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pagesfullofstars's review
5.0
"The tin soldier stood there dressed in flames."
No Ordinary Star by M.C. Frank is a fresh and intriguing science fiction story that kept me up to the late night hours and made me want to pick up the continuation right away!
It's the end of year 2524. After the Revision life on Earth is "perfect". Everything is controlled, people don't need to eat or sleep anymore and they can travel by pods to just about anywhere, including colonies on other planets. At the end of each year, the elites throw a huge party to celebrate new year, while the Clockmaster announces it with the Great Clock he fixes every year. There enters Felix, "tin soldier", who arrives on the North Pole summoned by the mysterious message from the Clockmaster. As he tries to unravel the truth behind the message, he meets and rescues "match girl" Astra. Together they discover a hidden library that may reveal a whole new truth about the world they thought they knew.
Some of you may know that I'm not a huge fan of dystopia novels, but I have to say that the premise of No Ordinary Star piqued my interest right away and it definitely didn't disappoint me! The vision of the world where things like diseases or hunger don't exist but also humans have no idea of the past history and traditions, women and man are separated, people are born from tubes and things like books are completely banned, is both really interesting and scary. I can't wait till the mystery that began showing in this book fully unravels.
I may be wrong but I feel like the story was somewhat inspired by the fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen and I absolutely loved that! I used to read and adore his tales as a child, so I got extremely excited when I got the reference to The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Little Match Girl. I can't wait to see if it's going to be mentioned in the next books as well. My other favourite piece of the novel was the hidden library, which I would definitely love to visit, and Astra's little Christmas corner.
I grew to like our two main characters quickly. Astra, who is brave, strong and a little bold and Felix, who's very self-disciplined, loyal and serious, but starts to change and become more approachable with time. Because of their upbringing, they should hate each other or be instant enemies but as they start to work together, they begin to warm up to each other and form a friendship.
The writing was evocative and engaging, with beautiful settings and descriptions. I also like the atmosphere of the book, which went from full of tension, to slightly eerie (especially at the beginning), to fun and warm during Astra and Felix's scenes. The book is written in third person but the story is showed from Astra's and Felix's povs, which allows us to connect with them and know them better. My only objection would be that the book was too short! :) I kept reading and I didn't even know when the time flew by and I turned the last page. Needless to say, after such ending I definitely wanted more :D
No Ordinary Star by M.C. Frank is a fresh and intriguing science fiction story that kept me up to the late night hours and made me want to pick up the continuation right away!
It's the end of year 2524. After the Revision life on Earth is "perfect". Everything is controlled, people don't need to eat or sleep anymore and they can travel by pods to just about anywhere, including colonies on other planets. At the end of each year, the elites throw a huge party to celebrate new year, while the Clockmaster announces it with the Great Clock he fixes every year. There enters Felix, "tin soldier", who arrives on the North Pole summoned by the mysterious message from the Clockmaster. As he tries to unravel the truth behind the message, he meets and rescues "match girl" Astra. Together they discover a hidden library that may reveal a whole new truth about the world they thought they knew.
Some of you may know that I'm not a huge fan of dystopia novels, but I have to say that the premise of No Ordinary Star piqued my interest right away and it definitely didn't disappoint me! The vision of the world where things like diseases or hunger don't exist but also humans have no idea of the past history and traditions, women and man are separated, people are born from tubes and things like books are completely banned, is both really interesting and scary. I can't wait till the mystery that began showing in this book fully unravels.
I may be wrong but I feel like the story was somewhat inspired by the fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen and I absolutely loved that! I used to read and adore his tales as a child, so I got extremely excited when I got the reference to The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Little Match Girl. I can't wait to see if it's going to be mentioned in the next books as well. My other favourite piece of the novel was the hidden library, which I would definitely love to visit, and Astra's little Christmas corner.
I grew to like our two main characters quickly. Astra, who is brave, strong and a little bold and Felix, who's very self-disciplined, loyal and serious, but starts to change and become more approachable with time. Because of their upbringing, they should hate each other or be instant enemies but as they start to work together, they begin to warm up to each other and form a friendship.
The writing was evocative and engaging, with beautiful settings and descriptions. I also like the atmosphere of the book, which went from full of tension, to slightly eerie (especially at the beginning), to fun and warm during Astra and Felix's scenes. The book is written in third person but the story is showed from Astra's and Felix's povs, which allows us to connect with them and know them better. My only objection would be that the book was too short! :) I kept reading and I didn't even know when the time flew by and I turned the last page. Needless to say, after such ending I definitely wanted more :D
fortheloveoffictionalworlds's review
4.0
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
It is the year 2025 – the world has “evolved” – there is no more need of pesky things like food, sleep and love; but most of all there are no books *gasps* (You have no idea how glad I am that it is just 2017 right now!) – but I couldn’t help but fascinated by this horrifying simple future for humankind.
"The stars haven't been visable from Earth in decades."
"Oh they have been," she says. "If you know where to look. When you see a formation that's irregular, a star that doesn't look ordinary- that's a real star and no satelite."
He sighs. No ordinary star. What does that even mean?
But as usual, with such “astounding” future condition; rebels are never far behind.
Oh, and did I forget to mention? Not only do the opposite sexes not interact in this future – females aren’t even given the basic right to read – be still my righteous heart, for there is no way that the author would disappoint her readers. Reading this fact had me seething with enough rage that I had to stop reading to cool myself down!
Despite the fact that we are inundated with information about this future through the POV’s of our main characters “The Tin Man” aka Felix and “The Match Girl” aka Astra – the plot has a slow build up to it; not only are we introduced to the our unlikely pair, we are also slowly given glimpses into this world that humans have created in 2025.
Under the normal circumstances, I abhor a slow start to the story, but somehow somewhere this works because we see two different ideologies being challenged; ideologies that they had been living with all their life, ideologies that shake the foundation of their identity and a fast paced plot could have destroyed that experience.
The writing itself is enchanting – because even in my wildest dreams and imaginations I would not be able to fathom a world without words; a world without a single independent thought; but here I found a world that I couldn’t imagine, yet the author made it easily believable!
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onemamareads's review
4.0
This novel, wow! Such an intricate, detailed post-apocalyptic world. From the first page you are tossed into new terrain. A world built around a large clock, strict rules, technology, soldiers, and enslaved women. Terrifying.
The tale follows one of these soldiers, as he is called to a deserted homestead in desolate northern Alaska, by his apparent Grandfather (parents no longer exist in this world, deemed unnecessary for humanity, babies are bred in labs). The reader is on a journey with him; a star pupil, top soldier, now AWOL and trying to somehow pull his world back together after receiving this life altering, shocking news.
His Grandfather is the "clockmaster", tasked with creating a large clock to strike in the new year (2525). Unfortunately, he is killed, spelling doom for the future of this fragile world, unless this soldier can somehow build the clock.
We are also introduced to a young woman; first seen as a fairy by the dying "clockmaster". Which, in this world, is more likely than an actual woman being alone in the frozen north; as, women have been outcast to Islands to work, toil, donate eggs, and keep their distance from men. They are considered dangerous, diseased, second class, and contact with women is a crime. So, when our soldier first saves her life, we are astounded that he is able to move past his conditioning and help.
Her story is the most horrifying in this novel, and relevant to what is happening around the world today. You become swept up in her life, routing for her survival and her bravery. You are disgusted with society, angry, unprepared for this new and terrible world. After the soldier saves her, the story unfolds slowly and methodically. They really do save each other, and from that moment they become tied together, their lives intertwined.
This is the first novel in a trilogy, so it makes sense that No Ordinary Star is heavy with exposition, history, character development and more. So, while the entirety of the book takes place in one remote location, with only two characters, you feel you have traversed the map of this new world, including the settlements on planets outside of Earth. As a reader, I felt the isolation of the two characters; as well as, the ever imposing presence of a tyrannical law and order, and all of the crimes they are committing just by staying alive together. This is a world that has programmed its citizens, is full of corruption and injustice. Both our main characters are fighting against their own prejudices the entire novel in order to survive. However, their unlikely alliance could shred the fabric of this world.
I loved it! The novel is described as an homage to Ray Bradbury, and you can see why. I was on the edge of my seat. Astra, the young woman, is my favourite character. After everything she has been put through, she is still bad-ass, self reliant, determined, proud and caring. Felix, our soldier, is slowly shedding his programming, become human, caring, considerate, and strong. He has heart, and is smart enough to start seeing the cracks in this so-called perfect society. These two are "steadfast" in finding their place in their own stories, in history, and how it is they fit in to the upcoming year 2525.
A gripping story with nods to science fiction masters and ties to the cultural crisis's happening within the world today. Powerful and poignant, I am waiting on baited breath for the second installment to this story of two star-crossed lovers, broken souls, finding shelter in the frigid north.
Bonus points for Ursa, the polar bear, playing a major part!
The tale follows one of these soldiers, as he is called to a deserted homestead in desolate northern Alaska, by his apparent Grandfather (parents no longer exist in this world, deemed unnecessary for humanity, babies are bred in labs). The reader is on a journey with him; a star pupil, top soldier, now AWOL and trying to somehow pull his world back together after receiving this life altering, shocking news.
His Grandfather is the "clockmaster", tasked with creating a large clock to strike in the new year (2525). Unfortunately, he is killed, spelling doom for the future of this fragile world, unless this soldier can somehow build the clock.
We are also introduced to a young woman; first seen as a fairy by the dying "clockmaster". Which, in this world, is more likely than an actual woman being alone in the frozen north; as, women have been outcast to Islands to work, toil, donate eggs, and keep their distance from men. They are considered dangerous, diseased, second class, and contact with women is a crime. So, when our soldier first saves her life, we are astounded that he is able to move past his conditioning and help.
Her story is the most horrifying in this novel, and relevant to what is happening around the world today. You become swept up in her life, routing for her survival and her bravery. You are disgusted with society, angry, unprepared for this new and terrible world. After the soldier saves her, the story unfolds slowly and methodically. They really do save each other, and from that moment they become tied together, their lives intertwined.
This is the first novel in a trilogy, so it makes sense that No Ordinary Star is heavy with exposition, history, character development and more. So, while the entirety of the book takes place in one remote location, with only two characters, you feel you have traversed the map of this new world, including the settlements on planets outside of Earth. As a reader, I felt the isolation of the two characters; as well as, the ever imposing presence of a tyrannical law and order, and all of the crimes they are committing just by staying alive together. This is a world that has programmed its citizens, is full of corruption and injustice. Both our main characters are fighting against their own prejudices the entire novel in order to survive. However, their unlikely alliance could shred the fabric of this world.
I loved it! The novel is described as an homage to Ray Bradbury, and you can see why. I was on the edge of my seat. Astra, the young woman, is my favourite character. After everything she has been put through, she is still bad-ass, self reliant, determined, proud and caring. Felix, our soldier, is slowly shedding his programming, become human, caring, considerate, and strong. He has heart, and is smart enough to start seeing the cracks in this so-called perfect society. These two are "steadfast" in finding their place in their own stories, in history, and how it is they fit in to the upcoming year 2525.
A gripping story with nods to science fiction masters and ties to the cultural crisis's happening within the world today. Powerful and poignant, I am waiting on baited breath for the second installment to this story of two star-crossed lovers, broken souls, finding shelter in the frigid north.
Bonus points for Ursa, the polar bear, playing a major part!
ignitingpages's review
4.0
I received a copy of No Ordinary Star from the author in exchange for an honest review. This fact does not influence my review in any way.
This story had me hooked from the very beginning, and unlike some of the sci-fi novels I’ve read, it goes straight to the point whereas in other sci-fi novels, they usually take one or two chapters to get into the action. The writing is beautiful and flows smoothly that it is easy to read and get into.
I was immediately drawn to the characters from the moment I met them. The Clockmaster was intriguing, but doesn’t get seen much after the first few chapters. Felix was first seen as a stoic soldier, but as the story progressed, we get to see him be a completely different person when he isn’t posed as a soldier. Felix’s voice was very easy and natural to read, it makes us feel as if we are in his shoes. Felix is also humorous and I was smiling a lot as I read from his point of view.
Felix saves Astra from dying in the ice but they do not bond quickly. Not because of Astra’s fierceness, independence or, in his eyes, annoying personality, but because Felix had never met a female because this world separates genders from each other. Anyways, I adored Astra, her fiery personality and her knack for survival. Their relationship together slowly develops over time, and I just loved it. Their conversations are witty and humorous, and I think I prefer them as friends but wouldn’t mind them becoming a couple.
The world is very unique! In the year 2525, the world isn’t like what we know it. People are made in tubes rather than biological and that means their mothers would be robots. Very few are born, thus few very parents. I think this is their way of controlling the population. Males and females are segregated. A lot of what we know is lost in time, such as Christmas and words such as beautiful, spoon and brother.
Felix and Astra try to decipher the Clockmaster’s messages and they discover many things and it is amusing to see them fascinated about things such as Christmas and literature. Every page has you wanting to keep reading. This is a short story, meaning that it is a quick and easy read, perfect for those looking to get out of a slump or waning to quickly read something.
The ending also has me excited for the next book. I want to know what happens next, what the duo decide to do and how their relationship develops. I think this is also perfect for a Christmas read because it isn’t time-consuming since it’s short and it’s set during Christmas – except they don’t have Christmas.
This story had me hooked from the very beginning, and unlike some of the sci-fi novels I’ve read, it goes straight to the point whereas in other sci-fi novels, they usually take one or two chapters to get into the action. The writing is beautiful and flows smoothly that it is easy to read and get into.
I was immediately drawn to the characters from the moment I met them. The Clockmaster was intriguing, but doesn’t get seen much after the first few chapters. Felix was first seen as a stoic soldier, but as the story progressed, we get to see him be a completely different person when he isn’t posed as a soldier. Felix’s voice was very easy and natural to read, it makes us feel as if we are in his shoes. Felix is also humorous and I was smiling a lot as I read from his point of view.
Felix saves Astra from dying in the ice but they do not bond quickly. Not because of Astra’s fierceness, independence or, in his eyes, annoying personality, but because Felix had never met a female because this world separates genders from each other. Anyways, I adored Astra, her fiery personality and her knack for survival. Their relationship together slowly develops over time, and I just loved it. Their conversations are witty and humorous, and I think I prefer them as friends but wouldn’t mind them becoming a couple.
The world is very unique! In the year 2525, the world isn’t like what we know it. People are made in tubes rather than biological and that means their mothers would be robots. Very few are born, thus few very parents. I think this is their way of controlling the population. Males and females are segregated. A lot of what we know is lost in time, such as Christmas and words such as beautiful, spoon and brother.
Felix and Astra try to decipher the Clockmaster’s messages and they discover many things and it is amusing to see them fascinated about things such as Christmas and literature. Every page has you wanting to keep reading. This is a short story, meaning that it is a quick and easy read, perfect for those looking to get out of a slump or waning to quickly read something.
The ending also has me excited for the next book. I want to know what happens next, what the duo decide to do and how their relationship develops. I think this is also perfect for a Christmas read because it isn’t time-consuming since it’s short and it’s set during Christmas – except they don’t have Christmas.
literaryaimee's review
4.0
Oh my goshhhh, I loved this so much! I haven't read basically any futuristic novels before - only novellas and I was pleasantly surprised by this one:)
The world building and character description throughout this book was so rich and beautiful. Usually I'm not drawn towards futuristic themes but this one definitely has tempted me to try more out.
The main characters - Felix and Astra were so loveable and strangely relatable. Plus, although the setting is over 200 years in the future and everything is completely advanced compared to now, the fact that they viewed books as something dangerous and out of the ordinary completely both bewildered and enticed me!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the second book soon!
The world building and character description throughout this book was so rich and beautiful. Usually I'm not drawn towards futuristic themes but this one definitely has tempted me to try more out.
The main characters - Felix and Astra were so loveable and strangely relatable. Plus, although the setting is over 200 years in the future and everything is completely advanced compared to now, the fact that they viewed books as something dangerous and out of the ordinary completely both bewildered and enticed me!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the second book soon!
natyjaeger's review
4.0
This was so beautiful and poetic and quiet and gorgeous. I didn't know what to expect of the story but now I'm very happy I picked this up. Thanks again to Darque Dreamer for recommending it! I think it's specially delightful to read around Christmas!
booksteacupnreviews's review
5.0
(Note: I received review copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. I am glad I got a chance to read this book. I’m grateful to be part of NOS street team.)
I loved that cover of the book and futuristic world drew me to this book.
How will it feel when there’s no emotions left in human? Men and women are separated? Humans can live for 300 years with no disease, no illness, no need to sleep? No festival, Christmas is forgotten and there are no books. Yeah you heard right. No books!!! Pretty messed up world it sounds right? That’s the dystopian world of ‘No Ordinary Star’.
Characters– Felix and Astra. I loved both of them. They were both nice, innocent and smart. Reading them in the book was like watching two kids under one roof. They were fun to read and all the charm of the book. Oh, and Ursa- Polar bear of the book. I loved this bear, so intelligent animal.
What I liked? I loved that concept. Isn’t it different and unique? This world author created was jaw-dropping. Every time I learned the details of this dystopian world my jaw dropped, literally! World building was the beauty and core part of this book. It’s all about the details of new world- how people are living, all sort of rules and restrictions, and past life of Felix and Astra, and how they end up at ice shack. I loved how all these were represented in the book, everything was equally balanced. Still it left me for more details. That’s what this book done to me.
Another thing I liked about the book was, the name calling Felix and Astra used, “tin soldier” and “match girl”, which are the titles of the book too. Initially I was clueless why this names and why every chapter are repeating with these title, until I reached to explanation. Alternate point of view of Felix and Astra was nicely written and they both sounded reasonable. Usually this leaves me disagreeing with one of the character, but here, I found myself agreeing with both of them. What they felt for other was the same way I felt. The title of the book was so appropriate and I loved lines about stars in the book- “…a star that doesn’t look ordinary- that’s a real star…” This is no ordinary dystopian book like a no ordinary star. I liked the color effects character was experiencing in the book, it was beautifully written. Just like all the covers of this series. Author has real something for colors I guess. 🙂
End- I haven’t expected it end here. As it is said in the blurb the story is divided in 3 installment, the end felt like first broken point of the story. The cliffhanger left me hanging, made me wish for the foothold- next book. 😉
Overall, ‘No Ordinary Star’ is fast paced, quick read dystopian novel that will leave you hungry for more. When read blurb I was curious to read this book. Now that I’ve finished the book it made me curious for the next book ‘No Plain Rebel’. This is going to be perfect series for winters.
YA, Science Fiction, dystopian world lovers.
Read reviews on my blog- Books Teacup and Reviews
I loved that cover of the book and futuristic world drew me to this book.
How will it feel when there’s no emotions left in human? Men and women are separated? Humans can live for 300 years with no disease, no illness, no need to sleep? No festival, Christmas is forgotten and there are no books. Yeah you heard right. No books!!! Pretty messed up world it sounds right? That’s the dystopian world of ‘No Ordinary Star’.
Characters– Felix and Astra. I loved both of them. They were both nice, innocent and smart. Reading them in the book was like watching two kids under one roof. They were fun to read and all the charm of the book. Oh, and Ursa- Polar bear of the book. I loved this bear, so intelligent animal.
What I liked? I loved that concept. Isn’t it different and unique? This world author created was jaw-dropping. Every time I learned the details of this dystopian world my jaw dropped, literally! World building was the beauty and core part of this book. It’s all about the details of new world- how people are living, all sort of rules and restrictions, and past life of Felix and Astra, and how they end up at ice shack. I loved how all these were represented in the book, everything was equally balanced. Still it left me for more details. That’s what this book done to me.
Another thing I liked about the book was, the name calling Felix and Astra used, “tin soldier” and “match girl”, which are the titles of the book too. Initially I was clueless why this names and why every chapter are repeating with these title, until I reached to explanation. Alternate point of view of Felix and Astra was nicely written and they both sounded reasonable. Usually this leaves me disagreeing with one of the character, but here, I found myself agreeing with both of them. What they felt for other was the same way I felt. The title of the book was so appropriate and I loved lines about stars in the book- “…a star that doesn’t look ordinary- that’s a real star…” This is no ordinary dystopian book like a no ordinary star. I liked the color effects character was experiencing in the book, it was beautifully written. Just like all the covers of this series. Author has real something for colors I guess. 🙂
End- I haven’t expected it end here. As it is said in the blurb the story is divided in 3 installment, the end felt like first broken point of the story. The cliffhanger left me hanging, made me wish for the foothold- next book. 😉
Overall, ‘No Ordinary Star’ is fast paced, quick read dystopian novel that will leave you hungry for more. When read blurb I was curious to read this book. Now that I’ve finished the book it made me curious for the next book ‘No Plain Rebel’. This is going to be perfect series for winters.
YA, Science Fiction, dystopian world lovers.
Read reviews on my blog- Books Teacup and Reviews
livinginlibros's review
4.0
This story has a unique atmosphere that surrounds you when you read it. The images, the writing, the characters are all whimsical and I really enjoyed that. The story reminded me of the Starbound triology a little because of the description of the solidiers but it is a completely different story and I can't wait to see what book 2 is about.
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