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Stars Like Acid

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Téa, a Latina soldier in training, is used to standing her ground in a world that seems hellbent on bringing her to her knees. Orphaned at age five and held captive on a military base for most of her life, she barely remembers a time before the government controlled her every move.

Now, fifteen years later, the Earth is dying, a resistance is forming, and the corrupt government is hoarding resources and information that could save the world. When Téa is forced to marry the son of a terrifying general, she stumbles across a dark secret that could finally dismantle her power-hungry father-in-law’s regime and offer her a chance at freedom.

Humans are evolving in dangerous and powerful ways, and Téa may be the most powerful one of them all.

Meanwhile, Annabelle, another of Earth’s many orphans, has lived a mostly charmed life. That is if you don’t count the fact that she’s technically a prisoner. Drifting among the stars on Space Station Luna—the top-secret government lifeboat built to save Earth’s ruling class—Annabelle has everything she needs and the woman she loves by her side.

But when Téa ends up at the space station, she unravels a web of deceptions that send both women reeling and make one thing perfectly clear: the secrets that connect Téa and Annabelle may be powerful enough to turn the tides of war, save the planet, and set the people free.

371 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2023

4 people are currently reading
244 people want to read

About the author

Marissa Lupe

4 books58 followers
Marissa, Latina (she/her) of mixed heritage, has always found her safe place in the world of stories. Now, she’s creating her own worlds in the scope of speculative fiction and hopes to provide the same joy to her readers.
She currently lives in the Rocky Mountains of western Colorado with her family, connecting with the soul of the Earth through the appreciation of nature.
Stars Like Acid, is her debut novel.

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5 stars
32 (39%)
4 stars
30 (36%)
3 stars
13 (15%)
2 stars
5 (6%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Marissa Lupe.
Author 4 books58 followers
December 10, 2023
As the author of STARS LIKE ACID, I've read this novel more than 15 times, and it still makes me cry (which is my idea of the perfect compliment). I'm so excited to share the story of Téa and Annabelle with the world!
Profile Image for Rozanne Visagie.
764 reviews104 followers
October 4, 2023
"𝖸𝗈𝗎'𝗏𝖾 𝗀𝗋𝖺𝖻𝖻𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗆𝖾, 𝖳é𝖺, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖨 𝖽𝗈𝗇'𝗍 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗐𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝖾𝗍 𝗀𝗈." 𝖧𝖾 𝗄𝗂𝗌𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖿𝗂𝗇𝗀𝖾𝗋𝗍𝗂𝗉𝗌. "𝖬𝗒 𝗌𝖾𝖺 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋".

Stars Like Acid has the prettiest artwork and illustrations! This element immediately caught my attention. The story itself is absolutely brilliant and the dual POV was done so well. I like these types of books and completely devoured this one. This book is described as Dune meets the Hunger Games and it is spot on!

We initially have two settings, each with its own MC. I loved following both women and seeing how each survives not only their situations but what is left of mankind and planet Earth. I got swept away by Lupe's writing and couldn't stop thinking about this book! This book is a new favourite and I see potential for a Netflix series.

This is a dystopian sci-fi with found family, romance, heart-pounding danger and a setting where the sky is definitely not the limit. Lupe carefully weaves elements of humanity throughout the pages, which makes the reader forget that they are reading and that they might actually be drifting somewhere in outer space, or might even be racing across desolate plains in a helicopter.


I can't recommend this book enough! I enjoyed it from the first page to the last and appreciated the beautiful illustrations.

Many thanks to MTMC Tours and the author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for C.L. Walters.
Author 13 books98 followers
August 2, 2023
Thank you to Marissa Lupe and Howlite Publishing for the ARC for my honest review.

First and foremost, I love the diversity in this story. I think the complex dystopian world with environmentalist warnings is timely and something a lot of readers can get behind, and I cheered for the sister power and feminism of the story. All things that I think were big plusses about Stars Like Acid.

This was a plot driven novel (versus a character driven one), so the action and movement of the narrative is built around that forward movement of the conflict. Because I enjoy character driven stories, I struggled wanting clearer character motives that connected to character choices and dialogue. Because of this disconnection I felt with the characters, (and this is probably a "me" thing so take it with a grain of salt), it made it hard for me to readjust with the dual perspective to keep each character clear in my mind as well as what I needed to keep track of in the plot. This made it difficult for me to reconnect to the prose if I set the book down, then pick the story back up again. I ended up having to go back to refresh myself to move forward once more.

