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The Weight of Stars and Suns #1
The Weight of Stars and Suns
One hundred years ago, the spaceship Genesis crashed on a planet ringed with thirty-six suns.
And all hell broke loose.
Now the descendants of the marooned humans live enslaved to the natives. As the humans plan their latest rebellion, the suns of Tav begin to extinguish one by one. The ecological and political turmoil is Tavarian princess Dameia's chance to prove herself worthy of becoming the next Chieftain. When her well-ordered path collides with the humans' rebel leader Hyam, the unlikely allies find themselves reconsidering ingrained prejudices in order to protect the future of the planet and everyone on it.
Tav is facing imminent ruin. Hyam is caught between the freedom of his people and the princess he has come to love; Dameia battles the demands of her birthright and its condemnation of the human who has become her world.
Because if they each save their people, they cannot save each other.
And all hell broke loose.
Now the descendants of the marooned humans live enslaved to the natives. As the humans plan their latest rebellion, the suns of Tav begin to extinguish one by one. The ecological and political turmoil is Tavarian princess Dameia's chance to prove herself worthy of becoming the next Chieftain. When her well-ordered path collides with the humans' rebel leader Hyam, the unlikely allies find themselves reconsidering ingrained prejudices in order to protect the future of the planet and everyone on it.
Tav is facing imminent ruin. Hyam is caught between the freedom of his people and the princess he has come to love; Dameia battles the demands of her birthright and its condemnation of the human who has become her world.
Because if they each save their people, they cannot save each other.
- GenresScience FictionAliens
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
11 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 23, 2022
Why doesn’t this book have more reviews?!
THIS RIGHT HERE? This is where it's at.
Dawn has this exceptional way of creating depth and dimension even in third person. She manages to craft an entire world, politics, relationships, drama, gossip-- everything. It's perfectly rounded and beautifully immersive. I felt like I traveled to Tav in the week that I read this book, and I never regretted a moment of it. (As long as I was on that ship, lol)
I absolutely adore the world Dawn has created full of breathtaking characters and a romance to die for. She had my screaming and crying and laughing all within the week it took me to read this. Not only did I instantly start reading book 2, but I also picked up a paperback copy for myself. LOL
I think I’ve got a new favorite author, y’all. Lol
THIS RIGHT HERE? This is where it's at.
Dawn has this exceptional way of creating depth and dimension even in third person. She manages to craft an entire world, politics, relationships, drama, gossip-- everything. It's perfectly rounded and beautifully immersive. I felt like I traveled to Tav in the week that I read this book, and I never regretted a moment of it. (As long as I was on that ship, lol)
I absolutely adore the world Dawn has created full of breathtaking characters and a romance to die for. She had my screaming and crying and laughing all within the week it took me to read this. Not only did I instantly start reading book 2, but I also picked up a paperback copy for myself. LOL
I think I’ve got a new favorite author, y’all. Lol
April 20, 2020
I was given an ARC of the TWoSaS
Wonderful introduction into this world. Everything from the way Jonckowski developed a realistic world to her lyrical prose. I couldn’t put it down. You’re instantly transported into this alluring new world with these captivating purple people and the humans they’ve claimed as their own.
Tav, feels real. From the description of a land baked in sunlight, to its indigenous people. Jonckowski doesn’t skimp on tiny details, like special wines, or fun ways she’s incorporated things we know. Honestly, this was one of my most favorite parts. The world building is effortless. You never feel bogged down or overwhelmed with trying to learn a million things about this foreign place. And as someone who rarely reads sci-fi for this reason, it was a breath of fresh air for me.
Now, the love portion! While I’m not a jump in with two feet blind kind of gal, Jonckowski tells the love of an almost instantaneous connection between two caged souls in a way it never feels forced. The love between Dameia and Hyam hits hard. Hyam’s wit and rebellious spirit, (holds hand over heart) it sucked me right in and it was the perfect way to break through the walls of this Princess. Dameia initially feels distanced from the reader, but in my opinion it was well suited to her character and later her arc. As I believe her upbringing and the weight of her future responsibilities would do this to a person. But as Hyam chips away, you see who she really is and can’t help but fall in love with her strength (cause our girl has a lot of it) and her leadership.
