is just the beginning of a mystery that only goes deeper, not only about N.Terra but about Octavia herself as she experiences and knows things about the planet that she shouldn't. It's not long before Octavia realizes that her mother is hiding something very important about her daughter.

With the help of her internship friends at the Zoo, Octavia slowly begins to unravel the secrets that surround her and the planet. That last sentence was a killer. A second book is expected to follow.

Visit Olivia Cole’s website.