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3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
Given how much I loved Brightly Burning, I was rather disappointed by The Stars We Steal. Alexa Donne has a great way of creating characters whose relationships amongst each other all make perfect sense. You feel not just the chemistry between Leo and Elliot, but the bond between sisters, the disappointing inattention of a mindless father, the hope and joy of new friendships. And I got so caught up in all the emotions of these relationships that the ending just felt being pushed out of an airlock. There’s a whole number of things that are mentioned a few times and then ... never resolved. One relationship changes and another ends, both in very unsatisfactory ways. And all over, the ending is disappointing.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was an interesting premise of a book and a very quick easy read. Not bad,
Largely unimpressed with this book. It's a space-aged romance, with very little world building. The main character, Leo, pines after "the one", the boy that got away, Elliot. Of course marriage is the answer to everything. Leo must also solve all of her family's financial problems on her own. Throw in a murder, love triangles, and deceit. Boom, a boring predictable read.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
8/10
A simple romance story set in a simple SF world. Quite enjoyable.
Pros:
- I liked the romance. I always like a clean, slow burn
- It was YA but the characters weren't whiny or annoying
- The world was interesting and well fleshed out (for the most part)
Cons:
- There wasn't much of a climax or tension throughout. It hinted at drama and violence occurring, then nothing really happened
- The lack of communication = conflict was a definite drawback
- I'm not a big fan of love triangles but this one wasn't too bad
A simple romance story set in a simple SF world. Quite enjoyable.
Pros:
- I liked the romance. I always like a clean, slow burn
- It was YA but the characters weren't whiny or annoying
- The world was interesting and well fleshed out (for the most part)
Cons:
- There wasn't much of a climax or tension throughout. It hinted at drama and violence occurring, then nothing really happened
- The lack of communication = conflict was a definite drawback
- I'm not a big fan of love triangles but this one wasn't too bad
This was so much fun! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, awesome stakes. I couldn't put it down!
I felt bad for one character at the end (if you know you know) and wish they could have figured out a way to make it all work as planned but...sigh.
I felt bad for one character at the end (if you know you know) and wish they could have figured out a way to make it all work as planned but...sigh.
3.5 stars
This book sounded right up my alley and I really enjoyed immersing myself into this fantasy/sci-fi young adult novel, especially with what is going on in the real world at the moment! Whilst it is a re-telling of Jane Austen's Persuasion (which is on my TBR pile) this book was very much its own.
The characters in this book were extremely realistic which is something I always like to praise in these futuristic fantasy books where sometimes that element can be lost! I really liked our main character Leo and found that she was extremely strong-willed and fought for what she believed in.
This story had a really good flow to it and I found myself eager to continue reading! I really liked the idea of the Valg Season and gave me The Selection vibes with all it's beautiful descriptions and dress choices! However I think I would have liked to have seen more of the final ceremony!
I do feel like the story could have done with more world building. I felt like I never truly understood the impact of the past and why everyone was now in space. I also think that the story lacked depth and context. It was a very dialogue driven and I would have just preferred more descriptive narrative to help truly set the scene.
This is a very light read, set in a futuristic universe, with a range of representation and romance at its core! I look forward to reading more of Alexa Donne's work in the future!
This book sounded right up my alley and I really enjoyed immersing myself into this fantasy/sci-fi young adult novel, especially with what is going on in the real world at the moment! Whilst it is a re-telling of Jane Austen's Persuasion (which is on my TBR pile) this book was very much its own.
The characters in this book were extremely realistic which is something I always like to praise in these futuristic fantasy books where sometimes that element can be lost! I really liked our main character Leo and found that she was extremely strong-willed and fought for what she believed in.
This story had a really good flow to it and I found myself eager to continue reading! I really liked the idea of the Valg Season and gave me The Selection vibes with all it's beautiful descriptions and dress choices! However I think I would have liked to have seen more of the final ceremony!
I do feel like the story could have done with more world building. I felt like I never truly understood the impact of the past and why everyone was now in space. I also think that the story lacked depth and context. It was a very dialogue driven and I would have just preferred more descriptive narrative to help truly set the scene.
This is a very light read, set in a futuristic universe, with a range of representation and romance at its core! I look forward to reading more of Alexa Donne's work in the future!
If you enjoy a romp through space with glittering gowns on ships that are trying to save face while they're falling apart, this is the book to read. I absolutely loved it. I have never read Persuasion before so I had no idea what to expect when I cracked open the book.
First of all, it's nice to have a plus-size main character get the cute guy. I've been wanting something like that for years and now I have it. Leo to me is precious and I really enjoyed the miscommunication between her and Elliot. Normally characters who won't talk to each other really anger me, but to me, they both had good reasons and Donne does a great job really pulling your heartstrings, or she had my heartstrings as she played with them.
This was a wonderful short read and it really plays well with Brightly Burning. I now want to go back to read the first book so I can see the characters she hinted were easter egged through the books. Really I am so glad I bought this book, it's wonderful and when I need a good romance romp I'll probably grab it again.
First of all, it's nice to have a plus-size main character get the cute guy. I've been wanting something like that for years and now I have it. Leo to me is precious and I really enjoyed the miscommunication between her and Elliot. Normally characters who won't talk to each other really anger me, but to me, they both had good reasons and Donne does a great job really pulling your heartstrings, or she had my heartstrings as she played with them.
This was a wonderful short read and it really plays well with Brightly Burning. I now want to go back to read the first book so I can see the characters she hinted were easter egged through the books. Really I am so glad I bought this book, it's wonderful and when I need a good romance romp I'll probably grab it again.
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was a quick and easy read and for the most part i enjoyed it, however, the ending felt extremely rushed and unrealistic (in the sense that all their problems were solved in the last few pagesit felt far-fetchedeven for a fantasy book. This book would have been way better if it was made into a duology. The rushed ending ruined the book for me as so many things were left unexplained.
Imagine that there was The Bachelor for members of the royal family in the TV show The Crown and it took place in space... and there were pirates... that is this story in a nut shell. It’s a fun read but you need to check your brain at the door. Then it’s each the very young YA dialogue and the explanations of the crazy spaceship world. There are star-crossed lovers, back-stabbers and betrayals. The main character is a bit holier than thou and entirely naive to the world around her but she is likable. It’s a space soap opera and if that’s your thing, you’ll love this. If it’s not you will still probably enjoy the light, whimsical read. 3.5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.