The Girl and the Stars

I adore this author. The people (not characters) he writes in a world that seems like a typical fantasy novel until words like "nuclear fallout," "space travel" come up. Then the world is turned on its head, and you're trying to identify the world that the people have no clue what it is, but you do. Throw that on the real, true relatability of the protagonist just trying to climb a rope, then swearing as they stub their toe. I hope to see more of this author. If not, I'll read the four trilogies again, and love every moment!

Beautifully written and philosophically rich, this novel offers deep themes and emotional resonance. Yaz’s journey is powerful and moving, with moments of real introspection. But the graphic violence felt excessive at times, overshadowing the novel’s quieter, more meaningful scenes. I wished it had leaned more on suspense than horror. Still, an unforgettable, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

Once again, Mark Lawrence brings us compelling characters caught in the crushing dilemmas of their lives on the icy planet Abeth, a dying planet orbiting a dying sun. As our heroine Yaz comes to terms with finding her way in the new existence she has feared being consigned to for so long, she is faced with new realities and choices that will shape not just her life, but that of those around her. This is an immersive and engaging story that held me from start to finish. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the writing and publication of the second and third volumes.