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A Star so Bound and Broken: An Epic Desert Fantasy
Free the stars. Break the chains.
Jorrin has only five days to find his missing friend. But it won’t be easy to find a lost star in the dangerous city of Bash-al Feret, ruled by Rahim Padishah, the immortal ruler who hungers for stardust. His reckless search brands him a slave and brings with it a fatal consequence: the stars he fought so desperately to protect are now within the padishah’s grasp.
Nouri Shah lost his brother long ago. But when he discovers that Rakhshan is alive and their father has finally hunted him down, Nouri must face the past that he’s run from for years. With war looming on the horizon, he must make a difficult choice—to save his brother or his people.
Jorrin can’t escape the voice inside his head, and Nouri can’t escape his ghosts. Both find themselves on a dangerous mission—to break into the Tower and free the stars from the padishah’s grip. If they fail, they risk losing everything they hold dear.
Jorrin has only five days to find his missing friend. But it won’t be easy to find a lost star in the dangerous city of Bash-al Feret, ruled by Rahim Padishah, the immortal ruler who hungers for stardust. His reckless search brands him a slave and brings with it a fatal consequence: the stars he fought so desperately to protect are now within the padishah’s grasp.
Nouri Shah lost his brother long ago. But when he discovers that Rakhshan is alive and their father has finally hunted him down, Nouri must face the past that he’s run from for years. With war looming on the horizon, he must make a difficult choice—to save his brother or his people.
Jorrin can’t escape the voice inside his head, and Nouri can’t escape his ghosts. Both find themselves on a dangerous mission—to break into the Tower and free the stars from the padishah’s grip. If they fail, they risk losing everything they hold dear.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2024
4 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Yakira Goldsberry
8 books43 followersYakira Goldsberry started writing at the age of eight, when she first discovered the power of words. She has since then buried herself in the magical worlds of fiction—and has yet to return. She is the author of the Tales of Faerie Land series, Stardust Trilogy, A Cascading Hope, and has several short stories published in online magazines and anthologies. When not writing she can be found feeding feral librarians, reading, or attempting to learn foreign languages. Her one mission in life—set the world afire with truth.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2025
I loved how immersive this world felt! The desert setting really came to life, and the concept of the stars was fascinating.
Jorrin quickly became a character I could root for. Even though he made some costly mistakes, his devotion to the stars was sweet. But oh, man, he went through so much. 😭
(Including some stuff that was hard for me to read. I’m a little sensitive when it comes to certain types of violence, and this occasionally went past my comfort level.)
Nouri was a lot of fun! I just would have liked more of a chance to get to know him. His part in the story seemed a bit rushed. Hopefully I’ll learn more about him in the next book!
It ended on a cliffhanger, which is always a little disappointing for me with the first book in a series. However, there were so many things hinted at or teased in this that it seems like it could build into an awesome trilogy, and I’m curious to see where it goes from here!
Jorrin quickly became a character I could root for. Even though he made some costly mistakes, his devotion to the stars was sweet. But oh, man, he went through so much. 😭
(Including some stuff that was hard for me to read. I’m a little sensitive when it comes to certain types of violence, and this occasionally went past my comfort level.)
Nouri was a lot of fun! I just would have liked more of a chance to get to know him. His part in the story seemed a bit rushed. Hopefully I’ll learn more about him in the next book!
It ended on a cliffhanger, which is always a little disappointing for me with the first book in a series. However, there were so many things hinted at or teased in this that it seems like it could build into an awesome trilogy, and I’m curious to see where it goes from here!
October 19, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
This was one of the most creative and enjoyable fantasy world’s I’ve read about this year! I loved learning about the stars; the descriptions of them were just beautiful. I typically don’t really enjoy desert settings (cue I don’t like sand jokes), but this one was so well-crafted I’d return to this setting in a heartbeat.
Besides just a beautiful, dynamic world, I loved the main characters. Jorrin and Nouri’s struggles and how they wrestled with them is the exact kind of rawness I expect and love from Storyweaver’s books. Yakira Goldsberry did a great job of creating characters that I really want to see grow and become better.
And the ending??? The way everything clicked and then immediately devastated me??? Loved it. Can’t wait for book 2.
This was one of the most creative and enjoyable fantasy world’s I’ve read about this year! I loved learning about the stars; the descriptions of them were just beautiful. I typically don’t really enjoy desert settings (cue I don’t like sand jokes), but this one was so well-crafted I’d return to this setting in a heartbeat.
