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Fading Stars
Stars hold the power to rewrite a destiny.
Neveah lives for them, counting down the days until the awe-inspiring return of Halley's Comet. At 16, she dreams of becoming an astrophysicist, her passion ignited by her grandmother who had passed away.
Yohan, on the other hand, is a shadow of his former self. Once a good kid, he became withdrawn and distant after a tragic event. Yohan grapples with guilt and a deep-seated desire for redemption, even contemplating ending his own life.
Their worlds collide when Neveah forms a club. Under the watchful eye of the returning comet, an unlikely connection blossoms between them. Together, Neveah and Yohan embark on a healing journey, discovering that sometimes, the light of one star can illuminate the darkest of paths.
But what do you do when the stars start to fade?
TW: scenes of heavy Bullying, MMC deals with depression and suicidal thoughts, S.A, self-arm, guns
Neveah lives for them, counting down the days until the awe-inspiring return of Halley's Comet. At 16, she dreams of becoming an astrophysicist, her passion ignited by her grandmother who had passed away.
Yohan, on the other hand, is a shadow of his former self. Once a good kid, he became withdrawn and distant after a tragic event. Yohan grapples with guilt and a deep-seated desire for redemption, even contemplating ending his own life.
Their worlds collide when Neveah forms a club. Under the watchful eye of the returning comet, an unlikely connection blossoms between them. Together, Neveah and Yohan embark on a healing journey, discovering that sometimes, the light of one star can illuminate the darkest of paths.
But what do you do when the stars start to fade?
TW: scenes of heavy Bullying, MMC deals with depression and suicidal thoughts, S.A, self-arm, guns
- GenresMental Health
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
7 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Marisa Kazwey
3 books38 followersMarisa, a self-proclaimed kid at heart, infuses her vibrant and youthful spirit into every story she writes. Her work is not just about selling popular tropes but about imparting timeless principles that linger long after the last page is turned. Deeply inspired by the richness of human experience, Marisa has a profound love for people and their unique stories, finding beauty in the details of everyday life.
Her passion for cartoons and animated storytelling has profoundly influenced her writing style, bringing a playful yet profound touch to her narratives. Marisa's aim is to create stories that evoke deep emotions and connections, offering readers an experience that transcends mere lust or surface-level attraction. She believes in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and transform, inviting readers to feel deeply and authentically.
Living life with an open heart and an insatiable curiosity, Marisa pours her love for humanity into her books. Each character she creates, each plot she weaves, is a testament to her belief in the enduring power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. For those seeking stories that touch the heart and soul, Marisa’s books are a welcoming haven.
If you’re looking to feel something profound, beyond the ordinary, and to connect with stories that speak to the core of human experience, welcome home.
Her passion for cartoons and animated storytelling has profoundly influenced her writing style, bringing a playful yet profound touch to her narratives. Marisa's aim is to create stories that evoke deep emotions and connections, offering readers an experience that transcends mere lust or surface-level attraction. She believes in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and transform, inviting readers to feel deeply and authentically.
Living life with an open heart and an insatiable curiosity, Marisa pours her love for humanity into her books. Each character she creates, each plot she weaves, is a testament to her belief in the enduring power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. For those seeking stories that touch the heart and soul, Marisa’s books are a welcoming haven.
If you’re looking to feel something profound, beyond the ordinary, and to connect with stories that speak to the core of human experience, welcome home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 14, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
The number of times I cried while reading this!!
This book was beautifully heart-wrenching. The characters had so much depth and I loved the elements of astrology / Halley’s Comet.
-I feel like a few parts dragged on a little too long but otherwise, this was amazing! Marissa's writing is so smooth and lyrical, I cant wait to read more of her stories.
Thank you for reaching out and sending me an ARC, Marissa!!
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
│ ⊹ 𝟺.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
The number of times I cried while reading this!!
This book was beautifully heart-wrenching. The characters had so much depth and I loved the elements of astrology / Halley’s Comet.
-I feel like a few parts dragged on a little too long but otherwise, this was amazing! Marissa's writing is so smooth and lyrical, I cant wait to read more of her stories.
Thank you for reaching out and sending me an ARC, Marissa!!
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
August 20, 2024
after 24 hours of reading this book I can officially say that this book is an emotional raw rollercoaster that approaches very serious topics of grief and struggles in a very poetic way.
This definitely has romance elements but more towards life than between the main characters. Both of them have different struggles and they are reaching for the stars for answers because they don’t want to drown in darkness and all they want is that star light ✨ what if the star is not in the sky but in front of you? 😭
ANYWAY DID I CRY?! Welp yes, definitely check TW and I will say this just in case if you are like me but the ending can be viewed as not a HEA but artistically it might? Tbh i still don’t know 😭
My only comment is that some of the phrases and topics were repetitive but tbh for a debut novel this was beautifully written thank you for reaching out 🥹
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: I need a moment. The last 10% destroyed me as suggested
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: The author reached out to me, and after reading the tropes and story blurb, it sounds so beautiful! Watch me get emotionally wrecked {in a good way} by this book I can totally see it
This definitely has romance elements but more towards life than between the main characters. Both of them have different struggles and they are reaching for the stars for answers because they don’t want to drown in darkness and all they want is that star light ✨ what if the star is not in the sky but in front of you? 😭
ANYWAY DID I CRY?! Welp yes, definitely check TW and I will say this just in case if you are like me but the ending can be viewed as not a HEA but artistically it might? Tbh i still don’t know 😭
My only comment is that some of the phrases and topics were repetitive but tbh for a debut novel this was beautifully written thank you for reaching out 🥹
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: I need a moment. The last 10% destroyed me as suggested
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: The author reached out to me, and after reading the tropes and story blurb, it sounds so beautiful! Watch me get emotionally wrecked {in a good way} by this book I can totally see it
July 29, 2024
I birth that book to life. I better give it 5 stars or else I'm just doubting my talent 🫠
See you August 20th 🧡☄️
See you August 20th 🧡☄️
December 3, 2024
High 2 stars rounded up. Yes, very specific of me.
There are books that stay with you long after you finish the final page, and then there are books that leave you breathless, thinking, and utterly consumed by their characters. This book falls firmly into the latter category; it's a story that tackles grief and depression, and it drips rawness in every chapter.
We follow Neveah and Yohan, both with internal struggles as well as external ones, and you feel their pain, their turmoil, and their desperate search for meaning in the face of overwhelming loss; the author's flow lets the world of Fading Stars feel both intensely personal and universal.
This isn't the type of book I typically gravitate towards to but something from the blurb (and the cover, lol) just drew me in. It was an emotional rollercoaster. For the entirety of the book, I just kept needing to gather my thoughts and recover, but my god, the final chapters took the absolute emotional spotlight for me.
This book is raw, emotional, and it will challenge you. But it's also, ultimately, a story about finding hope amidst despair and enduring.
(Also, that playlist in the beginning was bomb; I recognised multiple songs from there and it got me excitedddd.).
There are books that stay with you long after you finish the final page, and then there are books that leave you breathless, thinking, and utterly consumed by their characters. This book falls firmly into the latter category; it's a story that tackles grief and depression, and it drips rawness in every chapter.
We follow Neveah and Yohan, both with internal struggles as well as external ones, and you feel their pain, their turmoil, and their desperate search for meaning in the face of overwhelming loss; the author's flow lets the world of Fading Stars feel both intensely personal and universal.
This isn't the type of book I typically gravitate towards to but something from the blurb (and the cover, lol) just drew me in. It was an emotional rollercoaster. For the entirety of the book, I just kept needing to gather my thoughts and recover, but my god, the final chapters took the absolute emotional spotlight for me.
This book is raw, emotional, and it will challenge you. But it's also, ultimately, a story about finding hope amidst despair and enduring.
(Also, that playlist in the beginning was bomb; I recognised multiple songs from there and it got me excitedddd.).
August 20, 2024
Powerful, heartbreaking, reflective.
This Young Adult journey poetically explores fear, grief, guilt and vulnerability in an emotionally raw way.
Yohan struggles to connect, he's distant, he's broken, and he's haunted by his past mistakes.
Neveah is the sunshine, she brightens everything around her, but she has her own struggles, with her body betraying her and deception from loved ones.
This book explores lots of dark content, including bullying, assault, suicide and S.H, it shows consequences, guilt, pain and regrets, balanced against naivety, innocence and ignorance.
I loved the symbolism of the stars, and how it weaved throughout everyone's journeys, a connection that drew everything together.
I am ruined by the ending, I held out hope for a happy resolution, but instead i was hit by 3 heartaches of varying tragedy. This is a heavy and emotional read but very impactful, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.
✨ "Life had a funny way of bringing people together. We can go years without noticing someone's existence, and then suddenly, they seem to be everywhere we turn. Everywhere we breathe. Everywhere we exist. As if it was...meant to be"
✨ "Whatever you go through, the stars will shine for you. Nothing means it's the end as long as we believe, the stars will never fade"
✨ "I made this, so you know that one day you'll shine again. Because you deserve it, Yohan. You deserve all the good things in the world, even if you don't believe it"
✨"This girl breathed love and compassion. Her spirit was as vibrant as a thousand suns. She was strength wrapped in kindness"
✨"But she taught me that as long as you have a star to look at, the darkness won't consume you"
✨"It was in the way she breathed. In the way she turned. In the way she existed"
This Young Adult journey poetically explores fear, grief, guilt and vulnerability in an emotionally raw way.
Yohan struggles to connect, he's distant, he's broken, and he's haunted by his past mistakes.
Neveah is the sunshine, she brightens everything around her, but she has her own struggles, with her body betraying her and deception from loved ones.
This book explores lots of dark content, including bullying, assault, suicide and S.H, it shows consequences, guilt, pain and regrets, balanced against naivety, innocence and ignorance.
