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Tinkered Starsong #2
Demigod 12
Puts the opera back into space opera.
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger continues her cozy and engaging scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.
Phex and his pantheon have become demigods and are taking their show on a galaxy-wide tour. Phex is shockingly good at singing but his voice is intoxicating and one wrong note can kill so everyone wants a piece of him - sometimes literally. But the aliens in charge of the divinity are hiding something even more sinister and it's hurting performers and audiences alike. When his lover is pitted against his pantheon, Phex will have to choose between the family he has found and the god he adores.
Let's take this show on the road - where the show is divine and the road is through the stars. Be careful, the moment you start listening you may never want to stop, and you just might kill to keep the music alive.
Murderbot meets Eurovision in the second of the Tinkered Starsong trilogy (follows Divinity 36 ) in which the mystery of the Dyesi is finally uncovered. Also by Gail Carriger
As G L Carriger
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger continues her cozy and engaging scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.
Phex and his pantheon have become demigods and are taking their show on a galaxy-wide tour. Phex is shockingly good at singing but his voice is intoxicating and one wrong note can kill so everyone wants a piece of him - sometimes literally. But the aliens in charge of the divinity are hiding something even more sinister and it's hurting performers and audiences alike. When his lover is pitted against his pantheon, Phex will have to choose between the family he has found and the god he adores.
Let's take this show on the road - where the show is divine and the road is through the stars. Be careful, the moment you start listening you may never want to stop, and you just might kill to keep the music alive.
Murderbot meets Eurovision in the second of the Tinkered Starsong trilogy (follows Divinity 36 ) in which the mystery of the Dyesi is finally uncovered. Also by Gail Carriger
As G L Carriger
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2023
101 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Gail Carriger
63 books15.4k followersGail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and the sexy San Andreas Shifter series as G L Carriger). Her books include the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. Join the Chirrup for sneak peaks of upcoming giggles: http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 24, 2023
Unputdownable.
”Oh,” said Phex, surprised, “this is happiness.”
In book one, our alien idols (gods) are going through recruitment, training and forming a group. In book two, they are debuting and touring.
We also get a little more character development, relationship development and romance between Phex and *spoiler*. 😉 Gah, I love them.
”You will keep hiding like that isolated moon. And I will keep trying to land”
So.Much.UST. It’s actually painful though. I don’t know how Phex could hold out for so long.
”This is love, isn’t it?” *sigh*
For the people who need steam in their books, you won’t really find much here (just lots of flirting, kisses and alluding to more) but Gail has a bonus steamy scene from chapter 10 that you can download on her website.
”Oh,” said Phex, surprised, “this is happiness.”
In book one, our alien idols (gods) are going through recruitment, training and forming a group. In book two, they are debuting and touring.
We also get a little more character development, relationship development and romance between Phex and *spoiler*. 😉 Gah, I love them.
”You will keep hiding like that isolated moon. And I will keep trying to land”
So.Much.UST. It’s actually painful though. I don’t know how Phex could hold out for so long.
”This is love, isn’t it?” *sigh*
For the people who need steam in their books, you won’t really find much here (just lots of flirting, kisses and alluding to more) but Gail has a bonus steamy scene from chapter 10 that you can download on her website.
August 14, 2023
4.5 rounded up
Wonderful sequel that picks up right where book 1 left off! I loved spending more time in this world and seeing more of the characters as their relationships grow and deepen. I liked book 1 a smidge more, but I still thought this was wonderful, and I am eagerly awaiting book 3!
Wonderful sequel that picks up right where book 1 left off! I loved spending more time in this world and seeing more of the characters as their relationships grow and deepen. I liked book 1 a smidge more, but I still thought this was wonderful, and I am eagerly awaiting book 3!
August 28, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I’m going to be honest. I do not like Missit. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is still strong, the world building is still phenomenal, but the character work shifts from the growing bond between Phex and the world to him babysitting Missit. To being a dutiful and obedient pawn in Missit’s games. Missit is entitled, dramatic, selfish, and spoiled; he is vain and self-centered, needy and heartless. All he wants is to be the center of the universe, and with his group falling apart, with Fortew dying and Tillam on its way out, Missit wants something — anything — that will keep him shining.
This is the second book in the Tinkered Starsong series, and well worth the read. The third and final book will be out soon, and I can’t wait to see what more the author has to show us about her worlds and her characters! (Even though I think of Missit as a black hole rather than a ship looking for love, I still appreciate him as a very well done character.)
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I’m going to be honest. I do not like Missit. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is still strong, the world building is still phenomenal, but the character work shifts from the growing bond between Phex and the world to him babysitting Missit. To being a dutiful and obedient pawn in Missit’s games. Missit is entitled, dramatic, selfish, and spoiled; he is vain and self-centered, needy and heartless. All he wants is to be the center of the universe, and with his group falling apart, with Fortew dying and Tillam on its way out, Missit wants something — anything — that will keep him shining.
