For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Series: For Darkness Shows the Stars #1
Published by Balzer + Bray
Published on: June 12 2012
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 448
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.
Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.
But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.
Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.
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I don’t care how cliché it is, I love Jane Austen.
I’ve read Pride and Prejudice half a dozen times. I’ve read Emma at least twice that, and I’ve read Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park a time or two as well. We won’t even get into how many times I’ve watched their movie counterparts, b/c that could be embarrassing.
Know what I haven’t read and/or watched numerous times?
Persuasion.
*sighs*
YES, I admit it. The first time I read this book, I had never read Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I’m pretty sure I’d seen the BBC miniseries or movie version, but it had been looooooong ago, and who cares, anyway?–Having seen the movie (perhaps) at some point in the indefinite past doesn’t make me any less of a fraud.
*hangs head in shame*
There’s good news though. Chances are you haven’t read Persuasion either. In fact, a lot of you are probably wondering why I’m blathering on about Jane Austen to begin with . . .
YEP. Thought so.
But there is a reason (there is always a reason), and that reason is Diana Peterfreund’s For Darkness Shows the Stars is a sci-fi/post apocalypse/dystopian retelling of . . . wait for it . . . Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
And it is FANTASTIC.
Elliot North lives in a world devastated by genetic modification. A Luddite, she is a member of the lone surviving intelligent people group of the wars that followed the general population’s discovery that their genetic tampering had doomed their offspring to existing in a diminished capacity.
Having shunned the treatment, the Luddites and their own offspring were unaffected, and when the dust settled, pious souls that they were, they took it as their sacred duty to shelter and protect the Reduced.
That the Reduced provided free labor on plantation-like properties . . . well, that was just a byproduct of the whole nasty situation.
BUT several generations later, the Reduced began to infrequently give birth to non-Reduced children. A few generations after that, and while still a rare occurrence, the number of non-Reduced children was steadily increasing.
Kai is one such child, and Elliot’s best and only childhood friend, but he left the North estate four years ago to try and build a better life for himself.
There are Post-Reduction settlements, you see, where non-Reduced people live free of Luddite interference/persecution/enslavement.
Elliot was meant to go with him, but she was all that stood between her dangerously idiotic father and the people, both Reduced and Post Reduction, who depended on her family’s estate for their survival.
So she did not go.
But he has never left her thoughts.
For Darkness Shows the Stars is a deliciously painful story of love and loss, of misunderstanding, of evil in the world and triumph over that evil. It’s a story of hope and adventure. And it’s also a cautionary tale that details the dangers of two very different extremes.
This is the third time I’ve read this book, and I’ve loved it a little more each time. For Darkness Shows the Stars is one of those rare books that I unreservedly recommend to EVERYONE.
My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
Guess what, Persuasion is actually my favorite Austen books, so I have read it a few times. My favorite movie version is the 1994 (I believe that is the year) version with Ciaran Hinds!
I am not sure if I am ready for a futuristic Persuasion but it has sort of peaked my interest. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Review of Dead Sexy Dragon
It’s not too futuristic. Before rereading it, I had actually categorized it as fantasy–there is very little tech b/c the survivors of the Reduction were Luddites (who shunned technology).
It may not be for you, but if visions of sci-fi-ness are what’s holding you back, I’d give it a shot 😉
Thanks Jessica for letting me know that I might put it on my TBR pile and give it a try some day. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Review of Sammy Feral’s Diary of Weird:Yeti Rescue
Excellent, Stormi! I hope you love it 😉
I am also a Jane Austen fan, and I love Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The rest, a bit less. But this retelling, nope, not for me at all.
aurian recently posted…Recommendations from Maia for January 2015.
HA. Isn’t it funny how two different people can both love something so much, but for completely different reasons?
Sorry this one isn’t for you, but it’s good that you know that 😉
Happy New Year Jessica!! Glad to see you back to reviewing!!
I also adored For Darkness Shows The Stars and I had read Persuasion and actually read it again after reading FDSTS, and maybe it is sacrilege but… I liked this version BEST! Shhhh, don’t bonk me in the head please!
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #76!!
Thanks, Pili! It’s good to be back.
Hahahaha!! No bonking on the head. *whispers* I think I like this version best too . . . 😉
Um… YES, JESSICA. Everything you said about this book… YES. I adored it when I read it. And I’m sure if I reread it, I’d feel the same way.
