Scan barcode
thewallflower00's review against another edition
4.0
This book had a wonderful beginning. It started with intriguing characters -- a good ol' country witch (the sticks and herbs and perfumes and potions kind) in the Dr. McCoy vein, a hearthrobby lumberjack, and the stuck-up city boy with horrible secrets. It was an intriguing universe too -- the old west with magic. It's a hero's journey story. The first half is great, but the second half feels paddy, where magic can "suddenly" do things just because it can. Just to provide obstacles for the heroes.
At a certain point the story feels more concerned with showing off what this universe can do and the "neat stuff" in it than it does on resolving the plot. It even needs a prologue to tie its beginning and ending together. And nothing in the prologue has any bearing on the plot in-between. I'm surprised this got past the editors -- it's one of the worst reasons for a prologue. It unmade the story for me from the best thing I read this span.
At a certain point the story feels more concerned with showing off what this universe can do and the "neat stuff" in it than it does on resolving the plot. It even needs a prologue to tie its beginning and ending together. And nothing in the prologue has any bearing on the plot in-between. I'm surprised this got past the editors -- it's one of the worst reasons for a prologue. It unmade the story for me from the best thing I read this span.
bonbonsandreveries's review against another edition
4.0
Take an old Western then add some magic, a pinch of paranormal, and a sprinkle of romance and you get The Native Star. This was one crazy steampunk adventure. The Native Star follows a 25 year old witch, Emily. She and her adoptive father, Pap, own a magic shop-mostly for home use; however, it is being run out of business by a larger company. In an effort to ease Pap’s life, she casts a love spell on her friend for money hoping that after they get married she will grow to love him. However, her spell goes wrong and a poor drunk warlock, tells Emily about suspicious events occurring as well as accusing her of using dark magic. After going to check on his suspicions, Emily gets a native star stuck in her hand. With the help of Dreadnought Stanton, the most aggravating Warlock ever, she goes in search of removing it. Their journey across America is filled with problems. Almost every magical society is after them, including the government. Apparently the native star is much more valuable and deadly then Emily originally thought.
What an adventure! I felt like I was there. When Emily and Stanton were tired, I was tired. When they were scared, I was scared. It was so much fun. This novel takes place in 1876. Their journey takes them from California all the way to the east coast. It is an America where magic is used everywhere, even in the government. This magic is powered through faith and belief in it. You do get the occasional anti-magic religious town. This world is filled with secret societies, radicals, zombies, and flying machines. The story has an old western feel to it-so much so that I visualized some of it in sepia. No joke, it was almost like watching a blockbuster western film. Epic.
The characters were so well-written (the whole book was!) At the beginning of the novel, Emily made a choice. It was the wrong one and everything that happens to her after that is the consequence of one small decision. Hobson explores choices and their consequences throughout The Native Star, for almost every character. Emily is a very human character. She makes mistakes and she is not perfect in any way. But she tries to do the right thing. Emily gets stuck with the “insufferable” Stanton, who has made it his life mission to show off his magical knowledge. Stanton was a fascinating character. At the beginning, I agreed with Emily on his annoying and supercilious attitude and comments. I remember thinking “It’s going to be a long ride.” But over the course of the book, the reasons for his actions and personality are revealed and I (and Emily, of course) started to fall in love with him. The romance wasn’t overpowering though. It started out as hate then turned to love over time-basically a growing attraction. Stanton reminded me of Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. He’s definitely the strong smart guy, but there is no doubt that he is tortured. These two are the central characters of the novel. There are a whole bunch of others including an Indian Holy Woman, an evil soul that possesses people, a radical warlock who happens to run the American military, and a paranoid feminist witch.
This is the first book in a series. The Native Star is an exhilarating adventure that will leave you wanting more.
What an adventure! I felt like I was there. When Emily and Stanton were tired, I was tired. When they were scared, I was scared. It was so much fun. This novel takes place in 1876. Their journey takes them from California all the way to the east coast. It is an America where magic is used everywhere, even in the government. This magic is powered through faith and belief in it. You do get the occasional anti-magic religious town. This world is filled with secret societies, radicals, zombies, and flying machines. The story has an old western feel to it-so much so that I visualized some of it in sepia. No joke, it was almost like watching a blockbuster western film. Epic.