This is the second book in the Tinkered Starsong series, and well worth the read. The third and final book will be out soon, and I can’t wait to see what more the author has to show us about her worlds and her characters! (Even though I think of Missit as a black hole rather than a ship looking for love, I still appreciate him as a very well done character.)
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
February 26, 2024
A continuation of the last book. A little too weird. And not quite enough world-building. There were cool pieces and odd turns. I kind of missed seeing more of Phex's divinity group. The relationship with Missit was fine but Missit was annoying. It was kind of interesting for the sex to be off screen, it did keep the book quite a bit softer. All in all this felt a little too surface-y except for the Phex/Missit relationship, and that was a bit too deep. I am planning on reading the sequel, and if it were already available, I'd have it on hold.
July 16, 2024
I usually love Gail Carriger but sometimes her MCs are so MASSIVELY insecure that I just can’t. The love interest in book 1 is a pretty minor plot point but takes on much more prominence in this book and the overarching plot suffers for it. Also, could have used another round of editing.
November 20, 2025
This took me more effort to read than it should have. The narration didn't work for me, it felt too much like a documentary about the characters and the divinity. While it is addressing many interesting points on finding and accepting love, when you didn't grow up in a loving environment, it still felt too distanced from everything to draw me in like novels normally do. I was never lost in the world but always outside looking in.
August 28, 2023
3.5 stars. I love the world building and almost all the characters in this series. I do not like Missit. He is a bottomless pit of narcissistic need and despite the heartwarming ending, the relationship between Missit and Phex feels nothing but unhealthy to me. Still, I love Phex and the addition of the imago was super interesting. I would have liked to have seen much more of the found-family interaction of Asterism. All that aside, I’m totally on board for the next book.
November 11, 2023
Not my favorite. On occasion, the dynamics of Gail’s romantic pairings feel icky to me, and this was one of those. I really don’t like Missit — so selfish, regardless of the cost to others. His romance with Phex was a minor subplot in book 1 so it didn’t bother me as much, but it took on much greater prominence here in book 2. And Phex! His found family is in literal mortal danger, but he’d willingly stop carrying his weapon because Missit doesn’t like the way it looks?? I just can’t with these two.
Also, this is no longer the cozy fantasy of book 1; there’s lurking menace throughout the storyline in this one. Maybe it’s just a book 2 thing? But it didn’t feel as Gail-ish. Keeping my fingers crossed for book 3.
After reading this second in the series, though, I even more strongly recommend reading Crudrat before starting this trilogy.
Also, this is no longer the cozy fantasy of book 1; there’s lurking menace throughout the storyline in this one. Maybe it’s just a book 2 thing? But it didn’t feel as Gail-ish. Keeping my fingers crossed for book 3.
After reading this second in the series, though, I even more strongly recommend reading Crudrat before starting this trilogy.
June 27, 2024
Excellent, but I needed back-to-back reads to follow a lot of it. There are many words that Ms Carriger has invented, and still other words that refer to the life stages of insects; so bugs? Also, sifting/shifting and ident/indent, a couple of typos that confused this reader. I’m confidently hoping that book 3 will be amazing.
June 6, 2024
1>I just love this series so much! Was fun to revisit on audio.
2>I love Gail Carriger. Because I pre-ordered directly from her, I got this 2 days early. Loved it! Can't wait for Book 3!
2>I love Gail Carriger. Because I pre-ordered directly from her, I got this 2 days early. Loved it! Can't wait for Book 3!
June 16, 2024
I’m still enjoying the series and the characters and the explorations around celebrity, but I find the central romance… kind of annoying? Will definitely keep reading.
July 9, 2025
2.5/5 I really enjoyed continuing to inhabit the world that the author created in the first book and we slowly get a sense of understanding of why Phex is the way he is, how the Dyesi are perceived inside and outside of their culture, etc. I liked the different cultures and alien physiology was interesting. That's the only reason why this book didn't get a lower rating from me.
The worst part of this book and series is again the toxic relationship forming between Missit & Phex. This whole series would have been better if they had not included the romantic aspect at all tbh This book focuses more on their "romance" though it never really reads as romantic at all. Missit basically keeps lovebombing Phex and slowly getting through his defenses. Phex knows that Missit is shallow and basically using him for affection/attention/sex. Phex still finds him attractive despite this. Missit reads like a covert narcissist with all the devaluation redacted (google narcissistic devaluation, if you don't know).
The red flags are still there. Missit only cares about what he wants and doesn't care how his illicit "romance" will affect his or Phex's pantheon. He doesn't care about the anxiety this is causing Phex. He swears to Phex they won't be found out and that if they do he will protect him (spoiler alert: he does neither) What Missit is doing is ultimately sexual coercion. He doesn't really take an interest in Phex's friendships either or try to befriend or really interact with anyone besides his pantheon and Phex.
Annoyingly, Misssit reads like a very flat character throughout this series anyway. Phex tells us and himself, that there is emotional depth in Missit but Missit himself doesn't show us emotional depth. It's often the opposite. Tantrums, power plays, etc. It's very shallow lovebombing and shallow interactions on the page. If he does interact outside of that - he's pretty haughty and mean. Phex and his friends feel like 3D complicated beings and Missit feels like a narcissistic prop.
