Reviews with content warning for Lesbophobia - Das Licht ungewöhnlicher Sterne

This book definitely took me by surprise in a lot of ways. It’s got a really interesting mix of genres through its sci-fi and supernatural elements, and it’s a nice twist on a lot of different tropes. I loved the wide range of Asian cultures within it and how it depicted them through languages and food. I also really liked how it handled its queer and trans characters; it’s not afraid to show the messiness of our experiences/communities and has a balance of both the pain and joys we often face. I’m a sucker for the found family trope, and I really enjoyed it in this book. I was definitely invested in all the characters and how their stories intertwined. Overall, despite all the fantastical elements, at its core, the story is very human. It’s about connection, community, love, and the power of art, especially music, and it handles those themes beautifully. Definitely worth the read!

Content Warnings

gabr7ellereads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

haileeraye's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

overthinkereading's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

“Where does the music end and love begin?”

I’m honestly not sure where my love for Light From Uncommon Stars begins, but as a hobbyist musician for most of my life, probably safe to say it started with the heartfelt way music and its importance is portrayed in this book. I don’t think I’ve seen a better representation of the transcendence of music and the way it impacts a musician and connects us to other living things.

The trans representation in the book is impeccable. Major CW for realistic portrayals of the dangers of being trans, but trans joy is also depicted so, so well.

It’s otherwise really difficult to describe this book. It was unexpected and a little weird - but really beautifully weird! Demons and humans and intergalactic refugees and music and queer rep and badass AAPI women and donuts all rolled up into one story.

Content Warnings

raybudbury's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective 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

3.75

Be aware of the content warnings.

The transphobia and sexual abuse/assault I would say could be triggering for some ppl. This one is both a warm hug but can also knock the wind out of you which the author did well in setting the mood for those situations.

The concept was so ambitious as there is extensive music and violin knowledge/playing, Faustian bargains, found family, and… aliens. And honestly the author pulls it off for the most part. I do think the strongest bit of this book is the relationships between characters more so then plot etc.

(Also this is a 3 am review so if this makes no sense sorry about it)

Content Warnings

More...