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Stardust
533 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book I’ve read from Christy Skidmore, and I’m so excited to say how much I loved it.
I know it sounds cliché, but Christy has a writing style that completely pulls you in. By the time I finished Chapter 1, I knew I was going to be up into the wee hours of the morning—and I was right. I only stopped long enough to sleep a few hours, take my kids to school, and then dive right back in for the rest of the day.
Christy’s character building is superb. Kirlyam, Yohan, Rollo, Sahil, and Rakesh each carved out a place in my heart. Their personalities, struggles, and loyalties felt genuine and layered, making it easy to become fully invested in their journey.
This story doesn’t shy away from complex and difficult situations. Christy explores themes that shape the characters’ choices and lead to unforeseen consequences, creating a narrative that is gripping, heart-wrenching, and at times deeply tender. There were moments that truly pulled at my heartstrings—and yes, she made me cry, which I always consider the mark of a powerful story.
Stardust is the kind of book that lingers with you long after the final page. It’s one that will be living rent-free in my thoughts for quite some time.
I know it sounds cliché, but Christy has a writing style that completely pulls you in. By the time I finished Chapter 1, I knew I was going to be up into the wee hours of the morning—and I was right. I only stopped long enough to sleep a few hours, take my kids to school, and then dive right back in for the rest of the day.
Christy’s character building is superb. Kirlyam, Yohan, Rollo, Sahil, and Rakesh each carved out a place in my heart. Their personalities, struggles, and loyalties felt genuine and layered, making it easy to become fully invested in their journey.
This story doesn’t shy away from complex and difficult situations. Christy explores themes that shape the characters’ choices and lead to unforeseen consequences, creating a narrative that is gripping, heart-wrenching, and at times deeply tender. There were moments that truly pulled at my heartstrings—and yes, she made me cry, which I always consider the mark of a powerful story.
Stardust is the kind of book that lingers with you long after the final page. It’s one that will be living rent-free in my thoughts for quite some time.
March 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75)
This indie sci-fi starts with a really striking opening that immediately pulled me in. The first chapter is rich with sensory detail and vivid imagery, and it sets the tone for a story built around big ideas, imagination, and a wide interplanetary scope. It’s clear from the start that the author is aiming for something ambitious.
What I liked:
The plot was the strongest element for me. It moves at a steady pace and kept me engaged throughout the book. The two main characters really carry the story, and their relationship becomes the emotional core of the narrative. Of the characters, Rakesh stood out to me as the most developed, and I enjoyed following his journey.
I also appreciated the scale of the imagination behind this story. The book introduces multiple planets, different cultures, and elements of mythology, which gives the universe a lot of creative potential. There were several moments where certain ideas or reveals genuinely surprised me, and I liked seeing how those pieces fit into the larger story.
What I wanted more of:
Because the world of this story is so large and imaginative, I often found myself wanting to spend more time inside those settings. The opening chapter shows how immersive the writing can be with its sensory imagery, and I would have loved to see that level of description continue throughout the book. More environmental details—what spaceships look like inside, what the environments feel like, or how the different worlds physically appear—would have helped me visualize the world more clearly.
At times I wanted to experience those moments alongside the characters rather than just hearing about them. For example, when a scene suggests that a character is cold, I found myself wishing for the kinds of sensory details that would let the reader feel that environment too.
Overall, this is an imaginative and ambitious indie sci-fi with an engaging plot and a strong central relationship. The scope of the world and the ideas behind it are impressive, and I enjoyed seeing how the story unfolded. With a universe this big, I just found myself wishing for even more sensory detail and worldbuilding to fully bring those environments to life.
Huge thank you to the author for the chance to read this as an ARC.
This indie sci-fi starts with a really striking opening that immediately pulled me in. The first chapter is rich with sensory detail and vivid imagery, and it sets the tone for a story built around big ideas, imagination, and a wide interplanetary scope. It’s clear from the start that the author is aiming for something ambitious.
What I liked:
The plot was the strongest element for me. It moves at a steady pace and kept me engaged throughout the book. The two main characters really carry the story, and their relationship becomes the emotional core of the narrative. Of the characters, Rakesh stood out to me as the most developed, and I enjoyed following his journey.
