Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book wasn't really for me. I liked it enough to finish it, but I don't think I took away what I was supposed to by the time I was finished. As a trans person myself, this book had way too much "trans person suffering" for my tastes. And while yes, it was an important part of the main character's development, it felt like it was bordering on gratuitous at certain points. It was shocking and hard to read, and not in a way that felt particularly constructive.
I didn't think the two romantic interests had enough chemistry throughout the story, either. It was a lot of "wow, she's really pretty" and "wow, she's really interesting" without exploring why they would actually make for a strong, lasting relationship. It wasn't a bad relationship by any means, I just wish they got more development.
At its core, I feel like that was my biggest problem with the book: most of the things it promised did not get a lot of development. From the summary, I was very excited to read it; a fantasy, sci-fi, Faustian bargain story with a trans lead? Sign me up! But this book was very heavy on violin lessons, flashbacks brought on by music, and luscious descriptions of various foods. And those descriptions were delightful, don't get me wrong, but a compelling story they did not make. There were some really interesting science fiction concepts on offer here, but the ideas were only brought up without being properly explored, and even the Faustian bargain felt kind of sidelined, save for the occasional mention that it's still an active threat.
I would give this book 2 stars, but I really do feel like this book could have a great impact on the right person. I just don't happen to be that person, and that's entirely on me. While many other reviewers have said that the perspective shifts were jarring, I didn't find them that difficult to keep up with. I actually feel like they gave the book a distinct feel that helps it stand out from other stories like it (if there is a story like this out there). Additionally, once I was able to put my initial expectations aside, I did genuinely enjoy the tours through local restaurants and food recommendations. If I were to recommend it to someone, I would do so with the warning that the trans main character has to go through a LOT before she starts to feel any kind of happiness, this isn't as much of a romance story as the blurb would leave you to believe, and the fantasy and sci-fi aspects of the plot are sidelined in favor of music lessons. If you're okay with those caveats, then read away. But, if like me, these would be a deal breaker for you, then I would say to give this book a pass.
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