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Star Mother #1
Star Mother
A woman’s heart proves as infinite as the night sky in this fantasy by Charlie N. Holmberg.
When a star dies, a new one must be born.
The Sun God chooses the village of Endwever to provide a mortal womb. The birthing of a star is always fatal for the mother, and Ceris Wenden, who considers herself an outsider, sacrifices herself to secure her family’s honor and take control of her legacy. But after her star child is born, Ceris does what no other star mother has: she survives. When Ceris returns to Endwever, however, it’s not nine months later—it’s seven hundred years later. Inexplicably displaced in time, Ceris is determined to seek out her descendants.
Being a woman traveling alone brings its own challenges, until Ceris encounters a mysterious—and desperate—godling. Ristriel is incorporeal, a fugitive, a trickster, and the only being who can guide Ceris safely to her destination. Now, as Ceris traverses realms both mortal and beyond, her journey truly begins.
Together, pursued across the Earth and trespassing the heavens, Ceris and Ristriel are on a path to illuminate the mysteries that bind them and discover the secrets of the celestial world.
When a star dies, a new one must be born.
The Sun God chooses the village of Endwever to provide a mortal womb. The birthing of a star is always fatal for the mother, and Ceris Wenden, who considers herself an outsider, sacrifices herself to secure her family’s honor and take control of her legacy. But after her star child is born, Ceris does what no other star mother has: she survives. When Ceris returns to Endwever, however, it’s not nine months later—it’s seven hundred years later. Inexplicably displaced in time, Ceris is determined to seek out her descendants.
Being a woman traveling alone brings its own challenges, until Ceris encounters a mysterious—and desperate—godling. Ristriel is incorporeal, a fugitive, a trickster, and the only being who can guide Ceris safely to her destination. Now, as Ceris traverses realms both mortal and beyond, her journey truly begins.
Together, pursued across the Earth and trespassing the heavens, Ceris and Ristriel are on a path to illuminate the mysteries that bind them and discover the secrets of the celestial world.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2021
2835 people are currently reading
14744 people want to read
About the author
Charlie N. Holmberg
53 books8,797 followersCharlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, including the Paper Magician series, the Spellbreaker series, and the Whimbrel House series, and writes contemporary romance under C. N. Holmberg. She is published in over twenty languages and is a Goodreads Choice Award, ALA, and RITA finalist. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. A BYU alumna, she discovered in her thirties that she’s actually a cat person. She lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,198 reviews
May 25, 2021
I had to let this book digest for a few days once I finished it.
It. Broke. My. Heart.
Literally - like 479,012,841 times. Especially at the beginning, I was just overcome with motherly emotion and cried right along with Ceris. And then again nearer to the end... I just wanted to weep more.
The world building, per usual, is just amazing. You can see and feel it all and CNH really makes it come alive with brilliance. There were some parts I was utterly confused, like what just happened? Wait. As if the scene moved too quick and without reason, or perhaps abruptly ended.
After reading the entire story and then the acknowledgements at the end and finding out what motivated the author to write this book, it all just made more sense.
You have to look between the words. We all have a dark spot within our centers that can easily overshadow our light and joy. This book? It was really a work of art, one that helped pull the author out of her own darkness and back into the light. And you can feel that with Ceris' story.
I highly recommend this book - for everyone.
Thank you to the author for personally reaching out and offering me a digital e-arc. Just remember, Charlie: A certain darkness is needed to see the stars. <3
It. Broke. My. Heart.
Literally - like 479,012,841 times. Especially at the beginning, I was just overcome with motherly emotion and cried right along with Ceris. And then again nearer to the end... I just wanted to weep more.
The world building, per usual, is just amazing. You can see and feel it all and CNH really makes it come alive with brilliance. There were some parts I was utterly confused, like what just happened? Wait. As if the scene moved too quick and without reason, or perhaps abruptly ended.
After reading the entire story and then the acknowledgements at the end and finding out what motivated the author to write this book, it all just made more sense.
You have to look between the words. We all have a dark spot within our centers that can easily overshadow our light and joy. This book? It was really a work of art, one that helped pull the author out of her own darkness and back into the light. And you can feel that with Ceris' story.
I highly recommend this book - for everyone.
Thank you to the author for personally reaching out and offering me a digital e-arc. Just remember, Charlie: A certain darkness is needed to see the stars. <3
April 30, 2025
You ever wanna read a book where the main character fucks the sun? Here you go. Bring your sunblock.
Review:
https://youtu.be/1-Pk-PmB_7w
Review:
https://youtu.be/1-Pk-PmB_7w
August 3, 2022
Tale of Love, Promise, Sacrifice, of a Mother of Stars, Earth Mother's forgotten son, and the north star.
The children of the Sun only can be born through a mortal mother, and no mortal woman could survive the birthing of a star. That is a great honor to be a star mother!
Ceris is an ordinary girl, her path was already set before, marry, have a mortal family, lead a mortal life, and die as any mortal would. Chosen by a god never was an option, but what if no one volunteered, would the Sun punish?
"I thought making love to the Sun was the most unbearable pain I would ever experience. Giving birth to His child was far worse."
Amazing read! This was a very beautiful, touching, and heartwarming story. The writing style and the way story goes fascinating, engaging. The strong and pleasant characters are very well created. The end was unexpected and I'm going for book 2, Star Father instantly.
Undying Thanks to 47North via NetGalley to give me a chance to read Star Mother (Star Mother #1) by Charlie N. Holmberg, I have given my honest review.
The children of the Sun only can be born through a mortal mother, and no mortal woman could survive the birthing of a star. That is a great honor to be a star mother!
Ceris is an ordinary girl, her path was already set before, marry, have a mortal family, lead a mortal life, and die as any mortal would. Chosen by a god never was an option, but what if no one volunteered, would the Sun punish?
