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Eveningstar
You don’t start a revolution. It starts inside you.
Sofia Rian prides herself on doing the right thing. Work hard. Contribute to society. Follow the rules, even when they’re written by monsters wearing the faces of men.
But when she discovers she’s pregnant — with a child that is something more than human — Sofia is forced to reckon with the system she’s helped uphold and the full cost of complicity.
As rebellion stirs and her choices begin to ripple outward, Sofia must decide between survival and that most dangerous of dreams: the promise of a better world.
For fans of Octavia Butler, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Emily St. John Mandel, this is a bold and unflinching speculative fiction debut about power, compromise, and what it means to be human.
Sofia Rian prides herself on doing the right thing. Work hard. Contribute to society. Follow the rules, even when they’re written by monsters wearing the faces of men.
But when she discovers she’s pregnant — with a child that is something more than human — Sofia is forced to reckon with the system she’s helped uphold and the full cost of complicity.
As rebellion stirs and her choices begin to ripple outward, Sofia must decide between survival and that most dangerous of dreams: the promise of a better world.
For fans of Octavia Butler, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Emily St. John Mandel, this is a bold and unflinching speculative fiction debut about power, compromise, and what it means to be human.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
11 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Sean Butler
1 book8 followersSean Butler was born in Ireland in 1983 and currently lives in Ballincollig, Cork, with his wife Sarah and dog Molly. In a previous life, he was a lecturer specialising in international law and human rights, but gave it all up to chase the stories from his head.
Sean writes speculative fiction through a literary lens, focusing on the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary worlds.
Eveningstar, his debut novel, is an exploration of power, compromise and enduring humanity, set in a world colonised and reshaped by Alien rulers.
Sean writes speculative fiction through a literary lens, focusing on the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary worlds.
Eveningstar, his debut novel, is an exploration of power, compromise and enduring humanity, set in a world colonised and reshaped by Alien rulers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️✨ (2,5 stars) | 🌶️ (1 pepper)
Thank you to NetGalley and author Sean Butler for the opportunity to read Eveningstar. This is my honest review of the ARC I received, and I truly appreciate it.
🪐 Tropes & Themes 🪐
- Mature heroine (32 years old)
- Pregnancy and the challenges of womanhood in a dystopian society
- Sci-fi fantasy with dystopian undertones
- Complex societal structures and philosophical reflections
- Themes of racism, class division, and systemic control
- Genocide and ecological collapse
- Exploration of identity, autonomy, and survival
🪐 Overall Review 🪐
This book dives deep into a dystopian sci-fi world where society is fractured, women are struggling under oppressive systems, and humanity itself is questioned. There’s a mature heroine, themes of pregnancy, alien species, ecological collapse, and some pretty intense philosophical questions about freedom, control, and identity. It’s not a light read and it doesn’t try to be.
🪐 Reading Experience 🪐
I’ll be honest: this book was a tough one for me. The first chapter had me intrigued coz of dystopian vibes, a mysterious society, a heroine with a lot on her shoulders. But as the story unfolded, I felt more and more lost. There were so many concepts thrown at me — Collabs, Bright Eyes, Lobo, timezones, alien species — and not enough explanation to help me feel grounded. I kept flipping back, rereading, trying to make sense of it all, but the pieces didn’t quite come together.
Some scenes were vivid and intense, others felt emotionally distant. The romance didn’t click for me, it really felt cold, almost mechanical. And the intimate moments? They lacked the emotional depth I usually look for. Maybe it’s just me or maybe it was written for male gaze you know what I mean here?, but I couldn’t connect with the characters the way I wanted to.
There were moments that genuinely unsettled me — not in a bad way, but in a “wow, this future feels way too close” kind of way. The fear, the control, the way women were treated... it hit hard. But then there were other parts that confused me so much I felt like I was reading a different book entirely.
While the premise is compelling, the execution may be challenging for some readers. The world-building is dense and layered, with many unfamiliar terms, species, and systems introduced early on that's often introduced to the reader without immediate explanation. This can make it difficult to stay grounded in the story, especially when key concepts remain vague or abstract throughout.
The narrative occasionally shifts between philosophical reflection and intimate character moments, which creates an interesting contrast but can also feel disjointed. Some scenes particularly those involving romance or interpersonal dynamics may lack emotional depth or clarity, making it harder to connect with the characters on a personal level.
There are moments of intrigue and tension, especially as the heroine navigates her role in a society that seems determined to control her fate. However, the pacing and emotional resonance may vary depending on the reader’s familiarity with high-concept sci-fi and dystopian lore.
🪐 Final Thoughts 🪐
Eveningstar is a bold and complex debut that explores difficult themes with intensity and imagination. While the story didn’t fully resonate with me largely due to the overwhelming world-building and lack of emotional connection to the character's, I can see its appeal for readers who enjoy deep philosophical sci-fi and dystopian fiction with layered societal critique.
I wanted to love this. I really did. The themes are powerful, the world is ambitious, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into the structure of this universe. But for me, it was overwhelming. I felt like I was dropped into a galaxy with no map, and I never quite found my way.
Maybe I’ll come back to it someday when my brain’s less of a mess and I’m ready to tackle something this layered. But right now? It wasn’t my cup of tea. I had to push myself to finish it, and that’s never a great feeling.
This book may be best suited for readers who enjoy tracking intricate lore, decoding abstract systems, and diving into morally gray worlds. If you’re looking for a light or emotionally driven read, this might not be the right fit but if you’re ready to immerse yourself in a challenging and cerebral sci-fi universe, Eveningstar could be a rewarding experience.
Would I recommend?
Yes, for fans of high-concept sci-fi and dystopian fiction who enjoy complex world-building, philosophical themes, and aren’t afraid to work through a dense and layered narrative. It’s not a casual read, but it offers plenty to unpack for those willing to dive deep.
Thank you to NetGalley and author Sean Butler for the opportunity to read Eveningstar. This is my honest review of the ARC I received, and I truly appreciate it.
🪐 Tropes & Themes 🪐
- Mature heroine (32 years old)
- Pregnancy and the challenges of womanhood in a dystopian society
- Sci-fi fantasy with dystopian undertones
- Complex societal structures and philosophical reflections
- Themes of racism, class division, and systemic control
- Genocide and ecological collapse
- Exploration of identity, autonomy, and survival
🪐 Overall Review 🪐
This book dives deep into a dystopian sci-fi world where society is fractured, women are struggling under oppressive systems, and humanity itself is questioned. There’s a mature heroine, themes of pregnancy, alien species, ecological collapse, and some pretty intense philosophical questions about freedom, control, and identity. It’s not a light read and it doesn’t try to be.
🪐 Reading Experience 🪐
I’ll be honest: this book was a tough one for me. The first chapter had me intrigued coz of dystopian vibes, a mysterious society, a heroine with a lot on her shoulders. But as the story unfolded, I felt more and more lost. There were so many concepts thrown at me — Collabs, Bright Eyes, Lobo, timezones, alien species — and not enough explanation to help me feel grounded. I kept flipping back, rereading, trying to make sense of it all, but the pieces didn’t quite come together.
Some scenes were vivid and intense, others felt emotionally distant. The romance didn’t click for me, it really felt cold, almost mechanical. And the intimate moments? They lacked the emotional depth I usually look for. Maybe it’s just me or maybe it was written for male gaze you know what I mean here?, but I couldn’t connect with the characters the way I wanted to.
There were moments that genuinely unsettled me — not in a bad way, but in a “wow, this future feels way too close” kind of way. The fear, the control, the way women were treated... it hit hard. But then there were other parts that confused me so much I felt like I was reading a different book entirely.
While the premise is compelling, the execution may be challenging for some readers. The world-building is dense and layered, with many unfamiliar terms, species, and systems introduced early on that's often introduced to the reader without immediate explanation. This can make it difficult to stay grounded in the story, especially when key concepts remain vague or abstract throughout.
The narrative occasionally shifts between philosophical reflection and intimate character moments, which creates an interesting contrast but can also feel disjointed. Some scenes particularly those involving romance or interpersonal dynamics may lack emotional depth or clarity, making it harder to connect with the characters on a personal level.
There are moments of intrigue and tension, especially as the heroine navigates her role in a society that seems determined to control her fate. However, the pacing and emotional resonance may vary depending on the reader’s familiarity with high-concept sci-fi and dystopian lore.
🪐 Final Thoughts 🪐
Eveningstar is a bold and complex debut that explores difficult themes with intensity and imagination. While the story didn’t fully resonate with me largely due to the overwhelming world-building and lack of emotional connection to the character's, I can see its appeal for readers who enjoy deep philosophical sci-fi and dystopian fiction with layered societal critique.
