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The Stardust Duology #1
A Circle of Stars
Sometimes you have to leave home to find it…
All Casper Bell has ever wanted is to belong. But now, abandoned by his friends and family after being outed, he has nothing left to lose when the people of Novilem abduct him.
Except Earth.
Teleported to a world where stars grant humans magic, Casper discovers he has the rare ability to draw power from all twelve astrological signs — a gift that makes him a political pawn for the Estellar Council.
But Novilem’s inhabitants seem as hard and cold as the stone their city is carved from, and Casper’s new role leaves him more isolated than ever. Until he meets the grandson of the council’s most powerful woman. Helix is kind, playful, and heartbreakingly handsome, yet it’s how Helix makes him feel that gives Casper hope.
As rebellion brinks in the city, even the Council starts to fracture, reaching for extreme measures that could cost Casper not only his newfound abilities, but the first place he has ever wanted to call home. Together with Helix, he must uncover the secrets of his full potential — because the survival of Novilem hinges on Casper’s powers, whether he’s using them or not.
Set inside a hidden lunar city, where astrology is magic and your birth sign defines your social status, A Circle of Stars is a queer young adult fantasy filled with political intrigue and romance.
All Casper Bell has ever wanted is to belong. But now, abandoned by his friends and family after being outed, he has nothing left to lose when the people of Novilem abduct him.
Except Earth.
Teleported to a world where stars grant humans magic, Casper discovers he has the rare ability to draw power from all twelve astrological signs — a gift that makes him a political pawn for the Estellar Council.
But Novilem’s inhabitants seem as hard and cold as the stone their city is carved from, and Casper’s new role leaves him more isolated than ever. Until he meets the grandson of the council’s most powerful woman. Helix is kind, playful, and heartbreakingly handsome, yet it’s how Helix makes him feel that gives Casper hope.
As rebellion brinks in the city, even the Council starts to fracture, reaching for extreme measures that could cost Casper not only his newfound abilities, but the first place he has ever wanted to call home. Together with Helix, he must uncover the secrets of his full potential — because the survival of Novilem hinges on Casper’s powers, whether he’s using them or not.
Set inside a hidden lunar city, where astrology is magic and your birth sign defines your social status, A Circle of Stars is a queer young adult fantasy filled with political intrigue and romance.
464 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2023
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4315 people want to read
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November 8, 2023Honestly, no idea what I've been thinking when I started listening to this one. Yes, Kirt Graves is narrating, and yes, it's mm. But it sounded too YA for me right from the start, and being thrown right in the middle of a complex, astrology-driven magical universe where the MC is some kind of uber-special-snowflake isn't for me.
DNF at around 15% without rating it - I'm the problem, it's me 😅 not the necessarily book‘s fault.
DNF at around 15% without rating it - I'm the problem, it's me 😅 not the necessarily book‘s fault.
September 8, 2024
Y'all know I don't really do coherent/cohesive reviews. All vibes, no brains, friends. 💜
Holy f*cking sh!t. What an incredible experience.
This is a YA fantasy (sci-fi vibes?). The world building and magic system are impressive af. The magic is based on astrological signs!
This epic tale features a reluctant hero, lots of queer side characters inside a moon with a society that doesn't bat an eye at being queer, some cute squishy romance, and some bad ass battles.
Get ready to mfing reflect because this story speaks a lot to the social injustices of our world today.
The audiobook is amazing, so if you can get it, I absolutely recommend it!
Craig. I am begging you for book 2. 🙏
Holy f*cking sh!t. What an incredible experience.
This is a YA fantasy (sci-fi vibes?). The world building and magic system are impressive af. The magic is based on astrological signs!
This epic tale features a reluctant hero, lots of queer side characters inside a moon with a society that doesn't bat an eye at being queer, some cute squishy romance, and some bad ass battles.
Get ready to mfing reflect because this story speaks a lot to the social injustices of our world today.
The audiobook is amazing, so if you can get it, I absolutely recommend it!
Craig. I am begging you for book 2. 🙏
February 21, 2024
This was odd. It kept me reading and interested to see where it was going, despite the fact that it centers around astrology. But it's fantasy, so I can roll with that if done well. Unfortunately, I can't say this was done well. They use the same signs as we have in the northern hemisphere even though they're on the complete opposite side of the universe, which means they'd have different constellations. And somehow, they're able to track time by Earth standards, which is never explained. Maybe if they'd taken the time in the hundreds of years they've been living in this moon to learn about the stars and constellations where they currently are, they'd have been less surprised when So the world building (not to mention the science in general; sweet baby Frodo, that is not how gravity works and that climax broke my ability to ignore bad science in fiction) could definitely have been better. Also, since I don't care about astrology, I couldn't keep track of which signs align with which powers, and we didn't see all of them, I don't think.
What I did like was seeing the world of Novilem unfold. It's an interesting concept, and the way they figured out how to live inside this little moon was intriguing. It's a communist economy that doesn't use money. Everyone contributes and everyone has what they need, but things are not equal by a long shot. The government is tyrannical in nature and have long ago stopped listening to the will of the people. They rule by fear and their community is suffering as a result.
The most interesting character in this to me wasn't any of the POV characters but Brissa, the head leader of the order. You'd expect someone who is in all essence a dictator to be cruel and heartless. And she certainly can be. But in her relationship with her grandson Helix you see a softer side of her, a side that listens as well as guides (and manipulates, because she's still a dictator). You can see she really does care about Novilem, but she's lost sight of what actually matters and doesn't trust anyone else to do what's best, and the reasons for that make sense.
Seeing Helix realize that there's a lot more to the world than she's showed him, that there's pain and fear out there caused by his grandmother, made him more approachable than if he were just the ladder climber everyone else saw him as. Casper was harder to get a handle on. I get why he wasn't eager to get back to Earth given the way his life was headed when he was stolen away to be the Novilem's Chosen One, but at the same time, I expected more anger and frustration at the limitations being put on him. I didn't get why he came to care about these people so much when he barely got to be among them, and the few he did have contact with treated him so poorly. He and Helix don't even meet until a good chunk of the book passes, and while they had an immediate connection, their relationship ended up feeling pretty insta.
Talleah's POV was unexpected but I liked getting to see the average citizen's POV and how the decisions of the council directly impacted her life and the things she's been made to endure because of it. I wish we could have seen more of her husband, Hector.
Going down to the surface was a lot of fun. It was like an acid trip, or what I imagine an acid trip would be like, lol. Mushroom trees, rain that creates fire, turtle-squid-things. I can tell the author had a lot of fun coming up with all that. I wish he'd put as much detail into his fight scenes though. It was hard to track what was happening a lot of the time, and how badly the characters were actually hurt - though that seemed to go away as soon as it was inconvenient to the plot, even when it wasn't mentioned that healing powers were enacted. It also started feeling after awhile that characters were just doing and saying things because the plot demanded it, rather than the action being driven by the characters' decisions.
The editing is pretty clean for a self-published work, but there is the occasional misuse of commas, and he consistently misused punctuation in quotes when breaking up a sentence with an identifier as I mentioned in one of my status updates.
For a debut book, this has a lot of good bones and I think he can mature into a really good storyteller.
What I did like was seeing the world of Novilem unfold. It's an interesting concept, and the way they figured out how to live inside this little moon was intriguing. It's a communist economy that doesn't use money. Everyone contributes and everyone has what they need, but things are not equal by a long shot. The government is tyrannical in nature and have long ago stopped listening to the will of the people. They rule by fear and their community is suffering as a result.
The most interesting character in this to me wasn't any of the POV characters but Brissa, the head leader of the order. You'd expect someone who is in all essence a dictator to be cruel and heartless. And she certainly can be. But in her relationship with her grandson Helix you see a softer side of her, a side that listens as well as guides (and manipulates, because she's still a dictator). You can see she really does care about Novilem, but she's lost sight of what actually matters and doesn't trust anyone else to do what's best, and the reasons for that make sense.
Seeing Helix realize that there's a lot more to the world than she's showed him, that there's pain and fear out there caused by his grandmother, made him more approachable than if he were just the ladder climber everyone else saw him as. Casper was harder to get a handle on. I get why he wasn't eager to get back to Earth given the way his life was headed when he was stolen away to be the Novilem's Chosen One, but at the same time, I expected more anger and frustration at the limitations being put on him. I didn't get why he came to care about these people so much when he barely got to be among them, and the few he did have contact with treated him so poorly. He and Helix don't even meet until a good chunk of the book passes, and while they had an immediate connection, their relationship ended up feeling pretty insta.
Talleah's POV was unexpected but I liked getting to see the average citizen's POV and how the decisions of the council directly impacted her life and the things she's been made to endure because of it. I wish we could have seen more of her husband, Hector.
Going down to the surface was a lot of fun. It was like an acid trip, or what I imagine an acid trip would be like, lol. Mushroom trees, rain that creates fire, turtle-squid-things. I can tell the author had a lot of fun coming up with all that. I wish he'd put as much detail into his fight scenes though. It was hard to track what was happening a lot of the time, and how badly the characters were actually hurt - though that seemed to go away as soon as it was inconvenient to the plot, even when it wasn't mentioned that healing powers were enacted. It also started feeling after awhile that characters were just doing and saying things because the plot demanded it, rather than the action being driven by the characters' decisions.
