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A Shifting of Stars
"With its lyrical prose, romance, and passionate storytelling, readers are sure to fall in love with A Shifting of Stars and be left eager for more." --MINDEE ARNETT, author of Onyx and Ivory and Shadow and Flame A squandering emperor. A handsome stranger. A reluctant heroine. And the ancient magic that will capsize a kingdom. Seventeen-year-old Meadow Sircha watched her mother die from the wilting sickness. Tormented by the knowledge that the emperor failed to import the medicine that would have saved her, she speaks out at a gathering of villagers, inciting them to boycott his prized gladiator tournament. But doing so comes at a steep cost. Arrested as punishment for her impulsive tongue, Meadow finds herself caught up in the kind of danger she’s always tried to avoid. After a chance meeting with an enigmatic boy, she’s propelled on a perilous trek across the outer lands. But she soon unearths a staggering one that will shift her world—and the kingdom—forever. Filled with action and heart, mystery and wonder, A SHIFTING OF STARS is an epic fantasy adventure brimming with plot twists that’s perfect for fans of AN EMBER IN THE ASHES, RED QUEEN and SHADOW AND BONE. ★★★★★ PRAISE for A SHIFTING OF "A thrilling adventure in a lushly imagined world—Kathy Kimbray is an exciting new voice in fantasy!" --KARA THOMAS, author of The Darkest Corners, Little Monsters and The Cheerleaders "Poignant, exciting, and smart, A Shifting of Stars contains an intricately sewn world full of intrigue that will leave readers hungry for what happens next." --SARAH HARIAN, author of Eight Will Fall and The Chaos Theory series
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2019
146 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Kimbray
3 books59 followersKathy Kimbray is a YA author and poet from Australia. She loves summer, dancing and dreaming up big ideas. A SHIFTING OF STARS is the first book in her thrilling new YA fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 31, 2019
~4.5 stars~
I had no idea what to expect going into A Shifting of Stars but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did! Honestly, it's the best book I've read in quite a while.
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
The protagonist was called Meadow. She was a poor, young woman still battling with grief after her mother died of a harrowing sickness. A sickness she believed could have been cured had the emperor imported the right medicine instead of squandering coin. One day, she is arrested for treason after speaking out about her experience and urging people to boycott the emperor's prized gladiator tournament and this event is the catalyst for the entire novel. It's sad really, that Meadow had to go through so much just because she spoke out about an injustice. Sadly, so many people today in our world pay even heavier prices for the same reason.
A Shifting of Stars has been compared to Red Queen and An Ember in the Ashes but it's less about a rebel uprising to take down a tyrant or evil figure and more about the effects of the tyranny on a girl and the people around her, and what she tries to do about it.
Meadow was brave, headstrong and quick-witted in dangerous situations. However, she was also a bit too trusting- to her detriment. Also, she was incredibly inquisitive and I don't think I've ever seen a character who asks so many questions about everything. I liked Meadow because I felt like I could connect with her and she was very down-to-earth which was good because the whole book was from her perspective. In general, I liked the characters and they were interesting and realistic- I really cared about them and their fates.
There are two reasons I've deducted half a star. Firstly, although the world building was effective, I wished we learnt more about the magic and its origins. Secondly, some of the plot details were slightly unrealistic at times. Nevertheless, these were only minor issues and didn't affect my overall experience very much.
It's not your average YA fantasy but in the best way. It's original and very different to anything I've read before. There is a only a dash of romance but it isn't insta love and it doesn't dominate the storyline. Generally, it was a refreshingly good read that I would recommend to fans of the fantasy genre.
So, condensing this entire review into three words: READ THIS BOOK!!!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I had no idea what to expect going into A Shifting of Stars but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did! Honestly, it's the best book I've read in quite a while.
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
The protagonist was called Meadow. She was a poor, young woman still battling with grief after her mother died of a harrowing sickness. A sickness she believed could have been cured had the emperor imported the right medicine instead of squandering coin. One day, she is arrested for treason after speaking out about her experience and urging people to boycott the emperor's prized gladiator tournament and this event is the catalyst for the entire novel. It's sad really, that Meadow had to go through so much just because she spoke out about an injustice. Sadly, so many people today in our world pay even heavier prices for the same reason.
A Shifting of Stars has been compared to Red Queen and An Ember in the Ashes but it's less about a rebel uprising to take down a tyrant or evil figure and more about the effects of the tyranny on a girl and the people around her, and what she tries to do about it.
Meadow was brave, headstrong and quick-witted in dangerous situations. However, she was also a bit too trusting- to her detriment. Also, she was incredibly inquisitive and I don't think I've ever seen a character who asks so many questions about everything. I liked Meadow because I felt like I could connect with her and she was very down-to-earth which was good because the whole book was from her perspective. In general, I liked the characters and they were interesting and realistic- I really cared about them and their fates.
There are two reasons I've deducted half a star. Firstly, although the world building was effective, I wished we learnt more about the magic and its origins. Secondly, some of the plot details were slightly unrealistic at times. Nevertheless, these were only minor issues and didn't affect my overall experience very much.
It's not your average YA fantasy but in the best way. It's original and very different to anything I've read before. There is a only a dash of romance but it isn't insta love and it doesn't dominate the storyline. Generally, it was a refreshingly good read that I would recommend to fans of the fantasy genre.
So, condensing this entire review into three words: READ THIS BOOK!!!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 6, 2019
Full Review on my blog!
*a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
I was really intrigued with the blurb, I mean a wicked prince, heck yeah!. But also, the cover!!!
A Shifting of Stars is fast paced, atmospheric and unique. It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it. It had an interesting story line and fun characters to read about as well as intriguing villains. It had a Shadow and Bone, feel to it but it really reminded me of Slave, Warrior, Queen by Morgan Rice (Review |Goodreads), similar in a few ways BUT a very different story line.
We jump right into the story from page one, as if you are right there in it. It took me a little while to fully get invested in this book, but soo worth the read, because just when you are starting to think that there’s no hope there is a plot twist that will literally blow your mind! I don't want to spoli it BUT OMG, it's a really unique concept and I am sooooo looking forward to reading book two! AND THAT ENDING THOUGH.
I recommend it!
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*a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
I was really intrigued with the blurb, I mean a wicked prince, heck yeah!. But also, the cover!!!
A Shifting of Stars is fast paced, atmospheric and unique. It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it. It had an interesting story line and fun characters to read about as well as intriguing villains. It had a Shadow and Bone, feel to it but it really reminded me of Slave, Warrior, Queen by Morgan Rice (Review |Goodreads), similar in a few ways BUT a very different story line.
We jump right into the story from page one, as if you are right there in it. It took me a little while to fully get invested in this book, but soo worth the read, because just when you are starting to think that there’s no hope there is a plot twist that will literally blow your mind! I don't want to spoli it BUT OMG, it's a really unique concept and I am sooooo looking forward to reading book two! AND THAT ENDING THOUGH.
I recommend it!
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May 29, 2019
A Shifting of Stars surprised me. I'm very picky and critical on books, but I'm impressed with this one.
Writing style can make or break a book for me; if I don't enjoy the writing, the book is unworthy. I enjoyed Kimbray's writing! It flowed eloquently with no simple sentence structure or purple prose. Editing, paragraph and chapter breaks were all on point, along with dialogue transition. The story is fast paced, atmospheric and unique. You jump right into the story from page one, as if you are right there in it. There were infrequent lulls in the pacing where the story slowed down but overall I found it to be smooth. The characters were strong and fierce with complex personalities who stayed true. There were a few twists, turns and high action that I did not expect.
A Shifting of Stars belongs on the shelf next to other popular, mainstream books of high fantasy. It ends well but on a cliffhanger with a few unresolved questions. I'm very curious as to what will happen in book two. Kimbray is an author to watch!! I recommend this book to all fans of YA, fantasy and magic. 4 solid stars!
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc for review. Please keep me in mind for book two! ;)
Writing style can make or break a book for me; if I don't enjoy the writing, the book is unworthy. I enjoyed Kimbray's writing! It flowed eloquently with no simple sentence structure or purple prose. Editing, paragraph and chapter breaks were all on point, along with dialogue transition. The story is fast paced, atmospheric and unique. You jump right into the story from page one, as if you are right there in it. There were infrequent lulls in the pacing where the story slowed down but overall I found it to be smooth. The characters were strong and fierce with complex personalities who stayed true. There were a few twists, turns and high action that I did not expect.