At some point Phex says that Missit is actually socially awkward and doesn't really know how to flirt but we see Missit flirt with anyone and anything several times across the series. This felt like a projection. I honestly started treating Phex as an unreliable narrator at this point especially in regards to Missit.
Phex tells us this is more than sex and that they have intimate talks but we never see emotional intimacy ever truly manifest between these two. And Phex by his own admission struggles with being vulnerable and intimate so how would he know what that looks like? He doesn't know how to communicate without acts of service and a counter between him and the other person.
The Dyesi also seem like red flags as well and I feel like this is down played a lot. The imago basically saying the adults don't get involved in the nymphs games like they aren't out here ruining lives throughout the galaxy is wild. None of the adults in this series are OK.
The worst part of this book and series is again the toxic relationship forming between Missit & Phex. This whole series would have been better if they had not included the romantic aspect at all tbh This book focuses more on their "romance" though it never really reads as romantic at all. Missit basically keeps lovebombing Phex and slowly getting through his defenses. Phex knows that Missit is shallow and basically using him for affection/attention/sex. Phex still finds him attractive despite this. Missit reads like a covert narcissist with all the devaluation redacted (google narcissistic devaluation, if you don't know).
The red flags are still there. Missit only cares about what he wants and doesn't care how his illicit "romance" will affect his or Phex's pantheon. He doesn't care about the anxiety this is causing Phex. He swears to Phex they won't be found out and that if they do he will protect him (spoiler alert: he does neither) What Missit is doing is ultimately sexual coercion. He doesn't really take an interest in Phex's friendships either or try to befriend or really interact with anyone besides his pantheon and Phex.
Annoyingly, Misssit reads like a very flat character throughout this series anyway. Phex tells us and himself, that there is emotional depth in Missit but Missit himself doesn't show us emotional depth. It's often the opposite. Tantrums, power plays, etc. It's very shallow lovebombing and shallow interactions on the page. If he does interact outside of that - he's pretty haughty and mean. Phex and his friends feel like 3D complicated beings and Missit feels like a narcissistic prop.
At some point Phex says that Missit is actually socially awkward and doesn't really know how to flirt but we see Missit flirt with anyone and anything several times across the series. This felt like a projection. I honestly started treating Phex as an unreliable narrator at this point especially in regards to Missit.
Phex tells us this is more than sex and that they have intimate talks but we never see emotional intimacy ever truly manifest between these two. And Phex by his own admission struggles with being vulnerable and intimate so how would he know what that looks like? He doesn't know how to communicate without acts of service and a counter between him and the other person.
The Dyesi also seem like red flags as well and I feel like this is down played a lot. The imago basically saying the adults don't get involved in the nymphs games like they aren't out here ruining lives throughout the galaxy is wild. None of the adults in this series are OK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
P R O B L E M A T I C
The story revolved around a boy who turns 18 at the beginning of book, and an older man. How much older? It's unclear, and I will get to that in a bit. The protagonists are effectively members of a band/cult. The main character comes from one band, and the older man from another. In the previous book the older man took a liking to the Main character (while he was 17,) and spent time in intimate contact. At the time it was a bit odd, but now it's clear that it was grooming. It's important to point out that there is a vast power imbalance between the two. The older man is one of the most famous people in the galaxy, and the Main Character is just starting out, not sure if they will succeed as a performer. The Older man decides that he wants sexual contact with the Main Character and forces it. The main Character doesn't want it, but feels like he has no choice because the older man has so much power he will get his way in the end, so he aquesses. We have a word for that kind of behavior that I won't use here.
I have not used the characters names purposefully, because I don't want the power imbalance to masked by familiarity. So, how much older is older man? It's hard to say, because the books have two versions of this answer. Often when Older Man's band is discussed, its shown to have been a band for a long time, pointing out how when they started things were different, or talk about how many tours they have done. One of the members of the band is ill. Illness doesn't have to indicate age, but there is a correlation. But when the author talks about an age directly it's much younger, something like only five years. five years isn't enough time to get the fame and power Older Man has, especially by the universes own rules. How do I account for this? Easy, its retcon. I think That the author wrote the book with Older Man as a much older man, top of his power and experienced. But then some editor, or other advanced copy reader pointed out that sexual contact between a barely 18 year old and a 50 something was gross. So some lines were scribbled in about Older Man only being a few years older, and maybe a few lines were deleted. Other lines were not deleted however, and if you pay attention you can see what I feel was authors original intent. And it IS gross. The fact that it looks like the author tried to change the situation means they knew what the wrote was wrong, but they published anyway. Remember this book is tagged as Young Adult. I have no idea why anyone let this book get that tag when it portrays SA as it does. Nobody publishes a book by accident, a lot of people were involved in this, and shame on each and every one of them.