Also, *waves* Been a while since I’ve seen you around these parts.
Amanda recently posted…Death of a Dapper Snowman by Angela Pepper {Kelly’s Review}
*waves back* Yeah, I had some stuff . . . glad to be back though 😉
And I’M SO GLAD YOU LOVED IT TOO! Seriously, it’s one of only a handful of books that I want THE WHOLE WORLD to read.
YEAH JESSICA!!!! This is on my shelf of favorites too, I just adored it. I hadn’t read Persuasion prior to picking this up either, and now I definitely want to. This version of it just blew me away. It shattered my heart into little pieces and then slowly stitched it back together. SO GOOD! *high five for rereads*
ZOMG, I found the funniest pin on pinterest a couple weeks ago:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134896951314594547/
I think I literally snorted when I read it, LOL. Anyway, YES, rereads are awesome! Glad you loved this one too–shattered/mended heart and all 😉
It is so good to see you Jessica!
Okay, I have had this book in my TBR pile for a reallllllly long time. I had no idea it would be this good. Now I must push it up the pile if you loved it so much!
Wonderful review!
kindlemom1 recently posted…WoW Pick of the Week
Thanks! Good to be back 😉
And yeah, this one needs to be at the top the WHOLE WORLD’s TBR. It’s so, so good. Truly.
I’ve never read Jane Austin, so when a book is compared to it I always feel like I miss somethign as I have no idea what that comparison means. This sounds like an interesting book and I like the cover, sci-fi covers can be so pretty!
Lola recently posted…Review: Paragon by Autumn Kalquist
Jane Austen means that after some difficulty, and a few misunderstandings, people live HEA, and they live HEA in a lovely world . . . that defies description, LOL. I’ve tried for several min. to describe it adequately, but everything I’ve come up with sounds terribly boring. *snickers* It’s not 😉 I hope you read her someday, Lola.
”There’s good news though. Chances are you haven’t read Persuasion either. In fact, a lot of you are probably wondering why I’m blathering on about Jane Austen to begin with . . .
YEP. Thought so.”” Haha , I’ve never read any Austen book or movie . My only Austen media I voraciously consumed was the lizzy bennet diaries. #DoNt Hurt me
Even though I’ve not read any Austen book , this one has been on my wish list since 2012. I know , I know strange right. I think I’m getting it with birthday money. My 23th birthday is in May ( I’ll be 23 yr old gay man, eeeep )
Lovely review, jessica. Mega hugs from me
I LOVE THE LIZZY BENNET DIARIES!! I practically binge-watched ALL of the episodes over ONE long weekend, and had epic twitter updates/discussions with a few other lovers-of-lizzy-bennet!
And I wish I had know this was on your wishlist. It went on sale for $1.99 a couple of times right before Christmas, and I would’ve let you know. Oh well. If it happened once, it’ll happen again 😉
And man, I remember being 23 . . . it’s a golden age. Really, 23-25 you’re old enough to do really cool things, and smart enough to stay (mostly) out of trouble . . . Lucky you, Ro *hugs back*
Happy New Year and welcome back Jessica! This sounds amazing, and I have to admit that the complete series is one I would love to binge read. The writing sounds so well done. Glad the was such a stellar book. YAY … checking my wishlist now.
Lovely review 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday: Silver in the Blood by Jessica Day George
You’re in luck, b/c this is a standalone! There is another book in the “series,” but it’s from a completely different POV, in a completely different part of the world, and it’s a retelling of different classic as well 😉
I haven’t read Persuasion either but I loved this book. Great review!
Glad you loved it too, Karen, and thanks!
You know you had me hooked at Jane Austen, right? And I am one of the few (?) who have read Persuasion. I love JA. 🙂 How have I not heard of this book before?!? I don’t know the answer to that. But I DO know that I’ll be picking it up. As soon as possible. Thanks for putting it (yet another book!) on my radar, Jessica! And I’m glad you’re back. <3
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**#COYER Review ~ Seven Sons ~ LIli St. Germain**
Thanks, Brandee–glad to be back! And ZOMG, if I’d know you hadn’t read this one (AND that you love Jane Austen), I would’ve sent you an email when it was on sale for like two dollars before Christmas! *snickers* KA and Jane Austen . . . such diversity between us 😉
To be honest I’ve never even thought of reading Persuassion until right now. I have For Darkness Shows the Stars on my wishlist, so whenever I buy it I’ll have to read it immediately. It sounds like something right up my alley. Great review, Jessica!