A Shifting of Stars belongs on the shelf next to other popular, mainstream books of high fantasy. It ends well but on a cliffhanger with a few unresolved questions. I'm very curious as to what will happen in book two. Kimbray is an author to watch!! I recommend this book to all fans of YA, fantasy and magic. 4 solid stars!
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc for review. Please keep me in mind for book two! ;)
Want to read
April 15, 2019You had me at wicked prince. I am sooo here for that!! I was fortunate to be part of the gorgeous map reveal for A Shifting of Stars over on my Instagram
May 18, 2019
The author kindly sent me an ebook copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Let me start off immediately by saying that this was an enjoyable read! It was unlike many YA books I’ve seen lately and there were some well placed plot twists that really left me at the edge of my seat, so well done!
Something I found very refreshing was that the focus of the narrative was more on family bonds and friendships than it was on romance. However, there is an element of romance and those who know me well know I love my feel bone! The feel bone is in this book. I don’t want to spoil, so I won’t say who Meadow’s love interest is, but it’s a good one! I loved the banter between these two! But even more than that I loved how strongly the idea of women supporting women is valued in this book. That’s something that, unfortunately, is still too rare in YA, and it was beautiful to read about!
However, there were some things that I struggled with. In the beginning of the book we are presented with a lot of characters in a very short span of time and it was sometimes hard to keep track of everyone. Things got a lot better in the second part, where the focus was on a restricted group and you really go in depth to get to know them better. The second half of the book is certainly the one I enjoyed the most because I was able to connect with the characters, which was something that wasn’t happening in the beginning.
My other issue is that sometimes there were some confusing turns in the plot that made it harder to follow, but luckily it wasn’t anything too lasting and it was easy to get back in the flow of the story.
Overall, it was a quick read that I really enjoyed. It had an interesting storyline and fun characters to read about as well as intriguing villains. I’m curious to see how things are going to play out in the second book because there are some great questions raised in the final chapters. It’s definitely a perfect read for YA fantasy lovers, especially if you love An Ember in the Ashes, Red Queen and Shadow and Bone. Bonus points if you also love the protagonists of those books, because I feel like Meadow fits in with them quite well.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Let me start off immediately by saying that this was an enjoyable read! It was unlike many YA books I’ve seen lately and there were some well placed plot twists that really left me at the edge of my seat, so well done!
Something I found very refreshing was that the focus of the narrative was more on family bonds and friendships than it was on romance. However, there is an element of romance and those who know me well know I love my feel bone! The feel bone is in this book. I don’t want to spoil, so I won’t say who Meadow’s love interest is, but it’s a good one! I loved the banter between these two! But even more than that I loved how strongly the idea of women supporting women is valued in this book. That’s something that, unfortunately, is still too rare in YA, and it was beautiful to read about!
However, there were some things that I struggled with. In the beginning of the book we are presented with a lot of characters in a very short span of time and it was sometimes hard to keep track of everyone. Things got a lot better in the second part, where the focus was on a restricted group and you really go in depth to get to know them better. The second half of the book is certainly the one I enjoyed the most because I was able to connect with the characters, which was something that wasn’t happening in the beginning.
My other issue is that sometimes there were some confusing turns in the plot that made it harder to follow, but luckily it wasn’t anything too lasting and it was easy to get back in the flow of the story.
Overall, it was a quick read that I really enjoyed. It had an interesting storyline and fun characters to read about as well as intriguing villains. I’m curious to see how things are going to play out in the second book because there are some great questions raised in the final chapters. It’s definitely a perfect read for YA fantasy lovers, especially if you love An Ember in the Ashes, Red Queen and Shadow and Bone. Bonus points if you also love the protagonists of those books, because I feel like Meadow fits in with them quite well.
May 27, 2019
Review coming soon!
June 15, 2019
These bodies—these people—were always alive. They’ve been kept breathing in this harrowing chamber, forced to endure these horrid wounds. Our presence has brought them back to awareness, and their breaths turn to cries, turn to shrieks, turn to wails, until surely nobody who tethered them down could expect to sleep soundly ever again.
First of all I thank Kathy Kimbray for reaching out to me and providing me an e-ARC of her Book.
This book was so unexpectedly amazing and gripping. Literally from the moment I started It, I was entranced by the story. The girl Meadow Sircha who was still grief stricken by her mother's death and blames the Tyjans rein for their unfair rule and how they treat the people, she suddenly finds her voice to speak against them, people agree with her. But she gets captured by Prince Malthe, the son of the emperor who passing by the Gathering and heard all that she said. From there, meadow's journey begins.
The current emperor Ladislas is so careless and brutal and spends the coins of his kingdoms recklessly. Hence, he is in debt. People are so scared to go against him and even his Son is kind of a sadist. Amidst all this Meadow is not afraid to speak up and keeps fighting against all the unfairness.
I felt like this story in some way reflects our current world
It was all just too much but I kept reading because there was so much suspense. At one point I did think, that the world building is a bit absent but then as the events unfolded, these thoughts vanished.
I was like, What The Hell... (in a shocking sense). Yes! The book shocked me. Even after going through so much, Meadow did not give up. There was this weird kind of magic, when it was revealed, I was like...man... the story just took an unexpected turn...
This book was different in so many ways. I WAS LITERALLY UNABLE TO PREDICT THE EVENTS.
Other than Meadow, I loved Vogel, Kalliope, Casper and Anai.
Now I can't wait for the second Book because there is a bit of cliffhanger ... Omg this book is a masterpiece.
First of all I thank Kathy Kimbray for reaching out to me and providing me an e-ARC of her Book.
This book was so unexpectedly amazing and gripping. Literally from the moment I started It, I was entranced by the story. The girl Meadow Sircha who was still grief stricken by her mother's death and blames the Tyjans rein for their unfair rule and how they treat the people, she suddenly finds her voice to speak against them, people agree with her. But she gets captured by Prince Malthe, the son of the emperor who passing by the Gathering and heard all that she said. From there, meadow's journey begins.
The current emperor Ladislas is so careless and brutal and spends the coins of his kingdoms recklessly. Hence, he is in debt. People are so scared to go against him and even his Son is kind of a sadist. Amidst all this Meadow is not afraid to speak up and keeps fighting against all the unfairness.
I felt like this story in some way reflects our current world
It was all just too much but I kept reading because there was so much suspense. At one point I did think, that the world building is a bit absent but then as the events unfolded, these thoughts vanished.
I was like, What The Hell... (in a shocking sense). Yes! The book shocked me. Even after going through so much, Meadow did not give up. There was this weird kind of magic, when it was revealed, I was like...man... the story just took an unexpected turn...
This book was different in so many ways. I WAS LITERALLY UNABLE TO PREDICT THE EVENTS.
Other than Meadow, I loved Vogel, Kalliope, Casper and Anai.
Now I can't wait for the second Book because there is a bit of cliffhanger ... Omg this book is a masterpiece.
May 28, 2019
4.5 🌟
I want to thank the author, Kathy Kimbray, for sending me a ARC of A Shifting of Stars. In no way does this sway my opinion of the book!
My Review:
This is my first review of a ARC in a LONG time, so it felt good to be back reviewing.
Happy Release Day to Kathy Kimbray!! 🎉
Going into this book I was very excited to dive in. The synopsis sounded interesting & so I went full force into it. At the beginning it was hard for me to get into actually, which surprised me. I feel like the world building at the beginning was kind of hard to understand because everything seemed to be thrown at you all at once. I finally understood it at the end, but the beginning when it was being set up I felt confused.
There are many characters in this book, but Meadow is our main character & the character this books POV is written from. I also honestly didn’t like Meadow at first. I really couldn’t connect to her I don’t know if that had to do with the world building or what. I did somewhat at the end, but the beginning not so much. I love the other characters that we meet & I hope in other books we get some of their POVs.
Because of these two things I really wasn’t getting into it, but I kept reading & around the middle I started getting into it. It takes some time to just understand the world.
BUT THERE IS A PLOT TWIST! I was shocked & didn’t even see it coming!
