Reviews with content warning for Rape - Star Eater

I really enjoyed it, but I was honestly a bit confused by the history and magic. I think that this book would benefit from a prequel about how Aytrium came to be in the sky. It was also never really explained why men turn into Haunts after having sex with a sister, and I wish that was explored more.

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kimberly_o's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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kllyholt's review

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I definitely don’t recommend reading this book late at night as there are strong descriptions of cannibalism… which definitely made me queasy and anxious. I will say that if you can get past that, this book is pretty good- at least until the ending.

The end of the book felt far too simple. Everyone that you formed an emotional connection to survives? All the stakes suddenly did not seem that high, and there was very little explanation as to ~how~ it was even possible. I don’t normally wish this on characters, but i genuinely think this book might have been more satisfying if the main character had actually died- it would have emphasized the struggle and symbolically tied her character arc to the star’s more.

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theaubby's review

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I had a hard time getting into the story. I don't know if I was missing it or if it just wasn't there yet, but it felt like there wasn't a lot of context for the world. I'm sure it would've been explained but I hadn't developed any kind of attachment to the main character and eventually just got bored.

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kingrosereads's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

A sci-fi fantasy about bodily autonomy that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat gritting your teeth.

Elfreda Raughn is a magical practitioner part of the Sisterhood of Aytrium. The Sisters use a form of magic called lace that they regenerate by consuming the flesh of martyred Sisters. These are usually their mothers and they're put into these comas that keep them on the brink of death. A Sister's duty includes making more Sisters, however the problem is the Sisters don't have a choice and their lace curses the men they become intimate with and they will eventually have to be martyred so their daughters may consume them. Elfreda is willing to do everything and anything she can to avoid bearing a child, including becoming a spy for the rebel cause.

It's the casual cannibalism for me. Like literally, I cannot deal with cannibalism so thankfully those scenes were kept to a minimal. It was introduced in such a blasé way I was mentally shouting at the fact that everyone was just fine with it, but as it turns out, lots of people are grossed out by it.

Overall, I thought the concept was interesting and unique. The worldbuilding was also really different and I wish more time was spent on it. I love the magical system despite my disgust, and it was definitely a profound commentary on how even powerful women, the most powerful in society, have to make these incredible sacrifices. Also, bi women are running this civilization and I loved it.

I felt the pacing and the action sequences were a little off and jarring in places. It was also a little difficult to follow at times. But overall, it's a great read with a somewhat satisfying end.

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madeline_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This book was a bit complicated for me. While I thought the world and plot were fun enough the cannibalism plot was a lot to handle. It was certainly interesting and a different take on how magic travels through out the wold.

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macmannwood's review

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5.0

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