Besides just a beautiful, dynamic world, I loved the main characters. Jorrin and Nouri’s struggles and how they wrestled with them is the exact kind of rawness I expect and love from Storyweaver’s books. Yakira Goldsberry did a great job of creating characters that I really want to see grow and become better.
And the ending??? The way everything clicked and then immediately devastated me??? Loved it. Can’t wait for book 2.
November 2, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this from the publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had the privilege of receiving an early copy of this book, and it was simply fantastic. Yakira's prose is vivid and beautiful, and the story kept along at a decently fast pace while still taking the time to linger in more emotional moments. It's a bold and courageous story, and Jorrin is a sympathetic character in all his struggles and flaws, yet he still tries to do the right thing through it all. I think Mahví was my favorite character, though; her own motivations were so complex and interesting! The ending, however, was utterly spectacular. One of the most jaw-dropping I've read to be honest. Highly recommend, and can't wait for the next!
I had the privilege of receiving an early copy of this book, and it was simply fantastic. Yakira's prose is vivid and beautiful, and the story kept along at a decently fast pace while still taking the time to linger in more emotional moments. It's a bold and courageous story, and Jorrin is a sympathetic character in all his struggles and flaws, yet he still tries to do the right thing through it all. I think Mahví was my favorite character, though; her own motivations were so complex and interesting! The ending, however, was utterly spectacular. One of the most jaw-dropping I've read to be honest. Highly recommend, and can't wait for the next!
December 21, 2024
Being the developmental editor for this book, my review comes with a bias, but I can confidently say that this was one of my favorite books of the year and the one that got me out of my several-months reading slump! Here are my honest thoughts:
Yakira Goldsberry's world drew me in. Not only has she written a world that's so textured and so steeped with rich culture and myth inspired by ancient Persia, but she has also unified two seemingly divided groups—the stars and the people of Shakaj—under a common threat: exploitation. In this desert country, all are used as a resource to some extent, whether they are stars killed for their stardust or humans sold to the highest bidder.
And Rahim Padishah lies to all of them, using his charisma and magic to convince many of his subjects he is the hero of the story. I loved Rahim as a villain, and the way he could switch so quickly between acting cruel and kind made his every action even more chilling (which is saying something because this is not a book free of violence and bloodshed). Not to mention, all the lore surrounding Rahim and his past (especially with Shakaj's past wars and with Azhi Dahaka, the Dragon div) made this world's history feel even deeper and more complex.
The way Rahim oppresses, exploits, and manipulates his people instantly made me root for those trying to incite change and secure their freedom, which brings me to our two protagonists. Jorrin and Nouri are phenomenal. I honestly can't pick a favorite character between them. They're great on their own and even better together, and I longed for them through the whole book to achieve their goals, find each other, and win their freedom.
Jorrin is noble, driven, and tormented, with too much on his shoulders and so much eagerness to do right in all the wrong ways. I loved how his goodness muddled with his pride and skepticism, and I can't wait for what he does next. Meanwhile, Nouri is cunning, flamboyant, flighty, and every moment he was on the page made me cheer for him, especially as he sought his brother with such steadfastness. A smaller element of this book, but I also loved his friendship and dynamic with Asghar, and their dialogue together was peak comedy!
Finally, Yakira Goldsberry writes such compelling themes in this book. For one, the characters in this story wrestle with the darkness in their lives. How can a good God allow so much pain? Both Jorrin and Nouri have trouble trusting that El Olam will help them, but I love how the author has this manifest in different ways, with Jorrin believing he isn't worthy of El Olam and Nouri simply believing El Olam doesn't exist. Yet, pay attention and you will see the providence and hope pervading this story!
This book also proclaims the value of life, regardless of who a person is or what they have done. Even when freedom is within reach, no one is left behind. Even when someone has caused such pain, they can receive a second chance. I love how this book insists on the inherent value of life, how Jorrin's character arc progresses in light of this, and what it might mean for him in the following books.
A Star So Bound and Broken is a story with so much depth and nuance. My review was not meant to be this long, but I suppose it's a testament to how much I love it. There are several scenes in particular I have already had to go back and reread just because they were so good. If you're looking for a young adult fantasy novel that will have you strongly feeling and strongly thinking, then please give this one a try!
