Falling in love on an interstellar road trip wasn’t part of Gemma’s plans…
Hurtling away from Earth is definitely the worst time to learn that your ship’s being held together with duct tape and spells, but astroengineer Gemma Abadie is a witch with a bigger problem—and no, it’s not the whole-Earth evacuation thing.
It’s the pent-up, hidden magic buzzing through her veins that she believes caused her parents’ death years ago. She’s hidden it from her family ever since, and now she’s hellbent on getting to her shady contact on humanity’s new planet, Gaia, to have her volatile magic removed.
But Gemma didn’t count on steaming up the engine room of the dilapidated space hotel with witchy Beck Breaux, who believes Gemma’s his meant-to-be. He’s hot as hell and her equal in every way, and after he uncovers her magic on their first day in space, he’s determined to help her accept and control it. When a magical accident leaves Beck near death, Gemma faces a reckoning: either stay the course and risk losing him forever, or reconcile with her past to embrace her magic, save Beck’s life, and find her happily ever after.
In a perfect marriage of science and magic, this steamy sci-fi romance uses threads of humor and heart to weave a story of soulmates, found family, and the beauty of forgiveness.
Holly Rose is the author of Follow Your Bliss (The Dream House Girls #1), Until the Stars Fall (Interstellar Witches #1) and The Knight of the Trove (The Knights of Mellora #1). She lives in Louisiana with her husband, two sons, and two cats, where sadly, there are no dragons. She eats too much cheese fries, loves stargazing, and writes books about people falling in love.
Debut author Holly Rose has outdone herself! Gemma’s voice pulled me in from the very first page, and the incredible world building and spicy romance kept me intrigued throughout the story. Beck is the ultimate book boyfriend: a super hunk but with golden retriever energy, and, honestly, I’m so here for it. While this book is a science fantasy romance, I loved the serious undertones as well, which I felt gave the book such complexity. Found family, learning to love yourself despite your flaws, learning to trust—it was so refreshing to come out of a book feeling like I’d also learned something about myself, too! And the setting and magical aspects were also so fun! I mean…witches in space. C’mon, it doesn’t get better than that!! An absolute must read!
This is all on me but I couldn't get invested in UNTIL THE STARS FALL. The writing was really great and the concept was cool but I was struggling to engage with the witchy content. Again, no blame on the book, I usually love this kind of story, but it's just not my mood right now. I might come back to this later.
I received an ARC from the author, who's my City Owl Press publisher-sibling, but my reviews are always 100% honest. Readers don't fib to other readers about whether a book is worth their time...
And with that disclaimer out of the way, I'm about to RAVE about this book! Right from page one, the worldbuilding was fantastic: a combo of witchcraft and scifi/spaceships. I've honestly never seen anything quite like it before. Original, creative, and immersive.
The plot was a very cozy-feeling, slice-of-life spaceship journey reminiscent of Jess K. Hardy's Love in the Time of Wormholes, another publisher-sibling that I can't rave about enough. If you are a fan of Becky Chambers's "A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet" and love that kind of cozy relationship-development-in-space vibe, and you enjoy a little spicy time in your romance reads, I strongly recommend both this book and Jess K Hardy's. The character development and relationships make this book shine. It feels very human and organic, and you'll be rooting for everyone - side characters as well as the MC and her sexy LI - along the way.
If you're drawn to the witchy aesthetic, you'll also drool over the setting descriptions, from cleansing ritual baths to an engine room full of candles to their destination, a bright new planet with a commune of witch family waiting for them.
I will ABSOLUTELY be waiting eagerly for more books in this series, and this one gets my wholehearted, well-deserved recommendation.
