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Circling the Stars
Not yet published
Expected 1 Oct 26192 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5* rounded up.
I was interested to try a book in verse but unfortunately it's not the format for me. I was taught how to read/say the pauses at the end of a line a certain way and it doesn't seem to work with this. Doesn't flow at all for me.
I still don't understand the title... I think the cover should've at least had the main character on it coz the fox is not the main character.
I struggled with the main character/setting not being introduced at the start, I didn't know what to imagine.
Do people have plastic windowsills?!
What is a comp school? I had to guess.
I did like the line "I feel the grump of her gaze. " 🤣
I wish all the speaking had proper quotation marks, I find not using them very hard to understand.
Chapters were missing too. My eyes got used to and ignored the stars separating sections and I'd get confused.
I think this would've been much better written as a normal book. The plot is interesting (maybe too many pilot lines) but the format is distracting.
My thanks to Netgalley for the advance ebook copy.
I was interested to try a book in verse but unfortunately it's not the format for me. I was taught how to read/say the pauses at the end of a line a certain way and it doesn't seem to work with this. Doesn't flow at all for me.
I still don't understand the title... I think the cover should've at least had the main character on it coz the fox is not the main character.
I struggled with the main character/setting not being introduced at the start, I didn't know what to imagine.
Do people have plastic windowsills?!
What is a comp school? I had to guess.
I did like the line "I feel the grump of her gaze. " 🤣
I wish all the speaking had proper quotation marks, I find not using them very hard to understand.
Chapters were missing too. My eyes got used to and ignored the stars separating sections and I'd get confused.
I think this would've been much better written as a normal book. The plot is interesting (maybe too many pilot lines) but the format is distracting.
My thanks to Netgalley for the advance ebook copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I didn't realise this would be a poetry style story when I picked it up, and no matter how hard I try with poetry and narrative poetry, I just can't bring myself to enjoy it.
I did make it to the end of this one, as the story with the foxes kept me just curious enough to keep going, and it wasn't exactly a long book.
I found Anwen/ani rather annoying as a character. The side story about her parents splitting up...I know that it's an important topic that a lot of children deal with, and reading books can help them cope with these things, but this book brought nothing new to this particular subject.
The best part were the foxes. The rest was just dull to me.
I also found that the author was using a lot of outdated terms for things, maybe they are more common where the book is set? But it felt like someone a little out of touch with current language amongst adolescents.
So overall, not for me.
I did make it to the end of this one, as the story with the foxes kept me just curious enough to keep going, and it wasn't exactly a long book.
I found Anwen/ani rather annoying as a character. The side story about her parents splitting up...I know that it's an important topic that a lot of children deal with, and reading books can help them cope with these things, but this book brought nothing new to this particular subject.
The best part were the foxes. The rest was just dull to me.
I also found that the author was using a lot of outdated terms for things, maybe they are more common where the book is set? But it felt like someone a little out of touch with current language amongst adolescents.
So overall, not for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book Review
Circling the Stars
by Laura Sheldon
Circling the Stars is a beautifully gentle and emotional story that explores friendship, loss, and healing in such a tender way 💛
At its heart, this is a story about coping with change. Ani’s journey through her dad’s absence feels honest and relatable, and I loved how the story handles those emotions with care and softness. The nighttime adventures add a quiet sense of magic, and the bond that forms between Ani, Nando, and the fox is truly special 🦊✨
The writing has a calm, almost dreamlike quality that makes it perfect for younger readers while still carrying meaningful themes that will resonate with both children and adults. The story of the fox and her cubs adds just the right touch of tension and heart, making it both comforting and engaging.
A lovely, heartfelt read about finding connection in unexpected places—and learning that even in difficult times, you’re never truly alone 🌌
Circling the Stars
by Laura Sheldon
Circling the Stars is a beautifully gentle and emotional story that explores friendship, loss, and healing in such a tender way 💛
At its heart, this is a story about coping with change. Ani’s journey through her dad’s absence feels honest and relatable, and I loved how the story handles those emotions with care and softness. The nighttime adventures add a quiet sense of magic, and the bond that forms between Ani, Nando, and the fox is truly special 🦊✨
The writing has a calm, almost dreamlike quality that makes it perfect for younger readers while still carrying meaningful themes that will resonate with both children and adults. The story of the fox and her cubs adds just the right touch of tension and heart, making it both comforting and engaging.
A lovely, heartfelt read about finding connection in unexpected places—and learning that even in difficult times, you’re never truly alone 🌌
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Angwen is struggling to deal with the new normal since her father has moved out.
Until she notices her next door neighbour, a boy of a similar age, sneaking out of his house every night. Where does he go?
After following Nando, Ani discovers she soon has not one but two new companions - and one of them is a fox! This is a touching, slightly melancholic, but ultimately hopeful story about how to navigate life, find friends in unexpected places, and enjoy what nature has to offer.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Until she notices her next door neighbour, a boy of a similar age, sneaking out of his house every night. Where does he go?
After following Nando, Ani discovers she soon has not one but two new companions - and one of them is a fox! This is a touching, slightly melancholic, but ultimately hopeful story about how to navigate life, find friends in unexpected places, and enjoy what nature has to offer.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews