A review by businesscasualcowboy
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Light from Uncommon Stars is a special book worth reading. Katrina — our transgender protagonist — is particularly well-written. Her life has significant hardship due to transphobia, but! She is also loyal and talented. She is ultimately uplifted and deeply cared for. There are harrowing moments, but there is also joy. And tangerine juice. And aliens who fled war to make donuts. And a woman who sold her soul for the love of violin. I rolled with this wacky world, grounded by a trans girl I wanted the best for. 

The pacing did start to drag
because it became clear quite quickly that Shizuka was not going to sacrifice Katrina’s soul.
Despite revolving around eternal damnation, the plot ultimately lacked stakes
since I correctly assumed Katrina’s soul was safe and Lan would save Shizuka (like she saved everyone else she loves).
Regardless, I enjoyed this book very much. And think The Daniels should adapt it for the big (or little) screen. 
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