Yakira Goldsberry's world drew me in. Not only has she written a world that's so textured and so steeped with rich culture and myth inspired by ancient Persia, but she has also unified two seemingly divided groups—the stars and the people of Shakaj—under a common threat: exploitation. In this desert country, all are used as a resource to some extent, whether they are stars killed for their stardust or humans sold to the highest bidder.
And Rahim Padishah lies to all of them, using his charisma and magic to convince many of his subjects he is the hero of the story. I loved Rahim as a villain, and the way he could switch so quickly between acting cruel and kind made his every action even more chilling (which is saying something because this is not a book free of violence and bloodshed). Not to mention, all the lore surrounding Rahim and his past (especially with Shakaj's past wars and with Azhi Dahaka, the Dragon div) made this world's history feel even deeper and more complex.
The way Rahim oppresses, exploits, and manipulates his people instantly made me root for those trying to incite change and secure their freedom, which brings me to our two protagonists. Jorrin and Nouri are phenomenal. I honestly can't pick a favorite character between them. They're great on their own and even better together, and I longed for them through the whole book to achieve their goals, find each other, and win their freedom.
Jorrin is noble, driven, and tormented, with too much on his shoulders and so much eagerness to do right in all the wrong ways. I loved how his goodness muddled with his pride and skepticism, and I can't wait for what he does next. Meanwhile, Nouri is cunning, flamboyant, flighty, and every moment he was on the page made me cheer for him, especially as he sought his brother with such steadfastness. A smaller element of this book, but I also loved his friendship and dynamic with Asghar, and their dialogue together was peak comedy!
Finally, Yakira Goldsberry writes such compelling themes in this book. For one, the characters in this story wrestle with the darkness in their lives. How can a good God allow so much pain? Both Jorrin and Nouri have trouble trusting that El Olam will help them, but I love how the author has this manifest in different ways, with Jorrin believing he isn't worthy of El Olam and Nouri simply believing El Olam doesn't exist. Yet, pay attention and you will see the providence and hope pervading this story!
This book also proclaims the value of life, regardless of who a person is or what they have done. Even when freedom is within reach, no one is left behind. Even when someone has caused such pain, they can receive a second chance. I love how this book insists on the inherent value of life, how Jorrin's character arc progresses in light of this, and what it might mean for him in the following books.
A Star So Bound and Broken is a story with so much depth and nuance. My review was not meant to be this long, but I suppose it's a testament to how much I love it. There are several scenes in particular I have already had to go back and reread just because they were so good. If you're looking for a young adult fantasy novel that will have you strongly feeling and strongly thinking, then please give this one a try!
October 30, 2024
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I kid you not, about two days before I started this book, I was thinking to myself how cool it would be to have a story about humanoid stars. I then picked up this book, and what do I find but a story about humanoid stars? (Clearly I read the synopsis with utmost attention.) This was such an exciting ride that I loved from start to finish.
Characters: Jorrin is quite the protagonist. He has a good balance of admirable and flawed characteristics, which all make so much sense in light of his backstory. I genuinely can’t tell if he’s going to end up with a positive or negative arc by the end of the series, which is exciting!
Nouri was a fun character, as well. I loved the sibling dynamic between him and Jorrin—we need more stories with healthy brother relationships! I’m curious to see where he ends up (especially given… that ending.)
Content: There’s a decent amount of violence, with characters fighting and receiving/inflicting injuries. One character struggles with intense anger issues. Some of the violence gets a little graphic, but it’s never over the top—just descriptions of blood and pain.
There are little hints of romance (one character apparently has a soft spot for the ladies), but nothing ever goes beyond commenting on someone’s beauty. It was refreshing to read a story not centered on a romance!
Writing: First, let me just say: the worldbuilding. Wow. This desert world feels so real! It’s rooted in Persian mythology, which I wasn’t familiar with before but am now curious to learn more about. The magic system is cool without being overly complicated, and everything just makes so much sense. Well done!
The plot seized my attention from the beginning and kept me invested all the way to the end. I somehow missed that this is a series (again, I definitely paid attention to the synopsis…), so I wasn’t expecting that cliffhanger ending. When’s the next book coming out, again?
Summary: I’m so glad I got to read this exciting adventure. With themes of dealing with grief, letting go of the past, and faith when all faith is gone, this would be a great read for anyone aged 14+.
