reviews of starswept
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From Kirkus Reviews:
"In this crafty series opener, Fan presents a future in which 21st-century problems have become further entrenched... Her insights into the artistic drive are also poignant... Ultimately, though, this is a sophisticated commentary on art, society, and how we perceive our own worth. The beginning of an elegant, spirited rebellion saga." From Foreword Clarion Reviews:
Love fantasy? Romance laced with bittersweet longing? Science fiction that glows with the magic of starlight? Mary Fan’s beautifully rendered Starswept delivers on all three counts... Iris’s overarching passion for music and the flow of talent and ambition surrounding her give the book a lush, ethereal quality that’s perfect for fantasy. References to classical ballet and opera plots echo the book’s themes. Iris is a princess locked in a deceptively beguiling tower while Dámiul—a well-drawn romantic lead—is the prince who awakens her with knowledge. Like Romeo and Juliet, their love is star-crossed... Starswept is a seductive and wholly satisfying book from start to finish—imaginative, well written, and touching on themes beyond romantic love. |
From Blue Ink Review (starred review):
Although partially nodding to Brave New World, Logan’s Run and The Hunger Games trilogy, the science-fiction dystopian YA novelStarswept is its own blazingly unique creation. Prolific author Mary Fan (12 books published to date) spins a riveting tale against a backdrop of intergalactic human trafficking, brainwashing, corporate greed, freedom fighters, and the backstabbing culture of an exclusive performing arts academy... The action never flags as mounting suspense meets romance meets high adventure. |
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From Readers Favorite (5-star review):
In a brilliant start to this new science fiction series, Mary Fan’s writing is fluid and poetic.... The author, Mary Fan, has a lovely flowing style, elevated with enchanting descriptive passages of music and art that contrast so well with the dark portraits of an unfair and unbalanced society... Some of my favorite sections were those relating to Iris’s inner thoughts as she plays ‘Butterfly’s Lament’, the piece she chooses to play at the school spectacle, drawing a parallel to her growing feelings for Dámiul and her fear that a match between an Earthling and an alien could prove futile. However, this is much more than a romantic read. There are probing questions about the misuse of power, ethics and inequality. I thoroughly recommend Starswept to young and new adults - who will identify with Iris’s coming of age – and also to older readers who are looking for a unique and compelling read. Bring on the next book in the series! |
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From Kester, blogger for LILBookLovers:
Overall Thoughts: This is the first book in a while that will receive a 5 stars from me! I am truly “swept” away by Fan’s debut book. I literally could not put it down because it was so stunning! It definitely exceeded my expectations, and this is a series that I want to continue so much! There is literally nothing wrong with this book; I can’t think of anything against it. Plus, I felt such a very close personal connection because it revolved a lot around music, and music makes up a very influential part of my life. Incorporating music and the music school inside the book is ingenious! I just want to give the book a very big hug because the main characters share the same love of music and the arts as I do. I just didn’t want it to end! Music: Iris is a violist at Papilio, , a performing arts school in the US where students have to find a patron to accept them before they “age out”. Iris struggles to be one of the best, even though she is 1000 out of 1500 students, a place that doesn’t really give her much hope. I loved Iris’s connection to her viola and her music. I could feel how she played “Butterfly’s Lament” as she yearned for Damiul. It’s like as if she is in front of me right now playing the viola. (By the way, viola’s a tough instrument. I still can’t read Alto Clef!) If you know me, music is such a huge part of my life. I don’t know where I’d be without my violin, my piano, my singing, and my love for listening to music.That’s why Starswept struck so close to my heart because I could connect with Iris in so many ways. Her frustration when she couldn’t get a passage right. Her emotion and musicality as she plays. The school itself might seem like a place where you’d want to live in (I wanted to at the beginning of the book), but it definitely is more than meets the eye. World-Building: Starswept takes place first in Papilio while the second act (yes, I love how it’s in acts- it fits the arts theme) takes place on the planet of Adrye (I think I’m spelling it right), where aliens get the most talented artists on Earth and have them play for them for the duration of their contract. I loved reading about not only the worlds of 22th century Earth and Adrye, but also the backstory to how the society at the time came to be. I loved how the arts, artists, and art schools tie in with the backstory and the big “secret,” and you know how I love learning about how worlds came to be. It was truly fascinating to see the alien language, the futuristic technology, the alien species, and the dystopian Earth/Adrye society all roll out. Combined with Fan’s beautiful prose, the world in Starswept is so delicately crafted that it truly makes you want to be immersed in the book and never leave. Characters: I love all the characters, okay? Well, all of the ones that are on Iris’s side. Iris is probably one of my favorite characters. Determined to succeed with playing the viola, even though she might not be the best, she always try to fight for what is right and she never gives up. She has such an amazing connection with music that she relates to me so much! Just like Iris, music is such an important part of my life, and I wouldn’t know what I’d do without it. I also love Milo and Cara (and I can’t give any of my thoughts away… but if you want to DM me about the two, I’d be happy to chat), and Iris’s love for Damiul is great. I mean, I can’t find a way to hate these protagonists and deuteragonists because they’re such a