Drown the Stars

by Quiana Chase

To the aquatic people of Zivea, the only thing worse than a coward is a Weeper.

Sir Vaine, newly knighted for ruthlessly slaughtering thousands, is both. She is perfectly fine with that.

The cowardice and the Weeping, anyway.

Vaine does everything she can to leave the battlefield behind, using her one royal boon to become a tutor in hopes that she’ll finally be left alone.

Despite her best efforts, she becomes a volatile toy in the hands of the dangerously alluring god-Queen and her bloodthirsrty court.

Each attempt to escape scrutiny increases it.

Even small choices provoke heavy consequences.

And every day, the galaxy becomes more dangerous for the children she’s determined to protect.

Genres: Queer, Lesbian

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2025

Reviews

[Anastasia Bisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vaine, a pacifist lesbian space fish, accidentally commits a war crime, gets knighted for it, and with her pick of jobs in the palace chooses to become a royal tutor because surely that is a safe, low profile option. She is very, very wrong. That’s just chapter 1. It’s all uphill (or downhill, if you’re Vaine) from there. She is, to painfully relatable degrees, a socially oblivious character who loves so hard and cares so deeply that you are going to be rooting for her the whole time regardless of all else. That said, she is also legitimately intelligent. The combo of traits is very well conveyed. This is not a story for the faint of heart. If you liked the emotional punches of Arcane, Drown the Stars is like that. If you like ocean-themed alien aesthetics (think lots of algae, coral, exotic fish tanks, etc) and corresponding starships, this will also suit you. It is written well, fast-paced, but with many wholesome, fluffy interactions sprinkled around to keep you from utterly breaking. Easy read in terms of length. Also, antagonists appear from a variety of angles, but one of them had me shaking with rage and disgust from the first page they appeared on until this day. I hate them with my whole heart. Like, Moash levels of anger, if you get that reference, albeit with very different crimes. That’s a well-written villain if you ask me… Anyway, if you made it this far, go read the book already.

[Clellie Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I always enjoy books that put a focus on character relationships against a backdrop of vivid world building. The pacing is excellent, with enough unanswered questions to keep you turning the page, but enough context that you never feel lost. Most of all, I found the main character immensely likeable. This book is about family in a way that I think will be relatable to many. And yes, I cried.

[Mairen Haruch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heart wrenching story. I'm amazed by how quickly I felt connected to the main character, Vaine, and felt insanely invested in her success.
I really hope that Quiana Chase writes a sequel because I feel like there is still so much story to tell with Rakva and I need to know what he does next!!

[Joshua Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Crap! This book is one of my favorites! I need more books from Quiana. it's well written, the imagery is beautiful. the story is tragic from start to finish, but in a beautiful way. honestly, you will not be disappointed in this book!