I also appreciated the scale of the imagination behind this story. The book introduces multiple planets, different cultures, and elements of mythology, which gives the universe a lot of creative potential. There were several moments where certain ideas or reveals genuinely surprised me, and I liked seeing how those pieces fit into the larger story.
What I wanted more of:
Because the world of this story is so large and imaginative, I often found myself wanting to spend more time inside those settings. The opening chapter shows how immersive the writing can be with its sensory imagery, and I would have loved to see that level of description continue throughout the book. More environmental details—what spaceships look like inside, what the environments feel like, or how the different worlds physically appear—would have helped me visualize the world more clearly.
At times I wanted to experience those moments alongside the characters rather than just hearing about them. For example, when a scene suggests that a character is cold, I found myself wishing for the kinds of sensory details that would let the reader feel that environment too.
Overall, this is an imaginative and ambitious indie sci-fi with an engaging plot and a strong central relationship. The scope of the world and the ideas behind it are impressive, and I enjoyed seeing how the story unfolded. With a universe this big, I just found myself wishing for even more sensory detail and worldbuilding to fully bring those environments to life.
Huge thank you to the author for the chance to read this as an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
AMAZING. What a stunning journey!! I cried a lot. I love a book that makes me cry. It's exactly what I ask for as a reader. Make me feel, that's why I read, I want to feel all the things!
Christy, once again has written an incredible book!
Stardust spans the universe, telling a tale of hardship, emotional turmoil, love, loss, trauma, friendship, family and the fight against tyrannical forces crushing all things good beneath their heels.
These characters will capture your heart, anger your bones and have you gripping your seatbelt to be sure it's holding you in tight for this wild, emotional ride.
It's breathtaking; Christy gives us a tangible read where we can feel, smell and almost touch the pages of this book. The dark coldness of space, the warmth of friends willing to give everything to protect each other, the love of one father and the soul shuddering cruelty of another. The bond between brothers, soldiers, and those with a light inside them, sheltering hearts struggling to beat true.
All the characters were fantastic, yet, Rakesh has to be my favourite, his story arc was perfection, I absolutely adored him!
Christy, you broke my heart. I admire the choices made, hard choices, but the right choices and both the author and reader in me could not be more satisfied.
Add Stardust to your TBR today and grab it as soon as you can. This is an adventure you absolutely cannot miss experiencing.
Thank you Christy for yet another exceptional book 🤩
This is a glorious read, my only regret is that I can’t read it for the very first time ever again.
Stardust will capture your soul.
Christy, once again has written an incredible book!
Stardust spans the universe, telling a tale of hardship, emotional turmoil, love, loss, trauma, friendship, family and the fight against tyrannical forces crushing all things good beneath their heels.
These characters will capture your heart, anger your bones and have you gripping your seatbelt to be sure it's holding you in tight for this wild, emotional ride.
It's breathtaking; Christy gives us a tangible read where we can feel, smell and almost touch the pages of this book. The dark coldness of space, the warmth of friends willing to give everything to protect each other, the love of one father and the soul shuddering cruelty of another. The bond between brothers, soldiers, and those with a light inside them, sheltering hearts struggling to beat true.
All the characters were fantastic, yet, Rakesh has to be my favourite, his story arc was perfection, I absolutely adored him!
Christy, you broke my heart. I admire the choices made, hard choices, but the right choices and both the author and reader in me could not be more satisfied.
Add Stardust to your TBR today and grab it as soon as you can. This is an adventure you absolutely cannot miss experiencing.
Thank you Christy for yet another exceptional book 🤩
This is a glorious read, my only regret is that I can’t read it for the very first time ever again.
Stardust will capture your soul.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an early copy of this book for review and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to read this stunning work.
At the very start I was a little hesitant. The first couple chapters felt a little jumpy and I wasn't sure how it all tied together. I wish it had been just a little smoother, however it did not take long to smooth out and completely make sense.
The author did an incredible job of story telling. I loved the narration/perspective the story was told in, giving subtle foreshadowing and a sense of reality amidst our futuristic sci-fi novel.
