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Stars and Soil
Caitlin had her whole life planned out until a grusome murder sets her on a collision course with fate and magic.
She would live in the bustling port city of Whick with the reformed pirate she fell in love with and, one day, inherit her fathers' growing trading business.
She did not intend to stumble into an anti-monarchy riot and become involved with the revolutionaries determined to overthrow the nobility and create a world without hunger, poverty and homelessness. A world with justice for all, and not just those with means.
She did not want to catch the eye of a spoiled prince. She did not want him to pursue and court her, plunging her into a world of bickering dukes, suspicious foreign ambassadors, and scheming politicians.
She did not seek out the attentions of ancient and secret religious orders, intent on controlling the machinations of a kingdom from the shadows.
But she did.
Caught in a web of deception and conspiracies, she must now she must fight for her own life in the coming political chaos.
She would live in the bustling port city of Whick with the reformed pirate she fell in love with and, one day, inherit her fathers' growing trading business.
She did not intend to stumble into an anti-monarchy riot and become involved with the revolutionaries determined to overthrow the nobility and create a world without hunger, poverty and homelessness. A world with justice for all, and not just those with means.
She did not want to catch the eye of a spoiled prince. She did not want him to pursue and court her, plunging her into a world of bickering dukes, suspicious foreign ambassadors, and scheming politicians.
She did not seek out the attentions of ancient and secret religious orders, intent on controlling the machinations of a kingdom from the shadows.
But she did.
Caught in a web of deception and conspiracies, she must now she must fight for her own life in the coming political chaos.
510 pages, ebook
First published October 30, 2023
13 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Dax Murray
6 books55 followersDax Murray is a software engineer by day but fights demons and writes queer fantasy by moonlight. Dax writes worlds where being queer is not remarkable, and futures are held in the hands of the many instead of the few. Dax can often be found listening to the same seven songs on repeat, or getting way too into a video game. Dax is owned and operated by feir two cats. Fey currently resides in Washington, DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 27, 2023
*This book was given to me as a review copy in return for my honest review.*
2.5/5 Stars
This was a pretty easy read, but it had quite a few things that would make it a great read if they were adjusted.
I did enjoy the fact that being queer was seen as neutral or normal in this world, but at the same time, I feel like the main character's former relationship was shoehorned in. The lessons the MC learned from it at times were a nice addition, but some were off-putting. It could have been handled better.
As for other characters, it became difficult for me to remember who everyone was, their role, what they looked like, etc. A fewer number of characters would have been better if not more room to make the ones present memorable.
The magic and the plot surrounding it also felt very forced. It sort of came out of nowhere and it was very confusing. I feel as if the book would have been better if it was solely about the MC dealing with being a spy, handling her duties, etc.
The writing itself was nice, but I came across numerous typos and mistakes. Further editing is badly needed.
When it comes to the pacing, it was fine until it came near the end, then everything felt very rushed.
This book could be great instead of okay, in my opinion, if there were some changes made.
2.5/5 Stars
This was a pretty easy read, but it had quite a few things that would make it a great read if they were adjusted.
I did enjoy the fact that being queer was seen as neutral or normal in this world, but at the same time, I feel like the main character's former relationship was shoehorned in. The lessons the MC learned from it at times were a nice addition, but some were off-putting. It could have been handled better.
As for other characters, it became difficult for me to remember who everyone was, their role, what they looked like, etc. A fewer number of characters would have been better if not more room to make the ones present memorable.
The magic and the plot surrounding it also felt very forced. It sort of came out of nowhere and it was very confusing. I feel as if the book would have been better if it was solely about the MC dealing with being a spy, handling her duties, etc.
The writing itself was nice, but I came across numerous typos and mistakes. Further editing is badly needed.
When it comes to the pacing, it was fine until it came near the end, then everything felt very rushed.
This book could be great instead of okay, in my opinion, if there were some changes made.
October 19, 2024
I wanted to like this book but I had to DNF at 15%.
I found the read confusing and there was lots going on.
I personally found the tense of the book odd and so kept finding myself re-reading sentences to make sure I understood.
There were large chunks of dialogue that I often found myself skipping over.
I think the book would improve the further into it you get but I couldn't get through the world building.
Thanks to net galley for this book in return for an honest review.
I found the read confusing and there was lots going on.
I personally found the tense of the book odd and so kept finding myself re-reading sentences to make sure I understood.
There were large chunks of dialogue that I often found myself skipping over.
I think the book would improve the further into it you get but I couldn't get through the world building.
Thanks to net galley for this book in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2024
Unfortunately I had to DNF at just 10%
From the very first page this was incredibly confusing and very rushed. There were paragraphs of pointless dialogue. Every now and then I came across a sentence that was very poetic and lovely but for the most part I was struggling to comprehend anything.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ebook ARC to review.