BOTH of our leads take on incredible leadership roles and you never feel like one is pulling more than the other. It’s simply harmonious.
A must read!
Wonderful introduction into this world. Everything from the way Jonckowski developed a realistic world to her lyrical prose. I couldn’t put it down. You’re instantly transported into this alluring new world with these captivating purple people and the humans they’ve claimed as their own.
Tav, feels real. From the description of a land baked in sunlight, to its indigenous people. Jonckowski doesn’t skimp on tiny details, like special wines, or fun ways she’s incorporated things we know. Honestly, this was one of my most favorite parts. The world building is effortless. You never feel bogged down or overwhelmed with trying to learn a million things about this foreign place. And as someone who rarely reads sci-fi for this reason, it was a breath of fresh air for me.
Now, the love portion! While I’m not a jump in with two feet blind kind of gal, Jonckowski tells the love of an almost instantaneous connection between two caged souls in a way it never feels forced. The love between Dameia and Hyam hits hard. Hyam’s wit and rebellious spirit, (holds hand over heart) it sucked me right in and it was the perfect way to break through the walls of this Princess. Dameia initially feels distanced from the reader, but in my opinion it was well suited to her character and later her arc. As I believe her upbringing and the weight of her future responsibilities would do this to a person. But as Hyam chips away, you see who she really is and can’t help but fall in love with her strength (cause our girl has a lot of it) and her leadership.
BOTH of our leads take on incredible leadership roles and you never feel like one is pulling more than the other. It’s simply harmonious.
A must read!
January 22, 2020
I read the paperback, though Kindle is the only option at present. That shouldn't matter. Same book, after all. ;o)
The Weight of Stars and Suns is a well-written book that keeps you on a balanced ride of go-with- the-flow enjoyment and heart-in-your-throat tension. Light and darkness. :o)
My interest was piqued from the beginning and kept to the end, and the author did it without the use of tons of contrived drama (that stuff makes me cringe haha). No character came across as unrealistic or without good cause for their behaviors and choices, and romance in the book came across as soulful, natural, and multi-faceted. Not *sappy*. Which means that I didn't have to roll my eyes even once. ;o)
The author has created a physically beautiful and fascinating world with characters and cultures I appreciated and enjoyed for both their strengths and weaknesses. The writing is lovely, clear, well done, and smart and sometimes made me laugh out loud (though the story is by no means a comedy).
I hope there's another one coming. I'm definitely interested. ;o)
The Weight of Stars and Suns is a well-written book that keeps you on a balanced ride of go-with- the-flow enjoyment and heart-in-your-throat tension. Light and darkness. :o)
My interest was piqued from the beginning and kept to the end, and the author did it without the use of tons of contrived drama (that stuff makes me cringe haha). No character came across as unrealistic or without good cause for their behaviors and choices, and romance in the book came across as soulful, natural, and multi-faceted. Not *sappy*. Which means that I didn't have to roll my eyes even once. ;o)
The author has created a physically beautiful and fascinating world with characters and cultures I appreciated and enjoyed for both their strengths and weaknesses. The writing is lovely, clear, well done, and smart and sometimes made me laugh out loud (though the story is by no means a comedy).
I hope there's another one coming. I'm definitely interested. ;o)
March 1, 2020
I was gifted an advance copy of The Weight of Stars and Suns not in the hopes of a review, but simply because I was obsessed beyond reason with the snippets posted on Twitter and the author's website for the last two years. I repeat: it was not a review copy.
It was a love copy. And boy....did I ever.
I'm here to review because to not review would be a betrayal of this book.
This book is full of wit, and snark, and beauty, and as such is still one of my favorite reads ever. You will root for the characters at the same time as you wonder how the author could possibly fix the bind she's put them in. Your heart will leap and sink at turns on this roller coaster.
Jonckowski has pulled off a feat of wonder here, as her characters do all they can to drive the plot, but the plot fights back. As a result, this will appeal to both character and plot-centric readers. Her world-building is a light touch as-needed approach, so you won't be bogged down in the how but you will get enough of the why.
If you needed a book to restore your faith in independent publishing: This Is The One.