"I thought making love to the Sun was the most unbearable pain I would ever experience. Giving birth to His child was far worse."
Amazing read! This was a very beautiful, touching, and heartwarming story. The writing style and the way story goes fascinating, engaging. The strong and pleasant characters are very well created. The end was unexpected and I'm going for book 2, Star Father instantly.
Undying Thanks to 47North via NetGalley to give me a chance to read Star Mother (Star Mother #1) by Charlie N. Holmberg, I have given my honest review.
October 1, 2021
Like all of Charlie's books, I was instantly pulled into a world the same and yet so unlike our own. I always marvel at Charlie's imagination! I'm a busy mom and yet I finished this in 1 day; couldn't put it down!
Ceris is a very strong yet fun protagonist who's life changes completely with the Sun God lighting up the spire: a woman of child bearing age must sacrifice themselves to birth a star. Following her journey was inspiring and heart wrenching. I cried and laughed and really felt for her character. Another book very well done; can't wait for the next!
Ceris is a very strong yet fun protagonist who's life changes completely with the Sun God lighting up the spire: a woman of child bearing age must sacrifice themselves to birth a star. Following her journey was inspiring and heart wrenching. I cried and laughed and really felt for her character. Another book very well done; can't wait for the next!
November 6, 2022
This book tried to be deep and meaningful, but for me it didn't succeed. I'm probably too jaded. Or I've read so many fantasy books that were so much better.
February 6, 2022
When a star dies, a new one must be born, and to be a star-mother is considered the greatest of honour. To be a star-mother also requires a great sacrifice, for no mortal woman can survive the labour. Ceris Wenden is fully aware of this when she offers herself to become a star-mother, giving up all she knows to journey to the realm of the Sun-God. Yet, somehow Ceris survives the birth of her star, and requests the Sun to return her back to her village so she can be reunited with her family. He does so, however, when Ceris returns to the village of Endwever it is to find that seven hundred years have passed by. Determined to seek out her descendants, she sets off on her own. However it is a dangerous journey for a woman travelling alone, and when Ceris crosses paths with a mysterious Godling, Ristriel, she strikes a deal with him, where he will be her guide. As they travel together, Ceris slowly discovers the answers to questions she has about herself and the celestial world.
My first book from Holmberg, I was intrigued by the blurb to this book and also by the glowing reviews. The book gets off to a fairly promising start, the story quick to get going. I liked Ceris' sense of fun and it was hard not to feel for her as she learned that her fiance is in love with another villager, and in part this is what spurs her to sacrifice herself to the Sun-God, so that her intended can be released of his vow to her and marry the woman he loves, and at the same time her family's honour can be retained.
I was at this point intrigued to learn more of the world-building and mythology behind the story, as Ceris finds herself transported to the realm of the Sun-God. Unfortunately, this is where things started to become a little disappointing for me. I took it as a bad sign when suddenly everything began to be described as a 'not-something' e.g. the not-walls and the not-floors, which very quickly became rather tedious reading.
Overall, I have to say that the story was written in too childish a way for me personally. I understand that perhaps the author was aiming for a fairy-tale like feel, but me for her way of writing just didn't appeal. Her characters too felt under-developed for the most part, as was the whole world-building generally. Certainly, there were some interesting ideas here, however, I just felt they were not well executed or developed.
We spend a few chapters with Ceris in the Sun-God's realm, until she gives birth to her star. At this point everyone is surprised that she survives the labour, and she requests to be returned to her village. I did feel for Ceris when she learned that seven hundred years had gone by and the sense of loneliness she felt. At this point she embarks on her journey to find her descendants and this whole middle section of the book, I have to say for me personally was very much a drag, and difficult to get through. I was interested by Ristriel, who we are told is a trickster, but who agrees to help Ceris. The relationship that develops between them is sweet, but overall there wasn't enough going on, nor was the story being told in an engaging enough way, to really hold my attention.
The book also started to get a little confusing. The Sun-God suddenly shows up and wants Ceris to come back to him. Overall, I didn't particularly care for the Sun-God's character. I understood that the author was trying to convey that he was very much bound by the laws of the Universe, and that it hurt him to watch mortal women perish in order to birth his stars, and hence he didn't get close to them. But still just the fact that Ceris survived, didn't seem a good enough reason in itself for him to suddenly act as though she meant anything to him. Nor did his actions towards her every really suggest that she did, as he was always so caught up in his own affairs with the Moon and so on.
The idea of the Sun and Moon being at war did interest me, and the way other Godlings were caught up in this. However, again I didn't think this was executed in the best way, and at times the fantasy elements didn't really make much sense to me, and just seemed very abstract ideas that hadn't really been fully developed or thought through.
Alongside these tensions going on between Sun and Moon, there is a lot of confusion as to who Ristriel really is and why Sun seems to be after him. The last quarter of the book did pick up for me again, as we finally start to get some answers and see how things tie together. Again there were some interesting ideas here, I just thought it was a bit too late really to be enough to save the book overall.
Ristriel was my favorite character, and I did think his whole backstory was extremely sad. Ceris, whilst I did like, was rather one-dimensional, and also at times confusing e.g. at the end she is in love with Ristriel, yet she still enters into a relationship with Sun, seemingly just to pass away the years, until Ristriel is released from his prison.
Overall, whilst I liked some of the ideas here, this was not my cup of tea, and I won't be reading the up-coming sequel Star-Father, which I believe continues Sun's story.
My first book from Holmberg, I was intrigued by the blurb to this book and also by the glowing reviews. The book gets off to a fairly promising start, the story quick to get going. I liked Ceris' sense of fun and it was hard not to feel for her as she learned that her fiance is in love with another villager, and in part this is what spurs her to sacrifice herself to the Sun-God, so that her intended can be released of his vow to her and marry the woman he loves, and at the same time her family's honour can be retained.
