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Sãoni Cycle #2
Three Seeking Stars
Sohmeng Minhal is going to fix the world.
With her home still in jeopardy, she doesn’t have much choice. What she does have is Ahnschen, an endearing prince of the dangerous empire that is disrupting the sãoni migration route. If she can convince Hei to trust him long enough to safely return him to his people, Sohmeng might just have a chance of restoring balance to Eiji. That is, until an unexpected piece of her past emerges from the jungle and challenges everything she is trying to achieve.
Now, the future of Eiji rests in Ahn’s hands—but does he have the courage to face the harm inflicted by his people? Determined to do right by the beloved friend who died on his sword, it will take a lot of unlearning to prove to Eiji—and to Hei—that he can, in fact, be good.
In the second chapter of the Sãoni Cycle, Sohmeng, Hei, and Ahn must reconcile their places in the human and natural worlds, all while navigating their complicated feelings about one another.
With her home still in jeopardy, she doesn’t have much choice. What she does have is Ahnschen, an endearing prince of the dangerous empire that is disrupting the sãoni migration route. If she can convince Hei to trust him long enough to safely return him to his people, Sohmeng might just have a chance of restoring balance to Eiji. That is, until an unexpected piece of her past emerges from the jungle and challenges everything she is trying to achieve.
Now, the future of Eiji rests in Ahn’s hands—but does he have the courage to face the harm inflicted by his people? Determined to do right by the beloved friend who died on his sword, it will take a lot of unlearning to prove to Eiji—and to Hei—that he can, in fact, be good.
In the second chapter of the Sãoni Cycle, Sohmeng, Hei, and Ahn must reconcile their places in the human and natural worlds, all while navigating their complicated feelings about one another.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2021
5 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 30, 2023
The way that series is just a new favourite. I can see myself feeling right at home with Sohmeng, Hei, Ahn and the Sãoni, they make me feel safe. The conversations had, the concepts and everything just is everything to me I love these characters and the world so much and I look forward to the next one
June 23, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
THREE SEEKING STARS is a story about building bridges.
There is, of course, the bridge in Ateng, left broken since the start of the Sãoni Cycle, in Two Dark Moons. But it's also bridging the gaps created by different languages or different cultures, between the communities harmed by an invasion and a prince determined to change, between the natural and human world. This struggle to connect, to understand one another, to compromise and find balance, find a way forward, plays out over and over through the story, in countless layers and facets, between individual characters and entire communities. And it is written with incredible thoughtfulness, a refusal to reach for easy answers or flatten the people involved, making Three Seeking Stars into one of the most poignant weaving of deeply intimate characters, detailed and imaginative worldbuilding, and sweeping fantasy plots that I've been blessed to read.
I love this book, ok? It left me with a sense of wonder, joy, and love. It's so honest and kind towards everyone's pain, so ready to add layers of complexity to already gnarly problems, so willing to be funny and sad and hopeful, sometimes all at once. Also, it's really fucking queer, and it plays with that queerness across different cultures, poking and prodding at the possibilities of it--how different gender norms bring their own structures that don't always fit, for exemple. And of course, so dear to me, are the characters being so open about aromanticism and asexuality, about their personal needs and relationships to these identities, and how it fits into the polyamorous trio that's coalescing between Sohmeng, Ahn, and Hei.
Cannot recommend enough. I wish I could bring everyone with me in this delightful adventure.
THREE SEEKING STARS is a story about building bridges.
There is, of course, the bridge in Ateng, left broken since the start of the Sãoni Cycle, in Two Dark Moons. But it's also bridging the gaps created by different languages or different cultures, between the communities harmed by an invasion and a prince determined to change, between the natural and human world. This struggle to connect, to understand one another, to compromise and find balance, find a way forward, plays out over and over through the story, in countless layers and facets, between individual characters and entire communities. And it is written with incredible thoughtfulness, a refusal to reach for easy answers or flatten the people involved, making Three Seeking Stars into one of the most poignant weaving of deeply intimate characters, detailed and imaginative worldbuilding, and sweeping fantasy plots that I've been blessed to read.
