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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was provided an Advance Readers Copy of this book from BookFunnel in exchange for leaving my honest opinion in a review.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, queer, sci-fi story with interesting characters and complex issues. I did have a couple of issues with it though. My main issue is probably how passive Casper (the main character) is for at least the first half of the book. I was never sure why his chapters were so boring to me compared to the other main character'sHelix' and Talleah chapters but it is because they are constantly making choices and reacting to things whereas Casper just kind of has stuff happen to him.
I was also a little confused because the first 4% of this book made me so so so emotional, and I did not get the same attachment throughout the rest of the book. The main couple, Casper and Helix, get together very quickly with little build up and a lot of their romantic conversations on the surface felt forced and awkward . Aside from that, their causal interactions were fun a friendly and I loved reading them.
For me, it was only about 24% into the book where I actually started getting interested in the plot which isn't great for me because I usually only give books to about 20% before I decide to dnf them. Once we got past that point, things began to pick up, but Casper's chapters were the last ones to get interesting considering he's the main main character.
I really loved how complex the issues that were dealt with were and how characters have to really think about their own sense of self and moral.
As for the ending,there were definitely a couple hints dropped as to what could come next, but it did not feel like part one of a series. Ngl after about 80%ish ever chapter felt like it could have reasonably been the end of the book and then the second book would deal with the cliff hanger and then the fallout of what happens .
I would definitely recommend reading this book is queer sci-fi is what you are into, but have patience.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, queer, sci-fi story with interesting characters and complex issues. I did have a couple of issues with it though. My main issue is probably how passive Casper (the main character) is for at least the first half of the book. I was never sure why his chapters were so boring to me compared to the other main character's
I was also a little confused because the first 4% of this book made me so so so emotional, and I did not get the same attachment throughout the rest of the book.
For me, it was only about 24% into the book where I actually started getting interested in the plot which isn't great for me because I usually only give books to about 20% before I decide to dnf them. Once we got past that point, things began to pick up, but Casper's chapters were the last ones to get interesting considering he's the main main character.
I really loved how complex the issues that were dealt with were and how characters have to really think about their own sense of self and moral.
As for the ending,
I would definitely recommend reading this book is queer sci-fi is what you are into, but have patience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Child abuse
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
I loved this book. Sitting down to read it felt like a warm hug. I don't read a lot of romance because it often feels forced and a bit shallow to me, but the relationship between the two main characters felt so refreshingly authentic. There are arguments, they deal with the ways their trauma has shaped them, but they face it together with such maturity and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to read. But it wasn't just a romance. The story is exciting and unpredictable, the magic system is new and interesting, and the many difficult issues raised are handled with nuance and honesty. Highly recommend for fans of queer sci-fi/fantasy!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Gays in space, a teenager kidnapped and sent to a hidden civilization in a moon, magic based on the astrological sign you're born under, A Circle of Stars is a queer science fiction fantasy that I enjoyed reading. (And have lots of thoughts on!)
Casper is kicked out for being gay by his douchebag Dad, and just when he thinks his life can't get any worse; is attacked by coyotes, saved by strangers with magic, kidnapped, and put inside a plush prison and forced in the middle of political machinations. Poor Casper. He has to learn to navigate the new world he is now forced to be a part of, a difficult task because of the lack of information and truth he receives. Will he save their city, or destroy everything?
This book follows a lot of themes of rebellion, political schemes, and people willing to accomplish their goals by any means necessary, regardless of consequences.
Talleh was a surprise POV that I did not expect, and I actually ended up enjoying hers the most, which really surprised me! Her struggle and journey to get her daughter back was so well done! I can't believe it was Daphne the whole time! I also liked how Helix and his journey was handled, realizing his privilege and his world-view getting shattered was handled extremely well.
This book surprised me and I enjoyed that so much.
Typically by the halfway point or even in the beginning I find it easy to guess what is going to happen. The rug being swept out from under me made me happy.
I did have some trouble understanding Jacob's motivations. I wish we could have seen more of the reasons behind his actions, and a more complex understanding of his character, like what we got with Brissa.
My only major complaint is I would like to have seen more! It would also have been really helpful to have a glossary,THERE WILL BE A GLOSSARY AND MORE FOR THE BOOK RELEASE ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR!! as is the norm with science fiction you get a lot of new words thrown at you, and it would have been nice to know how to pronounce them. (And what they mean!)
I would loved to have seen more of the different signs interact with each other. I feel like there's quite a bit of mention of different castes and privileges, and I would have enjoyed to see more confrontational aspects to that in how different magics look down or up to each other. While most people seemed to afraid to speak about the Gemini's, there wasn't any other really visible tension between signs. (For example, discrimination to "weaker" signs, or places that won't do business or general bullying of poorer signs.) There is mention of families being cut off from society for having someone exiled, and I would loved to have seen more of that and the repercussions.
First, I did enjoy this book, and I do recommend you read it when it releases!
Let me take a moment here to try to eloquently speak (or type) about race.
There is a difference between having a ton of characters with different skin tones and races in your book, and having that character be that race. Especially when the book deals with a world without racism and with a different kind of segregation. It's the equivalent of saying a certain people have a specific hair type, it's like "oh great! I am so glad they are showing different hair types." But how are the they different? Their experience? Their life? The way they do their hair or interact with their families? Even if there is no racism, I didn't find enough distinct culture between the different magics to show the different cultures of the people. (And if there isn't, then I missed the point of having such a varied people if they are all in essence similar) This is always a tricky subject to discuss, because yes we need more diverse people in books but they need to be shown to be that race. If you take out a characters description in this book would you still be able to tell they were the race they were supposedly written as? What other aspects are mentioned that have them show their race? Could they easily have been white and nothing have changed about the character? Are you including them in your book for diversity points, or does having them be that race add context to their character and story? If someone reads the book without character descriptions would they know which person is Mexican, Black, or Asian, based on context clues? Words to think about.
Indie books always give me trouble to review, because I know how hard the authors have to work to do their own marketing, and they don't have the support/guidance of a publishing house. That being said I am eager to read whatever Craig Montgomery writes next, and I wouldn't be surprised to see his books in stores one day!
This book comes out June 16th and I do recommend it, especially for fans of queer fantasy, or science fiction.
I received this book as an eARC to read and review. As always, this is my honest opinion.
The Cover
This is the best indie book cover I have ever seen. The composition, design, even the font all work together to make a cohesive piece. I would hang a poster of this book cover on my wall guys, that is how pretty is.
It was really cool to see aspects of the city, it helped make a clearer picture in my head with the book descriptions.
Helix and Casper are over layed on top of one another, up in the stars above the city with Casper making eye contact with the viewer. Both of them seem slightly hunched over, as if they aren't ready or willing for the fight ahead.
The galaxy star background really makes you feel like you are in space and again is just so pretty! I always love to see a font that matches with the cover and the book and this is no different. It adds an air of fantasy to the overall very science fiction vibe of the book.
Seriously though, a 10/10 cover.
(I am not quite sure who did the cover, had some trouble finding that information)
Casper is kicked out for being gay by his douchebag Dad, and just when he thinks his life can't get any worse; is attacked by coyotes, saved by strangers with magic, kidnapped, and put inside a plush prison and forced in the middle of political machinations. Poor Casper. He has to learn to navigate the new world he is now forced to be a part of, a difficult task because of the lack of information and truth he receives. Will he save their city, or destroy everything?
This book follows a lot of themes of rebellion, political schemes, and people willing to accomplish their goals by any means necessary, regardless of consequences.
Talleh was a surprise POV that I did not expect, and I actually ended up enjoying hers the most, which really surprised me! Her struggle and journey to
This book surprised me and I enjoyed that so much.
Typically by the halfway point or even in the beginning I find it easy to guess what is going to happen. The rug being swept out from under me made me happy.
I did have some trouble understanding
My only major complaint is I would like to have seen more! It would also have been really helpful to have a glossary,THERE WILL BE A GLOSSARY AND MORE FOR THE BOOK RELEASE ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR!! as is the norm with science fiction you get a lot of new words thrown at you, and it would have been nice to know how to pronounce them. (And what they mean!)
I would loved to have seen more of the different signs interact with each other. I feel like there's quite a bit of mention of different castes and privileges, and I would have enjoyed to see more confrontational aspects to that in how different magics look down or up to each other. While most people seemed to afraid to speak about the Gemini's, there wasn't any other really visible tension between signs. (For example, discrimination to "weaker" signs, or places that won't do business or general bullying of poorer signs.) There is mention of families being cut off from society for having someone exiled, and I would loved to have seen more of that and the repercussions.
First, I did enjoy this book, and I do recommend you read it when it releases!
Let me take a moment here to try to eloquently speak (or type) about race.
There is a difference between having a ton of characters with different skin tones and races in your book, and having that character be that race. Especially when the book deals with a world without racism and with a different kind of segregation. It's the equivalent of saying a certain people have a specific hair type, it's like "oh great! I am so glad they are showing different hair types." But how are the they different? Their experience? Their life? The way they do their hair or interact with their families? Even if there is no racism, I didn't find enough distinct culture between the different magics to show the different cultures of the people. (And if there isn't, then I missed the point of having such a varied people if they are all in essence similar) This is always a tricky subject to discuss, because yes we need more diverse people in books but they need to be shown to be that race. If you take out a characters description in this book would you still be able to tell they were the race they were supposedly written as? What other aspects are mentioned that have them show their race? Could they easily have been white and nothing have changed about the character? Are you including them in your book for diversity points, or does having them be that race add context to their character and story? If someone reads the book without character descriptions would they know which person is Mexican, Black, or Asian, based on context clues? Words to think about.
Indie books always give me trouble to review, because I know how hard the authors have to work to do their own marketing, and they don't have the support/guidance of a publishing house. That being said I am eager to read whatever Craig Montgomery writes next, and I wouldn't be surprised to see his books in stores one day!
This book comes out June 16th and I do recommend it, especially for fans of queer fantasy, or science fiction.
I received this book as an eARC to read and review. As always, this is my honest opinion.
The Cover
This is the best indie book cover I have ever seen. The composition, design, even the font all work together to make a cohesive piece. I would hang a poster of this book cover on my wall guys, that is how pretty is.
It was really cool to see aspects of the city, it helped make a clearer picture in my head with the book descriptions.
Helix and Casper are over layed on top of one another, up in the stars above the city with Casper making eye contact with the viewer. Both of them seem slightly hunched over, as if they aren't ready or willing for the fight ahead.
The galaxy star background really makes you feel like you are in space and again is just so pretty! I always love to see a font that matches with the cover and the book and this is no different. It adds an air of fantasy to the overall very science fiction vibe of the book.
Seriously though, a 10/10 cover.
(I am not quite sure who did the cover, had some trouble finding that information)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Outing, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Physical abuse
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
Thank you to the author & BookFunnel for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was just such a fun read. The characters are excellent - and even though 3 PoVs could've felt a bit overwhelming, it really achieved showing (almost) every side to this story. Casper and Helix are my boys, and I will protect Daphne and Talleah with my life. My only complaint is that I'd love to see more from Helix's crew, especially Malia, but I think there's probably time for that in Book 2. The added element of Casper coming to terms with his identity after being recently outed and kicked out, while dealing with all of this new world at the same time, as well as his budding relationship, was excellently handled.
Casper and Helix have generally very healthy communication, something which is often missing in books. They have their angst, but they talk to each other about it, and they are able to simply apologise to each other without strings. I really loved this subtle touch to their relationship.
The world building was exactly what I love; things aren't info-dumped, but are introduced organically, and sure, for a while you have no idea wtf that random word means, but you learn as the character learns, and it is shown and not told (in a similar way to A Deadly Education, which also does this very well). By the end, almost everything about the world feels second nature and it flows perfectly.
While I really enjoyed the general political intrigue, especially with regards to Theo and Brissa, I did find that Jacob'smotivations were not very clear to me, other than he really, really likes that fucked up planet for some reason . But I won't mark the book down much for that, because I'm 100% sure it'll be explored in Book 2.
Overall, if you are looking for a well-balanced achillean sci-fi/fantasy, which has plenty of angst and bad shit going on, whilst still sparing time for a bit of fluff and healthy communication, this would be for you.
This was just such a fun read. The characters are excellent - and even though 3 PoVs could've felt a bit overwhelming, it really achieved showing (almost) every side to this story. Casper and Helix are my boys, and I will protect Daphne and Talleah with my life. My only complaint is that I'd love to see more from Helix's crew, especially Malia, but I think there's probably time for that in Book 2. The added element of Casper coming to terms with his identity after being recently outed and kicked out, while dealing with all of this new world at the same time, as well as his budding relationship, was excellently handled.
Casper and Helix have generally very healthy communication, something which is often missing in books. They have their angst, but they talk to each other about it, and they are able to simply apologise to each other without strings. I really loved this subtle touch to their relationship.
The world building was exactly what I love; things aren't info-dumped, but are introduced organically, and sure, for a while you have no idea wtf that random word means, but you learn as the character learns, and it is shown and not told (in a similar way to A Deadly Education, which also does this very well). By the end, almost everything about the world feels second nature and it flows perfectly.
While I really enjoyed the general political intrigue, especially with regards to Theo and Brissa, I did find that Jacob's
Overall, if you are looking for a well-balanced achillean sci-fi/fantasy, which has plenty of angst and bad shit going on, whilst still sparing time for a bit of fluff and healthy communication, this would be for you.