The Sound of Stars

by Alechia Dow
The Sound of Stars cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Format • £8.54
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  • ID: 1453
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-06
  • ISBN: 9781488056581
  • Publisher: Harlequin
  • Published: 2020-02-25
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 4

Two years after a devastating misunderstanding between Earth and the invading Ilori, seventeen-year-old Ellie Baker survives in a controlled New York City, secretly maintaining a hidden library. When Ilori commander Morris discovers her illegal collection, he finds himself torn between duty and a growing rebellion. Together, they must navigate a world where creativity is outlawed and humanity is on the brink of extinction. The Sound of Stars is a genre-bending debut that explores the power of art, music, and stories to inspire hope and challenge oppression. Praised for its bold heroine and rich exploration of themes like queerness and resistance, The Sound of Stars blends elements of science fiction, adventure, and dystopian fiction. Alechia Dow's debut is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of creative expression.

Reviews
Drizzle and Hurricane Books · 2021-10-29
Great 4.00

An entertaining debut with a compelling concept and engaging main characters. Some issues were noted, but the overall experience was enjoyable.

The reviewer found 'The Sound of Stars' to be an entertaining debut novel with a compelling concept that keeps the reader engaged. They appreciated the main characters and their development throughout the story. While there were some issues that the reviewer pointed out, such as pacing and certain plot points, the overall experience was still enjoyable. The reviewer praised the unique setting and the way the story explores themes of love and humanity. Despite its flaws, the book's strengths make it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, The Sound of Stars was an entertaining debut.

    I still really enjoyed the concept and the main characters.

    While I had some issues with it, the overall experience was still enjoyable.

Page Turner Mag · 2021-07-16
impactful 4.50

The book is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a focus on the resilience of love. It offers a profound exploration of humanity and its core values.

The reviewer saw 'The Sound of Stars' as a beautiful retelling of the classic Romeo and Juliet story, set in a dystopian world. They were particularly moved by the book's exploration of love and humanity, finding it both poignant and timely. The reviewer also praised the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that resonates with contemporary issues. They felt the book's message about the enduring power of love and art was particularly impactful.

Quick quotes

    The Sound of Stars is a fantasy Romeo and Juliet that shows love can conquer all.

    This book gives a glance into the heart of humanity.

    The book's message about the enduring power of love and art was particularly impactful.

Righter of Words · 2021-03-13
entertaining 4.20

The book is an entertaining dystopia/first contact story with a focus on an unlikely duo working together to save the world. It's a compelling and enjoyable read.

This reviewer enjoyed The Sound of Stars for its entertaining blend of dystopia and first contact themes. They appreciated the dynamic between the two main characters and found their partnership both engaging and believable. The story's pacing and action sequences were particularly praised, making it a compelling and enjoyable read. While they noted some minor issues, the overall experience was positive and left them looking forward to more from the author.

Quick quotes

    It's an entertaining dystopia/first contact story about two unlikely people teaming up to try to save the world.

    The dynamic between the two main characters is both engaging and believable.

    The story's pacing and action sequences were particularly praised.

SF&F Book Review · 2021-01-18
refreshing 4.00

The book starts strong with a compelling premise and a well-developed protagonist. The integration of music and art adds a unique layer to the story.

The reviewer was immediately drawn into the world of 'The Sound of Stars' through its strong opening and the character of Janelle. They appreciated the way the author wove music and art into the narrative, creating a rich and immersive experience. However, they felt that the pacing could have been better managed in parts, as some sections felt rushed. Overall, the reviewer found the book to be a refreshing take on dystopian fiction with a heartfelt message about the power of art and humanity.

Quick quotes

    The Sound of Stars started out quite well.

    The integration of music and art adds a unique layer to the story.

    The pacing could have been better managed in parts.

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