Now, from my (admittedly fangirly) blog:
The Weight of Stars and Suns is sci-fi romance on an interstellar scale. Jonckowski’s characters leap off the page and into your heart–even the ones maybe you weren’t supposed to love so much. (Or, maybe you were, and this is all part of her plan to break your heart in the most glorious way possible.)
Jonckowski’s writing has a lyricism, a musical beat, and a romantic inhale that moves through you and speaks to you. Her characters will make you laugh and cry and groan in sympathy.
This book is so, so special. I can honestly say; if you don’t read it you’ll be missing out on a true piece of magic.
It was a love copy. And boy....did I ever.
I'm here to review because to not review would be a betrayal of this book.
This book is full of wit, and snark, and beauty, and as such is still one of my favorite reads ever. You will root for the characters at the same time as you wonder how the author could possibly fix the bind she's put them in. Your heart will leap and sink at turns on this roller coaster.
Jonckowski has pulled off a feat of wonder here, as her characters do all they can to drive the plot, but the plot fights back. As a result, this will appeal to both character and plot-centric readers. Her world-building is a light touch as-needed approach, so you won't be bogged down in the how but you will get enough of the why.
If you needed a book to restore your faith in independent publishing: This Is The One.
Now, from my (admittedly fangirly) blog:
The Weight of Stars and Suns is sci-fi romance on an interstellar scale. Jonckowski’s characters leap off the page and into your heart–even the ones maybe you weren’t supposed to love so much. (Or, maybe you were, and this is all part of her plan to break your heart in the most glorious way possible.)
Jonckowski’s writing has a lyricism, a musical beat, and a romantic inhale that moves through you and speaks to you. Her characters will make you laugh and cry and groan in sympathy.
This book is so, so special. I can honestly say; if you don’t read it you’ll be missing out on a true piece of magic.
July 23, 2020
I think this sci-fi/fantasy masterpiece was amazing!
I was so moved and hooked on this new sci-fi fantasy story between a tavarian princess Dameia from far away from the galaxy and a human Hyam who was enslaved for being a rebel.
I have some mixed feelings with the chieftain (Dameia's father) sometimes I like him and sometimes I don't.
The warden was pretty annoying to me with all the spittle and saliva when he brags when I read it I was like (oh god man why?"
I really like Hyam and Ithai, and also Dameia and Woolsey ( I have many liked characters)
Dawn Christine Jonkowski did an incredible job!
I can't wait for The Ashes of Hope and Hunger.
I was so moved and hooked on this new sci-fi fantasy story between a tavarian princess Dameia from far away from the galaxy and a human Hyam who was enslaved for being a rebel.
I have some mixed feelings with the chieftain (Dameia's father) sometimes I like him and sometimes I don't.
The warden was pretty annoying to me with all the spittle and saliva when he brags when I read it I was like (oh god man why?"
I really like Hyam and Ithai, and also Dameia and Woolsey ( I have many liked characters)
Dawn Christine Jonkowski did an incredible job!
I can't wait for The Ashes of Hope and Hunger.
March 28, 2025
This is one of those hidden gems I occasionally find in the sea of self published books stored in my Kindle.
The writing style reminds me just a bit of The Princess Bride.
I really enjoyed the sci fi aspect of the book: the planet with 36 suns, the lost explorers, and the alien population. The romance aspect read a bit more traditional than the current Romantasy trends and I liked both characters, Hyam and Dameia.
Looking forward to the next two books of the trilogy.
The writing style reminds me just a bit of The Princess Bride.
I really enjoyed the sci fi aspect of the book: the planet with 36 suns, the lost explorers, and the alien population. The romance aspect read a bit more traditional than the current Romantasy trends and I liked both characters, Hyam and Dameia.
Looking forward to the next two books of the trilogy.
April 30, 2020
When I heard this was finally getting published, I was ecstatic. I'm normally not one for sci-fi fantasy books, but the concept of a planet with thirty-six suns was too intriguing of a concept for me to pass up on--let alone pass up on reading about how the suns are beginning to burn out. I was excited to read how the main characters, the princess Dameia and the rebel Hyam, handle this situation on top of the politics taking place.