The editing is pretty clean for a self-published work, but there is the occasional misuse of commas, and he consistently misused punctuation in quotes when breaking up a sentence with an identifier as I mentioned in one of my status updates.
For a debut book, this has a lot of good bones and I think he can mature into a really good storyteller.
July 12, 2023
DNF'ed at 43%
It started well and the summary made it sound interesting and engaging. The cross between fantasy and SciFi is also good.
But God, the characters drove me crazy. At one point, they make an U-Turn in behaviour and become whiny and boring. I couldn’t care less about them.
The plot meanders. The summary made it sound like it’s quick paced with action and political intrigue and a dash of romance. Instead the romance is suddenly there without a suiting arc that builds it up. It’s pretty much insta love and I hate it.
The magic system is interesting but the author did info dumping at the begin and the reader has to be able to tell the different kinds of magic apart, which is difficult because the Greek words sound all the same to me. It might be easier if you read the printed version because there’s a diagram at the first pages but it’s a pain in the ass as eBook.
The writing is very modern. It feels though as if the author wrote the book at different times because the chapters feel off after a while. The writing style is different. (Which is something that I know from myself if I pick up a writing project after months or years.)
It started well and the summary made it sound interesting and engaging. The cross between fantasy and SciFi is also good.
But God, the characters drove me crazy. At one point, they make an U-Turn in behaviour and become whiny and boring. I couldn’t care less about them.
The plot meanders. The summary made it sound like it’s quick paced with action and political intrigue and a dash of romance. Instead the romance is suddenly there without a suiting arc that builds it up. It’s pretty much insta love and I hate it.
The magic system is interesting but the author did info dumping at the begin and the reader has to be able to tell the different kinds of magic apart, which is difficult because the Greek words sound all the same to me. It might be easier if you read the printed version because there’s a diagram at the first pages but it’s a pain in the ass as eBook.
The writing is very modern. It feels though as if the author wrote the book at different times because the chapters feel off after a while. The writing style is different. (Which is something that I know from myself if I pick up a writing project after months or years.)
April 11, 2023
A Circle of Stars is the Sci-fi/fantasy melting pot of your dreams. With diverse and well developed characters, a unique and interesting magic system, and rich detailed world building, this book will grab your attention immediately. Montgomery smashes through the walls of gender identity, race, and sexuality in a powerful and tenacious way that allows the reader to understand the impact of oppression and privilege. Through the eyes of multiple characters, Montgomery tells the story of the fictional world of Novilem and its people, giving a multifaceted view of the intrigues and secrets of this fantastic magical world of the stars. Fans of The Hunger Games and Avatar: The Last Airbender will devour this tale of overcoming oppression and self love and acceptance.
April 10, 2023
I received a e-arc for a honest review from BookFunnel.
If your looking for a new MM sci-fi fantasy series look no further. The book focus on 3 point of view Casper, Helix, and Talleh.
The world building is perfect and easy to follow with Casper. While having a coming to age story for Casper finally coming to terms that it’s ok to be gay with his relationship with Helix.
Helix life is turned upside down has he learns all the secrets his grandmother kept from him. This help keep you interested to the very end of the book.
Normally I don’t like more than 2 point of view, but with Talleh it was needed. With Talleh it gave a point of view that of a family that was living through all the secrets that were being kept and the result of it.
Looking forward to what is next for Casper and Helix.
If your looking for a new MM sci-fi fantasy series look no further. The book focus on 3 point of view Casper, Helix, and Talleh.
The world building is perfect and easy to follow with Casper. While having a coming to age story for Casper finally coming to terms that it’s ok to be gay with his relationship with Helix.
Helix life is turned upside down has he learns all the secrets his grandmother kept from him. This help keep you interested to the very end of the book.
Normally I don’t like more than 2 point of view, but with Talleh it was needed. With Talleh it gave a point of view that of a family that was living through all the secrets that were being kept and the result of it.
Looking forward to what is next for Casper and Helix.
September 10, 2023
I enjoyed this very much. Did I have any idea what was going on in certain points? Absolutely not.
Getting kidnapped and taken onto the moon of another planet is the best thing that could have happened to Casper. He was thrown out and exiled by his family, friends, school, and everyone he knows for being assaulted on school property after a false narrative made him the responsible party. He ends up being taken somewhere where humans can have magic and turns out he's one of the ones that has access to all 12 forms of it. He finds out that everything isn't as it seems there and starts digging.
My favorite thing about this book that I've raved about in book chats was that during one point Casper and his love interest Helix, are in a life or death situation and are so very annoyed with the other at different stages of that adventure. So many books would have taken a minute to make it sexy and not these two. There's love there and they don't want anything to happen to the other but you HAVE to quit whining as we're running for our lives. I was delighted.
This is a duology but I felt like it ended in a good place without a bunch of hanging plot threads.
Getting kidnapped and taken onto the moon of another planet is the best thing that could have happened to Casper. He was thrown out and exiled by his family, friends, school, and everyone he knows for being assaulted on school property after a false narrative made him the responsible party. He ends up being taken somewhere where humans can have magic and turns out he's one of the ones that has access to all 12 forms of it. He finds out that everything isn't as it seems there and starts digging.
My favorite thing about this book that I've raved about in book chats was that during one point Casper and his love interest Helix, are in a life or death situation and are so very annoyed with the other at different stages of that adventure. So many books would have taken a minute to make it sexy and not these two. There's love there and they don't want anything to happen to the other but you HAVE to quit whining as we're running for our lives. I was delighted.
This is a duology but I felt like it ended in a good place without a bunch of hanging plot threads.
December 28, 2024
Read as part of SPFBO10
A Circle of Stars is a Young Adult title that plays with different powers depending on one’s star sign, it has social commentary and a political power struggle – all of that far away from Earth, way beyond the other side of stars. It’s tackling a lot of big problems and current pain points in society. This is not a bad thing, after all, literature, music and other arts have always given voice to the various struggles we face at any point in time.
At the 20% mark of this book I didn’t think I was going to finish the book. But, at the same time, I was curious how this all was going to play out, and the last 40% of the story simply flew by.
Why the struggle at the start? I found that perhaps there were just a few too many big conflicts flung at us at once, but credit to the author, once they all came to a merging point, it was smooth sailing. Montgomery balances the cruel and harsh aspects of society with idealistic views. Views, which we all wish were real, yet know to be impossible, because… well, people. I also found the main character Casper rather sheltered and naive, and that makes sense considering his upbringing, I guess, but personally, I am at a point in my life where I do not have a lot of patience for the juvenile character exploring the world all doe-eyed in its uncomfortable awkwardness. It’s wonderful, sure, but I’m past that phase, instead preferring the mature cynic. That said, I must commend Montgomery on the sci-fi bits in the story (yes, I call them bits!) – to make all the aether and astrology magic flow and make sense in such an accessible manner, to make it such an interesting part of the story – that was top notch!
A Circle of Stars is well written, fast paced, despite the fact that at times you feel like you’re not getting anywhere as yet another conflict is added, and managed to surprise me at the 60% mark with a shocking moment. Did NOT see that coming! If you like your cast young, able and heroic, as their abilities and loyalties are put to the test to change the world order, then this is the duology for you!
A Circle of Stars is a Young Adult title that plays with different powers depending on one’s star sign, it has social commentary and a political power struggle – all of that far away from Earth, way beyond the other side of stars. It’s tackling a lot of big problems and current pain points in society. This is not a bad thing, after all, literature, music and other arts have always given voice to the various struggles we face at any point in time.
At the 20% mark of this book I didn’t think I was going to finish the book. But, at the same time, I was curious how this all was going to play out, and the last 40% of the story simply flew by.
Why the struggle at the start? I found that perhaps there were just a few too many big conflicts flung at us at once, but credit to the author, once they all came to a merging point, it was smooth sailing. Montgomery balances the cruel and harsh aspects of society with idealistic views. Views, which we all wish were real, yet know to be impossible, because… well, people. I also found the main character Casper rather sheltered and naive, and that makes sense considering his upbringing, I guess, but personally, I am at a point in my life where I do not have a lot of patience for the juvenile character exploring the world all doe-eyed in its uncomfortable awkwardness. It’s wonderful, sure, but I’m past that phase, instead preferring the mature cynic. That said, I must commend Montgomery on the sci-fi bits in the story (yes, I call them bits!) – to make all the aether and astrology magic flow and make sense in such an accessible manner, to make it such an interesting part of the story – that was top notch!
A Circle of Stars is well written, fast paced, despite the fact that at times you feel like you’re not getting anywhere as yet another conflict is added, and managed to surprise me at the 60% mark with a shocking moment. Did NOT see that coming! If you like your cast young, able and heroic, as their abilities and loyalties are put to the test to change the world order, then this is the duology for you!
