Scan barcode
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Soulstar has the distinct feeling of a trilogy arriving at its destination. The series has slowly uncovered a corrupt system of government, and the characters have fought against political intrigues, economic strangleholds, and social expectations throughout. Now the storm has come to a head, and Soulstar dials up the activism as Robin takes the lead as protagonist.
Robin is long familiar with agitating for change, unwilling to compromise on championing basic rights and correcting inequities. She doesn't need to learn the world is broken; she's lived it and suffered for it firsthand. Robin is a skilled organizer, a shrewd negotiator, and dedicated to anyone who needs her help. Often, she is called on to support the Solidarity movement because she's the best, her work not asked for but assumed. Through her, the story addresses all the unpaid, no-thanks labor of Black women, even when fighting for something they believe in.
Robin's second-chance romance with her spouse, Zelind (khe/kher) has emotional gravitas. Twenty years ago, they were secretly wed without permission from their families. That very night, Zelind was captured as a witch and shipped off to an asylum. Now, Robin marches into that asylum, the imprisonment of witches abolished, in no small part due to Robin's efforts. She hasn't dared to imagine Zelind alive after all this time, and the asylum held even more horrors than she knew to expect. It will be a difficult journey to find their way back to one another after all they've been through. How do you make room for someone in your life when you've been purposefully filling up the empty space they left behind for two decades?
In terms of world-building, this book offers a closer look at the Samindans, always important to the series but previously peripheral. Not only did I appreciate the invitation to visit the clans to see their family structures at work, but I also admired the way their society is more accepting of queer characters than narrow-minded Aelanders. Space for non-binary people like Zelind is one example, as well as acceptance of poly people through the practice of triangle marriages.
I love the bones of this story. It takes a thoughtful, unflinching look at reparations with obvious real world implications. There's revolution and justice, collectivism and community. There are tense, heart-stopping moments including an assassination and police brutality towards peaceful protestors. I think what held me back from complete enjoyment of the quality content was the heavy emphasis on bureaucracy and the practicalities of organizing. While true-to-life, these portions didn't always hold my attention well. These sections were interspersed with many different plots with more action and intrigue, resulting in a frantic, bouncing pace to match Robin's busy, overextended schedule, unfortunately lacking the sense of adventure and excitement that can wear such an energy well. Because of it, my engagement was spotty even though my overall investment was high.
Robin is long familiar with agitating for change, unwilling to compromise on championing basic rights and correcting inequities. She doesn't need to learn the world is broken; she's lived it and suffered for it firsthand. Robin is a skilled organizer, a shrewd negotiator, and dedicated to anyone who needs her help. Often, she is called on to support the Solidarity movement because she's the best, her work not asked for but assumed. Through her, the story addresses all the unpaid, no-thanks labor of Black women, even when fighting for something they believe in.
Robin's second-chance romance with her spouse, Zelind (khe/kher) has emotional gravitas. Twenty years ago, they were secretly wed without permission from their families. That very night, Zelind was captured as a witch and shipped off to an asylum. Now, Robin marches into that asylum, the imprisonment of witches abolished, in no small part due to Robin's efforts. She hasn't dared to imagine Zelind alive after all this time, and the asylum held even more horrors than she knew to expect. It will be a difficult journey to find their way back to one another after all they've been through. How do you make room for someone in your life when you've been purposefully filling up the empty space they left behind for two decades?
In terms of world-building, this book offers a closer look at the Samindans, always important to the series but previously peripheral. Not only did I appreciate the invitation to visit the clans to see their family structures at work, but I also admired the way their society is more accepting of queer characters than narrow-minded Aelanders. Space for non-binary people like Zelind is one example, as well as acceptance of poly people through the practice of triangle marriages.
I love the bones of this story. It takes a thoughtful, unflinching look at reparations with obvious real world implications. There's revolution and justice, collectivism and community. There are tense, heart-stopping moments including an assassination and police brutality towards peaceful protestors. I think what held me back from complete enjoyment of the quality content was the heavy emphasis on bureaucracy and the practicalities of organizing. While true-to-life, these portions didn't always hold my attention well. These sections were interspersed with many different plots with more action and intrigue, resulting in a frantic, bouncing pace to match Robin's busy, overextended schedule, unfortunately lacking the sense of adventure and excitement that can wear such an energy well. Because of it, my engagement was spotty even though my overall investment was high.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, and Police brutality
Moderate: Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: War, Death of parent, and Transphobia
More...