Author: Shea Ernshaw
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Released: November 29, 2022
Received: Own (BOTM)
Book Summary:
Vega has spent her whole life keeping a secret from the world – a secret that has been scored into her flesh. She is the Last Astronomer and must find the Architect before it is too late. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the fate of humanity rests in her ability to find a person she has never once met.
The world Vega must traverse to find the Architect is far from safe. People are sick and dying, and that makes them desperate. Desperate people can be dangerous. Vega’s journey forward will be full of danger, loss, and pain.
“The Astronomer and the Architect, fated like Perseus and Andromeda.”
My Review:
Full disclosure: I’ve only read one other novel by Shea Ernshaw, A History of Wild Places. I absolutely adored that novel and made a promise to myself to read everything else of hers (when I can set aside the time, of course). So I went into A Wilderness of Stars with pretty high expectations.
Vega’s story starts pretty heartbreakingly, which makes it easy to sympathize with her. It’s even easier to get invested in her story. There’s an air of mystery about her quest – we know that she is the Last Astronomer, yet we don’t know what that means. Likewise, we know she needs to find the Last Architect, but again, we don’t know what that means.
The story unfolds slowly throughout the novel, though most of the relevant information comes out right at the end. It makes for one hell of a twist. More accurately, the ending is more like three or four significant twists in one. It’s a bit of a brain-bender, truth be told.
Ultimately, I felt like this was a decent read. A Wilderness of Stars has a solid start and an interesting beginning. The twist at the end was less satisfying, as far as I’m concerned. However, I will acknowledge that it was a unique risk to take.
Highlights:
- Sci-fi/fantasy elements
- Romance
- Dystopia
- Astrology
Trigger Warnings:
- Sickness
- Parental death
- Stalking
- Abuse
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