I loved the symbolism of the stars, and how it weaved throughout everyone's journeys, a connection that drew everything together.
I am ruined by the ending, I held out hope for a happy resolution, but instead i was hit by 3 heartaches of varying tragedy. This is a heavy and emotional read but very impactful, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.
✨ "Life had a funny way of bringing people together. We can go years without noticing someone's existence, and then suddenly, they seem to be everywhere we turn. Everywhere we breathe. Everywhere we exist. As if it was...meant to be"
✨ "Whatever you go through, the stars will shine for you. Nothing means it's the end as long as we believe, the stars will never fade"
✨ "I made this, so you know that one day you'll shine again. Because you deserve it, Yohan. You deserve all the good things in the world, even if you don't believe it"
✨"This girl breathed love and compassion. Her spirit was as vibrant as a thousand suns. She was strength wrapped in kindness"
✨"But she taught me that as long as you have a star to look at, the darkness won't consume you"
✨"It was in the way she breathed. In the way she turned. In the way she existed"
July 28, 2024
*ARC READ*
who knew a book could make you feel so heartbroken, sad, but also put you back together again and heal some of your adolescence. man, I cried so many times (I’m a crybaby).
I gasp, jumped up, paced but I wouldn’t take any of it back. I mean it, when I say… John Green look out… you have MAJOR competition. I haven’t read a coming of age story that made teenage me feel seen… ever. you will go through many emotion during this book. you will have to put it down just to collect yourself but it’s so worth it. SO FREAKING WORTH IT. Also literally this is a K-DARMA ADAPTATION waiting to be made. That’s also the vibe I got, almost immediately.
Three words
IMPACTFUL, MESMERIZING, AMBIVALENCE
READ, CRY, SMILE, LAUGH and enjoy. This is a masterpiece.
who knew a book could make you feel so heartbroken, sad, but also put you back together again and heal some of your adolescence. man, I cried so many times (I’m a crybaby).
I gasp, jumped up, paced but I wouldn’t take any of it back. I mean it, when I say… John Green look out… you have MAJOR competition. I haven’t read a coming of age story that made teenage me feel seen… ever. you will go through many emotion during this book. you will have to put it down just to collect yourself but it’s so worth it. SO FREAKING WORTH IT. Also literally this is a K-DARMA ADAPTATION waiting to be made. That’s also the vibe I got, almost immediately.
Three words
IMPACTFUL, MESMERIZING, AMBIVALENCE
READ, CRY, SMILE, LAUGH and enjoy. This is a masterpiece.
August 16, 2024
⭐️ fading stars ⭐️
I’m not fine. I’m just heartbroken now.
When Marisa reached me to read her book , I said yes! I saw her book art/tropes on her ig and thought: owww a cute romcom book, I’m in.
I was wrong. Entirely wrong.
First: This isn’t a light book.
Second: This isn’t a romcom.
Fading Stars is a book that was extremely sad, at least for me. It made me feel so much.
Just because it’s sad doesn’t mean I don’t recommend it. I highly suggest you to read it 🤍. Just take a box of tissues ❤️🩹.
Fading Stars managed with such respect depression and grief.
This book was so hard to read because the world as bright as it is, it can be a dark place for someone. And bullying exists and has consequences. Unfortunately those consequences are for the victims not for the aggressors. Or the victims are the ones who suffer the most.
Eliot, I had this pressure in my heart while reading your letters. Wherever you are, you’re a sky full of stars and I’m sad the world wasn’t a safe place for you.
I did understand Yohan’s final decision. I’m not happy with it but I think in some ways that it was his happily ever after. He had so many regrets and those wouldn’t let him forget or find peace.
Neveah, kept shining. The world needs you bright.
I’m recommending this to you. Even if it’ll make you cry.
Fading Stars will be available on August 20th.
July 21, 2024
This book was heart wrenchingly beautiful. It showed elements of astrology / Halley’s Comet. It showcases bullying and the effect of being a bystander which is needed. There were beautiful quotes. I loved the FMC’s boss energy. There were parts that felt a little long but apart from that it was an enjoyable read.
July 10, 2024
The way this book tackles grief, depression and guilt is so spectacular. Every page of this book hooked me in more and more.
It reminded me a little of Eleanor and Park in the way that it makes teenagers’ feelings, real life problems.
It doesn’t diminish them from what they are, it paints how wide and significant every feeling is. It portrays how insightful and perceptive teenagers actually are and how hard life sometimes can be.The struggle we follow throughout the book is honestly so well written, you will not know how it is going to end until you’re there.
This book is not something I would normally pick up and I am eternally grateful to the author for deciding to send me the ARC. It was beautifully written and had me sobbing so hard for the last 100 pages.
I also did not expect the plot twists at all, they all took me by surprise!
It reminded me a little of Eleanor and Park in the way that it makes teenagers’ feelings, real life problems.
It doesn’t diminish them from what they are, it paints how wide and significant every feeling is. It portrays how insightful and perceptive teenagers actually are and how hard life sometimes can be.The struggle we follow throughout the book is honestly so well written, you will not know how it is going to end until you’re there.