I think fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, Delirium, and Maze Runner would enjoy Stars Like Acid. I'm confident that Lupe's world is just going to get better and better.
Profile Image for Rachelle Ryan.
99 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2023
4.5 actually!! I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book!! This was my first ARC and I was not disappointed. I loved this book! To start the cover is stunning. The plot was well thought out and enjoyable to read with a couple of surprising turns for the main characters. The FMC is strong and easy to love. Marissa’s writing style is easy to connect with. There were a couple of areas where I felt like the pacing was a little fast. But overall it is a wonderful book and I loved it! I am excited for this book to release so I can buy a physical copy!!
Profile Image for Ronica.
18 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2023
I’m not a die hard sci-fi fan, but throw in a little romance and I’m on board. Stars like Acid blew me away and definitely has me perusing new shelves at the library! With twists and turns throughout, SLA will keep you flipping the pages well into the night. This book charges the emotions, sparkles with love and overcoming obstacles. I would and have already recommended this book to family and friends alike. It’s the perfect mix of genres and everyone will enjoy it. Can’t wait for book two!
Profile Image for Amanda Stuntz.
Author 4 books13 followers
April 19, 2023
I loved this book! It has the best of everything, sci-fi, romance, and a little fantasy. The characters are easy to relate to and fall in love with, and the writing is beautiful.
Profile Image for Evy.
100 reviews15 followers
June 19, 2023
Stars like Acid

4/5 ⭐️

I just finished the ARC/Proof version of “Stars like Acid”. I received this advance reader copy for my true and very honest review, so here it is: 👇🏻

This debut novel is set in a dystopian future where the Government controls everything and humanity is lacking at survival. The emotions and tragic moments in this story will get you reading non stop until finishing it. To get an idea of what you are heading into….just imagine and mix a little of the militia with Marvel’s X-Mens or DC Comics’ Metahumans and The Giver.

This novel presents a future world that is corrupted, damaged and in need of restoration. Our main character (Téa) is a strong, brave Latina girl that craves for her freedom, happiness and love… on her journey she experiences it all. The presentation of a genuine vision of what humans are capable of doing in fear and ambition is so realistic. It also presents how love can make us stronger but protecting people from pain sometimes can be taken too far… and brings out our worst.

The novel’s vision of the World is written in an impactful way. I truly enjoyed reading this story so much. It’s a cool adventure that gives lots of sci-fi / dystopian energies. If you are like me, who enjoys reading every topic, this is your book. You will get a little bit of everything: love of all kinds, romance, hate, ambition, fear, superpowers, science, fiction, deaths, cruelty… In conclusion, you will get it ALL in one.

What I loved the most?

1. The COVER and especially the hardback one.
2. The characters development. You are going to love some of them and hate others a LOT.
3. The intrigue to discover more about the secrets and how everything connects.

What didn’t work for me?

Basically…. nothing because the author managed to mixed all the themes so well making this story so unique.

So go on and read it, it’s worthy!!!

Publication date: September 18, 2023
Profile Image for Amber Crook.
846 reviews11 followers
September 12, 2023
This book was incredibly emotional, and Rissa isn’t scared to show us the good, but especially the horrors that could happen in a dystopian society. I couldn’t put this book down, and at the end all I could think about was reaching out to Rissa and crying about how fantastic her book was. Thank you for the ARC.

The Earth is dying and nobody seems to be doing anything to try and heal it. The government is corrupt, it’s hoarding resources and makes what is left of the country reliant on them.

Teá has had a miserable, lonely life in an orphanage, and then at a military base. When she is told that she’s a DNA match and is going to marry the General’s son, she is terrified. The General is the leader of the country and he is not kind. Will his son be the same way?

She ends up coming across a dangerous secret that could dismantle everything, but could find her the freedom she craves.

Annabelle is also an orphan who is stationed on Luna, a secret mission space station, where she has been well cared for. The people on this mission have been tasked to try and figure out how to save Earth. She also comes across the secret that could destroy everything.

Through many crazed and terrible events, Teá ends up at Luna where she and Annabelle come to find they may have everything they need to save the people of Earth and get rid of the corruption.

This book really hit me in the feels, and the epilogue gives us more than we could have asked for. It was a perfect way to leave us wanting and to give us the feelings the author wanted us to end with (so hard to talk about without spoilers!)

Tropes:
Found family
Dystopian
Super human powers
Latina rep
LGBTQ rep
Arranged marriage

