The Stars Are Dying: A Tale of Love and Darkness
The World
At the start of the book, there’s a breathtaking map, complementing the book’s exquisite beauty. A character and pronunciation guide is conveniently located at the end, which you can safely review before diving in, without any spoilers regarding characters or plot. The narrative is rich with supernatural elements, teeming with fae, vampires, and celestial beings, all encapsulated in a quintessential battle between good and evil. It posits a theory where death transforms you into a star, yet these stars are extinguished by an ongoing celestial war.
The Beginning
The start of the book failed to captivate me until the introduction of Nyte, the lead male character. His entrance exuded a vibe reminiscent of ‘The Guild’ series, featuring a woman who is captive yet somewhat complicit. This trope isn’t one I particularly enjoy, so progressing through the book required some effort on my part.
The Characters
My favorite character in the book wasn’t even a main character; her name is Cassia. She’s a strong, willful woman who is incredibly humble and kind, despite coming from a very affluent family. The main protagonist, Astrea, failed to resonate with me. Unlike the formidable women I’m used to reading about, she doesn’t stand up for herself. Instead, she’s portrayed as a pitiable woman trapped in captivity, uncertain of how to free herself or if she even wants to. The main male character, Nyte, resembles Rhysand in that he’s a master of shadows who speaks his mind. The key difference is that while Rhysand was cast as the antagonist, Nyte openly admits he’s the villain. The narrative conveys a sense of innocence being obliterated by darkness.
The Plot
Working through this book was a challenge for me. The predictability of the plot diminished my enjoyment significantly. Additionally, I found it difficult to empathize with the female protagonist. Despite anticipating her moment of self-assertion, she only occasionally stood up for herself and ultimately succumbed to the male lead, whom I also found unlikable due to his manipulative and possessive nature. When the plot is foreseeable and the connection with the main characters is lacking, it makes for a difficult read.
The Resolution
Indeed, the ending was quite predictable. Being the first in a series, it concluded on a cliffhanger, leaving readers guessing the author’s direction. Overall, the book was underwhelming. It left me desiring more: more empowerment for female characters, more sexual tension, and a male lead who doesn’t drive the female protagonist to the brink of insanity. This is the first book I’ve critiqued where the cover was more appealing and fulfilling than the story itself.