I wanted to love this. I really did. The themes are powerful, the world is ambitious, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into the structure of this universe. But for me, it was overwhelming. I felt like I was dropped into a galaxy with no map, and I never quite found my way.
Maybe I’ll come back to it someday when my brain’s less of a mess and I’m ready to tackle something this layered. But right now? It wasn’t my cup of tea. I had to push myself to finish it, and that’s never a great feeling.
This book may be best suited for readers who enjoy tracking intricate lore, decoding abstract systems, and diving into morally gray worlds. If you’re looking for a light or emotionally driven read, this might not be the right fit but if you’re ready to immerse yourself in a challenging and cerebral sci-fi universe, Eveningstar could be a rewarding experience.
Would I recommend?
Yes, for fans of high-concept sci-fi and dystopian fiction who enjoy complex world-building, philosophical themes, and aren’t afraid to work through a dense and layered narrative. It’s not a casual read, but it offers plenty to unpack for those willing to dive deep.
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed Eveningstar - there's some fantastic world building in this book, and the author took their time over building that world. I felt that this made it all the more believable.
The themes of colonialism and the power that the colonisers have over the humans were dealt with well - the frustration, injustice and hatred for the colonisers/ aliens for some, and the way that other characters had given up and got on with the way things had to be (in their opinions).
The way that the everyday lives of the humans seemed so "normal" contrasted with those who were considered criminals and became "Lobos" - and when this process is made clear it's a horrifying penny-drop!
I find science fiction that follows everyday life really interesting - I'm more likely to pick a book up with these kinds of themes, and this gave me Becky Chambers vibes in that regard. The characters in this book seem more human because of that approach, and the contrast with the Alien oppressors are starkly apparent. The aliens seem normal to begin with, but their differences begin to really stand out.
So I'm looking forward to where this series will go, in what I assume will be a second instalment. I'll be reading it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The themes of colonialism and the power that the colonisers have over the humans were dealt with well - the frustration, injustice and hatred for the colonisers/ aliens for some, and the way that other characters had given up and got on with the way things had to be (in their opinions).
The way that the everyday lives of the humans seemed so "normal" contrasted with those who were considered criminals and became "Lobos" - and when this process is made clear it's a horrifying penny-drop!
I find science fiction that follows everyday life really interesting - I'm more likely to pick a book up with these kinds of themes, and this gave me Becky Chambers vibes in that regard. The characters in this book seem more human because of that approach, and the contrast with the Alien oppressors are starkly apparent. The aliens seem normal to begin with, but their differences begin to really stand out.
So I'm looking forward to where this series will go, in what I assume will be a second instalment. I'll be reading it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 15, 2025
I loved this.
There are books that you enjoy but immediately forget after you read and there are those that stay with you. This is the latter.
It explores colonialism, power and humanity through characters that are well-rounded and so real. Sofia is a fantastic main character, flawed, pragmatic and above all relatable.
Very much recommend!
There are books that you enjoy but immediately forget after you read and there are those that stay with you. This is the latter.
It explores colonialism, power and humanity through characters that are well-rounded and so real. Sofia is a fantastic main character, flawed, pragmatic and above all relatable.
Very much recommend!
July 22, 2025
Huge thanks to BookSirens for providing an advance copy of Eveningstar.
Stirring, unsettling, and deeply human.
Eveningstar is the kind of debut that doesn’t just tell a story—it challenges you to sit with it, to feel it in your gut. From the opening pages, Sofia Rian pulled me in with her quiet resilience and inner conflict. The writing is clear and intentional, never flashy, but layered with meaning that builds over time. The world feels eerily familiar—dystopian, yes, but rooted in truths we already live with. That’s what makes it hit so hard.
This book doesn’t rely on spectacle. Instead, it draws its power from emotional tension, ethical complexity, and the slow, inevitable unraveling of everything Sofia thought she could trust. The pacing is deliberate, and the payoff is worth every page.
It’s rare to find speculative fiction that’s both bold in concept and grounded in character. Eveningstar accomplishes both—without flinching. It lingers. It confronts. And it asks questions that don’t come with clean answers.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced escape, this may not be the one. But if you want something that stays with you—quietly, fiercely—this book earns its place on your shelf.