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to get into this book because I didn’t get the world building at first. If you have that issue like me, KEEP READING!
I am looking forward to the rest of the series because the ending of that book has me dying for more!
I want to thank the author, Kathy Kimbray, for sending me a ARC of A Shifting of Stars. In no way does this sway my opinion of the book!
My Review:
This is my first review of a ARC in a LONG time, so it felt good to be back reviewing.
Happy Release Day to Kathy Kimbray!! 🎉
Going into this book I was very excited to dive in. The synopsis sounded interesting & so I went full force into it. At the beginning it was hard for me to get into actually, which surprised me. I feel like the world building at the beginning was kind of hard to understand because everything seemed to be thrown at you all at once. I finally understood it at the end, but the beginning when it was being set up I felt confused.
There are many characters in this book, but Meadow is our main character & the character this books POV is written from. I also honestly didn’t like Meadow at first. I really couldn’t connect to her I don’t know if that had to do with the world building or what. I did somewhat at the end, but the beginning not so much. I love the other characters that we meet & I hope in other books we get some of their POVs.
Because of these two things I really wasn’t getting into it, but I kept reading & around the middle I started getting into it. It takes some time to just understand the world.
BUT THERE IS A PLOT TWIST! I was shocked & didn’t even see it coming!
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to get into this book because I didn’t get the world building at first. If you have that issue like me, KEEP READING!
I am looking forward to the rest of the series because the ending of that book has me dying for more!
May 28, 2019
I was contacted by the author and received an ARC. This is an honest review.
I really believe in trying new books that aren’t hyped because they deserve recognition! This was marketed as having elements of Red Queen, Shadow and Bone, and An Ember in the Ashes.
I would agree with the Red Queen part but not so much about the rest. I loved RQ so I appreciated how Meadow was similar. I’d venture to say there’s some The 100 vibes in this too in certain parts.
All in all, this book was good, not bad. I’m interested to read the second one. The writing was enjoyable and it was a pretty quick read for me.
Full review on the blog now! -> frayedbooks.wordpress.com
I really believe in trying new books that aren’t hyped because they deserve recognition! This was marketed as having elements of Red Queen, Shadow and Bone, and An Ember in the Ashes.
I would agree with the Red Queen part but not so much about the rest. I loved RQ so I appreciated how Meadow was similar. I’d venture to say there’s some The 100 vibes in this too in certain parts.
All in all, this book was good, not bad. I’m interested to read the second one. The writing was enjoyable and it was a pretty quick read for me.
Full review on the blog now! -> frayedbooks.wordpress.com
May 28, 2019
**For more reviews visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
Meadow is dealing with the grief of the death of her mother, causing her to go to a meeting where she is allowed to read a poem she wrote- a poem that was suppose to be about her grief but somehow evolved into her anger over the ruling family, causing others to step up and take a stand. Unfortunately, that is the same time the cruel prince enters the establishment and arrests Meadow for her treason. When Meadow finds herself locked away in prison to await her punishment, she has no hope for her world- that is until an unknown guard releases her and she is told she has a greater purpose in the struggle against the royalty- a purpose she has no idea of.
This was another book that has such a gorgeous cover and we all know I am attracted to the pretties! I had already wanted to read the book since the synopsis appealed to me, but once I saw the cover I knew it was love.
I will admit that I struggled getting into A Shifting of Stars. The reader is thrown into a strange world, basically in the middle of a conflict that does not really make sense without any backstory. The main character is arrested for starting a (sort of?)riot and thrown into prison- after taking a side trip to watch a gladiator death match on the way. I was really lost. The action just kept going from there, but not really taking the time to fill in the pieces of the world, instead more characters and conflict were added to the mix and I was in over my head. It almost felt like the start of this story was a sequel, where everything had been set up before, and you just jump right in here. I kept on trudging along in the book and finally things started to come together to make a very complicated, unique and interesting world.
Kathy uses a very descriptive writing style, where the scene is completely visible for the reader to see and experience right along with the Meadow, be it sight, taste or touch. Every detail comes alive with detail and flowery analogies, making this the perfect next read for those who love Laini Taylor's writing style and world building. Also, the magic was subtle, almost not there but powerful enough to change lives and empires- and with a very surprising and unique flavor to it I appreciated.
A Shifting of Stars is the first in what appears to be an epic, dangerous, magical and heart-breaking YA high fantasy series where anything is possible and people may not be who they appear to be...
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title.
Meadow is dealing with the grief of the death of her mother, causing her to go to a meeting where she is allowed to read a poem she wrote- a poem that was suppose to be about her grief but somehow evolved into her anger over the ruling family, causing others to step up and take a stand. Unfortunately, that is the same time the cruel prince enters the establishment and arrests Meadow for her treason. When Meadow finds herself locked away in prison to await her punishment, she has no hope for her world- that is until an unknown guard releases her and she is told she has a greater purpose in the struggle against the royalty- a purpose she has no idea of.
This was another book that has such a gorgeous cover and we all know I am attracted to the pretties! I had already wanted to read the book since the synopsis appealed to me, but once I saw the cover I knew it was love.
I will admit that I struggled getting into A Shifting of Stars. The reader is thrown into a strange world, basically in the middle of a conflict that does not really make sense without any backstory. The main character is arrested for starting a (sort of?)riot and thrown into prison- after taking a side trip to watch a gladiator death match on the way. I was really lost. The action just kept going from there, but not really taking the time to fill in the pieces of the world, instead more characters and conflict were added to the mix and I was in over my head. It almost felt like the start of this story was a sequel, where everything had been set up before, and you just jump right in here. I kept on trudging along in the book and finally things started to come together to make a very complicated, unique and interesting world.
Kathy uses a very descriptive writing style, where the scene is completely visible for the reader to see and experience right along with the Meadow, be it sight, taste or touch. Every detail comes alive with detail and flowery analogies, making this the perfect next read for those who love Laini Taylor's writing style and world building. Also, the magic was subtle, almost not there but powerful enough to change lives and empires- and with a very surprising and unique flavor to it I appreciated.
A Shifting of Stars is the first in what appears to be an epic, dangerous, magical and heart-breaking YA high fantasy series where anything is possible and people may not be who they appear to be...
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title.
May 31, 2019
A SHIFTING OF STARS (OF STARS #1)
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⭐: 4,3/ 5
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•
A Shifting of Stars was sent to me in exchange of a honest review.
Meadow is angry with the people leading her kingdom, with hatred inside her heart she goes to a gathering and decides to say some things she kept inside her chest. Unfortunately, guards and the prince himself hears her disappointment and throws her in prison marking her as a traitor. While getting herself out of prison and the prince’s claws, she also needs to find where her father went to and try to save him. She receives help from strangers and friends, not understanding their help and most of the time not trusting them. The journey takes incredible twists and magic things happen!
I felt a little lost around 30%-40% with the introduction of so many characters but later on I felt a little relieved that the story seemed to focus on less characters as the plot moves on. I loved seeing how friendships and family were the focus of this book, the romance aspect was more highlighted at the end of it but it didn't let me down at all. Actually, I think it was more realistic, Meadow is busy trying to find her father so she didn’t have time to feel things while on her journey but when everything seems to cool down, she lets herself feel.
My favorite character by far is Vogel, but Meadow and certain other characters were also very dear to me. (Not saying other names because I fear it would be a spoiler lol).
I want to thank the author for making me seat on the edge of my bed gasping because of the magical twists happening at the end...of how things are shifting and maybe going towards a good thing? I need volume two 😍
•
•
⭐: 4,3/ 5
•
•
A Shifting of Stars was sent to me in exchange of a honest review.
Meadow is angry with the people leading her kingdom, with hatred inside her heart she goes to a gathering and decides to say some things she kept inside her chest. Unfortunately, guards and the prince himself hears her disappointment and throws her in prison marking her as a traitor. While getting herself out of prison and the prince’s claws, she also needs to find where her father went to and try to save him. She receives help from strangers and friends, not understanding their help and most of the time not trusting them. The journey takes incredible twists and magic things happen!
I felt a little lost around 30%-40% with the introduction of so many characters but later on I felt a little relieved that the story seemed to focus on less characters as the plot moves on. I loved seeing how friendships and family were the focus of this book, the romance aspect was more highlighted at the end of it but it didn't let me down at all. Actually, I think it was more realistic, Meadow is busy trying to find her father so she didn’t have time to feel things while on her journey but when everything seems to cool down, she lets herself feel.
