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Across a Field of Starlight
An epic sci-fi graphic novel romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war. An amazing story that explores the complexity of human nature and what brings us together.
When they were kids, Fassen's fighter spaceship crash-landed on a planet that Lu's survey force was exploring. It was a forbidden meeting between a kid from a war-focused resistance movement and a kid whose community and planet are dedicated to peace and secrecy.
Lu and Fassen are from different worlds and separate solar systems. But their friendship keeps them in each other's orbit as they grow up. They stay in contact in secret as their communities are increasingly threatened by the omnipresent, ever-expanding empire.
As the empire begins a new attack against Fassen's people--and discovers Lu's in the process--the two of them have the chance to reunite at last. They finally are able to be together...but at what cost?
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an epic science fiction romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war.
When they were kids, Fassen's fighter spaceship crash-landed on a planet that Lu's survey force was exploring. It was a forbidden meeting between a kid from a war-focused resistance movement and a kid whose community and planet are dedicated to peace and secrecy.
Lu and Fassen are from different worlds and separate solar systems. But their friendship keeps them in each other's orbit as they grow up. They stay in contact in secret as their communities are increasingly threatened by the omnipresent, ever-expanding empire.
As the empire begins a new attack against Fassen's people--and discovers Lu's in the process--the two of them have the chance to reunite at last. They finally are able to be together...but at what cost?
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an epic science fiction romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2022
90 people are currently reading
4269 people want to read
About the author
Blue Delliquanti
46 books146 followersBlue Delliquanti is a comic artist and writer based in Minneapolis, MN.
Since 2012 Blue has drawn and serialized the Prism Award-winning science fiction comic O Human Starat ohumanstar.com. Blue is also the co-creator of the graphic novel Meal (with Soleil Ho), published through Iron Circus Comics, and The ‘Stan (with David Axe and Kevin Knodell), published through Dead Reckoning. Blue is represented by Jen Linnan of Linnan Literary Management LLC.
Since 2012 Blue has drawn and serialized the Prism Award-winning science fiction comic O Human Starat ohumanstar.com. Blue is also the co-creator of the graphic novel Meal (with Soleil Ho), published through Iron Circus Comics, and The ‘Stan (with David Axe and Kevin Knodell), published through Dead Reckoning. Blue is represented by Jen Linnan of Linnan Literary Management LLC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 512 reviews
April 6, 2022
This YA science fiction graphic novel is a sad victim to terrible and inaccurate marketing. The blurb declares it a romance where two nonbinary teens from different solar systems, Fassen and Lu, finally have a "chance to be together" but "at what cost" when the war from one of their worlds invades that of the other.
This is not a romance, either in the structure of the book or the nature of the two characters' relationship.
The first two thirds of the book are Fassen's story, growing up in a rebel society obsessed with war against the "ever-blossoming empire." Fassen is formed in a culture of scarcity and heroism where you might as well be dead if you're not useful for the war cause. Fassen gets recruited for a new special mission, working under their hero, legendary Fireback warrior Nide. Nide, however, is not all that he seems.
Lu is very much in the background of the story, until Fassen ends up jump travelling to their coordinates in a crisis. The action escalates quickly as the Fireback rebels and the empire follow Fassen and a fellow soldier to Lu's peaceful, neutral world.
There is no romantic or sexual element to Fassen and Lu's relationship. I read them both as on an ace and/or aro spectrum, and their bond to me is clearly queerplatonic, although this isn't explored explicitly. There is a brief scene where Fassen tries to kiss (and offer more to) Lu out of a sense of obligation because Lu has saved their life -- both characters clearly don't want to kiss. This scene should have been explored in more depth, particularly the way Fassen has been taught to view all relationships as transactional and feels like they owe people romance and/or sex.
I really wish I could go back and read this as the book it is, not expecting it to be something wildly different. That said, there are a few issues intrinsic: the friendship between Lu and Fassen needs more fleshing out in the early chapters and the culmination of the action in the last quarter is rushed. This novel might have worked better as a series instead of a standalone, especially if it could have done justice to Lu as a main character.
The issues and marketing could totally be fixed! And it's a shame because the art is AMAZING. Blue Delliquanti draws diverse people, particularly in terms of gender but also body type and race, so well. There is a prominent secondary character who is a woman with a beard, so cool! Lu is gorgeously fat and Black, their pink locs floating in their ship's zero gravity. It is a joyful feast for the eyes! The planets, landscapes, and ships are gorgeous too.
An aesthetically pleasing but frustrating read. I wish the publisher had done right by Blue Delliquanti whose previous work I loved! This feels like the publisher's (allocishet) staff did not understand or appreciate this book for what it is at all.
This is not a romance, either in the structure of the book or the nature of the two characters' relationship.
The first two thirds of the book are Fassen's story, growing up in a rebel society obsessed with war against the "ever-blossoming empire." Fassen is formed in a culture of scarcity and heroism where you might as well be dead if you're not useful for the war cause. Fassen gets recruited for a new special mission, working under their hero, legendary Fireback warrior Nide. Nide, however, is not all that he seems.
Lu is very much in the background of the story, until Fassen ends up jump travelling to their coordinates in a crisis. The action escalates quickly as the Fireback rebels and the empire follow Fassen and a fellow soldier to Lu's peaceful, neutral world.
There is no romantic or sexual element to Fassen and Lu's relationship. I read them both as on an ace and/or aro spectrum, and their bond to me is clearly queerplatonic, although this isn't explored explicitly. There is a brief scene where Fassen tries to kiss (and offer more to) Lu out of a sense of obligation because Lu has saved their life -- both characters clearly don't want to kiss. This scene should have been explored in more depth, particularly the way Fassen has been taught to view all relationships as transactional and feels like they owe people romance and/or sex.
