The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent
Series: The Stars Never Rise #1
Published by Delacorte Press
Published on: June 9, 2015
Genres: Young Adult
Pages: 368
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.
When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.
To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?
Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.
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Religion is always a slippery slope in fiction, but Rachel Vincent used it well in THE STARS NEVER RISE, and in doing so created a compelling dystopian world that I’m sure to want to visit again and again. There was a steady flow of twists which was good because although none of them were stumpers, they kept things interesting, and other than the bizarre love interest, I thought that this was a smashing kickoff. Definitely recommended!
I’ve read the majority of this author’s books, and as a general rule I prefer her adult stories; however this series debut has left me eyeing the remainder of the untapped SOUL SCREAMERS installments that are sitting on my Kindle. I loved how dark the universe was from the very public executions of sinners, to the shortage of souls for newborns. Vincent painted an extremely dire picture that only continued to darken as the plot advanced.
There is little room for error in New Temperance because if the Church doesn’t burn you at the stake, the hellspawn will devour you. And, survival just so happens to be one of the best cures for naive Young Adult characters which bolstered Nina, Devi, Reese, Maddock, and Finn’s likability immensely. The only one that I had an issue with was Mellie, but she’s in tenth grade, and not really part of Kane’s band of rogue exorcists.
Now, what to say about ‘the boy’; I knew that there would be a romantic thread, and quite possibly a triangle, so I was prepared for both, and while there was insta-love, Finn’s nature came with its own unique set of complications. I’m sure that his backstory is cool, I can’t wait to read about his exploits, and doubtless his skill set will come in handy; however his special circumstances make relationships… challenging
Guy trouble notwithstanding, the YA genre needs more books like THE STARS NEVER RISE.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
This was my first read by this author and I liked it but it had a few problems and the Finn thing was one of them…unless they figure something out in the future I just don’t get how that will work.
Stormi recently posted…Review of In the Eyes of Madness
This one actually sounds like it’s quite complex and I like the ‘different’ twist on religion in here. It sounds super scary with burning and the stake and stuff and the exorcists! The romance and insta-love leave a bit too be desired though. Great review Carmel!
Jeann recently posted…Magnus Chase and The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan Review: Hilarious Norse Mythology
I was wondering how religion would be worked into this, I was happy to see that it took a more mythological route. I was so annoyed with the insta-love at first, but when Finn’s secret got out, I was even more interested! I can’t wait to learn more about his backstory!
Amber Elise recently posted…Book Review: Slasher Girls and Monster Boys
I have been on the fence about this one because of the religious aspect — but many have told me that it’s not preachy lol anyway, I put it on hold at the library so here is hoping I enjoy it, even with the insta love. 🙂
tonyalee recently posted…Audio Book Review | Sister by Rosamund Lupton
Love the cover. My mother loves butterflies and every time I see one, I think of her. Thanks for the great review.
sherry fundin recently posted…M9B Two for Thursday Book Blitz: My Sister’s Reaper and My Tethered Soul by Dorothy Dreyer with Giveaway #T4T
Hmmm, I wonder
blodeuedd recently posted…The Lazarus Gate – Mark A.Latham
Great Review! I also read this one and really enjoyed it, especially all the twists and the interesting world. I also agree that Finn was a bit weird, I wasn’t really a fan of what he was and what he did, although like you said his skills come in handy, it just made me feel a bit uneasy at times how he used them and same goes for the romance, that got a bit weird because of his situation. I also think that the setting and world makes the insta love a bit more understandable.
Lola recently posted…Lola’s Ramblings: What Characters do You Like to Read About?
I love Rachel Vincent, but I’ve yet to try any of her YA books. My next listen in Menagerie. I might have to look this one up sometime soon.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Beneath a Waning Moon by Elizabeth Hunter and Grace Draven (@jessicadhaluska, @E__Hunter, @GraceDraven)
The backdrop that this book is set on sounds fascinating! I am sceptical about the insta-love, I normally really dislike that, but if there is a good reason for it, I can go with it. I have been meaning to read this author, but haven’t gotten around to it. I think I’ll definitely add this book. Great review Carmel! 🙂
I really enjoyed this one as well, I thought the way religion was used in the story was very well done, and I really loved the loyalty between the two sisters!
I agree about Finn and the love stuff, however, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story, so it was still good.
Great review, Carmel, and you should definitely read the rest of the Soul Screamer books… there’s more drama there, but the universe is so interesting!
Lexxie recently posted…Audio Review: Tragic – J.A. Huss
I have this one in my Kindle library and your review has made me want to read it more now! The book sounds intriguing and I’m glad to hear that the book is not same old same old for YA, and that despite there being insta-love it doesn’t take much from the book as a whole!
Pili recently posted…Friday Reads: ARC Review of Never Never by Brianna Shrum!!
This is one I’ve had my eye on for a very long time. I’m sad to hear about the instalove, but I definitely still want to read it!
Nicole recently posted…Sunday Post & Giveaways Galore 10/11/15
Yes… Bizarre love interest is exactly how I’d describe it! I can’t see how it will work out yet… That will be interesting! It was a dark kind of read, and I can’t wait for more!
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