I love this book, ok? It left me with a sense of wonder, joy, and love. It's so honest and kind towards everyone's pain, so ready to add layers of complexity to already gnarly problems, so willing to be funny and sad and hopeful, sometimes all at once. Also, it's really fucking queer, and it plays with that queerness across different cultures, poking and prodding at the possibilities of it--how different gender norms bring their own structures that don't always fit, for exemple. And of course, so dear to me, are the characters being so open about aromanticism and asexuality, about their personal needs and relationships to these identities, and how it fits into the polyamorous trio that's coalescing between Sohmeng, Ahn, and Hei.
Cannot recommend enough. I wish I could bring everyone with me in this delightful adventure.
November 10, 2021
Avi Silver's first book, Two Dark Moons, was a triumph - and the sequel, Three Seeking Stars, is an improvement on every front.
What does it mean to belong to a community? How do our choices affect those around us? What kind of work does it take to solve the knottiest problems of our lives? These are just some of the questions Avi Silver explores with sensitivity and conviction in Three Seeking Stars. The beautiful and poetic language immerses us in the complex world of Gãepongwei, where sociopolitical conflict, astrological belief, and gender identity are all interconnected.
Sohmeng is far from home, and their hmun (village/community) is in desperate need of help. When Sohmeng and their partner Hei cautiously welcome exiled prince Ahnschen into their traveling band of ferocious Sãoni, Sohmeng yearns to trust the talented and charismatic (if somewhat shy) Ahn, while Hei regards him with suspicion. Relationships between all three are tested by growing external conflicts, differences in culture, and unfurling revelations of troubling histories, all further complicated by a significant language barrier.
The story beats flow with great momentum and intrigue, but the challenges faced by the characters are only superficially about broken bridges, invading armies, and carnivorous lizards—their true obstacles are empathy, forgiveness, code-switching, trauma work, and self-acceptance. The way Silver seamlessly marries the fascinatingly well-wrought plot elements with the big and serious emotional journey of each character is a brilliant success.
Join the remarkable journey today and pick up copies of the first two books in Avi Silver's Sãoni Cycle. Bravo!
What does it mean to belong to a community? How do our choices affect those around us? What kind of work does it take to solve the knottiest problems of our lives? These are just some of the questions Avi Silver explores with sensitivity and conviction in Three Seeking Stars. The beautiful and poetic language immerses us in the complex world of Gãepongwei, where sociopolitical conflict, astrological belief, and gender identity are all interconnected.
Sohmeng is far from home, and their hmun (village/community) is in desperate need of help. When Sohmeng and their partner Hei cautiously welcome exiled prince Ahnschen into their traveling band of ferocious Sãoni, Sohmeng yearns to trust the talented and charismatic (if somewhat shy) Ahn, while Hei regards him with suspicion. Relationships between all three are tested by growing external conflicts, differences in culture, and unfurling revelations of troubling histories, all further complicated by a significant language barrier.
The story beats flow with great momentum and intrigue, but the challenges faced by the characters are only superficially about broken bridges, invading armies, and carnivorous lizards—their true obstacles are empathy, forgiveness, code-switching, trauma work, and self-acceptance. The way Silver seamlessly marries the fascinatingly well-wrought plot elements with the big and serious emotional journey of each character is a brilliant success.
Join the remarkable journey today and pick up copies of the first two books in Avi Silver's Sãoni Cycle. Bravo!
July 5, 2021
I got an ARC of this book, but I already had a preorder in for it and didn't cancel. I'm happy to pay for such an amazing book and am honored I got to read it early.
Avi brought the various plots introduced in the first book back and amped them up to 11. The new character Ahn and his evolving relationship with Sohmeng, Hei, and above all the sãoni is wonderful. If you enjoyed the first book you'll love this one. It's clear that Avi's already excellent writing has improved, and I cannot wait to read everything else they write for the rest of their career. (No pressure, just love/support Avi!)