TL;DR Previous book grooms 17-18 year old for sexual assault encounter with vastly older person, which happens in this book. Textual evidence suggests author tried to mitigate the horror, meaning they did it on purpose.
The story revolved around a boy who turns 18 at the beginning of book, and an older man. How much older? It's unclear, and I will get to that in a bit. The protagonists are effectively members of a band/cult. The main character comes from one band, and the older man from another. In the previous book the older man took a liking to the Main character (while he was 17,) and spent time in intimate contact. At the time it was a bit odd, but now it's clear that it was grooming. It's important to point out that there is a vast power imbalance between the two. The older man is one of the most famous people in the galaxy, and the Main Character is just starting out, not sure if they will succeed as a performer. The Older man decides that he wants sexual contact with the Main Character and forces it. The main Character doesn't want it, but feels like he has no choice because the older man has so much power he will get his way in the end, so he aquesses. We have a word for that kind of behavior that I won't use here.
I have not used the characters names purposefully, because I don't want the power imbalance to masked by familiarity. So, how much older is older man? It's hard to say, because the books have two versions of this answer. Often when Older Man's band is discussed, its shown to have been a band for a long time, pointing out how when they started things were different, or talk about how many tours they have done. One of the members of the band is ill. Illness doesn't have to indicate age, but there is a correlation. But when the author talks about an age directly it's much younger, something like only five years. five years isn't enough time to get the fame and power Older Man has, especially by the universes own rules. How do I account for this? Easy, its retcon. I think That the author wrote the book with Older Man as a much older man, top of his power and experienced. But then some editor, or other advanced copy reader pointed out that sexual contact between a barely 18 year old and a 50 something was gross. So some lines were scribbled in about Older Man only being a few years older, and maybe a few lines were deleted. Other lines were not deleted however, and if you pay attention you can see what I feel was authors original intent. And it IS gross. The fact that it looks like the author tried to change the situation means they knew what the wrote was wrong, but they published anyway. Remember this book is tagged as Young Adult. I have no idea why anyone let this book get that tag when it portrays SA as it does. Nobody publishes a book by accident, a lot of people were involved in this, and shame on each and every one of them.
TL;DR Previous book grooms 17-18 year old for sexual assault encounter with vastly older person, which happens in this book. Textual evidence suggests author tried to mitigate the horror, meaning they did it on purpose.
January 22, 2024
Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the Tinkered Starsong series. I borrowed this on ebook from my library.
Thoughts: This is the second book in the Tinkered Starsong series. Although this wasn't as fascinating as the first book, I still really enjoyed this book. This book focuses more on how our characters grow and change as they start touring as demi-gods. In a huge twist they end up on tour with the most famous pantheon in the universe.
This is a very character-driven story and a lot of the wonder of the first book is absent in this one. This book really focuses on Phex and his pantheon and around the things happening with Misit's pantheon. There is a lot of pull between Phex's pantheon needing him, Missit's pantheon needing Phex, Missit needing Phex, and Phex needing to not be burned out. This was very much more on the soap opera, drama end of things and less on the cool space travel and world-building end of things as far as science fiction goes.
Unfortunately, Missit is one of my least favorite characters in this series. He is just so needy and selfish. I hope he grows some in the next book in this series.
I really did enjoy getting to learn more about the Dysei culture and some other sub-classes of development there. I liked that we get to travel to new worlds with the characters, but was sad those new worlds weren't explored at all.
I feel like I am complaining a lot here. I did enjoy this, I just didn't think it was as awesome as the first book in the series. It felt a bit repetitive and was too focused on a lot of the characters' internal thoughts. I would love to see some new revelations about the world here and also see both Phex and Missit grow as characters a bit more in future book.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this but I didn't love it as much as the first book. Things feel a bit repetitive as they journey from world to world on tour and the book is very focused on character interactions and less on space travel and the new worlds they go to. It was still a very cozy read that leaves you feeling nice and happy, just not as fascinating and engaging as the first book. I plan on continuing with the series.
Thoughts: This is the second book in the Tinkered Starsong series. Although this wasn't as fascinating as the first book, I still really enjoyed this book. This book focuses more on how our characters grow and change as they start touring as demi-gods. In a huge twist they end up on tour with the most famous pantheon in the universe.
This is a very character-driven story and a lot of the wonder of the first book is absent in this one. This book really focuses on Phex and his pantheon and around the things happening with Misit's pantheon. There is a lot of pull between Phex's pantheon needing him, Missit's pantheon needing Phex, Missit needing Phex, and Phex needing to not be burned out. This was very much more on the soap opera, drama end of things and less on the cool space travel and world-building end of things as far as science fiction goes.
Unfortunately, Missit is one of my least favorite characters in this series. He is just so needy and selfish. I hope he grows some in the next book in this series.
I really did enjoy getting to learn more about the Dysei culture and some other sub-classes of development there. I liked that we get to travel to new worlds with the characters, but was sad those new worlds weren't explored at all.