The imagery is phenomenal, creating a breathtaking and heartbreaking experience. I often feel like if a book doesn't make you cry, it wasn't descriptive enough, but this book absolutely made me cry.
Kirlyam, Rakesh, Yohan, Sahil, and Rollo grabbed at my heartstrings and ripped them out! Stardust is a science fiction take on the afterlife, flawlessly tying together the before and after on an intergalactic level.
Being such a large stage, I agree with some other comments that it would have been nice to see a little more insight into the different worlds, memories, experiences, but honestly the story was a great length with what there was and I have to remember that ultimately, all that is extra and the author included everything pertinent to the story.
Overall 5 star read. I haven't read a romance novel like it! If you like sci-fi, romance, military novels, or diving into theories of the afterlife, Stardust is absolutely the book for you!
At the very start I was a little hesitant. The first couple chapters felt a little jumpy and I wasn't sure how it all tied together. I wish it had been just a little smoother, however it did not take long to smooth out and completely make sense.
The author did an incredible job of story telling. I loved the narration/perspective the story was told in, giving subtle foreshadowing and a sense of reality amidst our futuristic sci-fi novel.
The imagery is phenomenal, creating a breathtaking and heartbreaking experience. I often feel like if a book doesn't make you cry, it wasn't descriptive enough, but this book absolutely made me cry.
Kirlyam, Rakesh, Yohan, Sahil, and Rollo grabbed at my heartstrings and ripped them out! Stardust is a science fiction take on the afterlife, flawlessly tying together the before and after on an intergalactic level.
Being such a large stage, I agree with some other comments that it would have been nice to see a little more insight into the different worlds, memories, experiences, but honestly the story was a great length with what there was and I have to remember that ultimately, all that is extra and the author included everything pertinent to the story.
Overall 5 star read. I haven't read a romance novel like it! If you like sci-fi, romance, military novels, or diving into theories of the afterlife, Stardust is absolutely the book for you!
April 10, 2026
Stardust starts with a captivating prologue that hooks you immediately.
Christy creates such vivid imagery and memorable characters that I found myself thinking about them long after finishing the story. From the beautiful father-daughter relationship between Kirlyam and Yohan to the bonds Kir shares with found family, Sahil and Rollo, it’s easy to become attached to these individuals.
I had watched a video on TikTok, where the author read aloud a scene between the two love interests, Rakesh and Kiryam, and knew instantly that I would love this story. That little preview did not disappoint.
Rakesh and Kirlyam’s souls are bound together unbeknownst to either of them. Unfortunately, they are both faced with unthinkable trauma that threatens to keep them apart. While Kirlyam grew up on Pomii with a loving, supportive father, Rakesh had quite the opposite experience. His father, the Grand Admiral, was ruthless and did everything he could to instill his way of life into his sons. It’s only after Kir experiences a horrific encounter that these two find one another. But staying together is not that simple.
I loved these two characters and how Kir was able to break through the glacial ice surrounding Rakesh’s heart. And while I truly enjoyed these two characters, I was equally attached to the side characters in this story. I’ve said it before—no one writes side characters like Christy. They are just as lovable and memorable as the leads.
Christy creates such vivid imagery and memorable characters that I found myself thinking about them long after finishing the story. From the beautiful father-daughter relationship between Kirlyam and Yohan to the bonds Kir shares with found family, Sahil and Rollo, it’s easy to become attached to these individuals.
I had watched a video on TikTok, where the author read aloud a scene between the two love interests, Rakesh and Kiryam, and knew instantly that I would love this story. That little preview did not disappoint.
Rakesh and Kirlyam’s souls are bound together unbeknownst to either of them. Unfortunately, they are both faced with unthinkable trauma that threatens to keep them apart. While Kirlyam grew up on Pomii with a loving, supportive father, Rakesh had quite the opposite experience. His father, the Grand Admiral, was ruthless and did everything he could to instill his way of life into his sons. It’s only after Kir experiences a horrific encounter that these two find one another. But staying together is not that simple.
