A review by modernmatilda
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

Defiantly joyful. Healing and hopeful. Queer af. 

Every year, I discover a book that blows me away and reminds me how beautiful it is to be a soul on this planet. Transgender and AAPI author, Ryka Aoki's Light From Uncommon Stars is one of those books I will treasure and recommend forever. Something this beautiful and enchanting must have been made with magic. 

A young transgender runaway who is extraordinary at playing video game music with her violin.
A hardworking lesbian mom of four whose donut shop is actually a front for an intergalactic refugee spaceship. 
And the Queen of Hell, who made a deal with a devil to deliver seven souls in exchange for her music; she has already delivered six.

This book will make you CRAVE donuts, have you listening to Bartok's Solo for Violin (and having your mind blown at how badass music is), and have you willing to fight to the death for some really morally gray characters lol This book is an anthem of optimism, beauty, and respect for souls, while not shying away from the prejudices, hardships, and abuse trans individuals experience. The way Satomi fights for Katrina gave me life. 

If you're a Becky Chambers stan, need some Science Fantasy in your life, or are looking for a lyrical, gorgeous masterpiece, this book is for you. I loved it loved it loved it. 

(This book is full of hope. But it also features some realities and I highly recommend looking up content warnings on Storygraph. I have posted a few below as well: transphobia, deadnaming, rape, sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, dysphoria, bullying, xenophobia, murder, war) 
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