I feel like I am complaining a lot here. I did enjoy this, I just didn't think it was as awesome as the first book in the series. It felt a bit repetitive and was too focused on a lot of the characters' internal thoughts. I would love to see some new revelations about the world here and also see both Phex and Missit grow as characters a bit more in future book.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this but I didn't love it as much as the first book. Things feel a bit repetitive as they journey from world to world on tour and the book is very focused on character interactions and less on space travel and the new worlds they go to. It was still a very cozy read that leaves you feeling nice and happy, just not as fascinating and engaging as the first book. I plan on continuing with the series.
August 1, 2023
Just wow.
I adored Divinity 36 and it was frankly a bit difficult to imagine that the next book could possibly match that feeling. But oh boy, Demigod 12 did that and more.
You know when you become fully immersed in a story and then all of a sudden you've finished it, and then have a bit of an emotional crash? Yeah, that was me after finishing Demigod 12.
Book hangover like you wouldn't believe. I take comfort in that there will be a third book though, so I'll just have to hang on for a while.
So. I adored Phex in all his imperfect perfection and it gave me all the warm fuzzies that he and Missit got their act together - pun intended, when you read you'll understand - during the journey that is this story.
This read is just as alien and exotic in its world-building as the first book, making that feeling of space Sci-fi so much more real. I'd say that's the book's biggest strength, that foreign atmosphere with all those different species and cultures, while weaving it together with Phex's impressions and his very human but overly practical way of viewing the world.
I especially liked to see Phex come out of his shell just a little bit. Although it's a slow and slighthly reluctant process on his part. But having him actually discover his own emotions is heartwarming. Also, there are new revelations explaining the weird franchise that is the Dyesi Divinity.
Anyway, awesome story. Easy 5 stars. Highly recommend!
* A complimentary e-book was kindly provided by the author and this is my voluntary and unbiased review *
I adored Divinity 36 and it was frankly a bit difficult to imagine that the next book could possibly match that feeling. But oh boy, Demigod 12 did that and more.
You know when you become fully immersed in a story and then all of a sudden you've finished it, and then have a bit of an emotional crash? Yeah, that was me after finishing Demigod 12.
Book hangover like you wouldn't believe. I take comfort in that there will be a third book though, so I'll just have to hang on for a while.
So. I adored Phex in all his imperfect perfection and it gave me all the warm fuzzies that he and Missit got their act together - pun intended, when you read you'll understand - during the journey that is this story.
This read is just as alien and exotic in its world-building as the first book, making that feeling of space Sci-fi so much more real. I'd say that's the book's biggest strength, that foreign atmosphere with all those different species and cultures, while weaving it together with Phex's impressions and his very human but overly practical way of viewing the world.
I especially liked to see Phex come out of his shell just a little bit. Although it's a slow and slighthly reluctant process on his part. But having him actually discover his own emotions is heartwarming. Also, there are new revelations explaining the weird franchise that is the Dyesi Divinity.
Anyway, awesome story. Easy 5 stars. Highly recommend!
* A complimentary e-book was kindly provided by the author and this is my voluntary and unbiased review *
October 8, 2023
Lovely sequel, though I sort of hesitate to call it that, given that this series reads as one book that was arbitratily split into 3 separate books.
Demigod 12 covers Phex's pantheons rise to fame and the brunt of their first tour.
We grow closer to the main six as their relationships deepen, but we also get to know Tillam a lot better, both through Phex's and Missit's relationship deepening and through the two pantheons spending more time together.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the romantic undertones in book 1, and I wasn't the biggest fan of it here either, though it didnt hold a super big part in this book yet.
Phex keeps being an absolute delight of a main character. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I truly adore reading from his perspective. Something about his combination of stoicism, care for others, reticience and natural self-deprication just worked for me.
The plot around the divinity not being what it seems deepens as well, though there are no conclusions there yet.
It ends similarly frustratingly in the middle of the plot like book 1, but thankfully book3, Dome 6, is already out, and I highly recommend reading the three as a whole.
Demigod 12 covers Phex's pantheons rise to fame and the brunt of their first tour.
We grow closer to the main six as their relationships deepen, but we also get to know Tillam a lot better, both through Phex's and Missit's relationship deepening and through the two pantheons spending more time together.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the romantic undertones in book 1, and I wasn't the biggest fan of it here either, though it didnt hold a super big part in this book yet.
Phex keeps being an absolute delight of a main character. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I truly adore reading from his perspective. Something about his combination of stoicism, care for others, reticience and natural self-deprication just worked for me.
The plot around the divinity not being what it seems deepens as well, though there are no conclusions there yet.
It ends similarly frustratingly in the middle of the plot like book 1, but thankfully book3, Dome 6, is already out, and I highly recommend reading the three as a whole.
August 27, 2025
So i guess I have the unpopular opinion, i absolutely adore Missit.
He’s spoiled by his peers, confident, a little bit narcissistic, privileged. But he’s honest, and fragile with his love. Phex can see through him and loves him the way he is. I am confused by people saying they are toxic to each other when reading on, the author has written it clearly (beautifully might i add) that they brought out the best out of each other instead— Phex was so new to his feelings and scared but Missit’s honesty and sincerity helped him realize that he’s been missing out by thinking so little of himself!
