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The Song That Moves the Sun
14 hours and 16 minutes
Rora is tired of being afraid. Exhausted by a mind that sees everything through a prism of fear. Claudia would do anything to ease her best friend’s anxiety, but lately her own life has been spiraling out of control.
It should be the two of them against the world—but the rest of the world has been descending into chaos too. Every day brings increasingly alarming news: waves of accidents, surging crime statistics, natural phenomena scientists can’t explain. It seems like something has gone seriously wrong with the universe.
Then they meet two boys at a concert and discover that something has. Major and Amir come from one of nine secret cities of the spheres, ruled by the magic of the astrological signs. They say there’s a disruption in the magical symphony that maintains the balance between the worlds. And they need help.
To find the source of the disharmony, Rora and Claudia will embark on a whirlwind journey of secrets, romance, and powerful truths—about themselves, each other, and two long-ago explorers named Dante and Beatrice, who were among the first to chart this course toward the stars.
Rora is tired of being afraid. Exhausted by a mind that sees everything through a prism of fear. Claudia would do anything to ease her best friend’s anxiety, but lately her own life has been spiraling out of control.
It should be the two of them against the world—but the rest of the world has been descending into chaos too. Every day brings increasingly alarming news: waves of accidents, surging crime statistics, natural phenomena scientists can’t explain. It seems like something has gone seriously wrong with the universe.
Then they meet two boys at a concert and discover that something has. Major and Amir come from one of nine secret cities of the spheres, ruled by the magic of the astrological signs. They say there’s a disruption in the magical symphony that maintains the balance between the worlds. And they need help.
To find the source of the disharmony, Rora and Claudia will embark on a whirlwind journey of secrets, romance, and powerful truths—about themselves, each other, and two long-ago explorers named Dante and Beatrice, who were among the first to chart this course toward the stars.
15 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 28, 2022
74 people are currently reading
10774 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bright
4 books966 followersI believe in woods, mountains, highways, cobblestones, roller coasters, dancing, concerts, cherry Pop Tarts, books, and magic.
When I'm not reading or writing on my couch, I'm dragging my husband off on an adventure, snuggling my new baby daughter, communing with Salem (my kitten/spiritual familiar), or causing trouble at One More Page Books, where I work.
**note: i don't accept GR friends anymore, because of amazon review policy nonsense. please come find me on twitter or insta at @brightlyanna, and we can talk books there! <3***
When I'm not reading or writing on my couch, I'm dragging my husband off on an adventure, snuggling my new baby daughter, communing with Salem (my kitten/spiritual familiar), or causing trouble at One More Page Books, where I work.
**note: i don't accept GR friends anymore, because of amazon review policy nonsense. please come find me on twitter or insta at @brightlyanna, and we can talk books there! <3***
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January 28, 2022hi friends. just popping in to edit my "review" with the content warning and then ne'er return to this page, since it's fundamentally for readers and not me, the author:
Content warning: Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It also makes reference to suicide, disordered eating, and infertility, and contains content that may be triggering to readers with emetophobia. For fuller details, see www.annabrightbooks.com/novels.
love you guys,
anna
this book is my beating heart. so much of my fear, and just as much wonder. i can't wait to share it with you all.
Content warning: Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It also makes reference to suicide, disordered eating, and infertility, and contains content that may be triggering to readers with emetophobia. For fuller details, see www.annabrightbooks.com/novels.
love you guys,
anna
this book is my beating heart. so much of my fear, and just as much wonder. i can't wait to share it with you all.
August 20, 2022
This book was smarter than me, and I loved that about it. I also loved the mental health rep, the otherworldliness, and the female friendship at its core. It's a bit instalove-y, but it's an Anna Bright book, so it works.
February 9, 2022
I loved Anna's duology, and it was SO GOOD being back in her words. This story is just beautiful.
Official blurb:
"A gorgeous adventure that spans space and time, with Bright’s vivid prose lighting the way. The Song that Moves the Sun is a breathtaking story of healing, self-discovery, and the magic that both surrounds us and lives inside us. I savored every word."
Official blurb:
"A gorgeous adventure that spans space and time, with Bright’s vivid prose lighting the way. The Song that Moves the Sun is a breathtaking story of healing, self-discovery, and the magic that both surrounds us and lives inside us. I savored every word."
July 4, 2022
hey siri play sleeping at last's astronomy album
I’m not going to lie, I saw Dante Alighieri’s name and thought I was going to be too dumb for this book. Then I saw Beatrice Portinari and Marco Polo’s names and I… I was not confident in my ability to absorb this book.
I’m so silly.
It was wonderful. So creative and unique as far as the story goes. We have a past and present POV, one following Dante, Beatrice and Marco (polo) and their journey through the spheres and the other following Rora and Claudia introduction to the spheres and the disharmony spreading throughout them.
This is the first book I’ve read by Anna Bright and I was so impressed. The story wrapped itself around my brain when I least expected it. I had to go to work about halfway through my read and I spent any downtime thinking about how I needed to get home and finish the rest. The romance in this is not in your face and this is definitely more about the conflict than it is about our couples, which is good because this story 100% calls for that. However, our couples are just so comforting. There’s a balance between the four of them that I enjoyed a lot more even if we don’t spend a lot of time with them. Major’s my favourite though. Who’s surprised? Not me.
I loved the role astrology plays in this. As I said, it’s such a unique story in my reading history that I think it stands out from so many fantasy books that I’ve read. Zodiac Academy definitely did something similar but was much more aggressive (I loved it though, don’t get me wrong), this is just right.
I’m not going to lie, I saw Dante Alighieri’s name and thought I was going to be too dumb for this book. Then I saw Beatrice Portinari and Marco Polo’s names and I… I was not confident in my ability to absorb this book.
I’m so silly.
It was wonderful. So creative and unique as far as the story goes. We have a past and present POV, one following Dante, Beatrice and Marco (polo) and their journey through the spheres and the other following Rora and Claudia introduction to the spheres and the disharmony spreading throughout them.
This is the first book I’ve read by Anna Bright and I was so impressed. The story wrapped itself around my brain when I least expected it. I had to go to work about halfway through my read and I spent any downtime thinking about how I needed to get home and finish the rest. The romance in this is not in your face and this is definitely more about the conflict than it is about our couples, which is good because this story 100% calls for that. However, our couples are just so comforting. There’s a balance between the four of them that I enjoyed a lot more even if we don’t spend a lot of time with them. Major’s my favourite though. Who’s surprised? Not me.
I loved the role astrology plays in this. As I said, it’s such a unique story in my reading history that I think it stands out from so many fantasy books that I’ve read. Zodiac Academy definitely did something similar but was much more aggressive (I loved it though, don’t get me wrong), this is just right.
June 26, 2022
3.5
Thank you so much to Harper360YA for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Song That Moves the Sun has a very beautiful and interesting magic system, based in Ptolemy's view of the universe, in astrology and planets and music, and while I didn't fully understand it at all times, I did really enjoy reading about it. I also really loved the descriptions of the settings our characters were in - Anna Bright writes very poetically about these cities and palaces and villages on various planets, and I loved those bits. There were also interesting flashbacks to the 13th century where we see Dante, Beatrice Portinari and Marco Polo travel between the "spheres" on explorations. I'm not going to act as if I knew anything about these figures before reading this, so I can't comment on how this retelling of history is, but I enjoyed those flashback scenes a lot!
However, the main characters in the modern-day chapters were not my favourite. I found Rora to be really annoying and, although she does apologise for it by the end, incredibly self-centred all the time. Claudia was a little better, and the book does explain the reason for this, but I just couldn't detach her from the other characters around her - her whole personality was based off those around her and it was frustrating. I also think that the magic system and ideas around it got away from the author at times - there was lots of things happening by the end, which were to save the spheres and the people on them, but I don't feel like any of this was properly explained at all, and I was just really confused.
Thank you so much to Harper360YA for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Song That Moves the Sun has a very beautiful and interesting magic system, based in Ptolemy's view of the universe, in astrology and planets and music, and while I didn't fully understand it at all times, I did really enjoy reading about it. I also really loved the descriptions of the settings our characters were in - Anna Bright writes very poetically about these cities and palaces and villages on various planets, and I loved those bits. There were also interesting flashbacks to the 13th century where we see Dante, Beatrice Portinari and Marco Polo travel between the "spheres" on explorations. I'm not going to act as if I knew anything about these figures before reading this, so I can't comment on how this retelling of history is, but I enjoyed those flashback scenes a lot!
However, the main characters in the modern-day chapters were not my favourite. I found Rora to be really annoying and, although she does apologise for it by the end, incredibly self-centred all the time. Claudia was a little better, and the book does explain the reason for this, but I just couldn't detach her from the other characters around her - her whole personality was based off those around her and it was frustrating. I also think that the magic system and ideas around it got away from the author at times - there was lots of things happening by the end, which were to save the spheres and the people on them, but I don't feel like any of this was properly explained at all, and I was just really confused.
Currently reading
October 6, 2021The blue and gold cover combo? The fantasy and astrology aspects? Yes yes yes 🙌 💗
Want to read
May 20, 2022So excited to have an ARC copy of The Song that Moves the Sun and can't wait to dive in! Coming out on 28th June in the UK!
June 27, 2022
From the author: Content warning: Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It also makes reference to suicide, disordered eating, and infertility, and contains content that may be triggering to readers with emetophobia. For fuller details, see www.annabrightbooks.com/novels.
*I received an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
In this new standalone fantasy adventure, Bright takes us to secret cities hidden among the spheres of the heavens. It’s a beautiful story that is filled with amazing world building, magic, music, friendship, mystery, romance, and has fantastic anxiety and depression rep. Each turn of the page was an absolute delight!
Rora and Claudia are best friends that feel as though their lives have recently been spiraling out of control. They meet up at a concert one night and there they meet Major and Amir. Major and Amir are two boys from the secret cities of the spheres that are ruled by the magic of the astrological signs. The girls discover that they’re not the only ones feeling that their lives are out of control, as there is a disruption in the harmony between the spheres that’s been spreading.
Rora and Claudia agree to embark on a journey to find the source of the disharmony. Throughout their travels they discover secrets, romance, and powerful truths about themselves, each other, and two long ago explorers named Dante and Beatrice. Dante and Beatrice were among the first to chart this magical course to the stars. Will Rora and Claudia be able to help save each other and the spheres?
I really came to care for these characters and what happened to them. I loved Rora and Claudia’s friendship so much, and I loved the friendships they made along the way. Major and Amir were both amazing friends as well and I love how they looked out for each other. Each character has their own struggles and strengths they bring. This quote by an unknown author made me think of this story, “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars.”
I highly recommend this one! Great for anyone that loves ya and fantasy.
*I received an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
In this new standalone fantasy adventure, Bright takes us to secret cities hidden among the spheres of the heavens. It’s a beautiful story that is filled with amazing world building, magic, music, friendship, mystery, romance, and has fantastic anxiety and depression rep. Each turn of the page was an absolute delight!
Rora and Claudia are best friends that feel as though their lives have recently been spiraling out of control. They meet up at a concert one night and there they meet Major and Amir. Major and Amir are two boys from the secret cities of the spheres that are ruled by the magic of the astrological signs. The girls discover that they’re not the only ones feeling that their lives are out of control, as there is a disruption in the harmony between the spheres that’s been spreading.
Rora and Claudia agree to embark on a journey to find the source of the disharmony. Throughout their travels they discover secrets, romance, and powerful truths about themselves, each other, and two long ago explorers named Dante and Beatrice. Dante and Beatrice were among the first to chart this magical course to the stars. Will Rora and Claudia be able to help save each other and the spheres?
I really came to care for these characters and what happened to them. I loved Rora and Claudia’s friendship so much, and I loved the friendships they made along the way. Major and Amir were both amazing friends as well and I love how they looked out for each other. Each character has their own struggles and strengths they bring. This quote by an unknown author made me think of this story, “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars.”
I highly recommend this one! Great for anyone that loves ya and fantasy.
Want to read
December 3, 2021me: idk, it's such a cool concept. i can't decide if i want to read it or if i'm just jealous i didn't come up with it myself
the girl ringing me up at barnes and noble in nine months time: ...
the girl ringing me up at barnes and noble in nine months time: ...
June 28, 2022
Content warning via the author's site: Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It also makes reference to suicide, infertility, and disordered eating and contains content that may be triggering to readers with emetophobia.
I have to say, the concept of this one was so unique! I mean, songs that coincide with planets and astrology? Talk about imaginative! And look, you do have to suspend some disbelief when it comes to this story. You just do. But if you can, it's quite rewarding!
What I Liked:
►The history! Wow did I get lost down a few Wikipedia rabbit holes while reading this one! I loved that the author used real historical figures in the world building/for inspiration, especially Beatrice's- it takes a much happier route than her true life. I loved learning about all these people, and frankly, the book was worth it for this facet alone.
►The characters were great. I really liked the main characters, Rora and Claudia, as well as the boys they ended up being drawn to. I mean, sure it's a wee bit convenient that they both end up falling in love with dudes from other planets, but alas. I still liked it. It was cute, if not groundbreaking.
►Traveling on different planets! I mean, who among us does not want to hang out on Saturn and such? I won't go into too many details about the worldbuilding, since it is a huge part of the plot itself, but suffice it to say, I loved it!
►Great mental health rep! I am so, so glad that we've started to get more fantasy and sci-fi books that include mental health and mental illness representation. And I extra love that, as it is in this story, it's just part of who the characters are, not their defining trait. I thought it was handled really well, and I must applaud the author for that!
