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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
While I loved all of the delicious and complex world building that occurred in A Circle of Stars, it was exciting to get to dive deeper and live in the world of the story in book two. After the cataclysmic events at the end of book one, A Sky so Hollow picks up with Caspar and Helix finding their way in city that clings to a problematic past and faces a difficult future.
The main plot was exciting and the stakes were definitely high enough. While the main message of the importance of finding “balance” was a little predictable, it was captivating enough that it was still completely satisfying.
The relationship between Caspar and Helix was what really set this book apart for me. By the end of book one they were solidly together and had already confessed their love, which made exploring their dynamic in book two that much more enriching. Many readers hate the miscommunication trope because “everything would be fine if they would just talk to each other!!”, but in this book Caspar and Helix are completely open with each other and their relationship is still hard. Seeing the ways they communicate and make the effort to be there for each other while struggling with their own demons felt so heartening.
On its own I felt the pacing was great but looking at the duology as a whole it feels like some of the elements from book two could have been introduced in book one to give them proper time to marinate with the reader.
Overall this is an excellent read. It’s unique and compelling and combines many different ideas and themes in a fresh and exciting way. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi/fantasy with empathetic and emotionally intelligent characters. (I received an early copy at no charge but my opinions are honest and my own.)
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
A Sky So Hollow is the conclusion to the Stardust Duology! I love this series so much. A Circle of Stars set up this beautiful world to explore, with Casper the Telos of Novelim, able to control all 12 houses of aether; and his boyfriend Helix, son of the high prietan Brissa who would do anything for their people; and Talleah, a mother who trying to claw a future out of the hard rock of Novelim for her family. The series is true sci-fi: exploring complex themes of trauma, politics, power, and the morality of governing, but it remains accessible and thrilling without being bogged down by the difficult ideas it explores.
Part of the reason for that is the high stakes plot, with the fate of Novelim and aether itself in the balance, and part of the reason is the narrative voices of the characters. Helix, Casper, and Talleah, are all so real with such strong voices, the story thrives through their perspectives. This one deals a lot with Casper’s inner trauma, Helix’s grief, and Talleah’s anger. Each character is more than just a vessel for their story. They are their story, they are rich and relatable depictions of how it feels to be human, even in space.
I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I crashed out in public. The things that are uncovered in this book hit so hard right now, and it manages to capture the struggle of existence, the struggle of humanity, of chaos and order, all in one incredible conclusion, while simultaneously offering hope in the darkness.
A Sky So Hollow is the perfect ending to a perfect series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
A strong finale that isn’t afraid to challenge its characters, but in ways that feel thoughtful and completely earned.
I loved Helix and Casper together, but that didn’t mean their journey was over. There’s still so much emotional growth (both personal and relationship) packed into this story. The conflict between them, especially around how they process and express emotion, really hit home for me. It’s rare that I feel seen like that in a book, but wow. You didn't have to come for me like that, Craig. That argument? Brutal and honest and real. And hits a little close to home. Thank you, ✨trauma✨
Compared to the first book, this one is way less political and far more personal. At times, they weirdly don’t always feel like two halves of the same duology? I don't dislike it, but it doesn't feel completely cohesive, if I'm splitting hairs. I love both of these books for different reasons.
The monsters are grotesque and deeply cool (shoutout to body horror fans), and they feel like a physical manifestation of rage, wild and unrelenting and very symbolic. That allegory worked so well for me. The world-building escalates fast, and while the politics of Novilem take a bit of a backseat, the stakes are still sky high. There are great themes threaded throughout: oppression, privilege, grief, and how messy relationships can be, even (especially) when love is involved.
Also, as someone who lives in Chicago, the Earth scenes (the Christmasing!!) were so vivid and personal. I could SEE it. The quiet intimacy of those scenes really balanced out the rest.
All in all, this duology stuck the landing. Uneven in some ways, but heartfelt, intense, and full of love, monsters, and very human mess.
I appreciate the complimentary copy from the author and this review is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
I loved Helix and Casper together, but that didn’t mean their journey was over. There’s still so much emotional growth (both personal and relationship) packed into this story. The conflict between them, especially around how they process and express emotion, really hit home for me. It’s rare that I feel seen like that in a book, but wow. You didn't have to come for me like that, Craig. That argument? Brutal and honest and real. And hits a little close to home. Thank you, ✨trauma✨
Compared to the first book, this one is way less political and far more personal. At times, they weirdly don’t always feel like two halves of the same duology? I don't dislike it, but it doesn't feel completely cohesive, if I'm splitting hairs. I love both of these books for different reasons.
The monsters are grotesque and deeply cool (shoutout to body horror fans), and they feel like a physical manifestation of rage, wild and unrelenting and very symbolic. That allegory worked so well for me. The world-building escalates fast, and while the politics of Novilem take a bit of a backseat, the stakes are still sky high. There are great themes threaded throughout: oppression, privilege, grief, and how messy relationships can be, even (especially) when love is involved.
Also, as someone who lives in Chicago, the Earth scenes (the Christmasing!!) were so vivid and personal. I could SEE it. The quiet intimacy of those scenes really balanced out the rest.
All in all, this duology stuck the landing. Uneven in some ways, but heartfelt, intense, and full of love, monsters, and very human mess.
I appreciate the complimentary copy from the author and this review is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
A Sky So Hollow, the second and final installment in the stardust duology, was, to put it simply, WONDERFUL. Although book one ended with resolved enough plot lines to not necessarily warrant a second book, I’m so glad we got one as this story, despite its own high stakes plot to defeat the villain and restore the people’s voice to tables of power, felt like a deeper exploration of its characters and their emotional underpinnings. Casper’s emotional journey and character development was a standout for me and featured a beautifully realistic portrayal of PTSD and the process of healing from childhood wounds. As a SFF reading trauma therapist this just REALLY hit a sweet spot for me.
And can I just say - I loved seeing more from our bad ass sidekick mom character, Talleah. I’ll be thinking about sweet Casper and his friends for a long time.
Found family, queer love, realistically portrayed mental health rep that made me cry, and a bad ass mom sidekick, in SPACE?!
I wanted to immediately start over and read it all over again.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
This follow up to A Circle of Stars allows us to get to know Helix and Casper on individual levels and as a couple. There is more room for them to grow as they explore themselves and the new world they’re left with in the wake of Jacob’s actions. Seeing Talleah be a mom during this book and still lose that for a bit is an emotional journey worth investing in.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
First things first, Craig is a close friend so this is unfortunately a biased review, but I am also not sorry about that because I love Craig’s writing so much.
I was SO happy to delve back into this fantastical/science fiction world of Ouranos and to be reunited with my favorite gays in space, Casper and Helix <3
I appreciated the dynamics and journey that Craig explores by placing Casper and his bigoted dad together, which is no easy feat. I was really proud of Casper’s growth and ability to stand strong in his convictions, even in the face of those who hate to see him stand tall and proud of himself.
The action is very fast-paced, especially towards the end, so I have no doubt that folks will be enticed to keep turning the pages to see how this intergalactic conflict resolves.
This upper YA fantasy completes the duology in such a satisfying, exciting, and swoon-worthy conclusion that I am confident readers will be sad to close the book. I would love to see this optioned and adapted for a television or film series — the found family would be so fun to follow, even after the events of this book are over :)
I was SO happy to delve back into this fantastical/science fiction world of Ouranos and to be reunited with my favorite gays in space, Casper and Helix <3
I appreciated the dynamics and journey that Craig explores by placing Casper and his bigoted dad together, which is no easy feat. I was really proud of Casper’s growth and ability to stand strong in his convictions, even in the face of those who hate to see him stand tall and proud of himself.
The action is very fast-paced, especially towards the end, so I have no doubt that folks will be enticed to keep turning the pages to see how this intergalactic conflict resolves.
This upper YA fantasy completes the duology in such a satisfying, exciting, and swoon-worthy conclusion that I am confident readers will be sad to close the book. I would love to see this optioned and adapted for a television or film series — the found family would be so fun to follow, even after the events of this book are over :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
tense
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
A topically poignant story of oppression and privilege, A Sky So Hollow brings us back to the magical world of Novilem in a brash yet tender follow-up story. Emotions run high as our main characters reconcile with the events of ACOS. ASSH delves deeply into the internal struggles of our protagonists Casper and Helix, showing more work needs to be done before our heroes can truly save their home.
Montgomery does a wonderful job further carving out the facets of his well-developed characters, while gripping the reader’s attention with high stakes, intense action sequences, and high concept magic system. I cannot recommend this duology enough.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Montgomery does a wonderful job further carving out the facets of his well-developed characters, while gripping the reader’s attention with high stakes, intense action sequences, and high concept magic system. I cannot recommend this duology enough.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
This was a fantastic follow-up to A Circle of Stars. Craig Montgomery’s writing style continues to be sharp and emotionally moving. The further world-building was crafted beautifully. As the story unfolded, I found myself surprised countless times, quite possibly shrieking out loud at some points. 😂 Casper, Helix, and Talleah remain the focus of the story, but we got more in-depth character-building with several others as well. This conclusion to The Stardust Duology was incredibly clever, and I can’t wait to see what Montgomery comes up with next.