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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
First and foremost; I received this as an eARC from the author. There may be slight spoilers below, so you have been forewarned.
The story begins with Casper, a young boy who’s parents have recently disowned him because he had an altercation with another boy and it came out that he was gay. I would have loved to see more of this family building. I think I could have sympathized more with Casper if I had a deeper understanding of his background. It was mentioned in bits and pieces throughout the story but they often felt disjointed. I felt like I was missing bits and pieces of important information.
After which, we switch perspectives to Helix, the grandson of one of the council member’s on the planet he has just been low-key kidnapped to. I wish, wish, wish would could have gotten more background on Helix. I’m hoping, potentially, in the second book we’ll see more, but I felt as though his characterization left a lot to be desired. I was desperate to see more interaction of Helix with his crew, his family, his friends. He is one of the main protagonist, but again, it felt as though there was bits and pieces of important information missing from his narrative.
Finally, we switch to the final prospective of Talleah, a disadvantaged mother of a young girl on Novilem. From her perspective we get to see the lower class of Novilem. How most people are struggling, suffering while the higher classes and council rule over the city.
I felt that there could have been some broader world-building (only because I am an absolutely sucker for extensive world-building), the basis of the story was so incredibly interesting. It did at times feel a little rushed in areas and sometimes felt as if there may be a piece of information missing — I will admit that the eARC I received was in-between edits, so things may change or they may not.
I also had a hard time gauging the age of the characters (other than Casper and I believe Brissa), so without a focal point, it was hard to gauge if their reactions were fully genuine.
Outside of those negatives, the magic system was incredibly fascinating. As someone who is deeply obsessed with astrology, this had me hooked. Immediately. The structure to which the economy in Novilem is based, also incredibly fascinating. I would have loved to see a little more about how the day to day works, but perhaps we’ll get a bigger taste in book two.
All in all; I think it was a lovely little debut by Craig Montgomery. I am very much looking forward to seeing him grow as a writer, reading book 2 in the series and more outside of the Circle of Stars universe.
The story begins with Casper, a young boy who’s parents have recently disowned him because he had an altercation with another boy and it came out that he was gay. I would have loved to see more of this family building. I think I could have sympathized more with Casper if I had a deeper understanding of his background. It was mentioned in bits and pieces throughout the story but they often felt disjointed. I felt like I was missing bits and pieces of important information.
After which, we switch perspectives to Helix, the grandson of one of the council member’s on the planet he has just been low-key kidnapped to. I wish, wish, wish would could have gotten more background on Helix. I’m hoping, potentially, in the second book we’ll see more, but I felt as though his characterization left a lot to be desired. I was desperate to see more interaction of Helix with his crew, his family, his friends. He is one of the main protagonist, but again, it felt as though there was bits and pieces of important information missing from his narrative.
Finally, we switch to the final prospective of Talleah, a disadvantaged mother of a young girl on Novilem. From her perspective we get to see the lower class of Novilem. How most people are struggling, suffering while the higher classes and council rule over the city.
I felt that there could have been some broader world-building (only because I am an absolutely sucker for extensive world-building), the basis of the story was so incredibly interesting. It did at times feel a little rushed in areas and sometimes felt as if there may be a piece of information missing — I will admit that the eARC I received was in-between edits, so things may change or they may not.
I also had a hard time gauging the age of the characters (other than Casper and I believe Brissa), so without a focal point, it was hard to gauge if their reactions were fully genuine.
Outside of those negatives, the magic system was incredibly fascinating. As someone who is deeply obsessed with astrology, this had me hooked. Immediately. The structure to which the economy in Novilem is based, also incredibly fascinating. I would have loved to see a little more about how the day to day works, but perhaps we’ll get a bigger taste in book two.
All in all; I think it was a lovely little debut by Craig Montgomery. I am very much looking forward to seeing him grow as a writer, reading book 2 in the series and more outside of the Circle of Stars universe.
Fun YA new adult fantasy. The first chapter had me in tears. Loved the characters. the politicol intrigue was fun. I lost a little bit of the plot at the end, but that was a me thing probably. I am looking forward to book 2.
NA Sci-fi Romance at its best
This book. Just wow. I knew I would like this book as it came highly recommended, but I didn't know I would LOVE it!
If you love political intrigue, the chosen one trope, unique magic system based on astrology, healing together through trauma, beautifully sweet m/m romance, then this book is for you.
If you've ever felt like you don't belong or that you aren't being supported by friends and loved ones, this book is for you.
If you have ever come out to your conservative family and had it blow up in your face and then found a way or are still finding a way to give yourself grace and space to heal, then this book is for you.
If you ever wished for a world where you could be unashamedly yourself, then this book is for you.
It has action; it has (unfortunately) verbal and physical child abuse; but it also has so much hope and healing and joyful moments. I loved every page of it.
Content Warning: explicit m/m s*x, strong language, abuse, violence, manipulation
This book. Just wow. I knew I would like this book as it came highly recommended, but I didn't know I would LOVE it!
If you love political intrigue, the chosen one trope, unique magic system based on astrology, healing together through trauma, beautifully sweet m/m romance, then this book is for you.
If you've ever felt like you don't belong or that you aren't being supported by friends and loved ones, this book is for you.
If you have ever come out to your conservative family and had it blow up in your face and then found a way or are still finding a way to give yourself grace and space to heal, then this book is for you.
If you ever wished for a world where you could be unashamedly yourself, then this book is for you.
It has action; it has (unfortunately) verbal and physical child abuse; but it also has so much hope and healing and joyful moments. I loved every page of it.
Content Warning: explicit m/m s*x, strong language, abuse, violence, manipulation
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed my time with this one the entire time I read it! I felt like the characters were complex. I really liked that some character weren't black and white between being good or bad. I as a reader could not decide how I felt about them through a lot of the book. I loved the communication between our main characters. I HATE miscommunication tropes and lord knows these boys were having none of that! haha! The pacing was fantastic. I was intrigued through the whole thing. I also LOVE a duology where book 1 doesn't leave me on a cliff hanger! There is just enough left open for me to be excited about book 2 but not enough that I am frustrated waiting. Anyway, I don't know if you can tell but I loved this! These boys have. my heart! I can't wait for book 2!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Review
A Circle Of Stars
5/5 - Story
5/5 - Character Relationships And Communication
5/5 - Exploration Of Themes:
The Consequences of A Caste System In Society.
Cut Away Spicy Scene (Singular)
4.5/5 - Worldbuilding. World Could’ve Been Explored More. Book Would’ve Benefited By A Little Filler
A Circle Of Stars
5/5 - Story
5/5 - Character Relationships And Communication
5/5 - Exploration Of Themes:
The Consequences of A Caste System In Society.
Cut Away Spicy Scene (Singular)
4.5/5 - Worldbuilding. World Could’ve Been Explored More. Book Would’ve Benefited By A Little Filler