This book is not something I would normally pick up and I am eternally grateful to the author for deciding to send me the ARC. It was beautifully written and had me sobbing so hard for the last 100 pages.
I also did not expect the plot twists at all, they all took me by surprise!
July 16, 2024
Nevaeh Smith loves everything to do with astronomy, and is counting down the days until Halley’s Comet makes its return. An aspiring astrophysicist, she starts an astronomy club at the high school she attends. She tries to recruit Yohan Young, a boy who grapples with guilt after a traumatic event. Together, they look to the stars for solace, but what happens when the stars start to fade?
TW: references to suicide, self-harm, bullying, grief, sexual assault
𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖.
I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. I could see what the author was going for, and it did make me feel at times, but most of the time it didn’t really have much of an impact on me. However, I have to admit that around the halfway point, things started picking up.
While I largely I had trouble connecting to the characters, I found myself relating to Yohan more than Nevaeh with his mental health struggles, the depression and guilt.
I know this was an ARC, and therefore unedited, but the formatting and spelling and grammar inconsistencies threw me for a loop. Despite all my reservations, I appreciate the author’s effort, and wish her luck.
TW: references to suicide, self-harm, bullying, grief, sexual assault
𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖.
I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. I could see what the author was going for, and it did make me feel at times, but most of the time it didn’t really have much of an impact on me. However, I have to admit that around the halfway point, things started picking up.
While I largely I had trouble connecting to the characters, I found myself relating to Yohan more than Nevaeh with his mental health struggles, the depression and guilt.
I know this was an ARC, and therefore unedited, but the formatting and spelling and grammar inconsistencies threw me for a loop. Despite all my reservations, I appreciate the author’s effort, and wish her luck.
August 7, 2024
4.4/5⭐
I'M EMOTIONALLY STAR-STRUCK 😭
WOMANNNNNN !! I DIDN'T NEED THIS SOUL WRECK WHEN I'M PREPPING FOR MY EXAM 😭😭😭
I've never really read a book that talks about astronomy and clubs. Tbh the book felt like a very real story and like there was no fictional stuff in at all. But after a while, I had to get back to reality duhh. 😞😭 I love the way Marisa has addressed the behaviour of teens that results in something bad and it's high time that YA and Readers are aware of it too.
Yohan is such a green flag in various aspects except for the fact that his actions led to the death of his best friend. The plot has beautifully expressed forbidden trope in such a way IT IS NOT A HAPPILY EVER AFTER but the ending will make you feel like "Okay that's a good way of ending the book and it's not disappointing." ukwim?
I absolutely know that Yohan loved Neveah with all the pieces of heart he had left inside him after all that he has gone through and because Neveah unknowingly helped him to fix those broken parts just to love HER. >>>>
NEVEAH OH MY BABYGIRL. The most sweet girl who's all Rainbows and sunshine and has never ever let anyone or anything take her happiness or the present moments away from her. It's like she's a fictional girl who every girl wants to live like ( well except the health issues she faced).
I didn't understand the actual emphasis of the title until the end. I mean I thought it was because of the book she had but that was exactly not the case 😭😭😭😭
The only flaw that I felt in the whole book was that the first half of the book went pretty slow but the second half balanced it by keeping me on my toes and my eyes filled 🥺🥺🥺🥺
P.S. My inner child feels whole and emotional and complete and sad and happy and grief, etc because this book made me feel everything 😭💖
I'M EMOTIONALLY STAR-STRUCK 😭
WOMANNNNNN !! I DIDN'T NEED THIS SOUL WRECK WHEN I'M PREPPING FOR MY EXAM 😭😭😭
I've never really read a book that talks about astronomy and clubs. Tbh the book felt like a very real story and like there was no fictional stuff in at all. But after a while, I had to get back to reality duhh. 😞😭 I love the way Marisa has addressed the behaviour of teens that results in something bad and it's high time that YA and Readers are aware of it too.
Yohan is such a green flag in various aspects except for the fact that his actions led to the death of his best friend. The plot has beautifully expressed forbidden trope in such a way IT IS NOT A HAPPILY EVER AFTER but the ending will make you feel like "Okay that's a good way of ending the book and it's not disappointing." ukwim?
I absolutely know that Yohan loved Neveah with all the pieces of heart he had left inside him after all that he has gone through and because Neveah unknowingly helped him to fix those broken parts just to love HER. >>>>
NEVEAH OH MY BABYGIRL. The most sweet girl who's all Rainbows and sunshine and has never ever let anyone or anything take her happiness or the present moments away from her. It's like she's a fictional girl who every girl wants to live like ( well except the health issues she faced).
I didn't understand the actual emphasis of the title until the end. I mean I thought it was because of the book she had but that was exactly not the case 😭😭😭😭
The only flaw that I felt in the whole book was that the first half of the book went pretty slow but the second half balanced it by keeping me on my toes and my eyes filled 🥺🥺🥺🥺
P.S. My inner child feels whole and emotional and complete and sad and happy and grief, etc because this book made me feel everything 😭💖
August 16, 2024
Marisa, why did you decide to destroy my heart like this? The last chapters were some criminal-level heartbreak.