August 31, 2023
This book was a blast from start to finish! It's been a while since I read a YA fantasy that hooked me from the very beginning and kept my attention through its entirety, but this book did. I find it hard to believe that this is Craig's debut novel. It reads like its written by a seasoned YA novelist. Craig created two great main characters that go through hell as they discover the secrets and lies their world is built on. From the very beginning, we saw our MC, Casper, get kicked out of his home because of his sexuality before being ripped from Earth and transported far across the galaxy to a whole new world. Even though every sexuality is considered normal and widely accepted, this world still held it's own prejudices against a minority that those in charge didn't fully understand. Those in power chose to control this group of people by locking them away just so they could keep the power they worked so hard to build. I think Craig did an excellent job of creating a political world that mirror's our own in the US. The every day people are the ones who are forced to bare the weight of the nation instead of those in power (wealthy). I thought that this was a very creative way of voicing concerns and frustrations about things in our reality through a fantasy lens.
I think that Craig has a very bright future as an author. I can't wait to read the 2nd book in The Stardust Duology and other stories that he creates. If you are looking for a fun YA fantasy, especially a queer YA fantasy, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the audiobook for an honest review!
I think that Craig has a very bright future as an author. I can't wait to read the 2nd book in The Stardust Duology and other stories that he creates. If you are looking for a fun YA fantasy, especially a queer YA fantasy, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the audiobook for an honest review!
June 29, 2023
Where do I even begin!?
From the very first page I was locked in. The characters, the world-building, the magic system, the plot..
I was lucky enough to receive an eArc and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We follow 3 characters, Casper, Helix and Talleah. These characters were perfect to follow because they each had a different perspective on the overarching problem/issue.
Casper, who has gone through so much continues to show kindness and humility in all of his actions (with some exceptions of course, we are not all perfect) comes from planet Earth. He is taken because he is considered extremely important in this other world.
Helix, considered royalty to some degree is an exemplar citizen of this new world and is family to the authority that is currently ruling.
Talleah, is a strong mother who was f*** by the system and is now taking matters into her own hands.
The world has one of the coolest magic systems I have seen! Similar to Earth, when you are born determines your astrology sign, but in this world, there are powers associated with that sign.
So what happens when the magnitude of powers threatens the safety and structure of society? How do you go about dismantling a system that is harmful to your community?
This book tackles the questions and issues we are currently facing and I absolutely love the way they were confronted.
I am ready for the second book!!!!
From the very first page I was locked in. The characters, the world-building, the magic system, the plot..
I was lucky enough to receive an eArc and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We follow 3 characters, Casper, Helix and Talleah. These characters were perfect to follow because they each had a different perspective on the overarching problem/issue.
Casper, who has gone through so much continues to show kindness and humility in all of his actions (with some exceptions of course, we are not all perfect) comes from planet Earth. He is taken because he is considered extremely important in this other world.
Helix, considered royalty to some degree is an exemplar citizen of this new world and is family to the authority that is currently ruling.
Talleah, is a strong mother who was f*** by the system and is now taking matters into her own hands.
The world has one of the coolest magic systems I have seen! Similar to Earth, when you are born determines your astrology sign, but in this world, there are powers associated with that sign.
So what happens when the magnitude of powers threatens the safety and structure of society? How do you go about dismantling a system that is harmful to your community?
This book tackles the questions and issues we are currently facing and I absolutely love the way they were confronted.
I am ready for the second book!!!!
December 1, 2023
Gah. I really, really, really wanted to like it (interesting premise, seemingly decent writing (at first), plus I've been in a reading slump), but I just could not get through this. It's blatantly obvious the author has watched more sci-fi (of the bad hollywood variety) than read any. It was disjointed, all over the place, completely random, with zero science (ancient greeks carved out a cave inside a moon to live in? seriously? where it's perpetual light and fresh air, so they have to drop something to create dark for the people, but the plants need constant light?) and very convoluted fantasy (steampunk meets harry potter "you're a wizard" vibe).
What a waste.
What a waste.
September 24, 2024
"A Circle of Stars" is book one in the Stardust Duology by Craig Montgomery, which is a YA M/M Sci-Fi Fantasy. It tells the story of Casper and Helix, two people who met during high political tension in a society who lives on the moon as there is a struggle for power.
This was such a fun read, and written expertly. The characters are interesting and diverse, the dialogue great, and the angst ever present. The pacing was solid for me, but is a slow-burn, so don't expect nonstop action from the jump. The world-building is handled well, and always feels like it serves the characters and story above all else. And even though the plot is very complicated, I do think Montgomery handles it very well, as it never feels like we stop the narrative to re-explain the idealogies to the reader.
This is told in 3rd person omniscient POV, but Casper is our main MMC that we follow and get introduced into this new world. He is a character that has trauma and struggles with his sense of self and identity and what home is. Helix, our secondary MMC, is a character who struggles with what is expected of him from his family and those in power, vs what he really wants/feels is right.
This has a lot to say about identity and who we are and what we want in life. It's about how we treat ourselves and those different from us. How we heal and heal others. It's about the family we're born into vs the family we choose. But it's also a commentary about the state of our modern world. How often, we look down upon others or other communities as inferior than our own. And how there is so much more that connects us than separates us, and how we need to do better and be better to be true to ourselves, but also serve the communities in which we live. There will always be hate and struggle for power and ownership, but it's in the moments we choose to stand together, for the people who don't have a voice. It is a message that is done beautifully.
And the ending, without spoilers, made me emotional. While it clearly is only half of the overall story, it feels like the main objective and obstacles Casper is faced with at the very beginning come full circle, and in that sense leave the ending feeling very poignant and poetic.
This comes highly recommended for fans of sci-fi fantasy and M/M books. The pacing might not work for everyone, but it works for me. I cannot wait for the second book!
This was such a fun read, and written expertly. The characters are interesting and diverse, the dialogue great, and the angst ever present. The pacing was solid for me, but is a slow-burn, so don't expect nonstop action from the jump. The world-building is handled well, and always feels like it serves the characters and story above all else. And even though the plot is very complicated, I do think Montgomery handles it very well, as it never feels like we stop the narrative to re-explain the idealogies to the reader.
This is told in 3rd person omniscient POV, but Casper is our main MMC that we follow and get introduced into this new world. He is a character that has trauma and struggles with his sense of self and identity and what home is. Helix, our secondary MMC, is a character who struggles with what is expected of him from his family and those in power, vs what he really wants/feels is right.
This has a lot to say about identity and who we are and what we want in life. It's about how we treat ourselves and those different from us. How we heal and heal others. It's about the family we're born into vs the family we choose. But it's also a commentary about the state of our modern world. How often, we look down upon others or other communities as inferior than our own. And how there is so much more that connects us than separates us, and how we need to do better and be better to be true to ourselves, but also serve the communities in which we live. There will always be hate and struggle for power and ownership, but it's in the moments we choose to stand together, for the people who don't have a voice. It is a message that is done beautifully.
And the ending, without spoilers, made me emotional. While it clearly is only half of the overall story, it feels like the main objective and obstacles Casper is faced with at the very beginning come full circle, and in that sense leave the ending feeling very poignant and poetic.
This comes highly recommended for fans of sci-fi fantasy and M/M books. The pacing might not work for everyone, but it works for me. I cannot wait for the second book!
June 17, 2023
This is a captivating YA science-fiction fantasy novel that immerses its readers in a world where astrology and zodiac signs shape both magic and social status. The biggest strength of the book lies in its rich and imaginative world-building, offering a hidden lunar city and a treacherous surface world filled with dangers. The exploration of a society where acceptance of queer individuals coexists with hidden oppression adds depth and complexity.
Casper, the protagonist, undergoes a transformative journey as he is thrust into a new world after facing rejection and violence due to his sexual orientation. The portrayal of Casper's struggle to find acceptance and his quest for belonging is poignant and relatable, shining a light on the emotional toll of societal prejudice. The soft and supportive romance he finds with Helix unfolds in the story and adds a tender layer to the story.
Another of the notable strengths of the book is the politics, as it delves into themes of rebellion against power, difficult choices for the greater good, and the intricate nature of effecting change. The exploration of the dark underbelly beneath the seemingly utopian society adds layers of intrigue.
While the world-building and overall storytelling are strong, it is worth noting that some readers may find the emotional impact of the book slightly restrained. Given the complexity of the topics addressed, a deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and the resonance of their experiences could have intensified the overall impact of the story. This was beautifully done with Casper's beginning but did not follow throughout the story. This might have been a problem with pacing, as good communication between characters tended to resolve things too quickly to hit me emotionally.
Thank you to the author who provided an advanced reader copy. This is an honest review.
Casper, the protagonist, undergoes a transformative journey as he is thrust into a new world after facing rejection and violence due to his sexual orientation. The portrayal of Casper's struggle to find acceptance and his quest for belonging is poignant and relatable, shining a light on the emotional toll of societal prejudice. The soft and supportive romance he finds with Helix unfolds in the story and adds a tender layer to the story.
Another of the notable strengths of the book is the politics, as it delves into themes of rebellion against power, difficult choices for the greater good, and the intricate nature of effecting change. The exploration of the dark underbelly beneath the seemingly utopian society adds layers of intrigue.
While the world-building and overall storytelling are strong, it is worth noting that some readers may find the emotional impact of the book slightly restrained. Given the complexity of the topics addressed, a deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and the resonance of their experiences could have intensified the overall impact of the story. This was beautifully done with Casper's beginning but did not follow throughout the story. This might have been a problem with pacing, as good communication between characters tended to resolve things too quickly to hit me emotionally.
Thank you to the author who provided an advanced reader copy. This is an honest review.
August 24, 2023
Gays in space, a teenager kidnapped and sent to a hidden civilization in a moon, magic based on the astrological sign you're born under, A Circle of Stars is a queer science fiction fantasy that I enjoyed reading. (And have lots of thoughts on!)
Casper is kicked out for being gay by his douchebag Dad, and just when he thinks his life can't get any worse; is attacked by coyotes, saved by strangers with magic, kidnapped, and put inside a plush prison and forced in the middle of political machinations. Poor Casper. He has to learn to navigate the new world he is now forced to be a part of, a difficult task because of the lack of information and truth he receives. Will he save their city, or destroy everything?
This book follows a lot of themes of rebellion, political schemes, and people willing to accomplish their goals by any means necessary, regardless of consequences.
Talleh was a surprise POV that I did not expect, and I actually ended up enjoying hers the most, which really surprised me! Her struggle and journey to I also liked how Helix and his journey was handled, realizing his privilege and his world-view getting shattered was handled extremely well.
This book surprised me and I enjoyed that so much.
Typically by the halfway point or even in the beginning I find it easy to guess what is going to happen. The rug being swept out from under me made me happy.
I did have some trouble understanding motivations. I wish we could have seen more of the reasons behind his actions, and a more complex understanding of his character, like what we got with Brissa.
My only major complaint is I would like to have seen more! It would also have been really helpful to have a glossary, THERE WILL BE A GLOSSARY AND MORE FOR THE BOOK RELEASE, ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR!!! as is the norm with science fiction you get a lot of new words thrown at you, and it would have been nice to know how to pronounce them. (And what they mean!)
I would loved to have seen more of the different signs interact with each other. I feel like there's quite a bit of mention of different castes and privileges, and I would have enjoyed to see more confrontational aspects to that in how different magics look down or up to each other. While most people seemed to afraid to speak about the Gemini's, there wasn't any other really visible tension between signs. (For example, discrimination to "weaker" signs, or places that won't do business or general bullying of poorer signs.) There is mention of families being cut off from society for having someone exiled, and I would loved to have seen more of that and the repercussions.
First, I did enjoy this book and I do recommend you read it when it releases!
Let me take a moment here to try to eloquently speak (or type) about race.
There is a difference between having a ton of characters with different skin tones and races in your book, and having that character be that race. Especially when the book deals with a world without racism and with a different kind of segregation. It's the equivalent of saying a certain people have a specific hair type, it's like "oh great! I am so glad they are showing different hair types." But how are the they different? Their experience? Their life? The way they do their hair or interact with their families? Even if there is no racism, I didn't find enough distinct culture between the different magics to show the different cultures of the people. (And if there isn't, then I missed the point of having such a varied people if they are all in essence similar) This is always a tricky subject to discuss, because yes we need more diverse people in books but they need to be shown to be that race. If you take out a characters description in this book would you still be able to tell they were the race they were supposedly written as? What other aspects are mentioned that have them show their race? Could they easily have been white and nothing have changed about the character? Are you including them in your book for diversity points, or does having them be that race add context to their character and story? If someone reads the book without character descriptions would they know which person is Mexican, Black, or Asian, based on context clues? Words to think about.
Indie books always give me trouble to review, because I know how hard the authors have to work to do their own marketing, and they don't have the support/guidance of a publishing house. That being said I am eager to read whatever Craig Montgomery writes next, and I wouldn't be surprised to see his books in stores one day!
This book comes out June 16th and I do recommend it, especially for fans of queer fantasy, or science fiction.
I received this book as an eARC to read and review. As always, this is my honest opinion.
The Cover
This is the best indie book cover I have ever seen. The composition, design, even the font all work together to make a cohesive piece. I would hang a poster of this book cover on my wall guys, that is how pretty is.
It was really cool to see aspects of the city, it helped make a clearer picture in my head with the book descriptions.
Helix and Casper are over layed on top of one another, up in the stars above the city with Casper making eye contact with the viewer. Both of them seem slightly hunched over, as if they aren't ready or willing for the fight ahead.
The galaxy star background really makes you feel like you are in space and again is just so pretty! I always love to see a font that matches with the cover and the book and this is no different. It adds an air of fantasy to the overall very science fiction vibe of the book.
Seriously though, a 10/10 cover.
(I am not quite sure who did the cover, had some trouble finding that information)
Casper is kicked out for being gay by his douchebag Dad, and just when he thinks his life can't get any worse; is attacked by coyotes, saved by strangers with magic, kidnapped, and put inside a plush prison and forced in the middle of political machinations. Poor Casper. He has to learn to navigate the new world he is now forced to be a part of, a difficult task because of the lack of information and truth he receives. Will he save their city, or destroy everything?
This book follows a lot of themes of rebellion, political schemes, and people willing to accomplish their goals by any means necessary, regardless of consequences.
Talleh was a surprise POV that I did not expect, and I actually ended up enjoying hers the most, which really surprised me! Her struggle and journey to I also liked how Helix and his journey was handled, realizing his privilege and his world-view getting shattered was handled extremely well.
This book surprised me and I enjoyed that so much.
Typically by the halfway point or even in the beginning I find it easy to guess what is going to happen. The rug being swept out from under me made me happy.
I did have some trouble understanding motivations. I wish we could have seen more of the reasons behind his actions, and a more complex understanding of his character, like what we got with Brissa.
My only major complaint is I would like to have seen more! It would also have been really helpful to have a glossary, THERE WILL BE A GLOSSARY AND MORE FOR THE BOOK RELEASE, ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR!!! as is the norm with science fiction you get a lot of new words thrown at you, and it would have been nice to know how to pronounce them. (And what they mean!)
I would loved to have seen more of the different signs interact with each other. I feel like there's quite a bit of mention of different castes and privileges, and I would have enjoyed to see more confrontational aspects to that in how different magics look down or up to each other. While most people seemed to afraid to speak about the Gemini's, there wasn't any other really visible tension between signs. (For example, discrimination to "weaker" signs, or places that won't do business or general bullying of poorer signs.) There is mention of families being cut off from society for having someone exiled, and I would loved to have seen more of that and the repercussions.
First, I did enjoy this book and I do recommend you read it when it releases!
Let me take a moment here to try to eloquently speak (or type) about race.
There is a difference between having a ton of characters with different skin tones and races in your book, and having that character be that race. Especially when the book deals with a world without racism and with a different kind of segregation. It's the equivalent of saying a certain people have a specific hair type, it's like "oh great! I am so glad they are showing different hair types." But how are the they different? Their experience? Their life? The way they do their hair or interact with their families? Even if there is no racism, I didn't find enough distinct culture between the different magics to show the different cultures of the people. (And if there isn't, then I missed the point of having such a varied people if they are all in essence similar) This is always a tricky subject to discuss, because yes we need more diverse people in books but they need to be shown to be that race. If you take out a characters description in this book would you still be able to tell they were the race they were supposedly written as? What other aspects are mentioned that have them show their race? Could they easily have been white and nothing have changed about the character? Are you including them in your book for diversity points, or does having them be that race add context to their character and story? If someone reads the book without character descriptions would they know which person is Mexican, Black, or Asian, based on context clues? Words to think about.
Indie books always give me trouble to review, because I know how hard the authors have to work to do their own marketing, and they don't have the support/guidance of a publishing house. That being said I am eager to read whatever Craig Montgomery writes next, and I wouldn't be surprised to see his books in stores one day!
This book comes out June 16th and I do recommend it, especially for fans of queer fantasy, or science fiction.
I received this book as an eARC to read and review. As always, this is my honest opinion.
The Cover
This is the best indie book cover I have ever seen. The composition, design, even the font all work together to make a cohesive piece. I would hang a poster of this book cover on my wall guys, that is how pretty is.
It was really cool to see aspects of the city, it helped make a clearer picture in my head with the book descriptions.
Helix and Casper are over layed on top of one another, up in the stars above the city with Casper making eye contact with the viewer. Both of them seem slightly hunched over, as if they aren't ready or willing for the fight ahead.
The galaxy star background really makes you feel like you are in space and again is just so pretty! I always love to see a font that matches with the cover and the book and this is no different. It adds an air of fantasy to the overall very science fiction vibe of the book.
Seriously though, a 10/10 cover.