What I Had Trouble With:
►I just couldn't totally suspend my disbelief? Sorry, this is probably on me, but I am just bad at it. The thing was, I didn't fully understand the magic system I don't think, which is probably a bit of it. I had some questions, and I will say that the author did a great job of answering some of the biggest ones, hence why I was still able to really enjoy the story.
Bottom Line: Amazing world building, a ton of cool historical references, likable characters, and interplanetary travel made this quite a fun read!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
I have to say, the concept of this one was so unique! I mean, songs that coincide with planets and astrology? Talk about imaginative! And look, you do have to suspend some disbelief when it comes to this story. You just do. But if you can, it's quite rewarding!
What I Liked:
►The history! Wow did I get lost down a few Wikipedia rabbit holes while reading this one! I loved that the author used real historical figures in the world building/for inspiration, especially Beatrice's- it takes a much happier route than her true life. I loved learning about all these people, and frankly, the book was worth it for this facet alone.
►The characters were great. I really liked the main characters, Rora and Claudia, as well as the boys they ended up being drawn to. I mean, sure it's a wee bit convenient that they both end up falling in love with dudes from other planets, but alas. I still liked it. It was cute, if not groundbreaking.
►Traveling on different planets! I mean, who among us does not want to hang out on Saturn and such? I won't go into too many details about the worldbuilding, since it is a huge part of the plot itself, but suffice it to say, I loved it!
►Great mental health rep! I am so, so glad that we've started to get more fantasy and sci-fi books that include mental health and mental illness representation. And I extra love that, as it is in this story, it's just part of who the characters are, not their defining trait. I thought it was handled really well, and I must applaud the author for that!
What I Had Trouble With:
►I just couldn't totally suspend my disbelief? Sorry, this is probably on me, but I am just bad at it. The thing was, I didn't fully understand the magic system I don't think, which is probably a bit of it. I had some questions, and I will say that the author did a great job of answering some of the biggest ones, hence why I was still able to really enjoy the story.
Bottom Line: Amazing world building, a ton of cool historical references, likable characters, and interplanetary travel made this quite a fun read!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
June 19, 2022
I was very excited to start this book. I had been hooked to the authors debut novel The Beholder and the synopsis sounded intriguing.
The magic system/world building, its basis in astrology and the planets was awesome. I loved seeing what the author did with each planets, which star signs they related to and what characteristics people had because of this. I didn't always understand the rules of the magic system, but I loved the idea of it!
The story is told from three POVs, the two girls who had very different personalities , the confident outgoing one and the more subdued one working through events in her past. And then flashback scenes where we follow some historical figures discovering the planets.
I loved these flashbacks! It was really interesting seeing names I recognised and seeing how they went exploring throughout the solar system.
However I found the pacing a little slow and wished we had had more depth around the modern day characters, they were a little simple. Whilst I loved the ideas in this book, the execution could have used a little more sophistication. I found myself a little confused with the story, it was like the idea got a bit away from the author.
I think the authors writing style worked well in a romance book for younger YA readers (as in the Beholder) but wasn't ideal for this type of book.
Thank you to the publisher Harper 360 for my free proof copy to reviews.
The magic system/world building, its basis in astrology and the planets was awesome. I loved seeing what the author did with each planets, which star signs they related to and what characteristics people had because of this. I didn't always understand the rules of the magic system, but I loved the idea of it!
The story is told from three POVs, the two girls who had very different personalities , the confident outgoing one and the more subdued one working through events in her past. And then flashback scenes where we follow some historical figures discovering the planets.
I loved these flashbacks! It was really interesting seeing names I recognised and seeing how they went exploring throughout the solar system.
However I found the pacing a little slow and wished we had had more depth around the modern day characters, they were a little simple. Whilst I loved the ideas in this book, the execution could have used a little more sophistication. I found myself a little confused with the story, it was like the idea got a bit away from the author.
I think the authors writing style worked well in a romance book for younger YA readers (as in the Beholder) but wasn't ideal for this type of book.
Thank you to the publisher Harper 360 for my free proof copy to reviews.
November 25, 2023
The astrological-based magic system in this was cool. I’m not a huge urban fantasy kind of gal, nor do I love long books, but I liked this fine.
October 13, 2022
This book explores the inner lives of two teenage girls suffering from PTSD & grief. Lovely prose, interesting fantasy elements, a cool backstory with Dante & Beatrice, a touch of romantic teen love, & authentic characters that grow in their knowledge of self & what love really is. I ordered a copy for my classroom to share with my teen readers.
May 7, 2022
I was lucky enough to win an ARC through Goodreads, and this book is absolute magic!
Beautifully written with a cast of characters that wiggled their way into my heart from the very start. Claudia and Rora are so strong, so full of vibrance and life, as are Major and Amir. Even the secondary characters, no matter how quick or small their appearance, are given life enough that you can feel their importance to the story, which reflects the theme of this book so magnificently. I continually found myself saying "just one more chapter", refusing to set the book down until I absolutely needed to. The way Beatrice's story is woven into Claudia, Rora, Major, and Amir's is so well done. It builds off the present-day story, the past providing a launchpad and backstory that slowly helps tie everything together as the story progresses. Rora's struggles hit so very close to home, and it was a joy to watch her, and everyone's, growth throughout. This was my first book by Anna Bright, and I'll be seeking out her other works for sure. I'm so in love with how this novel is written, the prose is stunning, and I have quotes that remain stuck in my mind because they're so good.
This is absolutely one of my top books this year so far, and I know I'll be both purchasing the hardcover and reading it again in the future!
Beautifully written with a cast of characters that wiggled their way into my heart from the very start. Claudia and Rora are so strong, so full of vibrance and life, as are Major and Amir. Even the secondary characters, no matter how quick or small their appearance, are given life enough that you can feel their importance to the story, which reflects the theme of this book so magnificently. I continually found myself saying "just one more chapter", refusing to set the book down until I absolutely needed to. The way Beatrice's story is woven into Claudia, Rora, Major, and Amir's is so well done. It builds off the present-day story, the past providing a launchpad and backstory that slowly helps tie everything together as the story progresses. Rora's struggles hit so very close to home, and it was a joy to watch her, and everyone's, growth throughout. This was my first book by Anna Bright, and I'll be seeking out her other works for sure. I'm so in love with how this novel is written, the prose is stunning, and I have quotes that remain stuck in my mind because they're so good.
This is absolutely one of my top books this year so far, and I know I'll be both purchasing the hardcover and reading it again in the future!
May 9, 2022
Six weeks ago the world started to feel off-kilter to Rora and Claudia. Strange things are happening all around them - strangest of all is two boys appearing to them in a light in a dark alley. Eventually the boys explain that there is a disruption in the whole universe, including earth and where they are from, which is a place with the magic of astrological signs that rule nine cities. Rora and Claudia bravely go with them to try to save the universe. This was a really fun story! I was immediately swept up into it and once I started I couldn't put it down. It truly is the best of both worlds - contemporary fiction and fantasy and I can see it being a great read for fans of both.