I was at this point intrigued to learn more of the world-building and mythology behind the story, as Ceris finds herself transported to the realm of the Sun-God. Unfortunately, this is where things started to become a little disappointing for me. I took it as a bad sign when suddenly everything began to be described as a 'not-something' e.g. the not-walls and the not-floors, which very quickly became rather tedious reading.
Overall, I have to say that the story was written in too childish a way for me personally. I understand that perhaps the author was aiming for a fairy-tale like feel, but me for her way of writing just didn't appeal. Her characters too felt under-developed for the most part, as was the whole world-building generally. Certainly, there were some interesting ideas here, however, I just felt they were not well executed or developed.
We spend a few chapters with Ceris in the Sun-God's realm, until she gives birth to her star. At this point everyone is surprised that she survives the labour, and she requests to be returned to her village. I did feel for Ceris when she learned that seven hundred years had gone by and the sense of loneliness she felt. At this point she embarks on her journey to find her descendants and this whole middle section of the book, I have to say for me personally was very much a drag, and difficult to get through. I was interested by Ristriel, who we are told is a trickster, but who agrees to help Ceris. The relationship that develops between them is sweet, but overall there wasn't enough going on, nor was the story being told in an engaging enough way, to really hold my attention.
The book also started to get a little confusing. The Sun-God suddenly shows up and wants Ceris to come back to him. Overall, I didn't particularly care for the Sun-God's character. I understood that the author was trying to convey that he was very much bound by the laws of the Universe, and that it hurt him to watch mortal women perish in order to birth his stars, and hence he didn't get close to them. But still just the fact that Ceris survived, didn't seem a good enough reason in itself for him to suddenly act as though she meant anything to him. Nor did his actions towards her every really suggest that she did, as he was always so caught up in his own affairs with the Moon and so on.
The idea of the Sun and Moon being at war did interest me, and the way other Godlings were caught up in this. However, again I didn't think this was executed in the best way, and at times the fantasy elements didn't really make much sense to me, and just seemed very abstract ideas that hadn't really been fully developed or thought through.
Alongside these tensions going on between Sun and Moon, there is a lot of confusion as to who Ristriel really is and why Sun seems to be after him. The last quarter of the book did pick up for me again, as we finally start to get some answers and see how things tie together. Again there were some interesting ideas here, I just thought it was a bit too late really to be enough to save the book overall.
Ristriel was my favorite character, and I did think his whole backstory was extremely sad. Ceris, whilst I did like, was rather one-dimensional, and also at times confusing e.g. at the end she is in love with Ristriel, yet she still enters into a relationship with Sun, seemingly just to pass away the years, until Ristriel is released from his prison.
Overall, whilst I liked some of the ideas here, this was not my cup of tea, and I won't be reading the up-coming sequel Star-Father, which I believe continues Sun's story.
November 2, 2021
This was fine. I probably wouldn't have read it if it wasn't a Kindle First title and, as far as those usually go, it was definitely a higher tier. People who are more into this genre will likely find it a lot more appealing, but I can't get into these "I've known you for a week but I love you more than my own life" types of romances where characters are soulmates because they spent a few days in the same place.
October 10, 2021
Stunning
I'm quite speechless and in awe at the beauty of this book. A concept that is so unique, so different, so well executed - it was simply stunning. I've struggled to put it down, captivated by the tale of Ceris and Ristriel. Their story has burned like starlight into my heart, and I can tell they will remain favourites for a long time. If you've read my reviews of Holmberg, you'll know I love her work, but this has just taken the top spot. This book is above and beyond anything she's written so far, and quite possibly going to take the crown for my favourite read of the year.
Pick yourself up a copy and dive in to this wonderful, emotional and magical tale of love, family and starlight.
I'm quite speechless and in awe at the beauty of this book. A concept that is so unique, so different, so well executed - it was simply stunning. I've struggled to put it down, captivated by the tale of Ceris and Ristriel. Their story has burned like starlight into my heart, and I can tell they will remain favourites for a long time. If you've read my reviews of Holmberg, you'll know I love her work, but this has just taken the top spot. This book is above and beyond anything she's written so far, and quite possibly going to take the crown for my favourite read of the year.
Pick yourself up a copy and dive in to this wonderful, emotional and magical tale of love, family and starlight.
October 11, 2021
⭐This book is available as a Kindle First Reads book for October 2021. If you use Kindle First Reads, grab your copy now!⭐
This was a very unique story and I sped through it. I really liked Ceris, the main character, and her growth and sacrifices in the book. There were a few things that I thought would go unexplained that were actually wrapped up very neatly and satisfyingly which made me happy. And I really liked the slow burn romance. I love a slow burn.
I'm curious to find out what the companion novel, Star Father, will be about.
Thank you to Charlie N. Holmberg for providing me with an ARC of this one via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
This was a very unique story and I sped through it. I really liked Ceris, the main character, and her growth and sacrifices in the book. There were a few things that I thought would go unexplained that were actually wrapped up very neatly and satisfyingly which made me happy. And I really liked the slow burn romance. I love a slow burn.
I'm curious to find out what the companion novel, Star Father, will be about.
Thank you to Charlie N. Holmberg for providing me with an ARC of this one via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2021
I don't understand what people liked about this book. Readers who said that this book was "creative" and "broke their heart" probably never read actually creative, heart-breaking books. Those people likely don't read diverse books, because the vast majority of creativity in the speculative fiction / fantasy genre comes from diverse authors, and of those, mostly women of color and/or LGBTQIA+ writers. I found Star Mother boring, contrived, and derivative. I did not care about the characters and found the "love" story about as well-developed as a typical made-for-TV Lifetime Movie.
Worst of all, everything creative in Star Mother basically was stolen from N.K. Jemisin's Inheritance Series, which achieved all the goals that Charlie Holmberg seemed to set out to achieve (but didn't) with breathtaking, groundbreaking works of fiction that garnered NK Jemisin numerous well-deserved and hard-won honors.
