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A review by roxxie
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Review of „City of Stardust“ by Georgia Summers – 2 Stars
When I picked up City of Stardust by Georgia Summers, I was drawn in by the intriguing premise. The blurb promised a story steeped in mystery and suspense, with a cursed family, an ageless antagonist, and a ticking clock that demanded a desperate race against time. Unfortunately, what I found was a far cry from the suspenseful and fast-paced adventure I had hoped for.
City of Stardust ♦ Georgia Summers
Opinion
The plot centers around Violet Everly, who is thrust into a dangerous quest to find her mother and break the centuries-old curse that has plagued her family. The setup has all the ingredients for a compelling narrative—fickle gods, monstrous beings, and a seductive magical underworld. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.
One of the major issues I had with City of Stardust is its pacing. For a book that hinges on the urgency of breaking a curse before Violet is claimed as the next victim, the plot moves at a frustratingly slow pace. There are entire sections that feel like filler, contributing little to the progression of the story or the development of the characters. Instead of building tension, these segments bog down the narrative, making it difficult to stay engaged. What should have been a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns often felt like a tedious slog through unnecessary details.
The world-building, while imaginative, often felt disjointed. The magical underworld that Violet descends into is described in lush, vivid detail, but these descriptions sometimes overwhelm the story itself. Rather than adding to the atmosphere, they often feel like distractions, pulling attention away from the central plot. This, combined with the slow pacing, makes it hard to maintain interest as Violet’s journey unfolds.
Character development is another area where the book falters. Violet, as the protagonist, is somewhat relatable, but she never truly comes into her own. Her motivations are clear, but her actions often feel repetitive and uninspired. The dynamic between Violet and Aleksander, who is described as untrustworthy yet alluring, had the potential to be one of the book’s strengths. Unfortunately, their relationship lacks the depth and complexity needed to make it truly compelling. Their interactions, much like the plot, suffer from the same slow pacing and lack of urgency.
Moreover, the antagonist, Penelope, who is supposed to be the driving force behind the Everly family’s curse, feels underutilized. Her presence is more of a looming shadow than an active threat, which further diminishes the sense of danger that the book desperately needs. Instead of being a powerful and terrifying figure, Penelope comes across as distant and abstract, which weakens the overall impact of the story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Georgia Summers‚ City of Stardust is a book that promises much but delivers little. The concept is intriguing, and the potential for a gripping, suspenseful tale is there, but the execution falls flat. With its slow pacing, overabundance of filler, and underdeveloped characters, it’s hard to stay invested in Violet’s quest. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, suspense-filled fantasy, this might not be the book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot centers around Violet Everly, who is thrust into a dangerous quest to find her mother and break the centuries-old curse that has plagued her family. The setup has all the ingredients for a compelling narrative—fickle gods, monstrous beings, and a seductive magical underworld. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.
One of the major issues I had with City of Stardust is its pacing. For a book that hinges on the urgency of breaking a curse before Violet is claimed as the next victim, the plot moves at a frustratingly slow pace. There are entire sections that feel like filler, contributing little to the progression of the story or the development of the characters. Instead of building tension, these segments bog down the narrative, making it difficult to stay engaged. What should have been a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns often felt like a tedious slog through unnecessary details.
The world-building, while imaginative, often felt disjointed. The magical underworld that Violet descends into is described in lush, vivid detail, but these descriptions sometimes overwhelm the story itself. Rather than adding to the atmosphere, they often feel like distractions, pulling attention away from the central plot. This, combined with the slow pacing, makes it hard to maintain interest as Violet’s journey unfolds.
Character development is another area where the book falters. Violet, as the protagonist, is somewhat relatable, but she never truly comes into her own. Her motivations are clear, but her actions often feel repetitive and uninspired. The dynamic between Violet and Aleksander, who is described as untrustworthy yet alluring, had the potential to be one of the book’s strengths. Unfortunately, their relationship lacks the depth and complexity needed to make it truly compelling. Their interactions, much like the plot, suffer from the same slow pacing and lack of urgency.
Moreover, the antagonist, Penelope, who is supposed to be the driving force behind the Everly family’s curse, feels underutilized. Her presence is more of a looming shadow than an active threat, which further diminishes the sense of danger that the book desperately needs. Instead of being a powerful and terrifying figure, Penelope comes across as distant and abstract, which weakens the overall impact of the story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Georgia Summers‚ City of Stardust is a book that promises much but delivers little. The concept is intriguing, and the potential for a gripping, suspenseful tale is there, but the execution falls flat. With its slow pacing, overabundance of filler, and underdeveloped characters, it’s hard to stay invested in Violet’s quest. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, suspense-filled fantasy, this might not be the book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.