I really wish I could go back and read this as the book it is, not expecting it to be something wildly different. That said, there are a few issues intrinsic: the friendship between Lu and Fassen needs more fleshing out in the early chapters and the culmination of the action in the last quarter is rushed. This novel might have worked better as a series instead of a standalone, especially if it could have done justice to Lu as a main character.
The issues and marketing could totally be fixed! And it's a shame because the art is AMAZING. Blue Delliquanti draws diverse people, particularly in terms of gender but also body type and race, so well. There is a prominent secondary character who is a woman with a beard, so cool! Lu is gorgeously fat and Black, their pink locs floating in their ship's zero gravity. It is a joyful feast for the eyes! The planets, landscapes, and ships are gorgeous too.
An aesthetically pleasing but frustrating read. I wish the publisher had done right by Blue Delliquanti whose previous work I loved! This feels like the publisher's (allocishet) staff did not understand or appreciate this book for what it is at all.
March 20, 2022
I was super excited for this, and I loved the art work and the representation, but I found the storyline super confusing and hard to follow
April 10, 2022
Not a single cishet in sight, I love
March 17, 2022
Lu is a happy, cheerful child of the Field Commune, a utopian community of scientists and artists who travel around the edges of the universe to avoid the massive conflict in the center- a war between the Ever-Blossoming Empire and the Firebreak rebels. Lu encounters Fassen, a war orphan, on a neutral planet on the wreck of a cruiser, helps them summon a rebel ship, and gives them a communication device which allows them to stay in touch. As young adults, Lu conducts solo scientific surveys, while Fassen trains as a soldier in the rebel army. The second meeting of their life occurs when Fassen flees with stolen technology, and brings the war right to Lu's doorstep. This is a rich, diverse, and extremely queer sci-fi story which I had been highly anticipating! In an interview, I heard the author call this the story of "a long distance friendship between a kid from a Star Trek world and a kid from a Star Wars world" and that summary does capture some of the book's flavor. I loved the extreme contrast of the two societies, and how clearly they shape the choices each teen makes, and the things they are capable of imagining. The art is gorgeous, full of beautiful and thoughtful colors, and the characters and ships are all grounded in solid design up satisfyingly unique. Definitely recommend.
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January 5, 2024
At fifteen, Fassen is a soldier fighting among the rebels against the robot-let, authoritarian Blossom Empire. On the other side of the galaxy lies their teenage best friend Lu, who lives in an isolated, utopian commune. They met years ago, when Lu rescued Fassen after their ship crashed on a planet Lu's team was surveying. They've kept in touch all these years, but the war is coming closer to them, finally bringing their two worlds together once again.
A little all over the place in terms of storytelling and where it means to go, but the overall theme is: what do we deserve as humans? How do we live? How do we treat each other?
In the Blossom Empire, all things are great and uniform—hierarchal in balance. Lines carefully delineated. Everything in its place, always. People ruled by AI, their lives easy and complacent—so long as they always conform and take from others.
Among the rebels, people can be as they are—but everything comes at a price due to a scarcity mindset. Food, shelter, medicine, hormones, can all be had but must be paid for. Everything, including relationships, are transactional. And the higher you rise, the more you deserve to take. Everyone must be useful. If you are no use, you are worthless. They may fight against the Empire, but they still use the master's tools to dismantle the master's work.
In Lu's commune, and in glimpses of the people living on the planets the rebels and empire are fighting over, are a world where everyone is accepted as who they are and where necessities are shared. Children are allowed to be children. There's still danger, but there is balance—people looking for better ways to be. It's a look of what happens when everyone's basic necessities are met; when everyone moves toward the goal of survival and community; when technology connects and helps instead of isolates and harms.
I loved how gorgeously illustrated this was, and how intrinsically queer the worlds are.
Where the story falters a bit is in the panel flow and character development—there are some secondary characters who have a moment to shine that comes out of nowhere. I did, however, like how complicated everyone was—Nide especially.
A little all over the place in terms of storytelling and where it means to go, but the overall theme is: what do we deserve as humans? How do we live? How do we treat each other?
In the Blossom Empire, all things are great and uniform—hierarchal in balance. Lines carefully delineated. Everything in its place, always. People ruled by AI, their lives easy and complacent—so long as they always conform and take from others.
Among the rebels, people can be as they are—but everything comes at a price due to a scarcity mindset. Food, shelter, medicine, hormones, can all be had but must be paid for. Everything, including relationships, are transactional. And the higher you rise, the more you deserve to take. Everyone must be useful. If you are no use, you are worthless. They may fight against the Empire, but they still use the master's tools to dismantle the master's work.
In Lu's commune, and in glimpses of the people living on the planets the rebels and empire are fighting over, are a world where everyone is accepted as who they are and where necessities are shared. Children are allowed to be children. There's still danger, but there is balance—people looking for better ways to be. It's a look of what happens when everyone's basic necessities are met; when everyone moves toward the goal of survival and community; when technology connects and helps instead of isolates and harms.
I loved how gorgeously illustrated this was, and how intrinsically queer the worlds are.
Where the story falters a bit is in the panel flow and character development—there are some secondary characters who have a moment to shine that comes out of nowhere. I did, however, like how complicated everyone was—Nide especially.
February 13, 2022
Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti is a YA graphic novel set amid a space war. Lu and Fassen are a part of different groups opposed to the Empire who work very differently. They happen upon each other and Lu shares technology so they can stay in touch and the plot goes from there.
This book was outstanding on so many levels. The artwork is incredible and detailed. There is so much diversity, not just in terms of race and gender, but in body type, ability, gender expression, and more. The way the different groups were built up and the themes explored through them were great. There was a lot of complexity with some of the characters and their relationships.
I do wish this had been a series rather than a standalone because there is so much I want to see and ideas that I would have loved to see expanded (that it seems the author would have been able to do some really great things with, judging by what they were able to accomplish with this).