If you are a fan of the genre, don't bother with this book. If you like empty, stolen plots and contrived, derivative universes, go for it. You have been warned.
Worst of all, everything creative in Star Mother basically was stolen from N.K. Jemisin's Inheritance Series, which achieved all the goals that Charlie Holmberg seemed to set out to achieve (but didn't) with breathtaking, groundbreaking works of fiction that garnered NK Jemisin numerous well-deserved and hard-won honors.
If you are a fan of the genre, don't bother with this book. If you like empty, stolen plots and contrived, derivative universes, go for it. You have been warned.
October 9, 2023
Star Mother is a beautifully written story. I’ve been trying to articulate my feelings about it in a review but I’m just not very good at this. The story it’s self is sooooo good but i think it’s the way Charlie writes that makes me love it so much. It’s on the shorter side but still feels like a whole and complete story. One of those books I will confidently recommend to any and everyone who will listen.
March 25, 2022
My head is still hurting from a few recent extremely dense reads. Looking for something lighter I turned to Holmberg, an author I can count on for a faster paced, magical read without too many details bogging it down – and was not disappointed.
Her latest duology, Star Mother, came out this winter and I have had it on my radar. I love her books when I need something cute and addictive without investing a wealth of brain power.
The Plot: This is a fast paced story about a mortal woman who chooses to bear a child of the Sun. I fully enjoyed her journey and watching her develop relationships with both the Sun and *the quintessentially complicated dark/mysterious/brooding man who is quite a mystery*. The plot is pretty unique and I enjoyed the idea of the story and lore behind it.
The Magic: In regular Holmberg fashion, she gives the reader just enough lore to understand the world and appreciate the magical elements. The magic held by the celestial beings and their legends felt very folklore ish to me. The book avoids a few complicated rabbit holes (Time not making sense, for one example), by saying that the Gods only need to know certain things. Then the tides and universe run on Starpower – so it’s something different but all vaguely explained. I liked the idea of interacting with the Gods and demigods and how they are formed! Ristriel had the most interesting magic by far but talking about it gets spoiler real quick!
World Building: I would like to see more world building in general, but Holmberg mainly tells us the main ideas we need to know for the story to make sense. I did like the descriptions of the Sun Palace and patriarchal society. If someone prefers characters and action to world building this will be a perfect book.
The Characters: Ceris was introduced as a prankster with an immature but great sense of humor and I liked her from the start. I don’t want to give too much away about Ristriel. He was dodgy about who and what he was and I think Ceris let it go a little too quickly. I also have to admit that while I definitely rooted for and wished each character well as individuals – I didn’t see the chemistry between them. The Sun was honorable and offered many times to do the right thing by Ceris (from a Christian standpoint anyway) and I liked his lore/legends as well. I hope the next book offers more of the Earth and Moon!
Themes: from the afterword, she wrote the book while in and coming out of a dark place. I liked the musings on faith and divinity, finding family, and keeping your promises.
One thing that did throw me was when a priest called Ceris out for abandoning her 100% fully CHOSEN mate with whom she had the star child – the choice and free will was highly emphasized too throughout the book – I thought he was right. Coming from a Christian author I was very surprised to see Ceris freak out about her honor as a woman when one can’t argue that she should have stayed with the Sun, who had offered to make her a queen. Ris could have been paired with someone else and prior to this Ceris had been extremely loyal to her betrothed. I also loved the cover but I missed where there was a fox in the book! I think it should have been one of Ristriel’s forms!
All in all, I fully recommend for romantic fantasy fans, folklore, or someone wanting to try fantasy for the first time!
A few notes on the audio: through Brilliance Audio, I didn’t realize that Kristine Hvam did any narration for 47North authors! I am familiar with her from the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, Ravenspire, and so many more. She is a well respected fantasy narrator (she does other genres too) and this is another solid performance from her. As the kindle audio is weird, I read and listened about 50/50 to this book. For sure, though, I definitely appreciate authors lile Holmberg and Jeff Wheeler who make their books and audiobooks accessible to read and listen via Kindle Unlimited!
Her latest duology, Star Mother, came out this winter and I have had it on my radar. I love her books when I need something cute and addictive without investing a wealth of brain power.
The Plot: This is a fast paced story about a mortal woman who chooses to bear a child of the Sun. I fully enjoyed her journey and watching her develop relationships with both the Sun and *the quintessentially complicated dark/mysterious/brooding man who is quite a mystery*. The plot is pretty unique and I enjoyed the idea of the story and lore behind it.
The Magic: In regular Holmberg fashion, she gives the reader just enough lore to understand the world and appreciate the magical elements. The magic held by the celestial beings and their legends felt very folklore ish to me. The book avoids a few complicated rabbit holes (Time not making sense, for one example), by saying that the Gods only need to know certain things. Then the tides and universe run on Starpower – so it’s something different but all vaguely explained. I liked the idea of interacting with the Gods and demigods and how they are formed! Ristriel had the most interesting magic by far but talking about it gets spoiler real quick!
World Building: I would like to see more world building in general, but Holmberg mainly tells us the main ideas we need to know for the story to make sense. I did like the descriptions of the Sun Palace and patriarchal society. If someone prefers characters and action to world building this will be a perfect book.
The Characters: Ceris was introduced as a prankster with an immature but great sense of humor and I liked her from the start. I don’t want to give too much away about Ristriel. He was dodgy about who and what he was and I think Ceris let it go a little too quickly. I also have to admit that while I definitely rooted for and wished each character well as individuals – I didn’t see the chemistry between them. The Sun was honorable and offered many times to do the right thing by Ceris (from a Christian standpoint anyway) and I liked his lore/legends as well. I hope the next book offers more of the Earth and Moon!
