Seventeen-year-old Meadow Sircha watched her mother die from the wilting sickness. Tormented by the knowledge that the emperor failed to import the medicine that would have saved her, she speaks out at a gathering of villagers, inciting them to boycott his prized gladiator tournament.
But doing so comes at a steep cost.
Arrested as punishment for her impulsive tongue, Meadow finds herself caught up in the kind of danger she’s always tried to avoid. After a chance meeting with an enigmatic boy, she’s propelled on a perilous trek across the outer lands. But she soon unearths a staggering secret: one that will shift her world—and the kingdom—forever.
Filled with longing and heart, surprise and wonder, A SHIFTING OF STARS is perfect for fans of AN EMBER IN THE ASHES, RED QUEEN and SHADOW AND BONE.
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Review:
A Shifting of Stars is Kathy Kimbray’s debut novel and is a vivid fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo and Maria V. Snyder.
Seventeen year old Meadow Sircha has never been the same after she watched her mother die from an illness the emperor could have cured had he imported the medicine that would have saved her. Her grief has overwhelmed her in the year since, and the knowledge that the emperor spends vast amounts of money on violent gladiator tournaments while his people live in squalor eats at her. Which is why she decides to speak out at a secret gathering of those who oppose the emperors rule, but when she is caught and imprisoned by the emperors soldiers, Meadow quickly finds herself drawn into the danger she only ever wanted to stay out of. Alongside a mysterious and secretive young man, Meadow journeys across the kingdom and discovers a secret that could not only change the very course of the emperors rule but Meadow’s very own destiny….
Offering readers a vivid and lush world, A Shifting of Stars was an enjoyable and solid fantasy novel, kicking off what I’m hoping will be an interesting series. Though the novel began somewhat slow for me personally, I felt like A Shifting of Stars got better and better as the novel progressed. Author Kathy Kimbray steadily developed the plot well and utilised all the best elements of the fantasy genre; detailing an eventful story of danger and ones love of family, amidst a world where the majority of the population prizes brutal and barbaric fights to the death.
A Shifting of Stars unfolds through the eyes of seventeen year old Meadow, a simple village girl who finds herself fighting for her freedom when she is caught speaking out against the emperor. The vast majority of Meadow’s actions stem from her desire to save her father and prevent him from being punished for her actions. I found it refreshing that Meadow wasn’t setting out to save the world. The novel wasn’t about her epic battle against a tyrannous ruler—although as the story progressed she begins to care more for the plight of the people and this does somewhat become a concern—however Meadow honestly does just want to find and rescue her father.
In the beginning of the novel there seems to be an overload of characters introduced and readers will be forgiven for getting names mixed up, however the purpose and role of these numerous individuals does become apparent as the novel progresses, especially in the final few chapters. A few unforeseen twists will keep readers on their toes with more than a few developments largely unexpected that will impact future storylines.
Kathy Kimbray had me biting my nails the last few chapters as Meadow and her traveling companion Vogel found their lives on the line. A Shifting of Stars entertained me until the end and left me very keen to see what happens in the next chapter of Meadow’s story now that she finds herself in a position to change the kingdom for the better.
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: May 28th 2019
Buy: Amazon
Final Thoughts: An enjoyable YA fantasy--I'm looking forward to seeing more.
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