This book is really easy to read, and if it weren't for life things popping up throughout the month distracting me I would have been able to finished this within a week. The writing flows, and the voice is unique. A bit repetitive at times but nothing that detracts from the story nor the experience.
I was pleased, as well, by how much we get to learn about the world of Tav--both directly and indirectly. I haven't read many books so far this year that embrace its world building and I'm happy to find that The Weight Of Stars And Suns allows me to step my foot onto the sandy-dirt planet. It was nice, too, to be able to comprehend the culture without having every detail spelled out to me. Rather, letting me come to conclusions based off of the information given to me.
The characters are unique, as well, and I had a fun time getting to know about them as the story progressed. I do wish we had gotten some more time with some characters, such as Hyam and Matime. Getting a chance to explore them and their relationships more is something I found myself constantly craving. However, they never felt 2D or incomplete.
With that said, this is a book I'm happy to step out of my comfort zone for. I enjoyed my time with this book and am already looking forward to the next one to come from this series. Not many books can spark an emotional reaction out of me, and this one managed to get me to cry... twice.
This book is really easy to read, and if it weren't for life things popping up throughout the month distracting me I would have been able to finished this within a week. The writing flows, and the voice is unique. A bit repetitive at times but nothing that detracts from the story nor the experience.
I was pleased, as well, by how much we get to learn about the world of Tav--both directly and indirectly. I haven't read many books so far this year that embrace its world building and I'm happy to find that The Weight Of Stars And Suns allows me to step my foot onto the sandy-dirt planet. It was nice, too, to be able to comprehend the culture without having every detail spelled out to me. Rather, letting me come to conclusions based off of the information given to me.
The characters are unique, as well, and I had a fun time getting to know about them as the story progressed. I do wish we had gotten some more time with some characters, such as Hyam and Matime. Getting a chance to explore them and their relationships more is something I found myself constantly craving. However, they never felt 2D or incomplete.
With that said, this is a book I'm happy to step out of my comfort zone for. I enjoyed my time with this book and am already looking forward to the next one to come from this series. Not many books can spark an emotional reaction out of me, and this one managed to get me to cry... twice.
November 13, 2021
The Weight of Stars and Suns makes you think about the possibilities outside of your small dot in space that we call earth. After humans explore all of space, they find a planet at the "edge" of the universe. Losing contact, Earth believes that the initial space travelers have perished. Years and generations later, we find that they are not deceased, and that is where the book picks up.
The characters' storylines are incredibly intricate and so much is told between the lines. The human "slaves" want to retreat from the planet they find themselves trapped on, or at least become citizens rather than servants. The aliens find that the humans owe them because they protected the humans when they arrived. This argument is what brings two characters together to work together to find a resolution. I loved the dynamic between these two characters, along with the struggle between father and daughter that also spins around the whole plotline. This is a great read!
I eagerly await the time that I can read book two, The Ashes of Hope and Hunger, because I really want to find out what happens to these characters!
The characters' storylines are incredibly intricate and so much is told between the lines. The human "slaves" want to retreat from the planet they find themselves trapped on, or at least become citizens rather than servants. The aliens find that the humans owe them because they protected the humans when they arrived. This argument is what brings two characters together to work together to find a resolution. I loved the dynamic between these two characters, along with the struggle between father and daughter that also spins around the whole plotline. This is a great read!
I eagerly await the time that I can read book two, The Ashes of Hope and Hunger, because I really want to find out what happens to these characters!
November 15, 2022
What I Did Like:
+Those Romeo and Juliet vibes work for me. I love the epic tragedy of a star crossed love story and this one delivers. It’s a roller coaster of ups and down right from the start.
+The world building is beautiful. The details that went into the creation of this world with 36 suns was obvious and made the story a beautiful journey.
+Dameia is a solid character. She had layers of depth hiding under the face she presents to the people and I adored her for being real. The things she struggles with are relatable enough that you can connect to her despite her standing on Tav.
Who Should Read This One:
-If I said “Romeo and Juliet in space” and your interest was piqued … this is for you. You’re welcome.
-Also, if you are fans of my Kingdom of Fraun series, this is a good comp title. This is science fiction where Fraun is all fantasy but there’s a lot of similarities I think you’ll enjoy.
