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Against the Stars
When an attempt to kiss his best friend becomes a prom night disaster, Elliot Dove's confusion surrounding his sexuality is thrown into overdrive. Desperate for some clarity, Elliot turns to GlimpseTech, a company offering all over-sixteens a 44-second glimpse of what lies ahead. But Elliot's Glimpse only makes him more confused, showing him in an intimate moment with Sebastian Glass, the 'one gay kid' in his year at school.
Seb, meanwhile, hates Glimpses, and blames the technology for his dad's absence. But unlike the protesters picket-lining GlimpseTech headquarters, Seb has other things to worry about, like his mum's depression and the man showing up at his house demanding money. Then he bumps into Elliot, and bumps into him again, until it seems the universe is pulling them together.
Despite the vast differences in their lives, Elliot and Seb find something they were missing in each other, and soon friendship blooms into something more. But tensions are growing in the outside world. Rumors of the so-called 'Last Day'--the day beyond which no one has seen in their Glimpse--are causing widespread panic. With the end of the world an increasingly real prospect, a seemingly uncrossable class divide, and the secret of Elliot's Glimpse a ticking time bomb, the universe may have other plans for Elliot and Seb.
Against The Stars is an exploration of class, love, and destiny, perfect for fans of Adam Silvera's They Both Die At The End. This speculative, queer romance will have readers desperate to know how things turn out, but if given the choice, would you glimpse ahead?
Seb, meanwhile, hates Glimpses, and blames the technology for his dad's absence. But unlike the protesters picket-lining GlimpseTech headquarters, Seb has other things to worry about, like his mum's depression and the man showing up at his house demanding money. Then he bumps into Elliot, and bumps into him again, until it seems the universe is pulling them together.
Despite the vast differences in their lives, Elliot and Seb find something they were missing in each other, and soon friendship blooms into something more. But tensions are growing in the outside world. Rumors of the so-called 'Last Day'--the day beyond which no one has seen in their Glimpse--are causing widespread panic. With the end of the world an increasingly real prospect, a seemingly uncrossable class divide, and the secret of Elliot's Glimpse a ticking time bomb, the universe may have other plans for Elliot and Seb.
Against The Stars is an exploration of class, love, and destiny, perfect for fans of Adam Silvera's They Both Die At The End. This speculative, queer romance will have readers desperate to know how things turn out, but if given the choice, would you glimpse ahead?
312 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2023
About the author
Christopher Hartland
2 books28 followersBased in West Yorkshire, England, Christopher Hartland is a queer, autistic writer with a particular love for sci-fi, fantasy, and romance. Despite going on to complete a physics degree, "author" was always his answer to the childhood question of "what do you want to be when you grow up?" When not writing, you can find him nerding out over musical theatre, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or endlessly rewatching Doctor Who.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 26, 2025
Somehow I forgot to post this one...
Narration - A; Story - B+ - 4.5 stars rounded up
Against the Stars is an inventive and heartrending YA romance set in a world in which everyone is offered the chance to have forty-four second Glimpse into their future when they reach the age of sixteen.
When Elliot Dove drunkenly attempts to kiss his best friend at a party, it turns his world upside down and has him questioning his sexuality for the first time ever. Bewildered and scared, he books his Glimpse in an attempt to get answers, but ends up even more confused. He sees himself and Seb Glass – “the one gay kid” in his year at school – in an intimate moment during which he feels happier than he’s ever been. He doesn’t know Seb – they’ve never even spoken – but Glimpses are never wrong, so Elliot sets about trying to get to know Seb in hopes of recreating the connection he’d felt between them.
Seb is an outsider who has been through a lot in his young life. He hates Glimpses and blames them for splitting up his family because his dad’s Glimpse showed him making a life and family with another woman. Seb doesn’t want his Glimpse – he’s got enough on his plate worrying about his mum’s depression and the strange man turning up at his house demanding money they don’t have. He knows Elliot Dove by sight only, but when he bumps into him on the night of the party – and then again a few days later… and again a few days after that, it seems that more than simple coincidence is pushing them together.
Despite their different backgrounds, Elliot and Seb become friends and attraction blooms as they discover something in each other that they hadn’t realised they were missing. Their romance is sweet and although it progresses somewhat quickly, it’s strongly rooted in their obvious mutual attraction and growing care for one another, which helps it not to feel too rushed. The crisis point is easy to see coming and when it hits, it HITS - leaving one big question. Can Elliot mend what’s broken before the (possible) end of the world?
Elliot and Seb are likeable and believable sixteen/seventeen year-olds, although Seb sometimes feels older, probably because his life experience has forced him to grow up quickly. They’re different in many ways, and where Elliot’s family is comfortably off, Seb and his mother are barely getting by, and he has to deal with things that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to face. There’s an interesting sub-plot running alongside the romance, about the anti Glimpse movement and a conspiracy to bring down GlimpseTech, and I enjoyed the discussions about destiny and fate, about free will and the importance of making one’s own choices.
I’m not someone who usually gravitates towards YA and I probably would have missed this one entirely had I not seen the names of the narrators attached to it. Benjamin Crow (who reads the chapters from Elliot’s PoV) is new to me, but I’ve listened to Joe Jameson (Seb) and Will M. Watt (Agent Sigma) several times before, and their names on the cover encouraged me to read the synopsis. Once I had, I thoroughly intrigued by the premise of the story, and the performances are excellent. Benjamin Crow and Joe Jameson are wonderful as Elliot and Seb; their voices go really well together (which isn’t always the case in dual narrations) and they both do a good job of finding suitable voices for the secondary characters and differentiating between them. They both sound appropriately youthful, but special mention goes to Mr. Jameson for doing the heavy emotional lifting as Seb, who really does go through the wringer. The two of them narrate the bulk of the novel, but there are a handful of chapters that cover the anti-Glimpse conspiracy narrated by someone on the inside (the mysterious Agent Sigma).
Against the Stars is touching, warm, and thought-provoking, and the narration by three such talented performers makes a strong case for experiencing the story in audio. Highly recommended.
Note: This story touches on some difficult subjects - including suicide, assault, poverty, transphobia and terrorism - and I’d advise checking the content warnings using Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature to find out more.
Narration - A; Story - B+ - 4.5 stars rounded up
Against the Stars is an inventive and heartrending YA romance set in a world in which everyone is offered the chance to have forty-four second Glimpse into their future when they reach the age of sixteen.
When Elliot Dove drunkenly attempts to kiss his best friend at a party, it turns his world upside down and has him questioning his sexuality for the first time ever. Bewildered and scared, he books his Glimpse in an attempt to get answers, but ends up even more confused. He sees himself and Seb Glass – “the one gay kid” in his year at school – in an intimate moment during which he feels happier than he’s ever been. He doesn’t know Seb – they’ve never even spoken – but Glimpses are never wrong, so Elliot sets about trying to get to know Seb in hopes of recreating the connection he’d felt between them.
Seb is an outsider who has been through a lot in his young life. He hates Glimpses and blames them for splitting up his family because his dad’s Glimpse showed him making a life and family with another woman. Seb doesn’t want his Glimpse – he’s got enough on his plate worrying about his mum’s depression and the strange man turning up at his house demanding money they don’t have. He knows Elliot Dove by sight only, but when he bumps into him on the night of the party – and then again a few days later… and again a few days after that, it seems that more than simple coincidence is pushing them together.
Despite their different backgrounds, Elliot and Seb become friends and attraction blooms as they discover something in each other that they hadn’t realised they were missing. Their romance is sweet and although it progresses somewhat quickly, it’s strongly rooted in their obvious mutual attraction and growing care for one another, which helps it not to feel too rushed. The crisis point is easy to see coming and when it hits, it HITS - leaving one big question. Can Elliot mend what’s broken before the (possible) end of the world?
Elliot and Seb are likeable and believable sixteen/seventeen year-olds, although Seb sometimes feels older, probably because his life experience has forced him to grow up quickly. They’re different in many ways, and where Elliot’s family is comfortably off, Seb and his mother are barely getting by, and he has to deal with things that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to face. There’s an interesting sub-plot running alongside the romance, about the anti Glimpse movement and a conspiracy to bring down GlimpseTech, and I enjoyed the discussions about destiny and fate, about free will and the importance of making one’s own choices.
I’m not someone who usually gravitates towards YA and I probably would have missed this one entirely had I not seen the names of the narrators attached to it. Benjamin Crow (who reads the chapters from Elliot’s PoV) is new to me, but I’ve listened to Joe Jameson (Seb) and Will M. Watt (Agent Sigma) several times before, and their names on the cover encouraged me to read the synopsis. Once I had, I thoroughly intrigued by the premise of the story, and the performances are excellent. Benjamin Crow and Joe Jameson are wonderful as Elliot and Seb; their voices go really well together (which isn’t always the case in dual narrations) and they both do a good job of finding suitable voices for the secondary characters and differentiating between them. They both sound appropriately youthful, but special mention goes to Mr. Jameson for doing the heavy emotional lifting as Seb, who really does go through the wringer. The two of them narrate the bulk of the novel, but there are a handful of chapters that cover the anti-Glimpse conspiracy narrated by someone on the inside (the mysterious Agent Sigma).