I kid you not, about two days before I started this book, I was thinking to myself how cool it would be to have a story about humanoid stars. I then picked up this book, and what do I find but a story about humanoid stars? (Clearly I read the synopsis with utmost attention.) This was such an exciting ride that I loved from start to finish.
Characters: Jorrin is quite the protagonist. He has a good balance of admirable and flawed characteristics, which all make so much sense in light of his backstory. I genuinely can’t tell if he’s going to end up with a positive or negative arc by the end of the series, which is exciting!
Nouri was a fun character, as well. I loved the sibling dynamic between him and Jorrin—we need more stories with healthy brother relationships! I’m curious to see where he ends up (especially given… that ending.)
Content: There’s a decent amount of violence, with characters fighting and receiving/inflicting injuries. One character struggles with intense anger issues. Some of the violence gets a little graphic, but it’s never over the top—just descriptions of blood and pain.
There are little hints of romance (one character apparently has a soft spot for the ladies), but nothing ever goes beyond commenting on someone’s beauty. It was refreshing to read a story not centered on a romance!
Writing: First, let me just say: the worldbuilding. Wow. This desert world feels so real! It’s rooted in Persian mythology, which I wasn’t familiar with before but am now curious to learn more about. The magic system is cool without being overly complicated, and everything just makes so much sense. Well done!
The plot seized my attention from the beginning and kept me invested all the way to the end. I somehow missed that this is a series (again, I definitely paid attention to the synopsis…), so I wasn’t expecting that cliffhanger ending. When’s the next book coming out, again?
Summary: I’m so glad I got to read this exciting adventure. With themes of dealing with grief, letting go of the past, and faith when all faith is gone, this would be a great read for anyone aged 14+.
January 12, 2025
This dark fantasy series opener is an interesting look into two men who haven't yet embraced the light of El Olam. Themes of hope even in impossible situations shone through clearly. I'm curious to see where this series goes.
November 22, 2024
I was the line editor for this book, so I come with a bias. But, that being said...
A Star So Bound and Broken is a tale for those who doubt God and His goodness. It's a tale for those who are hurting in ways no one can understand. Most importantly, it's a tale for people—because doubt and hurt come with human experience. But it's also a tale of light in deep darkness, that the hurt is not forever, that the doubt does not define our worth.
I love the themes in this book, but I also love that the book doesn't take itself overly seriously! The storyline has some humor and dramatic flair that are so fun (Nouri, anyone?), and the Persian fantasy setting is absolutely beautiful. The world-building is complex but not overwhelming, and the concepts are fascinating with stars being creatures with some limited powers.
I also liked that the characters have relatable flaws and that they don't make the right decisions all the time. It speaks to how we can fall short even when we think we have good intentions, and despite Jorrin's struggles, I was rooting hard for him—maybe especially because of his struggles, rather. We all want the hero to win. But even more than that, we all want hurt people to heal. I can't wait to see what Yakira decides to do with the rest of the trilogy, and I would recommend this book to just about anyone. ALSO THE ENDING IS SO GOOD!
A Star So Bound and Broken is a tale for those who doubt God and His goodness. It's a tale for those who are hurting in ways no one can understand. Most importantly, it's a tale for people—because doubt and hurt come with human experience. But it's also a tale of light in deep darkness, that the hurt is not forever, that the doubt does not define our worth.
I love the themes in this book, but I also love that the book doesn't take itself overly seriously! The storyline has some humor and dramatic flair that are so fun (Nouri, anyone?), and the Persian fantasy setting is absolutely beautiful. The world-building is complex but not overwhelming, and the concepts are fascinating with stars being creatures with some limited powers.
I also liked that the characters have relatable flaws and that they don't make the right decisions all the time. It speaks to how we can fall short even when we think we have good intentions, and despite Jorrin's struggles, I was rooting hard for him—maybe especially because of his struggles, rather. We all want the hero to win. But even more than that, we all want hurt people to heal. I can't wait to see what Yakira decides to do with the rest of the trilogy, and I would recommend this book to just about anyone. ALSO THE ENDING IS SO GOOD!
October 23, 2024
I have always loved Yakira’s writing and A Star So Bound And Broken did not disappoint! The author’s worldbuilding and research were incredible and clearly the result of years of careful crafting, the storyline of the book was intriguing and I loved the idea of stars wandering about on earth pretending to be humans – and how they need sunlight to survive! I loved the magic described in this book and enjoyed seeing it used for both good and evil. On top of that, the desert setting was fascinating and intricately described, I haven’t read a desert story before and this one was a great introduction to the genre!