Marianne recently posted…Review: Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle
Thanks, Marianne, and YES, I think you’ll really like it 😉
Wow! You have read this three times? That speaks volumes when you are a busy blogger and you go back and read a book more than once. I am hanging my head, I still have my ARC that needs to be read. I must do it ASAP after reading this.
Heidi recently posted…Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: The Trouble with Texas Cowboys(Burnt Boot #2) by Carolyn Brown
Darn those ARCs, and their need to be read! I hope you do read this after you finish it, b/c it is truly lovely, and will justly reward your diligence 😉
You know what’s funny? Persuasion is the only Jane Austen novel I HAVE read. lol I’m glad you really liked this one despite not having read what it’s based on.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: The Connicle Curse
You’ve read Persuasion, but you haven’t read P&P or Emma??! How does that happen, LOL? Thanks, Lauren 😉
I have read it since I like my PP variations 🙂
blodeuedd recently posted…River Road – Suzanne Johnson
If you like P&P variations, you should check out:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/SWozJpIBL-bdo 😉
Yes, I haven’t read Persuasion either but I have seen the plays. I so want to read this one because it is a retelling of Jane Austen’s novel. Yea and you confirmed I need to read it! I already have this on my wishlist. I may have to nudge it up a space or two. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Audiobook Review: Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
or THREE 😉 Seriously, this book it worth it. I hope you fit it in soon.
Oh wow, great review! I’m moving this up on my TBR!
Nereyda recently posted…Audiobook Review: Ensnared by A.G. Howard!
Excellent. I hope you love it 😉
I too am a Jane Austen freak and thrill to read the originals, read the fan fiction and watch the movies as much as I can. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen book which should mean that I’ve read this one, but shamefully I have not.
I’m so glad its a good one and I will read it. 😉
Sophia Rose recently posted…Review: Marked by Rebecca Zanetti
Glad to hear it, and I hope you love it as much as I did–it’s really, really (REALLY) fantastic 😉
WELCOME BACK, JESSICA! And back with a bang, if I do say so myself. I haven’t read For Darkness Shows the Stars but I have read (and loved) Persuasion, so I mean really this is a must. Kai sounds just as swoon worthy as Wentworth…
Danya recently posted…Graphic Novels, Tough Chicks: Vol. 8
ZOMG, Danya, you will L-O-V-E this. Like I said, DELICIOUSLY painful. If I see it go on sale again, I’ll tweet at you 😉
You’ve read this book three times now?! O.o It’s THAT good? Lol. It has to be. Persuasion is a favourite amongst Austen novels, so it’s either I’m going to really, really love it, or I’m going to hate it. The Sci-Fi thing helps. It tells me Peterfreund tried her hardest to give it her own spin. 🙂
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[476]: The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand
LOL, yeah. You’ll either love it or hate. Here’s hoping you LOVE it 😉 Peterfreund’s spin really is an original one, and it’s cool how she incorporated legit history into the whole affair–Luddites are real, tech-shunning people. Or were, anyway. I don’t know if they still exist, but they did in Industrial England. Anyway, yeah, hope you like it!
JESSSSSSSS. It’s been so long since I’ve read/commented on a review by you! It made me so happy to read it especially since it was a review for a book I wholeheartedly adored as well! Although seriously, get on Persuasion. It’s important you do so!
I must admit that I hadn’t read Persuasion either when I first read this book but because I had loved it so much, I decided to read Persuasion too and I loved it to death. So cute. Plus it was nice connecting the dots between the retelling and the original! 😀
Fantastic review, hon <3
Rashika recently posted…Series Talk: The Addicted Trilogy
Thanks, dollface! It’s good to be back, and I’m so glad that you LOVED this one too. And, yes, I KNOW. I need to read Persuasion. And I will. Eventually . . . 😉
Well hell … I’m all kinds of intrigued now!