Themes: from the afterword, she wrote the book while in and coming out of a dark place. I liked the musings on faith and divinity, finding family, and keeping your promises.
One thing that did throw me was when a priest called Ceris out for abandoning her 100% fully CHOSEN mate with whom she had the star child – the choice and free will was highly emphasized too throughout the book – I thought he was right. Coming from a Christian author I was very surprised to see Ceris freak out about her honor as a woman when one can’t argue that she should have stayed with the Sun, who had offered to make her a queen. Ris could have been paired with someone else and prior to this Ceris had been extremely loyal to her betrothed. I also loved the cover but I missed where there was a fox in the book! I think it should have been one of Ristriel’s forms!
All in all, I fully recommend for romantic fantasy fans, folklore, or someone wanting to try fantasy for the first time!
A few notes on the audio: through Brilliance Audio, I didn’t realize that Kristine Hvam did any narration for 47North authors! I am familiar with her from the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, Ravenspire, and so many more. She is a well respected fantasy narrator (she does other genres too) and this is another solid performance from her. As the kindle audio is weird, I read and listened about 50/50 to this book. For sure, though, I definitely appreciate authors lile Holmberg and Jeff Wheeler who make their books and audiobooks accessible to read and listen via Kindle Unlimited!
October 25, 2021
Did not finish. We're expected to believe that Ceris was so special that the Sun god was intrigued enough to pursue her, but we aren't let in on to what exactly what qualities are attracting him. All I knew of her is that she got a kick out of playing bratty pranks on neighbors, bullying her reluctant, tearful sister to go along with her schemes. She unselfishly volunteered to be "star mother," but again, without knowing more about her personality, her actions left me puzzled. I would have preferred more background into what made her special, and that would have perhaps helped me to like her. I made it to 57% in the kindle book, thinking I'd like it better at some point, but finally gave it up.
September 25, 2021
Review to follow. I need to let this one sink in for a bit...
Review Update 9/25:
What a story. Much darker than Charlie's other works, but in a good way. This story explores a lot of different themes such as loyalty, love, loss, motherhood, and sacrifice. Star Mother is a book I'll think about for a long while to come.
Review Update 9/25:
What a story. Much darker than Charlie's other works, but in a good way. This story explores a lot of different themes such as loyalty, love, loss, motherhood, and sacrifice. Star Mother is a book I'll think about for a long while to come.
October 14, 2021
Easy Read.
Concept is unique. Execution good. Just missing a good reason. True love and how it was developed was a bit disappointing. The ending crammed 350 years in one chapter with explanation of oncoming grieve, anger, remove, and forgiveness was summed up as time. Just missing the elements of how the main character worked her way thru these deep emotions
Concept is unique. Execution good. Just missing a good reason. True love and how it was developed was a bit disappointing. The ending crammed 350 years in one chapter with explanation of oncoming grieve, anger, remove, and forgiveness was summed up as time. Just missing the elements of how the main character worked her way thru these deep emotions
October 5, 2021
No
Too childish. This was not an adult book. There is nothing more to say. I dislike doing a review always
Too childish. This was not an adult book. There is nothing more to say. I dislike doing a review always
March 18, 2022
This book took away time I will never get back so I believe I should be able to choose how to spend these next several minutes of my life, which is to rant. Great if you enjoyed it. I wished I did. Reading the other reviews I am in the minority here. These are just my opinions so don't come for me. Thank you kindly.
* spoilers
You've been warned, read at your own risk
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I was disappointed by this book because of all the high reviews. The premise was interesting but that's about where things stop. I kept reading, thinking that it would get better, more interesting but it never did it just got more confusing and ridiculous (in my opinion at least). Teen me maybe would have liked this book before I knew what healthy, meaningful, and realistic relationships are supposed to look like. Or before reading other books with better writing.
A few things I had an issue with (ok, I lied, it's a lot of things)
Prose: voice was immature, descriptions were bland and confusing. The greatest offense: all the "not-wall" "not-this" "not-that" descriptions. Thanks I know what it isn't but can you please just tell me what it is? Also, it felt sooooo Slooooow. Lack of urgency and the stakes were low.
Lore: This is not the first story to have the trope of sacrificing a woman to a god. it had potential but fell flat. It seemed half-baked even for a soft magic/lore system.
Setting: Meh. Generic Medieval England of some sort? Idk. Farms and stuff. The Sun's palace was described in "no-furniture" lingo as mentioned above and then just vague descriptions that provide information but no intrigue.
Plot: I honestly couldn't tell you. The book had plenty of problems the characters had to solve (poorly I might add), but not sure what the plot was. I suspect this is a romance plot and gods etc is just a backdrop. And if that is the case, the romance plot was not for me. Her love options were between two different problematic relationships. One with the older (described as in his mid-forties looking and yeah I get it he's immortal so it shouldn't matter) Sun God who impregnated her then fell in love with her because she is "special" and "different" (insert eye roll) for not dying after giving birth and literally for asking mundane questions and having emotions. And she feels some type of way because they slept together even though it was hella traumatizing because his touch literally burned her; but she is lonely and desperate for love so why the hell not? The bars pretty low on both sides. Our second option is the moody, brooding, mysterious shapeshifter who falls in love with her because he is lonely and desperate for love and she is the only person ever (because he's been trapped in Oblivion) to show him basic human kindness. (again insert eye roll). So I guess she loves him because he's a simp and because he's there and she's also lonely, I guess. Bars are low on this one too.
ending: WTF? You swear undying love to a man you knew for a week, then spend 350, 350! years with the Sun god and then when your boo gets out of Oblivian you just leave? This whole love triangle is weird and if she was gonna be with both of them anyway, why not just be with both of them! Polyamory is fine if you do it with mutual consent and clear expectations. Like is Ris/Twlight gonna just be cool with you banging Sun the last 350 years? And after 350 years, you don't love Sun enough to be slightly swayed? She kinda just tramples on others' feelings for the sake of "true love". I can't.
