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A review by corriespondent
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
I picked up Light From Uncommon Stars only because of the title and cover (good job, marketers/design team!) and read it blind. So delighted to find an unusual, page turning story!
Katrina is a trans teenager who runs away from an abusive father with just a few possessions, including her violin. She crosses paths with Shizuka Satomi, a violin teacher who (unbeknownst to her) has made a deal with the devil to deliver seven souls in order to save her own. Ms. Satomi has delivered six brilliant violin students already — and Katrina is in the crosshairs to be the seventh. But then — add queer alien-human romance! Alien technology crossed with donuts! Cursed violins! And a poignant picture of a trans girl trying to find herself and her voice, while holding all of the ugly voices from her past in her head.
Katrina is a trans teenager who runs away from an abusive father with just a few possessions, including her violin. She crosses paths with Shizuka Satomi, a violin teacher who (unbeknownst to her) has made a deal with the devil to deliver seven souls in order to save her own. Ms. Satomi has delivered six brilliant violin students already — and Katrina is in the crosshairs to be the seventh. But then — add queer alien-human romance! Alien technology crossed with donuts! Cursed violins! And a poignant picture of a trans girl trying to find herself and her voice, while holding all of the ugly voices from her past in her head.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual content