Reviews

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

Only show reviews with written explanations

jberin's review against another edition

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emotional funny slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

theglossreview's review against another edition

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5.0

“It’s a shame you had to be beautiful.”

I’m giving this book all of the (uncommon) stars I can give.

Perhaps, just perhaps, it might be my new favourite story of all time.

I’ve listened to the marvellous audio version twice – once on the winding streets of London and once in my kitchen. Both were beautiful adventures.

All I know is that I’m wishing for a donut maker for Christmas. Thank you, Ryka. Thank you.

peterparker's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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

4.25

Pay special attention to others content warnings as this book does deal with heavy topics. They are mentioned sporadically throughout the book but are very present at the beginning.

I love science fiction and I love Supernatural so this is the perfect blend of the two. This story is pretty unique and I loved how many genres the author was trying to twist together. I've learned that I love sci-fi when it's at its most confusing. It's why I liked This is how you lose the time war. I still think you have to truly be into sci-fi to open up to this concept though.

I know this can be off-putting for some people but the ones who get it, get it. Maximalism is my aesthetic and this story understands that. It's also a really lovely queer story at it's heart. I'm not transgender myself but there are a few trips that the author falls into at the very end that I know are a bit iffy in the transgender community. [Deadnaming] Other than that I feel like the trauma lumped onto these characters is very intentional. It isn't without reason and as you progress through the story you realize why the characters (especially Katrina) were written this way.

I have many thoughts about this book that I could go on and on. Ultimately though it stuck the landing for me.

Happy endings for all the main characters I cared about!

Content Warnings

maryellen's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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

4.75

Content Warnings

suhmown's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense fast-paced

3.5

In theory, this book was wonderful— I loved the characters and the exploration of Asian food and the concept was so interesting (aliens and demons and music!). However, the execution fell short for me. I don’t feel like Aoki knew what she wanted this to be— is it YA, harrowing queer coming of age, science fiction about aliens, fantasy about demons? It was so many things at once that it didn’t fully accomplish any and it left me wanting so much more from some story lines and not invested in others.