First off, check the trigger warnings. It's a heavy hitter and does not shy away from grief, depression, childhood trauma, suicidal thoughts, S.A., and more. If you passed that check and you are into stars/universe or were an astronomy club kid in high school and you like picking books off those vibes alone... this book is the one for you! When the author first reached out with the book description, the book easily passed the vibe check as an astronomy kid myself. This book follows the story of Neveah and Yohan who come to find themselves in an astronomy club together with each carrying a load of emotional, internal baggage.
"𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝒹𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂."
The author unpacks the rawness and honesty of young adult emotions that resemble iconic authors like John Green and Rainbow Rowell in her writing. The character composition of the two main characters also follows the theme of light and dark. The cherry on top is Marisa's poetic writing and she doubles down on the references of stars and illumination throughout the book that helps set a cohesive theme. There is a slower build-up in this story, but if you enjoy emotional YA works like John Green... give this book a try!
The book also comes with a playlist in the beginning that fits VERY well with the book and any book with playlists is a win for me.
Lastly, thank you to Marisa Kazwey for reaching out and sending an eARC of this book!
First off, check the trigger warnings. It's a heavy hitter and does not shy away from grief, depression, childhood trauma, suicidal thoughts, S.A., and more. If you passed that check and you are into stars/universe or were an astronomy club kid in high school and you like picking books off those vibes alone... this book is the one for you! When the author first reached out with the book description, the book easily passed the vibe check as an astronomy kid myself. This book follows the story of Neveah and Yohan who come to find themselves in an astronomy club together with each carrying a load of emotional, internal baggage.
"𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝒹𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂."
The author unpacks the rawness and honesty of young adult emotions that resemble iconic authors like John Green and Rainbow Rowell in her writing. The character composition of the two main characters also follows the theme of light and dark. The cherry on top is Marisa's poetic writing and she doubles down on the references of stars and illumination throughout the book that helps set a cohesive theme. There is a slower build-up in this story, but if you enjoy emotional YA works like John Green... give this book a try!
The book also comes with a playlist in the beginning that fits VERY well with the book and any book with playlists is a win for me.
Lastly, thank you to Marisa Kazwey for reaching out and sending an eARC of this book!
July 10, 2024
This book feels so heartwarming, refreshing, and comforting (I'm ignoring the ending). The grumpy MMC and the sunshine FMC fit so well. It's like I'm watching a kdrama, and it feels so good. this book is, like, so good. The plot, the setting, and the characters are very well written. It's like I'm riding a roller coaster; one page I was giggling, and the next two pages I'm sobbing. 😭🤚🏼
What I'm loving the most about this book is that the plot gets interesting on every page; there's no page that I feel boring. Omg, and the 7-minute theory—omg, I'm sobbing so hard for the last few chapters. like really sobbing. The author really needs to pay for my therapy bills 😭🫵🏻❤️🩹
Overall, this book deserves to be seen and read by everyone. Everything about this book is so heartbreaking yet comforting. It feels so much like home to me. Definitely 5 stars.
What I'm loving the most about this book is that the plot gets interesting on every page; there's no page that I feel boring. Omg, and the 7-minute theory—omg, I'm sobbing so hard for the last few chapters. like really sobbing. The author really needs to pay for my therapy bills 😭🫵🏻❤️🩹
Overall, this book deserves to be seen and read by everyone. Everything about this book is so heartbreaking yet comforting. It feels so much like home to me. Definitely 5 stars.
June 27, 2024
I really liked the book. The plot is interesting, full of emotions. I enjoyed reading it 🩷🩷🩷
August 11, 2024
I think I did not fully understand what I was getting myself into when I started reading this book.
Neveah, the FMC, is a hopeful girl who always looks for the stars whenever things get hard and tries to find the light in all the darkness that surrounds her. Her character was a little difficult to relate because of this unwavering positivity, that often sounded really forced, but after a few chapters that I realized that there was some desperation in clinging to the stars, in looking for some light.
The downside of this is that the conversations about what the stars mean to her and why she is so passionate about astronomy were a little too much; it felt like there was a grand metaphorical paragraph about the stars every chapter and it did feel repetitive and boring at some point. Probably that's the reason it doesn't get 5⭐️.
I must admit I misjudged Neveah's character a little in the beginning, but only because I thought she was making a big deal out of small things... of course turns out I was completely wrong about the situation and I would have actually reacted like she did or worse even.
Yohan, the MMC, is the reason why I stayed. If Neveah is light and stars, Yohan is darkness and the night. If to Neveah the stars are a beacon of hope for the future, for Yohan the stars are just a reminder of his really REALLY traumatic past. When you think it can't be that bad, it actually is that bad AND a little more.