This is book one of the Interstellar Witches series and the main characters are astro-engineer and hidden witch Gemma Abadie, and multitalented Beck Breaux, who is part of her younger sister Hannah’s coven. Gemma has hidden her magic since a tragic event in her childhood, where she blames herself for the death of her parents. She believes she has lost her job on Earth as well, after a mixed signal caused her magic to spike and she blew out her boss’ windows. She has been saving up to get her magic removed by a shady contact on Gaia and joins her sister’s ship to make her way there, away from the dying Earth. The whole planet is being evacuated and her sister’s coven have suddenly got an early take off slot, which she can’t miss. The rest of the coven are Summer, the ship’s pilot and Hannah’s girlfriend, Zola, who is engaged to Gemma and Hannah’s older brother Noah, Eyre and Beck, who works in the engine room mainly. Shortly after take-off when something starts to malfunction, Gemma soon learns that the ship is mostly run by magic, using crystals, candles and a bit of tape! It is an older ship still with solar sails they daren’t pull in. It runs with a mix of science and magic and is nothing like what Gemma has learnt about!
Gemma already caused a magical disturbance that blew a window to outer space that is now sealed with tape and left her sick with worry. Then her tour of the engine room had her thinking the ship was in danger of catching on fire from all the candles around. Beck is hot and super smart, but is keeping his true feelings hidden from Gemma knowing she is the girl he has dreamed of for half of his life. Hannah had seen his reaction to Gemma’s photo one time and is now trying to fix Gemma up with Beck. Gemma is teamed with Beck in the engine room and to create a grimoire to record all the spells the coven has used on the ship, which are currently just on scraps of paper in a box. He has realised Gemma has magic, feeling his own magic mixing with hers and wants to ensure her magic doesn’t blow them all up again, to train her how to use it properly and thus not allow it to get out of control. She hasn’t even told her own sister she is lying about not having magic and that is what the rest of the coven believe as well. Beck’s childhood best friend Eyre knows he is falling for Gemma and has to remind him of what he told her last time, that if he fell for a non-magic user, she was to warn him off. He says he wants a witch as his forever future, but Gemma is determined to have hers removed, another thing she hasn’t told anyone.
Matters are going to come to a head as Beck tells her of his greatest fear and it almost comes true, as they have to fix something outside the ship and only her magic saves him. When she finally tells him all of her secrets, she reveals she can’t be with him if he wants a magic user, and he ends up upset and all alone. A magical accident leaves him near death and unreachable, unless she can use the tether magical linking them as fated to be together, believe in her magic and take a chance to save him, or he will die, as will they without his expertise to get the ship through the bio-frost and deceleration phase. If she doesn’t take a chance, she could lose him forever and may not have any chance of a future herself. If she wants Beck, she will have to reveal her true self to the rest of the coven and in particular her sister, and allow herself to use her magic to help him and the ship. A future as part of the coven and a new found family with Beck, could finally be within her grab and bring them all to their new life on Gaia and to her older brother Noah at long last. She needs somewhere to live and a new job, but that will all happen easily enough once Beck convinces her of who she truly is and could be, with him beside her. She just has to believe and not give up on him or her magic! An amusing mix of science, space travel and magic spells, with a bit of love thrown in.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Thanks to Netgalley for supplying me with an arc of this book!
This book follows Gemma, a reluctant witch who is going on board a space ship to travel to a new planet. She’s kept her magic a secret from her family, claiming it disappeared after their parents died, however she has just been repressing it ever since the accident since she believes she’s the one who caused it. That is until she meets Becks and her magic acts our in front of him revealing that she’s been keeping her magic a secret. He offers to help her control it so she won’t act out however the more time they spend together, the more they start to fall for one another.
Witchy rom-com set in space? I’m sold! This book was pretty fun. The magic system was interesting along with elements of the ship. I loved the crossover between fantasy and sci-fi, but at this books heart, it is a romance.
I loved Becks! I’m such a sucker for golden retriever love interests and I honestly need more of them. He was so sweet with Gemma from the beginning and I just loved his sweet personality. He was always so kind and gentle even if he didn’t understand where Gemma was coming from. In ways they were opposites yet they complimented one another so well.
The romance was pretty sweet too. I loved the development of their relationship and watching the two fall for each other over time. It was a romance I was rooting for and had me smiling.