Spice: 🌶️ (fade to black scene or illusion to intimacy, but nothing explicitly said) Many super sweet moments though.
Profile Image for Amelia Vegan.
331 reviews61 followers
October 11, 2023
"Green. It was all green. She had never seen so much life before."
Everything about this book sounded like a perfect read for me, and it didn't disappoint. Even though I hoped this would be a vegan world, which would have made more sense, since the world and animals are dying, it wasn't entirely. I think Luna was a vegan station, so at least I got that.
This book was a beautiful mix of sci-fi with post-apocalyptic world where food isn't distributed equally and people are forced into arranged marriages to keep the population's gene pool strong and healthy. Also, there's new generation of people with superpower genes that need to be activated and that was my most favourite part!
There might be some spoilers ahead, so if you don't want to be spoiled, stop here. I loved the double POV, and how it all connected and made sense in the end, and I loved the awakening of the powers. For a moment it felt like it was a bit rushed, but I was so happy that it finally happened that I didn't mind it at all. There's even my least favourite trope and I didn't mind it in this story, because it was all so beautiful in the end. The cover is gorgeous and it has a meaning and I love the details. End of possible spoilers.
My other favourite things: Latina main character, sweet and strong, queer representation was perfect! This book is just collection of amazing tropes!
AND THAT ENDING! Dear Marissa, I love your brain, but you can't leave me on this cliffhanger. I need next book as soon as possible. Please, and thank you.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
101 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2023
ARC REVIEW
This book is not my usual read but I was not disappointed in the slightest with this! I was pleasantly surprised with the cover of this book to begin with as covers are something that draw me in as well (even though they shouldn’t🤣). I think that the entire story as a whole was clearly thought out by the author which is something you can clearly see. I won’t spoil it but some of the plot twists for the main characters definitely kept me on my toes. The FMC main character feels quite relatable and she is very easy to love overall which is yet another good thing about this book. Also, I think that the authors writing style was something that was really easy for me to connect with which I was really surprised with!
My only negative with this book is that I feel in a few areas the pace of the book was a bit too fast for me so slowing it down would’ve allowed for certain things to make more sense or have more detail.
Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and 100% think it’s worth the read ☺️!
Profile Image for Kristie.
81 reviews
August 1, 2023
Publication Date: September 18, 2023

Holy cow! This story pulls you in! I had the pleasure of receiving this as an ARC for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the book, characters, the representation, and storyline really draw you into this book.
The story is set in the future, a dystopian world, the world is over heating and everything has dried up. Thus leaving majority of mankind to rely on the government for all basic necessities. The government has also funded a backup plan in the form of Space Station Luna to help Earth find a cure for the over heating.
This where we follow both Tea & Annabelle on Earth & the Space Station Luna, I enjoyed the dual POV, I think this adds a layer to character development & shows the difference in the lifestyles, also shows how differently the girls were raised. Tea is more our FMC, she is a strong, resilient, Latina who is only trying to find her freedom. Along her journey she learns what it is to truly care for others, pain, loss and above all what the power of love can do for everyone. I think this is a must read for anyone who loves dystopian sci-fi fantasy. The author did a fantastic job of inserting representation throughout the story, and the little twists and turns that revealed secrets throughout the story definitely hold your attention & give you some surprises along the way!
Also the ENDING!! 😱
I need more!! 😅
Would definitely recommend!!
Profile Image for Ονι.
100 reviews26 followers
September 21, 2023
Calling all the science fiction, dystopian fiction, and romance lovers, looking for your next read? The book that will leave you absolutely speechless?

This book is a debut (which is super hard for me to believe) that follows Téa, a Latina soldier in training, who is forced to marry the son of a terrifying general. But what will Téa do when she stumbles upon her Father in law's dark secret? 

I honestly loved Téa. She is strong, independent and, she's a fighter. She refuses to be the victim and she fights tooth and nail for not just her freedom, but everyone else's.

Marissa's writing is.... it's hard to explain... she has a way of pulling you in and making you LIVE in her words. The world building was top notch and not complex nor hard to digest.

This was an absolutely fantastic read!
Profile Image for SoulsHaven.
102 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2023
First off this is not the kind of book I normally read. I got the pleasure of reading early as an arc reader and all I can say is I NEED BOOK TWO now!!
This is the first of its series and wow is it a ride!
It takes place on earth and space and follows a host of characters in a dystopian world through twist, turns, secrets, scandals , heartbreak and more all to save the fate of the mankind. The world is well developed and the whole thing felt well paced even though it only spans a short time frame in book.
Also don’t get me started on the chef’s kiss that was the ending! It’s a cliffhanger I didn’t see coming and a brilliant way to end a book!
If you are questioning this book don’t, you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for BooklovingLou.
155 reviews13 followers
August 30, 2023
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Marissa. I enjoyed it so much.

The cover is stunning!!! I would pick the book up the in book shop just because of this cover.

This book is a dystrophia where earth is basically a ruined waste land and the Government are "trying" to reverse the damage. There is a base on Earth which works with a Space Station to come up with a resolution.....or so we and the inhabitants are lead to believe.

This book was just a sheer pleasure to read. The character, world building, plot, scandals, twist, turns and cliffhanger just makes me crave the second book.

This book will not disappoint you.
Profile Image for Holly Hamilton.
10 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2023
I received an ARC for this book and this is an honest review left voluntarily.