My favorite character by far is Vogel, but Meadow and certain other characters were also very dear to me. (Not saying other names because I fear it would be a spoiler lol).
I want to thank the author for making me seat on the edge of my bed gasping because of the magical twists happening at the end...of how things are shifting and maybe going towards a good thing? I need volume two 😍
May 23, 2019
this book got me!!!!
I loved every bit of it!!!
The magic was suuper good! I’m curious, what else does the author has in stock? Anyways, what’s a fantasy without a bit of magic! The storyline was excellent with all the twists! It reminded me of Red Queen, Game of Thrones and The Cruel Prince. The episodic plot had few rising action scenes where the write had explored different personalities of the characters involved. The setting was beautiful.
It’s a crime if I didn’t talk about the cover! It was gorgeous!
That beginning was wow!! It picks the curiosity of the reader from the start. A page turner indeed! The end makes you crave for the next book already! The end does justice to the title of the book, “A Shifting of Stars”.
Awarded this beauty with five stars and I recommend this to all the fantasy lovers!
Read my complete review at, https://thebookwitchofhogwarts.wordpr...
I loved every bit of it!!!
The magic was suuper good! I’m curious, what else does the author has in stock? Anyways, what’s a fantasy without a bit of magic! The storyline was excellent with all the twists! It reminded me of Red Queen, Game of Thrones and The Cruel Prince. The episodic plot had few rising action scenes where the write had explored different personalities of the characters involved. The setting was beautiful.
It’s a crime if I didn’t talk about the cover! It was gorgeous!
That beginning was wow!! It picks the curiosity of the reader from the start. A page turner indeed! The end makes you crave for the next book already! The end does justice to the title of the book, “A Shifting of Stars”.
Awarded this beauty with five stars and I recommend this to all the fantasy lovers!
Read my complete review at, https://thebookwitchofhogwarts.wordpr...
July 9, 2019
Sometimes important people come into your life and you need to pay attention. For if you don't, they will leave without warning, a huge hole left in their place. And the hole cannot be filled with another. And since they're bot there, you will live a half-life, always wondering what could have been.
First of all, just look at that cover, I mean just look at it, it's so gorgeous and so wonderfully blue. I am in love honestly, with the cover itself, as for the book though, my feelings are somewhat mixed. There are parts which, I enjoyed reading but then there are other parts which, felt repetitive, boring and contrived.
The story begins with a young girl of seventeen, Meadow Sircha, who has lost her mother to a deadly sickness and has been dealing with grief ever since. On the suggestion of her best friend, Anai, Meadow attends a gathering and speaks up about her grief blaming the king for squandering away the wealth of the empire and failing to provide a better health care for its citizens. However, things go horribly wrong when, Malthe, the vindictive prince of the kingdom makes a sudden appearance at the gathering and arrests Meadow for speaking up against the King. The story follows from there on as Meadow is thrown in the politics of the palace and discovers a shocking secret about the kingdom which will change everything.
Among the things, I liked about this book, one of them was the Author's writing style. It's lucid, eloquent and quite engaging. In fact, I feel like this whole book can be considered pretty easy and to everyone who is a beginner in the fantasy genre, this book does great service. I also loved how wonderfully, grief is handled in this book, it felt so real. Fantasy books are filled with absent or unworthy parents, however, in A Shifting of Stars we get to see a unique bond that Meadow shares with both her parents. Speaking about bonds, I also loved the friendship between Anai and Meadow, it was heartwarming and sweet.
Moving on to the negative aspect of the book though, the first thing that bothered me was not enough world-building. The book has a very fast beginning and I felt like I was thrown into it, people and places were introduced but not much detail was given regarding the same, which also resulted in lack of significant character development. Characters like Volger, Casper and even Kalliope plays a huge role in the story but most of the time they were sidelined in order for Meadow to take center stage. Now, even though I appreciated the relationship that Meadow has with her friends and family, I still felt her character to be naive, impulsive and somewhat stupid. She trusts too easily and just makes idiotic decisions. I was so underwhelmed when the truth regarding her mother's sickness came out, it was supposed to be a big plot twist but it failed to leave an impact on me.
There was little to no political intrigue in the book, and the middle section of the book felt seemingly boring as the plot progressed very little. I'll agree that things picked up after 75% but even then it lacked a certain thrill. Lastly, the magical element of the book felt too little and was introduced too late. The magic system definitely has me interested but I would have loved to read some more about its history.
Overall, The ending, the budding romance and the literal shift in characters positions have left me wanting to know how this story unfolds, so you bet I am continuing reading it when the second book comes out, however, I really hope its more action and politics heavy.
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First of all, just look at that cover, I mean just look at it, it's so gorgeous and so wonderfully blue. I am in love honestly, with the cover itself, as for the book though, my feelings are somewhat mixed. There are parts which, I enjoyed reading but then there are other parts which, felt repetitive, boring and contrived.
The story begins with a young girl of seventeen, Meadow Sircha, who has lost her mother to a deadly sickness and has been dealing with grief ever since. On the suggestion of her best friend, Anai, Meadow attends a gathering and speaks up about her grief blaming the king for squandering away the wealth of the empire and failing to provide a better health care for its citizens. However, things go horribly wrong when, Malthe, the vindictive prince of the kingdom makes a sudden appearance at the gathering and arrests Meadow for speaking up against the King. The story follows from there on as Meadow is thrown in the politics of the palace and discovers a shocking secret about the kingdom which will change everything.
Among the things, I liked about this book, one of them was the Author's writing style. It's lucid, eloquent and quite engaging. In fact, I feel like this whole book can be considered pretty easy and to everyone who is a beginner in the fantasy genre, this book does great service. I also loved how wonderfully, grief is handled in this book, it felt so real. Fantasy books are filled with absent or unworthy parents, however, in A Shifting of Stars we get to see a unique bond that Meadow shares with both her parents. Speaking about bonds, I also loved the friendship between Anai and Meadow, it was heartwarming and sweet.
Moving on to the negative aspect of the book though, the first thing that bothered me was not enough world-building. The book has a very fast beginning and I felt like I was thrown into it, people and places were introduced but not much detail was given regarding the same, which also resulted in lack of significant character development. Characters like Volger, Casper and even Kalliope plays a huge role in the story but most of the time they were sidelined in order for Meadow to take center stage. Now, even though I appreciated the relationship that Meadow has with her friends and family, I still felt her character to be naive, impulsive and somewhat stupid. She trusts too easily and just makes idiotic decisions. I was so underwhelmed when the truth regarding her mother's sickness came out, it was supposed to be a big plot twist but it failed to leave an impact on me.
There was little to no political intrigue in the book, and the middle section of the book felt seemingly boring as the plot progressed very little. I'll agree that things picked up after 75% but even then it lacked a certain thrill. Lastly, the magical element of the book felt too little and was introduced too late. The magic system definitely has me interested but I would have loved to read some more about its history.
Overall, The ending, the budding romance and the literal shift in characters positions have left me wanting to know how this story unfolds, so you bet I am continuing reading it when the second book comes out, however, I really hope its more action and politics heavy.
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May 26, 2019
I'm going to be honest, the first few chapters were a bit rushed? The first chapter was great but after that there were just a lot of things happened and so many characters were being introduced all at once. I don't even know who's who anymore!
When I get to the middle of the book, the story gets even more compelling and I just couldn't put it down! My favorite chapter is definitely chapter thirty-six! It was sooo good and I wish I could read this chapter for the first time all over again! And yes there is a good amount of twists in this book that I found shocking and hair-raising 😱
The wicked prince is actually very wicked and vicious. He is an actual evil! 😆 I really wish there are more of his scenes in this novel 🖤
Vogel is my favorite! He reminds me a lot of Mal from the Shadow and Bone trilogy 🙂
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, strong female lead character, a wicked prince, and magic! 💫
When I get to the middle of the book, the story gets even more compelling and I just couldn't put it down! My favorite chapter is definitely chapter thirty-six! It was sooo good and I wish I could read this chapter for the first time all over again! And yes there is a good amount of twists in this book that I found shocking and hair-raising 😱
The wicked prince is actually very wicked and vicious. He is an actual evil! 😆 I really wish there are more of his scenes in this novel 🖤
Vogel is my favorite! He reminds me a lot of Mal from the Shadow and Bone trilogy 🙂
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, strong female lead character, a wicked prince, and magic! 💫
May 20, 2019
“Sometimes important people come into your life and you need to pay attention!”