From the very first page this was incredibly confusing and very rushed. There were paragraphs of pointless dialogue. Every now and then I came across a sentence that was very poetic and lovely but for the most part I was struggling to comprehend anything.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ebook ARC to review.
April 29, 2025
DNFed, I tried but I quit after the first chapter. Couldn’t get into the story and wasn’t in the mood for trying harder. Maybe I will give it another chance in the future..
May 17, 2025
I think I just need to accept that this series/author is not for me.
Despite having read Shades and Silver prior to reading this, with the understanding that they are stand alones set in the same world, both books seem to assume that the reader knows a lot that just isn't explained at all in the books themselves. It makes this a confusing and convoluted mess.
An interesting premise, but that paired with poor pacing and it being far longer than necessary made this feel like a slog to get through. A little more focus on the world building and some editing down and this could have been a much better reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
Despite having read Shades and Silver prior to reading this, with the understanding that they are stand alones set in the same world, both books seem to assume that the reader knows a lot that just isn't explained at all in the books themselves. It makes this a confusing and convoluted mess.
An interesting premise, but that paired with poor pacing and it being far longer than necessary made this feel like a slog to get through. A little more focus on the world building and some editing down and this could have been a much better reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
September 4, 2024
This book had my heart racing. The political intrigue of court, magic worldly secrets, and alluring characters of all different kinds had me both looking forward to the next page and dreading the end of the book. Caitlin is such a compelling character - I can imagine no better character to see revolution, grief, and love through the eyes of. Thank you, Dax Murray, for a book that perfectly encapsulated the tension between doing what you feel like you should do and finding out what you really want to do.
October 18, 2024
I rather enjoyed this book. Wonderful world building, complex characters and interesting relationships between said characters. The plot follows Cailin while she navigates the throws of grief, court politics, finding bad romance, finding good romance, and all the highs and lows to go with it all. I had fun reading it, and look forward to more from Dax.
October 22, 2024
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
all in all, this was an interesting read. the world building was absolutely immaculate, the characters were all uniquely complex and there were interesting, deep woven relationships between them all. i enjoyed how the political components within this universe were at play and explained more than other novels of this nature.
the book follows our main character, caitlin as she navigates life during grief, court politics and finding romance. i thoroughly enjoyed seeing the fact that being queer was natural in this world, there was no shame alongside it.
overall, it was an easy read and i look forward to reading more from dax. this book will be available for purchase on Oct 30th.
all in all, this was an interesting read. the world building was absolutely immaculate, the characters were all uniquely complex and there were interesting, deep woven relationships between them all. i enjoyed how the political components within this universe were at play and explained more than other novels of this nature.
the book follows our main character, caitlin as she navigates life during grief, court politics and finding romance. i thoroughly enjoyed seeing the fact that being queer was natural in this world, there was no shame alongside it.
overall, it was an easy read and i look forward to reading more from dax. this book will be available for purchase on Oct 30th.
October 28, 2024
There’s a lot happening in Stars and Soil. It’s got political intrigue, competing religious sects, forbidden magic, and deals heavily with grief. It’s all told from the POV of Caitlyn, the successful daughter of two merchants who works for the family business, although more out of a sense of familial obligation to her fathers than a true desire to do the work. The story is mostly told in the present, but there are some chapters that are memories of past events.
I liked Caitlyn as a character and empathized with her, but found myself struggling to believe the depth of some of her relationships, as there’s a lot of time spent on worldbuilding and politicking and not as much spent on developing those connections. I think it’s interesting that the world itself is very diverse, with plenty of LGBTQ couples, non-binary characters, and even a couple of non-human races, but it’s still rather misogynistic and patriarchal.
My copy was an ARC, but this is an edited republishing of an existing novel, and the eBook contained numerous grammatical errors throughout. Not enough to make me DNF or not recommend the book, but enough that I’m sticking with 3 stars rather than rounding up for what is more like a 3.5 star read for me.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
I liked Caitlyn as a character and empathized with her, but found myself struggling to believe the depth of some of her relationships, as there’s a lot of time spent on worldbuilding and politicking and not as much spent on developing those connections. I think it’s interesting that the world itself is very diverse, with plenty of LGBTQ couples, non-binary characters, and even a couple of non-human races, but it’s still rather misogynistic and patriarchal.
My copy was an ARC, but this is an edited republishing of an existing novel, and the eBook contained numerous grammatical errors throughout. Not enough to make me DNF or not recommend the book, but enough that I’m sticking with 3 stars rather than rounding up for what is more like a 3.5 star read for me.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
This is a great fantasy book with a lot of intrigue, memorable characters you'll love (and love to hate!), and a lot of awesome representation and diversity. We need more fantasy like this!
April 1, 2024
A complex story about grief and trying to find both agency in one's life and what one wants out of it, Stars and Soil has a large, diverse cast of characters - some charming, some despicable, but all complex and real. Tons of description paints vivid pictures that really draw you into the environment and the story, and the intrigue will leave you second-guessing everyone's motives as the events of the present eerily echo events of the past that refuse to let go.
I was very impressed with the political aspects of the novel, and how they were woven with the character-driven narrative. There were also certain events near the end of the book that have fascinating implications for the world moving forward, and I can’t wait to read more and see how those might resolve in subsequent books!
I was very impressed with the political aspects of the novel, and how they were woven with the character-driven narrative. There were also certain events near the end of the book that have fascinating implications for the world moving forward, and I can’t wait to read more and see how those might resolve in subsequent books!
October 23, 2024
“She cannot grieve a freedom that she never had.”
“Stars and Soil,” by Dax Murray
I’m not entirely sure why I didn’t like this book very much. The number of times she says Xir in the beginning was super annoying. I felt maybe the timeline of the story took way too long, it was over many years, and it was at a slow pace. Also, the male character I liked was hardly ever in it. I couldn’t tell if she was bisexual because she made it seem that way through actions, but she said she was just a lesbian so idk. I just kind of didn’t like it much, 2 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
“Stars and Soil,” by Dax Murray
I’m not entirely sure why I didn’t like this book very much. The number of times she says Xir in the beginning was super annoying. I felt maybe the timeline of the story took way too long, it was over many years, and it was at a slow pace. Also, the male character I liked was hardly ever in it. I couldn’t tell if she was bisexual because she made it seem that way through actions, but she said she was just a lesbian so idk. I just kind of didn’t like it much, 2 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
October 16, 2024
The best thing about this book was absolutely its world-building. It's clear that so much work was put into this society and a lot of attention was paid to the intricate politics and different factions within this world. The class issues and rebellions in this book were really fun and I enjoyed the way they influenced the plot. I love an epic fantasy with an emphasis on court politics, conflicting motives, scheming and secrets so that was an aspect that I really loved! The queer-normative world was also great and I especially liked how there were gender non-conforming races and individuals as that's something that isn't present in too many high fantasies.
I really loved the main character as well. I thought she was written in a really complex and interesting way and her grief over the loss of her wife was a thread that stayed strong throughout the whole book, adding a lot of depth to her character and helping to make her more sympathetic and relatable. Her grief was written really well in my opinion and I enjoyed the dual timeline at the beginning of the book exploring her relationship with her wife.
However, while her grief remained consistent throughout the book, it's really the only thing that did. Her relationship with her fathers, her friendships, loyalties and motives all felt temporary and mercurial. Things that seemed to have incredible importance for a few chapters suddenly became irrelevant as soon as their purpose was served and the main character no longer seemed to think much about them. The romantic subplot also felt really rushed and underdeveloped. The love interest's character seemed to change out of nowhere to serve the plot and the chemistry between them felt forced. I think if the romance was left out of the book, nothing really would have been lost and the motives of the main character would make a lot more sense without the love interest to further confuse them. While the main character was well developed and had an interesting and developed back story, not many of the other characters felt anywhere near as developed and many of them were forgettable. This was especially an issue with how large the cast was as it became hard to follow who was who. The prophecy aspect of the plot also came out of nowhere, and the main conflict of the story definitely needed a lot more build-up and time on page to feel like more of a threat.
Overall, I loved the world that this story took place in and I thought the main character was great and her complexity was written really compellingly. However, the plot felt a little weak and many of the side characters were forgettable and inconsistent. If you enjoy epic fantasy with extensive world building and a queer-normative society, I would recommend this, but the story itself may be a little underwhelming and the romance especially leaves a lot to be desired.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the main character as well. I thought she was written in a really complex and interesting way and her grief over the loss of her wife was a thread that stayed strong throughout the whole book, adding a lot of depth to her character and helping to make her more sympathetic and relatable. Her grief was written really well in my opinion and I enjoyed the dual timeline at the beginning of the book exploring her relationship with her wife.
However, while her grief remained consistent throughout the book, it's really the only thing that did. Her relationship with her fathers, her friendships, loyalties and motives all felt temporary and mercurial. Things that seemed to have incredible importance for a few chapters suddenly became irrelevant as soon as their purpose was served and the main character no longer seemed to think much about them. The romantic subplot also felt really rushed and underdeveloped. The love interest's character seemed to change out of nowhere to serve the plot and the chemistry between them felt forced. I think if the romance was left out of the book, nothing really would have been lost and the motives of the main character would make a lot more sense without the love interest to further confuse them. While the main character was well developed and had an interesting and developed back story, not many of the other characters felt anywhere near as developed and many of them were forgettable. This was especially an issue with how large the cast was as it became hard to follow who was who. The prophecy aspect of the plot also came out of nowhere, and the main conflict of the story definitely needed a lot more build-up and time on page to feel like more of a threat.