Christy recently posted…Dictatorship of the Dress by Jessica Topper
Mission accomplished 😉
Now I adore Jane and loved Persuasion. I had no idea this was a retelling and a fantasy at that. Ooo I am going to listen to an audio sample. Awesome review
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Dictatorship of the Dress by Jessica Topper
Thanks! And yes, this is ALL of those things. I hope the audio does it justice 😉
Glad to see you’re back <3 Because you are, are you not? Anyhow, haha, I wasn't surprised to see how much you raved about this book in your review, for you had mentioned how much you loved this book to me some months ago and I had not forgotten. Must say that I am curious, but will read Persuasion first so I can compare. Wonderful honest review, Jessica 😀
Lola recently posted…Review: Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram
Thanks, Lola! And yes, I’m back 😉
And I hope you love, love, LOVE them both.
I am one of those people who has not read any Jane Austen (I’m terrible, I know) but I really want to read this! I’ve seen so many good reviews of it and it sounds so interesting! Plus, you having read it three times now is as good a recomendation as any 😀
Bec recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday [48]
Seriously. Three times is a LOT 😉 But in this case it’s totally worth it. I hope you love it too!
First time I hear about this book, but your 5 stars rating and your review have made me want to read it. To my TBR it goes!
Happy New Year!! 🙂
BookaholicCat recently posted…CATS-ilicious Thursdays
What?! I’ve been remiss, LOL. YES. This one is amazing. Like Seven Realms, ToG, etc. amazing.
Happy New Year to you too! (It’s good to be home 😉 )
Uhhh… didn’t read Persuasion either, lol. It sounds like a really cool retelling, though I guess I should read Persuasion before reading this to actually call it a retelling with full rights, lol.
I’m glad you had such a good time reading it, and I’m thrilled to see one of your awesome reviews 😀
Livia recently posted…Bee on Books: Sora’s Quest by T.L. Shreffler
Thanks, Livia! And yeah, it’s really great. Really, really great 😉 Read FDStS and go back for Persuasion later, that’s what I say, LOL.
I have so been wanting to read this one. Great to hear you enjoyed
I really did, Brandi, and I hope you fit it in soon!
I really need to read this one soon! It’s been on my list & I keep hearing great things! Great review! Love it when re-reads get better each time!! 🙂
Tricia recently posted…Split Second (Pivot Pint #2) by Kasie West
I love that too–it happens so rarely. And YES, you should definitely check it out and soon. SO good 😉
Hi Jessica!!!!!!! Okay.
Cristina loved this one too! I don’t know why I haven’t read this one since the cover is so pretty and I usually prioritize those. And it’s a retelling!!! I have to read this soon. Glad you loved it!!! <3
Paula M. recently posted…MEET THE Co-BLOGGERS!
Hi back!! And YES, I know that Cristina loved it too (to my everlasting happiness), so YES, you should definitely read it too 😉
Wow, Jessica! You’ve really sold me on this one. I had it out from the library once but kept putting it off until it was time for it to go back. Such a shame because it sounds amazing! The fact that you’ve read it three times and still love it is a sure sign it’s an amazing read. Going to try and read it sometime soon!
Alise recently posted…Review: Of Scars and Stardust – Andrea Hannah
I hope you do, Alise! We have a lot of favorite books in common, and I’m almost positive you love this one too 😉
I tried reading this once and it was boring to me and I couldn’t make it through half of the book before I gave up on it. Maybe I should try it one more time though.
Thanks for the great review!
Alexa recently posted…TTT: Top Ten 2014 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn’t Get To
You know, I was actually thinking about that during my reread this time–that the beginning was a bit slow for me the first time. It does pick WAY up though, so I’d definitely recommend giving it another shot.
I loved this one – it probably helped that Persuasion is my all time favorite Austen book as well.
Jo recently posted…Best Books of 2014
Yes, that would definitely help. Or not, LOL. That’s what convinced that this was a stellar retelling despite not having read Persuasion myself–that even die-hard fans of the original loved it, b/c I don’t know about you, but when I love something, and someone messes with it . . . it had better be pretty dang amazing, or it does not fly o.O
I am so glad that you loved it 🙂 squee . I loved persuasion to 🙂
julie recently posted…2015 one Word and Fitreaders
Love, love LOVED it. And one day I will read Persuasion also, and I know I’ll love it too. I’ve had a strange reluctance to read classics since college b/c English major, LOL. I’ll get over it eventually though 😉