This book was outstanding on so many levels. The artwork is incredible and detailed. There is so much diversity, not just in terms of race and gender, but in body type, ability, gender expression, and more. The way the different groups were built up and the themes explored through them were great. There was a lot of complexity with some of the characters and their relationships.
I do wish this had been a series rather than a standalone because there is so much I want to see and ideas that I would have loved to see expanded (that it seems the author would have been able to do some really great things with, judging by what they were able to accomplish with this).
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December 30, 2022Thank you so much to Random House and GetUnderlined for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Important note: I don't know who wrote the blurb... but I'm not sure they read the book, because this is DEFINITIVELY not a romance. Very confused. Very concerned.
For fans of Steven Universe, this wholesome yet insightful graphic novel tells the story of two nonbinary teens who live incredibly different lives across a giant space war.
The characters were so lovable and wonderfully diverse; there wasn't a cishet person in sight, and most of the characters were POC as well. The more cartoon-ish style of the graphic novel (again, reminiscent of SU), especially within the figures, kept the content feeling accessible amid some of the darker or more difficult-to-understand moments.
Some incredibly nuanced and deep topics were brought to light amid the war themes, mostly in regards to the way that civilians and indigenous people are treated as props or disposable casualties. One of the characters also struggled with PTSD and was constantly having to live within survival mode, as the product of a war. Epic sci-fi like this, especially in YA, doesn't tend to bring up these more grounded and realistic conversations about war, and I felt this really set this work apart. However, these topics were introduced and set up in such a way that opened a lot of doors for messages and calls-to-action for the audience, yet seemed to fizzle out, and they weren't utilized to their full potential, especially in the more climactic moments of the book. Certain bits of dialogue actually seemed like it was going to bring these themes to a close, but went unacknowledged, which seemed... odd. A wonderful start, but left me hanging.
I also found this graphic novel to struggle within its own format. The author didn't seem to have a great grasp on the idea of using the panel as a camera lens, and the transitions of scenes or moments of dialogue were often clunky at best. Also, there were major inconsistencies with the speech bubbles and the formatting of their tails, which made it confusing as to who was speaking at times or how we were meant to interpret their speech. It seemed like it just needed a final editing round by someone other than the author.
CW/TW: war & war themes, parental death (offscreen), violence, gun violence, colonization, trauma/PTSD, vehicle accident, medical content (minor), blood, dysphoria (mention), emesis, bullying (brief)
Important note: I don't know who wrote the blurb... but I'm not sure they read the book, because this is DEFINITIVELY not a romance. Very confused. Very concerned.
For fans of Steven Universe, this wholesome yet insightful graphic novel tells the story of two nonbinary teens who live incredibly different lives across a giant space war.
The characters were so lovable and wonderfully diverse; there wasn't a cishet person in sight, and most of the characters were POC as well. The more cartoon-ish style of the graphic novel (again, reminiscent of SU), especially within the figures, kept the content feeling accessible amid some of the darker or more difficult-to-understand moments.
Some incredibly nuanced and deep topics were brought to light amid the war themes, mostly in regards to the way that civilians and indigenous people are treated as props or disposable casualties. One of the characters also struggled with PTSD and was constantly having to live within survival mode, as the product of a war. Epic sci-fi like this, especially in YA, doesn't tend to bring up these more grounded and realistic conversations about war, and I felt this really set this work apart. However, these topics were introduced and set up in such a way that opened a lot of doors for messages and calls-to-action for the audience, yet seemed to fizzle out, and they weren't utilized to their full potential, especially in the more climactic moments of the book. Certain bits of dialogue actually seemed like it was going to bring these themes to a close, but went unacknowledged, which seemed... odd. A wonderful start, but left me hanging.
I also found this graphic novel to struggle within its own format. The author didn't seem to have a great grasp on the idea of using the panel as a camera lens, and the transitions of scenes or moments of dialogue were often clunky at best. Also, there were major inconsistencies with the speech bubbles and the formatting of their tails, which made it confusing as to who was speaking at times or how we were meant to interpret their speech. It seemed like it just needed a final editing round by someone other than the author.
CW/TW: war & war themes, parental death (offscreen), violence, gun violence, colonization, trauma/PTSD, vehicle accident, medical content (minor), blood, dysphoria (mention), emesis, bullying (brief)
February 28, 2023
Now that was really good (thanks for the rec, Fab!). The most fascinating thing about it is that it shows two takes on the resistance movements against the empire - Fassen's militaristic, highly hierarchical resistance that can't let go of viewing all interactions as transactional, and Lu's peaceful, collectivist utopia that relies on secrecy. There's a lot to think about there. It's also extremely diverse in every single way - from the characters' gender (both protagonists are non-binary and there are several trans side characters), to their races, body types, etc.
(I really don't know why the blurb calls it a romance though. It's really not. Queerplatonic at most, and the one kiss is unwanted by both parties.)
Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 4/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
(I really don't know why the blurb calls it a romance though. It's really not. Queerplatonic at most, and the one kiss is unwanted by both parties.)
Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 4/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
September 15, 2022
across a field of starlight is a beautiful if not confusing space opera set in the tone of a well structured graphic novel. primarily following fassen, a training medic and aspiring fighter for the fire brigade against the blossom empire’s constant attack, and lu, a curious fat teen with gorgeous hair from a forgiving society all unlike fassen’s. the two meet when lu finds fassen in a crash, but are quickly separated by the vast space between their homes. though the overarching conflict of this book is the struggle between opposing groups in space, if you will, the emphasis on learning your own worth and protecting those and the values that you hold close was so sweet.
i’m going to be fully honest: i could not tell you anything about the actual conflict of this book. even in the graphic novel format, i kept having to go back and reread and try to put together what the hell was happening. idk if it was just me, but this book definitely could have benefitted from explaining and worldbuilding way more.