An unforgettable start to a series I’ll be following closely.
Stirring, unsettling, and deeply human.
Eveningstar is the kind of debut that doesn’t just tell a story—it challenges you to sit with it, to feel it in your gut. From the opening pages, Sofia Rian pulled me in with her quiet resilience and inner conflict. The writing is clear and intentional, never flashy, but layered with meaning that builds over time. The world feels eerily familiar—dystopian, yes, but rooted in truths we already live with. That’s what makes it hit so hard.
This book doesn’t rely on spectacle. Instead, it draws its power from emotional tension, ethical complexity, and the slow, inevitable unraveling of everything Sofia thought she could trust. The pacing is deliberate, and the payoff is worth every page.
It’s rare to find speculative fiction that’s both bold in concept and grounded in character. Eveningstar accomplishes both—without flinching. It lingers. It confronts. And it asks questions that don’t come with clean answers.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced escape, this may not be the one. But if you want something that stays with you—quietly, fiercely—this book earns its place on your shelf.
An unforgettable start to a series I’ll be following closely.
August 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Sean Butler for this ARC copy! I have to say, the premise of this story is very interesting…Earth essentially being taken over and run by Aliens. And a human being impregnated by an alien really sets up for an interesting conflict.
It was kind of slow at the beginning and more exposition would be helpful. I just felt sort of confused until everything was made clear about 60% into the story. Also there were a few chapters where the story went from one trajectory into something completely different without any transition at all, which I found very confusing. Almost like it was an error that was overlooked? I had to reread those sections to try to figure out how we’d gone from one thing to another.
Sofia was intolerable until the very end but perhaps that was the point? That the birth of her daughter was the catalyst for change and standing up for something. Also every other character was terribly unlikable, except for maybe Chang. I wasn’t emotionally invested in anyone. Also the stuttering and repeating of words by Sofia was very distracting.
I was hooked by the end and very excited to see Sofia take charge and protect her daughter. This book has great bones and I’d enjoy seeing what becomes of Sofia in the future.
It was kind of slow at the beginning and more exposition would be helpful. I just felt sort of confused until everything was made clear about 60% into the story. Also there were a few chapters where the story went from one trajectory into something completely different without any transition at all, which I found very confusing. Almost like it was an error that was overlooked? I had to reread those sections to try to figure out how we’d gone from one thing to another.
Sofia was intolerable until the very end but perhaps that was the point? That the birth of her daughter was the catalyst for change and standing up for something. Also every other character was terribly unlikable, except for maybe Chang. I wasn’t emotionally invested in anyone. Also the stuttering and repeating of words by Sofia was very distracting.
I was hooked by the end and very excited to see Sofia take charge and protect her daughter. This book has great bones and I’d enjoy seeing what becomes of Sofia in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
This story, set in a dystopian future after aliens have colonized Earth, is the story of the start of a revolution while simultaneously being a cautionary tale about the effects of capitalism and a 'not love' story.
"Or, even if all you care about is humans, what gave us the right to build a social system that imposed misery and suffering on the majority of the population so that a tiny minority could have an easier life?"
Sofia shares a flat with her younger sister and cousin in Eveningstar, an island city (formerly Jurusalem). Nevertheless she comes across as quite lonely and starved of affection. She meets 'Roland' who is fairly high up in the alien government.
There are a lot of new terms to get used to, a lot of them are self explanatory, but quite a few or not. A glossary may be helpful. Otherwise the story is well written and is gearing up to be a long-running saga which I will have to follow.
The story has left me with a lot of questions, which I'm sure will be answered in future books.
But for a debut novel, I am impressed and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
"Or, even if all you care about is humans, what gave us the right to build a social system that imposed misery and suffering on the majority of the population so that a tiny minority could have an easier life?"
Sofia shares a flat with her younger sister and cousin in Eveningstar, an island city (formerly Jurusalem). Nevertheless she comes across as quite lonely and starved of affection. She meets 'Roland' who is fairly high up in the alien government.
There are a lot of new terms to get used to, a lot of them are self explanatory, but quite a few or not. A glossary may be helpful. Otherwise the story is well written and is gearing up to be a long-running saga which I will have to follow.
The story has left me with a lot of questions, which I'm sure will be answered in future books.
But for a debut novel, I am impressed and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
September 1, 2025
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for a advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.
