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A review by hopecobblepotworld
The Stars Would Curse Us by Stephanie Combs, Valerie Rivers
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
ARC REVIEW
I devoured this book. It hooked me, dragged me into its incredible world and I fell mesmerized down its journey to the end.
Why?
Is it the characters? Yes. Is it the worldbuilding? YES! Is it the two different storylines? YES!!
This book takes two storylines and weaves them together in such a way that you are on the edge of your seat while reading. I annotated at one point "Nooooo! You can't go back to the other storyline now! I need to know what happened!".
Aella and Arianwen are both such strong female main characters. They are the same age and on different journeys. One is supposed to be on her marti-ritus (custom rite). The other has been drafted into Matri-Ludus: the competition for the opportunity to marry Prince Kaleidos. But all is not going according to plan at all.
One thing I love is Aella's friendship with Viera throughout the book is so endearing. The lengths they go for each other even though they are keeping secrets from each other.
Arianwen is a healer. When she meets Wynn, her whole life is turned upside down. She must choose between her duty and her heart.
I laughed, I held my breath, I hoped for the best, and I hope you will pick up a copy of this incredible fantasy book! If you need comparisons to other books and stuff, this reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Harry Potter, The Maze Runner, and The Hunger Games. Also, hint of Divergent.
But this book stands strong of its own two feet!
I devoured this book. It hooked me, dragged me into its incredible world and I fell mesmerized down its journey to the end.
Why?
Is it the characters? Yes. Is it the worldbuilding? YES! Is it the two different storylines? YES!!
This book takes two storylines and weaves them together in such a way that you are on the edge of your seat while reading. I annotated at one point "Nooooo! You can't go back to the other storyline now! I need to know what happened!".
Aella and Arianwen are both such strong female main characters. They are the same age and on different journeys. One is supposed to be on her marti-ritus (custom rite). The other has been drafted into Matri-Ludus: the competition for the opportunity to marry Prince Kaleidos. But all is not going according to plan at all.
One thing I love is Aella's friendship with Viera throughout the book is so endearing. The lengths they go for each other even though they are keeping secrets from each other.
Arianwen is a healer. When she meets Wynn, her whole life is turned upside down. She must choose between her duty and her heart.
I laughed, I held my breath, I hoped for the best, and I hope you will pick up a copy of this incredible fantasy book! If you need comparisons to other books and stuff, this reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Harry Potter, The Maze Runner, and The Hunger Games. Also, hint of Divergent.
But this book stands strong of its own two feet!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Infidelity, Bullying, Racism, Medical trauma, Alcohol, Violence, Death, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Sexual content