Overall, I loved the world that this story took place in and I thought the main character was great and her complexity was written really compellingly. However, the plot felt a little weak and many of the side characters were forgettable and inconsistent. If you enjoy epic fantasy with extensive world building and a queer-normative society, I would recommend this, but the story itself may be a little underwhelming and the romance especially leaves a lot to be desired.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2024
ARC received via NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
2.5/5
At its core Stars and Soil is an interesting story. I enjoyed the world and the plot, the potential is there but I feel like it still needs a little more polishing.
There were a few typos, a few errors that threw off the flow of the sentences and one or two misspellings of character names. Some of the transitions between scenes felt clunky, I had to go back a few times to the previous pages confused because the change had been so sudden that I thought I must’ve skipped a few pages. Overall, however, the writing was easy and enjoyable to read.
The romance I thought felt forced, for a character so worked up in her grief that she mentions her wife every few pages it just didn’t feel like it clicked for me. There was no chemistry. I thought there was more chemistry between Caitlin and Diarmuid personally. That being said, I did really appreciate that queerness was just simply a part of the world, something natural.
The characters were plenty but I found myself getting lost in all the names, not everyone was memorable and it got a little confusing near the end when the pace suddenly picked up in the book and everything was happening at once.
I wish there had been more explanations about the magic and Gods, by the end of the book there were so many things happening that it just felt convoluted. Caitlin did not know much herself and the reader is a reflection of that but I think it would have benefited with a little more information trickling through the book as a whole, not just in the final arc.
Like Caitlin you find yourself railroaded through without much time to process what is happening and then all at once it’s over and it’s just a listing of names and explanations of what happened to them after the main conflict concluded.
With a little more polish and editing this book could be a good read for those that enjoy political intrigue.
2.5/5
A web of lies, deceit and traitors. Caitlin finds herself thrown in the midst of it due to the choices she both makes for herself and allows others to make for her. Eventually these decisions catch up with Caitlin as she walks the fine line of survival and spy where she doesn’t know if the next person she attempts to put trust in will get her killed…or worse.
At its core Stars and Soil is an interesting story. I enjoyed the world and the plot, the potential is there but I feel like it still needs a little more polishing.
There were a few typos, a few errors that threw off the flow of the sentences and one or two misspellings of character names. Some of the transitions between scenes felt clunky, I had to go back a few times to the previous pages confused because the change had been so sudden that I thought I must’ve skipped a few pages. Overall, however, the writing was easy and enjoyable to read.
The romance I thought felt forced, for a character so worked up in her grief that she mentions her wife every few pages it just didn’t feel like it clicked for me. There was no chemistry. I thought there was more chemistry between Caitlin and Diarmuid personally. That being said, I did really appreciate that queerness was just simply a part of the world, something natural.
The characters were plenty but I found myself getting lost in all the names, not everyone was memorable and it got a little confusing near the end when the pace suddenly picked up in the book and everything was happening at once.
I wish there had been more explanations about the magic and Gods, by the end of the book there were so many things happening that it just felt convoluted. Caitlin did not know much herself and the reader is a reflection of that but I think it would have benefited with a little more information trickling through the book as a whole, not just in the final arc.
Like Caitlin you find yourself railroaded through without much time to process what is happening and then all at once it’s over and it’s just a listing of names and explanations of what happened to them after the main conflict concluded.
With a little more polish and editing this book could be a good read for those that enjoy political intrigue.
October 20, 2024
I went into this book knowing very little about the plot and where it was going to go. I assumed it follows the typical fantasy structure - a young heroine who bands together with revolutionaries to overthrow a corrupt government.
My main worry was that the story begins with her wife’s death and this is almost the catalyst for the chain of events that we follow in this novel. I was therefore sceptical about the romance plot - as how can a new romance have weight and how can we root for their love, when she’s still grieving the wife she lost at the start of the book? The romance, however, wasn’t a major plot point in this novel.
Additionally, going into a new fantasy world with its own magic systems and political structures is always difficult. This is especially true, as was the case here, if the author doesn’t set them up very well. I.e. if the reader isn’t given an explanation as to what’s going on. This can lead to confusion and affect the flow of the story, as more time is spent by the reader just trying to grasp what is going on.
