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4.54 AVERAGE
4.54 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I went to the book today to just browse and this title caught my eye. Glimpsed at the pages and thought this might be a good read.
I’m glad I was right. This story is amazing! I read it a few hours because I couldn’t put it down.
The premise and the characters are so fascinating that once you start reading a few pages you won’t be able to put it down.
I definitely recommend reading it.
I’m glad I was right. This story is amazing! I read it a few hours because I couldn’t put it down.
The premise and the characters are so fascinating that once you start reading a few pages you won’t be able to put it down.
I definitely recommend reading it.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Super interesting concept about a world where people need permission to become parents, and while the execution was not what I expected, I still liked it a lot. It's about this caregiver inspector – a child basically – who gets send to people and lives with them for two weeks to evaluate if they are fit to become parents. Taking care of children is seen as the definition of happiness in this society and getting a license for parenting is considered a blessing, so the inspectors make life altering decisions in their job. The world building didn't go much deeper than that and left some open questions for me, but it was ok. The manga focused on a single evaluation and explored both the feelings of the inspector and the potential parents. From the cover I thought that this might go in the horror direction, but it was more of an emotional story. And by emotional I mean a whole range of emotions, because it was wholesome and sweet, but also sad and kinda unsettling at times. Some aspects of the story could have been a little more fleshed out, though. It didn't really explore what it means to be a good parent, and every time people were denied that privilege it was always because they physically abused the inspectors. And come on, a good parent has to check more criteria than just not hitting a child. Aspects like health, money or living standards were never discussed. I did like that it was mentioned that some people are perfectly happy without children, but I wish it had played an even bigger role. Overall it's a character focused story and it really succeeded there. All three of the main characters were explored well, and all had complex backstories that unfolded as the story went on and finally painted a coherent family picture. And that's a great accomplishment for a single volume of manga.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Holy. Shit.
This went from a really pretty great manga to unbelievably strange, beautiful, and absolutely heartbreaking in the final chapter, leaving me bawling!
In a vague future people must get a licence to have children with failure to get approval being tied to a great deal of socioeconomic status and opportunities as the people getting branded as defective. The assessment is carried out by specially trained adolescents called Inspectors who undergo intense education and training to assess people they stay with for two weeks to make their verdict, before moving on.
Stardust Family focuses on an Inspector named Hikari and a couple who have failed countless previous evaluations, as the history of the couple and the Inspector are explored over an eventful and emotional two weeks. An unexpected confluence of events lead to an absolutely wild reveal and a mind blowing and heartbreaking ending.
I was having a good time with a really interesting a scifi 'utopian' dystopian concept with some fascinating exploration of authoritarian consequences and some rich and fleshed out characters, but the final chapter came along with some truly jaw-dropping worldbuilding that made me literally exclaim out loud, and then proceeded to tear my heart out and then serve it back to me leaving me in floods of tears.
A truly fascinating, beautiful, and uniquely exquisite manga!
Holy. Shit.
This went from a really pretty great manga to unbelievably strange, beautiful, and absolutely heartbreaking in the final chapter, leaving me bawling!
In a vague future people must get a licence to have children with failure to get approval being tied to a great deal of socioeconomic status and opportunities as the people getting branded as defective. The assessment is carried out by specially trained adolescents called Inspectors who undergo intense education and training to assess people they stay with for two weeks to make their verdict, before moving on.
Stardust Family focuses on an Inspector named Hikari and a couple who have failed countless previous evaluations, as the history of the couple and the Inspector are explored over an eventful and emotional two weeks. An unexpected confluence of events lead to an absolutely wild reveal and a mind blowing and heartbreaking ending.
I was having a good time with a really interesting a scifi 'utopian' dystopian concept with some fascinating exploration of authoritarian consequences and some rich and fleshed out characters, but the final chapter came along with some truly jaw-dropping worldbuilding that made me literally exclaim out loud, and then proceeded to tear my heart out and then serve it back to me leaving me in floods of tears.
A truly fascinating, beautiful, and uniquely exquisite manga!
Stardust Family intelligently raises important questions about parenthood and the power of society and government over the right to procreate and raise a child. In this original dystopia, couples have to pass various tests before they are allowed to have a child, including a practical test with a child inspector.
The lives of the child inspectors are very sad. I immediately felt great sorrow and compassion for the condition of these children, who cannot have a real childhood, a family or be loved, and who undergo traumatic experiences in order to serve the system.
As well as the ethical issues, the characters are intriguing and interesting.
The behaviour of this man, who rejects what every member of society actively seeks, raises questions, and the mysteries surrounding this woman keep us on the edge of our seats. Hikaru, who reveals himself as the story progresses, is also very poignant, adding extra emotional depth to the story.
The manga also subtly explores themes such as the gaze of others, the importance of forming one's own opinion and the impact a crime can have on other family members. This manga is very complete and profound.
Spoiler : I wasn't expecting the SF ‘twist’ at all, it was very effective even if I would have liked to see a bit more of it.
I really like the bittersweet ending, which made me shed a tear.
Originally in only two volumes (one in this edition [a positive point, as I would have been frustrated not to get to the end of the story!]) the story is well-paced, neither too much nor too little. I had a great time, with no length or rush, and I would recommend this book without hesitation.
The lives of the child inspectors are very sad. I immediately felt great sorrow and compassion for the condition of these children, who cannot have a real childhood, a family or be loved, and who undergo traumatic experiences in order to serve the system.
As well as the ethical issues, the characters are intriguing and interesting.
The behaviour of this man, who rejects what every member of society actively seeks, raises questions, and the mysteries surrounding this woman keep us on the edge of our seats. Hikaru, who reveals himself as the story progresses, is also very poignant, adding extra emotional depth to the story.
The manga also subtly explores themes such as the gaze of others, the importance of forming one's own opinion and the impact a crime can have on other family members. This manga is very complete and profound.
Spoiler : I wasn't expecting the SF ‘twist’ at all, it was very effective even if I would have liked to see a bit more of it.
I really like the bittersweet ending, which made me shed a tear.
Originally in only two volumes (one in this edition [a positive point, as I would have been frustrated not to get to the end of the story!]) the story is well-paced, neither too much nor too little. I had a great time, with no length or rush, and I would recommend this book without hesitation.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolutely spectacular and deeply melancholy speculative fiction about a dystopic future where Japan lisences all parents in order for them to legally raise children. A short but emotio ally swnse story, lots of space to reflect in the narrative. Happy hut open-ending with room to draw your own conclusions about the social issues discussed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Child death, Pedophilia, Murder
CW: Brief scenes show or imply the abuse the MC and other investigators face while evaluating families including sexual and physical abuse. They are forced into sevitude and considered property. They are inhuman but sentient and clearly suffer from the traumatic events. Mentioned past infanticide. Proceed with caution if these topics are triggering.
This was one of the most emotive things I’ve read all year. I definitely didn’t predict where it was going, and I thought the whole story was just so sad and sweet and beautiful. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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:
Complicated
A unique and emotional story.
An interesting concept was explored in this work of art. Parents need to go through inspection in order to see if they are fit to be parents in this near-future world. What happens if they fail inspection?Society looks down upon the failed adults. The main couple in this story have emotional childhoods, but the inspector's story is truly heartbreaking. Each one of these characters deserves happiness to the full extent!
It's just a beautiful story with lots of emotion. This is definitely new favorite manga that I will reread.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
An interesting concept was explored in this work of art. Parents need to go through inspection in order to see if they are fit to be parents in this near-future world. What happens if they fail inspection?
It's just a beautiful story with lots of emotion. This is definitely new favorite manga that I will reread.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
A standalone manga that takes place in a world where parents have to pass a 2-week examination with a “child inspector” before they are able to get permission to have children. I really was intrigued by this concept and the main character Hikari was compelling as he navigated being a child inspector. I fell in love with the characters and the world. The twist ending really got me and I definitely teared up. 5/5 Stars!
Also this manga reminded me a bit of Promised Neverland, so if you are a fan of that this book has very pared down vibes that are similar.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a free and honest review.
Also this manga reminded me a bit of Promised Neverland, so if you are a fan of that this book has very pared down vibes that are similar.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a free and honest review.
Warning: this might make you cry.
I spent ten minutes ranting to my mum about this on the phone (sorry), but it gave me sooo many feelings.
This is funny, sad, beautiful, thought-provoking.
Due to a declining birthdate and increase in child abuse and neglect, the government passes a law that caregiving for children requires a license. To acquire one, potential parents must pass tests, the final stage whereby a child inspector is sent to be part of their possible family and judge them.
The aptitude to be a caregiver has now become the new benchmark for being human. If you fail, you are a pariah: denied benefits, loans, sometimes even jobs.
What happens when someone asks an inspector to purposefully fail them?
<b>KINDNESS THAT IGNORES THE WILL OF WHOM YOU'RE BEING KIND TO CAN SOMETIMES LOOK AN AWFUL LOT LIKE CONCEIT.
</b>
This was so sweet and heartfelt and I really need you to read this.
It will really make you think - especially if you have ever dared to go against the norm, break the mould of being a ‘proper’ member of society.
Yes, I lowkey saw the twist and the ending, yet it was still so satisfying.
Arc gifted by Yen Press.
I spent ten minutes ranting to my mum about this on the phone (sorry), but it gave me sooo many feelings.
This is funny, sad, beautiful, thought-provoking.
Due to a declining birthdate and increase in child abuse and neglect, the government passes a law that caregiving for children requires a license. To acquire one, potential parents must pass tests, the final stage whereby a child inspector is sent to be part of their possible family and judge them.
The aptitude to be a caregiver has now become the new benchmark for being human. If you fail, you are a pariah: denied benefits, loans, sometimes even jobs.
What happens when someone asks an inspector to purposefully fail them?
<b>KINDNESS THAT IGNORES THE WILL OF WHOM YOU'RE BEING KIND TO CAN SOMETIMES LOOK AN AWFUL LOT LIKE CONCEIT.
</b>
This was so sweet and heartfelt and I really need you to read this.
It will really make you think - especially if you have ever dared to go against the norm, break the mould of being a ‘proper’ member of society.
Yes, I lowkey saw the twist and the ending, yet it was still so satisfying.
Arc gifted by Yen Press.