kyle

This book had so much promise but ultimately was a big disappointment. The premise was ultimately a let down in the unclear and confusing stakes of the Centennial, which was often described as a contest or game but never actually manifested any competition or challenges. The world building was thoughtful and creative at turns but also jumbled and inconsistent. The author never seemed to be able to say what type of world it was: making it feel quite traditionally fantasy (ie medieval-y with castles and gowns) but also featuring many modern facets that were glaringly out of place (sweatpants?). It was clear that she thinks she was building a SJM inspired world when it was actually in better company with the likes of Stephanie Garber or Holly Black. Even the twist ending was mishandled and confusing.

Ultimately I wanted this to be better than it is and was let down by the authors clumsy handling of a pretty good set of ideas.

One thing I will note is that I had the privilege of reading this on audiobook and the narrator's skill and dynamic performance is ultimately what kept me from dnf-ing this book.

Everyone needs to bump this one to the top of their TBR. This is one of the best, most emotionally grabbing, well told stories I have ever read.

It's an effortless blending of a work story with a friendship story with a love story with a story about loss and mental health and physical health...I was equal parts overwhelmed with emotion, and eager for more.

Not to mention the storytelling is so unique, fresh and interesting that I was barely able to put this down.

I loved this book.

It was such a well-constructed, coming of age story (complete with a delightful story-within-a-story...I'd read the DA comics in a heartbeat) filled with relatable, detailed, flawed, nuanced characters who I loved from the go.

What I found especially compelling was the blending of social commentary and identity politics with the story in a way that felt authentic to the stories, their history and their identities but that also deepened everything around it.

Plus that ending was so satisfying and worth all of the build-up to get to it. Just so lovely and enjoyable!

Wow the way that I loved this book. While the overall mystery was a tiny bit predictable, the setting, characters and especially the romance between the two leads shimmer with a bright intensity. Yadriel especially shines with an authenticity so intense that I felt like I knew him outside of the limits of the page. I found myself desperately hoping that the story of these two boys wouldn't end so I could continue to be swept up in the deftness with which Aiden Thomas describes their feelings. I look forward to reading more from this author!

I thoroughly enjoyed this take on a dystopian, fantasy world. The characters were richly developed with unique perspectives and interesting backstories. I found the world building to be fascinating and deeply engrossing, and the blend of typical dystopian fantasy tropes with a perspective that was unique to the author was really refreshing. The main plot contained a fair amount of mystery and the pacing was superb as it drew me in and kept me interested without giving away too much of the end game until the satisfying conclusion. The slow burn pace may not appeal to everyone but it was a nice change of pace from how breakneck others in this genre can feel. Additionally, the ending felt quick, and I was surprised upon reaching the conclusion as I was hungry for more. I am eagerly looking forward to the second installment as there are some big threads left unresolved.

it has been a long time since a book has moved me to tears in such a profound way and this book managed to do so on multiple occasions. this is less a book than it is a joyous exploration of love, family, community and a reminder that optimism and joy can be found in even the darkest corners. a must read for anyone and everyone!

A sweet, interesting, well-told and unique sci-fi romance! I'll admit it took me a minute to wrap my head around the storytelling but I got there and it was well worth it.

4.5 stars - I really appreciated the thoughtful blend of magic, action and romance! Although the story took a little while to get going, once things were rolling there was a lot to really enjoy! Looking forward to starting the sequel and continuing my adventure with Simon and Baz!

What a fun read! Although this started off a little slow, the author's beautiful and sometimes brutal blend of prose created a lush and immersive world and crescendoed to a wholly satisfying ending that left me excited to continue the series.

Easily one of the best books I've ever read. Beyond the stunning prose, which captures both the mythical retelling and the deeply personal story, the perspective on the myth of Achilles and his relationship with Patroclus is in equal parts deeply beautiful and joyous and devastatingly tragic.

I don't say this often but I can't wait to read this one again.

“Sometimes the world breaks and we have to learn to live with the pieces left behind.”

I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of “A Circle of Stars” and am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Circle of Stars introduces you to three protagonists and rotates through their perspectives, each presenting a different view into the alien refugee world of Novilem. As you get to know Casper, a homeless, queer teen from Earth who discovers he's the chosen one, Helix, the dreamboat member of the ruling class, and Talleah, Helix's friend and member of the mercantile class, the story unfolds at a measured pace, giving you just enough to keep you hooked (and I do mean hooked) but not so much where you're rushing through the story or slogging along.

The world-building, the politics and the magic system that are the foundation of Novilem's society are meticulously crafted and present a fresh and modern take on the story of a chosen one. As the story progresses, the attention to detail makes the story really compelling and interesting and really deepens your connection to the characters.

I'll admit that I found myself occasionally groaning when the POV brought me to Casper, as I found him to be annoying at certain points. But I'm pleased to also report that he grew on me as the story progressed and the shock of being not only kicked out of his home after coming out but also being abducted to an alien world faded and his personality became more prominent.

Also worth noting is the warmth and care with which Casper's queerness is handled. Helix, in particular, surprised me with how frequently his maturity and empathy served as a salve not just to Casper's situation, but how it affected me as well. Montgomery writes with compassion and humor, and his characters are complex and relatable.

Ultimately, I found this to be a pretty standard romance embedded within a STUNNER of a sci-fi / fantasy epic. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new approach to a “chosen one” narrative, relishes innovation and creativity in their world-building and/or magic systems, or has a penchant for queer visions within genre work.

I am so thankful to have had Andrew, Matt, Mina, Bev and the whole troupe of players to keep me company while I recovered from a medical procedure.

I'll be the first to admit that it took a minute to get used to our prickly, neurodivergent narrator, but that's kind of the point isn't it? He runs almost everyone the wrong way, but is a real sweetie underneath it all. And the fluttery, sweetness Yvonne described the budding relationship between our two leads just made me melt into sugary goodness.

If you are looking for an unconventional approach to a Sherlockian style mystery, with a healthy heaping of self-discovery and messy relationship dynamics (and who isn't really??), this is the case for you!