I loved these two characters and how Kir was able to break through the glacial ice surrounding Rakesh’s heart. And while I truly enjoyed these two characters, I was equally attached to the side characters in this story. I’ve said it before—no one writes side characters like Christy. They are just as lovable and memorable as the leads.
March 24, 2026
ARC read:
Firstly, I want to say thank you for providing me with and advanced copy! I have been excited for this story for a long time!
I found this book to be intriguing and a little out of my comfort zone as I don’t typically read sci-fi but wanted to dip my toes. The prose was unlike anything I’d ever read before, it felt like I was a fly on the wall and the fly next to me was telling me “oh wait, there’s more”. This is a great leisure read, and I found myself looking forward to laying down for bed every night to get a few chapters in!
Stardust follows multiple characters, all in varying stages of life as well as geographic location/profession.
Semi spoilers start here:
Rakesh and Sahil start out the story as two young brothers just enjoying their day when tragedy strikes, altering the course of their lives. Their father is this hotshot agitator who has a path set for them with no regard for their own desires. Rakesh takes command of the Infinite Passage, where he has to embody his father’s heinous tendencies. The problem? He is nothing like his father.
Kir, our FMC hails from a different planet, one with a very strained relationship with earth and its people due to conflicting histories. Kir and her father take a trip to earth, her first time venturing there. She is intrigued by this new environment, and although she is warned by her father to stay put, she does not and finds herself in the back of a van with these terrifying men who mean to give her over to their head honcho: Rakesh.
Rakesh and Kir only spend a handful of days together, but find that there is something ordained by fate between them. Something they cannot act on due to their vastly different worlds. How will they navigate this, and will it be worth the fight?
Firstly, I want to say thank you for providing me with and advanced copy! I have been excited for this story for a long time!
I found this book to be intriguing and a little out of my comfort zone as I don’t typically read sci-fi but wanted to dip my toes. The prose was unlike anything I’d ever read before, it felt like I was a fly on the wall and the fly next to me was telling me “oh wait, there’s more”. This is a great leisure read, and I found myself looking forward to laying down for bed every night to get a few chapters in!
Stardust follows multiple characters, all in varying stages of life as well as geographic location/profession.
Semi spoilers start here:
Rakesh and Sahil start out the story as two young brothers just enjoying their day when tragedy strikes, altering the course of their lives. Their father is this hotshot agitator who has a path set for them with no regard for their own desires. Rakesh takes command of the Infinite Passage, where he has to embody his father’s heinous tendencies. The problem? He is nothing like his father.
Kir, our FMC hails from a different planet, one with a very strained relationship with earth and its people due to conflicting histories. Kir and her father take a trip to earth, her first time venturing there. She is intrigued by this new environment, and although she is warned by her father to stay put, she does not and finds herself in the back of a van with these terrifying men who mean to give her over to their head honcho: Rakesh.
Rakesh and Kir only spend a handful of days together, but find that there is something ordained by fate between them. Something they cannot act on due to their vastly different worlds. How will they navigate this, and will it be worth the fight?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the 3rd book I’ve read by Christy and I loved it. The first few chapters were a little confusing for me but once you got past those it all started coming together and making sense.
Her story telling is just amazing and how she comes up with her stories just blows my mind. She creates stories and characters that make you feel and you find yourself so immersed in the book that you sometimes feel like you’re actually in the story with them. I am in awe at how she comes up with her characters development and the things she puts them through. I love how her brain works and the stories that she gives us to read it just phenomenal.
I haven’t read many sci-fi books but hers will pull you in and won’t let you go til the end. I absolutely fell in love with Kirlyam who is half Susiili and half human, she is just a beautiful character. Her and her father come to earth for a meeting and decide to make it a mini vacation because Kirlyam had never been to earth and she’s curious as to what it look like, only while there just a short time, she’s kidnapped and when she wakes up she’s on a completely different ship in the middle of space where no one cld find her. Her dad is frantic and enlists the help of the police to find out who took her and where she is.
This is such a great story and I enjoyed it!
Her story telling is just amazing and how she comes up with her stories just blows my mind. She creates stories and characters that make you feel and you find yourself so immersed in the book that you sometimes feel like you’re actually in the story with them. I am in awe at how she comes up with her characters development and the things she puts them through. I love how her brain works and the stories that she gives us to read it just phenomenal.