The question is: will Neveah be able to change his mind about the stars and save him? I really think you should find out. I would strongly suggest reading the trigger warnings before reading this book.
Neveah, the FMC, is a hopeful girl who always looks for the stars whenever things get hard and tries to find the light in all the darkness that surrounds her. Her character was a little difficult to relate because of this unwavering positivity, that often sounded really forced, but after a few chapters that I realized that there was some desperation in clinging to the stars, in looking for some light.
The downside of this is that the conversations about what the stars mean to her and why she is so passionate about astronomy were a little too much; it felt like there was a grand metaphorical paragraph about the stars every chapter and it did feel repetitive and boring at some point. Probably that's the reason it doesn't get 5⭐️.
I must admit I misjudged Neveah's character a little in the beginning, but only because I thought she was making a big deal out of small things... of course turns out I was completely wrong about the situation and I would have actually reacted like she did or worse even.
Yohan, the MMC, is the reason why I stayed. If Neveah is light and stars, Yohan is darkness and the night. If to Neveah the stars are a beacon of hope for the future, for Yohan the stars are just a reminder of his really REALLY traumatic past. When you think it can't be that bad, it actually is that bad AND a little more.
The question is: will Neveah be able to change his mind about the stars and save him? I really think you should find out. I would strongly suggest reading the trigger warnings before reading this book.
July 30, 2024
Hey book lovers! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 it is a 5 star read, I was so emotional and invested the whole time.
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***NO SPOILERS***
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I just finished reading Fading Stars by Marisa Kazwey, and I’m absolutely smitten! This book is a perfect blend of heartfelt emotions and captivating storytelling. Let me give you the lowdown without any spoilers!
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Plot Overview:
Fading Stars tells the story of Neveah, a young woman navigating life’s ups and downs while trying to hold on to her dreams. The story is set in a small, picturesque town where everyone knows everyone, giving it a cozy, familiar feel. Neveah’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces are beautifully portrayed, making it easy to connect with her character.
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Characters:
The characters in this book are wonderfully crafted. Neveah is relatable and endearing, and her growth throughout the story is inspiring. The supporting characters, from her quirky best friend to the enigmatic love interest, add depth and charm to the narrative. Each character feels real and contributes to the overall warmth of the story.
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Themes:
At its core, Fading Stars is about resilience, hope, and the importance of following your heart. It touches on themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a way that feels genuine and uplifting. There’s a perfect balance of light-hearted moments and poignant reflections that keep you engaged from start to finish.
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Overall Impression:
Fading Stars is a delightful read that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s perfect for those days when you want to curl up with a book that makes you smile and maybe shed a tear or two. Marisa Kazwey has created a beautiful story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
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If you’re looking for a charming, heartwarming read, Fading Stars is definitely worth picking up. Happy reading, everyone!
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***NO SPOILERS***
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I just finished reading Fading Stars by Marisa Kazwey, and I’m absolutely smitten! This book is a perfect blend of heartfelt emotions and captivating storytelling. Let me give you the lowdown without any spoilers!
.
Plot Overview:
Fading Stars tells the story of Neveah, a young woman navigating life’s ups and downs while trying to hold on to her dreams. The story is set in a small, picturesque town where everyone knows everyone, giving it a cozy, familiar feel. Neveah’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces are beautifully portrayed, making it easy to connect with her character.
.
Characters:
The characters in this book are wonderfully crafted. Neveah is relatable and endearing, and her growth throughout the story is inspiring. The supporting characters, from her quirky best friend to the enigmatic love interest, add depth and charm to the narrative. Each character feels real and contributes to the overall warmth of the story.
.
Themes:
At its core, Fading Stars is about resilience, hope, and the importance of following your heart. It touches on themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a way that feels genuine and uplifting. There’s a perfect balance of light-hearted moments and poignant reflections that keep you engaged from start to finish.
.
Overall Impression:
Fading Stars is a delightful read that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s perfect for those days when you want to curl up with a book that makes you smile and maybe shed a tear or two. Marisa Kazwey has created a beautiful story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
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If you’re looking for a charming, heartwarming read, Fading Stars is definitely worth picking up. Happy reading, everyone!
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August 13, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐+1/2
"For those who have watched their stars fade, but carry the light within them."
4,5 stars for Fading Stars (you know the 5th star is fading 😘) by @marisawritess
I loved the stars and galaxy theme in this book, because I also love stargazing! Both Yohan and Nev have their own problems and traumas to deal with, but these bring them closer together. Yohan has a quite dark past, which is revealed to you little piece by little piece, while Nev is a force to reckon with finding her own star to look up to while dealing with her health and the death of her grandma.
This book ain't for the fainthearted and I know many of you will shed tears! But if you wanna read an unconventional love story about two teenagers trying to find their way in life, this book is for you!
"A certain darkness is needed to see the stars."
The reason for the half star is sometimes the story jumps in time and because of this I feel like somethings were left unfinished.
TW: Self harm, bullying, suicide, SA
If you struggle with any of these yourself please look for help!