I think where I struggled in this book was just the general meddling in Gemma’s life. I totally understood where she was coming from and why she had such a hatred with her magic and while I understand that it’s apart of her and she should love herself, I could also see her side of things and feel frustrated for her. Also just the meddling to get Gemma with Becks from her sister mainly but also others just kind of bothered me. It almost felt like a lot was being forced onto her and she was being told how to feel rather than growing and changing her perspective.
Overall, this book was super sweet and I had a great time reading it! I definitely plan to pick up more from Holly Rose in the future!
Thanks to Netgalley for supplying me with an arc of this book!
This book follows Gemma, a reluctant witch who is going on board a space ship to travel to a new planet. She’s kept her magic a secret from her family, claiming it disappeared after their parents died, however she has just been repressing it ever since the accident since she believes she’s the one who caused it. That is until she meets Becks and her magic acts our in front of him revealing that she’s been keeping her magic a secret. He offers to help her control it so she won’t act out however the more time they spend together, the more they start to fall for one another.
Witchy rom-com set in space? I’m sold! This book was pretty fun. The magic system was interesting along with elements of the ship. I loved the crossover between fantasy and sci-fi, but at this books heart, it is a romance.
I loved Becks! I’m such a sucker for golden retriever love interests and I honestly need more of them. He was so sweet with Gemma from the beginning and I just loved his sweet personality. He was always so kind and gentle even if he didn’t understand where Gemma was coming from. In ways they were opposites yet they complimented one another so well.
The romance was pretty sweet too. I loved the development of their relationship and watching the two fall for each other over time. It was a romance I was rooting for and had me smiling.
I think where I struggled in this book was just the general meddling in Gemma’s life. I totally understood where she was coming from and why she had such a hatred with her magic and while I understand that it’s apart of her and she should love herself, I could also see her side of things and feel frustrated for her. Also just the meddling to get Gemma with Becks from her sister mainly but also others just kind of bothered me. It almost felt like a lot was being forced onto her and she was being told how to feel rather than growing and changing her perspective.
Overall, this book was super sweet and I had a great time reading it! I definitely plan to pick up more from Holly Rose in the future!
Gemma's transformation from a shy and insecure character, always concealing her true self, unfolds in this sci-fi romance. The narrative delves into the consequences of her tendency to hide, weaving a tale of self-acceptance, found family, and love.
Beck, the male lead, emanates a genuine, kind, and polite aura, akin to the energy of a golden retriever. This unique characterization adds depth to the relationship dynamics, creating an endearing connection between the protagonists.
While the story kicks off with a measured pace, it gradually gains momentum as the themes of the narrative come to the forefront. The ingenious use of magic to power a spaceship adds an extra layer of originality to the tale, showcasing the author's skillful execution of a distinct premise.
Although the unhurried pacing may deter some readers, the book compensates with a satisfying mix of character growth, compelling plot twists, and a touch of romance. The infusion of witches in a space setting provides an exciting dimension, and Gemma's internal struggle with her magical abilities is portrayed with authenticity.
Both Beck and Gemma's characters are intricately developed, drawing readers in with their charm. Gemma's apprehension towards her magical talents is depicted with nuance, adding a layer of realism to her character. The romantic elements are seamlessly interwoven into the plot, with sporadic spicy scenes enhancing the overall experience.
In summary, this sci-fi romance distinguishes itself with its inventive premise, well-crafted characters, and a harmonious blend of magical elements. While the deliberate pacing may not suit everyone's taste, those who appreciate character-driven narratives exploring themes of self-discovery and love will find this book a captivating and rewarding read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gemma has held back her magic since she was a teenager, guilt stopping her from embracing her true nature after she blames herself for the death of both her parents. After spending years building up a life for herself, an accident has her all the more ready to leave Earth behind. Lying to her sister Hannah, Gemma embarks on a two month trip to Gaia along with her sister's coven, helping as a second engineer for their ship. The secondary characters were relatable and nice, and I would like to read more about their individual stories. Zola, Summer, and Eyre are the friends that Gemma needs to push her out of her shell and see what a found family would truly mean.