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December 30, 2022A contemporary YA space fantasy inspired by medieval cosmology and modern astrology, this meditative story has at its heart a reflection upon trauma and the process of healing.
November 16, 2023
I love ranting with my family members about books i hate love.
I'm sorry. That 💩 was actually so funny I had to stop reading and laugh from confusion and astonishment. While reading that, my mind kept imagining them like walk around the hole or sm and like singing (which was funny in itself but yk) but then I imagine the main character suddenly start... twerking IUHFSIUHFSUIEFHEI, and then everyone joins in as they walk closer to the circle. ITS SO FUNNY IN MY HEAD HAHAHAHA. anyhow. that scene was literally so RANDOM... I think it was meant to be like an "ahhh everyone finds out how to fix this planet! we know what to do! yay!" and a "calm", moment of silence type of delio but uh. nawww it was just cringe 😭😭😭
alr lets start this thing :D
Rating: 2.5 stars and not rounding up out of ✨spite✨ (and bc i had to read cringey lovey-dovey scenes 😃)
First off, we are introduced to the two main characters, Rora and Claudia. Rora literally starts off the first chapter with "I am afraid of thirty-one things." and talk about washing her hands over and over, i literally thought she has OCD but she doesn't? idk its weird... anyhow, Rora is this girl that is super anxious. HOWEVER (oh my lord, this book makes me wanna cry) when two random DUDES come from a FRICKEN ALLEY WAY from a SUSSY light Rora and Claudia were like "ahhhh don't look at them they are so sus" but when the two boys were like "cOmE oN fOlLoW uS tO tHe BatHroOm We HaVe tO tElL yOu TwO sOmeThIng" the two girls reject for 5 milliseconds but when the boys ask again, they're like "okay fine we'll follow you to a bathroom where there will prob be no one to watch out for us! this is fine. nothing is sus. That doesn't sound sus at all. Amara and Major must have something SOOOOO important to tell us!" LIKE HELP WHAT?????? Rora being anxious from being assaulted in an alleyway 6 weeks ago would def be more... on her guard AND NOT FOLLOW TWO RANDOM BOYS THAT HAD SPENT AROUND 2-3 HOURS WITH AT A CONCERT.
that aside. lets talk about the amazing bathroom scene.
i literally don't know what to write and I'm SO at loss for words pls help uGH
basically:
One of the dudes was like... "Rora you... you're an amplifier. The music SINGS in you!~"
and then Rora was like " what. oh wow, I'm an amplifier!!!" AND PROCEDURES TO NOT ASK ANY QUESTIONS???? if that were to be ANYONE else, they would be firing questions left and right. AND IF IT WERE ANYONE ELSE, THEY WOULD HAVE NEVER FOLLOWED TWO MALES INTO THE GIRL'S BATHROOM!!!
then the two dudes are like "The spheres!!!! they are... wrong!!!! you have to...help us!!!"
and the proceeds to OPEN A PORTAL IN THE BATHROOM????? I was so confused. I STILL AM CONFUSED.
And just like the dum Rora and Claudia they are, they thought it over for 0.1 milliseconds and was like "I don't trust you... but we'll go in anyway because we kinda trust you.... but we kinda don't... so don't get the wrong idea... yeahhhh..."
LIKE WHAT WHAT WHAT?? NO YOU DON'T GO IN THE PORTAL YOU GUYS WERE LIKE "i don't belive in magic" and a dude opens and portal and you're like "okay we belive in magic now... this is real!.. I was... so breathless at the sight." or some 💩
are you not going to ask if the two boys are HIGH or something??? because HHUGHDUIGHDRI
anyhow.
that's one of my problems with this book; pacing
the characters in here are so FAST to change their ideas and it feels so fricken forced. the characters have no qualities about them and they're so flat. nothing. everything they do feels so forced and it throws off the whole vibe of the book. i had NO attachments to the characters AT ALL and they can go fly off jupiter for all i care.
so.
many.
plot.
holes.
first - wtf is a "song" of a certain planet?? is a planet just EMITTING like a melody or something? because i am still confused at what a "song" is
"yeah lemma just humm my song and bam! my star chart appears" PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT IS GOING ON.
second - what are we doing.
i remember reading this book at the halfway point and I was just so confused at what was going on BECAUSE WHY ARE WE JUMPING FROM PLANETS AGAIN???
...what.are.you.trying.to.look.for.
this "journey" feels so utterly fruitless and has no reason. there is no concrete plot and its just a bunch of people jumping from one planet to the next. i don't understand
omg romance~ so spicy~
okay major. first of all, you met rora like idk.. 2-3 days ago. maybe even less. "omg i love her" WHAT IS LOVE THESE DAYS??? and oh my gosh, major~ no way~ CLAUDIA DOESN'T TRUST YOU WITH THE PEOPLE SHE LOVES? I FRICKEN WONDER WHY? maybe because you just met. you just met. YOU JUST MET. no one is going to trust you with someone so close to you if YOU JUST FRICKEN MET.
Major.
is.
so.
bland.
Dear Major,
You have no right to speak. Your name is literally a music sound that is meant to be happy. Your real name is Felix. which also literally means happy. WHO GAVE YOU THAT NAME? MIGHT AS WELL BE NAMED MINOR AT THIS POINT
okay and then after this Rora goes to "text" Major with lovey-dovey texts. Oh my lord. I cannot with the romance in this book
anyhow to wrap it all up
1. Characters need development. they are blander than when I cook food.
2. Stop insta-loving please.
3. World building... where is it? its not here
4. #soromantic.ifeltsodizzyfromalltheloveemmitingfromthem<3
If you did not say "It will get better" once during this book, I give you applause.
Suddenly - I don't know when it starts - I'm not walking anymore. I'm not a good dancer. But my feet begin to take their orders from the music rising around us. And soon, everyone else is doing the same.
I'm sorry. That 💩 was actually so funny I had to stop reading and laugh from confusion and astonishment. While reading that, my mind kept imagining them like walk around the hole or sm and like singing (which was funny in itself but yk) but then I imagine the main character suddenly start... twerking IUHFSIUHFSUIEFHEI, and then everyone joins in as they walk closer to the circle. ITS SO FUNNY IN MY HEAD HAHAHAHA. anyhow. that scene was literally so RANDOM... I think it was meant to be like an "ahhh everyone finds out how to fix this planet! we know what to do! yay!" and a "calm", moment of silence type of delio but uh. nawww it was just cringe 😭😭😭
alr lets start this thing :D
Rating: 2.5 stars and not rounding up out of ✨spite✨ (and bc i had to read cringey lovey-dovey scenes 😃)
First off, we are introduced to the two main characters, Rora and Claudia. Rora literally starts off the first chapter with "I am afraid of thirty-one things." and talk about washing her hands over and over, i literally thought she has OCD but she doesn't? idk its weird... anyhow, Rora is this girl that is super anxious. HOWEVER (oh my lord, this book makes me wanna cry) when two random DUDES come from a FRICKEN ALLEY WAY from a SUSSY light Rora and Claudia were like "ahhhh don't look at them they are so sus" but when the two boys were like "cOmE oN fOlLoW uS tO tHe BatHroOm We HaVe tO tElL yOu TwO sOmeThIng" the two girls reject for 5 milliseconds but when the boys ask again, they're like "okay fine we'll follow you to a bathroom where there will prob be no one to watch out for us! this is fine. nothing is sus. That doesn't sound sus at all. Amara and Major must have something SOOOOO important to tell us!" LIKE HELP WHAT?????? Rora being anxious from being assaulted in an alleyway 6 weeks ago would def be more... on her guard AND NOT FOLLOW TWO RANDOM BOYS THAT HAD SPENT AROUND 2-3 HOURS WITH AT A CONCERT.