They both are wrapped around the little finger of the other. And that is so damn adorable. Missit is just hella expressive and can’t contain his affections lol. And that is just another proof that it’s not only Phex who is new to romance, it’s so endearing how they can’t get enough of each other.
Also I HAVE to praise the Carriger’s writing style. Usually a book of this length end up with me skimming some parts, but this one, I ate up and savored each sentence. Love love LOVE the world-building, the topics covered, EVERY SINGLE CHARACTERS IS LOVELY. So invested in the plot so far and I can’t wait what book 3 will unpack, this was such a beautiful book that focused on Phex and Missit, and especially Phex coming to terms with the risks of love and his career.
He’s spoiled by his peers, confident, a little bit narcissistic, privileged. But he’s honest, and fragile with his love. Phex can see through him and loves him the way he is. I am confused by people saying they are toxic to each other when reading on, the author has written it clearly (beautifully might i add) that they brought out the best out of each other instead— Phex was so new to his feelings and scared but Missit’s honesty and sincerity helped him realize that he’s been missing out by thinking so little of himself!
They both are wrapped around the little finger of the other. And that is so damn adorable. Missit is just hella expressive and can’t contain his affections lol. And that is just another proof that it’s not only Phex who is new to romance, it’s so endearing how they can’t get enough of each other.
Also I HAVE to praise the Carriger’s writing style. Usually a book of this length end up with me skimming some parts, but this one, I ate up and savored each sentence. Love love LOVE the world-building, the topics covered, EVERY SINGLE CHARACTERS IS LOVELY. So invested in the plot so far and I can’t wait what book 3 will unpack, this was such a beautiful book that focused on Phex and Missit, and especially Phex coming to terms with the risks of love and his career.
October 12, 2023
This is book two in the fascinating, yet funny, Tinkered Starsong series. It does feel very much like book 2 in a trilogy. It starts out full steam with great characters, humorously bizarre situations and a universe of wonders that we are just scratching the surface of (I want more!).
The middle part slows right down and becomes much more slow and serious. I won't say I was bored, it was very obviously laying the groundwork for what is to come - but I was nevertheless frustrated because I wanted to see more of this world!
In the final third Ms Carriger just takes the gloves off (knowing her, probably tasteful silk gloves). It is no-holds-barred awesomeness after awesomeness with stunning scenes and insights exploding in your skull with no recovery time, leaving me turning the final page with a little sad whimper that the book had ended.
I'm looking forward to book three, but I really, really, really hope that Ms Carriger explores more corners and aspects of this universe in further books.
Thank you Ms Carriger for all the great characters, the crazy/amazing worlds, the great laughs, and the tense moments when I forgot to breathe. You are a great writer and I can't wait for more!
The middle part slows right down and becomes much more slow and serious. I won't say I was bored, it was very obviously laying the groundwork for what is to come - but I was nevertheless frustrated because I wanted to see more of this world!
In the final third Ms Carriger just takes the gloves off (knowing her, probably tasteful silk gloves). It is no-holds-barred awesomeness after awesomeness with stunning scenes and insights exploding in your skull with no recovery time, leaving me turning the final page with a little sad whimper that the book had ended.
I'm looking forward to book three, but I really, really, really hope that Ms Carriger explores more corners and aspects of this universe in further books.
Thank you Ms Carriger for all the great characters, the crazy/amazing worlds, the great laughs, and the tense moments when I forgot to breathe. You are a great writer and I can't wait for more!
November 27, 2023
This was... okay, I guess; not as engaging as the first book in the series. I think it suffers from focusing too much on the romance and not enough on the world-building or plot development.
I know it's ultimately a YA story, but it still feels a bit repetitive - our main character experiences the same challenges, feels the same feelings, and learns the same lessons at least 3-4 times over the course of this one novel, and not much else happens to draw attention away from the repetitive nature of his internal monologue. And since the love interest is fairly one-dimensional, there's not a lot of chemistry or interpersonal drama to distract the reader either.
That said, it's still sweet and fairly charming, and I'm sure there are YA readers out there with whom Phex's struggles resonate - I know I'd almost certainly feel very differently if I were reading this when I was 14, instead of..... what I am now. And once the plot does show up, it's interesting enough. I don't know if I'd call it shocking or sinister, but it's at least enough to make me vaguely curious about how things are going to resolve from here.
I know it's ultimately a YA story, but it still feels a bit repetitive - our main character experiences the same challenges, feels the same feelings, and learns the same lessons at least 3-4 times over the course of this one novel, and not much else happens to draw attention away from the repetitive nature of his internal monologue. And since the love interest is fairly one-dimensional, there's not a lot of chemistry or interpersonal drama to distract the reader either.
