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A review by agentmozell
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
- 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
4.0
I had to take a bit after finishing the book before I could rate this.
Before I get into the story I listened to it as an audiobook and I did not care for the narrator. They were very soft spoken and breathy and they made it hard to listen to. I also think this would be best as a physical read because the POVs jump around a lot and sometimes it would be like wait “I’m in Shizuka’s POV now? No wait, Lan?” With no warning either.
Now for the story.
This made me so emotional in a lot of ways. I felt myself in tune with the characters as we learned more and more about them. This I would certainly classify as a bittersweet, everyone got their happiest ending sort.
The struggles of being trans is real, while most like to say they’re supportive it’s not always that easy. The creepiness (from perverts) and double standards that come along with being trans was executed well I think. The struggles Katrina faced were so real that it could be uncomfortable for others to read about.
Shizuka I wasn’t sure at first, but as we learned more about her and her trauma I fell in love with her more and more and got so stressed and sad about her potential ending.
Lan’s was hard to like and relate to at first (I mean she’s an alien), but now I’m just rooting for her and her newfound mission.
This was a great blend of sci-fi and fantasy that made me want donuts. I hope there’s a sequel or side story to tie up some open ends.
Before I get into the story I listened to it as an audiobook and I did not care for the narrator. They were very soft spoken and breathy and they made it hard to listen to. I also think this would be best as a physical read because the POVs jump around a lot and sometimes it would be like wait “I’m in Shizuka’s POV now? No wait, Lan?” With no warning either.
Now for the story.
This made me so emotional in a lot of ways. I felt myself in tune with the characters as we learned more and more about them. This I would certainly classify as a bittersweet, everyone got their happiest ending sort.
The struggles of being trans is real, while most like to say they’re supportive it’s not always that easy. The creepiness (from perverts) and double standards that come along with being trans was executed well I think. The struggles Katrina faced were so real that it could be uncomfortable for others to read about.
Shizuka I wasn’t sure at first, but as we learned more about her and her trauma I fell in love with her more and more and got so stressed and sad about her potential ending.
Lan’s was hard to like and relate to at first (I mean she’s an alien), but now I’m just rooting for her and her newfound mission.
This was a great blend of sci-fi and fantasy that made me want donuts. I hope there’s a sequel or side story to tie up some open ends.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Domestic abuse, and Dysphoria
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Deadnaming, Rape, and Sexual harassment