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Falling through Stars
After crashing her dogsled into the frozen river, Ts'ellbah fears something is wrong, something deeper than the inexplicable new scar over her heart. She feels like a stranger in her own skin and struggles to remember her closest friends and family. At first, her clan is relieved that she survived the accident. But on a night when red spirit lights stain the sky like blood, Ts'ellbah suffers her first violent seizure and sees a vision in which a revered elder encounters a mythical monster and dies. When her announcement of the elder's death proves correct, many people are convinced something evil possessed her in the dark river. They believe she killed the old man and want to cast her out. Before they do, Ts'ellbah must persuade her people that their ancient enemies have indeed returned, that they are looking for something, and they'll destroy the entire clan to find it.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2021
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196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 9, 2022
4.5
What a nice little surprise this book turned out to be.
I don’t read a lot of slice-of-life fantasy, it’s not a go-to for me and likely never will be but, every now and again, I find a little gem like this one that makes me think I should be reading way more of it.
*
After a dog sledding accident Ts’ellbah is feeling very out of sorts. She has begun to suffer from seizures and visions- some of which come true. At first, it’s just a few but, as they increase in frequency there becomes a real fear of being banished from her clan- who believe that these are a sign of evil/possession and are a punishment for a sin against nature. Banishment, would mean a death sentence for Ts’ellbah, in this beautiful, but harsh and unforgiving country where survival is possible because of the efforts of the many.
*
Falling Through Stars is very much a low fantasy, slice-of-life, step into the characters’ world and experience it first-hand, kind of story. It was quite lovely, almost comforting in its telling.
The writing is beautiful. The scene setting, the interactions, the pacing- are all done well.
The author spends time allowing us to become familiar with Ts’ellbah and her world. To become a part of her home, and experience the closeness of her family, and of the clans- learning how they survive and are one with the world around them. At the same time, we see Ts’ellbah struggle with the changes within herself, and the fear of what they might be, and their likely consequences.
While abundant, there is also restraint in the details- I know it sounds like an oxymoron but, they are there to let us live the story, and are given in a way that breezes us through the everyday tasks of living, in a natural, almost, matter-of-fact way. The daily life of Ts’ellbah and her family was engaging, always interesting, and hard to put down. I read this book in chunks- not something I usually do, even with fast-paced ones.
*
The story is one that even though you kind of know where its headed, that knowledge, doesn’t keep you from being invested in getting to that point.
I loved how the tension slowly builds. There are some creepy moments and hints at the dangers to come- from the spirit wolf, from the Den, from Ts’ellbah herself, and even from the clan. I loved the magic- understated but beautiful and present.
But most of all- I loved Ts’ellbah. She quickly became a favourite because in that short little window of time we shared in her growth and the ups and downs, of what life had to teach her- she won my heart.
I felt Ts’ellbah’s frustration when know one would believe her and her triumphs when they did. I felt her hurt from any snub from the clan, or friends, and her hopes for Tikonee, to return her affection. And my heart broke to pieces and I cried my eyes out, at her losses. What a great character and what a beautiful story this was. I hope more people find and experience this story because it deserves to be found.
Other notes-
If you have any interest in the living-off-the-land way of life (or even if you don’t) then you will find this incredibly fascinating. As a family of farmers/ranchers and northerners, I found it refreshing to read about a lifestyle, that the author obviously knows and understands.
Loved the story of Raven and Eagle.
The bitter cold descriptions are spot on- I could almost tell you the temperature in those scenes.
A huge thank you goes out to Staci Olsen for the ecopy!
What a nice little surprise this book turned out to be.
I don’t read a lot of slice-of-life fantasy, it’s not a go-to for me and likely never will be but, every now and again, I find a little gem like this one that makes me think I should be reading way more of it.
*
After a dog sledding accident Ts’ellbah is feeling very out of sorts. She has begun to suffer from seizures and visions- some of which come true. At first, it’s just a few but, as they increase in frequency there becomes a real fear of being banished from her clan- who believe that these are a sign of evil/possession and are a punishment for a sin against nature. Banishment, would mean a death sentence for Ts’ellbah, in this beautiful, but harsh and unforgiving country where survival is possible because of the efforts of the many.
*
Falling Through Stars is very much a low fantasy, slice-of-life, step into the characters’ world and experience it first-hand, kind of story. It was quite lovely, almost comforting in its telling.
The writing is beautiful. The scene setting, the interactions, the pacing- are all done well.
The author spends time allowing us to become familiar with Ts’ellbah and her world. To become a part of her home, and experience the closeness of her family, and of the clans- learning how they survive and are one with the world around them. At the same time, we see Ts’ellbah struggle with the changes within herself, and the fear of what they might be, and their likely consequences.
While abundant, there is also restraint in the details- I know it sounds like an oxymoron but, they are there to let us live the story, and are given in a way that breezes us through the everyday tasks of living, in a natural, almost, matter-of-fact way. The daily life of Ts’ellbah and her family was engaging, always interesting, and hard to put down. I read this book in chunks- not something I usually do, even with fast-paced ones.
*
The story is one that even though you kind of know where its headed, that knowledge, doesn’t keep you from being invested in getting to that point.
I loved how the tension slowly builds. There are some creepy moments and hints at the dangers to come- from the spirit wolf, from the Den, from Ts’ellbah herself, and even from the clan. I loved the magic- understated but beautiful and present.
But most of all- I loved Ts’ellbah. She quickly became a favourite because in that short little window of time we shared in her growth and the ups and downs, of what life had to teach her- she won my heart.
I felt Ts’ellbah’s frustration when know one would believe her and her triumphs when they did. I felt her hurt from any snub from the clan, or friends, and her hopes for Tikonee, to return her affection. And my heart broke to pieces and I cried my eyes out, at her losses. What a great character and what a beautiful story this was. I hope more people find and experience this story because it deserves to be found.
Other notes-
If you have any interest in the living-off-the-land way of life (or even if you don’t) then you will find this incredibly fascinating. As a family of farmers/ranchers and northerners, I found it refreshing to read about a lifestyle, that the author obviously knows and understands.
Loved the story of Raven and Eagle.
The bitter cold descriptions are spot on- I could almost tell you the temperature in those scenes.
A huge thank you goes out to Staci Olsen for the ecopy!
August 18, 2021
https://www.bookwormblues.net/2021/08...