I haven’t read many sci-fi books but hers will pull you in and won’t let you go til the end. I absolutely fell in love with Kirlyam who is half Susiili and half human, she is just a beautiful character. Her and her father come to earth for a meeting and decide to make it a mini vacation because Kirlyam had never been to earth and she’s curious as to what it look like, only while there just a short time, she’s kidnapped and when she wakes up she’s on a completely different ship in the middle of space where no one cld find her. Her dad is frantic and enlists the help of the police to find out who took her and where she is.
This is such a great story and I enjoyed it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank the author for an early copy. This was an amazing and impactful book that stars off with a wam and leaves you wanting to know more. The writing is amazing and immerses you into the world. I like learning about the lore and culture of Susilli people. I love the brother’s characters and hearing Rakesh’s backstory was insane. My heart 💔 god, I cried. A lot. The book started off slow, letting you get to know the characters. But soon, it picked up and I couldn’t put the book down. I loved every single character. They all have a piece of my heart. Except for like two other characters. Fuck them. I also do not forgive the author for some things. I stared at the wall for a good minute and sobbed.
This was an amazing story and I will need 10 or more business days to recover.
This was an amazing story and I will need 10 or more business days to recover.
March 24, 2026
Ignore my sloppy review, I stayed up most of the night reading and couldn’t put it down! Kir has just landed on Earth, about to go on vacation with her father, when she is promptly kidnapped… it pretty much throws you right into the action.
This book messed me up... in a good way, lol! It sort of revolves around two families. First, we have Kir (Kirlyam Romana), who is half human and half Susiili, and her dad, Yohan. Then we have Rakesh (my fav), his brother Sahil (my second fav), and their father, Zian Kumari (humans).
It hooked me right away. It’s beautifully written, with such vivid descriptions. There are some dark themes and heartbreaking moments that caught me off guard. This author is now on my auto-buy list! I highly recommend it!
This book messed me up... in a good way, lol! It sort of revolves around two families. First, we have Kir (Kirlyam Romana), who is half human and half Susiili, and her dad, Yohan. Then we have Rakesh (my fav), his brother Sahil (my second fav), and their father, Zian Kumari (humans).
It hooked me right away. It’s beautifully written, with such vivid descriptions. There are some dark themes and heartbreaking moments that caught me off guard. This author is now on my auto-buy list! I highly recommend it!
April 9, 2026
Can I just say that you get SMACKED in the face with emotion a few pages in. This is my third book of Christy's that I've read, and I truly enjoyed this book. The characters formed so effortlessly in my mind. Christy describes her characters so naturally that you slowly fall in love with them, even the "not so nice ones." It's a sweet daughter and father duo to start, with ever changing environments. The different worlds are easy to follow and the people are all differently interesting. A female main character who really wants love, the love she finds, and the internal battle the main male character has. You have to check out the other books in this series too! You will fall in love with fantasy all over again.
May 10, 2026
Stardust sneaks up on you emotionally. What starts as a story about a young woman struggling to find her place quickly changes into something far deeper. Grief, identity, love, and the weight of expectations are all woven into a beautifully imagined world. Kirlyam felt incredibly real to me as a protagonist; her uncertainty and emotional conflict made her easy to resonate with, even within the larger science-fiction setting.
What I loved most was how character-driven the story felt.
There’s a softness to the writing that balances the heavier themes perfectly, and the world building has this dreamy, almost evocative quality that keeps your mind engaged even after you finish the book.
What I loved most was how character-driven the story felt.
There’s a softness to the writing that balances the heavier themes perfectly, and the world building has this dreamy, almost evocative quality that keeps your mind engaged even after you finish the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stardust was an absolute joy to read!! I went in 100% blind so had no idea what to expect, and I'm so glad I did. I was immediately drawn to the story and had a very hard time putting the book down. I have read all three of Christy's books, and this one by far is my absolute favorite!! I cannot complement it enough.
