Name: Tarnished Are the Stars
ISBN: 9781338312270

Rosiee Thor

The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron. A secret beats inside Anna Thatcher's chest: an illegal clockwork heart. Anna works cog by cog -- donning the moniker Technician -- to supply black market medical technology to the sick and injured, against the Commissioner's tyrannical laws. Nathaniel Fremont, the Commissioner's son, has never had to fear the law. Determined to earn his father's respect, Nathaniel sets out to capture the Technician. But the more he learns about the outlaw, the more he questions whether his father's elusive affection is worth chasing at all. Their game of cat and mouse takes an abrupt turn when Eliza, a skilled assassin and spy, arrives. Her mission is to learn the Commissioner's secrets at any cost -- even if it means betraying her own heart. When these uneasy allies discover the most dangerous secret of all, they must work together despite their differences and put an end to a deadly epidemic -- before the Commissioner ends them first.

Tarnished Are the Stars

Nessa Luna

The moment the actual words 'asexual' and 'aromantic' were used, my heart did a little leap. I liked the characters very much, especially Nathaniel, and I enjoyed the story a lot. I listened to it on audio and while I liked the narrator, I kind of wished there had been three different ones for the three different POVs. She did the different voices quite well, but I think I would have liked it more if they just each had their own narrator.

Aditi

Things I liked about this book: 

1. Asexual rep where the character says on page that they're aroace and it's not something that's "hinted at" or whatever 

2. Sapphics! 

Unfortunately, that's it. And it wasn't enough to carry this story for me. 

The world building is really lacking. We don't know anything about this planet, not even it's name. The characters were very flat and one dimensional, I didn't feel connected to any of them.

Nothing about the plot was surprising and I was mostly bored throughout the book, just waiting for something to happen. 

I listened to this on audiobook and it was probably the only reason I didn't dnf it.

I was enjoying the first half. 75% of the book was setting up everything then all the sudden it was over. The ending was unsatisfactory and fell flat for me. The conflict was solved too quickly

Heather Heaton

This book was ok I just never felt too invested in the characters or why they were sick. It may have been due to taking it in with audiobook format. Perhaps reading this one would've been better. I can't remember too much of what happened a couple weeks later.

laura

*I got this book for review from the publisher*

I really did enjoy this read. I liked how we got three very different POV and how each POV gave the audience such a different look at this world. I really did enjoy this world building but thought it had some issues describing the world to the audience but towards the middle of this novel this was not a large issue. I really did enjoy the political focused of this novel. The highlight of this novel was the LGBTQ rep and also how easily it was explained these types of topics to the audience. I feel that this book is such a strong standalone and would actually be okay, if there were no more books but I would welcome to see these characters again.

diana

The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

Jess Ostrander

3.5
I'm not sure what I expected from this one, but based on the synopsis I expected a little more RH action. I think we're going to get more in book two. This was a lot of setup and backstory, which is definitely important to understand Indiana and what she's been through. There's definitely some detail regarding abuse, so do be mindful of the TW on this one! Overall, I liked the story. I liked the friendships in here and I think the found family aspect of them was really great. And I liked seeing some development and growth in Indiana. I both like and dislike Maddox and am curious to learn more about him and see how this whole thing shapes up. I really like Weston and hope more goes on with their relationship. And that ending has definitely left me wanting more and very curious. I've got theories and I want to see if I'm right! This book is a roller coaster of emotions for sure! You just never know what's coming next and whenever a new character is introduced, I was so curious to see what their role was going to be! I'm definitely invested in this story now and am eagerly awaiting the next book so I can find out what happens! 
Overall, if the TWs are okay for you, and you're ready for a trilogy, I think you should check this one out. It might leave you questioning things but definitely invested and ready for more!

Jessica 

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Review can be found here at Booked J. 


  As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.


Where do I begin with Tarnished Are the Stars? Hm. Let's start simple: AM I OBSESSED? Ah, yep! Completely. Rosiee Thor, you have my full attention and admiration. Tarnished Are the Stars is one of the best YA science-fiction releases of 2019. End review. Part of me has been wondering how I could possibly review Tarnished Are the Stars in a cohesive way because my thoughts are all over the place in excitement. 

(!!!!!!!)

Tarnished Are the Stars is an enthralling and vibrant read that will keep its audience on the edge of their seats. I can't speak for every release in the genre, however, it was unlike anything I've read before--which was deeply engrossing and satisfying. It goes without saying that Tarnished Are the Stars is tied with 
  The Last Hope
 as my favourite YA sci-fi of the year. 

Phew. Just... phew. This book was a wild ride from start to finish. I can still feel my heart beating in all its excitement. I loved the characters and all that follows them. The way the story unfolds and embraces its sexual diversity is of pure brilliance. These are the types of characters I love knowing. The ones that nearly jump off the page and attach themselves to you. The ones you keenly return to and love like they were your dearest friends. This is how YA should always look. 

Seriously--I adored these characters, the plotlines, the unique world and the engaging manner in which Rosiee Thor writes. Nothing is ever perfect, but Tarnished Are the Stars certainly comes close to such a title. 

All you could want from a stellar YA novel is within the depths of Tarnished Are the Stars. Full of unapologetic snark, stunningly developed characters (with flaws and strengths and SO full of life) this novel is adventurous and beautifully queer. Forget all comparisons to any other YA title out there, Tarnished Are the Stars is uniquely its own and, at the end of the day, in a league of its own. 

If you haven't caught on to my point already: Rosiee Thor's crafted something special, breath-taking and it cannot be missed. Tarnished Are the Stars should be at the top of everyone's list.