My Rating: 4 stars
Well written, great journey!
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
+Those Romeo and Juliet vibes work for me. I love the epic tragedy of a star crossed love story and this one delivers. It’s a roller coaster of ups and down right from the start.
+The world building is beautiful. The details that went into the creation of this world with 36 suns was obvious and made the story a beautiful journey.
+Dameia is a solid character. She had layers of depth hiding under the face she presents to the people and I adored her for being real. The things she struggles with are relatable enough that you can connect to her despite her standing on Tav.
Who Should Read This One:
-If I said “Romeo and Juliet in space” and your interest was piqued … this is for you. You’re welcome.
-Also, if you are fans of my Kingdom of Fraun series, this is a good comp title. This is science fiction where Fraun is all fantasy but there’s a lot of similarities I think you’ll enjoy.
My Rating: 4 stars
Well written, great journey!
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
November 18, 2022
This book draws you in from the moment you start reading it and won’t let you go until you finish. The world the author has skilfully created feels so real, I was living in it whilst reading. I felt the challenges, heartbreak, love, doom and despair as if they were mine and hated ‘my life’ briefly as there didn’t seem to be a positive outcome on the horizon. The plight of the main characters Dameia and Hyam is filled with forbidden want and obstacles to be overcome and their future seems bleak, but still there is a sprinkling of hope present, which spurred me on, and was kept hanging till the very last page. Was my hope justified? You’ll have to read for yourself! There are other interesting characters too, making this a very well rounded and promising first in series, as I’m sure more stories are in store for them. I’m definitely down to read the next one!
June 28, 2023
2021 reread: I loved this book even more the second time! The story and the characters are so original! I love this book so much! Please read it!!!
This was an amazing debut novel! With a story and characters that captivated me from the very beginning. I loved the characters of Dameia and Hyam. I loved their relationship and the ending that left me wanting more but no more pages to read. 😭 I also loved the character of Captain Katherine Woolsey, but I’m a little biased on that part haha. Captain Woolsey is based on my good friend. I highly recommend this book to everyone especially those that love space opera fantasies! Please do yourself a favor and checkout this book! I cannot wait until The Ashes of Hope and Hunger comes out!!
This was an amazing debut novel! With a story and characters that captivated me from the very beginning. I loved the characters of Dameia and Hyam. I loved their relationship and the ending that left me wanting more but no more pages to read. 😭 I also loved the character of Captain Katherine Woolsey, but I’m a little biased on that part haha. Captain Woolsey is based on my good friend. I highly recommend this book to everyone especially those that love space opera fantasies! Please do yourself a favor and checkout this book! I cannot wait until The Ashes of Hope and Hunger comes out!!
December 17, 2025
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I do not read science fiction, but I hears this one is good. Indeed, it will prove to be my "gateway drug" to the genre.
The author described Tav so vividly that I was transported there every time I picked up the Kindle. When I put it down, I could not wait to go back. The main characters felt like old friends that I cared about after just a few chapters. I was already hooked after the first few pages.
The author is witty and lyrical. One of my favorite lines is when "he hung the necklace of suns" around the Tav. Absolutely beautiful.
Read this and savor every word. I can't believe I may have to wait a while year for the next one to come out! I want to see what happens!
The author described Tav so vividly that I was transported there every time I picked up the Kindle. When I put it down, I could not wait to go back. The main characters felt like old friends that I cared about after just a few chapters. I was already hooked after the first few pages.
The author is witty and lyrical. One of my favorite lines is when "he hung the necklace of suns" around the Tav. Absolutely beautiful.
Read this and savor every word. I can't believe I may have to wait a while year for the next one to come out! I want to see what happens!
December 4, 2022
Amazing worldbuilding
I instantly grabbed the next book in the series. And my review could end here :)
What I loved the most about this book was the writing style - this author could write a menu, and I would read it only for the pleasure of following the expert weaving of words and feelings.
The second thing I loved about this story was that the alien race was behind the humans' technological development. It's usually the other way around, and this was nice for a change.
A couple of things intrigued me and seemed to not make sense, but they might be revealed in the second book in the series.
I read this as part of a book club and highly recommend it.