The characters were so well-written (the whole book was!) At the beginning of the novel, Emily made a choice. It was the wrong one and everything that happens to her after that is the consequence of one small decision. Hobson explores choices and their consequences throughout The Native Star, for almost every character. Emily is a very human character. She makes mistakes and she is not perfect in any way. But she tries to do the right thing. Emily gets stuck with the “insufferable” Stanton, who has made it his life mission to show off his magical knowledge. Stanton was a fascinating character. At the beginning, I agreed with Emily on his annoying and supercilious attitude and comments. I remember thinking “It’s going to be a long ride.” But over the course of the book, the reasons for his actions and personality are revealed and I (and Emily, of course) started to fall in love with him. The romance wasn’t overpowering though. It started out as hate then turned to love over time-basically a growing attraction. Stanton reminded me of Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. He’s definitely the strong smart guy, but there is no doubt that he is tortured. These two are the central characters of the novel. There are a whole bunch of others including an Indian Holy Woman, an evil soul that possesses people, a radical warlock who happens to run the American military, and a paranoid feminist witch.
This is the first book in a series. The Native Star is an exhilarating adventure that will leave you wanting more.
krish_'s review against another edition
3.0
So steampunk, huh?
I've heard there are better examples of the sub-genre than MK Hobson's The Native Star but as its my first time venturing into the unknown, I suppose its better I am gently eased into it, rather than thrown right in. The idea of steampunk never really interested me. I think I developed quite an aversion to it actually. I like old school magic, and the concept of merging that with innovative gadgetry was just a turn off.
But I liked it, relatively speaking. The plot is straight forward enough. The details within this plot, however, is confusing. There are a lot of information; many technical terms wrapped up in those typically convoluted scientific diction that I gave up halfway through trying to smooth it all out in my head. The trouble is that the actual content didn't attract me as much as the characters did. Meaning I didn't really care where the heck the book was going as long as Emily and Stanton were there (which isn't really a good sign, is it?). Speaking of Emily and Stanton, they are hilarious and were the reason I kept reading. Stanton's manly pats on the back to maneuver out of intimate moments consequently pacifying any sexual energy sizzling between the two is laugh out loud funny. He is so awkward you can't help but like him little by little despite his overt obnoxiousness. Emily surprisingly shined just a tad dimmer but I admire her guts and outspoken temperament. It got a little melodramatic near the end but hey.
The writing, though, is excellent. This is quite an undertaking for a debut novel, in my opinion, and Hobson does an impressive job.But then again, I'm a virgin of this genre so my opinion is nil and void. But still a thumbs up from this steampunk newbie. Good read for anyone who wants to have an adventure.
I don't usually do this but I want to make it clear: 3.5
I've heard there are better examples of the sub-genre than MK Hobson's The Native Star but as its my first time venturing into the unknown, I suppose its better I am gently eased into it, rather than thrown right in. The idea of steampunk never really interested me. I think I developed quite an aversion to it actually. I like old school magic, and the concept of merging that with innovative gadgetry was just a turn off.
But I liked it, relatively speaking. The plot is straight forward enough. The details within this plot, however, is confusing. There are a lot of information; many technical terms wrapped up in those typically convoluted scientific diction that I gave up halfway through trying to smooth it all out in my head. The trouble is that the actual content didn't attract me as much as the characters did. Meaning I didn't really care where the heck the book was going as long as Emily and Stanton were there (which isn't really a good sign, is it?). Speaking of Emily and Stanton, they are hilarious and were the reason I kept reading. Stanton's manly pats on the back to maneuver out of intimate moments consequently pacifying any sexual energy sizzling between the two is laugh out loud funny. He is so awkward you can't help but like him little by little despite his overt obnoxiousness. Emily surprisingly shined just a tad dimmer but I admire her guts and outspoken temperament. It got a little melodramatic near the end
Spoiler
especially with the marriage proposal, like woah, hasn't it been only a couple of months?The writing, though, is excellent. This is quite an undertaking for a debut novel, in my opinion, and Hobson does an impressive job.
I don't usually do this but I want to make it clear: 3.5
sleepgoblin's review against another edition
3.0
This was pretty great. I see a lot of people that I tend to listen to regarding book ratings gave it 4 stars, and I can't argue with them. I chose 3 for myself simply because I feel like a year from now, it probably won't stand out so much. However, it was entertaining, easy to read, and as someone in my book club mentioned tonight, Dreadnought has a touch of Darcy in him. I didn't expect to like this, because for some reason I immediately steer clear of westerns, but I'm happy to be wrong. I wouldn't mind reading the second, but I might have to have someone remind me.
pifferdiff's review against another edition
5.0
I came across this series rather randomly, picking up the sequel to this book at the Borders closing sale (sniff - I love Amazon, but miss in-person book-browsing) based purely on the cover and back description. Magic and streampunk during the Gold Rush era Wild West turns out to be a really fun combination. I enjoyed this book from start to finish with only a few very minor quibbles I won't go into here. The world building was truly outstanding. Amy and Danielle - I think you two in particular would enjoy this! Excited for the sequel!
