Scan barcode
A review by mari_library
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
challenging
reflective
sad
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? N/A
4.0
That last chapter before the epilogue, legit felt like it came straight out Gravity Falls lmao
Overall, this was a great book! I love the queer and trans representation, and how it's mostly an all-women cast of characters.
I did find that certain parts of the book dragged a lot and I could see how it could've been shorter. Apart from the three main characters mentioned in the synopsis, I did not feel connected or even interested in any side story lines. Since this is a character-focused story, there isn't a lot of plot and any conflict is resolved fairly quickly. I did enjoy this aspect of it because it did feel like we got to spend a lot of time with the characters. The downside is that the time jump also lead to scenes not being on page. This definitely harmed the relationship between two of our female leads. I didn't really believe in their relationship since we didn't spend a lot of time with them together but instead spend more time with individually. Each character grew throughout the story but Satomi was the biggest one for sure and I found her being my favorite character.
The sci-fi element went over my head a lot and the end felt... Meh. I think that the story itself kinda dug it's own grave because concluding it in general would be difficult. But this is where, in my eyes, an open ending might've left a bigger impact. I can't believe I'm saying this but we had too many answers.
However, I adored the messaging and this idea that music is the thing that connects all of us. I like how it explores humanity and human connection. I like how it explores found family and the impact of safety on trans and queer kids. The conversation identity and legacy is truly immaculate and original in many ways.
100% recommend.
Overall, this was a great book! I love the queer and trans representation, and how it's mostly an all-women cast of characters.
I did find that certain parts of the book dragged a lot and I could see how it could've been shorter. Apart from the three main characters mentioned in the synopsis, I did not feel connected or even interested in any side story lines. Since this is a character-focused story, there isn't a lot of plot and any conflict is resolved fairly quickly. I did enjoy this aspect of it because it did feel like we got to spend a lot of time with the characters. The downside is that the time jump also lead to scenes not being on page. This definitely harmed the relationship between two of our female leads. I didn't really believe in their relationship since we didn't spend a lot of time with them together but instead spend more time with individually. Each character grew throughout the story but Satomi was the biggest one for sure and I found her being my favorite character.
The sci-fi element went over my head a lot and the end felt... Meh. I think that the story itself kinda dug it's own grave because concluding it in general would be difficult. But this is where, in my eyes, an open ending might've left a bigger impact. I can't believe I'm saying this but we had too many answers.
However, I adored the messaging and this idea that music is the thing that connects all of us. I like how it explores humanity and human connection. I like how it explores found family and the impact of safety on trans and queer kids. The conversation identity and legacy is truly immaculate and original in many ways.
100% recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Mental illness, Homophobia, Deadnaming, Bullying, and Body shaming
Moderate: Rape, Child abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse
Most of this is found Katrina's sections, and it's more present in the beginning of the book and slows down towards the end.
Dead naming happens towards the end but there are a few scenes where Katrina is misgendered, but the author does address this immediately after. there multiple scenes where the character is misgendered while going shopping or being a crowded room but at the very end of the book, Katrina calls her mother and her mother answers by calling her dead name. This was very jarring to read so be aware. Furthermore, at the end of the book, there is a sexual assault scene where an man in power grabs Katrina's genitalia without her consent in public. This is not addressed, nor is the rape scene in the beginning of the book when Evan rapes Katrina in the shower. While not explicit, it is not addressed.