that aside. lets talk about the amazing bathroom scene.
i literally don't know what to write and I'm SO at loss for words pls help uGH
basically:
One of the dudes was like... "Rora you... you're an amplifier. The music SINGS in you!~"
and then Rora was like " what. oh wow, I'm an amplifier!!!" AND PROCEDURES TO NOT ASK ANY QUESTIONS???? if that were to be ANYONE else, they would be firing questions left and right. AND IF IT WERE ANYONE ELSE, THEY WOULD HAVE NEVER FOLLOWED TWO MALES INTO THE GIRL'S BATHROOM!!!
then the two dudes are like "The spheres!!!! they are... wrong!!!! you have to...help us!!!"
and the proceeds to OPEN A PORTAL IN THE BATHROOM????? I was so confused. I STILL AM CONFUSED.
And just like the dum Rora and Claudia they are, they thought it over for 0.1 milliseconds and was like "I don't trust you... but we'll go in anyway because we kinda trust you.... but we kinda don't... so don't get the wrong idea... yeahhhh..."
LIKE WHAT WHAT WHAT?? NO YOU DON'T GO IN THE PORTAL YOU GUYS WERE LIKE "i don't belive in magic" and a dude opens and portal and you're like "okay we belive in magic now... this is real!.. I was... so breathless at the sight." or some 💩
are you not going to ask if the two boys are HIGH or something??? because HHUGHDUIGHDRI
anyhow.
that's one of my problems with this book; pacing
the characters in here are so FAST to change their ideas and it feels so fricken forced. the characters have no qualities about them and they're so flat. nothing. everything they do feels so forced and it throws off the whole vibe of the book. i had NO attachments to the characters AT ALL and they can go fly off jupiter for all i care.
so.
many.
plot.
holes.
first - wtf is a "song" of a certain planet?? is a planet just EMITTING like a melody or something? because i am still confused at what a "song" is
"yeah lemma just humm my song and bam! my star chart appears" PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT IS GOING ON.
second - what are we doing.
i remember reading this book at the halfway point and I was just so confused at what was going on BECAUSE WHY ARE WE JUMPING FROM PLANETS AGAIN???
Frustrated, I slump in Dr. Qureshi's chair. I've learned so much today, but I still don't have any answers. And even if I read this stack of books cover to cover, could I really know who Beatrice was and what she was thinking?
...what.are.you.trying.to.look.for.
this "journey" feels so utterly fruitless and has no reason. there is no concrete plot and its just a bunch of people jumping from one planet to the next. i don't understand
omg romance~ so spicy~
I jut a finger at him. "Don't you oh boy me. You'd better not just be messing around with Rora. She doesn't flirt. She doesn't even speak flirt...
But that smile doesn't fade; Major laughs, incredulous. "I'm not going to hurt her, Claudia. I mean, I might, somewhere down the line by accident. But I really, honestly, very much like Rora." He pauses, cocking his in a way that makes me uncomfortable. "You have a hard time trusting anyone else with the people you love."
okay major. first of all, you met rora like idk.. 2-3 days ago. maybe even less. "omg i love her" WHAT IS LOVE THESE DAYS??? and oh my gosh, major~ no way~ CLAUDIA DOESN'T TRUST YOU WITH THE PEOPLE SHE LOVES? I FRICKEN WONDER WHY? maybe because you just met. you just met. YOU JUST MET. no one is going to trust you with someone so close to you if YOU JUST FRICKEN MET.
Major.
is.
so.
bland.
Dear Major,
You have no right to speak. Your name is literally a music sound that is meant to be happy. Your real name is Felix. which also literally means happy. WHO GAVE YOU THAT NAME? MIGHT AS WELL BE NAMED MINOR AT THIS POINT
"We don't run from danger," Amir says. His voice is low, but I don't miss a word. "We don't give in to fear. We persist. We remain."
okay and then after this Rora goes to "text" Major with lovey-dovey texts. Oh my lord. I cannot with the romance in this book
anyhow to wrap it all up
1. Characters need development. they are blander than when I cook food.
2. Stop insta-loving please.
3. World building... where is it? its not here
4. #soromantic.ifeltsodizzyfromalltheloveemmitingfromthem<3
If you did not say "It will get better" once during this book, I give you applause.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2022
Richest book I've read in a while
I love them. I love those four. And the range of that love is violent snarling protectiveness to tuck away safe and sound protectiveness.
I almost lost my crap on one of the characters outside of the Main Four. Scorpios get enough from people on Earth. We do not need it from people in space too. I know she is a fictional character but I was ready to throw down on his behalf. What she said wasn't entirely wrong but the point remains that the tone and connotation was completely unnecessary.
Sigh.
Great standalone. As good a metaphor as the Divine Comedy is. I would greatly be it five stars just for the strength of the metaphor this book embodies.
You want a book to inspire you about inner strength and healing?
Read this.
You want a book about individuality?
Tread this.
You want a book about finding the place with which and the people with whom you belong?
Read. This.
This is a book I want to spend time analyzing and writing essays for in an English class. There is so much. This is such a rich book. And the absolute best part is that it's layered underneath the astrology and star charts thing. Which, I have to confess, I already know my star chart. And when I realized which two sections of the book I vibed with the most, which planets visited, I couldn't help but laugh because of course that was where I vibed. Confirmation bias, I assume.
Anyway, fabulous book. I cannot express enough love for it.
I love them. I love those four. And the range of that love is violent snarling protectiveness to tuck away safe and sound protectiveness.
I almost lost my crap on one of the characters outside of the Main Four. Scorpios get enough from people on Earth. We do not need it from people in space too. I know she is a fictional character but I was ready to throw down on his behalf. What she said wasn't entirely wrong but the point remains that the tone and connotation was completely unnecessary.
Sigh.
Great standalone. As good a metaphor as the Divine Comedy is. I would greatly be it five stars just for the strength of the metaphor this book embodies.
You want a book to inspire you about inner strength and healing?
Read this.
You want a book about individuality?
Tread this.
You want a book about finding the place with which and the people with whom you belong?
Read. This.
