Scan barcode
nat_andherbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This was not my typical genre I tend to read but I’m glad I judged this book by its cover! And c’mon can you blame me? Stunning. The story was so well written and it captivated me by the gothic tones and truly took me on a bittersweet journey. The father/daughter duo was so endearing and squeezed my heart. It is a stand alone, which was such a nice reprieve to have all questions and loose ends tied up in one book. This beautiful story covers some heavy content so check out the TWs to make sure it’s a right fit for you.
anastashamarie's review against another edition
Unfortunately, I don't think the prose of this book is for me, which is such a bummer when everything about the concept seemed right up my alley. I love existentialism, and I love books that have realistic and well-rounded portrayals of therapy, and the parts I read that had a therapeutic aspect to them were wonderful. I know the author is a therapist IRL, and I think that aspect really shines through.
I got to about 13% and decided that it was probably better to just move on to other things in my TBR. Maybe I'll come back to it later, maybe not.
I got to about 13% and decided that it was probably better to just move on to other things in my TBR. Maybe I'll come back to it later, maybe not.
naileycormier's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely love all the symbolism and meanings behind everything that happens in the book! I had so much fun with all my theories throughout my read. It made me feel seen and less alone, with past events from my own life! If you’re looking for a book about a great friendship and mental health? This is it! Highly recommend.
psionicsorceress's review
It’s a depress fest. The tone stays somber for far too much of the book.
lexyslittlelibrary's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and BookBuzz for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars!!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but I ended up really enjoying it. The beginning was slower to start due to the world building, but once you get past that it's truly captivating. The relationship between Norah and Dex became a favorite of mine. Their platonic friendship was written so well that it became tangible. This story covers grief, found family, mental health, and fantasy components. I will add that most of this story read like a poem for me. It was a slower read, not due to any negative reason, but simply because I would read and have to process what I had read. This was an enjoyable read!
3.5 Stars!!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but I ended up really enjoying it. The beginning was slower to start due to the world building, but once you get past that it's truly captivating. The relationship between Norah and Dex became a favorite of mine. Their platonic friendship was written so well that it became tangible. This story covers grief, found family, mental health, and fantasy components. I will add that most of this story read like a poem for me. It was a slower read, not due to any negative reason, but simply because I would read and have to process what I had read. This was an enjoyable read!
path_through_pages's review against another edition
5.0
4.5!
Of The Stars is probably one of the most unique story concepts I have read in a long time.
With a dual perspective narrative that is both clinical and accessible, you follow two characters constantly riddled with inner conflict and good intentions.
Written by a licensed therapist, Of The Stars is the perfect example of why you shouldn't try to pour from an empty cup.
Nora is a brilliant and empathetic therapist who is struggling to come to terms with the trauma of her past, while wrestling with guilt, and an addiction to grief. Her ability to connect and guide her patients is admirable, especially considering how fiercely she runs from herself.
In a moment of intense emotion, she meets an ethereal man named Dex, who is equal parts shattered and whole. Dex has these strange abilities, that in his own disbelief, he turns from. Being unsure of himself is nothing he isn't used to, because Dex has no memory of himself. 20 years ago he fell (or jumped?) From a 12 story building, but miraculously was back on his feet in days.
Through an unlikely friendship, Dex and Nora find themselves on a hunt for memories, working through trauma, united in a shared fight (both figurative and literal). They uncover a secret arena of Figments who are seeking solace and safety, but are also engaged in violent bouts to try and regain their memories.
This book is so incredibly interesting and complex. Throughout the course of the story you keep feeling like you're missing something, but that's because you are. You go through the discoveries with the characters and learn as they do.
This story is exhausting and taxing but that's because, as fantastical as some of the elements are, the exhaustion of a mental health crisis and mental health work is so incredibly real.
If this sounds like your kind of story I highly recommend you give it a try!
What kept it from being 5 stars was mainly personal preference and a few minor editing mistakes.
There were a handful of spelling mistakes or typos maybe 8-10 that I saw, and although that's not a big deal it does take you out of the story.
And in terms of the writing and the flow, I absolutely did enjoy it but it was very heavy in descriptors. As I mentioned above I feel like this was part of the point of the book because mental health can feel so incredibly exhausting and so this may have been an intentional language device, but for me as a reader I felt it to be a bit taxing at times.
Beyond that I really did love the story!
Of The Stars is probably one of the most unique story concepts I have read in a long time.
With a dual perspective narrative that is both clinical and accessible, you follow two characters constantly riddled with inner conflict and good intentions.
Written by a licensed therapist, Of The Stars is the perfect example of why you shouldn't try to pour from an empty cup.
Nora is a brilliant and empathetic therapist who is struggling to come to terms with the trauma of her past, while wrestling with guilt, and an addiction to grief. Her ability to connect and guide her patients is admirable, especially considering how fiercely she runs from herself.
In a moment of intense emotion, she meets an ethereal man named Dex, who is equal parts shattered and whole. Dex has these strange abilities, that in his own disbelief, he turns from. Being unsure of himself is nothing he isn't used to, because Dex has no memory of himself. 20 years ago he fell (or jumped?) From a 12 story building, but miraculously was back on his feet in days.
Through an unlikely friendship, Dex and Nora find themselves on a hunt for memories, working through trauma, united in a shared fight (both figurative and literal). They uncover a secret arena of Figments who are seeking solace and safety, but are also engaged in violent bouts to try and regain their memories.
This book is so incredibly interesting and complex. Throughout the course of the story you keep feeling like you're missing something, but that's because you are. You go through the discoveries with the characters and learn as they do.
This story is exhausting and taxing but that's because, as fantastical as some of the elements are, the exhaustion of a mental health crisis and mental health work is so incredibly real.
If this sounds like your kind of story I highly recommend you give it a try!
What kept it from being 5 stars was mainly personal preference and a few minor editing mistakes.
There were a handful of spelling mistakes or typos maybe 8-10 that I saw, and although that's not a big deal it does take you out of the story.
And in terms of the writing and the flow, I absolutely did enjoy it but it was very heavy in descriptors. As I mentioned above I feel like this was part of the point of the book because mental health can feel so incredibly exhausting and so this may have been an intentional language device, but for me as a reader I felt it to be a bit taxing at times.
Beyond that I really did love the story!
mrsthursbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite books of 2023. I fell in love with Norah and Dex. I honestly wish I had a Dex in my life; everything about him is intriguing and love able. The concept of this book is so brilliant, I have discussed this book with a lot of people and it is definitely a great discussion! I absolutely recommend this book and would read it again!
aless1066's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
BOOK REVIEW: Of the Stars by A.M. Alcedo
👉🏻 A therapy session in a book. Go heal yourself.
I have so many good things to say about Of the Stars. Indie author @writemindedlefthanded has created a beautiful fantasy story with gorgeous prose and raw vulnerability. The magical world is stellar (haha, see what I did there) and the characters are written so well I feel like I know them.
Tackling difficult topics like grief, loss, and the healing that comes after and building a beautiful father-daughter-esque relationship between Dex and Norah, I found myself crying constantly, sniffling my way between chapters in the best possible way.
This is a character-driven book, with a plot that takes its time so the reader can feel, process, and enjoy every second.
👉🏻 A therapy session in a book. Go heal yourself.
I have so many good things to say about Of the Stars. Indie author @writemindedlefthanded has created a beautiful fantasy story with gorgeous prose and raw vulnerability. The magical world is stellar (haha, see what I did there) and the characters are written so well I feel like I know them.
Tackling difficult topics like grief, loss, and the healing that comes after and building a beautiful father-daughter-esque relationship between Dex and Norah, I found myself crying constantly, sniffling my way between chapters in the best possible way.
This is a character-driven book, with a plot that takes its time so the reader can feel, process, and enjoy every second.
onceuponaspooky's review against another edition
4.0
First . . Let’s take a moment for this GORGEOUS cover
Now onto the review :
The book did take me some time to get started and through the first chapters. I found myself having to reread areas in the beginning where I felt maybe it was becoming too descriptive that I had to go back to remember what was actually happening in the story.
But in pushing through the beginning (because if you have EVER read a fantasy world building book you know you push through) I found a story of bond and friendship. The captivating connection between Dex and Nora was beautiful. It does dive into dark places but this story gave you the feeling of discovering who you are, healing, and the capability to forgive. You can definitely tell that Alcedo has a therapist background. A great story to read if you are going through a dark time and you need to know that “You are here. You are alive. You Matter. Your feelings are important.”
Now onto the review :
The book did take me some time to get started and through the first chapters. I found myself having to reread areas in the beginning where I felt maybe it was becoming too descriptive that I had to go back to remember what was actually happening in the story.
But in pushing through the beginning (because if you have EVER read a fantasy world building book you know you push through) I found a story of bond and friendship. The captivating connection between Dex and Nora was beautiful. It does dive into dark places but this story gave you the feeling of discovering who you are, healing, and the capability to forgive. You can definitely tell that Alcedo has a therapist background. A great story to read if you are going through a dark time and you need to know that “You are here. You are alive. You Matter. Your feelings are important.”