When I was contacted to edit this book, I was really excited. I am a huge, huge sucker for mythological fantasy, and this one was based on mythology that was far outside of what I normally see (Greek and Norse being the most common that I edit). Alaskan mythology, though? Now that’s one I’ve never seen before so sign me up. Also, I’ve been friends with Staci on social media for a few years now, and I’ve been reading her posts about growing up in Alaska, so I knew she had a certain passion for the topic, and her experience in the location would give her the ability to bring the landscape to life in a way a lot of others might not be able to.
I expected to like this thing. I did not expect to be swept away by it the way I was. Precious few books in all my time editing have given me a book hangover like this.
The story starts out with confusion. After crashing her dogsled in the frozen river, Ts’ellbeh feels a bit… off. Like something’s wrong but she can’t quite put her finger on what it is. Her interactions are different as well, and it’s noticed. At first it’s brushed of as Ts’ellbeh healing, recovering physically and emotionally from a brutal crash, but soon, when she doesn’t bounce back to herself as she used to be, people start to worry. She loses friends. The relationship with her family changes a bit, and while they still love her, it’s obvious they are worried. There’s frisson of distance between her and everyone else.
That subtle split is felt throughout the book, and while events twist and turn and carry themselves forward, Olsen expertly weaves the known with the unknown, and puts Ts’ellbeh in the middle of it all. Usually, I like having a bit of a direction as I read, some understanding of the conflict, but while there are outside conflicts, Ts’ellbeh’s real dilemma is herself. At the core of this novel is her struggle to know herself, and to be able to have a place in this world she’s found herself in after she wakes up from this brutal, tragic accident on the ice.
In fact, the way Olsen played with this division between “pre-accident Ts’ellbeh” and “post-accident Ts’ellbeh” was nothing short of genius. This feeling of unease and a soul-deep discomfort pervade the narrative, and the reader knows what Ts’ellbeh knows, which isn’t much, and we learn as she learns: in fits and starts. Weird things happen around her, and weird things happen to her, and she can’t quite make sense of any of it. But when that “Ah ha” moment hits in the end, all the pieces fit into place and you’ll realize just how cleverly Olsen has been with dropping subtle cues, and guiding readers to this point of revelation. When I hit that point, I had to sit back and process it a bit, because suddenly the entire book took on a different light and I was just completely awestruck, to put it mildly.
Things aren’t all wonderful, though. A lot of Ts’ellbeh’s closest relations think she might have become possessed by an evil spirit after her fall in the river, and so not only do we feel this divide between Ts’ellbeh of the past and present, but there’s also division between her and her community, felt most keenly in the loss of many of her closest friends. Isolation is real, and it is written in such a way that I felt it. It changes how she lives and interacts with her community. Her longing to be accepted is powerful, and the moments when she finds just that are extremely emotional and memorable.
Falling Through Stars is about a lot of different things, like finding yourself in a world where you might feel lost, but more than that, this is a book about family and love. I loved how bright those threads were. I told Olsen at one point, I love how close this family unit is. I don’t think we get enough of that in fantasy. These quaint scenes with a husband and wife bickering while their child plays, and Ts’ellbeh might not know who she is or where she fits, but she never loses her devotion to her family, which is her North Star throughout the novel. Her personal arc is glorious, exploring the many different facets of friendship, family, and love that can be felt in so many different contexts.
Olsen spares no detail, and under her hand, life in this remote Alaskan landscape burns bright. I could almost smell the forest and feel the cold. I could feel the mosquitos as well. The wild is both untamed, and yet I felt a very deep respect for not only these places, but for the people who lived there and made it their home, coexisting with nature and striking a delicate balance I doubt many of us will ever fully understand. I loved the details woven throughout the book, of how food was stored, and hunted, and how people worked together, how the salmon were used throughout the year, why animal fat was necessary… it was all there, and it was fascinating. It was one of those rare books where I feel like I not only read a really good story, but I learned some important things as well.
Mythology and lore are woven expertly throughout the story. They are always present, because it’s part of everyday life, but it’s also different than anything I’ve read before, and it’s beautiful. When it all came together in the end, I was left with this overwhelming sense of having gone full circle, but not just that, it was the right way for the book to end as well. It was the perfect finale to a story that really knocked the air out of my lungs. When I was done reading it, I was left with a unique sadness, because I’ll never get to read this book for the first time again.
Do I really need to summarize this review? It should be clear by now. I adored Falling Through Stars. Fans of books based on mythology need to pick this one up. It’s one of my favorite books I’ve read all year.
When I was contacted to edit this book, I was really excited. I am a huge, huge sucker for mythological fantasy, and this one was based on mythology that was far outside of what I normally see (Greek and Norse being the most common that I edit). Alaskan mythology, though? Now that’s one I’ve never seen before so sign me up. Also, I’ve been friends with Staci on social media for a few years now, and I’ve been reading her posts about growing up in Alaska, so I knew she had a certain passion for the topic, and her experience in the location would give her the ability to bring the landscape to life in a way a lot of others might not be able to.
I expected to like this thing. I did not expect to be swept away by it the way I was. Precious few books in all my time editing have given me a book hangover like this.
The story starts out with confusion. After crashing her dogsled in the frozen river, Ts’ellbeh feels a bit… off. Like something’s wrong but she can’t quite put her finger on what it is. Her interactions are different as well, and it’s noticed. At first it’s brushed of as Ts’ellbeh healing, recovering physically and emotionally from a brutal crash, but soon, when she doesn’t bounce back to herself as she used to be, people start to worry. She loses friends. The relationship with her family changes a bit, and while they still love her, it’s obvious they are worried. There’s frisson of distance between her and everyone else.
That subtle split is felt throughout the book, and while events twist and turn and carry themselves forward, Olsen expertly weaves the known with the unknown, and puts Ts’ellbeh in the middle of it all. Usually, I like having a bit of a direction as I read, some understanding of the conflict, but while there are outside conflicts, Ts’ellbeh’s real dilemma is herself. At the core of this novel is her struggle to know herself, and to be able to have a place in this world she’s found herself in after she wakes up from this brutal, tragic accident on the ice.
In fact, the way Olsen played with this division between “pre-accident Ts’ellbeh” and “post-accident Ts’ellbeh” was nothing short of genius. This feeling of unease and a soul-deep discomfort pervade the narrative, and the reader knows what Ts’ellbeh knows, which isn’t much, and we learn as she learns: in fits and starts. Weird things happen around her, and weird things happen to her, and she can’t quite make sense of any of it. But when that “Ah ha” moment hits in the end, all the pieces fit into place and you’ll realize just how cleverly Olsen has been with dropping subtle cues, and guiding readers to this point of revelation. When I hit that point, I had to sit back and process it a bit, because suddenly the entire book took on a different light and I was just completely awestruck, to put it mildly.
Things aren’t all wonderful, though. A lot of Ts’ellbeh’s closest relations think she might have become possessed by an evil spirit after her fall in the river, and so not only do we feel this divide between Ts’ellbeh of the past and present, but there’s also division between her and her community, felt most keenly in the loss of many of her closest friends. Isolation is real, and it is written in such a way that I felt it. It changes how she lives and interacts with her community. Her longing to be accepted is powerful, and the moments when she finds just that are extremely emotional and memorable.
Falling Through Stars is about a lot of different things, like finding yourself in a world where you might feel lost, but more than that, this is a book about family and love. I loved how bright those threads were. I told Olsen at one point, I love how close this family unit is. I don’t think we get enough of that in fantasy. These quaint scenes with a husband and wife bickering while their child plays, and Ts’ellbeh might not know who she is or where she fits, but she never loses her devotion to her family, which is her North Star throughout the novel. Her personal arc is glorious, exploring the many different facets of friendship, family, and love that can be felt in so many different contexts.
Olsen spares no detail, and under her hand, life in this remote Alaskan landscape burns bright. I could almost smell the forest and feel the cold. I could feel the mosquitos as well. The wild is both untamed, and yet I felt a very deep respect for not only these places, but for the people who lived there and made it their home, coexisting with nature and striking a delicate balance I doubt many of us will ever fully understand. I loved the details woven throughout the book, of how food was stored, and hunted, and how people worked together, how the salmon were used throughout the year, why animal fat was necessary… it was all there, and it was fascinating. It was one of those rare books where I feel like I not only read a really good story, but I learned some important things as well.
Mythology and lore are woven expertly throughout the story. They are always present, because it’s part of everyday life, but it’s also different than anything I’ve read before, and it’s beautiful. When it all came together in the end, I was left with this overwhelming sense of having gone full circle, but not just that, it was the right way for the book to end as well. It was the perfect finale to a story that really knocked the air out of my lungs. When I was done reading it, I was left with a unique sadness, because I’ll never get to read this book for the first time again.
Do I really need to summarize this review? It should be clear by now. I adored Falling Through Stars. Fans of books based on mythology need to pick this one up. It’s one of my favorite books I’ve read all year.
June 22, 2022
Falling Through Stars is a quiet, beautiful story. There are tense scenes and conflict and a section that made me cry horribly, but the scope is more personal. It's very much a character-driven story as Ts’ellbah comes to know herself again after a harrowing crash with her dogsled.
There's magic in the mundane and her life with her family and community, her reverence for life and nature. Nothing makes use happier than wild, natural spaces, and my mind is still with the mountains and rivers, the salmon fishing, and oh, those moments with the lynx and wolves? If you love mythology and nature, feel moved by a sunset, or how the snow glitters in the sun, or the shine of a raven's wing, I recommend reading this story. :)
There's magic in the mundane and her life with her family and community, her reverence for life and nature. Nothing makes use happier than wild, natural spaces, and my mind is still with the mountains and rivers, the salmon fishing, and oh, those moments with the lynx and wolves? If you love mythology and nature, feel moved by a sunset, or how the snow glitters in the sun, or the shine of a raven's wing, I recommend reading this story. :)
June 16, 2022
4,5*
This was a little too easy at a few points, which is my one missing half star. However aside from that I *adored* most of this book!
It's heavily inspired by Alaskan mythology, and I loved spending time in this community who live completely in harmony with nature. There's little bits and pieces about surviving the cold, and how you prepare during the warm months. I devoured each little bit of those.
The main character has an accident, and goes from "normal girl" to somehow different from the others. Her visions are pretty much the only fantasy for most of the book, and it's much more about her, her family and the clan.
I loved seeing how this very different societal structure worked. It both is incredibly close, and yet if you're supposed to be possessed by evil spirits you might see yourself cast off for the sake of safety. This all was well developed and written, and you could really feel her character change along with how people react to her.
There's a ton of love between her and her aunt's family, who took her in after she lost her parents. Having such a strong and stable family bond was a nice surprise! I wish we would see more of these.
Another main draw for me was her connection to her sled dogs, and especially her lead dog. They are a big part of her life. So often I've read books where dogs behave way different than any real dog ever would. So I loved this rather accurate depiction of their interactions.
There's a bit of romance in here, but it's not sappy or whiny, and I was happy to read it. Coming from me, who despises mist romance, is a big compliment!
The end does solve all the mysteries in a very satisfying way, and yet doesn't over explain anything.
This was a little too easy at a few points, which is my one missing half star. However aside from that I *adored* most of this book!
It's heavily inspired by Alaskan mythology, and I loved spending time in this community who live completely in harmony with nature. There's little bits and pieces about surviving the cold, and how you prepare during the warm months. I devoured each little bit of those.
The main character has an accident, and goes from "normal girl" to somehow different from the others. Her visions are pretty much the only fantasy for most of the book, and it's much more about her, her family and the clan.
I loved seeing how this very different societal structure worked. It both is incredibly close, and yet if you're supposed to be possessed by evil spirits you might see yourself cast off for the sake of safety. This all was well developed and written, and you could really feel her character change along with how people react to her.
There's a ton of love between her and her aunt's family, who took her in after she lost her parents. Having such a strong and stable family bond was a nice surprise! I wish we would see more of these.
Another main draw for me was her connection to her sled dogs, and especially her lead dog. They are a big part of her life. So often I've read books where dogs behave way different than any real dog ever would. So I loved this rather accurate depiction of their interactions.
There's a bit of romance in here, but it's not sappy or whiny, and I was happy to read it. Coming from me, who despises mist romance, is a big compliment!
The end does solve all the mysteries in a very satisfying way, and yet doesn't over explain anything.
January 15, 2022
Looking over my book reviews from last year, I feel like I should probably stop saying things like “I don’t normally enjoy YA,” because, apparently, that’s just not true.
I’ll keep saying I’m a grumpy old fart, though, because I don’t always enjoy YA, and there are plenty of books I’ve started and then put down early on. Those aren’t for me, and I wouldn’t review those.
What I do enjoy is a good story, like Falling Through Stars.
This is a low-fantasy tale of a young clanswoman who wakes up after a nearly fatal accident and finds that she’s not quite the same person she was before. It’s about her life in the clan, in winter and in summer, and it’s about how the changes she suffered affect her. There’s also a bit of romance, of the nice and heart-warming kind.
In the foreword, the author mentions that the mythology of the story is inspired by the indigenous tribes of the are where she grew up, but makes it clear that it’s not an attempt at telling their story, or using their actual mythology. Even so, the mythological component is both strong and believable, and it helps paint a picture of a world that could have been, and how life might have been lived there.
WHAT I’LL WHINE ABOUT
The names. The characters in the story have long names with a lot of apostrophes, and very often I stumbled over them when reading. The names do help with giving the clan and its people a sense of authenticity, but if they hadn’t been carried by the world building, I’m not sure it would have worked.
WHAT I’LL GUSH ABOUT
The sense of place. The world of the story feels real enough it’s almost like stepping through the page and seeing it for myself.
Ordinary people. This isn’t some high fantasy action mythology. The day to day life of the clan is an integral part of the reading experience and what could have been boring info-dumps instead deepen the immersion of the story.
The writing: It’s nigh on flawless and often very beautiful.
FINAL WORDS
This is a deeply immersive story, with a lot of mythological undertones – and it still manages to be an easy read.
I’ll keep saying I’m a grumpy old fart, though, because I don’t always enjoy YA, and there are plenty of books I’ve started and then put down early on. Those aren’t for me, and I wouldn’t review those.
What I do enjoy is a good story, like Falling Through Stars.
This is a low-fantasy tale of a young clanswoman who wakes up after a nearly fatal accident and finds that she’s not quite the same person she was before. It’s about her life in the clan, in winter and in summer, and it’s about how the changes she suffered affect her. There’s also a bit of romance, of the nice and heart-warming kind.
In the foreword, the author mentions that the mythology of the story is inspired by the indigenous tribes of the are where she grew up, but makes it clear that it’s not an attempt at telling their story, or using their actual mythology. Even so, the mythological component is both strong and believable, and it helps paint a picture of a world that could have been, and how life might have been lived there.
WHAT I’LL WHINE ABOUT
The names. The characters in the story have long names with a lot of apostrophes, and very often I stumbled over them when reading. The names do help with giving the clan and its people a sense of authenticity, but if they hadn’t been carried by the world building, I’m not sure it would have worked.
WHAT I’LL GUSH ABOUT
The sense of place. The world of the story feels real enough it’s almost like stepping through the page and seeing it for myself.
Ordinary people. This isn’t some high fantasy action mythology. The day to day life of the clan is an integral part of the reading experience and what could have been boring info-dumps instead deepen the immersion of the story.
The writing: It’s nigh on flawless and often very beautiful.
FINAL WORDS
This is a deeply immersive story, with a lot of mythological undertones – and it still manages to be an easy read.
February 17, 2022
That was hands down the best book I have read this year. I chose it as it's an indie author and I don't know anything about Alaskan mythology.
The writing is simple but perfectly done. I came away really moved by it. Perfection.
The writing is simple but perfectly done. I came away really moved by it. Perfection.
July 13, 2022
Loved every minute. So hard to put down! The ending blew me away.
September 30, 2021
I’m a slow reader, usually because if I like a passage I’ll read it a few times to savor the words before moving on. So yeah, this book took me a while to read.
After a brutal crash on her dogsled, Ts’ellbah feels different. She views the world around her in a new way. She suffers violent seizures and sees visions visions that come true. You can read the blurb for yourself, but you need to know that the story in the pages is expertly written and breathtakingly gorgeous.
While this isn’t the sort of book I would normally read, I am so, so glad I did. From the first chapter I fell in love with the style of writing. Because again, the story is beautiful—my arms were covered in chill bumps as it all came together in the last twenty pages--but it’s the way the story is told that makes this book so special. The details, the characters, the love of family, community, the reverence for nature, is moving and heartfelt.
I won't spoil the ending, or the middle, or any of it, really. But it's sweet and real and full of courageous moments both epic and small. By the time it unfolded I was in awe at how well thought out and clever it was. This is a memorable book, one that I’ll definitely be coming back to read a few times over. I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
After a brutal crash on her dogsled, Ts’ellbah feels different. She views the world around her in a new way. She suffers violent seizures and sees visions visions that come true. You can read the blurb for yourself, but you need to know that the story in the pages is expertly written and breathtakingly gorgeous.
While this isn’t the sort of book I would normally read, I am so, so glad I did. From the first chapter I fell in love with the style of writing. Because again, the story is beautiful—my arms were covered in chill bumps as it all came together in the last twenty pages--but it’s the way the story is told that makes this book so special. The details, the characters, the love of family, community, the reverence for nature, is moving and heartfelt.
I won't spoil the ending, or the middle, or any of it, really. But it's sweet and real and full of courageous moments both epic and small. By the time it unfolded I was in awe at how well thought out and clever it was. This is a memorable book, one that I’ll definitely be coming back to read a few times over. I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
April 21, 2023
After crashing her dog sled into a near-frozen river, Ts'ellbah felt herself die. She felt herself careening through the cosmos, surrounded by darkness and giant burning stars. But, seemingly through sheer force of will, Ts'ellbah survived, and nothing has been the same since. Strange visions, fainting spells, and constant feelings of danger set her apart from her clan, and people are beginning to think she's cursed. But when mounting evidence of a mythical clan of near-men begins to show they might be real after all, Ts'ellbah has to somehow find a way to convince her people she's not crazy, before the snows are stained red with blood.
Falling through Stars is an interesting read, filled with nuance and detail surrounding a fictional version of a real people. Written in first person, we follow a young girl through her daily life as she tries to reacclimate to her world after suffering a physical and spiritual tragedy. The author fills the story with interesting tidbits of tribal living. You can really feel their struggle to survive in the harshness of nature without modern day conveniences and scientific fact.
The beginning is somewhat slow as the author painstakingly sets up the world we'll find ourselves in for the rest of story, but the interesting characters and detailed account of daily life keeps it from dragging. The story picks up just before the halfway point, and though I'd planned to read this book over three or four days, I found myself at the 30% mark on day 1, and powered through the rest the following evening. The ending is fantastic, and is a wonderful payoff for all the build up that came before. The writer doesn't hold your hand, and the experience is all the better for it.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with this work. It's definitely outside what I normally like to read, but I'm so happy I got to experience this story.
Falling through Stars is an interesting read, filled with nuance and detail surrounding a fictional version of a real people. Written in first person, we follow a young girl through her daily life as she tries to reacclimate to her world after suffering a physical and spiritual tragedy. The author fills the story with interesting tidbits of tribal living. You can really feel their struggle to survive in the harshness of nature without modern day conveniences and scientific fact.
The beginning is somewhat slow as the author painstakingly sets up the world we'll find ourselves in for the rest of story, but the interesting characters and detailed account of daily life keeps it from dragging. The story picks up just before the halfway point, and though I'd planned to read this book over three or four days, I found myself at the 30% mark on day 1, and powered through the rest the following evening. The ending is fantastic, and is a wonderful payoff for all the build up that came before. The writer doesn't hold your hand, and the experience is all the better for it.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with this work. It's definitely outside what I normally like to read, but I'm so happy I got to experience this story.
June 8, 2022
This book tells the amazing story of Ts'ellbah who lives within an aborigine tribe of Alaska and her tribe's belief that two gods, Raven and Eagle, created the earth. The reader will be immersed in how it would be to survive off the land facing the struggles of harsh winters and wild animals among other things. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-developed characters within the book and their complex relationships with each other. As I read this fiction novel I was able to receive nuggets of wisdom, and when I finished reading the book, I was left with a feeling of peace and contentment. I'm an adult and listened to the audiobook as a fun read. Although my 7-year-old son really enjoyed hearing my summary of the book, I would suggest this for young readers aged 12 and older due to some of the scenes being intense. I definitely recommend this book, but be warned! Once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down! Or for other audiobook fans, once you press play, you won't want to stop listening!
May 25, 2022
After nearly dying in a dogsled crash Ts'ellbah, a young woman of an Artic clan, must cope with mysterious seizures, visions, and unexpected powers. Her people believe she is possessed by a dark power. Meanwhile, is that raven really speaking to her?
This story is something really special, one that I thought about often, even when I wasn’t reading it. The writing is lyrical, the descriptions of the natural world and the characters’ relationship with it gorgeously and realistically described, both the beautiful (Wolves! Salmon! The Northern Lights!) and the less beautiful (animal attacks, preparing animals for food, frostbite, etc.) The world-building--the folklore, politics, and details of everyday lives of the people—was impressive.
I’ll not spoil the ending, but it was perfect. This book was pretty perfect.
This story is something really special, one that I thought about often, even when I wasn’t reading it. The writing is lyrical, the descriptions of the natural world and the characters’ relationship with it gorgeously and realistically described, both the beautiful (Wolves! Salmon! The Northern Lights!) and the less beautiful (animal attacks, preparing animals for food, frostbite, etc.) The world-building--the folklore, politics, and details of everyday lives of the people—was impressive.
I’ll not spoil the ending, but it was perfect. This book was pretty perfect.
January 8, 2022
A fantastic read! There was so much depth to this book; I love the display of monotony of daily life, the intricacies of relationships and character development with the uncertainty of the storyline that keeps you intrigued to the end. Beautiful imagery throughout that brings the setting to life in a way that brings the reader there!
February 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I was intrigued by the plot from the first few pages and did not want to put the book down. Staci writes beautifully. She has a way with words that draws you into the story as if you were there. I love the way various characters are developed in the story. I highly recommend this book!
October 13, 2022
Breathtakingly beautiful and utterly captivating!
Be prepared for your heart and soul to be captured by Olsen’s eloquent writing style and masterfully created characters that are so strong and endearing you hate to let them go at the end of the book! This story is definitely a journey worth taking as it’s so rich in details and authentic mythology and folklore that it will pull you fast into a phenomenal storyline with fabulous characters and immerse you in such a beautiful culture you’ll never want to leave. The details and heart that Olsen uses to create this story, the characters and the overall sense of family and belonging are so empowering you can’t help but be enthralled as you journey alongside Ts’ellbeh.
“I remembered falling through stars. They rushed past me so numerous, so fast, like a cloud of burning dust. Infinite particles of light streaming by at cosmic velocity. A smear of granular incandescence."
After our FMC Ts’ellbeh crashes her dogsled in the frozen river and nearly dies, she can’t help but feel a tad disconnected, confused and a little bit lost about everything around her and what happened—and those around her in her community start to notice and it puts strain and tensions on her relationships and friendships. Is it just a result of the stress of the accident and nearly dying and slowly healing or is it something else? Because in a culture so rich in history and lore, they start to worry that maybe something sinister is lurking nearby or possessed Ts’ellbeh while she was under the water.
What commences next is an intriguing journey of discovery and an unraveling of past and present, the known and the unknown and a thin split between truth and reality full of twist and turns—with Ts’ellbeh right in the middle of it all as she tries to clear her confusion regarding the mystery of her accident and uncover who she really is, why strange things keep happening to her and around her and why she feels so isolated and disconnected. And let me just say Ts’ellbeh’s growth as a character is absolute perfection!!! Her deep desire to understand, her longing be accepted and her deep sense of loss and love were so heartbreakingly tragic you couldn’t help but feel right along with her!
If you are looking for a thought provoking, culturally rich story that is unique in its blend of mythology, lore and fantasy then this is the one for you! This is a beautiful coming of age story story about courage, perseverance, family ties, belonging and believing in something beyond any doubt and is a definite must read!
Be prepared for your heart and soul to be captured by Olsen’s eloquent writing style and masterfully created characters that are so strong and endearing you hate to let them go at the end of the book! This story is definitely a journey worth taking as it’s so rich in details and authentic mythology and folklore that it will pull you fast into a phenomenal storyline with fabulous characters and immerse you in such a beautiful culture you’ll never want to leave. The details and heart that Olsen uses to create this story, the characters and the overall sense of family and belonging are so empowering you can’t help but be enthralled as you journey alongside Ts’ellbeh.
“I remembered falling through stars. They rushed past me so numerous, so fast, like a cloud of burning dust. Infinite particles of light streaming by at cosmic velocity. A smear of granular incandescence."
After our FMC Ts’ellbeh crashes her dogsled in the frozen river and nearly dies, she can’t help but feel a tad disconnected, confused and a little bit lost about everything around her and what happened—and those around her in her community start to notice and it puts strain and tensions on her relationships and friendships. Is it just a result of the stress of the accident and nearly dying and slowly healing or is it something else? Because in a culture so rich in history and lore, they start to worry that maybe something sinister is lurking nearby or possessed Ts’ellbeh while she was under the water.