There was something about the writing style of this that just didn’t click for me. The use of multiple short sentences made the flow of the story seem choppy and jumpy, which made the story feel very abrupt and non-fluid. Especially with the random time jumps in the middle of a chapter with no obvious indicator that one had occurred - this made for a very confusing read!
I did, however, love the characters and the world. Caitlin is someone who’s lost a lot and just wants to make her dads proud. You can tell she’s really struggling and yet still manages to find inner strength. This made her a complex character that really stood out. The idea that she once again is put in a position she’s not fully comfortable with, essentially a rebellion spy, as she couldn’t refuse a royal proposal.
In terms of the world building, whilst confusing in parts, the themes of discontent and rebellion within the city really shone though. This made for a vivid picture of where the book was taking place and striking themes of espionage and court politics.
Overall, this book seemed to have a good base plot - but just didn’t click for me. If you prefer more high fantasy reads, that focus more on courts and politics, then this could be the read for you.
ARC copy provided by BooksGoSocial & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
My main worry was that the story begins with her wife’s death and this is almost the catalyst for the chain of events that we follow in this novel. I was therefore sceptical about the romance plot - as how can a new romance have weight and how can we root for their love, when she’s still grieving the wife she lost at the start of the book? The romance, however, wasn’t a major plot point in this novel.
Additionally, going into a new fantasy world with its own magic systems and political structures is always difficult. This is especially true, as was the case here, if the author doesn’t set them up very well. I.e. if the reader isn’t given an explanation as to what’s going on. This can lead to confusion and affect the flow of the story, as more time is spent by the reader just trying to grasp what is going on.
There was something about the writing style of this that just didn’t click for me. The use of multiple short sentences made the flow of the story seem choppy and jumpy, which made the story feel very abrupt and non-fluid. Especially with the random time jumps in the middle of a chapter with no obvious indicator that one had occurred - this made for a very confusing read!
I did, however, love the characters and the world. Caitlin is someone who’s lost a lot and just wants to make her dads proud. You can tell she’s really struggling and yet still manages to find inner strength. This made her a complex character that really stood out. The idea that she once again is put in a position she’s not fully comfortable with, essentially a rebellion spy, as she couldn’t refuse a royal proposal.
In terms of the world building, whilst confusing in parts, the themes of discontent and rebellion within the city really shone though. This made for a vivid picture of where the book was taking place and striking themes of espionage and court politics.
Overall, this book seemed to have a good base plot - but just didn’t click for me. If you prefer more high fantasy reads, that focus more on courts and politics, then this could be the read for you.
ARC copy provided by BooksGoSocial & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 12, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me an early look at Stars and Soil by Dax Murray.
This mesmerizing introduction to the Scions and Shadows series is a masterful blend of court intrigue, complex characters, and a fantasy world brimming with tension and danger.
Caitlin’s journey feels deeply personal yet undeniably tied to the larger forces at play in the realm. Her apathy, born from loss, is a poignant starting point as she’s drawn into a web of rebellion, conspiracies, and shadowy threats that have been centuries in the making. The court itself is a battlefield, with Caitlin maneuvering among rebels, the dying monarchy, and a secretive lady-in-waiting whose sharp wit and veiled intentions keep you guessing. The relationships Caitlin builds—or strategically avoids—are as layered as the political games she’s forced to play.
What sets Stars and Soil apart is its seamless fusion of intricate plotting and intimate character moments. The sapphic romance is understated yet powerful, woven naturally into Caitlin’s arc, while the disability representation adds depth to an already diverse cast. Murray’s prose is immersive, painting a world where the stakes feel real, the alliances fragile, and the tension palpable. This is not just a story of kingdoms in turmoil but a reflection on power, loss, and the cost of ambition.
For those who enjoy slow-burn intrigue, morally complex heroines, and stories where every decision feels like a blade’s edge, Stars and Soil is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where Caitlin’s path leads next.
This mesmerizing introduction to the Scions and Shadows series is a masterful blend of court intrigue, complex characters, and a fantasy world brimming with tension and danger.
Caitlin’s journey feels deeply personal yet undeniably tied to the larger forces at play in the realm. Her apathy, born from loss, is a poignant starting point as she’s drawn into a web of rebellion, conspiracies, and shadowy threats that have been centuries in the making. The court itself is a battlefield, with Caitlin maneuvering among rebels, the dying monarchy, and a secretive lady-in-waiting whose sharp wit and veiled intentions keep you guessing. The relationships Caitlin builds—or strategically avoids—are as layered as the political games she’s forced to play.
What sets Stars and Soil apart is its seamless fusion of intricate plotting and intimate character moments. The sapphic romance is understated yet powerful, woven naturally into Caitlin’s arc, while the disability representation adds depth to an already diverse cast. Murray’s prose is immersive, painting a world where the stakes feel real, the alliances fragile, and the tension palpable. This is not just a story of kingdoms in turmoil but a reflection on power, loss, and the cost of ambition.