The book is so much more than just science fiction or romance, it delves into the nature of forgiveness and how sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Gemma has to figure out if she wants to continue on her journey to hopefully rid herself of her magic, or embrace what she has feared for so long. Beck is such a sweet character and the romance had me smiling uncontrollably at times. There is so much hurt in these pages but also growth and a hope if only Gemma figures out how to open herself up to the possibilities. The pace of the book was fast and engaging and I would happily recommend this book and I can't wait to see if more books come out exploring other characters we met along Gemma's journey.
Of the two main characters, Gemma and Beck, Beck was, by far, the stronger. Gemma boarded the spaceship with the intent to travel to someone who could remove her witch powers because she considered herself dangerous. Gemma’s insecurity pervaded the entire story, pretty much. Her unwillingness to seek guidance about her powers just went on too long. Also, she wasn’t initially told about the various witch “fixes” throughout the ship that kept it together and heading toward their destination. Although I enjoyed the extra paranormal and nontraditional abilities that the rest of the crew had, it seemed like everything had to be thrown in the mix – tarot, reiki, divination, aura and energy healing, aromatherapy, ritual baths, sigils and crystals, astral projection… A bit too much of the “other” and maybe not enough of the old fashioned straight witchcraft. I enjoyed the blend of characters and how they eventually came together to work as a team but I think it could have been shortened a bit. I’m not sure what Gemma is or is not wearing on the cover.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold on this at first. It felt a little slow getting started and there wasn’t much going on once the ship took off (apart from a couple of breakdowns), however the pace really picked up and flowed well after this point.
The characters are well developed in the duration of this book, there are magic developments also. Beck is swoon-worthy. I warmed to Gemma approximately two-thirds into the book. I absolutely get what the author was trying to do with Gemma being conflicted/ mopey, however it would be nice to see a troubled FMC just own her past and her mistakes once in a while.
The idea behind magic sustaining the ship was great and felt fresh. Outer space and witchcraft, what’s not to love? I’d recommend this one!
In this captivating blend of sci-fi and fantasy, this story takes readers on an enthralling journey with astroengineer and witch Gemma Abadie. Amidst an urgent Earth evacuation, Gemma's battle with her hidden, destructive magic, which she blames for her parents' demise, is heart-wrenching. The narrative takes a twist when she encounters Beck Breaux, a fellow witch who believes in their fated connection. Their chemistry and Beck's determination to help Gemma embrace her powers is compelling. The novel shines with exceptional world-building, seamlessly integrating witchcraft into a sci-fi setting. While the initial pace is slow, the story's themes of self-acceptance, found family, and love soon captivate. The unique premise of using magic to power a spaceship is brilliantly executed. It is highly recommended for originality, character depth, and intriguing plot.
I really enjoyed the romance and the intertwining of magic and science. My favorite aspect was the fact that Gemma was an astronautical engineer. And that she was exceptionally good at it. And also that her love interest was also an engineer and the two of them became an amazing team both in romance and work. I liked the idea that magic is a part of your very being and that you can interconnect it with others’ magic too. All such an interesting concept!
My small qualm is that the world building was a bit lacking. I had no real idea what was going on and why they were abandoning Earth for Gaia or how Gaia was found, etc. the background just wasn’t there. And for that reason, really serious readers probably won’t enjoy this book.
This one is for the fun and chill readers just looking for a cute romance with a science magic twist. 🥰
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because it delivers exactly what it promises. Until the Stars Fall took me on a road trip from Earth to the planet Gaia. It felt so wonderfully ordinary—which is why it was so exhilarating—like taking a summer trip with my sister and her close friends. I also found myself relating to Gemma. She’s in a phase of her life with no rigid plans and is working through her traumas. This book found me at just the right time. I’m happy to add this to my library because it reminds me that sci-fi doesn’t always have to be about grand, adventurous wars for the fate of humanity. There are deep and meaningful stories about everyday people too. Plus, we need more healthy relationship stories like this one.