What commences next is an intriguing journey of discovery and an unraveling of past and present, the known and the unknown and a thin split between truth and reality full of twist and turns—with Ts’ellbeh right in the middle of it all as she tries to clear her confusion regarding the mystery of her accident and uncover who she really is, why strange things keep happening to her and around her and why she feels so isolated and disconnected. And let me just say Ts’ellbeh’s growth as a character is absolute perfection!!! Her deep desire to understand, her longing be accepted and her deep sense of loss and love were so heartbreakingly tragic you couldn’t help but feel right along with her!
If you are looking for a thought provoking, culturally rich story that is unique in its blend of mythology, lore and fantasy then this is the one for you! This is a beautiful coming of age story story about courage, perseverance, family ties, belonging and believing in something beyond any doubt and is a definite must read!
July 12, 2023
This is another novel that's been on my to read list for quite some time. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to get around to it in honesty. I'm glad I did as it's a wonderful read that takes you into the heart of Alaskan mythology. I devoured it from cover to cover, nearly getting my wrist slapped at work for continuing to read even after I'd come back from the printer. It's rare for a book to manage to make me genuinely tear up nowadays. I used to cry at the drop of a hat, but as an adult I seem to have de-sensitised myself. Falling Through Stars is the first book of the year to make me cry. That's an accolade in and of itself.
Ts’ellbeh doesn't feel quite right after being dragged out the river following a sled crash. Her body may be healing, but there's a strange icy mark on her chest. Worse than that perhaps are the fits, fits that come with strange knowledge that she should have no way of knowing. That and the realisation that she's the only one who can sense that danger is coming. But who is going to believe a teenager prone to fits? And even when her visions come true, that's seen more as a sign that something evil is lurking within her. But with every day, the danger looms closer. Ts’ellbeh is the only one with a voice to give warning, but what happens if no one heeds her call?
This is a cozy, clean fantasy that is a tale both of the individual and of the clan. It's a beautiful window into Alaskan mythology, with the sense of place and setting coming to life around you. It's a tale of low stakes in a way. It's a tale of the day-to-day; of the hunting and gathering, of home and hearth. It's a tale of not knowing your place in a world that was once more familiar to you than any other, of being suddenly different and outcast and yet of knowing your families love is steadfast and unwavering. Whilst there is an increasing sense of urgency as Ts’ellbeh feels the threat of the Den Men grow stronger, this is also very much a slice-of-life tale with a sweet romance threaded through it.
In all, this is a wonderful novel that brings Alaska to life around you and captures the living off the land, hunter-gatherer life along with the more fantastical elements of the novel. The lore and mythology is threaded through at the very heart of it, as is the joy of nature and the reverence of life. It's beautifully written and immersive, almost as though you could step off the pages and into the community. Absolutely a five star read.
Ts’ellbeh doesn't feel quite right after being dragged out the river following a sled crash. Her body may be healing, but there's a strange icy mark on her chest. Worse than that perhaps are the fits, fits that come with strange knowledge that she should have no way of knowing. That and the realisation that she's the only one who can sense that danger is coming. But who is going to believe a teenager prone to fits? And even when her visions come true, that's seen more as a sign that something evil is lurking within her. But with every day, the danger looms closer. Ts’ellbeh is the only one with a voice to give warning, but what happens if no one heeds her call?
This is a cozy, clean fantasy that is a tale both of the individual and of the clan. It's a beautiful window into Alaskan mythology, with the sense of place and setting coming to life around you. It's a tale of low stakes in a way. It's a tale of the day-to-day; of the hunting and gathering, of home and hearth. It's a tale of not knowing your place in a world that was once more familiar to you than any other, of being suddenly different and outcast and yet of knowing your families love is steadfast and unwavering. Whilst there is an increasing sense of urgency as Ts’ellbeh feels the threat of the Den Men grow stronger, this is also very much a slice-of-life tale with a sweet romance threaded through it.
In all, this is a wonderful novel that brings Alaska to life around you and captures the living off the land, hunter-gatherer life along with the more fantastical elements of the novel. The lore and mythology is threaded through at the very heart of it, as is the joy of nature and the reverence of life. It's beautifully written and immersive, almost as though you could step off the pages and into the community. Absolutely a five star read.
May 28, 2023
I am stunned that this book has so few reviews. It is underhyped in the best sense.
A cozy fantasy, set in Alaska or some other northerly part of the world, the story begins by introducing us to a world created by Eagle and Raven and then brought into this world while seeing how the creators continue to interact with it. Told through the eyes of Ts'ellbah, a girl who miraculously survives a deadly accident, we get to see the day-to-day life of the Salmon Chief Clan, their traditions, friendships, interactions with neighboring clans, how they defend themselves from their enemies, and their folklore. As a result of the accident, Ts'ellbah has visions in which she can see events before they occur, the death of an elder in the neighboring clan, the future of her newborn niece, and the Den people (an ancient enemy her clan thinks is long gone) watching them. The problem is that no one believes her. Are they truly visions or is she cursed? And why is the Raven always following her and laughing at her?
This book made me laugh, cry, laugh, cry some more...okay, quite a few sad things happen, but when you're trying to survive the winter and there isn't enough food and dogs go missing, well, that's to be expected. But the world was so beautiful despite all those things. There are events to celebrate and dancing lights. And the struggle allows all the things that matter most to shine through: loyalty, trust, family, friendship, and hope.
Content warnings: a girl talks about her parents dying from starvation so she would have enough food; a boy talks about his father physically abusing him and his mother; a villain tries to eat one of the girls. It's a violent world. But it ends happily. Well, I did cry several times, but that was before the end. The end was happy.
That stupid raven though!
I received the audiobook as a competition prize last summer and have reviewed it willingly.
A cozy fantasy, set in Alaska or some other northerly part of the world, the story begins by introducing us to a world created by Eagle and Raven and then brought into this world while seeing how the creators continue to interact with it. Told through the eyes of Ts'ellbah, a girl who miraculously survives a deadly accident, we get to see the day-to-day life of the Salmon Chief Clan, their traditions, friendships, interactions with neighboring clans, how they defend themselves from their enemies, and their folklore. As a result of the accident, Ts'ellbah has visions in which she can see events before they occur, the death of an elder in the neighboring clan, the future of her newborn niece, and the Den people (an ancient enemy her clan thinks is long gone) watching them. The problem is that no one believes her. Are they truly visions or is she cursed? And why is the Raven always following her and laughing at her?
This book made me laugh, cry, laugh, cry some more...okay, quite a few sad things happen, but when you're trying to survive the winter and there isn't enough food and dogs go missing, well, that's to be expected. But the world was so beautiful despite all those things. There are events to celebrate and dancing lights. And the struggle allows all the things that matter most to shine through: loyalty, trust, family, friendship, and hope.
Content warnings: a girl talks about her parents dying from starvation so she would have enough food; a boy talks about his father physically abusing him and his mother; a villain tries to eat one of the girls. It's a violent world. But it ends happily. Well, I did cry several times, but that was before the end. The end was happy.
That stupid raven though!
I received the audiobook as a competition prize last summer and have reviewed it willingly.
August 6, 2022
This book is absolutely, unequivocally BEAUTIFUL. Olsen has painted a breathtaking setting with equally wonderful characters and a driving plot, but has also managed to do so in a way that is simple and elegant without getting lost in too many flowery words. I mean, the first paragraph of chapter one alone...
"I remembered falling through stars. They rushed past me so numerous, so fast, like a cloud of burning dust. Infinite particles of light streaming by at cosmic velocity. A smear of granular incandescence."
Pure. Magic.
This is a fantasy novel, so there is the typical fantasy-type magic woven throughout this story, but what really made this book so special to me was the focus on the wonder in every-day moments. This book is rife with perfectly imperfect moments of love and family and community that are so achingly familiar to anyone that has ever cared for someone else. The characters are wonderfully human, most of them in the best ways, and others in the worst. This book embraced me not only with its gorgeous, everyday interactions, but also brought up personal and beloved memories of my own family and friends.
This is also one of the first books in recent memory that has completely surprised me with the ending. I was getting worried that not everything would wrap up before the end of the book, but Olsen masterfully tied it all together and left an ache in my heart that this incredible novel had come to an end.
Please read this book! It is every bit as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. It filled a hole in my heart that I didn't even know I had, and will go onto my bookshelves as one of my new favorites.
"I remembered falling through stars. They rushed past me so numerous, so fast, like a cloud of burning dust. Infinite particles of light streaming by at cosmic velocity. A smear of granular incandescence."
Pure. Magic.
This is a fantasy novel, so there is the typical fantasy-type magic woven throughout this story, but what really made this book so special to me was the focus on the wonder in every-day moments. This book is rife with perfectly imperfect moments of love and family and community that are so achingly familiar to anyone that has ever cared for someone else. The characters are wonderfully human, most of them in the best ways, and others in the worst. This book embraced me not only with its gorgeous, everyday interactions, but also brought up personal and beloved memories of my own family and friends.
This is also one of the first books in recent memory that has completely surprised me with the ending. I was getting worried that not everything would wrap up before the end of the book, but Olsen masterfully tied it all together and left an ache in my heart that this incredible novel had come to an end.
Please read this book! It is every bit as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. It filled a hole in my heart that I didn't even know I had, and will go onto my bookshelves as one of my new favorites.
September 11, 2022
About This Book: After seeing the glowing reviews for Staci Olsen’s Falling Through Stars, I couldn’t wait to pick it up. Falling Through Stars is the story of Ts’ellbah, a young woman who encounters a strange transformation in a frozen river. Can her clan appreciate the mysterious new gifts this experience gives her, or is she to be an outsider forever?
What I Thought: This is a small, delightful, poignant book. If I had to choose one aspect to describe it, it would be “mythological”—and not just because of the inspiration it clearly and thoughtfully draws from indigenous mythology, and not just because of the inclusion of some of those legends within the text itself, but because of the way that Olsen tells her story here. The simplicity of the language recalls the beauty of hereditary oral storytelling traditions, and the characters have the power of archetype. The story conveys what is best about myth: the fact that a very straightforward plot can reveal deep truths about the world and about what it means to be human.
Who I’d Recommend It To: If you like mythologically-inspired fantasy, I think this is a must-have. It would also be great for anyone looking for a shorter fantasy read, or for younger readers transitioning from middle grade, looking for stories with complexity and emotional heft that are still readable and free of adult content. It also reminded me of the wonderful Yarnsworld series, though not as dark/horror-inflected, so if you’re a fan of that, check this out!
September 1, 2022
It's taken me far too long to finish this audiobook and no thanks by any means to the day job, where audiobook activities have been non-existent. Additionally it isn't normally an age range I'd typically go into - but willing to give it a punt.
It it a rich book, well detailed and unusually, I increased the speed to 110% as it needed a push for my ears at least.
Ts'ellbah is an interesting character, well detailed and having recently watched Prey there are numerous similarities between the woman not listened to and unfortunate events. Personally I found it over-detailed and while it may suit and appeal to a younger audience I felt it affected pacing before the key plot twists came along.
The plot twists are well structured with the personalities involved hinting at events to come. In that regard they work well and heightening the pacing as what is in shadows emerges and a suitor, and further twists and tortures to the character without giving much away as events and tensions arise.
The ending is neat and clever and naturally where the beginning plot lines and title wrap up. I expected a bit more from 'Raven' it suited the nature of the book, as did the final twist, which did well to wrap up.
It was an interesting story, with a solid character and unique, vibrant culture that worked well in the setting, and all the better for it with solid research.
It it a rich book, well detailed and unusually, I increased the speed to 110% as it needed a push for my ears at least.
Ts'ellbah is an interesting character, well detailed and having recently watched Prey there are numerous similarities between the woman not listened to and unfortunate events. Personally I found it over-detailed and while it may suit and appeal to a younger audience I felt it affected pacing before the key plot twists came along.
The plot twists are well structured with the personalities involved hinting at events to come. In that regard they work well and heightening the pacing as what is in shadows emerges and a suitor, and further twists and tortures to the character without giving much away as events and tensions arise.
The ending is neat and clever and naturally where the beginning plot lines and title wrap up. I expected a bit more from 'Raven' it suited the nature of the book, as did the final twist, which did well to wrap up.
It was an interesting story, with a solid character and unique, vibrant culture that worked well in the setting, and all the better for it with solid research.
July 13, 2024
This book was such a good read. I really enjoyed it. The authors descriptions throughout the story were so good. I could picture it in my head. I loved the adventure.and I enjoyed getting to know Ts’ellbah and her world. I found her culture very interesting. I really liked discovering through her eyes and seeing what makes life beautiful and meaningful.
After a terrible sledding accident, Ts’ellbah is not quite herself. She doesn’t enjoy the things she once used to, and even her beloved dog seems to be a bit suspicious of her. Worst of all, she’s begun to have seizures and to see visions and some of these visions are of things that come to pass. Many people of her village begin to fear her even her friend stops talking to her and worry that she might be possessed by a demon. Then there’s this raven that keeps harassing her.
Ts’ellbah is someone you care about right away. Even though her world is falling apart, her family is determined to stand by her. You will wish the absolute best for her as she meets a fellow outcast and falls for him. I also worried about Ts’ellbah so much because she seems to be losing her mind.
This was a very enjoyable read that I will probably read again.
After a terrible sledding accident, Ts’ellbah is not quite herself. She doesn’t enjoy the things she once used to, and even her beloved dog seems to be a bit suspicious of her. Worst of all, she’s begun to have seizures and to see visions and some of these visions are of things that come to pass. Many people of her village begin to fear her even her friend stops talking to her and worry that she might be possessed by a demon. Then there’s this raven that keeps harassing her.
Ts’ellbah is someone you care about right away. Even though her world is falling apart, her family is determined to stand by her. You will wish the absolute best for her as she meets a fellow outcast and falls for him. I also worried about Ts’ellbah so much because she seems to be losing her mind.
This was a very enjoyable read that I will probably read again.
November 14, 2022
This is a beautiful story that has a very timeless feel.
The pace is fairly slow and the tone subdued for the most part – even the drama and action feel kind of controlled, but in a way that still manages to convey urgency, anxiety and tension. The world is rich and evocative, and the story equally deep, and enthralling as the characters that drive it.
The mythology and culture of this world are wonderfully depicted, and we receive most of it through the relationships and interactions of the characters and their communities. The story of how the world came to be, and the ongoing presence – and interference – of the sometimes cheeky creators is just brilliant.
It feels a little odd for me to use wonderful and beautiful to describe this book given the harsh, often brutal, climate of this story's setting, but it really is a lovely story despite the sometimes horrible reality of the world, and the dangerous creatures that inhabit it – both natural and mythological.
Oh and the reveal, the bit that makes it all make sense – magnificent!
Overall, I love this story and highly recommend it.
The pace is fairly slow and the tone subdued for the most part – even the drama and action feel kind of controlled, but in a way that still manages to convey urgency, anxiety and tension. The world is rich and evocative, and the story equally deep, and enthralling as the characters that drive it.
The mythology and culture of this world are wonderfully depicted, and we receive most of it through the relationships and interactions of the characters and their communities. The story of how the world came to be, and the ongoing presence – and interference – of the sometimes cheeky creators is just brilliant.
It feels a little odd for me to use wonderful and beautiful to describe this book given the harsh, often brutal, climate of this story's setting, but it really is a lovely story despite the sometimes horrible reality of the world, and the dangerous creatures that inhabit it – both natural and mythological.
Oh and the reveal, the bit that makes it all make sense – magnificent!
Overall, I love this story and highly recommend it.
February 26, 2023
The story is great! It’s a slow paced, slice of life low fantasy, so if that’s of interest to you, definitely give Falling Through Stars a listen. You won’t be disappointed! Though the pace is fairly slow, I didn’t find the story to lag at all, because the setting is excellent, the culture fascinating, the characters are so lifelike, and the mystery and intrigue of the plot really keep things moving. I’ve not read many books based on a Native American culture, and this book really shows what a wonderful culture it is. The reverence and respect for all life is truly beautiful. I loved the descriptions of daily life that really made me smile, especially the interactions of family and Ken’yu, whose antics were hilarious and reminded me so much of my own daughter and that gave me joy! There’s a small bit of romance which has all the tender sweetness as well as the uncertainty of a new and first relationship. And the tension of the possible threat from creatures of legend was perfect. All in all this is a lovely and well written story that I will definitely read again!
May 17, 2023
3.5 stars
Without doubt one of the prettiest covers I have ever seen. I cannot imagine anyone passing by this book and not wanting to immediately devour it. That’s at least how I react when I passed by this book at a local farmer’s market.
I have always been fascinated by the mythology of various indigenous peoples. This was an enjoyable, soft fantasy with lovable characters and investment into a small village.
The writing itself was quite simple. I’m not sure, but I think this book is intended for a middle school audience. All information was told to us rather than shown us. And the audiobook narrator was not the best.
The themes of the book and the world in created were excellent. I loved the last few chapters very much. It sweeten what I thought might be a solid 3 star book into something I could round up to 4.
Without doubt one of the prettiest covers I have ever seen. I cannot imagine anyone passing by this book and not wanting to immediately devour it. That’s at least how I react when I passed by this book at a local farmer’s market.
I have always been fascinated by the mythology of various indigenous peoples. This was an enjoyable, soft fantasy with lovable characters and investment into a small village.
The writing itself was quite simple. I’m not sure, but I think this book is intended for a middle school audience. All information was told to us rather than shown us. And the audiobook narrator was not the best.
The themes of the book and the world in created were excellent. I loved the last few chapters very much. It sweeten what I thought might be a solid 3 star book into something I could round up to 4.
August 11, 2023
Ts'ellbah should have died when her dogled crashed into a frozen river. Now she sees visions and has fits. This leaves her open to hostility and the prospect of being banished from her community.
This is a lovely story, fiction based on a real people. The twist at the end, explaining things, was unexpected but perfect.
This is a lovely story, fiction based on a real people. The twist at the end, explaining things, was unexpected but perfect.
November 25, 2024
Falling Through Stars is a slower paced, slice of life fantasy written in the setting of Native American culture. My favorite character is Ken’yu, who was delightful. A lighthearted romance is included in the story along with adventures and interesting creatures and animals. This is suitable for YA and teens but as an adult and parent I liked it just as well!
Excellent book.
Excellent book.
May 9, 2023
Lovely story, not too long, an easy read with endearing characters. The writing isn’t always the best but the characters are lovely and the simplicity of the world building makes you feel involved in Ts’ellbah’s little community. It helps that Native American culture and yetis fascinate me too.
July 13, 2023
A truly wonderful book. Tender moments mix with the reality of surviving in a harsh environment. Details bring realism as myth conjures up some quite frightening episodes. I don't really have any words to do it justice. It really is a stirring and somehow comforting read. Very much recommended.
October 29, 2023
A beautiful story with love, loss, strong family and friendships, with enough fantasy to keep young audiences interested. It ended with such a sweet message that wrapped it all up neatly. It drew me in so that I was feeling everything right along with Ts'ellbah. I'll definitely be reading it again!
June 13, 2025
Staci has a way with words! Well written and researched. Her storytelling takes you to the time and place it is written and allows you to believe you are there for a minute. I hope there is a sequel coming? 🙏
July 22, 2022
YA and preteens would enjoy this book especially if this is their first fantasy read.
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