(I am not quite sure who did the cover, had some trouble finding that information)
July 16, 2024
A Circle of Stars is a queer YA fantasy about an ordinary young man caught up in his celestial destiny. Casper, recently outed at his high school, was just kicked out of his home when he is kidnapped and transported to another planet for his rare ability to manifest all twelve astrological powers. There, he is kept isolated by the ruling Estellar Council as a political pawn. When he meets Helix, the grandson of the head of the Council being groomed for leadership, they become embroiled in a plot to destabilize the Novilem society. Casper must navigate his feelings, his emerging powers, and plots from the council and rebels if he wants to make a new home for himself in Novilem.
This was a very ambitious debut fantasy novel with a separate new world, completely different social structure, and a complex magic system. It is evident, however, that this is the author’s first novel as it doesn’t quite hit my expectations set by its premise. The twelve abilities bestowed by the twelve astrological signs weren’t laid out as clearly and memorably as I would have wanted. It does successfully build the world of Novilem and the human society there divided by the signs they are born into. The delivery just needed to be smoother and flow more naturally in the narrative. It left a number of questions unanswered, making them feel like loopholes. I I also couldn’t help but compare the magic system here to Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Metallurgy and how Sanderson was able to convey the complex hard magic system there so seamlessly and easily digestible, something this booked lacked.
I did appreciate the diverse cast. Casper as a recently outed teenage boy is not the average chosen one main character. His experiences hiding himself and being part of a persecuted group gives him unique insight, and he certainly recognized persecution in Novilem among its populace, even if he is comforted by how queernormative of a society it is. It’s just a different group but the same old story. Meanwhile, Helix as part of the privileged few and marked for leadership is having his eyes opened by his association with Casper, never having realized how skewed his own experiences are. I did like their romance which was charming while the book doesn’t stray away from the realities of a new relationship with their bickering and differing ideologies or perspectives. And it is their interactions that allows them to expand their own worldviews and change for the better.
The addition of Talleah as a POV character was a brilliant touch, giving the perspective of the lay person affected by all the politics and machinations done by those above her. One supporting character worth mentioning is Brissa, Helix’s grandmother and defacto leader of the council, whose complexity was startlingly refreshing where Helix views her as his guiding light in his life who has done what is necessary to preserve the Novilem way of life while the rebels see her as the ultimate expression of the oppressive government out of touch with reality.
A Circle of Stars is a complex YA fantasy debut that gets its characters and relationships right while needing a bit more refinement on the delivery of the narrative.
*I read this book as a judge for the 2nd Indie Ink Awards. My review here will not necessarily reflect my score there. I did, however, buy myself a physical copy of the book because this book was already in my TBR.
This was a very ambitious debut fantasy novel with a separate new world, completely different social structure, and a complex magic system. It is evident, however, that this is the author’s first novel as it doesn’t quite hit my expectations set by its premise. The twelve abilities bestowed by the twelve astrological signs weren’t laid out as clearly and memorably as I would have wanted. It does successfully build the world of Novilem and the human society there divided by the signs they are born into. The delivery just needed to be smoother and flow more naturally in the narrative. It left a number of questions unanswered, making them feel like loopholes. I I also couldn’t help but compare the magic system here to Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Metallurgy and how Sanderson was able to convey the complex hard magic system there so seamlessly and easily digestible, something this booked lacked.
I did appreciate the diverse cast. Casper as a recently outed teenage boy is not the average chosen one main character. His experiences hiding himself and being part of a persecuted group gives him unique insight, and he certainly recognized persecution in Novilem among its populace, even if he is comforted by how queernormative of a society it is. It’s just a different group but the same old story. Meanwhile, Helix as part of the privileged few and marked for leadership is having his eyes opened by his association with Casper, never having realized how skewed his own experiences are. I did like their romance which was charming while the book doesn’t stray away from the realities of a new relationship with their bickering and differing ideologies or perspectives. And it is their interactions that allows them to expand their own worldviews and change for the better.
The addition of Talleah as a POV character was a brilliant touch, giving the perspective of the lay person affected by all the politics and machinations done by those above her. One supporting character worth mentioning is Brissa, Helix’s grandmother and defacto leader of the council, whose complexity was startlingly refreshing where Helix views her as his guiding light in his life who has done what is necessary to preserve the Novilem way of life while the rebels see her as the ultimate expression of the oppressive government out of touch with reality.
A Circle of Stars is a complex YA fantasy debut that gets its characters and relationships right while needing a bit more refinement on the delivery of the narrative.
*I read this book as a judge for the 2nd Indie Ink Awards. My review here will not necessarily reflect my score there. I did, however, buy myself a physical copy of the book because this book was already in my TBR.
dnf
June 27, 2023DNF at... dunno, I got at least halfway before I started skimming then skipping so I can't say it was a downright bad book but the issues, for me, were just pilling up and eventually I didn't see how it could get better.
The concept is so interesting. That's what brought me... okay, okay, the cover is so pretty, I am weak for the pretty ones and like to reward myself with a book like this for all the books where I manage to overlook a bad cover. Yes, I am shallow like that. I try not to be. But a sci-if - a gay sci-fi meets astrology - seeing a different society, the varied gifts, the world... there's definitely a good foundation here, but the story and the characters actually felt pretty lacking in comparison. I am not a YA fan. Not at the moment. This felt like YA. And it feels especially lame when you put it on such a back-drop: Casper (well, at least it's an "original" name) is outed and kicked out of his home. Instead of following the natural course of such story, he's instead transported (metaphorically and physically) to a different planet where he can be gay no problem but he will not be safe or that happy and he will more or less just exchange one cage for another.
The society is basically under communism. You can dress it up if you want but that's really all it is. You are given what you need - you will be fed and given a house - and a job, a job you can't really choose. There are no money, there is very little free will and if the system decides someone is distributive, they're taken away or penalized. The system is not necessarily worse or better than American version of democracy, as the author kindly pointed out - Casper had choices on Earth, he was also homeless. Communistic is better at taking care of the basic needs of its citizens than American one - taking away instead some "rights". For many, that's an okay trade, for the rest... well, that's a whole other debate.
But it did feel oppressive. The more I read, the more I saw the pressure and just how corrupted and bad everyone in the government is, the less I enjoy the world. And Casper was just not a good fit for such a world. I am not a brave or confident person myself but if I have to suffer through such a world, I need at least someone sees behind the manipulation and changes the rules. Casper was a baby. He pushed in all the wrong places and he was stumbling around the place accomplishing exactly nothing or just making things worse.
And the weak, very YA-level romance was just compounding those feelings of inadequacy until I could take it no longer.
I am sure some people enjoyed this. I am not one of them. The good ideas were there but I didn't like their execution.
The concept is so interesting. That's what brought me... okay, okay, the cover is so pretty, I am weak for the pretty ones and like to reward myself with a book like this for all the books where I manage to overlook a bad cover. Yes, I am shallow like that. I try not to be. But a sci-if - a gay sci-fi meets astrology - seeing a different society, the varied gifts, the world... there's definitely a good foundation here, but the story and the characters actually felt pretty lacking in comparison. I am not a YA fan. Not at the moment. This felt like YA. And it feels especially lame when you put it on such a back-drop: Casper (well, at least it's an "original" name) is outed and kicked out of his home. Instead of following the natural course of such story, he's instead transported (metaphorically and physically) to a different planet where he can be gay no problem but he will not be safe or that happy and he will more or less just exchange one cage for another.
The society is basically under communism. You can dress it up if you want but that's really all it is. You are given what you need - you will be fed and given a house - and a job, a job you can't really choose. There are no money, there is very little free will and if the system decides someone is distributive, they're taken away or penalized. The system is not necessarily worse or better than American version of democracy, as the author kindly pointed out - Casper had choices on Earth, he was also homeless. Communistic is better at taking care of the basic needs of its citizens than American one - taking away instead some "rights". For many, that's an okay trade, for the rest... well, that's a whole other debate.
But it did feel oppressive. The more I read, the more I saw the pressure and just how corrupted and bad everyone in the government is, the less I enjoy the world. And Casper was just not a good fit for such a world. I am not a brave or confident person myself but if I have to suffer through such a world, I need at least someone sees behind the manipulation and changes the rules. Casper was a baby. He pushed in all the wrong places and he was stumbling around the place accomplishing exactly nothing or just making things worse.
And the weak, very YA-level romance was just compounding those feelings of inadequacy until I could take it no longer.
I am sure some people enjoyed this. I am not one of them. The good ideas were there but I didn't like their execution.
June 12, 2023
'A Circle of Stars' by Craig Montgomery is an extraordinary queer young adult sci-fi fantasy that captivated me from beginning to end. The electric chemistry between the main characters, Casper and Helix, is beautifully portrayed, and their relationship is a true highlight of the book. Montgomery's masterful storytelling skillfully weaves a sweet and tender romance amidst a backdrop of political intrigue, resulting in a truly engaging story.
The plot follows Casper Bell, a young man who faces the harsh reality of being outed and abandoned by his loved ones. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is abducted by the inhabitants of Novilem, a world where magic is granted by the stars. Casper discovers that he possesses the extraordinary ability to harness power from all twelve astrological signs, making him a valuable pawn for the Estellar Council's political agenda. As rebellion looms and the council fractures, Casper and Helix embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Casper's abilities, as the survival of Novilem hangs in the balance.
One of the standout aspects of 'A Circle of Stars' is the expertly developed political elements within the narrative. Montgomery delves into the complexities of power dynamics and the consequences of political maneuvering, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book also introduces a unique and enjoyable magic system, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story.
The action scenes in 'A Circle of Stars' are nothing short of exhilarating. Montgomery's vivid descriptions and fast-paced writing style bring these moments to life, making them both thrilling and entertaining. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each contributing depth and complexity to the overall narrative. The interactions between the characters form a tapestry of heartwarming, fun, tense, and intriguing moments that kept me fully immersed in the story.
For fans of queer young adult fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy, 'A Circle of Stars' is an absolute must-read. Craig Montgomery's skillful storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a joy to experience. Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting tale woven within its pages.
The plot follows Casper Bell, a young man who faces the harsh reality of being outed and abandoned by his loved ones. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is abducted by the inhabitants of Novilem, a world where magic is granted by the stars. Casper discovers that he possesses the extraordinary ability to harness power from all twelve astrological signs, making him a valuable pawn for the Estellar Council's political agenda. As rebellion looms and the council fractures, Casper and Helix embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Casper's abilities, as the survival of Novilem hangs in the balance.
One of the standout aspects of 'A Circle of Stars' is the expertly developed political elements within the narrative. Montgomery delves into the complexities of power dynamics and the consequences of political maneuvering, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book also introduces a unique and enjoyable magic system, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story.
The action scenes in 'A Circle of Stars' are nothing short of exhilarating. Montgomery's vivid descriptions and fast-paced writing style bring these moments to life, making them both thrilling and entertaining. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each contributing depth and complexity to the overall narrative. The interactions between the characters form a tapestry of heartwarming, fun, tense, and intriguing moments that kept me fully immersed in the story.
For fans of queer young adult fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy, 'A Circle of Stars' is an absolute must-read. Craig Montgomery's skillful storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a joy to experience. Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting tale woven within its pages.
May 26, 2023
A Circle Of Stars, by Craig Montgomery, brings astrology and fantasy together in a mind blowing and relatable way.
I knew when I was in tears 3 pages in that this book was going to be an emotional rollercoaster. I was right. Unfairly revealed by a classmate as being gay, Casper isn't sure how life can get any worse. Until he's stolen away from everything he's ever known and told his sole responsibility is to be a beacon of hope for an entire kingdom. A kingdom he's never heard of or have any inkling off how things work. It's ok though because he meets Helix. Together they make revelations and discoveries about the community Casper is supposed to lead and helix has spent a lifetime learning to govern. Can they fix the wrongs without destroying everything? I can't wait to find out.
If you're not a fan of astrology don't fret. This is nothing like the astrology you're familiar with. Other than when you were born deciding your zodiac, there's no moon phases or anything to keep track of. I found the magic system tied to the astrological signs very interesting, of not a little complicated at times. I still don't feel like I have a complete grasp on exactly how it works but I understand enough to enjoy it.
The story itself was engaging throughout. It opens on a slower build till around 45% then it really takes off. But I personally don't mind a slow build up with world building and character development. Which this book definitely has.
Overall totally solid debut book. The writing worked for me and didn't feel clunky or overwritten. I didn't find myself repeatedly pulled out of the story or bored at any time. I can't wait for book 2!
I knew when I was in tears 3 pages in that this book was going to be an emotional rollercoaster. I was right. Unfairly revealed by a classmate as being gay, Casper isn't sure how life can get any worse. Until he's stolen away from everything he's ever known and told his sole responsibility is to be a beacon of hope for an entire kingdom. A kingdom he's never heard of or have any inkling off how things work. It's ok though because he meets Helix. Together they make revelations and discoveries about the community Casper is supposed to lead and helix has spent a lifetime learning to govern. Can they fix the wrongs without destroying everything? I can't wait to find out.
If you're not a fan of astrology don't fret. This is nothing like the astrology you're familiar with. Other than when you were born deciding your zodiac, there's no moon phases or anything to keep track of. I found the magic system tied to the astrological signs very interesting, of not a little complicated at times. I still don't feel like I have a complete grasp on exactly how it works but I understand enough to enjoy it.
The story itself was engaging throughout. It opens on a slower build till around 45% then it really takes off. But I personally don't mind a slow build up with world building and character development. Which this book definitely has.
Overall totally solid debut book. The writing worked for me and didn't feel clunky or overwritten. I didn't find myself repeatedly pulled out of the story or bored at any time. I can't wait for book 2!
June 29, 2024
It took a lot of brain power to read this book.
It started out with a heart-wrenching chapter of Casper’s time on Earth before he was forced to move location. The contrast between a normal, modern tone to the sci-fi/fantasy one was jarring, it took me some time to adjust.
Then the struggle began.
As much as I want to applaud the originality of the magic system and the worldbuilding, I needed to keep referring to the magic chart and glossary to understand what was going on. Like, “he was using his Leo aether.” Or, “You are a Stallistis.” After some time, I gave up and just kept reading, despite not truly understanding what was going on. The plot was interesting enough for me to want to know more, but man, what a chore to get through all that.
Let’s talk about the (lack) of romance.
Our main couple only met after like, I dunno, 30-40% mark, maybe? It was an insta-love, a physical attraction, and nothing more. I can understand those, but I don’t know what makes them stay together, except that they do, even to the point that they’re willing to sacrifice themselves for each other.
PTSD and all those psychological problems
I like that they were addressed, but unfortunately they were dealt with unbelievably. An 18-year old boy could diagnose himself perfectly, and a few comfort words here and there could get him back up and running. Lots of cringey dialogues & telling were thrown around in those intense moments, too.
The overall chemistry
All in all, reading this book was like looking at complex formulas and learning the chemical elements they’re made of. It’s impressive, but I can’t say it was enjoyable.
2.5⭐️
It started out with a heart-wrenching chapter of Casper’s time on Earth before he was forced to move location. The contrast between a normal, modern tone to the sci-fi/fantasy one was jarring, it took me some time to adjust.
Then the struggle began.
As much as I want to applaud the originality of the magic system and the worldbuilding, I needed to keep referring to the magic chart and glossary to understand what was going on. Like, “he was using his Leo aether.” Or, “You are a Stallistis.” After some time, I gave up and just kept reading, despite not truly understanding what was going on. The plot was interesting enough for me to want to know more, but man, what a chore to get through all that.
Let’s talk about the (lack) of romance.
Our main couple only met after like, I dunno, 30-40% mark, maybe? It was an insta-love, a physical attraction, and nothing more. I can understand those, but I don’t know what makes them stay together, except that they do, even to the point that they’re willing to sacrifice themselves for each other.
PTSD and all those psychological problems
I like that they were addressed, but unfortunately they were dealt with unbelievably. An 18-year old boy could diagnose himself perfectly, and a few comfort words here and there could get him back up and running. Lots of cringey dialogues & telling were thrown around in those intense moments, too.
The overall chemistry
All in all, reading this book was like looking at complex formulas and learning the chemical elements they’re made of. It’s impressive, but I can’t say it was enjoyable.
2.5⭐️
April 12, 2023
This book is SO good!! I can’t believe it’s a debut novel! If you’re a fan of YA fantasy or sci-fi, especially queer fantasy, this is something you need to read. I don’t want to give away anything about the plot so I’ll keep it brief: Casper, an 18 year old boy, is kicked out of his family home for being gay. Wandering the streets, he’s kidnapped and taken to another planet, only to discover that he has specific magical abilities that make him a sort of hero to the people on that planet. Casper is now stuck in the middle of some crazy political machinations, all while still on the road to discovering who he really is, both as a human and as this magical figurehead to a culture he’s never heard of. His love interest, Helix, is also part of the political complexities, and the way these two grow as individuals and as a couple is so sweet. Throw in a really intriguing magical system based on astrology & zodiac sign, and I was riveted while reading! Where is book two, I’m so ready to continue this series!!
I received an ARC of this book, and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book, and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2023
This is a heartwarming and exciting story with a fascinating world and magic system. In some ways it felt very sci-fi, but the fantasy elements definitely shine through and I enjoyed learning more about the world and the new society we're introduced to over the course of the story. There's a really cute romance between the two main characters, but I appreciated that we got to spend so much time with them as individuals before they ever meet or develop a relationship. It made them both stand out on their own with their own distinct personalities, motivations, thoughts, and emotions. The therapist in me also really appreciated the way mental health issues and trauma were portrayed. It felt authentic and the support & validation the characters received in certain situations was beautiful. Kudos to the author for crafting such an immersive reading experience in this debut novel.
August 6, 2023
4.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this book! Craig did such a great job of incorporating important topics, discussions, and parallels to our society into the story. I really enjoyed all of our main characters, and the friendships, family relationships, and romance throughout was very well done! Taking half a point off for the slightly confusing world building but overall a great story.
