Hi Guys,
Finished a couple of of books last week, so I figured I’d post an extra book review. I know, exciting!
The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent is a young adult, science fiction & fantasy novel.
The story takes place in a futuristic America that has been plagued by possession, demons and degenerated humans. Out of the ashes steps the Unified Church, a strict governing body that takes “thou shalt not” to a whole new level. In return for unquestioning obedience, the Church sends out it’s exorcists to fight evil and keep the demons at bay.
Living in the shadow of the church is Nina Kane, a teen whose only goal is to survive one more year with her mother, so she can turn 18 and legally care for her 15 year old sister, Melanie. Nina knows how to appear devout while doing what it takes to survive. She steals, lies and even trades “favors” for life’s necessities.
Nina’s life becomes even more complicated as Melanie becomes pregnant out of wedlock and their mother… well lets just say she loses it. Amidst these struggles a group of rouge exorcists appears and Nina finds herself entwine with the group, especially Finn–a truly unique soul.
Can Nina fight the good fight and keep her sister safe? Can she embrace her true self and accept those around her?
The Stars Never Rise was intended as a filler book for me. I wasn’t super excited to read it but I had a few books on hold and needed something to pass the time. And BOY did I pass the time. I could not put down this book and finished it in two sittings. I can’t even put my finger on what was so entertaining about the book. It was just an enjoyable read.
We get a strong female character with a will that isn’t influenced by male love interests. I think this is so important. Nina has an uncompromising will and an almost narrow-minded focus when it comes to her sister. No budding romance is going to get in the way of that.
And I really can only say good things about the secondary characters. I loved the little group of misfits. Seriously, there are some authors who just get the angst-y tough guy banter right and Vincent is one of them.
Now why would I only give this book 3.5 stars…
*SPOILER ALERT-really read no further if you don’t want to know because I am going to make major hypothesis here*
I’m only going to give his one 3.5 stars because you KNOW, you just KNOW what is going to happen in the end of the series. Okay, for those of you who haven’t read the book… basically Melanie is pregnant and in this society there are not enough souls for babies to just be born. They have to have a soul ready for them or else they will die within hours of their birth. To get a baby a soul you either have to have a ton of $$$, connections, or an elderly relative willing to give up their life the moment the baby is born. Melanie has no family but Nina and they’re on the run, so of course they don’t have any money or connections. What are they to do? Oh, wait! Finn is a soul without a body… Finn loves Nina, Nina love Melanie and even though Nina probably loves Finn you know Finn is going to give up his soul for the baby. UG! I almost don’t want to read on because it’s SO obvious! Please Vincent, surprise me! <<end rant.
*end of spoiler*
Overall, this was just a fun read. Good characters, an interesting–adventure ridden plot and a spin on the usual demon vs. church narrative. Want a surprisingly good read, give The Stars Never Rise a go.
That’s all for today!
-M-
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