For those who enjoy slow-burn intrigue, morally complex heroines, and stories where every decision feels like a blade’s edge, Stars and Soil is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where Caitlin’s path leads next.
September 11, 2024
This was a great read! Intrigue, romance, long-forgotten magics, what's not to love? We follow Caitlin, who was a great main character. Watching her get thrown into a dangerous situation and, despite being in over her head, doing her best to survive. All the other characters were also well-fleshed-out with their own motivations and, like Caitlin, I was never quite sure who to trust.
Outside of the central plot, you can tell how much work has gone into the worldbuilding. Fascinating cultures and magic systems, and plenty of intriguing threads that can be addressed in later works. Which isn't to say this story didn't have a strong conclusion, because it certainly did!
Some other random things. Lots of lovely alliteration in the chapter titles (just a few: Love and Lies, Dangers and Dukes, Flowers and Foes). The book included a comprehensive list of content warnings, which are always appreciated. Not to mention, lots of inclusive relationships and characters across the whole spectrum of identities. The diversity and representation is always great to see!
Admittedly I'm not usually a fan of 'court politics' type stories, and I had some minor quibbles, but the further I got into the book, the fast I started going through chapters - I couldn't wait to see what happened next! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and I'm glad I read it!
Outside of the central plot, you can tell how much work has gone into the worldbuilding. Fascinating cultures and magic systems, and plenty of intriguing threads that can be addressed in later works. Which isn't to say this story didn't have a strong conclusion, because it certainly did!
Some other random things. Lots of lovely alliteration in the chapter titles (just a few: Love and Lies, Dangers and Dukes, Flowers and Foes). The book included a comprehensive list of content warnings, which are always appreciated. Not to mention, lots of inclusive relationships and characters across the whole spectrum of identities. The diversity and representation is always great to see!
Admittedly I'm not usually a fan of 'court politics' type stories, and I had some minor quibbles, but the further I got into the book, the fast I started going through chapters - I couldn't wait to see what happened next! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and I'm glad I read it!
October 24, 2024
I could not fully get into this book, no matter how hard I tried.
There was just so much happening but so little of it was moving the plot along. We had countless characters, loads of political intrigues and STILL I felt like DNFing multiple times.
The idea was really interesting, a grieving woman finds herself as a spy and trying to destroy the monarchy from within. It sounded SO fun and intriguing. But then it was all stuffy dialogues, some typos, a somewhat confusing writing style, entire paragraphs that added nothing and a weird timeline.
I think with a little more honing, this book could be awesome, because the potential is definitely there!
To end on a positive note, I liked how the author treated grief, abuse, abortion, all delicate themes really well conveyed. It was also great having a more mature MC than average fantasy books, with a life prior and her own ghosts. The clergy not so subtly threatening her, constant suspicions, assasins guild and the council meetings gone wrong were engaging enough, but I would not read this book again or recommend unless I know you specifically like complex worlds with lots of characters and okay-ish pacing up until just the end.
Thanks BooksGoSocial for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There was just so much happening but so little of it was moving the plot along. We had countless characters, loads of political intrigues and STILL I felt like DNFing multiple times.
The idea was really interesting, a grieving woman finds herself as a spy and trying to destroy the monarchy from within. It sounded SO fun and intriguing. But then it was all stuffy dialogues, some typos, a somewhat confusing writing style, entire paragraphs that added nothing and a weird timeline.
I think with a little more honing, this book could be awesome, because the potential is definitely there!
To end on a positive note, I liked how the author treated grief, abuse, abortion, all delicate themes really well conveyed. It was also great having a more mature MC than average fantasy books, with a life prior and her own ghosts. The clergy not so subtly threatening her, constant suspicions, assasins guild and the council meetings gone wrong were engaging enough, but I would not read this book again or recommend unless I know you specifically like complex worlds with lots of characters and okay-ish pacing up until just the end.
Thanks BooksGoSocial for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2025
It took me a little bit to get into this book especially since is quite slow paced and it reads more like historical fiction than fantasy.
However, I pushed through and the story was actually not bad. I can't say that it captivated me (and since it's been a bit between reading the book and writing this review, I needed a bit of time to remember clearly what it was about).
The time jumps at the beginning confused me a bit and there are also many characters about which I couldn't remember everything while reading. The book, however is about the daughter of two merchants and how she always (almost) did what they wanted, not what she desired. Court politics and secret societies also get involved and turn the story from a bland kinda forced love story into a more interesting one. Bonus points: it's really inclusive.