May 25, 2023
Pub Date: 6/16/2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author (I am LOL-ing at myself because what if we are not actually friends & I’m just being my delusional self? Love that for me hahaha) & does that make me biased? Sure, but I hope you trust me & my reviews enough by now (I post most of my reviews to TikTok, Storygraph & Instagram) to know that I don’t lie or bullshit when it comes to my life’s passion, reading hahaha.
Anyway! I absolutely devoured this book (lovingly & tenderly). It is everything you expect of the first book in a sci-fi/fantasy series: introducing you to an exciting world, meeting characters you root for, & setting up enough of a societal conflict that you are left wanting more at the end! The astrological magic system is incredible btw!
Make sure you check the glossary of terms, pronunciation guide, & list of characters. SO helpful!
The plot gives you a bit of a slow burn, because as Casper is introduced to everything, so are we (the audience). We learn about Novilem along with him, & it is a lot to process. I felt like I was right next to Casper, figuring it out as we went!
This is as much a coming-of-age story as it is an adventure because Casper is in a state of becoming, not only the infamous Telos figure, but more himself. When we meet him, he is literally at his lowest point and not in a position to feel pride or hope yet. By the end of the book, not only has he found community and purpose, but he’s come more into his own.
He’s becoming someone that he is proud of, which is so adverse from what his family and his church had taught him. That makes the deduction of this book that much more meaningful: “To those who have found themselves on the cusp of living. Too afraid to blaze your own trail, yet too stubborn to surrender to your conditioning. If you have found yourself in that in-between space, wishing for a life where you fit—please never give up. Your people are out there and we need you.” Casper is still navigating a new relationship, found family & identity.. But he’s confident & hopeful with caring people in his corner, proudly supporting him!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author (I am LOL-ing at myself because what if we are not actually friends & I’m just being my delusional self? Love that for me hahaha) & does that make me biased? Sure, but I hope you trust me & my reviews enough by now (I post most of my reviews to TikTok, Storygraph & Instagram) to know that I don’t lie or bullshit when it comes to my life’s passion, reading hahaha.
Anyway! I absolutely devoured this book (lovingly & tenderly). It is everything you expect of the first book in a sci-fi/fantasy series: introducing you to an exciting world, meeting characters you root for, & setting up enough of a societal conflict that you are left wanting more at the end! The astrological magic system is incredible btw!
Make sure you check the glossary of terms, pronunciation guide, & list of characters. SO helpful!
The plot gives you a bit of a slow burn, because as Casper is introduced to everything, so are we (the audience). We learn about Novilem along with him, & it is a lot to process. I felt like I was right next to Casper, figuring it out as we went!
This is as much a coming-of-age story as it is an adventure because Casper is in a state of becoming, not only the infamous Telos figure, but more himself. When we meet him, he is literally at his lowest point and not in a position to feel pride or hope yet. By the end of the book, not only has he found community and purpose, but he’s come more into his own.
He’s becoming someone that he is proud of, which is so adverse from what his family and his church had taught him. That makes the deduction of this book that much more meaningful: “To those who have found themselves on the cusp of living. Too afraid to blaze your own trail, yet too stubborn to surrender to your conditioning. If you have found yourself in that in-between space, wishing for a life where you fit—please never give up. Your people are out there and we need you.” Casper is still navigating a new relationship, found family & identity.. But he’s confident & hopeful with caring people in his corner, proudly supporting him!
June 26, 2024
So intricate and beautifully crafted. Loved the world building, I haven't read anything like it before. Loved the political aspect of the story, the deceit and intrigue. The complex characters. The queer normative world. So good.
I'm very fond of both main characters, but especially Casper. He's the type of character that I want to protect with my own life. Him simply existing makes me happy. I can't really explain it.
I'll be back with a better review. Hopefully. 😅
I'm very fond of both main characters, but especially Casper. He's the type of character that I want to protect with my own life. Him simply existing makes me happy. I can't really explain it.
I'll be back with a better review. Hopefully. 😅
July 13, 2024
Read for Team Queen's Book Asylum for SPFBOX. All views are my own and do not reflect the team. I read this entry to 100%.
A Circle of Stars is a YA coming of age sci-fi fantasy that starts off powerfully, as our young MC Casper is kicked out of his home after being outed as gay. With nowhere to go, and no one to turn to, it’s fortunate that he happens to stumble into a group of magic-possessing humans from halfway across the galaxy that see Casper as their chosen one. From there, Casper’s life only changes further as he’s whisked away to start his new life in a way he’d never imagine. Casper and the reader are thrown into some cool worldbuilding. His new home of Novilem is built inside a moon and has a lot of good stuff going for it—it’s queernormative, capitalism doesn’t exist, and everyone has magical abilities based on their zodiac sign. But this new world isn’t quite as perfect as it seems. Being the chosen one means Casper is locked away, unable to see Novilem for what it really is, though as the story develops, he begins to realise that even magical societies have its share of social injustice and inequalities. The story is also told from the secondary perspective of Helix, another teen who grew up with privilege within Novilem and must face it, and Talleah, a mother who is all too familiar with Novilem’s injustices.
While I love the concept of abilities linked to one’s zodiac sign, it does take a little while to get used to the twelve different groups, to which I can sympathize, having also written a book with twelve races and abilities! There’s a glossary at the start of the book with a diagram to help ease you in. Between these three POV characters, there’s a lot going on in the story, with obvious parallels to real-world bigotry and injustice that did feel somewhat heavy handed at times. The developing relationship with Casper and Helix did get a bit too YA and insta-love for me, whereas Casper certainly acts like a teen. However, the unfolding story held my interest and went in directions I wasn’t expecting. For me, it was the character of Brissa who fascinated me most—the leader of Novilem and Helix’s grandmother came across as morally grey in how she ruled Novilem and kept Casper in the dark, but also Helix’s relationship with her was complicated and held depth. I also really appreciated the diversity present throughout the book.
Ultimately, regardless of all the cool worldbuilding, A Circle of Stars is a YA story featuring teens with space powers, and that may not be for everyone.
A Circle of Stars is a YA coming of age sci-fi fantasy that starts off powerfully, as our young MC Casper is kicked out of his home after being outed as gay. With nowhere to go, and no one to turn to, it’s fortunate that he happens to stumble into a group of magic-possessing humans from halfway across the galaxy that see Casper as their chosen one. From there, Casper’s life only changes further as he’s whisked away to start his new life in a way he’d never imagine. Casper and the reader are thrown into some cool worldbuilding. His new home of Novilem is built inside a moon and has a lot of good stuff going for it—it’s queernormative, capitalism doesn’t exist, and everyone has magical abilities based on their zodiac sign. But this new world isn’t quite as perfect as it seems. Being the chosen one means Casper is locked away, unable to see Novilem for what it really is, though as the story develops, he begins to realise that even magical societies have its share of social injustice and inequalities. The story is also told from the secondary perspective of Helix, another teen who grew up with privilege within Novilem and must face it, and Talleah, a mother who is all too familiar with Novilem’s injustices.
While I love the concept of abilities linked to one’s zodiac sign, it does take a little while to get used to the twelve different groups, to which I can sympathize, having also written a book with twelve races and abilities! There’s a glossary at the start of the book with a diagram to help ease you in. Between these three POV characters, there’s a lot going on in the story, with obvious parallels to real-world bigotry and injustice that did feel somewhat heavy handed at times. The developing relationship with Casper and Helix did get a bit too YA and insta-love for me, whereas Casper certainly acts like a teen. However, the unfolding story held my interest and went in directions I wasn’t expecting. For me, it was the character of Brissa who fascinated me most—the leader of Novilem and Helix’s grandmother came across as morally grey in how she ruled Novilem and kept Casper in the dark, but also Helix’s relationship with her was complicated and held depth. I also really appreciated the diversity present throughout the book.
Ultimately, regardless of all the cool worldbuilding, A Circle of Stars is a YA story featuring teens with space powers, and that may not be for everyone.
February 16, 2025
Re-read Winter 2025: still five stars!
Let me just start by saying, I am obsessed with this book. I think about the plot and the characters a lot,
and I am basically just dying while I wait for the second one.
The premise of the story is that Casper, an older teen living on Earth is abducted by a society of people who have been living on a moon way out in space. The society uses stardust energy to harness powers specific to your zodiac. Casper is special because he's the Telos, he can control all the zodiac powers. And he falls in love with Helix there, the head Preitan's grandson. I was thrilled with the premise and went in with excitement, but what I got was so much more. I was drawn in so quickly, hooked on the world and the plot within pages. There is so much more depth and so many more layers to this book, it quickly jumped to the top of my favorites list.
The characters are amazingly written. They're incredibly relatable, and sometimes Casper would say or do something and I would just be in shock of how succinctly he described something I understood, despite having never been kidnapped to an alien planet. I love all three of the main characters with all my heart.
They are the perfect way to illustrate the story being told.