This is a book I want to spend time analyzing and writing essays for in an English class. There is so much. This is such a rich book. And the absolute best part is that it's layered underneath the astrology and star charts thing. Which, I have to confess, I already know my star chart. And when I realized which two sections of the book I vibed with the most, which planets visited, I couldn't help but laugh because of course that was where I vibed. Confirmation bias, I assume.
Anyway, fabulous book. I cannot express enough love for it.
February 26, 2024
The writing is good but sadly not for me. I got this as a lucky dip at my local public library. They had wrapped a few books in brown paper with a paragraph from the book and the genre stuck on the front. I did not know what it was until I got home as the staff checked it out for me and said don’t open until you’re home. Just a bit of fun.
It’s a YA book but is also about mental health, depression and for me a tad too depressing. It jumps from present day to 1287 with each chapter and from one person to the next which was interesting. I leave you to find out how it all comes together at the end. If you like this genre and this age group you should enjoy it.
NB note on the cover ….
“A story of yearning and healing, with prose that leaps off the page. Trust me, you’ve never known magic like this”. by Hafsah Faizal, New York bestselling author of “We hunt the flame”.
It’s a YA book but is also about mental health, depression and for me a tad too depressing. It jumps from present day to 1287 with each chapter and from one person to the next which was interesting. I leave you to find out how it all comes together at the end. If you like this genre and this age group you should enjoy it.
NB note on the cover ….
“A story of yearning and healing, with prose that leaps off the page. Trust me, you’ve never known magic like this”. by Hafsah Faizal, New York bestselling author of “We hunt the flame”.
May 12, 2024
Fantastiskt roligt koncept och mysigt utfört. Har varit så roligt att grotta ner sig i ett författarskap igen. Även om hennes senaste (foxhall) är klart bäst är det så intressant att se vilken fantastisk utveckling hon gjort från the beholder till den. Älskar hur hon leker med intertextualiteter genom sitt författarskap och känner nästan att jag hade önskat mer av det i foxhall nu när jag läst hennes tidigare som använder sig av det i mycket större utsträckning och på ett så underhållande och fyndigt sätt. Är det de bästa böckerna jag läst? Kanske inte, men de är definitivt charmiga.
April 5, 2023
The beholder duology is one of my favourites in existence, and it pains me to say that this one was so not for me. I was hesitant to start it, as the plot sounded a little vague and not like something I would enjoy, but I still desperately wanted to read it since I loved Anna's previous books so much. Unfortunately, my suspicions were confirmed. This book just wasn't it.
July 27, 2022
so this was a really beautiful book that kind of had a steep learning curve for the mechanics of its world. I THINK I would have preferred it if it was just a love story between Dante and Beatrice to keep it simple but I thought this book was just very happy
December 3, 2023
which editor let this zero draft get moved on to printing and how can we have a conversation bc why could all of them give ms "pancake" yui from diabolic lovers a run for her money and a breast implant for how flat they were 💀
Read
October 10, 2022DNF which is a bummer because that cover is gorgeous and I loved Bright’s previous books but I just can’t get into this one.
April 26, 2024
bro what that was actually so good. the story was so pretty and the world building was so interesting and the romance was so natural and it was such a unique story i loved it
July 12, 2022
Thank you to Harper360YA for sending me an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
‘The Song that Moves the Sun’ is a lovely book. Having not read any of Bright’s other books, I went into it completely blind as to the style this book was to be written in but I ended up enjoying it.
The book starts off a little slow, and switching between the three perspectives takes some getting used to. However, once you get into it, it’s very much an enjoyable read.
This YA romantic, fantasy book has us travelling across both time and space and we explore planets and astrological signs. I loved the fact that people and the planets are encompassed by music - that is really fun. The characters are great, but both Rora and Claudia and Major and Amir are each very similar, I wish they would have been fleshed out a little bit more. I also didn’t really enjoy the Dante and Beatrice chapters until about half way through when I began to realise their significance. However, I was cheering every character on along the way and the last 150-200 pages of the book were so good, I read them in a day.
Thanks again to the publishers for sending me a copy of this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. For any teenagers or fans of young adult books, definitely give this one a try.
‘The Song that Moves the Sun’ is a lovely book. Having not read any of Bright’s other books, I went into it completely blind as to the style this book was to be written in but I ended up enjoying it.
The book starts off a little slow, and switching between the three perspectives takes some getting used to. However, once you get into it, it’s very much an enjoyable read.
This YA romantic, fantasy book has us travelling across both time and space and we explore planets and astrological signs. I loved the fact that people and the planets are encompassed by music - that is really fun. The characters are great, but both Rora and Claudia and Major and Amir are each very similar, I wish they would have been fleshed out a little bit more. I also didn’t really enjoy the Dante and Beatrice chapters until about half way through when I began to realise their significance. However, I was cheering every character on along the way and the last 150-200 pages of the book were so good, I read them in a day.
Thanks again to the publishers for sending me a copy of this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. For any teenagers or fans of young adult books, definitely give this one a try.
July 1, 2022
where to start
i’ve never read a book that went from 5 stars to 1 so quickly. i really didn’t enjoy this one. the writing wasn’t great, the world was wishy washy, complicated dynamics were thrown in but so confusing that it felt like the author just lost track of what was going on themselves. and i mean complicated in thee way that it was written, not the astrology aspect itself.
the mental health rep in the first few pages! except they really thought curing her depression using astrology would be a shout umm what....
i was loving Rora’s character- she was figuring things out with a supportive friend by her side, but it was so unrealistic?
come to think of it, this entire book read like a washed out version of an actual idea with too many bits thrown in. it could’ve worked, but all the characters were flat, and where were the stakes? there is no concrete plot at all. we do jump between timelines, but that paired with the short chapters was the only thing keeping me going.
the romance for both girls was insta-love and so boring and bland. Major had no personality, and I liked Amir but soon he too meshed into just a ‘love interest’. the character relationships were so quickly established. Rora makes eye contact with Major and boom they’re in love (same with Claudia and Amir).
Rora’s mental health was referenced throughout, but it was so vague and disjointed, i really wish it could’ve been a saving factor for this book, but nope. Plus everything seems to happen TO her. she doesn’t take any steps herself expect for that cringey scene where her friends are climbing something and she starts dancing…
her friendship with Claudia was interesting but so surface level. the story is told from both of their pov’s and yet it just seemed so unrealistic. the whole dissonance in the stars ‘plot’ was awful! it was so vague and random. the action scenes were hard to read and i couldn’t visualise a single one of those scenes. there was no concrete world building- the gang just jumped from one planet to the next. the magic system/ music wasn’t explained at all. they just hum and their star charts appear?? what?? and don’t even get me started when she meets Amir’s comrades/ soldiers/ troops?- honestly i don’t even know what they were. but instantly she starts calling them her squad and i’m like girl you’ve only known them for 5 mins?? like why are you even here??