Personally, I ended up enjoying the story, but I think it might not be for everyone, especially if you don't usually read lots of books and are prone to DNF-ing, because the beginning is really slow and confusing.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC e-book in exchange for my honest opinion
However, I pushed through and the story was actually not bad. I can't say that it captivated me (and since it's been a bit between reading the book and writing this review, I needed a bit of time to remember clearly what it was about).
The time jumps at the beginning confused me a bit and there are also many characters about which I couldn't remember everything while reading. The book, however is about the daughter of two merchants and how she always (almost) did what they wanted, not what she desired. Court politics and secret societies also get involved and turn the story from a bland kinda forced love story into a more interesting one. Bonus points: it's really inclusive.
Personally, I ended up enjoying the story, but I think it might not be for everyone, especially if you don't usually read lots of books and are prone to DNF-ing, because the beginning is really slow and confusing.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC e-book in exchange for my honest opinion
April 18, 2025
ARC Review – Stars and Soil by
Dax Murray
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stars and Soil had a really unique premise—political unrest, secret societies, magic, and a strong-willed heroine caught in a whirlwind of fate and deception. I was especially drawn in by the world-building and the revolution plotline. Caitlin’s journey from an ordinary future to the heart of political chaos was compelling.
The writing was engaging, and the stakes were high throughout. I appreciated how much thought went into the dynamics of power, corruption, and justice.
That said, I personally didn’t connect with all aspects of the romance or character relationships, and some parts felt heavier or more politically focused than I expected. While those elements may not have been exactly to my taste, I can absolutely see this book resonating with readers who enjoy high fantasy that blends social commentary, royal intrigue, and LGBTQ+ representation.
⭐Rating: 3/5- Definitely worth checking out if you're into morally complex characters, plots packed with rebellion, and magical realism woven into a revolution.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stars and Soil had a really unique premise—political unrest, secret societies, magic, and a strong-willed heroine caught in a whirlwind of fate and deception. I was especially drawn in by the world-building and the revolution plotline. Caitlin’s journey from an ordinary future to the heart of political chaos was compelling.
The writing was engaging, and the stakes were high throughout. I appreciated how much thought went into the dynamics of power, corruption, and justice.
That said, I personally didn’t connect with all aspects of the romance or character relationships, and some parts felt heavier or more politically focused than I expected. While those elements may not have been exactly to my taste, I can absolutely see this book resonating with readers who enjoy high fantasy that blends social commentary, royal intrigue, and LGBTQ+ representation.
⭐Rating: 3/5- Definitely worth checking out if you're into morally complex characters, plots packed with rebellion, and magical realism woven into a revolution.
October 27, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. I loved the concept and the cover art looked awesome. However, the actual book was pretty lackluster. The book really needs some heavy editing. Like, really heavy editing. There was just so much going on. Don't get me wrong, I loved the queer normative world, but xie/xir pronouns are probably fairly new to most people and I actually got lost in the beginning of the book when Caitlin was describing her late wife. I feel like Brenna's name needed to come up. I don't know. I loved the use of xie pronouns, but the writing made it difficult to keep track of. Also, there were multiple typos and even at least one instance of using she/her pronouns for Brenna.
Overall, this book has so. much. potential. However, I would not recommend buying a copy of this unless it had a huge edit before it was published.
Overall, this book has so. much. potential. However, I would not recommend buying a copy of this unless it had a huge edit before it was published.
October 18, 2024
If you want a story with an emotionally convincing main character, thoughtful dialogue, and an immersive world, then look no further. Stars and Soil hits the ground running with the introduction of Caitlin, a woman coming to terms with everything that’s happened to her while simultaneously navigating her moral proclivities in a society filled with pirates, religious zealots, and the ever-shifting world mercantile business. She comes to odds with her own family, battling frustrations she has buried in her heart for years—the anger and isolation of being uprooted and the resentment towards having others direct her life.
Reading Dax Murray's writing is like watching the sunrise on Haleakala for the first time. Absolutely beautiful.
Reading Dax Murray's writing is like watching the sunrise on Haleakala for the first time. Absolutely beautiful.
November 14, 2024
2.5 ⭐
I'm not one to DNF a book but boy did I want to.
The premise of the book was promising but it was poorly executed.
The amount of info we have in the beginning followed by many pages of useless dialog was mind boggling.
The pacing was off and combined with errors and mistakes created a difficult read for such a light book. This definitely needs more editing.
Plus points for the premise and a potential in the author - despite counting this book as a 'down' I'm sure she will have her 'UP' in the future and I will look her up to see the next publishings.
I got the arc from NetGalley which I'm grateful for but it will not be one of the best seller
#starsandsoil #NetGalley
I'm not one to DNF a book but boy did I want to.
