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kaa's review against another edition
3.0
It looks like I'm probably in the minority here, but I enjoyed the beginning of this book much more than the ending. Olivia Cole is a talented writer, and I really liked getting to know the characters and the world of Faloiv in the first half of the book. I appreciated the way the romance was set up - I also thought it was great that there was so much focus on science.
However, the science part really let me down in the second half. There were way too many moments where I was unable to suspend my disbelief because the "science" I was being asked to believe in seemed so implausible. Both science and computer savvy are used like magic wands here, just waved in the direction of whatever problem or plot point needs solving. On top of that, the story itself was fairly predictable, so most of the surprises came from the unrealistic science.
Also, maybe it's just me, but
Spoiler
I liked how easy and sweet it was, and that they just got together without excessive drama.However, the science part really let me down in the second half. There were way too many moments where I was unable to suspend my disbelief because the "science" I was being asked to believe in seemed so implausible. Both science and computer savvy are used like magic wands here, just waved in the direction of whatever problem or plot point needs solving. On top of that, the story itself was fairly predictable, so most of the surprises came from the unrealistic science.
Also, maybe it's just me, but
Spoiler
by the end I was kind of hoping for the Faloii to just go ahead and get rid of all of the humans.shealea's review against another edition
4.0
gomezcass_5717's review against another edition
5.0
For someone who gets bored quickly with slow books, I really enjoyed this book! I was looking for something similar to the Avatar movie and this hit the spot. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. Planning on starting the second one right away!
zoemig's review against another edition
4.0
I started reading A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole back in September, and I was really enjoying it, but I have an e-book copy and it's just a long book to read (432 pages) to read at the computer, so when I finally stopped being lazy and put it on my e-reader, I was happy to start over and devour it while in Cuba. I don't read a ton of science fiction, but throw botany into the mix and you have my attention, which is exactly what happened with this novel about Octavia, who is growing up as first generation on another planet, one with a lot of rules and a fragile peace between humans and the indigenous people of Faloiv. Octavia is really interested in becoming a "whiteout" and studying Faloiv, only to discover that the science and people she loves may be hiding some dark secrets.
A Conspiracy of Stars has a very slow start with a lot of world-building and development, especially if you are used to reading mystery-thrillers like me rather than sci-fi. Probably, there was a bit too much description but it does pay off once Cole gets into the story (and also, I'm sure, for later books in the series). The more I read of the story, the more intrigued I was, and I loved all the original creations and creatures that inhabited Faloiv. I also thought Cole did an excellent job showing the relationships between the characters including some strong friendships. I didn't really find the twists surprising, but the ending was still really dramatic and intense. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I'll definitely be picking up book 2, An Anatomy of Beasts, when it releases in April 2019.
A Conspiracy of Stars has a very slow start with a lot of world-building and development, especially if you are used to reading mystery-thrillers like me rather than sci-fi. Probably, there was a bit too much description but it does pay off once Cole gets into the story (and also, I'm sure, for later books in the series). The more I read of the story, the more intrigued I was, and I loved all the original creations and creatures that inhabited Faloiv. I also thought Cole did an excellent job showing the relationships between the characters including some strong friendships. I didn't really find the twists surprising, but the ending was still really dramatic and intense. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I'll definitely be picking up book 2, An Anatomy of Beasts, when it releases in April 2019.
goolaina's review against another edition
1.0
If you're white and you liked Avatar, you'll probably like this book. But me, I hated Avatar and couldnt finish it. Same goes for A CONSPIRACY OF STARS. It's supposed to be anti-colonial, but it really upholds a lot of colonial ideals and racist tropes. Maybe this story could have been OK if it was told by a Black or Indigenous person, but instead it's a white woman writing out her stereotypes and biased knowledge of both Black and Indigenous peoples. No thanks.
hboyd494's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
3.0
“But home isn’t just memory, I’ve decided: it’s knowledge, knowing where you belong and where you fit.”
frenchtoaster's review against another edition
5.0
Cole has crafted a beautiful world in A Conspiracy of Stars. She took the time to describe life on Faloiv and in N’Terra, which endeared me to the story and the characters. The mystery pushed me to keep reading well into the night and the pay-off is so satisfying. I eagerly await the next book, and I plan to share this powerful story with many others.
abetterjulie's review against another edition
5.0
This was so good. It crawled under my skin, and there were times I was afraid to keep reading because I KNEW it was going to hurt. I cared about everyone. The plot was a little predictable, and the messages a little heavy, but the prose and the emotionality of the work overcame this.
You knew as the pages dwindled this was going to be a cliffhanger, and it was a fun one. I'm glad I bought it (and got a cool pin because I bought it from a local bookstore), and I plan to buy the sequel.
You knew as the pages dwindled this was going to be a cliffhanger, and it was a fun one. I'm glad I bought it (and got a cool pin because I bought it from a local bookstore), and I plan to buy the sequel.
emmaegeberg's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0