That said, it's still sweet and fairly charming, and I'm sure there are YA readers out there with whom Phex's struggles resonate - I know I'd almost certainly feel very differently if I were reading this when I was 14, instead of..... what I am now. And once the plot does show up, it's interesting enough. I don't know if I'd call it shocking or sinister, but it's at least enough to make me vaguely curious about how things are going to resolve from here.
September 13, 2024
While still enjoyable,Demigod 12 lost some of the charm and vibrancy of the first book by focusing heavily on the romantic aspect of the story. One of the things I loved about Divinity 36 was the development and focus on platonic love, which was sadly lacking in this installment.
Phex and Missit are undeniably adorable together, but it felt out of character for it to happen the way it did. Phex disregarded the risks to himself and the people dependent upon him to maintain that relationship. I understand it's his first time in love, but it's also his first time having friends, and while he held back to a certain extent at first, I thought he'd wait until they were at least established gods before going any further. I dunno — the whole thing just felt somewhat off.
Putting those feelings aside, I still had fun while reading this sequel, despite it falling victim to middle-book syndrome. Or at least I hope it's middle-book syndrome, and the conclusion to the series will bounce back to the level of the first.
Phex and Missit are undeniably adorable together, but it felt out of character for it to happen the way it did. Phex disregarded the risks to himself and the people dependent upon him to maintain that relationship. I understand it's his first time in love, but it's also his first time having friends, and while he held back to a certain extent at first, I thought he'd wait until they were at least established gods before going any further. I dunno — the whole thing just felt somewhat off.
Putting those feelings aside, I still had fun while reading this sequel, despite it falling victim to middle-book syndrome. Or at least I hope it's middle-book syndrome, and the conclusion to the series will bounce back to the level of the first.
August 12, 2023
I love how Gail is able to create something truly new in the SciFi genre or general fiction for that matter. The world of Tinkered Stars is so imaginative and this idea of taking music entertainment to this level of divinity was a very smart idea. People already worship musicians like they are gods anyway. But the Dyesi take this further and dominate the whole galaxy. The divinity now being this meeting point of faith, music, fandom, entertainment, and status.
Phex is such an interesting character and his exploration of what love means for him is done brilliantly. Especially with his backstory of being unwanted and rejected because he did not fit into his birth society’s mold. His story makes even more sense if you’ve read Crudrat.
All main characters are fleshed out but the story is being told from Phex’ perspective, so it’s always through this lense. I still don’t know how I feel about Missit because Phex sees him in such a specific way.
Phex is such an interesting character and his exploration of what love means for him is done brilliantly. Especially with his backstory of being unwanted and rejected because he did not fit into his birth society’s mold. His story makes even more sense if you’ve read Crudrat.
All main characters are fleshed out but the story is being told from Phex’ perspective, so it’s always through this lense. I still don’t know how I feel about Missit because Phex sees him in such a specific way.
September 25, 2023
Second books in trilogies are tough. It's rare that they don't just feel like a stepping stone from the first to the third books (which they literally are, I know, but I guess I mean that they often feel like a bit of a slog for me). I struggled to stay connected to this novel, but I'm still interested enough in Phex's storyline and the fate of Asterism to keep my hold on book three. My main thoughts on this: 1) I just don't like Missit. Not interested in the romance, not interested in the character. 2) Phex felt a little annoying in this one too. "Gosh, I'm so humble except I'm amazing at EVERYTHING and everyone wants to be around me and love me." 3) I think this was rushed to publication too soon after book one and desperately needed at least two more pass-throughs with a demanding editor. 4) Love the imago character and what we're learning about Dyesi culture.
March 27, 2024
Carriger does a fantastic job at worldbuilding. The universe in the Tinkered Godsong series is so intricate, yet intuitive and easy to understand. I really enjoy when they talk about the logistics of the universe.
But the love story? Like I knew it was coming from the first book, but I wish it took Phex longer to understand the consequences of their actions. It felt like Phex was annoyed with Missit until he wasn't, and then he was completely in love with him. But! He deserves it and I'm overall happy that this love story will complicate the entertainment industry in this story. However, the ending where the online forums decided they were platonic after all after their duet performance? Feels a little forced to me that it seems perfectly ok in the end. Not a super great cliffhanger imo.
But the love story? Like I knew it was coming from the first book, but I wish it took Phex longer to understand the consequences of their actions. It felt like Phex was annoyed with Missit until he wasn't, and then he was completely in love with him. But! He deserves it and I'm overall happy that this love story will complicate the entertainment industry in this story. However, the ending where the online forums decided they were platonic after all after their duet performance? Feels a little forced to me that it seems perfectly ok in the end. Not a super great cliffhanger imo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
In this second book of the trilogy, we see Phex and his “pantheon” achieve demigod status and go on tour with Tillum. This, of course, brings Missit and Phex together in close proximity, and their previously platonic relationship blossoms into something more. Along the way they encounter crazed fans and a possibly sinister plot by the Dyesi.
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters more, and it was heartwarming to see Phex finally accept that he was worthy of love, not for what he could do, but just because he existed. Some reviewers have said Missit is a narcissist, using Phex, but I didn’t see it that way at all. Missit is just as lost and broken as Phex is. I think it’s wonderful that they have found love in each other.