HOWEVER i still had fun with this, because i loved the art and the characters so much! first, we had a black fat nonbinary femme main character, and a black midsize nonbinary masc main character, which!! i obviously loved so much. the fat rep was so gorgeous and something about seeing fat character design in a graphic novel, lu wearing crop tops with their stomach out, fat characters being athletic, and absolutely no fatphobia? ugh it was so good!!
overall, especially if you love a good queer sci-fi, this book was quite cute! we had cute characters, very space opera-y plot, and some fun character themes! it didn’t fully do it for me, but the art was gorgeous!
content warnings: war/violence themes, parental death (offscreen), gun violence, colonization, trauma/PTSD, vehicle accident, blood, dysphoria (mention), bullying (brief)
i’m going to be fully honest: i could not tell you anything about the actual conflict of this book. even in the graphic novel format, i kept having to go back and reread and try to put together what the hell was happening. idk if it was just me, but this book definitely could have benefitted from explaining and worldbuilding way more.
HOWEVER i still had fun with this, because i loved the art and the characters so much! first, we had a black fat nonbinary femme main character, and a black midsize nonbinary masc main character, which!! i obviously loved so much. the fat rep was so gorgeous and something about seeing fat character design in a graphic novel, lu wearing crop tops with their stomach out, fat characters being athletic, and absolutely no fatphobia? ugh it was so good!!
overall, especially if you love a good queer sci-fi, this book was quite cute! we had cute characters, very space opera-y plot, and some fun character themes! it didn’t fully do it for me, but the art was gorgeous!
content warnings: war/violence themes, parental death (offscreen), gun violence, colonization, trauma/PTSD, vehicle accident, blood, dysphoria (mention), bullying (brief)
March 27, 2023
This was kind of a mixed bag for me. I liked the fat rep and the great cast of queer/nonbinary characters but I was hoping for a bit more of a romance plot. If you liked Battlestar Galactica this might be up your alley but for me it was a bit of a slog to get through. The artwork was fantastic though!!
August 21, 2022
I talk about this book in this wrap up video.
December 14, 2022
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . Fassen Ruust, a fifteen-year-old, is recruited as a child soldier by a rebel army fighting imperial forces. Ruust has great instincts and natural talents, progressing rapidly in the ranks. It's all very Star Wars until the war crimes.
On the side, Ruust maintains a forbidden long-distance zine-writing relationship with Lu, a member of a neutral science utopia hiding from the empire with the help of an artificial intelligence named Field. Lu likes to science, exploring worlds and secretly helping Ruust figure out new technology stolen from the empire.
There are interesting gender diversity aspects, but that all gets lost as the overly long book mires down in muddled action scenes, complex and yet still vague world building, and simplistic nice-people-win-because-they're-nice plotting.
I've enjoyed Blue Delliquanti's previous books, especially the down-to-earth Meal, but this space epic is a fizzle for me.
On the side, Ruust maintains a forbidden long-distance zine-writing relationship with Lu, a member of a neutral science utopia hiding from the empire with the help of an artificial intelligence named Field. Lu likes to science, exploring worlds and secretly helping Ruust figure out new technology stolen from the empire.
There are interesting gender diversity aspects, but that all gets lost as the overly long book mires down in muddled action scenes, complex and yet still vague world building, and simplistic nice-people-win-because-they're-nice plotting.
I've enjoyed Blue Delliquanti's previous books, especially the down-to-earth Meal, but this space epic is a fizzle for me.
February 13, 2022
*3.75
Across a Field of Starlight is an engaging and exciting graphic novel that, while confusing in the beginning, had me on the edge of my seat towards the end of it.
To begin with, the art style in this graphic novel was stunning. The character designs were all fabulous, and all of the little details really helped to draw the reader in. I think the biggest reason I wasn’t as confused as I might’ve been was because of the art style. This helped me picture some of the more complex sci-fi ideas that were never fully explained or developed.
I absolutely loved the way Across a Field of Starlight dismantled gender norms. All of the characters are so diverse, and all of it felt genuine. Sometimes in stories, it can feel like there’s diversity for the sake of diversity, but not in this graphic novel. It felt natural (as it should be), and effortless. This was by far my favorite part of the story, and I was so excited to see it portrayed as such.
I will say, I wish that it had been clarified whether one (or both) of the main characters were asexual or aromantic. It was almost touched upon, but then the novel transitioned into a different scene, and was never brought up again. This part felt unfinished, and I wish it had been developed more.
Additionally, I feel that there needed to be more worldbuilding here. While I thought the concept was super unique, I also didn’t understand it very well. Most of it became clearer as the story went on, but it took me a while to feel like I had a good interpretation of what was happening, which was a bit of a shame, because it really was a cool concept.
Despite these issues, I still enjoyed this. I loved getting to know Fassen and Lu, and they were such interesting characters. I loved watching their bond develop, even though they were always so far away from each other.
Across a Field of Starlight also brings up some interesting questions when it comes to politics and war. This, combined with the very needed discussions on sexuality and gender, makes this graphic novel a must read for those interested in science fiction.
While I did have some issues with it, I really enjoyed it overall and would recommend it to anyone considering picking it up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and TBR and Beyond Tours for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Across a Field of Starlight is an engaging and exciting graphic novel that, while confusing in the beginning, had me on the edge of my seat towards the end of it.
To begin with, the art style in this graphic novel was stunning. The character designs were all fabulous, and all of the little details really helped to draw the reader in. I think the biggest reason I wasn’t as confused as I might’ve been was because of the art style. This helped me picture some of the more complex sci-fi ideas that were never fully explained or developed.
I absolutely loved the way Across a Field of Starlight dismantled gender norms. All of the characters are so diverse, and all of it felt genuine. Sometimes in stories, it can feel like there’s diversity for the sake of diversity, but not in this graphic novel. It felt natural (as it should be), and effortless. This was by far my favorite part of the story, and I was so excited to see it portrayed as such.