If you're here wondering if you need to read (or reread) the first book before you read this one, the answer is yes. Avi wastes no words rehashing what happened. And, of course, the first book is wonderful itself. Just note that it focuses on world building more, because it has to, and this book could not be what it is without the clear foundation laid in book one.
Did you like the first book? Then read this one.
Do you like character driven plot? Then go read "Two Dark Moons" then read this one.
Avi brought the various plots introduced in the first book back and amped them up to 11. The new character Ahn and his evolving relationship with Sohmeng, Hei, and above all the sãoni is wonderful. If you enjoyed the first book you'll love this one. It's clear that Avi's already excellent writing has improved, and I cannot wait to read everything else they write for the rest of their career. (No pressure, just love/support Avi!)
If you're here wondering if you need to read (or reread) the first book before you read this one, the answer is yes. Avi wastes no words rehashing what happened. And, of course, the first book is wonderful itself. Just note that it focuses on world building more, because it has to, and this book could not be what it is without the clear foundation laid in book one.
Did you like the first book? Then read this one.
Do you like character driven plot? Then go read "Two Dark Moons" then read this one.
August 7, 2021
Ahhhhh big BIG found family feels!!!
I really loved this story. It’s been long enough since I read its predecessor, TWO DARK MOONS, that I’d forgotten quite a few of the details, but I had no problem sinking back into this, getting reacquainted with the characters and the world.
THREE SEEKING STARS continues the story of Sohmeng, separated from family and home, now finding her life among a group of lizards called the sãoni, and her new partner Hei. With a newcomer from an invading empire, Ahn, they try to find help for Sohmeng’s people, and rebuild old connections.
I genuinely wasn’t expecting the amount of emotions this book brought up in me, but I was absolutely along for the ride. It’s so rare to see something that engages in questions of identity and redemption in such an in-depth, compassionate way, as well as questions of what it means to be family. I loved it all, I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to see how the cycle concludes.
I really loved this story. It’s been long enough since I read its predecessor, TWO DARK MOONS, that I’d forgotten quite a few of the details, but I had no problem sinking back into this, getting reacquainted with the characters and the world.
THREE SEEKING STARS continues the story of Sohmeng, separated from family and home, now finding her life among a group of lizards called the sãoni, and her new partner Hei. With a newcomer from an invading empire, Ahn, they try to find help for Sohmeng’s people, and rebuild old connections.
I genuinely wasn’t expecting the amount of emotions this book brought up in me, but I was absolutely along for the ride. It’s so rare to see something that engages in questions of identity and redemption in such an in-depth, compassionate way, as well as questions of what it means to be family. I loved it all, I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to see how the cycle concludes.
August 22, 2024
I loved the first installment of this duology, and I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this sequel even more! These books are something special, and Avi Silver is a truly skilled writer.
The characterisation was as strong as ever right from the start, and I fell in love with these characters all over again - even Ahn, the new addition to the group. The world-building went up another notch, giving us the same vibrancy and richness from the first book, with added lore around Ahn's background which I did not expect, but which was woven expertly into the narrative.
I loved watching Sohmeng explore her relationship with the circumstances of her birth even further and how that ties in with her personality, her relationships, and even her gender to an extent. There's real heart to this story, and I found myself tearing up (in a good way) at the end. I highly recommend giving these books a try.
The characterisation was as strong as ever right from the start, and I fell in love with these characters all over again - even Ahn, the new addition to the group. The world-building went up another notch, giving us the same vibrancy and richness from the first book, with added lore around Ahn's background which I did not expect, but which was woven expertly into the narrative.
I loved watching Sohmeng explore her relationship with the circumstances of her birth even further and how that ties in with her personality, her relationships, and even her gender to an extent. There's real heart to this story, and I found myself tearing up (in a good way) at the end. I highly recommend giving these books a try.
August 28, 2022
I enjoyed the first book, but wow I enjoyed this one even more! The whole concept of gender is so fascinating to me. And the giant lizards??? And so much queer rep. I loved everything about this.