I’m very curious as to where the “big reveal” at the end of this is going to take us in book three.
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters more, and it was heartwarming to see Phex finally accept that he was worthy of love, not for what he could do, but just because he existed. Some reviewers have said Missit is a narcissist, using Phex, but I didn’t see it that way at all. Missit is just as lost and broken as Phex is. I think it’s wonderful that they have found love in each other.
I’m very curious as to where the “big reveal” at the end of this is going to take us in book three.
August 2, 2023
I was very excited for this second book, cleared my reading schedule one day early just in case (and spend it all listening to The Rose), so I could dive in directly when it came out - and it managed to surpass all my expectations! I just couldn't stop reading even though sometimes I was crying so hard, I could barely see. It is such a gutwrenchingly beautiful story, as crushing as it is hopeful, cozy and hilarious and swoonworthy and exciting and thought provoking, I really couldn't put it down.
And it left me with drying tears and pure happiness!
(and that's all I want to say, as I don't want any spoilers - just see for yourself. FEEL for yourself!)
And it left me with drying tears and pure happiness!
(and that's all I want to say, as I don't want any spoilers - just see for yourself. FEEL for yourself!)
November 16, 2023
Being a demigod is hard work.
Phex, our fave potential god has been upgraded to demigod and the group of talented friends he’s gathered together to form his pantheon has a new name. Asterism (definition: a prominent pattern or group of stars, typically having a popular name, but smaller than a constellation.)
That’s what they all feel like, too, as they orbit around their sun, Phex. But, poor Phex, being a god isn’t all fun and games. No. Phex is so busy worrying about everyone, protecting them from the obsessed worshipers who get ‘fixed’, and trying to figure out how two gods can love each other without bringing down the whole divinity on their heads, that it sometimes seems to take the joy out of godding. But that’s okay. I know he’ll make it.
I believe in Phex & Asterism!
Phex, our fave potential god has been upgraded to demigod and the group of talented friends he’s gathered together to form his pantheon has a new name. Asterism (definition: a prominent pattern or group of stars, typically having a popular name, but smaller than a constellation.)
That’s what they all feel like, too, as they orbit around their sun, Phex. But, poor Phex, being a god isn’t all fun and games. No. Phex is so busy worrying about everyone, protecting them from the obsessed worshipers who get ‘fixed’, and trying to figure out how two gods can love each other without bringing down the whole divinity on their heads, that it sometimes seems to take the joy out of godding. But that’s okay. I know he’ll make it.
I believe in Phex & Asterism!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 25, 2025I decided to reread the series because I got the book Crudrat and wanted to remind myself about everything. I still feel like the series is a little lacking from an emotional standpoint. It's hard to understand the characters' motivations because the author keeps a wall between the characters and the audience. I haven't read enough of her books to know if it's a deliberate choice or bad writing. There are a considerable amount of typos in this particular book, so I know which way I'm leaning. On the other hand, I do find the books weirdly compelling because I just don't understand the character choices. So maybe it is a deliberate style.
July 31, 2023
If you are waffling about getting Demigod 12, don’t. Get it. Absorb it. This book has ALL the feels! Another example perfectly balanced comedy, social commentary, and introspection that we all know and love. I literally couldn’t put it down. I’m deeply in love with all of the characters, yet throughout the book I realized that at some points of my life I’ve been Missit and other DEEPLY Phex. Get cozy. Get snacks. And prepare yourself for a truly engrossing journey of self examination of the philosophical truths of the heart while preforming for the galaxy.
August 5, 2023
Stunning!
A fantastic second book and a wonderful entry in the Tinkered Stars universe created by Carriger! With her signature talent for witty banter, beautifully realized found family, and thoughtful storytelling, Carriger elevates this Space Opera into something poignant, profound, and deeply mesmerizing.
Underlying the engrossing story, Carriger deftly weaves a thoughtful exploration of what it means to collaborate, make art, perform, and navigate fame. This is by far one of the best series of books I've read about performing and making art.
A fantastic second book and a wonderful entry in the Tinkered Stars universe created by Carriger! With her signature talent for witty banter, beautifully realized found family, and thoughtful storytelling, Carriger elevates this Space Opera into something poignant, profound, and deeply mesmerizing.
Underlying the engrossing story, Carriger deftly weaves a thoughtful exploration of what it means to collaborate, make art, perform, and navigate fame. This is by far one of the best series of books I've read about performing and making art.
February 28, 2024
This series of three books - Divinity 36, Deimgod 12, and Dome 6, is one of the best series of books I have read in years. Set in a fictional world where there are multiple alien races on many planets, we follow the rise of artists who combine singing, dance, sound, and visuals to create moving and life-changing performances. The characters grow as individuals, friends, family, and romantic partners. This book made me laugh in places and cry in others. It brought to mind two of my most favorite books of all time, "The Night Circus", and "the Sparrow". I recommend this series.
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