Against the Stars is touching, warm, and thought-provoking, and the narration by three such talented performers makes a strong case for experiencing the story in audio. Highly recommended.
Note: This story touches on some difficult subjects - including suicide, assault, poverty, transphobia and terrorism - and I’d advise checking the content warnings using Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature to find out more.
March 19, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a free arc of this book from Tiny Ghost Press in exchange for my honest review.
Would you had a glimpse at your future, if you had the chance?
Welcome to the world, where GlimpseTech exist and where you can see a glimpse of your future.
Elliot is your normal boy. He comes from a good family, and has a best friend named Callum. After almost kissing him at the prom night, Elliot goes to GlimpseTech to see his future.
The glimpse shows him being intimate with another boy, Seb. Coming to a realisation that he might be actually bisexual, he tries to befriend Seb.
Seb hates glimpses. His father left his mother after he glimpsed himself with another woman. His mom has a bad mental health.
He usually spends his time with his best friend Aym, who’s a trans girl and who’s a cousin of his ex-boyfriend, who’s a transphobe.
After Seb starts to spend time with Elliot, he’s finally feeling happy again, but it won’t be that easy for him to finally find his happiness.
I wasn’t sure, if I was going to like this book, but then it completely blew my mind. I love the concept of glimpses, and I also really like that while glimpses show you a part of your future, they don’t pain the whole picture.
I wanted to hug Seb so many times, poor boy went through so many things, but he deserves applause for dumping his transphobic ex-bf.
Seb and Elliot were great together, and I really enjoyed their scenes. The minor characters - Aym, Callum and Callum’s girlfriend Nikita were also great.
The main part of the book is the love story between Swb and Elliot, but there’s also a conspiracy against GlimpseTech in the background of this story, and we also got a pov from Agent Sigma, who plays a part in it. This gave the book another dimension, and I really enjoyed these scenes.
I definitely recommend this book.
Would you had a glimpse at your future, if you had the chance?
Welcome to the world, where GlimpseTech exist and where you can see a glimpse of your future.
Elliot is your normal boy. He comes from a good family, and has a best friend named Callum. After almost kissing him at the prom night, Elliot goes to GlimpseTech to see his future.
The glimpse shows him being intimate with another boy, Seb. Coming to a realisation that he might be actually bisexual, he tries to befriend Seb.
Seb hates glimpses. His father left his mother after he glimpsed himself with another woman. His mom has a bad mental health.
He usually spends his time with his best friend Aym, who’s a trans girl and who’s a cousin of his ex-boyfriend, who’s a transphobe.
After Seb starts to spend time with Elliot, he’s finally feeling happy again, but it won’t be that easy for him to finally find his happiness.
I wasn’t sure, if I was going to like this book, but then it completely blew my mind. I love the concept of glimpses, and I also really like that while glimpses show you a part of your future, they don’t pain the whole picture.
I wanted to hug Seb so many times, poor boy went through so many things, but he deserves applause for dumping his transphobic ex-bf.
Seb and Elliot were great together, and I really enjoyed their scenes. The minor characters - Aym, Callum and Callum’s girlfriend Nikita were also great.
The main part of the book is the love story between Swb and Elliot, but there’s also a conspiracy against GlimpseTech in the background of this story, and we also got a pov from Agent Sigma, who plays a part in it. This gave the book another dimension, and I really enjoyed these scenes.
I definitely recommend this book.
July 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! After just finishing Robbie Couch’s time-loop novel, If I See You Again Tomorrow, I was very excited to read another speculative fiction book right after. I have fallen in love with this genre – and this was a knockout.
Filled to the brim with everything I could ask for – heart, romance, inclusion, humor, and the right amount of seriousness to it.
I did not expect going in that there would be so much heavy content [ PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS ] and so many difficult topics to be explored. Poverty & class, identity, sex work, ethics, politics, mental illness, and suicide.
But it navigated that content expertly while still keeping those ever-important moments of levity throughout.
Let’s talk about Elliot and Seb … one of my new favorite fictional gay couples. Once they hit it off, I was absolutely in love with their relationship.
Seb, our little sad boi angel, was going through more than a teenager should have to. My heart ached for him. My heart latches onto characters that have no choice BUT to be resilient, and Seb was one of those characters. Fully developed, loveable, and strong.
Elliot, the other half of our dual POV, having a bisexual crisis. I loved watching his coming-out journey and I loved watching him grow as a character throughout the book. Seeing how supportive he was of Seb brought tears to my eyes.
Because I think one of the sweetest recurring things in the book were the moments where Elliot just held Seb and let him cry for as long as he needed to. I love relationships where there’s vulnerability, where there’s comfortable silence, and where the two characters are just able to exist with one another without enormously profound, elaborate moments or chapters. Sometimes the simple moments are what matter most, and I think Christopher Hartland did a great job at capturing those.
I will say that I figured out the reality of “End Day” by the second Agent Sigma interlude, and my suspicions were confirmed. Not to say that’s a bad thing.
I added this book to my TBR ages ago when I first stumbled across it and was bummed that there were several months to go before it was released. I started it just a few days after it was released, and I have to say – it was worth the wait. I will read whatever Christopher Hartland comes up with next.
“What if I told you none of it was accidental, and the first night that I saw you, nothing was gonna stop me? / I laid the groundwork and then, just like clockwork, the dominoes cascaded in a line. / And now you're mine. It was all by design, because I'm a mastermind." - Mastermind // Taylor Swift
Filled to the brim with everything I could ask for – heart, romance, inclusion, humor, and the right amount of seriousness to it.
I did not expect going in that there would be so much heavy content [ PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS ] and so many difficult topics to be explored. Poverty & class, identity, sex work, ethics, politics, mental illness, and suicide.
But it navigated that content expertly while still keeping those ever-important moments of levity throughout.
Let’s talk about Elliot and Seb … one of my new favorite fictional gay couples. Once they hit it off, I was absolutely in love with their relationship.
Seb, our little sad boi angel, was going through more than a teenager should have to. My heart ached for him. My heart latches onto characters that have no choice BUT to be resilient, and Seb was one of those characters. Fully developed, loveable, and strong.
Elliot, the other half of our dual POV, having a bisexual crisis. I loved watching his coming-out journey and I loved watching him grow as a character throughout the book. Seeing how supportive he was of Seb brought tears to my eyes.
Because I think one of the sweetest recurring things in the book were the moments where Elliot just held Seb and let him cry for as long as he needed to. I love relationships where there’s vulnerability, where there’s comfortable silence, and where the two characters are just able to exist with one another without enormously profound, elaborate moments or chapters. Sometimes the simple moments are what matter most, and I think Christopher Hartland did a great job at capturing those.
I will say that I figured out the reality of “End Day” by the second Agent Sigma interlude, and my suspicions were confirmed. Not to say that’s a bad thing.
I added this book to my TBR ages ago when I first stumbled across it and was bummed that there were several months to go before it was released. I started it just a few days after it was released, and I have to say – it was worth the wait. I will read whatever Christopher Hartland comes up with next.
“What if I told you none of it was accidental, and the first night that I saw you, nothing was gonna stop me? / I laid the groundwork and then, just like clockwork, the dominoes cascaded in a line. / And now you're mine. It was all by design, because I'm a mastermind." - Mastermind // Taylor Swift
May 2, 2023
I received an ARC from the Edelweiss
TW: homophobia, transphobia & deadnaming, themes of suicide, coerced sex work, domestic terrorism & mass death
4
This is an interesting speculative story with a cute romance on the side. I love speculative fiction, particularly about death and time(and love!), and I think this is an idea that a lot of people will also be immediately intrigued by. The Glimpses themselves are a well crafted idea, and I love the fact that they’re so short and it can only be done once. It grounds it in a really important way, and it grounds it well.
I think the romance was cute, and the exploration of it really straddled the line of morality. It’s well paced for still being so quick, and you do really feel the tension between them and their chemistry grow.
The ending gives it a even more grounded feeling, bittersweet and grey. I think it’s done carefully, showing good and bad with uncertainty.
However, there are many moments that did feel inorganic to me- particularly the mother issues- and I can’t help but feel that Hartland picked a very big, interesting question and then didn’t do much to truly explore it.
TW: homophobia, transphobia & deadnaming, themes of suicide, coerced sex work, domestic terrorism & mass death
4
This is an interesting speculative story with a cute romance on the side. I love speculative fiction, particularly about death and time(and love!), and I think this is an idea that a lot of people will also be immediately intrigued by. The Glimpses themselves are a well crafted idea, and I love the fact that they’re so short and it can only be done once. It grounds it in a really important way, and it grounds it well.
I think the romance was cute, and the exploration of it really straddled the line of morality. It’s well paced for still being so quick, and you do really feel the tension between them and their chemistry grow.
The ending gives it a even more grounded feeling, bittersweet and grey. I think it’s done carefully, showing good and bad with uncertainty.
However, there are many moments that did feel inorganic to me- particularly the mother issues- and I can’t help but feel that Hartland picked a very big, interesting question and then didn’t do much to truly explore it.
September 3, 2022
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book and what an absolutely delightful read it was!!!
April 4, 2023
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Against the Stars is the debut novel of Christopher Hartland. A Queer YA sci-fi romance filled with joy, struggles, and hope.
This is it. The Glimpse, It's no longer a vision of my future. It's the here and now. And from this moment on, nothing will ever be predictable.
When a person turns 16 they are given the chance to witness a 44-second glimpse into a random point of your future. Some hate the idea and thinks it takes away free will, and others live by what they see and let it dictate their choices. Elliot after a questioning himself decides to witness his glimpse, and it confirms his bisexuality, and he recognizes the both from his glimpse. Elliot finds away to get to know Seb in hopes of building the connection that he felt in his glimpse. Seb's life is a rough one, and he blames a lot of it on the glimpses his parents had. When he finds out Elliot only started talking to him because of a glimpse, it destroys what they had started. Will Elliot be able to mend them before the possible end of the world.
"Will you stay with me ?" Seb whispers.
I place a hand on his cheek, running my fingers down his perfect jaw. "I will. For as long as you let me."
I feel his smile before I see it and kiss him once more.
Ok it took me a minute to really get into this one, but I think it was because I always struggle at first with sci-fi, but the more I read, the more I became invested in Elliot and Seb's ending. Seb had a whole lot going on in his life and Elliot brought a light to the darkness ( I mean his bestie Aym did too, I have to give her credit where credits due) . He goes through a lot that a 16 year old should have never have to go through and it broke my heart how many time the boy was reduced to tears. Elliot goes through a sexual identity crises and the pressures of being in his brother's shadow, but overall doesn't have it too bad. He ended up being great at showing support for Seb when he needs it. The two have a sweet romance filled with blushes, first dates, hike picnics, and the cuteness of young love.
In the end I really enjoyed Against the Stars and I will definitely keep an eye out for future books by Christopher Hartland.
Rep: Bi MC, Gay MC, trans female secondary character.
TW: suicide by a family member, transphobia, dead naming, homophobia, attempted suicide, discussion of sex work, violence, underage drinking...there's probably more so check the TW's yourself
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Against the Stars is the debut novel of Christopher Hartland. A Queer YA sci-fi romance filled with joy, struggles, and hope.
This is it. The Glimpse, It's no longer a vision of my future. It's the here and now. And from this moment on, nothing will ever be predictable.
When a person turns 16 they are given the chance to witness a 44-second glimpse into a random point of your future. Some hate the idea and thinks it takes away free will, and others live by what they see and let it dictate their choices. Elliot after a questioning himself decides to witness his glimpse, and it confirms his bisexuality, and he recognizes the both from his glimpse. Elliot finds away to get to know Seb in hopes of building the connection that he felt in his glimpse. Seb's life is a rough one, and he blames a lot of it on the glimpses his parents had. When he finds out Elliot only started talking to him because of a glimpse, it destroys what they had started. Will Elliot be able to mend them before the possible end of the world.
"Will you stay with me ?" Seb whispers.
I place a hand on his cheek, running my fingers down his perfect jaw. "I will. For as long as you let me."
I feel his smile before I see it and kiss him once more.
Ok it took me a minute to really get into this one, but I think it was because I always struggle at first with sci-fi, but the more I read, the more I became invested in Elliot and Seb's ending. Seb had a whole lot going on in his life and Elliot brought a light to the darkness ( I mean his bestie Aym did too, I have to give her credit where credits due) . He goes through a lot that a 16 year old should have never have to go through and it broke my heart how many time the boy was reduced to tears. Elliot goes through a sexual identity crises and the pressures of being in his brother's shadow, but overall doesn't have it too bad. He ended up being great at showing support for Seb when he needs it. The two have a sweet romance filled with blushes, first dates, hike picnics, and the cuteness of young love.
In the end I really enjoyed Against the Stars and I will definitely keep an eye out for future books by Christopher Hartland.
Rep: Bi MC, Gay MC, trans female secondary character.
TW: suicide by a family member, transphobia, dead naming, homophobia, attempted suicide, discussion of sex work, violence, underage drinking...there's probably more so check the TW's yourself
June 7, 2023
Ahhh! So good! I laughed, I cried, I threw the book across the room, and then I squeezed a hug out of it…this book took me through all these emotions my body didn’t even know it had!
I need to send my therapy bill to Christopher Hartland!
Seb and Elliott are my two new fave MC’s and their relationship is truly epic—no matter what the Glimpses say! ;)
Truly phenomenal book-blended sci-fi with romance (queer romance) in an unexpected way and I loved it!!
Make sure, WHEN you read this book, that you’ll grab some tissues first!
I CANT WAIT to follow this author where ever they go next!
I need to send my therapy bill to Christopher Hartland!
Seb and Elliott are my two new fave MC’s and their relationship is truly epic—no matter what the Glimpses say! ;)
Truly phenomenal book-blended sci-fi with romance (queer romance) in an unexpected way and I loved it!!
Make sure, WHEN you read this book, that you’ll grab some tissues first!
I CANT WAIT to follow this author where ever they go next!
March 18, 2023
It’s a great time in publishing for queer books by and for queer readers, and this book is a solid entry to that movement.
Very “Heartstopper” meets “They Both Die At The End” and a little bit of MTV’s “Skins” tossed in for good measure. This is a book for the feels, so bring along a blanket and some tissues just in case.
I received an ARC of this book an am leaving this review voluntarily.
Very “Heartstopper” meets “They Both Die At The End” and a little bit of MTV’s “Skins” tossed in for good measure. This is a book for the feels, so bring along a blanket and some tissues just in case.
I received an ARC of this book an am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2023
I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book - not knowing how things were going to unfold after the last Glimpse. It was thought provoking and led to to ponder how much of our lives we create for ourselves based on what we think, feel, and do, and whether we have free will or if there is such a thing called destiny.
I’m was initially somewhat unsure on the romance between Elliot and Seb. It was a bit too instant romance for me at first, and I questioned how viable a relationship could be because it was foretold in a vision to only one person involved, which felt somewhat creepy and manipulative, but then I was won over by how Elliot and Seb started to genuinely care for each other and develop a strong connection in the middle of tumultuous circumstances.
I also thought this book was unique in the ways it explored poverty and privilege and the intergenerational impact of mental health on families. I was surprised by the ending and loved it.
I’m was initially somewhat unsure on the romance between Elliot and Seb. It was a bit too instant romance for me at first, and I questioned how viable a relationship could be because it was foretold in a vision to only one person involved, which felt somewhat creepy and manipulative, but then I was won over by how Elliot and Seb started to genuinely care for each other and develop a strong connection in the middle of tumultuous circumstances.
I also thought this book was unique in the ways it explored poverty and privilege and the intergenerational impact of mental health on families. I was surprised by the ending and loved it.
March 2, 2023
So many ups and downs! My gay heart could barely handle it 🖤 very much "The Future is yours" meets "We all looked up"
September 6, 2023
An intriguing background and a sweet romance!
Is knowing your future a good or a bad thing? Would you do it if you had the choice?
This is the background of Christopher Hartland's debut novel: an excellent blend of contemporary romance with big questions which have no easy answers.
The Glimpse, a 44 seconds sneak peak into your future, redefined the world - because what you see will happen, with no change possible. Thus when you see you will pass your exams, you will. When you see yourself with a new wife and kids, it will happen. And when you see nothing, you will die.
Elliot sees himself being intimate with Seb, and his already confused feelings about his own sexuality get a bit more clear. But Seb hates Glimpses, blaming them for the state of him family, and believing they deprive people of having control of their own lives.
Elliot and Seb come from different worlds: Seb has to be the adult of the house because his mother is struggling and his father is absent. Elliot feels pressured by his parents expectations and standards they expect him to live up to. Sometimes their worlds clash, sometimes they complement each other.
Through all the twists and turns, you can see how much the boys care for each other and the growing trust to be vulnerable around each other. The plot deals with some pretty heavy issues (on Seb's side) which alternate and blend organically with the YA romance and are also tied with the big questions regarding the Glimpse technology, because is there a point in the journey if you know the destination?
Is knowing your future a good or a bad thing? Would you do it if you had the choice?
This is the background of Christopher Hartland's debut novel: an excellent blend of contemporary romance with big questions which have no easy answers.
The Glimpse, a 44 seconds sneak peak into your future, redefined the world - because what you see will happen, with no change possible. Thus when you see you will pass your exams, you will. When you see yourself with a new wife and kids, it will happen. And when you see nothing, you will die.
