Light From Uncommon Stars

Paperback, 384 pages

Published Aug. 9, 2022 by Tor Books.

ISBN:
978-1-250-78908-2
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4 stars (5 reviews)

4 editions

I loved it, but...

5 stars

I can't remember the last time I read a novel that I felt so much. I love the characters, particularly the three central women, I love the story, wild though it is, I love the descriptions, and I love the ending. I felt invested in the characters' lives, particularly Katrina's, in a way I rarely do.

I'm not sure I can unequivocally recommend it, though. Ryka Aoki doesn't shy away from showing how hard Katrina's life is. The first few chapters are particularly tough going, but even when things pick up for her, it's still not all beer and skittles. Not sure I could provide a definitive list of CWs, but transphobia and sexual assault would have to be in there.

"You’re a selfish little thing, aren’t you?”

3 stars

Content warning Very poor ending; selling souls to hell does pay!

Magical surrealism at its best

5 stars

In a way this reminds me of Charlie Jane Anders’ All The Birds In The Sky. It’s not often you get a book that manages to tie in not only a lot of LGBT issues but also refugees from outer space and demons with contracts for people’s souls and yet make it all seem like a relaxed and natural world to be in. Obviously it’s a book all about the characters and the choices they make and have made. Very enjoyable and enlightening to ride along with a very foreign perspective from my default one for a while.