You don’t start a revolution. It starts inside you.
A powerful debut novel, about what it means to be human. This book stayed with me long after reading it, and not many books can do that. Very well done characters, i think I was mostly invested in everyone of them, even with there flaws. It was unsettling in the best way, making you imagine what decisions you would make in Sofias shoes, as we follow her development. From the opening I was hooked with this dystopian, and really need a sequel. So much ethical complexity, and the pacing was perfect. It asks questions of its readers, and recommend to everyone.
You don’t start a revolution. It starts inside you.
A powerful debut novel, about what it means to be human. This book stayed with me long after reading it, and not many books can do that. Very well done characters, i think I was mostly invested in everyone of them, even with there flaws. It was unsettling in the best way, making you imagine what decisions you would make in Sofias shoes, as we follow her development. From the opening I was hooked with this dystopian, and really need a sequel. So much ethical complexity, and the pacing was perfect. It asks questions of its readers, and recommend to everyone.
September 25, 2025
3.8 Lots of political intrigue. Lots happening and from that standpoint it was good. I never got invested in the characters. I felt like they were acting and some of them didn't do a believable job. It does portray the ambivalence and disassociation of the main characters to her surroundings very well. I am planning on reading the next in the series to see what tone it has. I received this book from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.
September 19, 2025
I liked this book. It was a very interesting read, but there were some parts I struggled to follow in the beginning and I found it to be a slow start. Once I got to the last 100 or so pages though, I was struggling to put it down.
I received an arc of this book via book sirens in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc of this book via book sirens in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to read your book! I found this to be a refreshing dystopia. I was honestly surprised that the option of "otherness" was captured so perfectly. I really, thoroughly enjoyed this dystopian front.
August 24, 2025
I've just finished the book. I'm not normally a sci-fi fan but I must say that I enjoyed this, I became invested in the outcome and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
October 7, 2025
I loved this until the very end. The world building was great but the end left me with alot of questions im hoping a sequel can answer.
August 7, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens for the advance copy of Eveningstar.
I found the premise of the book to be highly compelling. It’s quite an interesting take on the “aliens on Earth” concept, as well as different from your typical dystopian novel.
That said, I can’t say that I engaged with any of the characters, let alone Sophia, and can’t say that I would be compelled to continue the series as a result. Had there been more world-building, I might have felt differently.
I was quite excited for this book, it just didn't turn out to be for me. I'm sure there will be many out there who feel differently!
I found the premise of the book to be highly compelling. It’s quite an interesting take on the “aliens on Earth” concept, as well as different from your typical dystopian novel.
That said, I can’t say that I engaged with any of the characters, let alone Sophia, and can’t say that I would be compelled to continue the series as a result. Had there been more world-building, I might have felt differently.
I was quite excited for this book, it just didn't turn out to be for me. I'm sure there will be many out there who feel differently!
November 21, 2025
3.5⭐️ I went into Eveningstar expecting to love it. The premise hooked me right away, and while I did enjoy the book, I never fully connected with it. The concept is strong and the world is interesting, but I wanted more background on the alien race. Some of the writing choices made the story harder to sink into, so it took more effort for me to stay engaged.
The book is set a century after aliens have taken control of Earth, promising to enlighten humanity with limited success. Sofia, the main character, works closely with them and lives what is considered an average life under their rule. The aliens have technology that allows them to blend in, yet subtle traits set them apart. Their hold on humanity extends to even the most personal aspects of life, and the tension between obedience and rebellion simmers in the background.
What stood out most to me was the larger conflict at play. The story explores themes of control, resistance, and what dignity means when your freedom is no longer your own. While I had mixed feelings about the execution, the setup leaves plenty of room for the next book to expand on this universe, and I am curious to see where the series goes from here.
The book is set a century after aliens have taken control of Earth, promising to enlighten humanity with limited success. Sofia, the main character, works closely with them and lives what is considered an average life under their rule. The aliens have technology that allows them to blend in, yet subtle traits set them apart. Their hold on humanity extends to even the most personal aspects of life, and the tension between obedience and rebellion simmers in the background.
What stood out most to me was the larger conflict at play. The story explores themes of control, resistance, and what dignity means when your freedom is no longer your own. While I had mixed feelings about the execution, the setup leaves plenty of room for the next book to expand on this universe, and I am curious to see where the series goes from here.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews