Ignite the Stars

I really feel like this could have been a strong book if a bit more attention was paid to the characters.

As a whole, Ignite the Stars had elements that could have made a wholly enjoyable story. It had space flight, a training academy, refugees, secrets, and three different characters from totally different backgrounds struggling with their identity in the unstable world. On paper, the description is so tantalizing, it's dripping with hot fudge. Somehow, the execution didn't play out in a way that felt wholly successful to me.

This book's description promises Ia, the Blood Wolf of the Skies, and her struggles as she is imprisoned at a military academy. Instead, the reader is given three different POVs. All of these characters are written show more out as interesting, but none of them really behave to character. The badass talks about being badass and is described in narration as badass, but ultimately does nothing to secure that title for the reader. The strong female character coming to terms with her heritage is presented as a powerful, intelligent young woman comes off as a sidekick needing constant guidance, and Brooding YA Hero?

Well, he's eternally a Brooding YA Hero. I'm not fond of this trope, so that's on me.

There are a lot of different directions this book could have taken to make it a more original and more interesting read, but instead various subplots are pushed to the side to make way for the Grand Plot, which even the characters don't feel wholly committed to. And the Grand Plot is interesting enough - I promise! I'm just had a difficult time believing in it, because it all felt so awkwardly forced.

Ignite the Stars is a book that really will appeal to a lot of readers, but don't jump in looking for too much depth and space adventure. Most of this book happens with two feet on the ground. If the characters were a bit more three dimensional and didn't feel so squished into the confines given them by the plot, I would have liked this a lot. As it was, I cringed. A lot.

It's so close. So very close.

But a lot of people who like YA sci-fi and bad girls gone good and Brooding YA Heroes will really like this one. show less

This is a space adventure packed with action, tension, mystery, intrigue and a main character who packs a huge punch. In other words, this was a thrill to read!

Ia Coche is the most feared name in the galaxy, one everyone knows and fears. When Ia Coche is finally captured, no one can believe the most dangerous rebel is a seventeen-year-old girl. The Commonwealth gives her two options: life-long sentence in a hellish prison or enrollment at the highly elicit Military Academy. When she walks into the academy, no one is ready for her, but then, she isn't there to deal with any of them. Determined to escape, she starts to work on a plan, but as the layers of intrigue behind her capture, and the real reason she's been enrolled into the school show more unfold, everything she ever believed comes into question. Still, she is Ia Coche, and all who stand against her will learn the real meaning of fear.

This book captures and shoots off with pure adventure into the stars. Ia Coche is a true space rogue and adventurer. She is tough and will not let anyone get in her way. Her past is violent, and she has tons of blood on her hands. But even in the first chapter it's clear, she's fighting a war for those who can't fight on their own. This lone hero against all odds makes her very easy to cheer for and like, although her personality definitely has its fill of rough edges.

While this story centers around Ia Coche, the other characters have their own personal tales, challenges, desires and obstacles. The books is written from several points of view, allowing each of these subplots to mold and develop as they carefully weave with Ia Coche's. There are characters to love, some to hate, and some who rock back and forth. It gives the story richness and depth, making each character grow on the reader along the way.

Action is key followed closely by intrigue. Ia Coche is a teenager placed in an academy, but this is not the average teenage drama tale. There are friendships, a very light dusting of something which might be considered romance, and rivalries, but this only helps to make the academy scene more realistic. Ia Coche's battle to discover her true enemies and uncover a web of intrigue, while fighting for her freedom remain at the center of the tale—bright and clear. There are emotional moments, ones which get under the skin and make Ia Coche and the others more realistic, but they perfectly balance with high tension and exciting scenes. There is never a boring or slow moment in these pages.

Summed up, this is a fantastic science fiction read with a heroine to root for. Friends of space adventure, tension, political intrigue, evil plots and a heroine to take on all of them, are going to enjoy this one from beginning to end.

I received a complimentary ARC through Netgally, loved it and wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less

I received an ARC through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

In YA, it is not uncommon to have teenage protagonists lead armies, or be the smartest, most dangerous person around by the end of the book. Ia is not one of those protagonists. She is already the most dangerous criminal in the galaxy by the time she turns seventeen, and has been building her reputation for years.

I admit that this tested my suspension of disbelief, which sounds strange to say in a sci-fi book with aliens. Still, it was interesting to see how Ia's character arc was in a way the opposite of a standard YA character arc: instead of becoming someone strong and feared, she already starts out that way, and her character arc is instead about letting people show more close.

I loved how this book was told from three different perspectives, how the three protagonists came from very different backgrounds, and how they all had a distinct character arc where they changed the way they view the world. Ignite the Stars also had some genuinely scary/creepy scenes where I could really feel the tension and worry about what was going to happen.