Themes: There is no shame in feeling lonely and wanting to love and be loved BUT there are healthier ways to do so. Learning to be ok with being alone without falling into fear, grief, or desperation is learning how to love oneself. It's NOT someone else's job to fill whatever hole is inside us. We do that with SELF-LOVE which gets over looked in this book. This books implies that hey, have a hole in your heart? Just have a kid and insta-love will occur between you and your child, and just find yourself a boyfriend and you will be fine. FALSE! loving yourself and healing your own wound will allow you to love others in a more healthy, meaningful way. Ceris never heals her own issue of feeling unloved by her family, by her ex-fiance, she just carries that insecurity and loves anyone who is willing to love her. Also the idea of the female as a martyr and the nobleness of "sacrifice" for our loved ones is not a healthy mindset. We let go of some things because we choose our loved ones. Her sacrifices in the story are motivated by selfish and stupid reasons, "he will love me in a special way even though I won't be his wife" and screw the balance of the world it's true love! or "it brought my family closer together."
Also, can we all agree making snarky retorts and asking normal questions does not make a strong female character? Nor hyper focusing on being a mother and wife/girlfriend as the focal definition of a woman.
Final thoughts: Not for me. Did not like the characters, prose style made it hard to connect to the story. Problematic examples of "True love" and "female strength". Was disappointed the main character did not die at the end because that would at least be full circle and close a plot loop. Could have DNF but I didn't, so I brought this on myself.
* spoilers
You've been warned, read at your own risk
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I was disappointed by this book because of all the high reviews. The premise was interesting but that's about where things stop. I kept reading, thinking that it would get better, more interesting but it never did it just got more confusing and ridiculous (in my opinion at least). Teen me maybe would have liked this book before I knew what healthy, meaningful, and realistic relationships are supposed to look like. Or before reading other books with better writing.
A few things I had an issue with (ok, I lied, it's a lot of things)
Prose: voice was immature, descriptions were bland and confusing. The greatest offense: all the "not-wall" "not-this" "not-that" descriptions. Thanks I know what it isn't but can you please just tell me what it is? Also, it felt sooooo Slooooow. Lack of urgency and the stakes were low.
Lore: This is not the first story to have the trope of sacrificing a woman to a god. it had potential but fell flat. It seemed half-baked even for a soft magic/lore system.
Setting: Meh. Generic Medieval England of some sort? Idk. Farms and stuff. The Sun's palace was described in "no-furniture" lingo as mentioned above and then just vague descriptions that provide information but no intrigue.
Plot: I honestly couldn't tell you. The book had plenty of problems the characters had to solve (poorly I might add), but not sure what the plot was. I suspect this is a romance plot and gods etc is just a backdrop. And if that is the case, the romance plot was not for me. Her love options were between two different problematic relationships. One with the older (described as in his mid-forties looking and yeah I get it he's immortal so it shouldn't matter) Sun God who impregnated her then fell in love with her because she is "special" and "different" (insert eye roll) for not dying after giving birth and literally for asking mundane questions and having emotions. And she feels some type of way because they slept together even though it was hella traumatizing because his touch literally burned her; but she is lonely and desperate for love so why the hell not? The bars pretty low on both sides. Our second option is the moody, brooding, mysterious shapeshifter who falls in love with her because he is lonely and desperate for love and she is the only person ever (because he's been trapped in Oblivion) to show him basic human kindness. (again insert eye roll). So I guess she loves him because he's a simp and because he's there and she's also lonely, I guess. Bars are low on this one too.
ending: WTF? You swear undying love to a man you knew for a week, then spend 350, 350! years with the Sun god and then when your boo gets out of Oblivian you just leave? This whole love triangle is weird and if she was gonna be with both of them anyway, why not just be with both of them! Polyamory is fine if you do it with mutual consent and clear expectations. Like is Ris/Twlight gonna just be cool with you banging Sun the last 350 years? And after 350 years, you don't love Sun enough to be slightly swayed? She kinda just tramples on others' feelings for the sake of "true love". I can't.
Themes: There is no shame in feeling lonely and wanting to love and be loved BUT there are healthier ways to do so. Learning to be ok with being alone without falling into fear, grief, or desperation is learning how to love oneself. It's NOT someone else's job to fill whatever hole is inside us. We do that with SELF-LOVE which gets over looked in this book. This books implies that hey, have a hole in your heart? Just have a kid and insta-love will occur between you and your child, and just find yourself a boyfriend and you will be fine. FALSE! loving yourself and healing your own wound will allow you to love others in a more healthy, meaningful way. Ceris never heals her own issue of feeling unloved by her family, by her ex-fiance, she just carries that insecurity and loves anyone who is willing to love her. Also the idea of the female as a martyr and the nobleness of "sacrifice" for our loved ones is not a healthy mindset. We let go of some things because we choose our loved ones. Her sacrifices in the story are motivated by selfish and stupid reasons, "he will love me in a special way even though I won't be his wife" and screw the balance of the world it's true love! or "it brought my family closer together."
Also, can we all agree making snarky retorts and asking normal questions does not make a strong female character? Nor hyper focusing on being a mother and wife/girlfriend as the focal definition of a woman.
Final thoughts: Not for me. Did not like the characters, prose style made it hard to connect to the story. Problematic examples of "True love" and "female strength". Was disappointed the main character did not die at the end because that would at least be full circle and close a plot loop. Could have DNF but I didn't, so I brought this on myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2022
This book was just brilliant (pun intended 😉)
This story took over-used tropes and spun it in a way that was truly ethereal and unique. The lore was so well incorporated and the world building was fantastic. It wasn't too detailed, but written well enough that you could picture everything and every "not-thing", as Ceris would say.
