A review by grapie_deltaco
The Stars Undying by Emery Robin

challenging emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

An absolutely breathtaking space opera with a reimagined Cleopatra in the form of our liar queen, Julius Caesar as our charming Commander, and Mark Antony in the form of a mischievous butch lesbian loyal to that very Commander to a fault. 

The writing is rich and detailed with incredibly tangible and in-depth lore exploring the various histories and religious beliefs of these futuristic kingdoms. I mean seriously??? A DEAD GAY GOD WHO UPLOADED HIS CONSCIOUSNESS/SOUL ONTO A COMPUTER TO COMMUNE WITH FUTURE ORACLES?? 

A power struggle for the throne. An unreliable narrator who breaks the fourth wall multiple times to inform us that she’s lied about previous key details in the story. A sensual and tension-filled romantic subplot (or two😌). 

Beyond the author overusing the word “ought” and some odd (but not particular bad) pacing choices, I think the writing of this book is brilliant and positively beautiful. 

Oh. My. Wow. 

CW: death (including death of loved ones), grief, murder, violence, war, political corruption, sexual content

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