I certainly didn't see the twist coming, although that might have been because I didn't want to believe it would come. If this was a standalone, then I really wouldn't be content with the villain, but the end suggests that there's going to be a sequel that puts more focus on that relationship, so I'm holding out for that.

I have to say that I'm not sure I like Ia's change of affiliation, though. I can see her loyalty to her friends like Brinn or Knives, but I don't really see any basis for her to have loyalty towards the system they are part of. I'm sure she will still be critical in the future, but this made the ending strange for me.

Extra kudos for an awesome female friendship. show less

The story is about this most wanted criminal in the universe, and everyone fears the name I. A. Cōcha. When the Commonwealth captured the notorious outlaw, they discovered that I. A. Cōcha is only a seventeen-year-old girl. Hoping to benefit from her skills and potential, instead of throwing her in prison or death, she was now trapped in the military academy. While plotting her escape, she didn’t expect to build a bond with Brinn and Knives, which might be a hindrance once she found a way out.

This is the first book of the author that I’ve read, and Ignite the Stars is also the first in the series. Guess what? I’m still in a book hangover because of this, and I can’t start reading another book yet. Can I say that it’s a good show more read? HELL YEAH! I enjoyed reading this because aside from its plot, the protagonist is also an Asian, which I can only see in a few books that I’ve read so far.

I love how the story started. The narration already gripped me on reading the book. The action is kicking me to flip more pages, and it reignited my adrenaline. Excitement built up as more pages were turned. And yes, I loved this book. This is one of the science fiction that I loved so far.

The story has three POVs, and let’s start first with our badass protagonist.

Ia Cōcha. The girl who made the Commonwealth have her as the most wanted criminal in the universe. The person behind the helmet with a blood-colored feather design. And the fierce girl who makes everyone shivers in fear when they hear her name. I like her character. She has a strong and brave stand on what she believes is right and wrong. But, of course, not everyone is safe from having a mistaken view, right? She also talked about how she changes in the story, how everything she had been going through, and whom she connected with contributed to those changes in herself. Well, I’m glad to see how she developed throughout the story even if the people around her believe she is only a killer that deserves a cruel punishment from what she had done.

Brinn Tarver. The girl who shows herself as an average girl. The girl who tries to stay away from the spotlight to avoid having her long-kept secret spilled. And the unlucky girl who became the roommate of Ia in Aphelion. I love Brinn, especially with how she acts as a sister to Faren and how she tries her best to keep her family from being harmed because of her lineage. Her character’s development is also good, just like Ia. I like how courageous she is from taking a risk that might put her in harm. And oh, she rocks! I love the skills she has. I hope I have it too!

Knives. The Flight Master of the academy, Aphelion, where Ia was staying after being captured. The son of the respected general in Commonwealth who also caught Ia. And the person whom Ia needs to stay away from. I like his view. I like him for staying true to what he feels like. And I liked him more when he doesn’t want the other feels what he felt like before. Isn’t he a caring guy?

What I like most in this story is the friendship that Ia and Brinn have. Even though they don’t really speak about it, I know that they consider one another as friends. They are like the two sides of a coin, which won’t be a coin without the other side. They ideally can make the best team, Brinn as the brain and Ia as the strength. Literally, I can say that they bring the best out of each other. They are already great being themselves, but if you put them together, I think they will be unstoppable. That’s how I see them.

The world-building is okay. Though there is some stuff in the story that I want to see more in the next book. I like the author to include more of it, like describe them or give us an idea how it started – e.g., the traditions, the culture, etc. that might give me more insight about the Commonwealth and other planets.

And, don’t let me start talking about the romances in the story as I’m not yet prepared to talk about it haha! But, it is a slow-burn so if you like this type of romance, then seatbelt on and get ready to feel it in the story.

Overall, the author does a beautiful job of writing a twisted, fast-paced, and action-packed novel. I am recommending this book to everyone, especially if you like science fiction. If you also like a book about family, friendship, diverse protagonist, politics, and space, then I also recommend that you read this novel. show less

*I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts*

I really did enjoy this trio perspective science fiction novel. I found this book to such a fast pace read and really did enjoy all the characters POV. I thought this was such a intreating science fiction novel that tackled topics like immigration and refugees but also a flight school. I really had a hard time putting this book down. I am super excited to dive into the sequel soon!

*I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts*

I really did enjoy this trio perspective science fiction novel. I found this book to such a fast pace read and really did enjoy all the characters POV. I thought this was such a intreating science fiction novel that tackled topics like immigration and refugees but also a flight school. I really had a hard time putting this book down. I am super excited to dive into the sequel soon!

I love the cover, and the fast-paced action lives up to it. This is a solid sci-fi story with wonderful characters and plenty of details about war, refugees, and political loyalties that read as particularly on point with the current political climate. Give this to your Legend fans.