Let me know if you would read this book ❤️
@TalkBooksWithMeli
"For those who have watched their stars fade, but carry the light within them."
4,5 stars for Fading Stars (you know the 5th star is fading 😘) by @marisawritess
I loved the stars and galaxy theme in this book, because I also love stargazing! Both Yohan and Nev have their own problems and traumas to deal with, but these bring them closer together. Yohan has a quite dark past, which is revealed to you little piece by little piece, while Nev is a force to reckon with finding her own star to look up to while dealing with her health and the death of her grandma.
This book ain't for the fainthearted and I know many of you will shed tears! But if you wanna read an unconventional love story about two teenagers trying to find their way in life, this book is for you!
"A certain darkness is needed to see the stars."
The reason for the half star is sometimes the story jumps in time and because of this I feel like somethings were left unfinished.
TW: Self harm, bullying, suicide, SA
If you struggle with any of these yourself please look for help!
Let me know if you would read this book ❤️
@TalkBooksWithMeli
August 15, 2024
“One of the brightest stars humanity knew wasn’t a celestial body at all, it was her”
The emotions, this was one of the most heart wrenching books I have read in a long time 😭
Nev and Yohan are light and dark, polar opposite - brought together in an unexpected way yet they learn to lean on eachother through the heartache, trauma & nightmares they both experience.
This reminded me so much of John green and really took me back to 17 year old Molly, I found a lot of comfort in this story - as devastating as it was it was very healing. I haven’t read a coming of age story in so long and I’m so glad I did.
This was so beautifully written, so descriptive and honestly incredible work for a debut - I was captivated the whole time.
I loved the astronomy aspect and the way their lives were entwined with the stars.
“But she taught me that as long as you have a star to look at, the darkness won’t consume you.”
You need to know this is not a happy story, it is beautiful yet crushing, please check the trigger warnings.
Thank you Marisa for the arc xx
The emotions, this was one of the most heart wrenching books I have read in a long time 😭
Nev and Yohan are light and dark, polar opposite - brought together in an unexpected way yet they learn to lean on eachother through the heartache, trauma & nightmares they both experience.
This reminded me so much of John green and really took me back to 17 year old Molly, I found a lot of comfort in this story - as devastating as it was it was very healing. I haven’t read a coming of age story in so long and I’m so glad I did.
This was so beautifully written, so descriptive and honestly incredible work for a debut - I was captivated the whole time.
I loved the astronomy aspect and the way their lives were entwined with the stars.
“But she taught me that as long as you have a star to look at, the darkness won’t consume you.”
You need to know this is not a happy story, it is beautiful yet crushing, please check the trigger warnings.
Thank you Marisa for the arc xx
August 14, 2024
ARC review!!!
Ratings: 4.5 ⭐
Trigger Warnings: self harm, suicide, bullying, depression
"When life gets incredibly tough, when your problems seem overwhelming, when your brokenness sucks light out of you, all you need is a star."
This book breaks my heart. Like I didn't even had a little bit of idea that it was going to be a sad, emotional, heart breaking book I have ever read. The characters were incredible. Neveah our main character, what an inspiring person she was, always looking out towards stars and finding positivity despite her illness and disability. Yohan's character on other hand was a sad depressed one, despite trying his best and Neveah's efforts he was not able to cope up with his mental health issues but the last scene where he fulfilled his promise to Neveah and described her Halleys comet scene with full description was so wholesome. Like my most favourite part from whole book
🥺🥺🥺...
This book was beautiful and soul shattering at same time 💔💔💔
Ratings: 4.5 ⭐
Trigger Warnings: self harm, suicide, bullying, depression
"When life gets incredibly tough, when your problems seem overwhelming, when your brokenness sucks light out of you, all you need is a star."
This book breaks my heart. Like I didn't even had a little bit of idea that it was going to be a sad, emotional, heart breaking book I have ever read. The characters were incredible. Neveah our main character, what an inspiring person she was, always looking out towards stars and finding positivity despite her illness and disability. Yohan's character on other hand was a sad depressed one, despite trying his best and Neveah's efforts he was not able to cope up with his mental health issues but the last scene where he fulfilled his promise to Neveah and described her Halleys comet scene with full description was so wholesome. Like my most favourite part from whole book
🥺🥺🥺...
This book was beautiful and soul shattering at same time 💔💔💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
If I could give it 10 stars I would!
When I say that this is hands down the best book I have ever read. Not a word of that sentence is a lie. This was an absolute masterpiece. I have never been so pulled into a book, a story, a life.. I have never been pulled in so many emotional directions. Gosh. All I can say is that you HAVE to read this book. Even if it's not your preferred genre, this book will open your eyes and your heart and pull you deep into this fantastical world. Wow Marisa you are super special! Please keep writing. ❤️
When I say that this is hands down the best book I have ever read. Not a word of that sentence is a lie. This was an absolute masterpiece. I have never been so pulled into a book, a story, a life.. I have never been pulled in so many emotional directions. Gosh. All I can say is that you HAVE to read this book. Even if it's not your preferred genre, this book will open your eyes and your heart and pull you deep into this fantastical world. Wow Marisa you are super special! Please keep writing. ❤️
August 6, 2024
"Stars are worth looking for."