Thank you NetGalley for profiling me the arc of this book. I’m leaving the feedback for it voluntarily.
The book has been very slow paced. I liked the overall idea of a mixture of witchcraft on a spaceship. I have maybe been awaiting more details about the travelling or anything happening on the way which would develop the plot. Untfoetunately it mostly didn’t.
Gemma was very shy and insecure, by hiding everything from everyone she was losing in the end.
Beck (MMC) had a golden retriever energy, he was very genuine, kind and polite.
Overall, it was a good sci fi romance however i didn’t like its slow pacing.
I picked this up because I love romance, and I love space, AND I love witches. Surely it must be entertaining! Dear potential readers, the witchcraft elements mixed with the spaceship was the most interesting thing about this story unfortunately.
Beck, our MMC, had 0 personality. The way he's written makes me think of him as a golden lab. No thoughts behind the eyes, but sweet. The FMC is just annoying, always worrying about things that don't matter as much as she thinks. She too was a hallow character outside her worry. Beck instantly wanting her babies was a major turn off because it felt so rushed.
I liked the idea of witches in space, and the idea was executed pretty solidly for me the book just went at a slow pace for about 80% of it. The last 20% was pretty fast and felt like it went over really quick. It was just so weird for me. I did enjoy Beck and Gemmas character, and I love the way the author showed Gemma’s reluctance towards her magic. The romance was good, and the spicy scenes that were scattered were enjoyable! Thank you to Netgalley and City Owl Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Gemma didn't want her uncontrollable magic anymore. She wanted to get rid of it.
She had just lost her job and was on the run...
*************
I had a little trouble getting into the story in the first third of the novel.
Then the whole story became clearer and took a completely different direction after a terrible event that threw Gemma and her colleague Beck into the void of space.
The rest was fascinating to read, moving and full of emotions. !
I loved it and I recommend this very, very beautiful novel!
Admittedly, this took me a while to get through. The pacing at times dragged a bit, but was still entertaining. I enjoyed the magic system, and getting to see it in action. I absolutely loved Becks. I just wanted to protect him at all costs. The level of patience and care he demonstrated toward Gemma was incredible. The bit of interference from Gemma’s sister and a few others was a little annoying but I didn’t mind it that much. Overall, this was a fun read. I’m glad I got the chance to read this.
Lovely story about accepting and loving yourself with romance and magic elements. The book was easy to read and fast paced with relatable characters. Seeing the characters explore the ideas of a fated reunion and fighting against their nature was interesting. If there is a sequel for this book will definitely pick it up.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
A very intriguing concept for a story that immediately pulled me into this world. Gemma is a reluctant witch that has been hiding her powers for so long and it isn't until she meets Becks that her magic reacts. Becks is determined to help Gemma with keeping her magic under control, but the more time they are around each other feelings start to stir and become something more. Will they act on these feelings or walk away? Such a good read with so many elements that keep you glued in til the end.
I never thought I’d see the day where I would be swooning over a green flag king!
Typically, I am more interested in my morally gray men… However, Rose presents us with a man whose kind, patient, ridiculously good looking, (think Jason Momoa), and so funny that I could not help myself! Gemma is such a baddie as well! Their combined story is such an adventure I can’t wait to see who we follow in the next book and where the adventure takes them.
I truly enjoyed every minute of reading Until the Stars Fall! Gemma and Beck’s romance was perfect and the setting was so unique - never thought that magic and spaceships would pair together as well as they did in this book. This is a must read if you love romance with a touch of magic and sci-fi!
Quick read. Magic, science, and romance all rolled into one. A lot of cool ideas although the balance of science vs. magic was a bit off for me. I do not believe their magicked spacecraft would have survived the journey.
This is an unusual and entertaining sci-fi adventure romance. The main characters are well developed and the story is very imaginative. I enjoyed it very much.