Casper, as the “fish out of water” type allows us to understand the new
civilization he has been kidnapped to. Casper, freshly kicked out of his Christian parents’ home for being
gay, is perfectly poised to accept the governing and way of life on Novelim because of his Christian
upbringing. I say this as someone who was raised in the church (ay, religious trauma), that Casper
coming from a Christian background makes it completely believable as he accepts these crazy powers
derived from the zodiac that everyone has. Casper having grown up queer in the church also makes him
the perfect character to question the Council’s authority. He has first hand experience with discriminatory tyranny used to control others and remain in power, and having just suffered an extreme loss due to a similar set up on earth, he is ready to begin to crack apart what is happening on Novelim.
Which brings us to Helix. Helix is often jokingly described as the “prince” of Novelim, though he is actually the Head Preitan’s grandson, it is clear he is coming from a place of privilege. This added viewpoint
allows us to explore the society of Novelim in a fascinating way, presenting scenarios that discuss the
nuances of governing, leadership, and duty in ways we wouldn't get with just Casper's perspective.
Talleah, the third viewpoint, on the other hand, comes from poverty on Novelim and has been oppressed by the governing body's rules and regulations. She shows us the other side of what is happening on Novelim, and allows us to see the
consequences of the choices of those in power. Talleah shows us how far people are willing to go for the
survival of their families, and explores the mortality of the choices involved with that.
Each of the three main characters are superbly developed and offer a unique perspective to the world
here, allowing for a depth that is incredibly impressive given this is Craig Montgomery’s first novel
(seriously, how??). The side characters only expand upon this: I’m obsessed with the villains in this story.
I LOVE when villians have motivations that you can understand and even occasionally relate to, even if
you know they’re morally wrong. That feels so realistic, and it makes a story for me. All the
additional characters are so well developed, and the world is so clearly developed in small and large details.
No one in this story is one sided, they
are all multi-facted, and it leaves you desperate for more stories in this world.
The zodiac powers offers an easily accessible entrance to this world, which leads you into the more
complicated and nuanced aspects, and before you know it, you’re waist deep in an incredible reflection on
power, morality, oppression, and corruption. But you barely even notice, because the story is so fun and the action is so intense and you’re turning page after page desperate for Helix and Casper to kiss already.
Let me just start by saying, I am obsessed with this book. I think about the plot and the characters a lot,
and I am basically just dying while I wait for the second one.
The premise of the story is that Casper, an older teen living on Earth is abducted by a society of people who have been living on a moon way out in space. The society uses stardust energy to harness powers specific to your zodiac. Casper is special because he's the Telos, he can control all the zodiac powers. And he falls in love with Helix there, the head Preitan's grandson. I was thrilled with the premise and went in with excitement, but what I got was so much more. I was drawn in so quickly, hooked on the world and the plot within pages. There is so much more depth and so many more layers to this book, it quickly jumped to the top of my favorites list.
The characters are amazingly written. They're incredibly relatable, and sometimes Casper would say or do something and I would just be in shock of how succinctly he described something I understood, despite having never been kidnapped to an alien planet. I love all three of the main characters with all my heart.
They are the perfect way to illustrate the story being told.
Casper, as the “fish out of water” type allows us to understand the new
civilization he has been kidnapped to. Casper, freshly kicked out of his Christian parents’ home for being
gay, is perfectly poised to accept the governing and way of life on Novelim because of his Christian
upbringing. I say this as someone who was raised in the church (ay, religious trauma), that Casper
coming from a Christian background makes it completely believable as he accepts these crazy powers
derived from the zodiac that everyone has. Casper having grown up queer in the church also makes him
the perfect character to question the Council’s authority. He has first hand experience with discriminatory tyranny used to control others and remain in power, and having just suffered an extreme loss due to a similar set up on earth, he is ready to begin to crack apart what is happening on Novelim.
Which brings us to Helix. Helix is often jokingly described as the “prince” of Novelim, though he is actually the Head Preitan’s grandson, it is clear he is coming from a place of privilege. This added viewpoint
allows us to explore the society of Novelim in a fascinating way, presenting scenarios that discuss the
nuances of governing, leadership, and duty in ways we wouldn't get with just Casper's perspective.
Talleah, the third viewpoint, on the other hand, comes from poverty on Novelim and has been oppressed by the governing body's rules and regulations. She shows us the other side of what is happening on Novelim, and allows us to see the
consequences of the choices of those in power. Talleah shows us how far people are willing to go for the
survival of their families, and explores the mortality of the choices involved with that.
Each of the three main characters are superbly developed and offer a unique perspective to the world
here, allowing for a depth that is incredibly impressive given this is Craig Montgomery’s first novel
(seriously, how??). The side characters only expand upon this: I’m obsessed with the villains in this story.
I LOVE when villians have motivations that you can understand and even occasionally relate to, even if
you know they’re morally wrong. That feels so realistic, and it makes a story for me. All the
additional characters are so well developed, and the world is so clearly developed in small and large details.
No one in this story is one sided, they
are all multi-facted, and it leaves you desperate for more stories in this world.
The zodiac powers offers an easily accessible entrance to this world, which leads you into the more
complicated and nuanced aspects, and before you know it, you’re waist deep in an incredible reflection on
power, morality, oppression, and corruption. But you barely even notice, because the story is so fun and the action is so intense and you’re turning page after page desperate for Helix and Casper to kiss already.
March 28, 2025
I really need to get better at vetting these books before adding them to my TBR list. I have a lot of trouble getting invested in chosen one narratives, particularly when there’s such a convoluted magic system. I was largely on board for the first couple of chapters, in which the main character gets kicked out of his house for being gay, but then the aliens show up and it quickly goes downhill. I know that this is supposed to be YA but kids deserve better.
June 12, 2023
A very fun and wholesome YA Sci-Fi story with plenty of queer representation, a fun magic system, a corrupt political system, and deep characters. A Circle of Stars tackles a lot of relevant issues of today and I love that all three character POVs tied together seamlessly and helped to further enhance the story while also providing readers with different lens to see the world of Novilem through. I love me a good betrayal in just about any story and this one really made you think about it from the start.
Slight spoiler I suppose? One thing I really, really, *really* appreciated was the author's commitment and efforts towards emphasizing the importance of COMMUNICATION in a healthy relationship. The vulnerability, authenticity, and understanding shown by our two male leads towards each other was just *chef's kiss*.
Overall, I'd say this was a very impressive debut novel and I could tell that a lot of love went into this story and especially the characters. There's a lot of worldbuilding in this one so the story didn't quite take off for me until about halfway through (and what an exciting and fast-paced second half that was), but I'm grateful that the information was presented to us in a way that didn't feel like straight-up infodumping.
Needless to say, I will definitely be on the lookout for book 2 in this duology! Hooray for Space Gays!
Note: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (But I will definitely consider buying a physical copy. Have y'all seen that beautiful cover??)
Slight spoiler I suppose? One thing I really, really, *really* appreciated was the author's commitment and efforts towards emphasizing the importance of COMMUNICATION in a healthy relationship. The vulnerability, authenticity, and understanding shown by our two male leads towards each other was just *chef's kiss*.
Overall, I'd say this was a very impressive debut novel and I could tell that a lot of love went into this story and especially the characters. There's a lot of worldbuilding in this one so the story didn't quite take off for me until about halfway through (and what an exciting and fast-paced second half that was), but I'm grateful that the information was presented to us in a way that didn't feel like straight-up infodumping.
Needless to say, I will definitely be on the lookout for book 2 in this duology! Hooray for Space Gays!
Note: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (But I will definitely consider buying a physical copy. Have y'all seen that beautiful cover??)
July 4, 2023
Arc review
3.75⭐️
If you you are looking for a YA with an interesting blend of sci world building with a fantastical magic system based on the zodiacs within a modern setting and a MM romance then I would recommend this duolgy.
The author does a really wonderful job of exploring themes such as classism, oppression, segregation and sexuality within this world.
I enjoyed the characters journeys, Casper in accepting himself and his sexuality. Helix coming to terms with his family’s secrets and how he wants to contribute to his society and Talleah not giving up on the family she has.
Trans and disability rep are also found in this book as well.
As for the rating, I have started to come to the terms that YA is no longer a genre I fully enjoy as much I used to and this book just wasn’t for me in that sense, however as stated above there were still a lot of things that I enjoyed. I would have just loved to have seen the above themes explored in more detail in this society.
3.75⭐️
If you you are looking for a YA with an interesting blend of sci world building with a fantastical magic system based on the zodiacs within a modern setting and a MM romance then I would recommend this duolgy.
The author does a really wonderful job of exploring themes such as classism, oppression, segregation and sexuality within this world.
I enjoyed the characters journeys, Casper in accepting himself and his sexuality. Helix coming to terms with his family’s secrets and how he wants to contribute to his society and Talleah not giving up on the family she has.
Trans and disability rep are also found in this book as well.
As for the rating, I have started to come to the terms that YA is no longer a genre I fully enjoy as much I used to and this book just wasn’t for me in that sense, however as stated above there were still a lot of things that I enjoyed. I would have just loved to have seen the above themes explored in more detail in this society.
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