Claudia was so whiny every time her pov came up. she kept remembering her brother who moved away and her character was basically based off of that feeling. she kept calling him her twin and then Rora her un-twin which was so annoying and i just think every character in this book was so pointless??
Then we have Major who was just too bland for words. his blue eyes are his entire personality and i just couldn’t care less about him.
Amir was mildly interesting. he was introduced as being stoic and trying to fulfil his parents’ expectations, and that fizzled out after a few pages too. i did like the accurate representation of Islam though, but one main inaccuracy is the astrology aspect, which contradicts the religion so i don’t really know if this was a lack of research or something, but it wasn’t really addressed?
And i never thought travelling through space could be so boring? i don’t care about astrology or star signs, but this book really loves mentioning it every other sentence.
Overall, a confusing and meh story. characters not fleshed out, world building is wishy washy, writing is jolted and cliche at times, but easy to read. the arc is in need of an editor as there were far too many repeated words and typos.
Wouldn’t really recommend, unless you’re just starting to read YA fantasy if this can even be called that- it’s more like magical realism with lots of discussion and star signs thrown in with 0.5% plot.
i’ve never read a book that went from 5 stars to 1 so quickly. i really didn’t enjoy this one. the writing wasn’t great, the world was wishy washy, complicated dynamics were thrown in but so confusing that it felt like the author just lost track of what was going on themselves. and i mean complicated in thee way that it was written, not the astrology aspect itself.
the mental health rep in the first few pages! except they really thought curing her depression using astrology would be a shout umm what....
i was loving Rora’s character- she was figuring things out with a supportive friend by her side, but it was so unrealistic?
come to think of it, this entire book read like a washed out version of an actual idea with too many bits thrown in. it could’ve worked, but all the characters were flat, and where were the stakes? there is no concrete plot at all. we do jump between timelines, but that paired with the short chapters was the only thing keeping me going.
the romance for both girls was insta-love and so boring and bland. Major had no personality, and I liked Amir but soon he too meshed into just a ‘love interest’. the character relationships were so quickly established. Rora makes eye contact with Major and boom they’re in love (same with Claudia and Amir).
Rora’s mental health was referenced throughout, but it was so vague and disjointed, i really wish it could’ve been a saving factor for this book, but nope. Plus everything seems to happen TO her. she doesn’t take any steps herself expect for that cringey scene where her friends are climbing something and she starts dancing…
her friendship with Claudia was interesting but so surface level. the story is told from both of their pov’s and yet it just seemed so unrealistic. the whole dissonance in the stars ‘plot’ was awful! it was so vague and random. the action scenes were hard to read and i couldn’t visualise a single one of those scenes. there was no concrete world building- the gang just jumped from one planet to the next. the magic system/ music wasn’t explained at all. they just hum and their star charts appear?? what?? and don’t even get me started when she meets Amir’s comrades/ soldiers/ troops?- honestly i don’t even know what they were. but instantly she starts calling them her squad and i’m like girl you’ve only known them for 5 mins?? like why are you even here??
Claudia was so whiny every time her pov came up. she kept remembering her brother who moved away and her character was basically based off of that feeling. she kept calling him her twin and then Rora her un-twin which was so annoying and i just think every character in this book was so pointless??
Then we have Major who was just too bland for words. his blue eyes are his entire personality and i just couldn’t care less about him.
Amir was mildly interesting. he was introduced as being stoic and trying to fulfil his parents’ expectations, and that fizzled out after a few pages too. i did like the accurate representation of Islam though, but one main inaccuracy is the astrology aspect, which contradicts the religion so i don’t really know if this was a lack of research or something, but it wasn’t really addressed?
And i never thought travelling through space could be so boring? i don’t care about astrology or star signs, but this book really loves mentioning it every other sentence.
Overall, a confusing and meh story. characters not fleshed out, world building is wishy washy, writing is jolted and cliche at times, but easy to read. the arc is in need of an editor as there were far too many repeated words and typos.
Wouldn’t really recommend, unless you’re just starting to read YA fantasy if this can even be called that- it’s more like magical realism with lots of discussion and star signs thrown in with 0.5% plot.
September 11, 2024
3.75 stars
I absolutely love love love the beholder duology, so I was super excited to pick up this book. It took me forever to finish because I read like 3-4 other books whilst reading this.
I'm not into astrology, but the world building in this book was very well done. Although some plot resolutions were a little far fetched, this book was super smart. The main characters were believable and well rounded; Anna definitely contrasted them and made them very individual. I liked both Rora and Claudia and how they dealt with their issues.
I do think it could've done without the flashbacks to Beatrice, Marco, and Dante. I was a little bored with them, and honestly, didn't completely understand how that part of the story ended. It would've been just as good a book if she took out that part of it. But it wasn't horrible; I can still see how it lended to the story.
My first, small complaint is just that the book felt a little long? Or dragged a bit? I'm not even sure... But maybe the pacing was off when they all separated.
However, my largest complaint (and the only actual one) is the romance. I went into it with high hopes for the romance (*cough* Torden *cough*) but this one fell a little flat. I felt as though Major and Rora had a bit of insta-love and even though they were cute, it just didn't have enough development for me and I couldn't see the connection. With Claudia and Amir, I felt like there was absolutely no build up and that Anna was just too focused on Rora and Major to really pay any attention to the other two. They don't even kiss! I saw amazingly cute potential for that couple but they weren't developed at all (though I love Amir).
Maybe if she had created a bit of tension or even made a (dare I say it?) love triangle of some sorts (not your classic one per say) or just anything that didn't feel like they decided on the other as soon as they saw each other. I mean, when Major and Claudia split off from Rora and Amir, maybe she could've done something there.
Anyway, that's just my sad, romance addicted self talking. The realistic, writer side of me understands that that would kind of taken away from the plot (I am plot driven, but character driven more so, haha).
I guess I was just expecting another Beholder (shame on me!) But this was entirely different (not in a bad way)
3.75 stars (this book really was good, I promise)
I absolutely love love love the beholder duology, so I was super excited to pick up this book. It took me forever to finish because I read like 3-4 other books whilst reading this.
I'm not into astrology, but the world building in this book was very well done. Although some plot resolutions were a little far fetched, this book was super smart. The main characters were believable and well rounded; Anna definitely contrasted them and made them very individual. I liked both Rora and Claudia and how they dealt with their issues.
I do think it could've done without the flashbacks to Beatrice, Marco, and Dante. I was a little bored with them, and honestly, didn't completely understand how that part of the story ended. It would've been just as good a book if she took out that part of it. But it wasn't horrible; I can still see how it lended to the story.
My first, small complaint is just that the book felt a little long? Or dragged a bit? I'm not even sure... But maybe the pacing was off when they all separated.
However, my largest complaint (and the only actual one) is the romance. I went into it with high hopes for the romance (*cough* Torden *cough*) but this one fell a little flat. I felt as though Major and Rora had a bit of insta-love and even though they were cute, it just didn't have enough development for me and I couldn't see the connection. With Claudia and Amir, I felt like there was absolutely no build up and that Anna was just too focused on Rora and Major to really pay any attention to the other two. They don't even kiss! I saw amazingly cute potential for that couple but they weren't developed at all (though I love Amir).
Maybe if she had created a bit of tension or even made a (dare I say it?) love triangle of some sorts (not your classic one per say) or just anything that didn't feel like they decided on the other as soon as they saw each other. I mean, when Major and Claudia split off from Rora and Amir, maybe she could've done something there.
Anyway, that's just my sad, romance addicted self talking. The realistic, writer side of me understands that that would kind of taken away from the plot (I am plot driven, but character driven more so, haha).
I guess I was just expecting another Beholder (shame on me!) But this was entirely different (not in a bad way)
3.75 stars (this book really was good, I promise)
June 11, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a unique mishmash of contemporary fantasy, Dante Alighieri, and astrology. Rora and Claudia are best friends. Recently, their lives have been falling apart; Rora is recovering from the PTSD of her mugging and Claudia is drifting further and further away from her troubled twin brother. The two go to a concert together, one of the only places Rora feels she can heal, and meet Major and Amir. The foursome quickly become friends and the girls find out that there is more to their pain than they thought: Major and Amir are from other planets and there is a cosmic disruption spreading chaos across them all.
This book is quite unique! I wanted to like it more but the writing is just...weak. The characters suffer from insta-love and struggle to develop throughout the story. I feel like the reader is TOLD how the characters are, but they don't always act the way we're told they do. There's also just some cringy attempts at prose, including one moment when Rora describes Major's eyes as the color of her favorite old jeans... How romantic? It read a bit like purple prose, and I think it suffers by being compared to VE Schwab or Laini Taylor in reviews.
All-in-all, I loved the concept and enjoyed the connections to Alighieri and astrology, but otherwise felt like I was dragging myself through this book.
This book is a unique mishmash of contemporary fantasy, Dante Alighieri, and astrology. Rora and Claudia are best friends. Recently, their lives have been falling apart; Rora is recovering from the PTSD of her mugging and Claudia is drifting further and further away from her troubled twin brother. The two go to a concert together, one of the only places Rora feels she can heal, and meet Major and Amir. The foursome quickly become friends and the girls find out that there is more to their pain than they thought: Major and Amir are from other planets and there is a cosmic disruption spreading chaos across them all.
This book is quite unique! I wanted to like it more but the writing is just...weak. The characters suffer from insta-love and struggle to develop throughout the story. I feel like the reader is TOLD how the characters are, but they don't always act the way we're told they do. There's also just some cringy attempts at prose, including one moment when Rora describes Major's eyes as the color of her favorite old jeans... How romantic? It read a bit like purple prose, and I think it suffers by being compared to VE Schwab or Laini Taylor in reviews.
All-in-all, I loved the concept and enjoyed the connections to Alighieri and astrology, but otherwise felt like I was dragging myself through this book.
June 14, 2022
First of all, thankyou so much HarperCollins publishers and HarperTeen for providing me a digital ARC of this book. Really enjoyed it a lot.
Where to start talking about? As soon as I read the synopsis and saw it’s magical cover I knew that it wouldn’t disappoint me. I’m just excited about posting it’s review because it’s one of those books that amazed me since I joined Bookstagram.
The story is actually based on Platonic model of universe. You can see in the synopsis that there is disruption in the harmony between two spheres. When Rora and Claudia took up the journey with Amir and Major, the story from there got more interesting. Supernatural situations in the novel like opening of portals, there expedition from one planet to another and songs or rhythm of the planets were absolutely mind blowing. I was so much immersed in the plot that I felt I was experiencing the planet’s weather especially on Saturn.
The alternate story of Dante Alighieri, Beatrice & Marco Polo was great. Reading this side of them was really cool. I honestly enjoyed them more. Dante Alighieri name was new for me that’s why I had to search him at first. This trio’s adventure and relationship was wonderful. But I was a kind of disappointed on the relationship between Beatrice and Dante. But I think that was destined to happen as s his real wife was actually Gemma.
“It’s not only the impossible horrors that come true. Sometimes, the impossible beautiful things become real, too.“
The other thing which was unique in the novel was the representation of different ethnicities even it’s a space exploration kind of novel. Major, Rora and Claudia are represented with western ethnicity while Amir is represented as a middle-eastern descendant. You will also find many other characters of different ethnicities even from Mongolia too.
The publishers say that this novel is based on friendship and romance theme altogether. But frankly I found this more centred around friendship. I think this is still amazing. In my opinion the theme of friendship is beautifully explained in the novel. Claudia had a caring attitude towards Rora even sometimes she got irritated because of extra concern of Claudia. That’s why they seemed very realistic to me.
In the end, the author’s note was really helpful. I can tell that she really did a great research for writing this book. Her note on psychological condition was also helpful.
TRIGGER & WARNINGS:
Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses It also makes reference to suicide, disordered eating, and infertility, and contains content that may be triggering to readers with emetophobia.
Where to start talking about? As soon as I read the synopsis and saw it’s magical cover I knew that it wouldn’t disappoint me. I’m just excited about posting it’s review because it’s one of those books that amazed me since I joined Bookstagram.
The story is actually based on Platonic model of universe. You can see in the synopsis that there is disruption in the harmony between two spheres. When Rora and Claudia took up the journey with Amir and Major, the story from there got more interesting. Supernatural situations in the novel like opening of portals, there expedition from one planet to another and songs or rhythm of the planets were absolutely mind blowing. I was so much immersed in the plot that I felt I was experiencing the planet’s weather especially on Saturn.
The alternate story of Dante Alighieri, Beatrice & Marco Polo was great. Reading this side of them was really cool. I honestly enjoyed them more. Dante Alighieri name was new for me that’s why I had to search him at first. This trio’s adventure and relationship was wonderful. But I was a kind of disappointed on the relationship between Beatrice and Dante. But I think that was destined to happen as s his real wife was actually Gemma.
“It’s not only the impossible horrors that come true. Sometimes, the impossible beautiful things become real, too.“
The other thing which was unique in the novel was the representation of different ethnicities even it’s a space exploration kind of novel. Major, Rora and Claudia are represented with western ethnicity while Amir is represented as a middle-eastern descendant. You will also find many other characters of different ethnicities even from Mongolia too.
The publishers say that this novel is based on friendship and romance theme altogether. But frankly I found this more centred around friendship. I think this is still amazing. In my opinion the theme of friendship is beautifully explained in the novel. Claudia had a caring attitude towards Rora even sometimes she got irritated because of extra concern of Claudia. That’s why they seemed very realistic to me.
In the end, the author’s note was really helpful. I can tell that she really did a great research for writing this book. Her note on psychological condition was also helpful.
TRIGGER & WARNINGS:
Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses It also makes reference to suicide, disordered eating, and infertility, and contains content that may be triggering to readers with emetophobia.
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