I will say, I wish that it had been clarified whether one (or both) of the main characters were asexual or aromantic. It was almost touched upon, but then the novel transitioned into a different scene, and was never brought up again. This part felt unfinished, and I wish it had been developed more.
Additionally, I feel that there needed to be more worldbuilding here. While I thought the concept was super unique, I also didn’t understand it very well. Most of it became clearer as the story went on, but it took me a while to feel like I had a good interpretation of what was happening, which was a bit of a shame, because it really was a cool concept.
Despite these issues, I still enjoyed this. I loved getting to know Fassen and Lu, and they were such interesting characters. I loved watching their bond develop, even though they were always so far away from each other.
Across a Field of Starlight also brings up some interesting questions when it comes to politics and war. This, combined with the very needed discussions on sexuality and gender, makes this graphic novel a must read for those interested in science fiction.
While I did have some issues with it, I really enjoyed it overall and would recommend it to anyone considering picking it up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and TBR and Beyond Tours for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 5, 2022
Let me start with the positives.
This book is beautifully illustrated. The characters are diverse and all have unique appearances—I’ve read many graphic novels when you can’t tell certain characters apart. The colors are beautiful. The technology and use of AI were interesting, if a little cliche. I thought Fassan was a very interesting character. The characters are diverse just because that is who they are. There are no plot points behind it.
As for the negatives.
I feel like I did not fully understand this graphic novel. I did not really understand the setting, where either Lu or Fassen were, or where they were going. The world-building was minimum. I mentioned earlier that I liked the technology and the AI, but I did not really understand how either of these came to be. I was not very involved with the romance. Lu and Fassen seemed more like best friends than partners, to me (I’m also not sure if they’re supposed to be in a romantic relationship. There was one kiss that was unenjoyable for both of them. This could be a result of mismarketing). The ending felt abrupt, since the main villain seemed established in the end. I did not understand who Lu really was until I reread the synopsis of the book.
Overall, I feel like I did not understand the world. I don’t know anything about this author, but I feel like this should have been a novel, and not a graphic one. I think there could have been more plot devices and worldbuilding this way.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is beautifully illustrated. The characters are diverse and all have unique appearances—I’ve read many graphic novels when you can’t tell certain characters apart. The colors are beautiful. The technology and use of AI were interesting, if a little cliche. I thought Fassan was a very interesting character. The characters are diverse just because that is who they are. There are no plot points behind it.
As for the negatives.
I feel like I did not fully understand this graphic novel. I did not really understand the setting, where either Lu or Fassen were, or where they were going. The world-building was minimum. I mentioned earlier that I liked the technology and the AI, but I did not really understand how either of these came to be. I was not very involved with the romance. Lu and Fassen seemed more like best friends than partners, to me (I’m also not sure if they’re supposed to be in a romantic relationship. There was one kiss that was unenjoyable for both of them. This could be a result of mismarketing). The ending felt abrupt, since the main villain seemed established in the end. I did not understand who Lu really was until I reread the synopsis of the book.
Overall, I feel like I did not understand the world. I don’t know anything about this author, but I feel like this should have been a novel, and not a graphic one. I think there could have been more plot devices and worldbuilding this way.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
*2.75
I read a couple reviews for this book, and I was honestly intrigued by all the people who said it was confusing. That was part of the reason I read it, because how confusing can a sci-fi graphic novel get?
Well. Pretty confusing, actually.
I'd say this almost veers into hard sci-fi, although the graphic novel component does help with that. I really liked the art and the color palette, so that was fun. And I did like how naturally queer characters were worked in here, too.
I liked Fassen and Lu's friendship, but I'd also agree with the reviews who said this isn't a romance. It does read more like a QPR, and nothing's ever explicitly defined between them. I think it just would've been nice to see more of their relationship develop - we see them when they're both kids, then later when they're older and have been talking for years.
2.75/5 stars. The queerness in the universe was good and the characters weren't bad, but the plot was way too complicated.
I read a couple reviews for this book, and I was honestly intrigued by all the people who said it was confusing. That was part of the reason I read it, because how confusing can a sci-fi graphic novel get?
Well. Pretty confusing, actually.
I'd say this almost veers into hard sci-fi, although the graphic novel component does help with that. I really liked the art and the color palette, so that was fun. And I did like how naturally queer characters were worked in here, too.
I liked Fassen and Lu's friendship, but I'd also agree with the reviews who said this isn't a romance. It does read more like a QPR, and nothing's ever explicitly defined between them. I think it just would've been nice to see more of their relationship develop - we see them when they're both kids, then later when they're older and have been talking for years.
2.75/5 stars. The queerness in the universe was good and the characters weren't bad, but the plot was way too complicated.
January 22, 2023
This book was nothing like the little blurb describes it, but luckily I didn’t read the blurb before reading the book, so I wasn’t disappointed. I saw pretty art, and inside the book I got more pretty art.
The book itself was not a romance like the blurb describes, which again wasn’t what I was expecting so I wasn’t disappointed. A better description of this book would be that it’s about two non-binary characters who meet as kids and keep in touch for years before there fates intertwine and together they work together to try and stop the evil empire from destroying their homes, friends and everything they love.
Overall I did really enjoy this book. The art was AMAZING and the storyline was interesting. The characters were also diverse and I got really invested in them (also the character development was incredible especially considering this is a graphic novel).
Overall I would rate it 4.5 stars (only 4.5 because the blurb is pretty misleading, otherwise it would be 5 stars) and would definitely recommend reading, just don’t expect the book to be as the blurb describes.
The book itself was not a romance like the blurb describes, which again wasn’t what I was expecting so I wasn’t disappointed. A better description of this book would be that it’s about two non-binary characters who meet as kids and keep in touch for years before there fates intertwine and together they work together to try and stop the evil empire from destroying their homes, friends and everything they love.
Overall I did really enjoy this book. The art was AMAZING and the storyline was interesting. The characters were also diverse and I got really invested in them (also the character development was incredible especially considering this is a graphic novel).
Overall I would rate it 4.5 stars (only 4.5 because the blurb is pretty misleading, otherwise it would be 5 stars) and would definitely recommend reading, just don’t expect the book to be as the blurb describes.
August 8, 2022
3 stars. Beautiful artwork, really interesting world building, love the diversity of characters… but don’t promise me a romance if it isn’t a romance in the slightest. If this had been sold as a best friendship across light years, I probably would have liked it more.
August 23, 2022
There's so many things the author is trying to achieve here, but unfortunately doesn't succeed in doing so...
The art is colorful and cheerful, which doesn't necessarily match the mood of the story at all times, and the two main characters have a lot of qualities to make them into real charmers. However, they end up feeling mostly flat and not that interesting, except for some glimpses here and there.
Over all, I think the main problem with this graphic novel is that the story is really chaotic and confusing in its developing, and we don't get enough background as to get really invested on it... except in the very last part of the book, maybe.
Didn't really enjoyed it that much...
The art is colorful and cheerful, which doesn't necessarily match the mood of the story at all times, and the two main characters have a lot of qualities to make them into real charmers. However, they end up feeling mostly flat and not that interesting, except for some glimpses here and there.
Over all, I think the main problem with this graphic novel is that the story is really chaotic and confusing in its developing, and we don't get enough background as to get really invested on it... except in the very last part of the book, maybe.
Didn't really enjoyed it that much...
March 24, 2023
I really struggled to figure out what the plot was for this book and I also think this graphic novel struggles with mismarketing as well. I thought this was a romance that was set in space not a super in depth sci fi showcasing a queer platonic relationship instead. There is nothing wrong with sci fi books or queer platonic bonds but I was expecting something else. Also, I truly have no idea what I just read, it was that confusing for me to follow along.
July 13, 2022
Across a Field of Starlight is an aggressively queer science fiction epic in the same vein as Becky Chambers' works. I loved The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and its sequels, so I was perfectly ready to settle in to some cozy sci-fi again. This book scratched that itch, but also left me wanting.
The squishy artwork in small panels often blurred the majesty of space and the action sequences, though it certainly worked for the many character-focused scenes. Much of the plot relied on overly technical terminology that didn't mesh well with the deep focus on the characters. I don't think I could explain the overarching plot to you now: there's a rebel group, an occupied planet, a galactic empire, and...a utopia? Lots of characters, lots of motivations. Lessons are emphatically learned about looking at things from another person's viewpoint.
It all felt rather safe and bland, which I suppose is an element of cozy sci-fi. But the author also seemed to be trying hard to tell an epic story, which kinda flopped. I'd be eager to see Blue Delliquanti's next work - this one was a decent start.
The squishy artwork in small panels often blurred the majesty of space and the action sequences, though it certainly worked for the many character-focused scenes. Much of the plot relied on overly technical terminology that didn't mesh well with the deep focus on the characters. I don't think I could explain the overarching plot to you now: there's a rebel group, an occupied planet, a galactic empire, and...a utopia? Lots of characters, lots of motivations. Lessons are emphatically learned about looking at things from another person's viewpoint.
It all felt rather safe and bland, which I suppose is an element of cozy sci-fi. But the author also seemed to be trying hard to tell an epic story, which kinda flopped. I'd be eager to see Blue Delliquanti's next work - this one was a decent start.
May 17, 2022
There was so much representation in this book from a ton of different categories. There was queer representation. There was disability representation. There was multiple cultures and races. It was an interesting take on the possibility of a utopia from a scifi perspective. I think if I were to read this book a few more times I could pick up on even more undercurrents the author was trying to convey. Overall beautiful artwork and interesting story.
Rep: Non-binary MC, trans characters, Black MC, plus size MC, wheel chair and mobility aid users
Rep: Non-binary MC, trans characters, Black MC, plus size MC, wheel chair and mobility aid users
April 11, 2022
*2.5 stars*
Beautiful art, coloring, and positive representation. (I especially appreciated the body and size diversity portrayed throughout.) Overall, however, the story was difficult to follow and the world building was somewhat confusing. I spent most of the story feeling like I had missed a previous volume in the series.
Beautiful art, coloring, and positive representation. (I especially appreciated the body and size diversity portrayed throughout.) Overall, however, the story was difficult to follow and the world building was somewhat confusing. I spent most of the story feeling like I had missed a previous volume in the series.
May 9, 2023
I enjoyed the whole thing muchly, characters design plot, and somehow was surprised by the conflict between styles of resistance, so relevant to worries I have worried about in recent years. It felt nourishing, where they went with it. Also the discussion of the utility of art is great!!
March 11, 2023
I don't read a lot of graphic novels, I'm primarily a printed word novel girlie, but I really enjoyed this book!
I picked it from Barnes and Noble on the sole basis of it being in the "YA LGBTQ+" section AND because one of the characters on the cover has a pansexual flag tattoo on their arm. I was sold! And this book definitely delivered in terms of its representation. We get hairy femmes! We get femme presenting they/thems! Long haired mascs! I loved it! The artwork was great, and the characters themselves were incredibly nuanced. They make a lot of mistakes, but their motivations make sense given their character designs. And Lu has become one of my favorite characters in literature I have read in recent years. They are the character on the cover with the pansexual flag tattoo, they are just the sweetest character, and they are so super STEM smart! A lot of their dialogue went right over my head but I was just in awe of how much they understood about the space they inhabited.
Recently I watched La'Ron Readus's YouTube video on "My Dad the Bounty Hunter", a Netflix series that I instantly added to my "To Be Watched" list. He talked in great depth about how the dystopia that the series covers is a thinly veiled allegory about certain large, multi-million dollar corporations in our world today, and it really stuck with me. "Across a Field of Starlight" felt like it was speaking right to the version of me that was still stuck on La'Ron's video. I won't spoil any of the allegory I personally saw in the book, but the sharp contrasts between Fassen's more similar to our world world and Lu's world made an eloquent point that felt in dialogue with La'Ron and his video essay.
The only reason this book didn't earn a coveted five star rating is simply because I don't understand sci-fi concepts and sometimes I would get lost in the super high tech descriptions of space travel and quantum particle...things? So it would take me a little bit more time to pick up on contextual evidence to figure out what was going on. This is a purely subjective reasoning for the rating, so don't weigh it too heavily! The book is so great even with this minor detraction!
I watch a lot of YouTube video essays, so I will end my review with one other video that came to mind while I was reading this book. James Somerton made a video about the JK Rowling/"Harry Potter" controversy, offering the closing point that we need a new series of books to connect with young people like "Harry Potter" did. I don't know if "Across a Field of Starlight" exactly fits the bill, but I do know that if someday, I ever have children of my own (or open my LGBTQ+ youth center, like I want to), this book will be one I pedal heavily. Especially with the free descriptions of gender expressions and the diverse cast of characters, it is certainly a piece of literature that makes me happy and I would love for youth to read it and feel happy as well.
Videos referenced-
La'Ron Readus: https://youtu.be/B4jjbwrXAL0
James Somerton: https://youtu.be/jJmN2rC1cVM
I picked it from Barnes and Noble on the sole basis of it being in the "YA LGBTQ+" section AND because one of the characters on the cover has a pansexual flag tattoo on their arm. I was sold! And this book definitely delivered in terms of its representation. We get hairy femmes! We get femme presenting they/thems! Long haired mascs! I loved it! The artwork was great, and the characters themselves were incredibly nuanced. They make a lot of mistakes, but their motivations make sense given their character designs. And Lu has become one of my favorite characters in literature I have read in recent years. They are the character on the cover with the pansexual flag tattoo, they are just the sweetest character, and they are so super STEM smart! A lot of their dialogue went right over my head but I was just in awe of how much they understood about the space they inhabited.
Recently I watched La'Ron Readus's YouTube video on "My Dad the Bounty Hunter", a Netflix series that I instantly added to my "To Be Watched" list. He talked in great depth about how the dystopia that the series covers is a thinly veiled allegory about certain large, multi-million dollar corporations in our world today, and it really stuck with me. "Across a Field of Starlight" felt like it was speaking right to the version of me that was still stuck on La'Ron's video. I won't spoil any of the allegory I personally saw in the book, but the sharp contrasts between Fassen's more similar to our world world and Lu's world made an eloquent point that felt in dialogue with La'Ron and his video essay.
The only reason this book didn't earn a coveted five star rating is simply because I don't understand sci-fi concepts and sometimes I would get lost in the super high tech descriptions of space travel and quantum particle...things? So it would take me a little bit more time to pick up on contextual evidence to figure out what was going on. This is a purely subjective reasoning for the rating, so don't weigh it too heavily! The book is so great even with this minor detraction!
I watch a lot of YouTube video essays, so I will end my review with one other video that came to mind while I was reading this book. James Somerton made a video about the JK Rowling/"Harry Potter" controversy, offering the closing point that we need a new series of books to connect with young people like "Harry Potter" did. I don't know if "Across a Field of Starlight" exactly fits the bill, but I do know that if someday, I ever have children of my own (or open my LGBTQ+ youth center, like I want to), this book will be one I pedal heavily. Especially with the free descriptions of gender expressions and the diverse cast of characters, it is certainly a piece of literature that makes me happy and I would love for youth to read it and feel happy as well.
Videos referenced-
La'Ron Readus: https://youtu.be/B4jjbwrXAL0
James Somerton: https://youtu.be/jJmN2rC1cVM
Read
January 31, 20223⭐️
Across a Field of Starlight is a sci-fi graphic novel about intergalactic wars and politics, but also about friendship. I loved the friendship aspect and learning more about Lu and Fassen (and Field!!), but the plot and world building felt incomplete. There is a lot going on, and I didn’t feel like I understood most of it. I also don’t really understand why it was marketed as romance, because the characters relationship felt 100% platonic.
The coolest part about this book is that the characters are so diverse, and their diversity isn’t a plot point at all!!! None of the characters face discrimination based on their size or skin color or gender identity and it was so refreshing. This is the type of action packed story so many kids could see themselves in — and that is so important.
The first half of the book is mostly set on a ship of training soldiers, and I didn’t really care about the politics. The second half we get more character development and relationship building, which was great.
I love some aspects of sci-fi, and others I literally don’t care about at all, and this was a mix of both. AI and new technology?!! LOVE. Space wars… not so much my thing. If it’s your jam though you will love this!!
Across a Field of Starlight is a sci-fi graphic novel about intergalactic wars and politics, but also about friendship. I loved the friendship aspect and learning more about Lu and Fassen (and Field!!), but the plot and world building felt incomplete. There is a lot going on, and I didn’t feel like I understood most of it. I also don’t really understand why it was marketed as romance, because the characters relationship felt 100% platonic.
The coolest part about this book is that the characters are so diverse, and their diversity isn’t a plot point at all!!! None of the characters face discrimination based on their size or skin color or gender identity and it was so refreshing. This is the type of action packed story so many kids could see themselves in — and that is so important.
The first half of the book is mostly set on a ship of training soldiers, and I didn’t really care about the politics. The second half we get more character development and relationship building, which was great.
I love some aspects of sci-fi, and others I literally don’t care about at all, and this was a mix of both. AI and new technology?!! LOVE. Space wars… not so much my thing. If it’s your jam though you will love this!!
June 21, 2022
There have been a lot of books that have come out in the last several years that made me say, WOW, where was this when I was a kid? Where was this book when I needed it? Not so with "Across a Field of Starlight," which is here now, and I need it. I needed it, and I still need it.
