Reviews

The Star Shepherd by MarcyKate Connolly, Dan Haring

lauramct's review

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4.0

I enjoyed the basic premise of this book as well as MarcyKate Connolly style of writing. I thought the steampunk style clockwork aspect was creative and unique, even if it didn't completely make sense with the world. I liked both Kyro and Andra's characters. Some parts were predictable which is why I didn't give it 5 stars. The ending is clearly set up for a sequel/series and I can see many of my students reading more of these books.

emilyparagraph's review

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adventurous inspiring mysterious 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

3.0

gbasta's review

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

4.5

naomiysl's review against another edition

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4.0

Solidly written, with a well-formed world. I deducted a star for the simplicity of the cahracters, but on the whole I very much enjoyed this story.

missfay's review against another edition

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4.0

I have finally read all of Marcykate Connolly's books! (Well, all the ones that are out)
I've fallen in love with her writing style and I have gone one some incredible adventures with her characters and I can't wait to go on more!

The Star Shepherd's cover is just beautiful, as is the story inside.
If you like robots then this book is just for you!
Dan Haring came up with such a unique storyline and the years of hard work definitely paid of in my opinion!

leahjanespeare's review against another edition

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3.0

Creative idea but lacking in world-building.

meganpbennett's review

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I picked up an ARC at ALA 2019, where I met the authors at a book signing. Glad I did. The book was well written and the characters interesting. There are numerous illustrations, which helped me see the characters as they were written. The plot, which follows the archetypal Hero's Journey, was extremely engrossing and I read the whole book in as few sittings as possible, because I had to know how it ended. Fingers crossed on a sequel.

intotheheartwyld's review against another edition

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4.0

I was initially pulled in by the cover art and title. This story proved to be very refreshing and original. Stars are falling out the sky at unimaginable rates and Kyro must find out why.
Kyro is a simple boy who just wants his fathers attention and to be recognized as a Star Shepherd. He goes on this amazing adventure to find out what is going on with the stars and gets involved in so much more.
The idea that the stars are put in the sky in certain places to protect the people from the darkness is such a brilliant idea and I absolutely loved it.
The idea that there is a special group of people who watch and protect these stars to keep them in the sky is amazing.
The lore built into the story is the best part to me.
There are few tidbits that were left unanswered but they aren’t huge to where it’s bothersome. It keeps it open just it case a second is ever written but it doesn’t need it either.
The characters were all likeable, it only in a few small occasions did it drop but overall I kept wanting to read more.

sofiyapasternack's review against another edition

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5.0

What I Liked
The overall world building is very unique and fun! The myth behind the stars and the star shepherds are wonderfully unique, and the monstrous creatures that hunt the stars are appropriately scary for the audience. Kyro and Andra are a great pair of friends, and Andra's kindness toward the village outsider is such an important lesson. The illustrations are wonderful for kids as they read through this!

What I Would Have Liked to See
Nothing comes to mind. It was a fun MG adventure!

My Favorite!
The cool inventions Kyro's dad has built really make the setting a lot of fun!

TL;DR
Village outsider Kyro rescues fallen stars with his father, but when his father vanishes one night, Kyro must use every ounce of strength within himself to find his father and save the stars--and the world--from the dark threat advancing over them.

davdsalas98's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful story ❤
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