I instantly grabbed the next book in the series. And my review could end here :)
What I loved the most about this book was the writing style - this author could write a menu, and I would read it only for the pleasure of following the expert weaving of words and feelings.
The second thing I loved about this story was that the alien race was behind the humans' technological development. It's usually the other way around, and this was nice for a change.
A couple of things intrigued me and seemed to not make sense, but they might be revealed in the second book in the series.
I read this as part of a book club and highly recommend it.
November 16, 2022
Worlds Apart.
I’m always impressed with writers who can spin yarns about other worlds and have them fit nicely into our own levels of understanding. The depth of descriptive writing throughout plays well against this sci-fi romance novel. The characters are real and rich with detail, as are the surroundings, documenting a world of make-believe, perhaps, where we meet Dameia and Hyam. Think Romeo and Juliet with a touch of West Side Story and Star Trek. Kudos to the author.
I’m always impressed with writers who can spin yarns about other worlds and have them fit nicely into our own levels of understanding. The depth of descriptive writing throughout plays well against this sci-fi romance novel. The characters are real and rich with detail, as are the surroundings, documenting a world of make-believe, perhaps, where we meet Dameia and Hyam. Think Romeo and Juliet with a touch of West Side Story and Star Trek. Kudos to the author.
November 9, 2022
Romancing the suns
An interesting read. Lots of hidden gems with the words and descriptions. The story about two star crossed lovers is fantastically written and almost set me to being angry with the author at the end... But I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it to those who love a little clean romance on another planet.
An interesting read. Lots of hidden gems with the words and descriptions. The story about two star crossed lovers is fantastically written and almost set me to being angry with the author at the end... But I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it to those who love a little clean romance on another planet.
June 20, 2021
5 stars, out of 5
--Setting/Concept: 1
--Characters: 1
--Plot: 1
--Style/Voice: 1
--Theme: 1
TL;DR: The Weight of Stars and Suns delighted me with its singsong voice, whimsical space-opera setting, and heartwarming tale of two-worlds love. I was smiling through the entire book, and now I’m eager to read the rest of the series! Think Exodus x Disney’s Pocahontas for this one.
*** Possible Light Spoilers From Here On ***
When I first picked up The Weight of Stars and Suns, I had no clear expectations aside from some kind of romance, and maybe a planet that had a lot of suns. Ms. Jonckowski delivers nicely on both fronts. We immediately meet Dameia, the princess of the purple-skinned Tavarian people and heir apparent to the Chieftan, as she’s being served afternoon tea by her human slave under a whopping eighteen suns, strung across the sky. (The other eighteen are currently on the far side of the planet.) She’s stressing about becoming the first female Chieftan in Tav’s history, but when one of the suns suddenly goes dark, she knows she has bigger problems.
Her father, on the other hand, considers the upstart humans to be the more pressing issue, particularly the latest seditious organizers recently, ah, “hosted” in the Tavarian prisons. Sensing an opportunity to get his daughter some leadership experience and rid himself of a headache, he tasks her with interrogating the rebels to find out how to stop the next uprising in advance. Dameia promptly visits their leader, Hyam, and thus Ms. Jonckowski begins delivering the romance as the suns continue to blink out, promising doom—and a lot of extra work for Tav’s multitude of human slaves.
About that: in the past, Tav’s native people discovered forty human explorers who crash-landed on their planet, at a loss for how to survive on such a hot, bright world. With a technological (and cultural) level reminiscent of ancient Egypt, the Tavarians were all too quick to offer help—provided the humans promised themselves and all their descendants to serve them. Those humans, assuming rescue was coming any day, jumped at the chance, and their descendants are still justifiably salty about it, over a hundred years later, as they yearn for a home they never saw.
If “salty” seems like a glib way to describe generational slavery, I blame Ms. Jonckowski’s playful writing style. While the humans’ plight is indeed dire (ever more so, as the suns’ disappearance strains Tavarian society) and there are several scenes of emotional and/or physical abuse from their purple-skinned overlords, the humans take it with remarkable pragmatic verve. Indeed, every character in the book, from Dameia to Hyam to even the prison warden, delivers their lines and struggles against the odds with a glee that leaps off the page. Suffering is written into the story, but it’s constantly outshone by a wry, sarcastic wit that made it hard for me to worry about anyone. Which wasn’t a bad thing, in this case.