This book took me so long to read. I've been a follower of Delliquanti's since O Human Star was updating online, and a MASSIVE fan once I learned out they're a fellow upper Midwesterner, so as soon as this book was announced, it was on my TBR. But I dragged my feet a little bit. I checked it out from the library, renewed it, renewed it again, and then had to return it. Then I checked it out again... and renewed it. And renewed it again. Could it possibly live up to the hype I'd created for it?
Reader, it exceeded it. Once I started, the only times I stopped were because I felt so seen, so validated, and so *loved* that I just couldn't hold back the tears anymore. This book was a hug for my soul - not one of those perfunctory or obligatory hugs, but the hug I would give to my past self if I could go back in time and offer such a thing.
I'm so glad this book exists at any point, in any timeline I get to experience. Thank you.
This book took me so long to read. I've been a follower of Delliquanti's since O Human Star was updating online, and a MASSIVE fan once I learned out they're a fellow upper Midwesterner, so as soon as this book was announced, it was on my TBR. But I dragged my feet a little bit. I checked it out from the library, renewed it, renewed it again, and then had to return it. Then I checked it out again... and renewed it. And renewed it again. Could it possibly live up to the hype I'd created for it?
Reader, it exceeded it. Once I started, the only times I stopped were because I felt so seen, so validated, and so *loved* that I just couldn't hold back the tears anymore. This book was a hug for my soul - not one of those perfunctory or obligatory hugs, but the hug I would give to my past self if I could go back in time and offer such a thing.
I'm so glad this book exists at any point, in any timeline I get to experience. Thank you.
November 16, 2022
Oh there was so much I enjoyed here. The art! The representation! The themes! I agree with other reviewers that it was odd to see this described as a romance, as I read the two nonbinary protagonists as having a strong platonic relationship. (Not to spoil it, but there was a scene that very much pointed out that it WASN'T a romantic relationship? Which I loved. You could read them as ace/aro or just as friends who care very deeply for each other. Or both. All of the above. Anyway, I liked their relationship a lot.)
Some of the worldbuilding felt too complicated for a story of this size, so honestly I breezed through parts of it. I thought it was interesting and clever, though, and some of my impatience for it might just be due to my personal opinions regarding pacing and graphic novels. Also, the rebellion camp setting kinda bored me. LOVED Lu's home/the commune though. So I do recommend this one. I could definitely see others loving the parts that didn't work for me personally.
Some of the worldbuilding felt too complicated for a story of this size, so honestly I breezed through parts of it. I thought it was interesting and clever, though, and some of my impatience for it might just be due to my personal opinions regarding pacing and graphic novels. Also, the rebellion camp setting kinda bored me. LOVED Lu's home/the commune though. So I do recommend this one. I could definitely see others loving the parts that didn't work for me personally.
January 15, 2024
This was so cool!!! Graphic novel, sci fi/space shenanigans, two nonbinary teens.
One teen lives in a commune refuge type space center and is the biggest data collector/mini scientist! They are Black and fat and so caring. I also loved the little nuances like getting their braids retwisted and sleeping in a bonnet throughout the story. Such an inquisitive data collector and scientist.
The other teen is living in a rebel facility fighting the empire, they're struggling to find their footing on who they are and what they believe in.
There is so much gender fluidity and trans-ness throughout this and I LOVED it. Side character adults that are so varied in their appearance and gender, everyone normalizing pronouns and HRT. Also, it wasn't explicitly stated but it felt like both teens were in the ace/aro realm, which was cool to see in YA.
This book was really neat, had a great plot in addition to the cast of characters and artwork. So happy to have randomly grabbed this from the library!
One teen lives in a commune refuge type space center and is the biggest data collector/mini scientist! They are Black and fat and so caring. I also loved the little nuances like getting their braids retwisted and sleeping in a bonnet throughout the story. Such an inquisitive data collector and scientist.
The other teen is living in a rebel facility fighting the empire, they're struggling to find their footing on who they are and what they believe in.
There is so much gender fluidity and trans-ness throughout this and I LOVED it. Side character adults that are so varied in their appearance and gender, everyone normalizing pronouns and HRT. Also, it wasn't explicitly stated but it felt like both teens were in the ace/aro realm, which was cool to see in YA.
This book was really neat, had a great plot in addition to the cast of characters and artwork. So happy to have randomly grabbed this from the library!
June 8, 2023
First off I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 because the plot was a bit hard to follow at times and I read other reviews mentioning this. But I just tried to keep reading and not let it hold me back and I enjoyed the rest of the graphic novel. I loved the different characters! This book is so queer and I love it! This one kind reminds me of Cosmoknights with the space setting and queer characters. The art style is beautiful!
Overall, I would recommend for anyone looking for a queer space action packed graphic novel
Rep: 2 non-binary MCs, fat MC, trans man character, woman with a beard, characters using mobility aids (cane and wheelchair). Mentions of binders and Testosterone (unnamed but implied)
Just super diverse overall!
Overall, I would recommend for anyone looking for a queer space action packed graphic novel
Rep: 2 non-binary MCs, fat MC, trans man character, woman with a beard, characters using mobility aids (cane and wheelchair). Mentions of binders and Testosterone (unnamed but implied)
Just super diverse overall!
May 25, 2024
It is unfortunate that this is advertised as a queer love story. It is a sci-fi adventure. The story has non-binary characters, but it is not a story about non-binary characters. Which is fine and should be the norm, but it felt like the marketing was misleading since there is little indication that the main characters are anything more than good friends. As a sci-fi adventure, it is good, but a little busy, trying to introduce and develop a galactic empire, rebels, an AI that defected the empire, civilians caught in the crossfire, and a commune trying to avoid the conflict. Some of the story points and technical jargon felt rushed. But the art was very good and very easy to follow, and it was a good story overall.
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