The characters were all extremely well developed and their emotions were realistically portrayed. I especially liked the portrayal of faith in El Olam and the doubts and cynicism that some of the stars and humans experienced.
“How can a loving God allow so much evil in the world?” is a very familiar sentiment! And yet certain stars and humans never lost their faith in the Creator of it all! It showed me that no matter how dark life gets, God really is in control and I need to trust Him no matter what.
Having read both of Yakira’s other books I was surprised by the intensity of darkness in this one. She never shies away from hard topics such as murder or abuse but this book was next level! The wicked king kills stars so he can live eternally off their stardust and his cruelty knows no bounds! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy this will be one of your favourite reads but if you are triggered by torture and captivity this might not be the best bet for you as it forms a large (and essential) part of the storyline. Violence also plays a part within battle scenes and many characters meet untimely demises in this story. Also, be warned that as this book is part of a trilogy and books two and three are currently being written there is no HEA at the end.
All in all I would definitely rate this book 5 stars (and more if that were possible) but you might want to read a fluffy book immediately afterwards! Just sayin’! ;)
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
The characters were all extremely well developed and their emotions were realistically portrayed. I especially liked the portrayal of faith in El Olam and the doubts and cynicism that some of the stars and humans experienced.
“How can a loving God allow so much evil in the world?” is a very familiar sentiment! And yet certain stars and humans never lost their faith in the Creator of it all! It showed me that no matter how dark life gets, God really is in control and I need to trust Him no matter what.
Having read both of Yakira’s other books I was surprised by the intensity of darkness in this one. She never shies away from hard topics such as murder or abuse but this book was next level! The wicked king kills stars so he can live eternally off their stardust and his cruelty knows no bounds! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy this will be one of your favourite reads but if you are triggered by torture and captivity this might not be the best bet for you as it forms a large (and essential) part of the storyline. Violence also plays a part within battle scenes and many characters meet untimely demises in this story. Also, be warned that as this book is part of a trilogy and books two and three are currently being written there is no HEA at the end.
All in all I would definitely rate this book 5 stars (and more if that were possible) but you might want to read a fluffy book immediately afterwards! Just sayin’! ;)
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
December 31, 2024
This book was amazing! I enjoyed the world building, the complexity of the characters and their relationships, and the high stakes Yakira introduced at the beginning of the story and kept raising throughout the novel.
A Star so Bound and Broken was on the darker side of what I normally read, but Goldsberry used that to remind us that the world is a broken shell of what it could be. Jorrin, Nouri, the stars and even the cruel Padishah each had their motivations and it was interesting to watch their lives weave together, spread apart and then reconverge–even though the novel was only from Jorrin and Nouri's perspectives.
Although there were no romantic subplots—which I usually look for—Yakira wove a tale of political intrigue, fledgling faith and found family that will definitely stick with me. And don't start me on the ILLEGAL CLIFFHANGER ENDING!!!!! (I would have given the book 4 stars if it hadn't ended like that!)
I really want to read the series when it is complete, but it was a really good, captivating first book to jumpstart the trilogy and introducing us to the world.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Star so Bound and Broken was on the darker side of what I normally read, but Goldsberry used that to remind us that the world is a broken shell of what it could be. Jorrin, Nouri, the stars and even the cruel Padishah each had their motivations and it was interesting to watch their lives weave together, spread apart and then reconverge–even though the novel was only from Jorrin and Nouri's perspectives.
Although there were no romantic subplots—which I usually look for—Yakira wove a tale of political intrigue, fledgling faith and found family that will definitely stick with me. And don't start me on the ILLEGAL CLIFFHANGER ENDING!!!!! (I would have given the book 4 stars if it hadn't ended like that!)
I really want to read the series when it is complete, but it was a really good, captivating first book to jumpstart the trilogy and introducing us to the world.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2024
I was the proofreader for this book, and so this review comes with a slight bias.
What a whirlwind. This book was an epic adventure, desert fantasy, and a deep delve into the themes of hope and revenge. My mind was blown by the twists that came up in the story (a real surprise to me, because usually I can foresee them coming), and it was hard to not binge this book while proofreading it. A legendary tale, one well worth reading, and CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE ENDING???
howamisupposedtowaituntilthenextbook
I especially loved the themes of El Olam and hope, and also the very realistic portrayals of doubting God or being afraid to trust Him. This is not something I see often but could relate to a lot and absolutely loved that this book dealt with that.
Content warning: this is definitely for upper YA due to the violence level. There are descriptions of violence in battle/action scenes, torture, and characters dying. Also usage of magic, as in characters having special "powers", and witches, though no spell usage.
What a whirlwind. This book was an epic adventure, desert fantasy, and a deep delve into the themes of hope and revenge. My mind was blown by the twists that came up in the story (a real surprise to me, because usually I can foresee them coming), and it was hard to not binge this book while proofreading it. A legendary tale, one well worth reading, and CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE ENDING???
howamisupposedtowaituntilthenextbook
I especially loved the themes of El Olam and hope, and also the very realistic portrayals of doubting God or being afraid to trust Him. This is not something I see often but could relate to a lot and absolutely loved that this book dealt with that.
Content warning: this is definitely for upper YA due to the violence level. There are descriptions of violence in battle/action scenes, torture, and characters dying. Also usage of magic, as in characters having special "powers", and witches, though no spell usage.
October 18, 2024
Have only read the first 1/4, but I have to say, this looks to be really promising. The author is clearly talented and has a surprisingly assured voice for someone so young. Ms. Goldberry's worldbuilding is a cut above the average for YA fantasy with detailed descriptions of places, people, clothing, customs, and mythical beings. The story is action-packed, with a good balance of fighting and heavier emotional moments. This is professional-quality good. Seriously, I have found time and again that the BEST Christian-oriented books (at least in the speculative fiction and/or YA genre) are the self-published or super-indie-press ones. I will update this review when I finish this book but so far, 5/5, would recommend.
October 23, 2024
I have always loved Yakira’s writing and A Star So Bound And Broken did not disappoint! The author’s worldbuilding and research were incredible and clearly the result of years of careful crafting, the storyline of the book was intriguing and I loved the idea of stars wandering about on earth pretending to be humans – and how they need sunlight to survive! I loved the magic described in this book and enjoyed seeing it used for both good and evil. On top of that, the desert setting was fascinating and intricately described, I haven’t read a desert story before and this one was a great introduction to the genre!
The characters were all extremely well developed and their emotions were realistically portrayed. I especially liked the portrayal of faith in El Olam and the doubts and cynicism that some of the stars and humans experienced.
“How can a loving God allow so much evil in the world?” is a very familiar sentiment! And yet certain stars and humans never lost their faith in the Creator of it all! It showed me that no matter how dark life gets, God really is in control and I need to trust Him no matter what.
Having read both of Yakira’s other books I was surprised by the intensity of darkness in this one. She never shies away from hard topics such as murder or abuse but this book was next level! The wicked king kills stars so he can live eternally off their stardust and his cruelty knows no bounds! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy this will be one of your favourite reads but if you are triggered by torture and captivity this might not be the best bet for you as it forms a large (and essential) part of the storyline. Violence also plays a part within battle scenes and many characters meet untimely demises in this story. Also, be warned that as this book is part of a trilogy and books two and three are currently being written there is no HEA at the end.
All in all I would definitely rate this book 5 stars (and more if that were possible) but you might want to read a fluffy book immediately afterwards! Just sayin’! ;)
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
The characters were all extremely well developed and their emotions were realistically portrayed. I especially liked the portrayal of faith in El Olam and the doubts and cynicism that some of the stars and humans experienced.
“How can a loving God allow so much evil in the world?” is a very familiar sentiment! And yet certain stars and humans never lost their faith in the Creator of it all! It showed me that no matter how dark life gets, God really is in control and I need to trust Him no matter what.
Having read both of Yakira’s other books I was surprised by the intensity of darkness in this one. She never shies away from hard topics such as murder or abuse but this book was next level! The wicked king kills stars so he can live eternally off their stardust and his cruelty knows no bounds! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy this will be one of your favourite reads but if you are triggered by torture and captivity this might not be the best bet for you as it forms a large (and essential) part of the storyline. Violence also plays a part within battle scenes and many characters meet untimely demises in this story. Also, be warned that as this book is part of a trilogy and books two and three are currently being written there is no HEA at the end.
All in all I would definitely rate this book 5 stars (and more if that were possible) but you might want to read a fluffy book immediately afterwards! Just sayin’! ;)
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
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