I loved seeing Sohmeng and Hei's relationship in the first book, and in this one it grows even more. But we also get to see both of them with a new character, Ahn. I really enjoyed learning more about him, where he's from and his past relationship. You slowly learn more an more as the book goes on. I still have questions about his past that I'm eager to hopefully see explored in the last book. I'm also excited to see where his relationship with Sohmeng and Hei goes in the future.
I didn't realize it's going to be a trilogy until I picked up this book. I'm so looking forward to reading the last book to see the bond of the 3 characters and what will happen with the hmuns.
I loved seeing Sohmeng and Hei's relationship in the first book, and in this one it grows even more. But we also get to see both of them with a new character, Ahn. I really enjoyed learning more about him, where he's from and his past relationship. You slowly learn more an more as the book goes on. I still have questions about his past that I'm eager to hopefully see explored in the last book. I'm also excited to see where his relationship with Sohmeng and Hei goes in the future.
I didn't realize it's going to be a trilogy until I picked up this book. I'm so looking forward to reading the last book to see the bond of the 3 characters and what will happen with the hmuns.
September 8, 2025
I am really enjoying how this world is unfolding! The characters are finding their way in the world and with each other. I really liked how Sohmeng and Ahn both are unpacking and deconstructing things that they were raised to believe. Hei is my favorite character by far!
Quotes:
Quotes:
October 26, 2021
Again, it was unlike any other series I have read. Intriguing. I felt enthralled with so many different species and languages being explored as people communicate across so many different language and cultural barriers. I love Hei and Sohmeng, but each of the characters were believable, relatable and so interesting to watch. This book opened more doors into concepts of gender and identity, but in a way that it didn't override the focus and flow of the story and it didn't feel like it was being thrown at me. I loved exploring all of it. The world building was fun.
A book unlike others of its genre. Refreshing. 😊
A book unlike others of its genre. Refreshing. 😊
June 18, 2025
Let it be said that I really enjoyed reading this book. Ahn is such a hopeless dumbass, and I really loved having him join this weird family. My main gripe, which is maybe a gripe that I had in the first book but ignored because the world-building was cool, is that this book leaves very little subtly for the emotional moments. Oftentimes, it will literally just tell you the thematic significance of a moment or blatant explain someones feelings with "sad" or "mad". This is not to say it's a bad book. In fact I enjoyed it a lot, and found it charmingly funny throughout the read. Just like, don't go in expecting the height of emotional maturity
July 9, 2022
A continuation of the adventures of Sohmeng, Hei, Ahnschen and the Saoni lizards. In this novel the characters move to a broader community, accepting difference and growing toward self-acceptance. You do need to read the first book in the cycle, because this one starts right where the first left off. I certainly look forward to a continuation of this cycle or other works by the author, Avi Silver.
September 1, 2021
God I love this book so much. I’m thoroughly engulfed by the story and the characters throughout the entire story. I really loved Two Dark Moons, but Three Seeking Stars knocks it out of the park. I love seeing Hei and Sohmeng grown and change. I love following Ahn and slowly loving him more and more.
I may not start a new book, and just re-read this again…
I may not start a new book, and just re-read this again…
September 21, 2021
Much like the last book, I was amazed at Silver's world building... they made Eiji from the ground up, and then ended up spending half the book among the mountain tops. Great character depth, good story, and remarkable dialogue spread across several languages and species. Can't wait for book 3!
November 3, 2021
Holy heck I love this book and characters. I love watching their growth and communication so much. I cannot wait to see if we get other povs because I truly love being passed through the story, especially with this trio🥲 🦎 I am excited to do a reread of this soon
March 5, 2022
Such a sweet, charming, affirming story with wonderfully developed characters and a gloriously realized world. The raw emotion in chapter eighteen brought me to tears. Loved this book and can't wait for the final installment.
May 14, 2022
Perfection and grace.
A wonderful exploration of people and relationships and emotions wrapped up in a tale of a world with six legged lizards and giant birds. This cycle is a heartsong.
A wonderful exploration of people and relationships and emotions wrapped up in a tale of a world with six legged lizards and giant birds. This cycle is a heartsong.
June 26, 2021
*Received an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.*
Written with sincerity and hope, Three Seeking Stars is a great follow-up to Two Dark Moons. Looking forward to the next installment.
Written with sincerity and hope, Three Seeking Stars is a great follow-up to Two Dark Moons. Looking forward to the next installment.
July 25, 2021
Three Seeking Stars is a worthy addition to this series. The character interactions become richer and the story more intense. Definitely looking forward to book 3!
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September 3, 2021Liked it even more than Two Dark Moons - made me want to re-read #1 again and looking forward to #3.
September 4, 2023
actual rating: 4.5
omggg the character relationship developments in this installment just make my little aro heart so happy 🥹
omggg the character relationship developments in this installment just make my little aro heart so happy 🥹
Read
June 2, 2024DNF@39%
October 24, 2025
Okay, some queerplatonic poly representation! I love the amount of communication going on between them, even with the language barriers.
And I was so grateful that Sohmeng didnt immediately get angry with Ahn when some things were revealed, we avoided such a common miscommunication cliche. Her reaction was very refreshing.
And I was so grateful that Sohmeng didnt immediately get angry with Ahn when some things were revealed, we avoided such a common miscommunication cliche. Her reaction was very refreshing.
Read
November 15, 2025**Review based on Advance Reader Copy**
In Three Seeking Stars, Sohmeng steps bravely into the facets of adulthood, meeting the challenges of mediating among people with vastly different needs while confronting the ghosts of her own past. Intertwined is the story of Ahnschen, the tender-hearted warrior prince from the empire to the north, who is found in the jungle by Sohmeng, Hei, and their giant-lizard family (the sãoni). Sohmeng and Hei are already aware that Ahnschen’s people have disrupted the sãoni migration route, causing ecological imbalance and destruction in the jungle of Eiji, but what they come to learn of his past further complicates his presence among them—especially as Ahnschen and Sohmeng form a deepening friendship and Ahnschen yearns to earn Hei’s approval.
Three Seeking Stars is a supremely tender story demonstrating the importance of forgiveness, meeting people where they are, and taking action to make amends after one has made mistakes. The challenges are thorny, but resolution sweet. I alternately found myself laughing out loud (usually at Sohmeng’s commentary, but there are some unexpected gems from Hei) and weeping at the conclusion of some tense conversations. Sohmeng, Hei, Anschen, and the others they encounter set a beautiful example in how to live one’s truth and learn to make space for others (and other ways of being)—our differences, if we allow them, are what make us strong enough to save the world.
In Three Seeking Stars, Sohmeng steps bravely into the facets of adulthood, meeting the challenges of mediating among people with vastly different needs while confronting the ghosts of her own past. Intertwined is the story of Ahnschen, the tender-hearted warrior prince from the empire to the north, who is found in the jungle by Sohmeng, Hei, and their giant-lizard family (the sãoni). Sohmeng and Hei are already aware that Ahnschen’s people have disrupted the sãoni migration route, causing ecological imbalance and destruction in the jungle of Eiji, but what they come to learn of his past further complicates his presence among them—especially as Ahnschen and Sohmeng form a deepening friendship and Ahnschen yearns to earn Hei’s approval.
Three Seeking Stars is a supremely tender story demonstrating the importance of forgiveness, meeting people where they are, and taking action to make amends after one has made mistakes. The challenges are thorny, but resolution sweet. I alternately found myself laughing out loud (usually at Sohmeng’s commentary, but there are some unexpected gems from Hei) and weeping at the conclusion of some tense conversations. Sohmeng, Hei, Anschen, and the others they encounter set a beautiful example in how to live one’s truth and learn to make space for others (and other ways of being)—our differences, if we allow them, are what make us strong enough to save the world.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews