Read as part of SPFBO10

A Circle of Stars is a Young Adult title that plays with different powers depending on one’s star sign, it has social commentary and a political power struggle – all of that far away from Earth, way beyond the other side of stars. It’s tackling a lot of big problems and current pain points in society. This is not a bad thing, after all, literature, music and other arts have always given voice to the various struggles we face at any point in time.

At the 20% mark of this book I didn’t think I was going to finish the book. But, at the same time, I was curious how this all was going to play out, and the last 40% of the story simply flew by.

Why the struggle at the start? I found that perhaps there were just a few too many big conflicts flung at us at once, but credit to the author, once they all came to a merging point, it was smooth sailing. Montgomery balances the cruel and harsh aspects of society with idealistic views. Views, which we all wish were real, yet know to be impossible, because… well, people. I also found the main character Casper rather sheltered and naive, and that makes sense considering his upbringing, I guess, but personally, I am at a point in my life where I do not have a lot of patience for the juvenile character exploring the world all doe-eyed in its uncomfortable awkwardness. It’s wonderful, sure, but I’m past that phase, instead preferring the mature cynic. That said, I must commend Montgomery on the sci-fi bits in the story (yes, I call them bits!) – to make all the aether and astrology magic flow and make sense in such an accessible manner, to make it such an interesting part of the story – that was top notch!

A Circle of Stars is well written, fast paced, despite the fact that at times you feel like you’re not getting anywhere as yet another conflict is added, and managed to surprise me at the 60% mark with a shocking moment. Did NOT see that coming! If you like your cast young, able and heroic, as their abilities and loyalties are put to the test to change the world order, then this is the duology for you!