Title: Starlight
Author: Lauren Jade Case
Pub. Date: August 17, 2021
Pages: 323
Pub: Not Listed
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“You’re like starlight itself, Natalia. You burn with all the power and shine of a star.”
Natalia Whitebell wanted her eighteenth birthday to be a simple affair and not for there to be a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a body at her doorstep. But in a blink, it all disappears.
When she finally does get to celebrate with her best friend, there’s gossip from the Island locals about a new family having moved in and of a large dog running wild – but no mention of more.
She thinks she’s going mad. Until she’s attacked in her own home just one day later.
Rescued and taken in by the new family, Natalia discovers the world isn’t so black and white. Stuck in an endless war, there are Monsters and there are Creatures. And she’s one of them.
While she cannot seem to reveal her true form, sealing her deal with trouble, she must accept this life that was always meant to be hers. It’s time she learnt the truth and acquire help from her father, the new family, and one boy in particular.
But there is a darkness lurking, waiting for her to unfurl.
This will be a spoiler free review. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. If you’re looking for a book that will remind you of ~2010 YA, then look no further. This was such a nostalgic read and I loved every minute of it.
Seriously, this book sent me back in time. I reminded me so much of some of my favorite YA reads that I fell in love with when I first really started diving into YA. There’s just something about a “normal” girl finding out she’s a part of a much bigger and magical universe. Think The Mortal Instruments meets, the Lux Series, meets The Elemental Series. Suddenly tossed into a world that was previously unseen and having to learn to navigate it.
I live for that shit.
And let’s be honest, we’ve all wished for it to happen to us.
Don’t lie.
I also really loved that the group dynamic is so wholesome and familiar. It’s happy and joking and so loving. It’s also a little cheesy and infuriating in the way that the majority of families are.
I just thoroughly enjoyed this.
Natalia was a great character – and she didn’t hesitate to dive right into the unknown. It’s admirable. Archie and Peri are so adorable. (I fucking love the name Archie). I’m hoping we get more of Alex in book 2 – she seemed to keep a bit separate, but the way she protects Natalia is lowkey sweet and funny, especially in her Creature form. Noah is a little cinnamon roll bean who needs to be protected. And Jasper. Jasper definitely had some Herondale energy, and I’m not even mad about. He’s cocky, caring and witty as hell and he supports Natalia.
Legit, the whole cast of this book is just fantastic. The banter and dialogue between them all is great. The dynamics they share and how they don’t take themselves too seriously. They practically adopt Natalia no questions asked and it’s just so wholesome.
I loved that this book sucks you in and keeps you reading. It did take me a while to read this book, but that was due to my procrastination. I didn’t want to blow through it, because I didn’t want it to end – knowing full well that I’d just want book 2. And after that little reveal at the end…
I was right to procrastinate.
Because wtf am I supposed to do now?
You give me a conclusion to the chemistry between those two, and then drop that little reveal and then make me wait for book 2…it’s cruel LOL
This book was just such a comforting read. It took me back to a time where I truly was falling in love with reading and envisioning myself as the main characters where a magical world was revealed to me, and adventure and danger awaited. It reminded me of some of my favorite reads and characters, while bringing something new to the table. It’s stunning, the story is engaging, and the characters are so much fun. I can’t wait to see what happens next, and what is in store for Natalia. Clearly there is something much bigger at play, and I can’t wait. This book comes out on Tuesday, so make sure you get your copy pre-ordered!
Writing The Universe 