★★★★
This book was so good! The writing and pacing of the book was very well done and I ended up reading this in just a few sittings. This had a strong cast of characters that pull you in and leave you wanting to learn more and more about them. I also loved how the author discussed important topics like mental health and grief (definitely check trigger warnings). This book had a lot of things that I enjoy like: grumpy x sunshine, dual pov, and a playlist to listen along as you read!
Thank you Marisa for sending me an ARC!
🤎✨️🪐
★★★★
This book was so good! The writing and pacing of the book was very well done and I ended up reading this in just a few sittings. This had a strong cast of characters that pull you in and leave you wanting to learn more and more about them. I also loved how the author discussed important topics like mental health and grief (definitely check trigger warnings). This book had a lot of things that I enjoy like: grumpy x sunshine, dual pov, and a playlist to listen along as you read!
Thank you Marisa for sending me an ARC!
🤎✨️🪐
August 16, 2024
3.75 🌟
Why is this book so sad? 😭😭 I expected a sweet, light hearted read, and while it is that sometimes, it's also the complete opposite!
If you're looking for a deeply emotional and realistic story, this book is perfect for you! Also I loved the writing, it’s poetic and really stands out compared to other books I have read.
I think I would have adored this book a few years ago, and think it's perfect for readers around the same age as the characters, so 16-18 year olds 🫶 (This book also has a bit of a "13 Reasons Why" vibe).
⚠️ That said, be prepared for some heavy stuff. The story includes issues like bullying, suicide, blindness, trauma, PTSD, guilt, anxiety, and mental health struggles.
Why is this book so sad? 😭😭 I expected a sweet, light hearted read, and while it is that sometimes, it's also the complete opposite!
If you're looking for a deeply emotional and realistic story, this book is perfect for you! Also I loved the writing, it’s poetic and really stands out compared to other books I have read.
I think I would have adored this book a few years ago, and think it's perfect for readers around the same age as the characters, so 16-18 year olds 🫶 (This book also has a bit of a "13 Reasons Why" vibe).
⚠️ That said, be prepared for some heavy stuff. The story includes issues like bullying, suicide, blindness, trauma, PTSD, guilt, anxiety, and mental health struggles.
August 25, 2024
Beautiful! Wow! Idk what I was expecting but this was so much more. It was heart wrenching and beautiful. Marisa, ma’am, that was an amazing debut and I’m mildly mad at you for making me sob.
Some parts were a little repetitive but it didn’t take away from how this book made me feel. And oh boy did this book make me feel. 😭
Some parts were a little repetitive but it didn’t take away from how this book made me feel. And oh boy did this book make me feel. 😭
July 26, 2024
this was by far one of the best books i’ve read this year. the relationships between the characters, the chemistry between yohan and neveah 😩😍 PERFECT. the story was so deep and inspiring i just could not put it down. as a person who struggles with mental health, the representation in this book was so important and done so well. i have always loved watching stars and the moon has always been special to me, so this book will forever hold a special place in my heart. everyone needs to read this
July 25, 2024
This book was definitely a different read for me! I liked the two different POV. Fading Stars tackles some difficult topics while also portraying friendships. I think that this is a great book and a really fast read. I loved both Neveah and Yohan’s side of things.
August 4, 2024
this book was absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful. i loved seeing yohan and neveah’s relationship progress, and the realness of what these two went through and struggled with was portrayed so accurately and realistically. i personally enjoy books that are on the more realistic side, so while my heart aches at the ending, i think it was perfectly executed.
July 22, 2024
Ahhh this book was a journey! It took me a while to get into it because there were a lot of details but this book talk about so many important subject. The end was a lot, but at the same time I get it. I would look at the trigger warnings before reading this book. But also it's a beautiful story and I'm so happy that I read it ౨ৎ
August 10, 2024
This book surprised me in a lot of ways I didn’t think it would.
A very emotional read that covers grief. I cried a lot reading this book.
I really loved the astronomy aspect. This entire book felt very real and not fiction.
I feel like I need to warn others that this isn’t a YA romance, more like a coming of age love story ish.
Only reason it wasn’t 5 stars was because some parts were too long imo and some things were a little repetitive. But I still enjoyed the book a lot!
A very emotional read that covers grief. I cried a lot reading this book.
I really loved the astronomy aspect. This entire book felt very real and not fiction.
I feel like I need to warn others that this isn’t a YA romance, more like a coming of age love story ish.
Only reason it wasn’t 5 stars was because some parts were too long imo and some things were a little repetitive. But I still enjoyed the book a lot!
Want to read
August 25, 2024OH MY GOD THIS COVER I'M DYING I'VE DIED 🪦
July 7, 2024
Loved this book sm! It was a different kind of experience reading it. Would totally recommend it!!
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