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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
BODY OF STARS is the debut novel by this author, and she dives into the world of women's rights, consent, male toxicity, you name it.
Essentially, women are born with one set of marks on their body that is mapped out by interpreters, but is also open to interpretation as they grow. This proves that fate can be altered, but only to an extent. There is a time when a girl becomes a woman when she is called a changeling. This is a dangerous time for a woman, as she becomes irresistible to men, and abductions are rife. However, if a woman IS taken, then the shame is all on her.
Celeste is one of these girls, and her brother, Miles, knew it would happen. This book dives into the relationship between this pair, and also the familial relationship within the boundaries of the markings. Whilst enjoying the story and seeing Celeste develop, she still remained a 'quiet' character to me. Miles is the other main character, but he spends most of his time complaining about how he doesn't have any marks, or making himself high.
I would have preferred a bit more character development in the supporting cast. The mother is fleshed out a bit more, but we know next to nothing about the father, except for where it is relevant to the current story. I would have liked to have known more about Marie's mother, Marie, and Louise. Cassie, I didn't like, so I'm really not bothered that she wasn't given much space.
I think this was a great debut novel, and I did enjoy it and have no hesitation in recommending it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Essentially, women are born with one set of marks on their body that is mapped out by interpreters, but is also open to interpretation as they grow. This proves that fate can be altered, but only to an extent. There is a time when a girl becomes a woman when she is called a changeling. This is a dangerous time for a woman, as she becomes irresistible to men, and abductions are rife. However, if a woman IS taken, then the shame is all on her.
Celeste is one of these girls, and her brother, Miles, knew it would happen. This book dives into the relationship between this pair, and also the familial relationship within the boundaries of the markings. Whilst enjoying the story and seeing Celeste develop, she still remained a 'quiet' character to me. Miles is the other main character, but he spends most of his time complaining about how he doesn't have any marks, or making himself high.
I would have preferred a bit more character development in the supporting cast. The mother is fleshed out a bit more, but we know next to nothing about the father, except for where it is relevant to the current story. I would have liked to have known more about Marie's mother, Marie, and Louise. Cassie, I didn't like, so I'm really not bothered that she wasn't given much space.
I think this was a great debut novel, and I did enjoy it and have no hesitation in recommending it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beautifully written and thought provoking. At times it read slow but also quickly. Would love to see a study guide based around this novel with questions for discussion!
emotional
reflective
tense
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:
Yes
Ugghhh! I hated the ending. I don’t even know what to think right now. I can’t even rate it yet.
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Body of Stars is a feminist dystopia in which girls and women have a map of their future on their bodies. It predicts what sort of lives they will lead, what type of career they may have, if they will marry etc. Men have no such map and can only use women’s bodies for clues as to what their own lives may be like.
Celeste and her brother Miles have always been close but as Celeste grows older and the map on her body changes it has implications for both of them.
I thought Body of Stars was incredibly well written. It explores female agency, rape culture and the objectification of women through this dystopian world. It wasn’t always an easy read but interesting and powerfully done. It’s definitely not a book for everyone (which I think is a shame) but I thought the author did a stellar job. The story was enjoyable, original and thought provoking.
Thank you to Hodder Books for the gifted proof in exchange for an honest review
Celeste and her brother Miles have always been close but as Celeste grows older and the map on her body changes it has implications for both of them.
I thought Body of Stars was incredibly well written. It explores female agency, rape culture and the objectification of women through this dystopian world. It wasn’t always an easy read but interesting and powerfully done. It’s definitely not a book for everyone (which I think is a shame) but I thought the author did a stellar job. The story was enjoyable, original and thought provoking.
Thank you to Hodder Books for the gifted proof in exchange for an honest review