Stars Like Acid is a little like Dune meets the Hunger Games. This is a dystopian fantasy book that gives humans a glimpse into a world where the government has too much power and the world is corrupt.

The main character, Tea, must fight like hell to get anywhere in this book. If you like suspense, action, and being on your toes this book is for you. It is literally out of this world, and I can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Theenrichmentoffiction1 .
189 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2023
ARC Book review: Stars Like Acid

Genre: sci-fi dystopian fantasy( Divergent meets the Handmaid's Tale)

This book is my top 5⭐ for 2023!
Everything about it was wonderful and I enjoyed it so much!

Tèa has had to live in the shadows since she was a child , being told as she grew up she was not worthy of anyone's time or affections. But as she got older she knew she was different from everyone else. She will have to make the biggest decision of her life that will sacrifice love to save those around her.

If you have never this kind of genre I would recommend giving it a try!
Profile Image for Jessica Grooms.
186 reviews10 followers
September 10, 2023
Firstly, this is not my usual book genre. I wasn’t sure how I would like it but let me tell you… it had me hooked til the very end. I ended up reading it in one sitting! The characters, the twists, the story, the emotions, everything about this book kept me invested until the last page. I truly hope there is going to be a second book. I NEED to know what happened with Zephyr.
Profile Image for Devin.
195 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2023
Thank you to Marissa Lupe and Enchanted Enchanted Ink Book Tours for my gifted copy of this book!

Stars Like Acid is a fast paced sci-fi full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing with every page. I’m not a huge fan of sci-fi books, but this one had me hooked from the beginning! Marissa is able to create a world so vivid and unique and insert characters that you truly root for into a story full of heart and passion.

If you are looking for a captivating book that you can read in one sitting, I highly recommend checking out Stars Like Acid.
Profile Image for Michele.
358 reviews99 followers
October 24, 2023
Omgosh, this book is amazing!!! I absolutely loved it!! Some of the characters made me angry, and I had some very emotional moments during this book, and I enjoyed every minute of it!! And WOW —the epilogue!! I’m told there will be 2 more books, plus a prequel, and I will be waiting anxiously for those! There was one hell of a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping the next book isn’t too far off!!
Profile Image for Ally Richardson.
15 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2023
I absolutely Loved this book, it’s not my normal genre but I’m so happy I read it. Tea powering through all she had to was probably my favorite part because she showed how much she loved Annabelle doing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
6 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2023
I loved this book! This was a fun and easy read that had a little bit of everything. It was such a unique dystopian style sci-fi story that had so many little twists and turns that kept me wanting to read. The concept for why the earth is dying is pretty cool too and honestly very believable and maybe even a little scary if you really think about it.
Profile Image for Maritsa Chitwood.
23 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2023
Omg!!! What an amazing book!!! Hopefully there will be a book two!!! Highly recommend you will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Emily Searle.
Author 6 books9 followers
September 18, 2023
Vibes are on point

Such a lovely romance combined with a fun adventure! I really connected with the characters and can't wait for the next book!
56 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2024
Very well written! The story keeps you turning the pages and on your toes with some good twists. Can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Alex ✨.
243 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2023
I received an ARC of this book. The cover is beautiful and the dystopian world, the characters, the writing style... All of it was wonderful. I enjoyed the plot and everything this book had to offer.
Profile Image for Julie.
476 reviews11 followers
did-not-finish
December 26, 2024
DNF@68%

I was really liking this book but then we got to a part where the MC made such a stupid decision, I just couldn’t read anymore. She seemed so smart but I couldn’t take her decisions.
Profile Image for Britney Fowler.
56 reviews
February 8, 2024
Amazing book!! The plot is so intriguing and had me held in lock! The twists and turns and dual pov made me fall in love with so many great characters and THE EPILOGUE OMGGGG . Can’t wait to finish book two!!🥰
Profile Image for Makayla Jenkins.
133 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2023
For me to give five stars it has to meet certain criteria. Was it well written? Do I want a physical copy? Will I read it again?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I do think it has a lot going on and should’ve been split into two novels. The first half was well placed but the second half felt a bit rushed. I love this book regardless, and I cried multiple times. Bravo.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am happily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Air.
533 reviews27 followers
September 18, 2023
Thank you to the author and Enchanted Ink Tours!

This glorious space odyssey of a story gave us every dystopian craving we needed. Right off the bat I loved the characters we were introduced to and it was fun figuring out exactly where they belonged and what parts they’d play. I’ll have to say I was surprised with a twist the author gives us but it equally added to the story and makes you root for the cause! The artwork sent by our sweet author is stunning and captures exactly what I pictured.
Profile Image for Haley.
91 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2023
A beautiful story about overcoming adversity, fighting for what you believe in, and the power of love. There were so many wonderful moments in this book that really touched my heart. This is a sci-fi novel that anyone can and should read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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