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The actual rate is 3.7 ⭐️
I found the first half of the book really really slow, a lot of things happen and I actually think some of them have been quite useless.. at least for this first book. I hope they’ll be meaningful in the next one. By the way the second part of the book is far far better! Just when you are starting to think that there’s no hope there is a plot twist that has literally blown up my mind! Genius 😍. I’m so looking forward for the sequel!
Moreover I love how Meadow speaks about her mother and her death, it made me cry because they sounded like genuine feelings!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The actual rate is 3.7 ⭐️
I found the first half of the book really really slow, a lot of things happen and I actually think some of them have been quite useless.. at least for this first book. I hope they’ll be meaningful in the next one. By the way the second part of the book is far far better! Just when you are starting to think that there’s no hope there is a plot twist that has literally blown up my mind! Genius 😍. I’m so looking forward for the sequel!
Moreover I love how Meadow speaks about her mother and her death, it made me cry because they sounded like genuine feelings!
June 23, 2019
This book was amazing. I love the world Kimbray brought me to. It was brutal, impoverished, and beautiful all at once. There was a consistent hum of fear underlying throughout the book. Meadow is a very human character who makes many decisions (some rash) based off that fear. Her character grows through the book and is supported by other great, and some deceiving people. There was a crazy plot twist towards the last half of the book that kept me up because I HAD to finish it. Now I am too wound up to sleep and I have to get up at 6am when my baby does. Yikes! Can't wait for book 2!
April 30, 2019
5/5
Just finished reading this book after receiving an ARC for an honest review.
What I loved:
* the plot was interesting (it was my type of story!!!)
* the way the characters related to each other and kept me engaged throughout the story
* the imagery was excellent
* the ending!!! (not expecting that at all!!!)
What I didn't love:
* Can't think of anything right now.
Just finished reading this book after receiving an ARC for an honest review.
What I loved:
* the plot was interesting (it was my type of story!!!)
* the way the characters related to each other and kept me engaged throughout the story
* the imagery was excellent
* the ending!!! (not expecting that at all!!!)
What I didn't love:
* Can't think of anything right now.
June 18, 2019
A Shifting of Stars is not what you expect from a current fantasy YA novel.
Yes, Meadow Sircha is a reluctant heroine who may be “the one” to save her people, but Kathy Kimbray is able to maintain Meadow’s “normal girl” appeal throughout the story. Meadow makes lots of mistakes, constantly puts herself in danger, and often jeopardizes the well thought out plans of others.
Yes, there is magic in this story, but it is a part of the periphery instead of being front and center. It is barely explained and yet beautifully woven into the fabric of the tale.
Yes, the villain is evil, more brutal than any I have encountered in a long time. But his vicious ways may actually have a greater purpose.
This story combines castle life, gladiator fights, brutal torture scenes, and moments of love and friendships in a gripping tale that will keep you reading late into the night. It also has a satisfying ending while still leaving the story open for much more, and I look forward to continuing this journey.
Yes, Meadow Sircha is a reluctant heroine who may be “the one” to save her people, but Kathy Kimbray is able to maintain Meadow’s “normal girl” appeal throughout the story. Meadow makes lots of mistakes, constantly puts herself in danger, and often jeopardizes the well thought out plans of others.
Yes, there is magic in this story, but it is a part of the periphery instead of being front and center. It is barely explained and yet beautifully woven into the fabric of the tale.
Yes, the villain is evil, more brutal than any I have encountered in a long time. But his vicious ways may actually have a greater purpose.
This story combines castle life, gladiator fights, brutal torture scenes, and moments of love and friendships in a gripping tale that will keep you reading late into the night. It also has a satisfying ending while still leaving the story open for much more, and I look forward to continuing this journey.
Want to read
July 10, 2019this is calling my name pretty loudly
July 8, 2019
Magic, intrigue, fights for power, repression, and so much more make this an exciting read, which is very hard to put down. In other words, I liked this read more than I even thought I would.
The main character Meadow has a wonderful balance between extremes. She's head-strong and takes amazing risks, and yet, she can be lost, unsure and in over her head. Her strength and will change as the circumstances change, which made her easy to relate to and like. While she is a strong character, she is not a kick-butt heroine. She has her strengths and weaknesses, and needs help from others or makes wrong choices at times. I enjoyed rooting for her the entire read.
The world is rich and changes scenes as Meadow finds herself in situations she never dreamed of. There is the simple town, violent arenas with bloody fights, luxurious castle, mystic woods and so much more. Each scene settles in nicely and captures.
The magic of the world was complex and still has much to be explored. Some explanation felt missing but it was by no means enough to even hiccup the plot. I'm just curious as to what the next books will bring on that front.
This is a book to dive into and love...for fantasy fans. And I can't wait to see where book two will take Meadow next.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
The main character Meadow has a wonderful balance between extremes. She's head-strong and takes amazing risks, and yet, she can be lost, unsure and in over her head. Her strength and will change as the circumstances change, which made her easy to relate to and like. While she is a strong character, she is not a kick-butt heroine. She has her strengths and weaknesses, and needs help from others or makes wrong choices at times. I enjoyed rooting for her the entire read.
The world is rich and changes scenes as Meadow finds herself in situations she never dreamed of. There is the simple town, violent arenas with bloody fights, luxurious castle, mystic woods and so much more. Each scene settles in nicely and captures.
The magic of the world was complex and still has much to be explored. Some explanation felt missing but it was by no means enough to even hiccup the plot. I'm just curious as to what the next books will bring on that front.
This is a book to dive into and love...for fantasy fans. And I can't wait to see where book two will take Meadow next.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
May 14, 2019
Wow, how do I put into to words what an amazing, unique, twist-filled story this is? To set the scene for you we have a teenager who is desperate to make a greedy ruler pay for the death of her mother. Meadow believes they are a cure that the Emperor is refusing to import and as a result, everyone is dying from a wilting sickness. Meadow is a character that strives to avoid danger and at times is lost in panic-stricken episodes. Which is unique in itself seeing a character that has a condition many can relate to.
In this kingdom, the Emperor has Gladiators who fight for sport in tournaments, in an attempt to speak out against them she encourages them to boycott the tournaments. As a result, she arrested and finds herself torn from her life, her dad ends up fighting in the tournament and she fears he is dead. Meadow is now entrenched in events when all she wants is to be home safe with her father.
I admit that for a majority of the novel I was set at solid three-star rating as I was pretty sure I read this story before. Girl seeks revenge against powerful Emperor, girl meets a band of Renegades that going to help her take them down. That how I thought this whole story would play out. I was so glad I did not give up and put this book down. You need to stick it out their an epic “Freaky Friday” twist to this fantasy and it really locks in the five-star rating for me.
I have a major question though how will the curse be undone? Events happen that make this really impossible or at least impossible from what I can see. Their a few major events toward the end of the book that really makes me want to weep and cry with joy. Don’t lose heart that all is lost cause your in for a cliff hanger ending and epic twists. I can’t wait to see how this will all play out.
In this kingdom, the Emperor has Gladiators who fight for sport in tournaments, in an attempt to speak out against them she encourages them to boycott the tournaments. As a result, she arrested and finds herself torn from her life, her dad ends up fighting in the tournament and she fears he is dead. Meadow is now entrenched in events when all she wants is to be home safe with her father.
I admit that for a majority of the novel I was set at solid three-star rating as I was pretty sure I read this story before. Girl seeks revenge against powerful Emperor, girl meets a band of Renegades that going to help her take them down. That how I thought this whole story would play out. I was so glad I did not give up and put this book down. You need to stick it out their an epic “Freaky Friday” twist to this fantasy and it really locks in the five-star rating for me.
I have a major question though how will the curse be undone? Events happen that make this really impossible or at least impossible from what I can see. Their a few major events toward the end of the book that really makes me want to weep and cry with joy. Don’t lose heart that all is lost cause your in for a cliff hanger ending and epic twists. I can’t wait to see how this will all play out.
June 26, 2019
I had no idea what to expect going into this but I was intrigued by the synopsis.
Meadow is a young woman still dealing with the grief caused by losing her mother the year before, she goes to a gathering of story tellers to get it all off her chest in the hopes of easing her sadness a little, yet she had no idea that the people she meets and the actions she takes will change the course of her life forever.
The world building in this was amazing, the writing style was perfect and flowed really well, I sometimes find fantasy books to be confusing sometimes but that wasn’t the case with this one.
Meadows character development was done in a believable way too, she starts the book as a scared young girl, but slowly becomes more confident and sure of herself, it’s always nice to see a strong woman as the main character in a book.
The ending of this threw me completely and I’m really hoping there is going to be a sequel.
I would definitely but this fantasy novel up there with the big names and will be recommending it to everyone.
Meadow is a young woman still dealing with the grief caused by losing her mother the year before, she goes to a gathering of story tellers to get it all off her chest in the hopes of easing her sadness a little, yet she had no idea that the people she meets and the actions she takes will change the course of her life forever.
The world building in this was amazing, the writing style was perfect and flowed really well, I sometimes find fantasy books to be confusing sometimes but that wasn’t the case with this one.
Meadows character development was done in a believable way too, she starts the book as a scared young girl, but slowly becomes more confident and sure of herself, it’s always nice to see a strong woman as the main character in a book.
The ending of this threw me completely and I’m really hoping there is going to be a sequel.
I would definitely but this fantasy novel up there with the big names and will be recommending it to everyone.
July 2, 2019
Excellent read. I loved this book; the characters and the beautiful cover. Highly recommend. 💕💕💕💕💕
July 9, 2019
Ah Kathy! What have you done to my heart. I just finished the book an hour ago and I am still reeling with my emotions. I need the sequel now!!!!!!!!!!!
I have had my share of fantasy books considering it is my most read genre and I've probably come across all the tropes there are. So, when I started reading " A SHIFTING OF STARS",I wasn't expecting new to be honest! I wouldn't say I dislike a cliched trope but to be able to read something different is a totally overwhelming experience. And this book gave me that and so much more. So much.
Meadow Sircha is dealing with the grief of her mother's death caused due to the deadly wilting sickness, an epidemic that has claimed hundreds of lifes in the kingdom. Meadow blames the irresponsible nature of the ruler and his son as the cause of these deaths and to show her dissent she joins the Gathering, a place to let out your thoughts. Soon, she is apprehended by Malthe,the king's son and is accused of treason. As she is put behind the bars she experiences all the politics, the secrets, the torture that takes place with the king's palace. Would Meadow be able to break out? Would she be able to put a full stop to the atrocities inflicted my Malthe and his father?
"It feels like what we are to each other is incomplete,it's unfinished, it's wrong. Like we could be something more with time, but he slips through my fingers and I cannot hold on. He's adrift to me and I am to him and I haven't the answers to make this right"
The story commences in a very turbulent atmosphere almost like a dystopian world and proceeds throughout the book. The author's extravagant writing style kept me on the edge from the very first line until the end. The court politics, the power packed action scenes, the angst Meadow felt against the people of her kingdom are written with absolute detail. To be honest, I couldn't have asked for a better world building and the character arc of Meadow has been done with perfection.
"Her stars have shifted to a new, unchatered universe."
We get to see how Meadow grows from a rather gullible or should I say someone who cares only about her dad to a fierce and selfless person. I absolutely felt empathy for Meadow, our protagonist who is put to test every step of her journey. I have never related to a character's decisions as much as I did with Meadow. The love she has for her father, is something that stood out for me as we don't really get to see that in books of this particular genre as they often put romance to take the spotlight. Also, Vogel and Anai aaaaaaaaahhhhh you gotta feel for these too. At various instances I had to calm my nerves down and keep on reading because I couldn't even comprehend what mess the characters were getting into.
" What made you change your mind?" asks Carliss.
I cannot tell her the truth. "Love"
With a very fast paced beginning,the book however I felt slowed down a little in the middle but that somehow didn't deter my interest. The book also screams mystery, intrigue and action and is an absolute firecracker in terms of twists and turns. The plot twists were absolutely unpredictable and I have no idea how the author managed to connect the characters with such precision beautifully. It is often difficult to figure out who are on the good side and those on the bad and that is something that I really liked. Although, the book definitely quenched my thirst for fantasy, I would have given my everything to know how the magic actually worked. But I guess we shall have to wait for the second book, for the unanswered questions.
May 26, 2019
Meadow is stilling grieving her mother’s death. Her mother died a year ago from the wilting sickness. Meadow is mostly upset as her mother’s life could have been spared if the emperor would have had the medicine needed to save her mother imported. She blames the emperor for her mother’s death and wants revenge.
After speaking out against the emperor Meadow is arrested and sent to jail to be punished. She meets this nice young man who helps her escape. Meadow with this young man’s help spend their time looking for her father after she hears that he has been arrested as well.
We are introduced to a lot of different characters in the beginning that was a little hard to follow and keep them all straight that sort of made the story slow to follow but as the story developed it did move along and pick up with a vengeance. There were a few twists that threw me for loop and grabbed my attention real quick like after that and I couldn’t put it down. I loved this new twist that just set the story off. These twists are what made this book and gave it its five stars. So keep reading as it does get better.
I would recommend A Shifting of Stars to all fantasy fans. Read to find the twists that are so magically enthralling.
After speaking out against the emperor Meadow is arrested and sent to jail to be punished. She meets this nice young man who helps her escape. Meadow with this young man’s help spend their time looking for her father after she hears that he has been arrested as well.
We are introduced to a lot of different characters in the beginning that was a little hard to follow and keep them all straight that sort of made the story slow to follow but as the story developed it did move along and pick up with a vengeance. There were a few twists that threw me for loop and grabbed my attention real quick like after that and I couldn’t put it down. I loved this new twist that just set the story off. These twists are what made this book and gave it its five stars. So keep reading as it does get better.
I would recommend A Shifting of Stars to all fantasy fans. Read to find the twists that are so magically enthralling.
May 21, 2019
Review Coming Soon ✨✨
May 23, 2019
A Shifting of Stars was captivating from the beginning. I loved being immersed in this fantasy world, being introduced to unique and loveable characters with some very engaging plot twists! One of the best YA books I've read in a long time, which was a delightful surprise, and I already can't wait for the next one.
July 19, 2019
I feel like it’s been forever since I last rated a book a 5/5 but I think A Shifting of Stars really deserves it
“I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO BRING THEM TO JUSTICE AND ALTER THE COURSE OF OUR KINGDOM’S HISTORY.”
In this story, it’s been a year since Meadow’s mother died of the wilting sickness and still her grief has a hold on her. It’s because of this that she’s finally found the courage to do something about it. And it starts by sneaking along the streets after hours, hoping that the King’s guards don’t notice her. It’s because of this that she decides to stand on a stage and tell her story to the strangers at the Gathering. If only the King had imported zyphene then people like her mother wouldn’t have died in vain, if only the King wasn’t spending his gold on trivialities like the barbarous Tournaments he held regularly then the people wouldn’t be living in poverty and fear!
“THE CHOICE TO BOYCOTT IS OURS, IT’S YOURS”
And it’s also this small flame that starts a chain of events that lead to more destruction and revealed horrors. Revelations that shy and anxiety-filled Meadow wasn’t ready to experience, especially when she sees no way of escape or change, but that she must face now or risk the chance of losing all her loved ones
“IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT OUR PLANS WERE,” HE SAYS. “WE HAVE TO MAKE NEW ONES, EVEN IF WE DON’T WANT TO.”
Considering my recent heartbreak, I can’t say this book was any better (why do authors always know where it hurts most?!) but I’ll try to be coherent
In terms of a character, I really got attached to Meadow as the story progressed. I admired how even though she was an introvert and often found herself with anxiety, she was also deeply passionate about helping the people she cared for (and the innocent), sometimes without thinking about her wellbeing. At the same time though, she was very selfish, which made her feel like a genuine person to me. I mean, at one point, she had the chance to escape detection of the Guards but she chose to go back home to see to her father, even if that could cost the safety of all the people who helped her. I know, it sounds bad, but then you get to thinking, wouldn’t I do that as well?
We also got to meet other characters down the line like Anai, who is Meadow’s best friend and, after finding out that Meadow had been detained by the King, her travel companion in trying to find and save her father. Unlike Meadow, Anai was more brazen, which Meadow seemed to always compare. But I’m glad for the balance of the two characters (I feel like Anai could have easily overshadowed Meadow)
“I INSIST,” HE SAYS. “NOSE-BLOWING ON A TUNIC SHOULD BE A CRIME.”
And of course, my ice-cold husband Vogel, who I couldn’t help but imagine as Van Fanel except that Vogel is blonde the whole time, really made me swoon. I’m a sucker for that one guy who has that tough exterior but is actually soft on the inside
Even though he was that character with the sour face, there was just something really humorous about him, especially when combined with his friend Casper. Considering how somber and serious the tone is throughout the book, moments like these really helped relieve some of the tension. I swear, while reading this book, I often found myself wondering when all the tragedy was going to take a break
Luckily, it happened during the moments of banter
“BUT I’LL PUSH ON, AND SO MUST YOU – AND WE’LL FIND THE CRACKS. AND ONE DAY, THINGS WILL CHANGE. I FEEL IT HERE.” SHE TAPS HER HEART.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can see it not being for everyone, especially if you can’t stomach violence or death. I mean, there’s some really messed up stuff happening in this book (like vivisection) and details are plenty, which, ok, maybe is why I was so fascinated with this. I also found myself often wishing that some sort of fantasy element would randomly pop up whenever Meadow was in trouble, except it wouldn’t. This made me even tenser because (in sense) all of this is happening in a “real” world. A world that we can be living in
As for the rest, I can’t really say more without feeling like I’ll fall into spoiler territory but I was not expecting many of the things that happened! Not just in terms of events but also in terms of characters and their relationships. But it also shows that there are many ways to fight and while it’s tragic how much we can lose during wars and rebellions, we also have to think about the future
Like my current future without book two!! I’m so devastated!
“I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO BRING THEM TO JUSTICE AND ALTER THE COURSE OF OUR KINGDOM’S HISTORY.”
In this story, it’s been a year since Meadow’s mother died of the wilting sickness and still her grief has a hold on her. It’s because of this that she’s finally found the courage to do something about it. And it starts by sneaking along the streets after hours, hoping that the King’s guards don’t notice her. It’s because of this that she decides to stand on a stage and tell her story to the strangers at the Gathering. If only the King had imported zyphene then people like her mother wouldn’t have died in vain, if only the King wasn’t spending his gold on trivialities like the barbarous Tournaments he held regularly then the people wouldn’t be living in poverty and fear!
“THE CHOICE TO BOYCOTT IS OURS, IT’S YOURS”
And it’s also this small flame that starts a chain of events that lead to more destruction and revealed horrors. Revelations that shy and anxiety-filled Meadow wasn’t ready to experience, especially when she sees no way of escape or change, but that she must face now or risk the chance of losing all her loved ones
“IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT OUR PLANS WERE,” HE SAYS. “WE HAVE TO MAKE NEW ONES, EVEN IF WE DON’T WANT TO.”
Considering my recent heartbreak, I can’t say this book was any better (why do authors always know where it hurts most?!) but I’ll try to be coherent
In terms of a character, I really got attached to Meadow as the story progressed. I admired how even though she was an introvert and often found herself with anxiety, she was also deeply passionate about helping the people she cared for (and the innocent), sometimes without thinking about her wellbeing. At the same time though, she was very selfish, which made her feel like a genuine person to me. I mean, at one point, she had the chance to escape detection of the Guards but she chose to go back home to see to her father, even if that could cost the safety of all the people who helped her. I know, it sounds bad, but then you get to thinking, wouldn’t I do that as well?
We also got to meet other characters down the line like Anai, who is Meadow’s best friend and, after finding out that Meadow had been detained by the King, her travel companion in trying to find and save her father. Unlike Meadow, Anai was more brazen, which Meadow seemed to always compare. But I’m glad for the balance of the two characters (I feel like Anai could have easily overshadowed Meadow)
“I INSIST,” HE SAYS. “NOSE-BLOWING ON A TUNIC SHOULD BE A CRIME.”
And of course, my ice-cold husband Vogel, who I couldn’t help but imagine as Van Fanel except that Vogel is blonde the whole time, really made me swoon. I’m a sucker for that one guy who has that tough exterior but is actually soft on the inside
Even though he was that character with the sour face, there was just something really humorous about him, especially when combined with his friend Casper. Considering how somber and serious the tone is throughout the book, moments like these really helped relieve some of the tension. I swear, while reading this book, I often found myself wondering when all the tragedy was going to take a break
Luckily, it happened during the moments of banter
“BUT I’LL PUSH ON, AND SO MUST YOU – AND WE’LL FIND THE CRACKS. AND ONE DAY, THINGS WILL CHANGE. I FEEL IT HERE.” SHE TAPS HER HEART.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can see it not being for everyone, especially if you can’t stomach violence or death. I mean, there’s some really messed up stuff happening in this book (like vivisection) and details are plenty, which, ok, maybe is why I was so fascinated with this. I also found myself often wishing that some sort of fantasy element would randomly pop up whenever Meadow was in trouble, except it wouldn’t. This made me even tenser because (in sense) all of this is happening in a “real” world. A world that we can be living in
As for the rest, I can’t really say more without feeling like I’ll fall into spoiler territory but I was not expecting many of the things that happened! Not just in terms of events but also in terms of characters and their relationships. But it also shows that there are many ways to fight and while it’s tragic how much we can lose during wars and rebellions, we also have to think about the future
Like my current future without book two!! I’m so devastated!
July 19, 2019
A big thank you to Caffeine Blog Tours for allowing me to take part in the blog tour, and to Kathy Kimbray for sending me a free copy of the novel. This did not affect my opinion of this book and the content of my review in any way.
The story was a truly emotional one, with an heavy atmosphere and twists and turns I never saw coming. Each time I picked up the novel to read more chapters, I never knew what to expect, and I was proven wrong even when I thought I knew what could happen next, which made reading A Shifting of Stars captivating.
A Shifting of Stars starts quickly when our main character, Meadow Sircha, goes to a gathering to talk about her mother who passed away a year before, and her feelings of grief. What was supposed to be a way for her to deal with her pain turns into a call to boycott a gladiator tournament organized by the King, the King she holds responsible for her mother’s death. This one, unplanned, action, sets Meadow on an intense journey full of discovery, change and heartbreak.
From the first few sentences, I was amazed at how wonderfully Kathy Kimbray builds the atmosphere of the world Meadow lives in. The setting appeared gloomy, perhaps even helpless, and it was so easy to picture. Throughout the novel, the descriptions of the setting are masterfully-crafted and made me feel like I could see each places Meadow visits. They all appeared unique and full of mystery. It truly was one of my favourite parts of the novel and where the writing shined the best. The world surrounding Meadow is small at first, but the world-building is so well developed; this universe has so many details and it has a system with its own issues. Slowly, we discover some of these intricate issues, and they are harrowing. The writing truly doesn’t hold its punches, and some scenes were really difficult to read. However, this was not done simply for shock-value, but it had a point both in the plot, and in the development of the characters, which I appreciated.
I have to admit that, at first, I thought Meadow’s action at the beginning came out of nowhere, even if she’s arbored those feelings for a long time. Her actions and reactions were a bit all over the place, or so I thought. I was quickly proven wrong as Meadow’s voice grows stronger as the story goes on. She’s a very inquisitive character, asking questions whenever she can, trying to understand everything that was going on. I loved that about her. Her character development is strong, which I always love in a novel. She’s really aware of her surroundings. She’s also a bit naive, but also doesn’t trust too easily. I loved the complexity of her character, and how much she had changed at the end of the novel, while still being herself. All the characters in this story are complex, unique in their own way. They are all flawed, from Anai to Vogel, Gyzen or Casper. I couldn’t predict any of their actions, and I liked how some of them were definitely morally-grey. It made the whole cast of characters fascinating and kept me on my toes while reading.
