Format: ebook
Release Date: October 17th, 2023
Age: Adult
Genre: Sci-Fi – Space Opera
Goodreads
Rating: 5/5 Stars
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I wouldn’t say I’m picky with sci-fi, as such, I just have very particular preferences in what sci-fi I read. Okay, maybe that’s a little picky, but still! These Burning Stars is very much the exact kind of sci-fi I love. That is to say, it’s space opera, and it’s space opera done really, really well.
Esek Nightfoot is part of the Kindom, the ruling power of the star systems. She is a cleric, and she is brutal, enacting the Kindom’s – and her own – will however she sees fit. She also happens to be Chono’s former mentor, but now the two are joined again, hunting for a hacker who holds a memory coin implicating the Nightfoots in a genocide that took place 75 years ago. In their attempts to track down Jun Ironway, Esek and Chono are haunted by a figure from their past; Chono was at school with Six when Esek issued a challenge that sees Six and Esek caught in a never-ending cat and mouse chase that has already cost lives. But the question remains, what is Six’s link to Jun, and is Six actually manipulating them all?
The political intrigue throughout this kind of reminded me of Star Wars crossed with Game of Thrones, and the overlying religious aspect added an extra dimension to the interactions throughout. It’s clear early on that Esek is in it for the power, contrasting with Chono’s devoutness and desire to do good. The worldbuilding is really well thought out, from the different ways people live, to the control by both ruling families and the ‘Hands’ like Esek.
Alongside that, we have a really intriguing storyline that keeps the reader guessing. The three POVs allow us to really see different aspects and how they all play out. I adored Jun – she’s stubborn and determined, driven by the desire to have her family back in one place. But Esek and Chono were fascinating in a completely different way. It’s clear Chono often disagrees with Esek, but keeps her thoughts to herself. She sees the worst sides of her mentor, but finds herself trapped in trying to please her and love her, contrasting with her own nature. It’s an absolutely toxic mentor – mentee relationship, but it’s incredibly understandable with Chono’s past.
It’s worth mentioning too that gender is fluid in this world, with children able to choose their gender when they come of age, an idea I loved. This is a fairly long book with a lot going on, but it really does fly by when you’re reading it.
These Burning Stars is a fantastic, packed space opera with formidable, morally grey characters trying to do their best in a universe that sets them up to fail, and I loved every moment. I can’t wait to read the second book in the trilogy.
Reading Challenge
2023 Tarot Reading Challenge
Prompt: The Emperor Reversed – a book with a main character who has issues with authority
Progress: 17/164 Completed
Unwrapping Words 