For those who love a good sci-fi romance with a lot of violence, trauma, love, and healing...this one is for you. Just make sure to have a lot of tissue on hand because you're certainly going to need it. ;)
For those who love a good sci-fi romance with a lot of violence, trauma, love, and healing...this one is for you. Just make sure to have a lot of tissue on hand because you're certainly going to need it. ;)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a wild ride that was! This story pulls on ALL the heartstrings, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I love how Christy created a world that was both intriguing and easy to navigate. The challenges all her characters face are realistic and relatable in some way or another. The story goes far beyond Kirlyam looking for adventure. The people she meets along the way have stories of their own weaved in so seamlessly that you'll end up falling in love with them, too.
Sahil's personality was everything!!!
A must-read Indie book ♡
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sahil's personality was everything!!!
A must-read Indie book ♡
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 24, 2026
Another wonderful story from Christy! She never disappoints me. This is such a beautiful love story and so different because it’s not set in one place it’s all over the galaxy and I absolutely loved that. I got so attached to these characters (well most of them) and may have had my heart ripped out a little 😭 regardless of the heartbreak I quickly fell in love with not just the characters but the storyline and all that goes along with it. Highly recommend! Thank you Christy for allowing me to be on your ARC team 🫶🏼
April 30, 2026
Stardust has just been placed in the top three for my favorite books of the year!
What can I say about this amazing book?
I loved five of the characters while I wanted to punch three others in the face (several times throughout the book).
The descriptions of the settings were so detailed that I was able to picture myself actually there.
I went through every emotion like a rollercoaster.
The ending was beautiful. I highly recommend Stardust!
What can I say about this amazing book?
I loved five of the characters while I wanted to punch three others in the face (several times throughout the book).
The descriptions of the settings were so detailed that I was able to picture myself actually there.
I went through every emotion like a rollercoaster.
The ending was beautiful. I highly recommend Stardust!
May 23, 2026
Never have I ever read a book with such smooth sailing. Where you know exactly what is going on. Every detail, every twist and turn is documented. This book is a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! I was hooked from start to finish. I love Rakesh and Kirlyam's journey to find love.There were also some unexpected surprises that added to the narrative (I won't spoil it!) Even the "down" parts outside of the action held my attention and never felt "slow." This book will keep you hooked and break your heart. Definitely give it a read!
Read
March 25, 2026I just finished Stardust by Christy Skidmore and the storyline was amazing. Christy has a style of writing that immediately pulls you in and keeps you hooked for the entire ride.
I loved Kirlyam and Rakesh, but honestly Yohan—Kirlyam’s dad—was my favorite character. He was the dream dad. I’m not even sure why, but something about his character just touched my soul the most.
The only reason this didn’t get a full 5 stars from me is because of “The End.” I didn’t want this story to end. I wanted to stay in that world longer.
I loved Kirlyam and Rakesh, but honestly Yohan—Kirlyam’s dad—was my favorite character. He was the dream dad. I’m not even sure why, but something about his character just touched my soul the most.
The only reason this didn’t get a full 5 stars from me is because of “The End.” I didn’t want this story to end. I wanted to stay in that world longer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a beautiful read. The backdrop of sci-fi and the spin on fated "gleam" bond was super refreshing. The simplicity of the book and the characters goodness shone through even against a conplex interstellar background. Yohan was a gem. Ker was sweet. And Rakesh was every bit the man Christy envisioned. I loved how layered he was. Tough to the world, soft to Ker. And Sahil was the quintessential younger brother and brought so much light and life to the book. Great read if you're looking for something soft and indulgent with a hint of tragedy. Definitely recommend!
April 24, 2026
The FMC from Pomii who is strong, curious, and not afraid to chase the unknown. The MMC from Earth, who is carrying trauma and learning how to finally love himself. Together—they break barriers, challenge differences, and prove that acceptance isn’t optional… it’s everything.
Packed with action, secrets, growth, and just the right touch of love.
If you’re into adventure, culture clashes, and characters who actually grow… go grab Stardust
Packed with action, secrets, growth, and just the right touch of love.
If you’re into adventure, culture clashes, and characters who actually grow… go grab Stardust
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews