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notamy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
myfaqiswtf's review
I don’t know why I couldn’t finish. Lots of political intrigue and I kept thinking it was the second or third book in a series, but it’s first.
theangrystackrat's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jashanac's review
4.5
Overall
I really enjoyed this! The characters were well-developed, as were their dynamics/relationships... the world was unique and fascinating... the politics were complex and formed from the world's differing cultures... the magic was fun and fascinating also.
Characters
Seeing different characters not only from different kingdoms in the one realm/world, but also from different worlds (or at least, one different world - Earth) was really interesting. I personally felt that the characters were all complex and their dynamics between each other were complicated at times and always interesting.
Plot
There were maybe one or two times where we were "chillin" a little bit in the plot, and maybe slightly too long for me. However the plot never felt like it was dragging or like it was a slog to me.
I definitely got a little bit confused with some of the politics and plans they were making, and the reason for Leoden being so terrible did NOT stick in my brain... but I think these are mostly "me" problems. I do wish that some mention/reminder of why Leoden was so awful would have been nice, a little while after the very first mention of that. Because there was so much other stuff going on that that tidbit of information didn't stay in my brain, and I legit forgot what the reasoning was.
I like that the stakes were quite high, also.
Themes
Love that this was a queernormative world and it was interesting having one region that was a queendom and a matriarchy to its core. The themes of personal agency, bravery, and being self-aware kind of within your moral compass all were well-executed to me. There was a repeating message of decisions having consequences, whether they be good or bad or sometimes, a mixture of both. We saw various characters feeling the weight of their decisions and what that meant and would mean for them in the future.
I really enjoyed this! The characters were well-developed, as were their dynamics/relationships... the world was unique and fascinating... the politics were complex and formed from the world's differing cultures... the magic was fun and fascinating also.
Characters
Seeing different characters not only from different kingdoms in the one realm/world, but also from different worlds (or at least, one different world - Earth) was really interesting. I personally felt that the characters were all complex and their dynamics between each other were complicated at times and always interesting.
Plot
There were maybe one or two times where we were "chillin" a little bit in the plot, and maybe slightly too long for me. However the plot never felt like it was dragging or like it was a slog to me.
I definitely got a little bit confused with some of the politics and plans they were making, and the reason for Leoden being so terrible did NOT stick in my brain... but I think these are mostly "me" problems. I do wish that some mention/reminder of why Leoden was so awful would have been nice, a little while after the very first mention of that. Because there was so much other stuff going on that that tidbit of information didn't stay in my brain, and I legit forgot what the reasoning was.
I like that the stakes were quite high, also.
Themes
Love that this was a queernormative world and it was interesting having one region that was a queendom and a matriarchy to its core. The themes of personal agency, bravery, and being self-aware kind of within your moral compass all were well-executed to me. There was a repeating message of decisions having consequences, whether they be good or bad or sometimes, a mixture of both. We saw various characters feeling the weight of their decisions and what that meant and would mean for them in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Xenophobia, Gore, and Murder
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Vomit
jelomath's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
nostoat's review
4.5
It's not perfect but this portal fantasy really shows off Mx Meadows's deft hand with politics and skill with multiple POVs. The characters are vibrant and I cared for them deeply, and the plot felt very real and very extant, not at all as though it was only there for our main character to engage with. There is a LOT of history and context, a lot of pre-existing entanglements, and Saffron has to navigate all of that. It's good. After reading this and the Tithani Chronicles I desperately need more politics from Foz Meadows.
ssj88's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant and unusual story. I love the genre, and to find something a bit new and different is great. Definitely an author to follow
mankan's review against another edition
2.0
Podcast review (Swedish): http://lashart.podbean.com/e/foz-meadows-an-accident-of-stars/
patchworkcat's review against another edition
5.0
I am not normally a fan of portal fantasies, the smugness of the 'and they all lived happily ever after' pisses me off in a way that the average romance does not, we never really see any long term ramifications for the world walking and this is one of the things that made An Accident of Stars such a great book for me, being able to see the ramifications long-term in Gwen contrasted with the freshness of Saffron's dilemma.
Saffron's voice is authentic; it has been rare as a reader to come across fantasies with Australian characters that sound genuinely like the people that I know (yes, I am Australian) and not like bad Crocodile Dundee rip-offs, even with other Aussie authors this is something that many of them miss.
In terms of story, the plot is relatively fast moving, multi-layered and complex in terms of politics which is nicely fleshed out with multiple POVs. Also, this book literally made me cry, like seriously I know I complained about happy endings but ripping out my heart wasn't expected in quite that way. I think the last book that made me cry this much was Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta's final chapters.
The main reason for the 5 stars is this was a book that I needed as a teen. I needed to see myself in the fiction I was reading, in all the raw, petty, ugly aspects of young adulthood and Foz Meadows does that, without it being too preachy and message-fic. I highly recommend this book and am impatiently waiting to find out what happens next to Saffron and her friends.
Saffron's voice is authentic; it has been rare as a reader to come across fantasies with Australian characters that sound genuinely like the people that I know (yes, I am Australian) and not like bad Crocodile Dundee rip-offs, even with other Aussie authors this is something that many of them miss.
In terms of story, the plot is relatively fast moving, multi-layered and complex in terms of politics which is nicely fleshed out with multiple POVs. Also, this book literally made me cry, like seriously I know I complained about happy endings but ripping out my heart wasn't expected in quite that way. I think the last book that made me cry this much was Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta's final chapters.
The main reason for the 5 stars is this was a book that I needed as a teen. I needed to see myself in the fiction I was reading, in all the raw, petty, ugly aspects of young adulthood and Foz Meadows does that, without it being too preachy and message-fic. I highly recommend this book and am impatiently waiting to find out what happens next to Saffron and her friends.
thebookhookup's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A bit slow to start, but very enjoyable by the end. I usually prefer more romance in my fantasy, but I loved the focus on friendships and familial bonds, and the relationship between Gwen and Safi especially. Great read for anyone who wants that classic portal-fantasy vibe, without the white male bias