A Conspiracy of Stars

I enjoyed the pace and got sucked into this book really easily. I had not planned on reading for hours on end and had no idea I had done so until I just happened to glance at my watch. But that's what happened, and I finished this much sooner than I had expected.

As a scientist with a background in biology myself, I must say I find the repeated theme of "evil scientists using genetic engineering to achieve genetically impossible things" to be wearisome. While this book did include that as a plot element, it was incredibly refreshing to see good scientists (as opposed to non-scientists, as is usually the case) working against the evil scientists. Hollywood, please take note.

Cole has crafted a beautiful world in A Conspiracy of Stars. She took the time to describe life on Faloiv and in N’Terra, which endeared me to the story and the characters. The mystery pushed me to keep reading well into the night and the pay-off is so satisfying. I eagerly await the next book, and I plan to share this powerful story with many others.

I enjoyed the pace and got sucked into this book really easily. I had not planned on reading for hours on end and had no idea I had done so until I just happened to glance at my watch. But that's what happened, and I finished this much sooner than I had expected.

As a scientist with a background in biology myself, I must say I find the repeated theme of "evil scientists using genetic engineering to achieve genetically impossible things" to be wearisome. While this book did include that as a plot element, it was incredibly refreshing to see good scientists (as opposed to non-scientists, as is usually the case) working against the evil scientists. Hollywood, please take note.

“But home isn’t just a memory, I’ve decided: it’s knowledge, knowing where you belong and where you fit in.”

This was a solid sci-fi story that combined all the things I want to see in my science fiction reads: compelling research, characters I connect with, and an intriguing mystery. A Conspiracy of Stars follows aspiring scientist Octavia, who’s desperate to follow in the steps of her parents and discover the secrets of Faloiv. But Octavia soon realises the planet isn’t the only thing hiding secrets, and the ruling Council of N’Terra might have a few of their own.

Thing I Liked
The cover is absolutely stunning and is on my list for covers of the year. It's honestly what made me want to pick up this book.

I thought it was show more really cool that all the research was animal-based. Learning how the animals interact with their surroundings and other animals, and using that to make advancements was cool.

I really appreciate that we get a large cast of diverse characters. Octavia, her parents, Alma, Rondo, and Yaya are all black. And I loved that we get to see so many black scientists represented in the story.

Things I Didn’t Like
I needed to know more about Faloiv and the Faloii people. I know a big part of this story is Octavia discovering the Council's secrets herself, but I felt a disconnect to what was happening because I largely had no clue how or why things were happening. I like the world building of the legacy of the compounds and the Council, I just needed more from the other side.

This was such a quick read and I was so invested I didn’t want to put the book down. I’m definitely looking forward to getting some answers in book tw0, and I can’t wait to pick it up.

I received a copy of the book from Katherine Tegen Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. show less

I was originally drawn to this book because of the unique cover and then completely drawn in by the synopsis. I really enjoyed this YA science fiction book. The setting is really interesting and creative. I loved the science based society and all the unique animals introduced.

Most of the story involves our heroine unraveling a number of mysteries about the human and alien civilization on this small planet. There is a lot of conspiracy and some adventure. The story was fast-paced, well written, and easy to read..

Overall I ended up enjoying this book a lot. I loved the fast-pace of the story, the mystery, the adventure, the creative setting, and the engaging characters. This was an intriguing and fun YA sci-fi read about a small show more science-based human civilization on a far away planet. show less

Cole has crafted a beautiful world in A Conspiracy of Stars. She took the time to describe life on Faloiv and in N’Terra, which endeared me to the story and the characters. The mystery pushed me to keep reading well into the night and the pay-off is so satisfying. I eagerly await the next book, and I plan to share this powerful story with many others.

A refreshing work of science-fiction, this is definitely a rather different story than any I've read before. The book description covers it pretty well, and it's definitely one worth reading if it sounds at all interesting to you.