I absolutely loved the characters, their story was heartbreaking at times, I teared up more than once, but I also felt so much joy. Gosh, I have truly never read something like this before, my mind can't produce coherent sentences to express how much I loved it.
Besides the characters ( Ris ♥️ ), my favorite part was the visuals. While the setting of the Heavens and the Sun's palace was unreal, I could still so clearly imagine it. I just loved it so muuuuuch
All in all, this was amazing. I love the story telling aspect, I loved the warmth and comfort this book brought me, not to forget the wisdom in it. Also this book is perfect if you enjoyed the movie Stardust!
plot: 5⭐️
characters: 100000⭐️ i loved Ceris so much, my God
romance: 8⭐️ it was soft, no graphic spice, only allusions to it. But it was just so so lovely
Thank you to Charlie N. Holmberg and WunderkindPR for sending me an ARC of this book ✨
This story took over-used tropes and spun it in a way that was truly ethereal and unique. The lore was so well incorporated and the world building was fantastic. It wasn't too detailed, but written well enough that you could picture everything and every "not-thing", as Ceris would say.
I absolutely loved the characters, their story was heartbreaking at times, I teared up more than once, but I also felt so much joy. Gosh, I have truly never read something like this before, my mind can't produce coherent sentences to express how much I loved it.
Besides the characters ( Ris ♥️ ), my favorite part was the visuals. While the setting of the Heavens and the Sun's palace was unreal, I could still so clearly imagine it. I just loved it so muuuuuch
All in all, this was amazing. I love the story telling aspect, I loved the warmth and comfort this book brought me, not to forget the wisdom in it. Also this book is perfect if you enjoyed the movie Stardust!
plot: 5⭐️
characters: 100000⭐️ i loved Ceris so much, my God
romance: 8⭐️ it was soft, no graphic spice, only allusions to it. But it was just so so lovely
Thank you to Charlie N. Holmberg and WunderkindPR for sending me an ARC of this book ✨
December 15, 2021
Read about 90/255 pages, then skipped around to the end. I knew I was going to be in trouble once we actually met the Sun and all her descriptions went to . . . non descriptions.
But still I read on. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book. It read like a fairy tale, something easily readable or understandable for a child, but wants to be an adult book--except there are no adult themes or problems. At some point there's mention of a war, and I believe the star-crossed lovers trope takes hold, but all was well by the end. Regardless, it didn't hold my attention, especially after Ceris returns to her village 700 years later and discovers that she's worshipped like a god--or, I guess, some kind of saint.
However, I would give a shoutout to the cover design. Its lovely.
"I was . . . not lying down, but neither was I standing. Yet as I moved to right myself, I noticed I was not myself at all, but something else. Something like, like the room and the man, was difficult to describe. Like my skin was made of crystal, glimmering and hard, yet still pliable. I was not clothed, not exactly, but neither was I naked."
But still I read on. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book. It read like a fairy tale, something easily readable or understandable for a child, but wants to be an adult book--except there are no adult themes or problems. At some point there's mention of a war, and I believe the star-crossed lovers trope takes hold, but all was well by the end. Regardless, it didn't hold my attention, especially after Ceris returns to her village 700 years later and discovers that she's worshipped like a god--or, I guess, some kind of saint.
However, I would give a shoutout to the cover design. Its lovely.
October 19, 2021
This was my Amazon First Read for Oct.21. Very good world/myth building, but the main romance just didn't ring true to me. I found the pacing somewhat uneven, with some parts dragging on to no apparent end and other parts seemingly rushed through. The cycle of some small 'teaser' of a revelation alternating with an action/chase/battle/peril scene became tedious. Add in a few inconsistencies that weren't satisfactorily explained and it was a bit of a slog to finish. (I almost quit at around 40%, and again around 70%, but I forged on...) Obviously, many others disagree -and good for them! - but I will not be reading on in this series. Two and a half stars, rounded up to three for the really interesting world building.
May 2, 2021
A Great quick read. So many emotions. I cried. A lot.
March 13, 2023
Warning, this book will absolutely destroy your sleep schedule, until you finish it. Just like everything else she writes, this is pure magic in the form of words. Keep 'em coming!
August 13, 2022
Wildly creative and beautifully written. This story reads like the telling of a legend or folktale passed down through ages of superstitious civilizations - almost like an old native American telling stories about the Star Mother, Sun Father etc.
It revolves around Ceris, who is chosen to become a “star mother”. That is exactly what is sounds like. She is to be given to the Sun (literally) God and bear his child. That (again, literal) child becomes a star in the sky. And, with all the other children, power the universe. The birthing of a light so powerful, however, always kills the mother. Only this time it didn’t. Ceris returns to earth to find her family again only to discover that she is 700 years in the future. On her pursuit to find her posterity, she meets and travels with another celestial being who is hiding from both the Sun God and the Moon, who are waging a dangerous war with each other for control of the universe.
See? It truly is a remarkable tale whose roots begin in reality but diverge into the fantastical. It does require a taste for the unbelievable and an imagination as strong as the characters they are taking the journey with, however.
It revolves around Ceris, who is chosen to become a “star mother”. That is exactly what is sounds like. She is to be given to the Sun (literally) God and bear his child. That (again, literal) child becomes a star in the sky. And, with all the other children, power the universe. The birthing of a light so powerful, however, always kills the mother. Only this time it didn’t. Ceris returns to earth to find her family again only to discover that she is 700 years in the future. On her pursuit to find her posterity, she meets and travels with another celestial being who is hiding from both the Sun God and the Moon, who are waging a dangerous war with each other for control of the universe.
See? It truly is a remarkable tale whose roots begin in reality but diverge into the fantastical. It does require a taste for the unbelievable and an imagination as strong as the characters they are taking the journey with, however.
September 8, 2021
I received this book from a giveaway, and I'd like to think that it was just meant to be. Star Mother, while a bit slow for me to get into, swept me away as soon we hit the third chapter. This is some of the best storytelling I've read in the last few years. The characters and world are absolutely stunning and heartbreaking. These characters hold a special place in my heart now. If you're looking for something unique and fresh, please pick up this book. It's a book you need time to read in one sitting because with the way Charlie N. Holmberg writes, it's so easy to get swept away and spend an entire afternoon or evening getting lost in her story. It reads like binging a television series. You're comfortable, you're intrigued, and you don't want it to stop. I eagerly await the next book, Star Father in 2022, and in the meantime, will be devouring more of Charlie N. Holmberg's books.
Read
September 29, 2021wow i love reading!! it reads like a fable, like stories of adventure and love. wistful. very well done!
October 1, 2021
And Now for Something Completely Different
While fantasy is not my typical jam, I enjoy reading it occasionally, especially when a book appears to differ from the standard fantasy tropes too often seen patterned after the greats like Tolkien. No overworn group quest or we-must-save-the-world tropes here! Sign me up! And I'm happy to say this is a delightful find. While it certainly has down-to-earth themes, so to speak, like sacrifice, putting others first, motherhood, love, and loss (and so much more), the book has surprising twists and turns that get you thinking while you're reading the book… and even after you put it down. I love novels like that. I hadn't read the author before, and I absolutely adored the word-pictures she drew… ones that made the book come alive in my mind’s eye, from action to setting, from the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions. The story starts a little slow but picks up after the protagonist makes her life-altering decision and she begins the journey she never intended to take. It’s worth keeping reading despite this slow-but-brief beginning. I loved why she chose sacrifice as her new life path… and her self-realizations (and those of her godling companion) keep coming. If you enjoy fantasy but find the familiar tropes uninspired, you might enjoy this wholly different and completely fresh story.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
While fantasy is not my typical jam, I enjoy reading it occasionally, especially when a book appears to differ from the standard fantasy tropes too often seen patterned after the greats like Tolkien. No overworn group quest or we-must-save-the-world tropes here! Sign me up! And I'm happy to say this is a delightful find. While it certainly has down-to-earth themes, so to speak, like sacrifice, putting others first, motherhood, love, and loss (and so much more), the book has surprising twists and turns that get you thinking while you're reading the book… and even after you put it down. I love novels like that. I hadn't read the author before, and I absolutely adored the word-pictures she drew… ones that made the book come alive in my mind’s eye, from action to setting, from the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions. The story starts a little slow but picks up after the protagonist makes her life-altering decision and she begins the journey she never intended to take. It’s worth keeping reading despite this slow-but-brief beginning. I loved why she chose sacrifice as her new life path… and her self-realizations (and those of her godling companion) keep coming. If you enjoy fantasy but find the familiar tropes uninspired, you might enjoy this wholly different and completely fresh story.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 1, 2021
Star Mother was a spectacular Amazon First Reads. The writing was beautiful and eloquent, set in a fantastical world where the Sun (a god) must use a human woman to birth a star to replace each dying star.
Nineteen-year old Ceris is betrothed to Caen, who is in love with someone else. Knowing that Caen will never return her love, she selflessly volunteers to be the next “star mother” to bring glory and honor upon her family, and give Caen the opportunity to marry his true love.
Ceris is a delight - she’s precocious in her youth, but also gentle, kind, and wise beyond her years. She assumes her star mother role with a great sense of duty and care. She even befriends the godlings assigned to aid her during the nine-month gestation. Usually, the birth of a star kills the mother, but in this case, Ceris does not die. As a result, she asks the Sun to return her to her home. Sadly, when she returns home, she learns that seven hundred years have passed.
Desperate to find her siblings’ descendants, she leaves her former hometown for Nediah, a city over two hundred miles away. Along the way, she gains a guide in a godling shapeshifter, Ristriel.
This novel completely swept me away. Star Mother was both magical and captivating. I loved Ceris and enjoyed reading of her growth during—and after—the journey. This was one I won’t forget for some time.
Nineteen-year old Ceris is betrothed to Caen, who is in love with someone else. Knowing that Caen will never return her love, she selflessly volunteers to be the next “star mother” to bring glory and honor upon her family, and give Caen the opportunity to marry his true love.
Ceris is a delight - she’s precocious in her youth, but also gentle, kind, and wise beyond her years. She assumes her star mother role with a great sense of duty and care. She even befriends the godlings assigned to aid her during the nine-month gestation. Usually, the birth of a star kills the mother, but in this case, Ceris does not die. As a result, she asks the Sun to return her to her home. Sadly, when she returns home, she learns that seven hundred years have passed.
Desperate to find her siblings’ descendants, she leaves her former hometown for Nediah, a city over two hundred miles away. Along the way, she gains a guide in a godling shapeshifter, Ristriel.
This novel completely swept me away. Star Mother was both magical and captivating. I loved Ceris and enjoyed reading of her growth during—and after—the journey. This was one I won’t forget for some time.
October 2, 2021
Another favourite novel. Read it in one go...this is not a useful way to spend my time. Well, it's raining. And I enjoyed it. What's to say? A love story, magic, other worlds...godlike creatures of various sorts and people, mostly nice people, but a few baddies thrown in. Heroes and heroine...a bit like Neil Gaiman, but very much its own as well. I can only say read it, and sorry if you don't like it as much as me.
April 8, 2022
This is an unusual story which combines individual issues within a far-reaching universe. Well-written and intense in places, I never quite engaged with the characters. While not a romance, the importance of love is explored, but not fulfilled here.
I'm not motivated to read the sequel without encouragement.
I'm not motivated to read the sequel without encouragement.
May 10, 2021
Beautifully written! I'm not sure where she comes up with these book ideas and I admit I was a bit skeptical as I started reading it, but I loved the characters and the story!
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