Overall, the story was a joy to read. The writing is clean (only the odd typo caught my eye); the voice is superb and playful, in the tongue-in-cheek manner of Tolkien with The Hobbit. The bad guys are bad (but not so bad as to be scary), the good guys are good, and the humans’ tenacious defiance is heartening. I won’t go into spoilers for the book’s resolution, other than to say that on the whole, the Tavarians are primed for some full-on karmic blowback by the end. The nods to Exodus are strong throughout, leaving me with an itch to watch The Prince of Egypt afterward, just for the resonant imagery. But ultimately, Stars and Suns is a tale of love crossing gulfs of culture and space, told in a whimsically fantastic setting that left me excited to read on in the series and get to know some of this universe’s other characters better.
--Setting/Concept: 1
--Characters: 1
--Plot: 1
--Style/Voice: 1
--Theme: 1
TL;DR: The Weight of Stars and Suns delighted me with its singsong voice, whimsical space-opera setting, and heartwarming tale of two-worlds love. I was smiling through the entire book, and now I’m eager to read the rest of the series! Think Exodus x Disney’s Pocahontas for this one.
*** Possible Light Spoilers From Here On ***
When I first picked up The Weight of Stars and Suns, I had no clear expectations aside from some kind of romance, and maybe a planet that had a lot of suns. Ms. Jonckowski delivers nicely on both fronts. We immediately meet Dameia, the princess of the purple-skinned Tavarian people and heir apparent to the Chieftan, as she’s being served afternoon tea by her human slave under a whopping eighteen suns, strung across the sky. (The other eighteen are currently on the far side of the planet.) She’s stressing about becoming the first female Chieftan in Tav’s history, but when one of the suns suddenly goes dark, she knows she has bigger problems.
Her father, on the other hand, considers the upstart humans to be the more pressing issue, particularly the latest seditious organizers recently, ah, “hosted” in the Tavarian prisons. Sensing an opportunity to get his daughter some leadership experience and rid himself of a headache, he tasks her with interrogating the rebels to find out how to stop the next uprising in advance. Dameia promptly visits their leader, Hyam, and thus Ms. Jonckowski begins delivering the romance as the suns continue to blink out, promising doom—and a lot of extra work for Tav’s multitude of human slaves.
About that: in the past, Tav’s native people discovered forty human explorers who crash-landed on their planet, at a loss for how to survive on such a hot, bright world. With a technological (and cultural) level reminiscent of ancient Egypt, the Tavarians were all too quick to offer help—provided the humans promised themselves and all their descendants to serve them. Those humans, assuming rescue was coming any day, jumped at the chance, and their descendants are still justifiably salty about it, over a hundred years later, as they yearn for a home they never saw.
If “salty” seems like a glib way to describe generational slavery, I blame Ms. Jonckowski’s playful writing style. While the humans’ plight is indeed dire (ever more so, as the suns’ disappearance strains Tavarian society) and there are several scenes of emotional and/or physical abuse from their purple-skinned overlords, the humans take it with remarkable pragmatic verve. Indeed, every character in the book, from Dameia to Hyam to even the prison warden, delivers their lines and struggles against the odds with a glee that leaps off the page. Suffering is written into the story, but it’s constantly outshone by a wry, sarcastic wit that made it hard for me to worry about anyone. Which wasn’t a bad thing, in this case.
Overall, the story was a joy to read. The writing is clean (only the odd typo caught my eye); the voice is superb and playful, in the tongue-in-cheek manner of Tolkien with The Hobbit. The bad guys are bad (but not so bad as to be scary), the good guys are good, and the humans’ tenacious defiance is heartening. I won’t go into spoilers for the book’s resolution, other than to say that on the whole, the Tavarians are primed for some full-on karmic blowback by the end. The nods to Exodus are strong throughout, leaving me with an itch to watch The Prince of Egypt afterward, just for the resonant imagery. But ultimately, Stars and Suns is a tale of love crossing gulfs of culture and space, told in a whimsically fantastic setting that left me excited to read on in the series and get to know some of this universe’s other characters better.
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