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A review by enchantingreads_rosyreviews
The Stars We Hold by Melissa Armstrong, Melissa Armstrong
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
"'We all cling to something. Revenge. Compassion. Hope. Family. We need to. How else do we make it through days like this? ... What do you cling to, Henrik?' ... Henrik clung to his desperate need to keep others at arm’s length. To never be hurt by loss again... 'Sometimes we cling to the wrong things.'”
✨
As someone who has a degree in History & enjoys learning about modern (WWII to present) history, I am shocked I knew nothing about this story. Mel has does an incredible job interweaving historical lessons for those of us unfamiliar with this genocide, while not making this read like a textbook. In fact, even if you aren’t a history buff or don’t read much historical fiction, you will still love this book.
Right from the start, this story takes hold of you and doesn’t let you go. Throughout this journey, you are guaranteed to laugh and cry. You will be on the edge of your seat as the suspenseful adventure carries forward while also remaining entranced by the quiet moments between the action. Mel’s atmospheric, descriptive writing will instantly teleport you directly into scenes. This is a story about perseverance, the moral tarnishing that comes with experiencing war and inhumane, evil acts, supporting family (forged by blood or friendship), finding or rediscovering love, and remaining steadfast in your strength of character, despite overwhelming odds working against you.
✨
As someone who has a degree in History & enjoys learning about modern (WWII to present) history, I am shocked I knew nothing about this story. Mel has does an incredible job interweaving historical lessons for those of us unfamiliar with this genocide, while not making this read like a textbook. In fact, even if you aren’t a history buff or don’t read much historical fiction, you will still love this book.
Right from the start, this story takes hold of you and doesn’t let you go. Throughout this journey, you are guaranteed to laugh and cry. You will be on the edge of your seat as the suspenseful adventure carries forward while also remaining entranced by the quiet moments between the action. Mel’s atmospheric, descriptive writing will instantly teleport you directly into scenes. This is a story about perseverance, the moral tarnishing that comes with experiencing war and inhumane, evil acts, supporting family (forged by blood or friendship), finding or rediscovering love, and remaining steadfast in your strength of character, despite overwhelming odds working against you.
✨
“If Henrik decided to join her now, it would be because he wanted to be by her side in everything. He wanted to be what she needed. To have her back while she led the charge. To bolster her while she fought for her family unhindered... ‘I’ll conquer the impossible to have that with you. I mean it. I will wear myself down to the bones if it means having a life with you.’”
✨
Literally from the first chapter to the final scene, you are sucked into this riveting story because there is something here for everyone. There is action, tragedy, tons of heart, slow burn tension/pining, shock, heist adventure, comedy & lessons in morality. Mel’s such a brilliant writer because nothing is wasted; every scene, every conversation adds depth and heart to the story. The emotion in this book will make you cry, clutch your heart, audibly gasp & make you swoon. I cannot recommend this masterpiece more. Just read it & transport yourself into this world, you won’t regret it.
✨
Literally from the first chapter to the final scene, you are sucked into this riveting story because there is something here for everyone. There is action, tragedy, tons of heart, slow burn tension/pining, shock, heist adventure, comedy & lessons in morality. Mel’s such a brilliant writer because nothing is wasted; every scene, every conversation adds depth and heart to the story. The emotion in this book will make you cry, clutch your heart, audibly gasp & make you swoon. I cannot recommend this masterpiece more. Just read it & transport yourself into this world, you won’t regret it.
✨
"'Don’t go. Hurt me like I hurt you... Because as long as you stay here to fight with me, I’ll still have you... Because, you have me. All of me. You always did. Always will.'”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, and Physical abuse
Minor: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Xenophobia, Vomit, Antisemitism, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Alcohol, and Colonisation
This book is a YA, closed door, historical fiction that deals with genocide during the Serbian-Croatian war in the 1940s. This little known history takes place congruently to World War II, mentions interactions with Nazis, but even the Nazis were outraged by how the Ustaše – a fascist, Croatian regime working to cleanse Yugoslavia of Serbs – were treating people. The author mentions the horrors of life during this time but doesn't go into explicit detail with much of the violence. And the romantic part of the plot focuses mostly on pining or "slow burn" feelings.