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
3.0
The broad premise of this novel -- a young and naive protagonist pulled from a simple life into a whirlwind adventure traversing the continent, climaxing in a confrontation with an abhorrent antagonist -- is not groundbreaking or original in any way, but honestly, not every book needs to be. Sometimes an interesting version of a well-worn story can be literature's comfort food. And with the interesting elements in this book including a steam-punk weird west varnish, an interesting (if not airtight) magic system, a light and breezy tone, and enjoyable banter between the young heroine witch Emily Edwards and her foil, rapscallion warlock Dreadnought Stanton, you can't go too horribly wrong.
Also, extra points for the very loose love-triangle not being wedged any tighter into the story -- if I even thought we were heading to Team Dreadnought / Team Dag territory, I may have abandoned the book with unforeseen quickness.
That said, there were a few too many plot-threads needlessly complicating this otherwise simple tale, which felt a bit overdone and unnecessary. And, of course, like with every other book I read nowadays, this one is the first in a series, which Goodreads is informing me is called the Veneficas Americana. While I may return to this series, I certainly won't be hurrying back to it.
Also, extra points for the very loose love-triangle not being wedged any tighter into the story -- if I even thought we were heading to Team Dreadnought / Team Dag territory, I may have abandoned the book with unforeseen quickness.
That said, there were a few too many plot-threads needlessly complicating this otherwise simple tale, which felt a bit overdone and unnecessary. And, of course, like with every other book I read nowadays, this one is the first in a series, which Goodreads is informing me is called the Veneficas Americana. While I may return to this series, I certainly won't be hurrying back to it.
j3nnplam's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the premise of this book and the mixed mythologies. For a first novel especially it was a fairly solidly written story, although a lot of the adjectives were so thesaurusy as to be trying just a little too hard.
The big thing I had trouble getting past was the unapologetic and unredeemed racism towards the Miwok. Emily's initial response may have been understandable in terms of historic representation, but given that the Miwok were not the scalping savages she assumed and the huge honor and sacrifice Koné make for her I really wish there had been some realization and acknowledgment that she was wrong. It was all strangely dismissive on the part of the author given how important Koné's contribution was.
The big thing I had trouble getting past was the unapologetic and unredeemed racism towards the Miwok. Emily's initial response may have been understandable in terms of historic representation, but given that the Miwok were not the scalping savages she assumed and the huge honor and sacrifice Koné make for her I really wish there had been some realization and acknowledgment that she was wrong. It was all strangely dismissive on the part of the author given how important Koné's contribution was.
holliep0cket's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled when trying to think of what to write about this book, and part of me wishes I hadn't tried to review it. I loved every moment of reading the book, but it wasn't until I started trying to really examine it that I realized *something* was preventing me from giving it 4 stars.
It took me a while to really pinpoint what was throwing me off, and I think it had something to do with the pacing of the plot line. In some ways it felt as if the author laid out plot points that were required to be met; but somehow the connecting of them was disjointed. Then the ending cliff hanger felt even more disjointed than the rest of it.
I likely won't read the next book; but I don't feel like the first was a waste of my time either. The characters were interesting and varied, the concept of the story/the use of magic were very unique. In the same regard, I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving this book a shot; but I probably won't be telling all of my friends about it.
It took me a while to really pinpoint what was throwing me off, and I think it had something to do with the pacing of the plot line. In some ways it felt as if the author laid out plot points that were required to be met; but somehow the connecting of them was disjointed. Then the ending cliff hanger felt even more disjointed than the rest of it.
I likely won't read the next book; but I don't feel like the first was a waste of my time either. The characters were interesting and varied, the concept of the story/the use of magic were very unique. In the same regard, I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving this book a shot; but I probably won't be telling all of my friends about it.
shane_tiernan's review against another edition
3.0
This was fun. I liked the first half better than the second. There's definitely some (yucky) romance involved that I'm not used to in the fantasy books I usually read.
Some of the dialogue was pretty witty and had us both laughing. Pretty cool world/faction setup but even with pretty dark bad guy it still seemed a little lite.
Some of the dialogue was pretty witty and had us both laughing. Pretty cool world/faction setup but even with pretty dark bad guy it still seemed a little lite.
dshnaper's review against another edition
3.0
This book could have used 200 fewer pages. Just because you have a steampunky turn of the century idea, doesn't mean you have to use it. Though convoluted at times, I'm ready to dive into the sequel. We'll call it a win.