#also i listened to the Titanfall 2 and Destiny OST's while reading. highly recommend 👌

[ithinkthiswasabadidea]

The Stardust Grail, Yume Kitasei

Okay, WOW, so I've never really properly reviewed a book before but I figure it can't hurt, but I just ZOOMED through reading this bewilderingly lovely 300 page book last night and tonight!

I know the back cover blurb literally said "Maya sets out on a breakneck quest through the universe" but I mean this story was literally breakneck speed. There was less than 10 pages left and the biggest mystery was still actively being solved. I had no idea how the hell it was going to wrap up with how little was left

I found myself almost immediately drawn in by the secrets and suspense at the start of the book, and was very satisfied by how succinctly and fully the narrative climaxes came about and were resolved. No words were wasted, and no further words were needed

One of the first things you learn in any historical, archaeological, anthropological, etc. study, is that the context of the things you discover is everything. The context of this story, as seen through our human morals and desires, is so well done, and then masterfully challenged by the beliefs of other non-humans met during the narrative

The world building and character uniqueness was also very good, and it was brilliant to see how these differences between species, and even between humans, influenced each piece of the story and the actions taken

I find it hard to put more words into what I want to say here, but this story was emotional and beautiful and curious. I found I didn't want to jump to guessing conclusions or making assumptions, I was happy that the book would reveal all in time. I don't often gravitate towards sci-fi, I picked it on a whim that it sounded interesting. And it truly is

This was incredibly satisfying to read, and I would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys speculating about the great unknowns and possibilities of the universe, and the histories and people that could be waiting for us out there 🌌

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!