Another part I absolutely loved about the novel was how things were not given easily to the characters. No escape, discovery or action seemed too easy; everything had its fair share of obstacles to overcome. It makes the stakes of the story feel high and very real. The story took very surprising turns as well; all the plot twists were to some extent surprising, but they all made complete sense. The direction the novel took was not one I could have ever guessed, and these are some of my favourite stories.
The middle of the story can often be tricky, but with A Shifting of Stars, I loved it. It felt to me like exploring a new world, with quests and calmer moments to bond with party members, just like I felt when playing The Witcher 3. And I really mean this as a compliment, as it is something I loved in the game and I love to see in novels. It was engaging to see unfold.
The theme of grief is the starting point of this story and Meadow’s journey, but it is also woven throughout the whole novel. It shows us people dealing with grief very differently from one another, but it also shows us acceptance: when a character thinks they should stop grieving, that they should be over it by now, they are told that it’s okay. It takes time, and that’s perfectly fine. This theme was handled with care, and the result is really well done. I related to some aspects of this, and I felt my heart breaking a few times.
A Shifting of Stars is a wonderful start to this series, exploring some intense themes with fascinating characters and beautiful writing. It has surprising twists and turns, making the whole novel captivating, and I honestly cannot wait for the sequel. With the ending, I cannot even begin to guess what book 2 will hold for these characters but I’m really looking forward to read it!
The story was a truly emotional one, with an heavy atmosphere and twists and turns I never saw coming. Each time I picked up the novel to read more chapters, I never knew what to expect, and I was proven wrong even when I thought I knew what could happen next, which made reading A Shifting of Stars captivating.
A Shifting of Stars starts quickly when our main character, Meadow Sircha, goes to a gathering to talk about her mother who passed away a year before, and her feelings of grief. What was supposed to be a way for her to deal with her pain turns into a call to boycott a gladiator tournament organized by the King, the King she holds responsible for her mother’s death. This one, unplanned, action, sets Meadow on an intense journey full of discovery, change and heartbreak.
From the first few sentences, I was amazed at how wonderfully Kathy Kimbray builds the atmosphere of the world Meadow lives in. The setting appeared gloomy, perhaps even helpless, and it was so easy to picture. Throughout the novel, the descriptions of the setting are masterfully-crafted and made me feel like I could see each places Meadow visits. They all appeared unique and full of mystery. It truly was one of my favourite parts of the novel and where the writing shined the best. The world surrounding Meadow is small at first, but the world-building is so well developed; this universe has so many details and it has a system with its own issues. Slowly, we discover some of these intricate issues, and they are harrowing. The writing truly doesn’t hold its punches, and some scenes were really difficult to read. However, this was not done simply for shock-value, but it had a point both in the plot, and in the development of the characters, which I appreciated.
I have to admit that, at first, I thought Meadow’s action at the beginning came out of nowhere, even if she’s arbored those feelings for a long time. Her actions and reactions were a bit all over the place, or so I thought. I was quickly proven wrong as Meadow’s voice grows stronger as the story goes on. She’s a very inquisitive character, asking questions whenever she can, trying to understand everything that was going on. I loved that about her. Her character development is strong, which I always love in a novel. She’s really aware of her surroundings. She’s also a bit naive, but also doesn’t trust too easily. I loved the complexity of her character, and how much she had changed at the end of the novel, while still being herself. All the characters in this story are complex, unique in their own way. They are all flawed, from Anai to Vogel, Gyzen or Casper. I couldn’t predict any of their actions, and I liked how some of them were definitely morally-grey. It made the whole cast of characters fascinating and kept me on my toes while reading.
Another part I absolutely loved about the novel was how things were not given easily to the characters. No escape, discovery or action seemed too easy; everything had its fair share of obstacles to overcome. It makes the stakes of the story feel high and very real. The story took very surprising turns as well; all the plot twists were to some extent surprising, but they all made complete sense. The direction the novel took was not one I could have ever guessed, and these are some of my favourite stories.
The middle of the story can often be tricky, but with A Shifting of Stars, I loved it. It felt to me like exploring a new world, with quests and calmer moments to bond with party members, just like I felt when playing The Witcher 3. And I really mean this as a compliment, as it is something I loved in the game and I love to see in novels. It was engaging to see unfold.
The theme of grief is the starting point of this story and Meadow’s journey, but it is also woven throughout the whole novel. It shows us people dealing with grief very differently from one another, but it also shows us acceptance: when a character thinks they should stop grieving, that they should be over it by now, they are told that it’s okay. It takes time, and that’s perfectly fine. This theme was handled with care, and the result is really well done. I related to some aspects of this, and I felt my heart breaking a few times.
A Shifting of Stars is a wonderful start to this series, exploring some intense themes with fascinating characters and beautiful writing. It has surprising twists and turns, making the whole novel captivating, and I honestly cannot wait for the sequel. With the ending, I cannot even begin to guess what book 2 will hold for these characters but I’m really looking forward to read it!
July 9, 2019
4.5 Stars
Wow. This book was beautifully written and it definitely took me on an emotional roller coaster. A Shifting of Stars is oozing with lyrical language that makes you fall in love with the story. Kimbray uses the most wonderful metaphors and language features when describing the environment, and it really helps you envisage the world of Erraforge.
The story is a bit slow at the start, and it was a little hard for me to get into. However, the book soon continuously surprised me. At first there aren't many twists and turns, the novel just takes a different direction to what I expected. I was constantly guessing what would happen next, assuming it would be a predictable plot line, but it really isn't. My misinterpretation of the blurb mislead me and I was pleasantly surprised in its doing so. As the novel continued on, there was more of a shock factor and I was eagerly flipping each page for more (well, not literally as I was reading it as an eBook, but you get the picture!) A Shifting of Stars constantly kept me guessing and I loved it.
Meadow herself is an interesting character as she is driven solely by grief. She's actually incredibly quick on her feet in my opinion, but she does fail to see the larger picture at times. She's also incredibly courageous and I find her inspiring in that sense. I do believe we see her come into her own, as she seems to become more confident in her decisions and takes charge more often throughout the novel. I would love to see how her character develops even more throughout the sequel.
There is a little bit of romance in the novel, but it was refreshing to see that it wasn't the main focus of the novel. I am a huge sucker for romance, but it felt right that the romance was understated in this novel, as poor Meadow has more pressing issues rather than romance to deal with. That being said I am kind of hoping for more development in this area in the sequel as well, solely because I'd like to see where it goes, and once again, I'm a sucker for romance.
Overall, A Shifting of Stars really surprised me, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending is brilliant and leaves you yearning for more. I'm super excited for the sequel and can't wait to see where the story will go next!
Wow. This book was beautifully written and it definitely took me on an emotional roller coaster. A Shifting of Stars is oozing with lyrical language that makes you fall in love with the story. Kimbray uses the most wonderful metaphors and language features when describing the environment, and it really helps you envisage the world of Erraforge.
The story is a bit slow at the start, and it was a little hard for me to get into. However, the book soon continuously surprised me. At first there aren't many twists and turns, the novel just takes a different direction to what I expected. I was constantly guessing what would happen next, assuming it would be a predictable plot line, but it really isn't. My misinterpretation of the blurb mislead me and I was pleasantly surprised in its doing so. As the novel continued on, there was more of a shock factor and I was eagerly flipping each page for more (well, not literally as I was reading it as an eBook, but you get the picture!) A Shifting of Stars constantly kept me guessing and I loved it.
Meadow herself is an interesting character as she is driven solely by grief. She's actually incredibly quick on her feet in my opinion, but she does fail to see the larger picture at times. She's also incredibly courageous and I find her inspiring in that sense. I do believe we see her come into her own, as she seems to become more confident in her decisions and takes charge more often throughout the novel. I would love to see how her character develops even more throughout the sequel.
There is a little bit of romance in the novel, but it was refreshing to see that it wasn't the main focus of the novel. I am a huge sucker for romance, but it felt right that the romance was understated in this novel, as poor Meadow has more pressing issues rather than romance to deal with. That being said I am kind of hoping for more development in this area in the sequel as well, solely because I'd like to see where it goes, and once again, I'm a sucker for romance.
Overall, A Shifting of Stars really surprised me, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending is brilliant and leaves you yearning for more. I'm super excited for the sequel and can't wait to see where the story will go next!
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