The premise of the book was promising but it was poorly executed.
The amount of info we have in the beginning followed by many pages of useless dialog was mind boggling.
The pacing was off and combined with errors and mistakes created a difficult read for such a light book. This definitely needs more editing.
Plus points for the premise and a potential in the author - despite counting this book as a 'down' I'm sure she will have her 'UP' in the future and I will look her up to see the next publishings.
I got the arc from NetGalley which I'm grateful for but it will not be one of the best seller
#starsandsoil #NetGalley
November 16, 2024
The story follows Caitlin as she deals with grief, gets tangled up in court politics, and tries to navigate her love life—both the messy and the sweet parts.
And I have to mention how much I loved the little touches, like the chapter titles with alliteration (who doesn’t love a good bit of wordplay? "Love and Lies," "Dangers and Dukes," "Flowers and Foes"—so fun!). I also really appreciated the comprehensive list of content warnings at the start—it’s always nice to see that level of thoughtfulness in a book.
Overall, I had a blast with this one. It’s got everything: a cool world, messy but lovable characters!
And I have to mention how much I loved the little touches, like the chapter titles with alliteration (who doesn’t love a good bit of wordplay? "Love and Lies," "Dangers and Dukes," "Flowers and Foes"—so fun!). I also really appreciated the comprehensive list of content warnings at the start—it’s always nice to see that level of thoughtfulness in a book.
Overall, I had a blast with this one. It’s got everything: a cool world, messy but lovable characters!
May 22, 2025
A court/political intrigue book with fantasy elements and complex characters in a world where it’s normal and not an issue to be LGBTQ+. All the ingredients to be a book I’d love. However, it did leave me wanting in some respects. I enjoyed the political intrigue and court drama. However, I’d have liked to see more on magic, so hopefully that’s in the second. Another thing is the MC has some great character growth on her choosing her path rather than being a bystander in her own life, but it just seemed like her doing what’s best for her and her own and surviving rather than a real power for the people. Maybe that’s just her character and that’s okay, but with how much she went through, I was hoping for more spark or attachment to any of the causes, or even the love interest. I wasn’t a real fan of the love interest because she seemed to me like she was going to betray the MC, and you see more of the two not together than forming any kind of real bond. Was sad to see some characters go, especially one that didn’t feel necessary and I liked the character a lot. There also wasn’t enough levity or love IMO to offset the dark and feeling trapped elements that just feel too close to reality right now. That all said, I felt compelled to keep reading because the world building was interesting, as was the political interplay between factions and trying to figure out what is going on. Still worth a read if you like political and/or court drama and don’t mind a darker tone. It definitely breaks the typical “prophesied” heroine if you ask me, and was a decent overall read.
October 13, 2024
This book WILL make you cry. There's a ton going on, but not in an overwhelming way. Caitlin is an incredibly strong protagonist and as we view the world and courtly drama through her eyes, we can't help but root for her to finally find a happy ending.
I really enjoyed the overall worldbuilding and magical elements and loved the nuances of the political intrigue. Definitely recommend this book with a hot cup of cocoa and some tissues to help you work through the expansive range of emotions this will invoke.
I really enjoyed the overall worldbuilding and magical elements and loved the nuances of the political intrigue. Definitely recommend this book with a hot cup of cocoa and some tissues to help you work through the expansive range of emotions this will invoke.
October 20, 2024
I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I thought the world building was done well I felt overwhelmed by the amount of characters being thrown in. With a little more explanation to how they fit the story I may have been able to keep track better, but I kept getting confused. I enjoy books with many character, this style must not have been for me.
The pacing was pretty good. A tad rushed in the end, but still good. With a little polishing I think this could turn into a great read.
While I thought the world building was done well I felt overwhelmed by the amount of characters being thrown in. With a little more explanation to how they fit the story I may have been able to keep track better, but I kept getting confused. I enjoy books with many character, this style must not have been for me.
The pacing was pretty good. A tad rushed in the end, but still good. With a little polishing I think this could turn into a great read.
November 5, 2024
Her life is about to be become a pawn in a battle she wants nothing to do with. Her life had been all planned out but now it has all changed and she will face so many different scenarios as well as dangerous situations. A brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems I felt a part of this amazing tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems I felt a part of this amazing tale
October 20, 2024
Wow, someone who actually thinks through the politics of a fantasy world while also balancing a romance. Wild. I always hate it when people hand-wave the politics just because "it's a fantasy novel." The twist at the end really opens shit up, too.
June 6, 2025
So many things happening in Stars and Soil. It's got political intrigue, competing religious, forbidden magic, and deals heavily with grief. Great LGBTQ representation. Interesting world building.. the chacter growth was good too.
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