A review by couldbestephen
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

3.5

I read Light from Uncommon Starts as a part of the Trans Rights Readathon 2024. This fun story blends a traditional “sell your soul to the devil” story with a science fiction romp to deliver a fast paced read that explores trans lives, immigration, and the power of music. I would recommend this book!

Shizuka, known in the violin world as the Queen of Hell, has damned 6 gifted souls to the devil to prolong her life. Katrina, a transgender woman on the run, may be the 7th soul Shizuka needs to finish her deal. But as the two begin to work and train together, they begin to learn the world isn’t as lonely and cold as they both first thought. Also, there’s aliens running a donut shop. 

The writing style is very warm and inviting; It doesn't take long for the reader to get caught up in the story. I loved the character’s of Shizuka and Katrina so much. Following their progression from teacher and student to something akin to a family was so touching. The alien family was cute, the relationship between Lan (mother alien) and Shizuka was cute to watch.

Speaking of the aliens, they were the weakest part of the story for me. It kinda felt like they were shoehorned in. I understand the author was using them to explore the Asian diaspora and immigration, but there’s already so much going on in the novel with selling souls, exploring trans identities, talking about gender (in so many ways), and just music in general, the extra plot lines made things a little muddy. The science fiction didn’t feel as “real” as the magical elements with the souls and demons. I was still able to read through it quickly, but the story dragged (for me) in those sections. There was also some clunky prose here and there that I noted that took me out of the story.

This was still a solid novel that I will be recommending. I think there might have been just a little too much going on that diluted the novel and reduced my enjoyment.