Elliot sees himself being intimate with Seb, and his already confused feelings about his own sexuality get a bit more clear. But Seb hates Glimpses, blaming them for the state of him family, and believing they deprive people of having control of their own lives.
Elliot and Seb come from different worlds: Seb has to be the adult of the house because his mother is struggling and his father is absent. Elliot feels pressured by his parents expectations and standards they expect him to live up to. Sometimes their worlds clash, sometimes they complement each other.
Through all the twists and turns, you can see how much the boys care for each other and the growing trust to be vulnerable around each other. The plot deals with some pretty heavy issues (on Seb's side) which alternate and blend organically with the YA romance and are also tied with the big questions regarding the Glimpse technology, because is there a point in the journey if you know the destination?
April 18, 2023
Make sure to check content and trigger warnings before reading this book.
I’ve been trying to find a time to read this book for a while and I’m glad I managed to finish it today when it’s being released. I start reading Against the Stars yesterday and I just couldn’t make myself stop. It was a real struggle to go to bed last night because I didn’t wanna put it down.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book but I do know that it exceeded all my expectations. Omg, what a debut! Christopher’s writing is good in that way that sucks you in and make you forget about all else. At times, his writing is painfully poetic and beautiful.
This book gave me joy and comfort but it also made me hurt a lot. I wasn’t expecting the pain. I hadn’t realised it would be like this so it hurt bad, but then it put me back together in the end. Maybe not completely whole, but perhaps a little bit stronger?
GlimpseTech allows people to have a 44 seconds Glimpse of a random event in their future. Not everyone supports this technology that shows people's future which's supposedly 100% accurate. Glimpses can show someone a bright future but it can also show horrible things that'll supposedly come to pass. Glimpses may show you a bright future but it can also crumble someone's whole life. How to cope with life when you know sh*t is going to happen? Some wonder if Glimpses take away free will.
Both Elliot and Seb’s lives were somehow affect by Glimpses, though in very different ways. A Glimpse might’ve been the cause of them coming together. Was it always going to happen this way? Well, no matter how it came to be, they lives intertwine and they go through a lot together. Seb goes through A LOT. His life hasn’t been easy or privileged like Elliot’s. Their story is so worth reading.
I loved how much emotions and feelings were laid bare in this book. There wasn’t much of that “I’m not gonna cry in front of people”, “I can’t show weakness” or whatever. Seb goes through some heavy stuff in this book, and letting all that emotions out is just the most natural reaction he could have. There’s no shame in that. The same goes for Elliot’s and his problems. Crying is not a wrong or shameful thing. Seeing this here was refreshing and gave me hope that more boys will learn that having and showing emotions is not a bad thing.
Thank you Tiny Ghost Press nd Christopher Hartland for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
I’ve been trying to find a time to read this book for a while and I’m glad I managed to finish it today when it’s being released. I start reading Against the Stars yesterday and I just couldn’t make myself stop. It was a real struggle to go to bed last night because I didn’t wanna put it down.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book but I do know that it exceeded all my expectations. Omg, what a debut! Christopher’s writing is good in that way that sucks you in and make you forget about all else. At times, his writing is painfully poetic and beautiful.
This book gave me joy and comfort but it also made me hurt a lot. I wasn’t expecting the pain. I hadn’t realised it would be like this so it hurt bad, but then it put me back together in the end. Maybe not completely whole, but perhaps a little bit stronger?
GlimpseTech allows people to have a 44 seconds Glimpse of a random event in their future. Not everyone supports this technology that shows people's future which's supposedly 100% accurate. Glimpses can show someone a bright future but it can also show horrible things that'll supposedly come to pass. Glimpses may show you a bright future but it can also crumble someone's whole life. How to cope with life when you know sh*t is going to happen? Some wonder if Glimpses take away free will.
Both Elliot and Seb’s lives were somehow affect by Glimpses, though in very different ways. A Glimpse might’ve been the cause of them coming together. Was it always going to happen this way? Well, no matter how it came to be, they lives intertwine and they go through a lot together. Seb goes through A LOT. His life hasn’t been easy or privileged like Elliot’s. Their story is so worth reading.
I loved how much emotions and feelings were laid bare in this book. There wasn’t much of that “I’m not gonna cry in front of people”, “I can’t show weakness” or whatever. Seb goes through some heavy stuff in this book, and letting all that emotions out is just the most natural reaction he could have. There’s no shame in that. The same goes for Elliot’s and his problems. Crying is not a wrong or shameful thing. Seeing this here was refreshing and gave me hope that more boys will learn that having and showing emotions is not a bad thing.
Thank you Tiny Ghost Press nd Christopher Hartland for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
April 4, 2023
After a poorly timed attempt to kiss his best friend while drunk at a post-prom party, Elliot Dove decides to finally get his Glimpse. GlimpseTech offers you one forty-four second Glimpse into the future. When Elliot's Glimpse shows him in an intimate situation with that "gay kid" Sebastian Glass, Elliot is left only more confused.
Seb hates Glimpses. He blames them for the dissolution of his parent's marriage and so much more. Suddenly that Elliot Dove kid keeps cropping up in his life and the two circle each other and finally collide.
While the tension in the outside world surrounding the so-called "Last Day" (the date after which no one has ever had a Glimpse) and the discussion between fate/destiny and free will, this book manages to cram a pretty adorable romance into the space of a couple of weeks leading up to the assumed end of the world.
I really loved this. At first I was worried it would be TOO much like "They Both Die At the End" (I hate Adam Silvera, whoops) but it was prefect. The romance is sweet, the strife between the characters feels like there are definite stakes and Hartland makes you deeply care about not just Elliot and Seb but Aym and Callum and Nikita. I loved these characters. My one big downside is that, even in a weird world where people can see the future there is still is rampant homophobia and transphobia.
I would have liked a bit more from the perspective of Agent Sigma. It felt like that whole counter-movement against GlimpseTech wasn't as fleshed out as I would've liked.
All-in-all this book was a banger and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Seb hates Glimpses. He blames them for the dissolution of his parent's marriage and so much more. Suddenly that Elliot Dove kid keeps cropping up in his life and the two circle each other and finally collide.
While the tension in the outside world surrounding the so-called "Last Day" (the date after which no one has ever had a Glimpse) and the discussion between fate/destiny and free will, this book manages to cram a pretty adorable romance into the space of a couple of weeks leading up to the assumed end of the world.
I really loved this. At first I was worried it would be TOO much like "They Both Die At the End" (I hate Adam Silvera, whoops) but it was prefect. The romance is sweet, the strife between the characters feels like there are definite stakes and Hartland makes you deeply care about not just Elliot and Seb but Aym and Callum and Nikita. I loved these characters. My one big downside is that, even in a weird world where people can see the future there is still is rampant homophobia and transphobia.
I would have liked a bit more from the perspective of Agent Sigma. It felt like that whole counter-movement against GlimpseTech wasn't as fleshed out as I would've liked.
All-in-all this book was a banger and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2024
Rep: bi MC, gay MC, Black trans side character, side character with depression, Russin-Indian side character
Not gonna lie, this is was a little underwhelming, mainly because the writing is just very average. The pacing is a bit off as well? I felt some things happened a little too quickly but it's not a major critic. I was actually very excited to read this because I love the idea. The author needs to continue to work on his writing but I see the vision for this book, I see it.
On a side note but damn, I didn't expect one of the MCs to go through hell like that.
Not gonna lie, this is was a little underwhelming, mainly because the writing is just very average. The pacing is a bit off as well? I felt some things happened a little too quickly but it's not a major critic. I was actually very excited to read this because I love the idea. The author needs to continue to work on his writing but I see the vision for this book, I see it.
On a side note but damn, I didn't expect one of the MCs to go through hell like that.
April 19, 2023
really had me in my feels the entire time! absolutely loved the idea behind the glimpses and how that affected each character’s experiences and relationships.
October 7, 2023
YOU ALWAYS HEAR IN BOOKS AND MOVIES ABOUT HOW MUCH WEIGHT THOSE THREE WORDS CARRY, BUT I DON'T THINK YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND UNTIL YOU HEAR THEM SPOKEN TO YOU - elliot
• TO EVERY QUEER PERSON WHO HAS NEVER FELT LIKE THEY DON'T HAVE A FUTURE - i love this dedication from the author
• Really felt bad for Aym when she received her Dad's gift for her.
• I loved that moment when Seb's mom gave him the guitar.
• Carl was the worst kind of a gay person ever. A transphobic one. He even deadnamed Aym. What an a*hole.
• Seb's dad's Glimpse was a wild one. Seeing your future with a new family and leaving your current one was wild tbh.
• Seb discovering her mother like that was such a harrowing experience. Omg.
• oh wow Elliot's Glimpse. He felt euphoric. 👀
• MY CHEST IS FIT TO BURST WITH A THOUSAND DIFFERENT FEELINGS
• Elliot's feeling were very familiar; shame, fear, and guilt. Most queer people can relate to those feelings when going thru the discovery of your sexuality.
• Callum's a good friend.
• Was it really fate tho if Elliot's trying to make it happen???
• Seb's pov of when they bumped into each other was cute tho I felt kinda bad cos he's oblivious to what's gonna happen. A bit unfair to him tbh.
• Aym's right. Seb don't get to judge his mom for her choices.
• Elliot helping Seb to find a good busking spot was cute.
• Elliot mistakenly liking Seb's first post was hilarious. 🤣
• oooooof Elliot lying about his Glimpse. You're in trouble dude
• I just wanted to give Seb a hug everytime he had a problem like dude can't take a break.
• Not Elliot being judgemental towards Seb 😫
• Seb was so right for getting mad at Elliot's judgemental ass.
• CAN YOU EVEN PLAN THAT FAR AHEAD WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW IF YOU'LL BE ABLE TO EAT TOMORROW?
• ok Elliot bringing food for Seb was good decision
• ooooofff there goes that discussion about whether Elliot's out to his family
• I loved how cute their banter and flirtations esp when they raced in the rain and Seb ran in the wrong direction to hide Elliot so they can kiss.
• Elliot not feeling safe in his own home. 🥺
• Seb not having to money to take Elliot on a date was heartbreaking. 💔💔
• The news about the Last Day was so dark. Trigger warnings were needed here.
• IF WE ALL LIVE OUR LIVES BASED ON WHAT WE THINK IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE, WE'RE NOT REALLY LIVING, ARE WE?
• Not the "funny" remark from Elliot's homophobic uncle. 🤬
• ohhhhhh it's happening. Elliot's Glimpse.
• IT'S LIKE THE EARTH ITSELF IS ROTATING IN HIS EYES
• ohhh boyfriends. Cute
• ohhh no. Omg. That was dreadful.
• That was so heavy like I stopped reading and watched funny videos just to get it off me.
• Including a "note" was unnecessary imo. Jane's Glimpse coulve been revealed in some other way.
• Elliot baby, that was such a bad time to reveal your Glimpse. What is wrong with you??!!!
• Seb was fuming!!!! Imo, he's right when he said that their relationship wouldnt happen if Elliot did not have his Glimpse.
• Seb deserved all the hugs in the world cos that boy really when thru a lot of things. Im glad that Aym stuck with him.
• There's the coming out. Not shocked about his parent's reactions tho.
• Simon with the SOGIE lessons. Come thru!!!!!
• THEY'RE OUR PARENTS, THEY'RE NOT US. THEY DON'T GET TO DECIDE HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES.
• What Elliot did to retrieve Seb's guitar was gutsy. Props to him 👏👏
• That "stay" ughhhhhhhh
• Elliot bringing home Seb's guitar was such a moment. 💙
• and there goes the "i love you"
• Not Seb wanting to have his Glimpse during the Last Day!!!
• I cant believe no one thought about that about the Last Day??!!!
• That was intense
• BUT HERE'S THE THING; IF WE KNEW WHERE WE WERE HEADING, THEN IN THE END WE WOULDN'T KNOW IF WE STAYED TOGETHER BECAUSE OF LOVE, OR JUST BECAUSE WE WERE TOLD THAT'S WHAT'S SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN
• ok that was cute. A bit heavy at some points but still enjoyable. Would def recommend. ✨✨
• TO EVERY QUEER PERSON WHO HAS NEVER FELT LIKE THEY DON'T HAVE A FUTURE - i love this dedication from the author
• Really felt bad for Aym when she received her Dad's gift for her.
• I loved that moment when Seb's mom gave him the guitar.
• Carl was the worst kind of a gay person ever. A transphobic one. He even deadnamed Aym. What an a*hole.
• Seb's dad's Glimpse was a wild one. Seeing your future with a new family and leaving your current one was wild tbh.
• Seb discovering her mother like that was such a harrowing experience. Omg.
• oh wow Elliot's Glimpse. He felt euphoric. 👀
• MY CHEST IS FIT TO BURST WITH A THOUSAND DIFFERENT FEELINGS
• Elliot's feeling were very familiar; shame, fear, and guilt. Most queer people can relate to those feelings when going thru the discovery of your sexuality.
• Callum's a good friend.
• Was it really fate tho if Elliot's trying to make it happen???
• Seb's pov of when they bumped into each other was cute tho I felt kinda bad cos he's oblivious to what's gonna happen. A bit unfair to him tbh.
• Aym's right. Seb don't get to judge his mom for her choices.
• Elliot helping Seb to find a good busking spot was cute.
• Elliot mistakenly liking Seb's first post was hilarious. 🤣
• oooooof Elliot lying about his Glimpse. You're in trouble dude
• I just wanted to give Seb a hug everytime he had a problem like dude can't take a break.
• Not Elliot being judgemental towards Seb 😫
• Seb was so right for getting mad at Elliot's judgemental ass.
• CAN YOU EVEN PLAN THAT FAR AHEAD WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW IF YOU'LL BE ABLE TO EAT TOMORROW?
• ok Elliot bringing food for Seb was good decision
• ooooofff there goes that discussion about whether Elliot's out to his family
• I loved how cute their banter and flirtations esp when they raced in the rain and Seb ran in the wrong direction to hide Elliot so they can kiss.
• Elliot not feeling safe in his own home. 🥺
• Seb not having to money to take Elliot on a date was heartbreaking. 💔💔
• The news about the Last Day was so dark. Trigger warnings were needed here.
• IF WE ALL LIVE OUR LIVES BASED ON WHAT WE THINK IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE, WE'RE NOT REALLY LIVING, ARE WE?
• Not the "funny" remark from Elliot's homophobic uncle. 🤬
• ohhhhhh it's happening. Elliot's Glimpse.
• IT'S LIKE THE EARTH ITSELF IS ROTATING IN HIS EYES
• ohhh boyfriends. Cute
• ohhh no. Omg. That was dreadful.
• That was so heavy like I stopped reading and watched funny videos just to get it off me.
• Including a "note" was unnecessary imo. Jane's Glimpse coulve been revealed in some other way.
• Elliot baby, that was such a bad time to reveal your Glimpse. What is wrong with you??!!!
• Seb was fuming!!!! Imo, he's right when he said that their relationship wouldnt happen if Elliot did not have his Glimpse.
• Seb deserved all the hugs in the world cos that boy really when thru a lot of things. Im glad that Aym stuck with him.
• There's the coming out. Not shocked about his parent's reactions tho.
• Simon with the SOGIE lessons. Come thru!!!!!
• THEY'RE OUR PARENTS, THEY'RE NOT US. THEY DON'T GET TO DECIDE HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES.
• What Elliot did to retrieve Seb's guitar was gutsy. Props to him 👏👏
• That "stay" ughhhhhhhh
• Elliot bringing home Seb's guitar was such a moment. 💙
• and there goes the "i love you"
• Not Seb wanting to have his Glimpse during the Last Day!!!
• I cant believe no one thought about that about the Last Day??!!!
• That was intense
• BUT HERE'S THE THING; IF WE KNEW WHERE WE WERE HEADING, THEN IN THE END WE WOULDN'T KNOW IF WE STAYED TOGETHER BECAUSE OF LOVE, OR JUST BECAUSE WE WERE TOLD THAT'S WHAT'S SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN
• ok that was cute. A bit heavy at some points but still enjoyable. Would def recommend. ✨✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
I was lucky and fortunate enough to receive a ARC of Against The Stars by Christopher Hartland, published by Tiny Ghost Press(independent queer publishing house). Let me just say wow, Mr. Hartland weaves a wonderful ya love story that’s filled with heart and though there’s quite a few trigger warnings they were all handled relatively quite well. Told from the 2 main characters pov as well as a small minor but important pov. When a company has the ability to show people all over the world a 45 second glimpse into the future what problems could possibly go wrong. Now pair that with discovering one’s own sexuality as a teen that’s what sets this story in motion. I don’t want to say too much and give it away but i highly recommend picking up a copy for yourself. When the book ended I still wanted more and was not ready for it to be done. I very much fell in love with both Seb and Elliot and their trials they both endured or witnessed. Everything from homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, physical assault, suicide, classism as well as a few others. This was the authors debut novel and I can honestly say I can’t wait to see what’s next!
April 5, 2023
4.5/5 stars
Against The Stars is a contemporary gay YA romance with a scifi twist. In a world where people can get Glimpses—a viewing of 44 seconds at some random point in their future, we follow two young teen boys living different lives as they meet and fall in love. But just as their budding relationship blossoms, real life gets in the was as the Last Day (the final day where no Glimpse has seen past) approaches.
I loved both Elliot and Seb. Elliot is trying to live up to his perfect brother’s example when his Glimpse shows him in a relationship with a classmate—Seb. The problem, though, is that Elliot isn’t gay. His struggle with his schoolwork and family expectations is complicated by his realization about his sexuality—that he is bisexual.
Meanwhile, Seb is struggling to survive with his mentally ill mother and absent father, and he blames his parents’ Glimpses for making certain he will have a terrible life. His is a heart-wrenching story of a life that contrasts so greatly with the privilege and resultant ignorance Elliot has, and this divide may be too great to bridge.
If you have loved Adam Silvera’s books, you will certainly enjoy this too. It is a story of young queer love between teenage boys whose lives are affect by a controversial technology for better or worse. The story is sweet and touching, but also has heartbreaking moments. There’s serious questions about morality and predestination, but never drifts too far from the central romance which is tender and intimate.
Against The Stars is a tender queer romance that delivers on its premise.
*I received an eARC from Tiny Ghost Press in exchange for an honest review.
Against The Stars is a contemporary gay YA romance with a scifi twist. In a world where people can get Glimpses—a viewing of 44 seconds at some random point in their future, we follow two young teen boys living different lives as they meet and fall in love. But just as their budding relationship blossoms, real life gets in the was as the Last Day (the final day where no Glimpse has seen past) approaches.
I loved both Elliot and Seb. Elliot is trying to live up to his perfect brother’s example when his Glimpse shows him in a relationship with a classmate—Seb. The problem, though, is that Elliot isn’t gay. His struggle with his schoolwork and family expectations is complicated by his realization about his sexuality—that he is bisexual.
Meanwhile, Seb is struggling to survive with his mentally ill mother and absent father, and he blames his parents’ Glimpses for making certain he will have a terrible life. His is a heart-wrenching story of a life that contrasts so greatly with the privilege and resultant ignorance Elliot has, and this divide may be too great to bridge.
If you have loved Adam Silvera’s books, you will certainly enjoy this too. It is a story of young queer love between teenage boys whose lives are affect by a controversial technology for better or worse. The story is sweet and touching, but also has heartbreaking moments. There’s serious questions about morality and predestination, but never drifts too far from the central romance which is tender and intimate.
Against The Stars is a tender queer romance that delivers on its premise.
*I received an eARC from Tiny Ghost Press in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2023
I encourage anyone who enjoys speculative fiction or stories about boys falling in love to read this. I enjoyed it so much. It’s been a while since I read something that held my attention the way this did, demanding I put aside everything else to keep reading. There’s so much love and warmth to it, but there’s also moments of heartbreak, so be prepared.
I knew very little about this going in because as per usual I completely forgot the synopsis within five minutes of reading it, so I was a bit confused about the Glimpses for the first few pages, but I quickly caught on. It was such an interesting concept and it never felt clunky or shoehorned into the story just for the sake of having a sci-fi twist. That element, along with the thread of fate vs free will, melded so well with this sweet queer romance between these two adorable boys that’s the true heart of the book.
Elliot and Seb were both instantly likable and you get a real sense of who they are right off the bat. They’re very different and have very different lives and experiences. Watching them navigate that and understand each other in a real way as their relationship developed really made me love them as a couple, even with some bumps along the way. It was very sweet and wholesome, but also realistic despite the fantastical elements.
The friends were also interesting. It was great to see some trans rep with Seb’s best friend Aym. She’s fantastic! And Callum. Sweet, sweet Callum far exceeded my expectations for a supportive straight friend. We need more straight boys like him.
Please check the content warnings. There’s a bit of homophobia and transphobia and an instance of deadnaming, as well as some heavy issues dealing with mental health that you might want to be aware of going in.
Thanks to Tiny Ghost Press for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
SPOILER THOUGHTS:
Okay so I need to talk about a few things that were on my mind while reading this.
First of all, how stupid were the members of the Anti-Fates? How did they not realize that they were going to be the cause of the Last Day by destroying the main Glimpse machine? Like really? It didn’t occur to a single person that destroying the thing that causes people to see the future on the specific day that no one has seen past might be the reason for there being no Glimpses past that date? No one connected those dots. Seriously!?!
Secondly, sort of connected to that, when I found out what the plan was, and that Simon worked at GlimpseTech, I really thought Simon was going to die when they blew up the building. I was worried again when Seb wanted a Glimpse on The Last Day. Glad I was wrong about both. I don’t need half of my cute couple to die in a fiery explosion thank you very much.
And lastly, the random Glimpse of the guy seeing the boys walking into the woods. I assume the boys were Elliot and Seb and that this was probably the man who owned the land they were camping on. Did anyone else assume the person the guy was calling (the man from his past with whom he had some undisclosed memories, which those boys reminded him of) was Uncle Andrew? Like am I crazy? Was that what I was supposed to get from that? Because that’s what I was thinking. But then it never gets brought up and I don’t know if I’m right. If so, hopefully Uncle Andrew will get his shit together and stop being homophobic and be with that man.
I knew very little about this going in because as per usual I completely forgot the synopsis within five minutes of reading it, so I was a bit confused about the Glimpses for the first few pages, but I quickly caught on. It was such an interesting concept and it never felt clunky or shoehorned into the story just for the sake of having a sci-fi twist. That element, along with the thread of fate vs free will, melded so well with this sweet queer romance between these two adorable boys that’s the true heart of the book.
Elliot and Seb were both instantly likable and you get a real sense of who they are right off the bat. They’re very different and have very different lives and experiences. Watching them navigate that and understand each other in a real way as their relationship developed really made me love them as a couple, even with some bumps along the way. It was very sweet and wholesome, but also realistic despite the fantastical elements.
The friends were also interesting. It was great to see some trans rep with Seb’s best friend Aym. She’s fantastic! And Callum. Sweet, sweet Callum far exceeded my expectations for a supportive straight friend. We need more straight boys like him.
Please check the content warnings. There’s a bit of homophobia and transphobia and an instance of deadnaming, as well as some heavy issues dealing with mental health that you might want to be aware of going in.
Thanks to Tiny Ghost Press for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
SPOILER THOUGHTS:
Okay so I need to talk about a few things that were on my mind while reading this.
First of all, how stupid were the members of the Anti-Fates? How did they not realize that they were going to be the cause of the Last Day by destroying the main Glimpse machine? Like really? It didn’t occur to a single person that destroying the thing that causes people to see the future on the specific day that no one has seen past might be the reason for there being no Glimpses past that date? No one connected those dots. Seriously!?!
Secondly, sort of connected to that, when I found out what the plan was, and that Simon worked at GlimpseTech, I really thought Simon was going to die when they blew up the building. I was worried again when Seb wanted a Glimpse on The Last Day. Glad I was wrong about both. I don’t need half of my cute couple to die in a fiery explosion thank you very much.
And lastly, the random Glimpse of the guy seeing the boys walking into the woods. I assume the boys were Elliot and Seb and that this was probably the man who owned the land they were camping on. Did anyone else assume the person the guy was calling (the man from his past with whom he had some undisclosed memories, which those boys reminded him of) was Uncle Andrew? Like am I crazy? Was that what I was supposed to get from that? Because that’s what I was thinking. But then it never gets brought up and I don’t know if I’m right. If so, hopefully Uncle Andrew will get his shit together and stop being homophobic and be with that man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
4 / 5 ⭐️‘s
“Against The Stars” by Christopher Hartland
Wow, there was so much packed into this book. It delves into bi, trans, mental illness, suicide, poverty, substance abuse, class, love, fate, and others I'm sure I'm missing, all packaged into a YA queer science fiction book!
The story follows Elliot Dove, a teenager grappling with his confusion surrounding his sexuality after a disastrous prom night incident with his best friend. Seeking clarity, Elliot turns to GlimpseTech, a company that offers glimpses of the future to those over the age of sixteen. However, instead of finding answers, Elliot's glimpse only adds to his confusion as he sees himself in an intimate moment with Sebastian Glass, the only openly gay kid in his school.
Sebastian, on the other hand, despises Glimpses, blaming the technology for his father's absence. As he deals with his mother's depression and a looming financial crisis, Sebastian unexpectedly crosses paths with Elliot repeatedly, and it seems as though the universe is pushing them together. Despite their different backgrounds and struggles, Elliot and Sebastian find solace and understanding in each other, and their friendship soon blossoms into something deeper.
One of the strengths of this story is its exploration of class differences and how they impact the characters' lives. The divide between the haves and have-nots is palpable, with GlimpseTech representing the privileged upper class who can afford the technology, while others protest against it.
The romance between Elliot and Sebastian is beautifully portrayed, capturing the joys and challenges of first love. Their relationship is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, as they navigate their feelings for each other while dealing with the uncertainties of the future. The chemistry between them is palpable, and I was definitely rooting for their love to triumph against all odds.
The speculative element of the novel, the concept of glimpsing the future, adds an intriguing layer to the story. The mystery surrounding the "Last Day" and the consequences of knowing or not knowing what lies ahead creates tension and suspense, driving the plot forward. Hartland raises thought-provoking questions about destiny, choice, and the unpredictability of life, leaving readers pondering whether they would choose to glimpse ahead if given the chance.
This is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story that is sure to captivate you from start to finish. Hartland's prose is engaging and evocative, drawing you into the lives of Elliot and Sebastian, and their struggles and triumphs feel real and relatable. The diverse representation of queer characters and their experiences adds depth and authenticity to the story.
This ARC was provided by @tinyghostpress in exchange for an honest review.
“Against The Stars” by Christopher Hartland
Wow, there was so much packed into this book. It delves into bi, trans, mental illness, suicide, poverty, substance abuse, class, love, fate, and others I'm sure I'm missing, all packaged into a YA queer science fiction book!
The story follows Elliot Dove, a teenager grappling with his confusion surrounding his sexuality after a disastrous prom night incident with his best friend. Seeking clarity, Elliot turns to GlimpseTech, a company that offers glimpses of the future to those over the age of sixteen. However, instead of finding answers, Elliot's glimpse only adds to his confusion as he sees himself in an intimate moment with Sebastian Glass, the only openly gay kid in his school.
Sebastian, on the other hand, despises Glimpses, blaming the technology for his father's absence. As he deals with his mother's depression and a looming financial crisis, Sebastian unexpectedly crosses paths with Elliot repeatedly, and it seems as though the universe is pushing them together. Despite their different backgrounds and struggles, Elliot and Sebastian find solace and understanding in each other, and their friendship soon blossoms into something deeper.
One of the strengths of this story is its exploration of class differences and how they impact the characters' lives. The divide between the haves and have-nots is palpable, with GlimpseTech representing the privileged upper class who can afford the technology, while others protest against it.
The romance between Elliot and Sebastian is beautifully portrayed, capturing the joys and challenges of first love. Their relationship is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, as they navigate their feelings for each other while dealing with the uncertainties of the future. The chemistry between them is palpable, and I was definitely rooting for their love to triumph against all odds.
The speculative element of the novel, the concept of glimpsing the future, adds an intriguing layer to the story. The mystery surrounding the "Last Day" and the consequences of knowing or not knowing what lies ahead creates tension and suspense, driving the plot forward. Hartland raises thought-provoking questions about destiny, choice, and the unpredictability of life, leaving readers pondering whether they would choose to glimpse ahead if given the chance.
This is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story that is sure to captivate you from start to finish. Hartland's prose is engaging and evocative, drawing you into the lives of Elliot and Sebastian, and their struggles and triumphs feel real and relatable. The diverse representation of queer characters and their experiences adds depth and authenticity to the story.
This ARC was provided by @tinyghostpress in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2024
Blimey, just devoured in a couple of days Against the Stars by Christopher Hartland –This YA sci-fi romance had me gripped from the start. I was expecting another coming-to-age story, with no much more, but was pleased to find a story that without being proper Sci-Fi, it uses it enough to help the story going , and the whole "glimpse-of-the-future" premise is equal parts intriguing and terrifying.
The story follows Elliot and Seb, two lads from opposite ends of the spectrum who end up drawn together after Elliot catches a glimpse of himself with Seb in the future. Despite their differences, they develop a deep connection, and their journey together is a rollercoaster of feels, both heart-warming and heart-breaking
I reckon the characters are the real gems of this book. Elliot's sweet and relatable, while Seb's got this strong, more complex and determined vibe. Their relationship is the heart of the story, and it's written beautifully.
The book throws some big questions your way too, like love, loss, and who you even are. It got me thinking about all the choices you make throughout your life and what I'd do if I could see snippets of my future – mind-blowing stuff!
All in all, Against the Stars is a very good option for any YA sci-fi romance fans out there. It's well-written, thought-provoking, and the kind of story that'll stick with you.
One tiny niggle, though – the whole GlimpseTech downfall plot, with the Agent Sigma chapters, it could have been fleshed out more to add some extra layers to the story. It felt like a very big missed opportunity for having a more intricated plot.
Here are some of my favourite bits from the book:
* "Is it fair to know your future, if it takes away the freedom to choose?"
* "You always hear in books and movies about how much weight those three words carry, but i don't think you really understand until you hear them spoken to you.
* "Here's the thing; if we knew where we were heading, then in the end we wouldn't know if we stayed together because of love, or just because we were told that's what's supposed to happen."
If you're looking for a book that'll make you think and feel, Against the Stars is deffo worth a try.
#againstthestars #christopherhartland #yascifi #romancereads #bookstagram #mustread
The story follows Elliot and Seb, two lads from opposite ends of the spectrum who end up drawn together after Elliot catches a glimpse of himself with Seb in the future. Despite their differences, they develop a deep connection, and their journey together is a rollercoaster of feels, both heart-warming and heart-breaking
I reckon the characters are the real gems of this book. Elliot's sweet and relatable, while Seb's got this strong, more complex and determined vibe. Their relationship is the heart of the story, and it's written beautifully.
The book throws some big questions your way too, like love, loss, and who you even are. It got me thinking about all the choices you make throughout your life and what I'd do if I could see snippets of my future – mind-blowing stuff!
All in all, Against the Stars is a very good option for any YA sci-fi romance fans out there. It's well-written, thought-provoking, and the kind of story that'll stick with you.
One tiny niggle, though – the whole GlimpseTech downfall plot, with the Agent Sigma chapters, it could have been fleshed out more to add some extra layers to the story. It felt like a very big missed opportunity for having a more intricated plot.
Here are some of my favourite bits from the book:
* "Is it fair to know your future, if it takes away the freedom to choose?"
* "You always hear in books and movies about how much weight those three words carry, but i don't think you really understand until you hear them spoken to you.
* "Here's the thing; if we knew where we were heading, then in the end we wouldn't know if we stayed together because of love, or just because we were told that's what's supposed to happen."
If you're looking for a book that'll make you think and feel, Against the Stars is deffo worth a try.
#againstthestars #christopherhartland #yascifi #romancereads #bookstagram #mustread
June 8, 2023
“Against The Stars” by Christopher Hartland
I was reached out by Tiny Ghost Press and was given a ARC in digital form. If you know me, you now I don’t do digital because I’m like a golden retriever and get distracted with notifications. But I read the first chapter and I new I had to get a physical copy. So I preordered the book off Amazon and got it..I will be honest it did get bumped back a few spots on my nexts reads, and I have read it and well let’s just say I love it. I love the twists and turns, there is representation of coming out, and having a family struggle with it, we have representation of mental health and all it’s ups and downs and how it effects those around them.
Now into the review….first things first would you want to see into your future? To just get a glimpse, even if it was 44 seconds? Well that’s what people get in this universe they get the chance to see into their future, it’s only 44 seconds, people see what they want good or bad, and those that don’t see anything…well it means they are not alive anymore. So there are people that are very for Glimpses and those who are not. They said it takes away their right to choice.
We are following Elliot and Seb. They both have too very different lives. You could say Elliot is privileged, but he lives under the shadow is his brother and his parents are always bringing up how amazing he is and how he’s just following in his foot steps. Then with Seb his life is a little harder, his mom and dad divorced, mom is in a state of chronic depression.
Even though they have two very different lives they end up together because of a Grimps. It shows then happy, and happier than they have ever been. I won’t spill to much because this book is well worth the read and I finished in less than three days.
I would be very happy and bless in Tiny Ghost Press gives me another ARC to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏳️🌈
I was reached out by Tiny Ghost Press and was given a ARC in digital form. If you know me, you now I don’t do digital because I’m like a golden retriever and get distracted with notifications. But I read the first chapter and I new I had to get a physical copy. So I preordered the book off Amazon and got it..I will be honest it did get bumped back a few spots on my nexts reads, and I have read it and well let’s just say I love it. I love the twists and turns, there is representation of coming out, and having a family struggle with it, we have representation of mental health and all it’s ups and downs and how it effects those around them.
Now into the review….first things first would you want to see into your future? To just get a glimpse, even if it was 44 seconds? Well that’s what people get in this universe they get the chance to see into their future, it’s only 44 seconds, people see what they want good or bad, and those that don’t see anything…well it means they are not alive anymore. So there are people that are very for Glimpses and those who are not. They said it takes away their right to choice.
We are following Elliot and Seb. They both have too very different lives. You could say Elliot is privileged, but he lives under the shadow is his brother and his parents are always bringing up how amazing he is and how he’s just following in his foot steps. Then with Seb his life is a little harder, his mom and dad divorced, mom is in a state of chronic depression.
Even though they have two very different lives they end up together because of a Grimps. It shows then happy, and happier than they have ever been. I won’t spill to much because this book is well worth the read and I finished in less than three days.
I would be very happy and bless in Tiny Ghost Press gives me another ARC to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏳️🌈
April 18, 2023
This book was both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The main characters both had such complex relationships with their family, friends, and with each other and I found it incredibly meaningful to read about their varying experiences and relationships. I really liked the format of the book and felt that I got to know Seb and Elliot very well through their points of view which is why it was both sweet and sad to me. While on one hand, we got to see their relationship blossom, when times were rough, it had more of an emotional impact.
As the author has mentioned, this book took inspiration from the COVID-19 pandemic and I think it does a good job of sharing the burden that was placed on so many young people during such a trying time. I found it very sad, but not inaccurate that the characters in this book of such a young age went through what these characters did. While of course the technology and events in this book are purely fictional, it touches on many parallels to our current society.
I feel very introspective after finishing this book and I wonder what I would do if given the chance to see a glimpse of my future 🤔 Would you take a glimpse or not?
This book is out today, so if you haven’t picked it up already, I definitely recommend!! 🌌
As the author has mentioned, this book took inspiration from the COVID-19 pandemic and I think it does a good job of sharing the burden that was placed on so many young people during such a trying time. I found it very sad, but not inaccurate that the characters in this book of such a young age went through what these characters did. While of course the technology and events in this book are purely fictional, it touches on many parallels to our current society.
I feel very introspective after finishing this book and I wonder what I would do if given the chance to see a glimpse of my future 🤔 Would you take a glimpse or not?
This book is out today, so if you haven’t picked it up already, I definitely recommend!! 🌌
July 19, 2023
This was a fantastic debut novel!
First up, I think the concept of Glimpses was pretty cool and I liked the philosophical questions it led to throughout, particularly about staying together because you’re in love or because you think you have to be.
Secondly, Seb and Elliot? Just adorable 🥰. I loved the dynamic between them, again with lots of questions exploring privilege, understanding differences and going through hardship. Both characters were written with such depth that I found myself rooting for them straight away! So I really like that they found each other and seemed to be so compatible. The scene of their camping trip was also perfect, and it made for such an amazing cover (I’m definitely a sucker for a good cover!).
The friends, were also a lovely addition and you could really sense the strength in their relationships, in finding someone you just love and trust. And the fact that they all ended up friends at the end was even better.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and especially the relationship between Seb and Elliot. I look forward to seeing what Christopher Hartland offers next.
First up, I think the concept of Glimpses was pretty cool and I liked the philosophical questions it led to throughout, particularly about staying together because you’re in love or because you think you have to be.
Secondly, Seb and Elliot? Just adorable 🥰. I loved the dynamic between them, again with lots of questions exploring privilege, understanding differences and going through hardship. Both characters were written with such depth that I found myself rooting for them straight away! So I really like that they found each other and seemed to be so compatible. The scene of their camping trip was also perfect, and it made for such an amazing cover (I’m definitely a sucker for a good cover!).
The friends, were also a lovely addition and you could really sense the strength in their relationships, in finding someone you just love and trust. And the fact that they all ended up friends at the end was even better.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and especially the relationship between Seb and Elliot. I look forward to seeing what Christopher Hartland offers next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2023
This is a world where you can watch a snippet of your future as if you’re living it, and be told when it takes place. Only you have to be sixteen, you can only do it once, and no one yet has seen anything past a certain date. The End Day.
The technology is dividing society, because not everyone thinks this knowledge is good.
I like how this explored so many different aspects of Glimpses in society. What happens if it’s blank, or good, if it’s bad, social media, crime, politics, conspiracy theories, medical risks… it’s all in there. Just to the background of two boys getting to know each other and falling in love.
Seb’s life was definitely more intricate to explore because he was effectively a carer for his mother who was going through a severe bout of depression due to the consequences of Seb’s dad seeing his Glimpse. His day-to-day life was very different and confronting
Elliott’s POV explores his attempts at labelling himself and discovering how he feels, and I enjoyed the interwoven undercurrents of Glimpse data affecting his decisions.
These two together were sweet and abounding in that glow of first love despite their uncertainties. The emotions that come across the page were a delight and the awkwardness was so believable and on point.
The technology is dividing society, because not everyone thinks this knowledge is good.
I like how this explored so many different aspects of Glimpses in society. What happens if it’s blank, or good, if it’s bad, social media, crime, politics, conspiracy theories, medical risks… it’s all in there. Just to the background of two boys getting to know each other and falling in love.
Seb’s life was definitely more intricate to explore because he was effectively a carer for his mother who was going through a severe bout of depression due to the consequences of Seb’s dad seeing his Glimpse. His day-to-day life was very different and confronting
Elliott’s POV explores his attempts at labelling himself and discovering how he feels, and I enjoyed the interwoven undercurrents of Glimpse data affecting his decisions.
These two together were sweet and abounding in that glow of first love despite their uncertainties. The emotions that come across the page were a delight and the awkwardness was so believable and on point.
May 21, 2023
This is far from my normal choice of books…dealing with real life issues are a thing I try to avoid and normally read sci-fi and fantasy novels. This is however speculative fiction so I can still say it’s sci-fi!
The story is really well written, with a nice flow and characters interesting enough to keep you involved. Switching between the two main characters with brief interludes into a mysterious character works really well.
Even though I cry and films, TV shows and sometimes adverts at the drop of a hat, I don’t normally tear up much when reading…but this book got me multiple times. I know Chris says he wanted his mom to cry at the book but he definitely got me.
Overall you won’t be disappointed by this book. It’s a great novel and I am looking forward to Chris’ next book.
The story is really well written, with a nice flow and characters interesting enough to keep you involved. Switching between the two main characters with brief interludes into a mysterious character works really well.
Even though I cry and films, TV shows and sometimes adverts at the drop of a hat, I don’t normally tear up much when reading…but this book got me multiple times. I know Chris says he wanted his mom to cry at the book but he definitely got me.
Overall you won’t be disappointed by this book. It’s a great novel and I am looking forward to Chris’ next book.
March 3, 2024
3.5/5
I really enjoy this book and thought it had some really good representation. The concept of Glimpses was interesting, however the book try’s to delve into the moral implications of it, but eventually doesn’t delve into it to leave any substantial impact and I think investing into it further would have been so much more engaging.
Besides that, the book has by the books romance, which is really predictable from the get go, yet Elliot and Seb do have great character work and thought their story was done well enough,(Seb’s mother plot line was a bit overtop, but I really did like Elliots brothers Simon and their family dynamic). Also though the book touches on important topics of homophobia/transphobia etc without it coming off as a cliched gay media tropes.
I really enjoy this book and thought it had some really good representation. The concept of Glimpses was interesting, however the book try’s to delve into the moral implications of it, but eventually doesn’t delve into it to leave any substantial impact and I think investing into it further would have been so much more engaging.
Besides that, the book has by the books romance, which is really predictable from the get go, yet Elliot and Seb do have great character work and thought their story was done well enough,(Seb’s mother plot line was a bit overtop, but I really did like Elliots brothers Simon and their family dynamic). Also though the book touches on important topics of homophobia/transphobia etc without it coming off as a cliched gay media tropes.
March 29, 2023
I received an ARC of this from Tiny Ghost.
If you're a fan of "They Both Die at the End" or even Netflix's "Heartbreak High" reboot, you're going to love this one. Against the Stars is a tenderhearted science fiction romantic drama with slight thriller elements throughout. The exploration of Elliot's bisexuality and coming out was handled well, and I loved the romance between Elliot and Seb. The book as a whole explores some complex themes in regards to capitalism, ethics of technology, mental health, and fate/destiny.
Please mind the trigger warnings on this one, folks--this one's a tearjerker.
If you're a fan of "They Both Die at the End" or even Netflix's "Heartbreak High" reboot, you're going to love this one. Against the Stars is a tenderhearted science fiction romantic drama with slight thriller elements throughout. The exploration of Elliot's bisexuality and coming out was handled well, and I loved the romance between Elliot and Seb. The book as a whole explores some complex themes in regards to capitalism, ethics of technology, mental health, and fate/destiny.
Please mind the trigger warnings on this one, folks--this one's a tearjerker.
March 6, 2023
“Against the Stars was hands down a 5 ⭐️ read for me, I loved the storyline and characters. I have my fingers crossed for a sequel to Elliot’s and Seb’s story, the love story between them was wonderfully written. I will warn you there are some trigger warnings in the story that have to do with homophobia, transphobia biphobia and suicide. I really connected to Seb’s character the most and got attached to him the most. The author did an amazing job writing this book and covering some hard topics.
April 18, 2023
Just wonderful! Beautiful! Heartfelt! Another home run for Tiny Ghost Press!
Against the Stars gives a very TBDATE end vibe with a mix of Heartstopper. Seb & Elliot will forever remain with me and that makes me smile.
Seriously y’all go check this one out! Buy it, go to the library and get it, whatever it takes because this might become a viral sensation!
Thank you TGP and Christopher Hartland for letting me be able to read the eARC for an honest review!
Against the Stars by Christopher Hartland releases today, April 18, 2023!
Against the Stars gives a very TBDATE end vibe with a mix of Heartstopper. Seb & Elliot will forever remain with me and that makes me smile.
Seriously y’all go check this one out! Buy it, go to the library and get it, whatever it takes because this might become a viral sensation!
Thank you TGP and Christopher Hartland for letting me be able to read the eARC for an honest review!
Against the Stars by Christopher Hartland releases today, April 18, 2023!
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