Review: The Sound of Stars
Author: Alechia Dow
Series: The Starry-Eyed Universe #1
Genre(s): Romance, Science Fiction, YA
Pages: 432
Source: Library
For: Black History Month
Rating:
Sexual Content:
Add to Goodreads
Goodreads Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Ellie Baker survives in an Ilori-controlled center in New York City. All art, books and creative expression are illegal, but Ellie breaks the rules by keeping a secret library. When young Ilori commander Morris finds Ellie’s illegal library, he’s duty-bound to deliver her for execution. But Morris isn’t a typical Ilori ... and Ellie and her books might be the key to a desperate rebellion of his own.
My Thoughts
I really wanted to read a book or two for Black History Month this year by supporting a Black author. Goodreads had a post at the beginning of February showcasing a bunch of books written by Black authors and THE SOUND OF STARS and THE KINDRED by Alechia Dow, companion novels in her Starry-Eyed Universe, caught my eye. Time got the better of me and I didn’t finish reading either of them in time. Fortunately, I finished reading THE SOUND OF STARS this week. Better late than never, right?
It took me a little bit to get into THE SOUND OF STARS. Once I did, though, I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up late reading it a couple of nights, savoring the story I was reading.
One of my favorite things about THE SOUND OF STARS was its message of inclusivity. There were so many LGBTQ+ characters, including Ellie. Dow didn’t shove a pro-LGBTQ+ agenda in your face or anything; she just had characters that identified in different ways and the other characters were accepting and considerate of them and their pronouns.
I also loved how Dow used the invasion of Earth by the Ilori as a way to talk about racism, prejudice, police brutality, and other current hot topics. It added to the story by giving it more depth, strengthened Ellie and M0Rr1S’ connection, and made the story more memorable.
I really enjoyed Dow’s creativity. THE SOUND OF STARS was fun and engaging. I look forward to reading more books not only in the Starry-Eyed Universe, but written by Alechia Dow as well.
Have you read THE SOUND OF STARS? If so, what did you think?
I’ve never heard of this book or author but I added to my TBR! Sounds so good!
I’m glad you did. I hope you like it when you read it. 😀
I’ve not read this author but the book sounds like something I would enjoy. I will check out the series these come from too.
I hope you like it when you read it. 🙂
Ive been meaning to read a book for Black History Month but chose Marlon James’s fantasy books, which are super long and very involved. I’ll get to them in a while! This novel involving collecting books fits the bill.
I’ll have to look into Marlon James’ fantasy books. I haven’t heard of them and I love fantasy. I hope you enjoy The Sound of Stars. 🙂
I’m finishing up The Kindred right now. I might go back and read this one.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
Cool. I’m excited to read The Kindred and see what happens in it. 😀
Great review! I loved this book so much too, so glad to hear you also enjoyed it 🙂
Thanks! I’m glad you loved it as well. I really liked Alechia Dow’s writing style. 🙂