great cast and crew. It’s like what happened to me with the characters of A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes: If they were mini people, you want to scoop them up in your hands and hug them and don’t let anything bad happen to them. Just Perfect and Concluding Thoughts: Starswept is truly one of the few books that I have connected with so much. I can’t wait for book two to come out because I so want to continue the story! I’m also going to find a way to rack up feathers to get a hardcover of the book because look at that beautiful cover! It is truly beautiful on the inside and the outside, which is why it deserves a 5-star after my 3/4-star recession. I will definitely recommend this book to sci-fi fans because it deserves to have a place on your shelves! This is probably one of my favorite sci-fi books yet, and the series is super promising. I’m super excited for book 2. Favorite Quote (Yes, I finally picked just one): “My music is as much a piece of me as my beating heart, and taking it away would shatter my soul.” |
From author and blogger Briana Rose McDonald:
Mary Fan’s latest sci-fi novel, Starswept, follows the journey of a young violinist as she navigates cut-throat professional competition, inter-planetary scandals and – of course – a breath-taking first love. Split into two distinctive parts (and planets), the novel explores Iris’ internal journey to self-acceptance as she pursues a career as a violinist and learns a disturbing truth about her university and career path. Riddled with questions of identity and thoughtful critiques of both capitalism and America’s broken educational system, Starswept will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
At its heart, Starswept is an exploration of identity, primarily interested with how introspection aligns with or contracts the labels and perceptions created by others. At Iris’ school, students receive live rankings based on their performance and the number of accolades left on their profile. Iris feels inferior to her classmates, frequently citing her low ranking as evidence. Her confidence grows as her rating rises even though her level of skill doesn’t change. How listeners perceive her music shapes her identity as a musician, although readers are aware of her talent even when her score is at its lowest. In this way, Fan reflects on how talent and reception may not be codependent, but can still shape the artist’s perception of their identity.
Similarly, the thought-control used by the Adryil blurs the lines of self. Iris is frequently unsure how to differentiate between her own thoughts and those implanted in her mind, most prominently after her first encounter with Dámiul. It’s unclear whether Dámiul’s instinct that Iris was trustworthy, or his thoughts urging her not to betray him, caused her to protect his identity and mission. Iris’ “faces grows cold” when she realizes her thoughts belonged to Dámiul, despite being “sure they came from [her] own mind.” Iris identifies herself as someone worth trusting once Dámiul identifies her as so, and there is no way to know for sure whether this is true because it is inherent to her character or because he perceived her as such and, therefore, made it true. Fan delivers these broad questions with subtle expertise, never stepping out of scene to explore the greater themes. However, they exist throughout the novel like a soft heartbeat beneath the skin, drawing readers to reflect on perceived identity and how it relates to the vulnerable and exposed life of being an artist.
Perhaps one of the novel’s most elegant and complex features is the parallel love stories between Iris and the handsome Dámiul and Iris and her viola. The “endless reaching” she feels working in the Arts mirrors her yearning for Dámiul; she feels the music “possessing everything” she is, just as her growing love for him does as the novel progresses. When Iris gains a sponsor, she sacrifices it all for Dámiul, all the while wondering “what kind of person rejects a safe, worry-free life” doing the thing they love. She risks her career and passion for Dámiul, but “doesn’t regret trading the world [she] knew for someone” she loves. This decision could easily have come across as a woman choosing a man over her career, but is written with such grace and sincerity and Iris’ choice seems like the only possible one.
Beyond its timeless explorations of identity and love, Starswept is also a very current novel in its analysis of higher education and the job market. Despite taking place in a fictional universe, Fan’s novel is a timely and scathing critique of America’s student debt crisis. Readers are sure to identify with Iris’ looming student debt, and her apprehension given her close-to-none career aspects. Whether you’ve come for the sci-fi, the romance, or something else entirely, each reader is sure to find some part of Mary Fan’s latest YA novel that resonates with them and challenging choices they face today.
Mary Fan’s latest sci-fi novel, Starswept, follows the journey of a young violinist as she navigates cut-throat professional competition, inter-planetary scandals and – of course – a breath-taking first love. Split into two distinctive parts (and planets), the novel explores Iris’ internal journey to self-acceptance as she pursues a career as a violinist and learns a disturbing truth about her university and career path. Riddled with questions of identity and thoughtful critiques of both capitalism and America’s broken educational system, Starswept will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
At its heart, Starswept is an exploration of identity, primarily interested with how introspection aligns with or contracts the labels and perceptions created by others. At Iris’ school, students receive live rankings based on their performance and the number of accolades left on their profile. Iris feels inferior to her classmates, frequently citing her low ranking as evidence. Her confidence grows as her rating rises even though her level of skill doesn’t change. How listeners perceive her music shapes her identity as a musician, although readers are aware of her talent even when her score is at its lowest. In this way, Fan reflects on how talent and reception may not be codependent, but can still shape the artist’s perception of their identity.
Similarly, the thought-control used by the Adryil blurs the lines of self. Iris is frequently unsure how to differentiate between her own thoughts and those implanted in her mind, most prominently after her first encounter with Dámiul. It’s unclear whether Dámiul’s instinct that Iris was trustworthy, or his thoughts urging her not to betray him, caused her to protect his identity and mission. Iris’ “faces grows cold” when she realizes her thoughts belonged to Dámiul, despite being “sure they came from [her] own mind.” Iris identifies herself as someone worth trusting once Dámiul identifies her as so, and there is no way to know for sure whether this is true because it is inherent to her character or because he perceived her as such and, therefore, made it true. Fan delivers these broad questions with subtle expertise, never stepping out of scene to explore the greater themes. However, they exist throughout the novel like a soft heartbeat beneath the skin, drawing readers to reflect on perceived identity and how it relates to the vulnerable and exposed life of being an artist.
Perhaps one of the novel’s most elegant and complex features is the parallel love stories between Iris and the handsome Dámiul and Iris and her viola. The “endless reaching” she feels working in the Arts mirrors her yearning for Dámiul; she feels the music “possessing everything” she is, just as her growing love for him does as the novel progresses. When Iris gains a sponsor, she sacrifices it all for Dámiul, all the while wondering “what kind of person rejects a safe, worry-free life” doing the thing they love. She risks her career and passion for Dámiul, but “doesn’t regret trading the world [she] knew for someone” she loves. This decision could easily have come across as a woman choosing a man over her career, but is written with such grace and sincerity and Iris’ choice seems like the only possible one.
Beyond its timeless explorations of identity and love, Starswept is also a very current novel in its analysis of higher education and the job market. Despite taking place in a fictional universe, Fan’s novel is a timely and scathing critique of America’s student debt crisis. Readers are sure to identify with Iris’ looming student debt, and her apprehension given her close-to-none career aspects. Whether you’ve come for the sci-fi, the romance, or something else entirely, each reader is sure to find some part of Mary Fan’s latest YA novel that resonates with them and challenging choices they face today.
From blogger Shirley Cuypers:
Starswept is such a beautiful book. I love reading about aliens and this is yet another great book about aliens. Most of the time I hope that to like an ARC, but I don't like Starswept, I LOVE Starswept. It's such a good book and I couldn't stop reading! I highly recommend Starswept!
Starswept is such a beautiful book. I love reading about aliens and this is yet another great book about aliens. Most of the time I hope that to like an ARC, but I don't like Starswept, I LOVE Starswept. It's such a good book and I couldn't stop reading! I highly recommend Starswept!
From Lucy-May, blogger for Writing Wolves:
Starswept is a future-set fantasy romance that left my heart racing on multiple occasions. This book is separated into two parts; the first is mushy & cute, whilst the second half is action packed & full of tension. This story was completely intoxicating & I’m thrilled that Mary is planning a sequel.
This book opened with a fast paced & information packed first chapter, which left me with the knowledge that this story was going to be incredibly original & incredibly exciting. Iris was an adorable main character, who was nervous & awkward, but with an incredible talent. I felt a connection to Iris quite quickly; the way she described how she felt like she didn’t really fit in reminded me of how I felt at school & I think this helped to create an emotional attachment very quickly.
The story slowly started to show signs of being a sort of Romeo & Juliet type love story, & I was never fully convinced that Iris could trust her Romeo. The whole first half of the book was very much written as a fantasy romance, & although I enjoyed the writing & the story, I definitely preferred the second half. Despite this, I understand that the first half had to be included & written how it was; it was done so that the second half could have a really emotional effect on the reader. The first half helped me become attached to the characters & helped to fully immerse me in the world & its lies.
The second half was a dramatic change from the first – the pace of the story increased quickly & my heart was left racing on more than one occasion. Starswept went from a fluffy romance to an intense adventure full of danger & excitement. Part of me really wishes the second half had been longer; I was enjoying it so, so much & loved how the story was planning out. I loved watching the secrets of the Adryils unfold & became totally addicted to the intoxicating plot. Before I started reading the book I asked Mary whether Starswept is going to be part of a series, & she told me that she was planning a sequel – now that I’ve finished the book this knowledge has made me so excited! I know I’m going to have to wait ages for the sequel though, & that’s so, so sad. I’m really excited about this series.
So I’ve said that I really enjoyed this book, but one thing that bothered me was that some of the paragraphs became a bit repetitive… Iris kept repeating that she had to be careful so the Adryils wouldn’t work out that she wasn’t like the others, & it got to the point where I was like, yes Iris, I know, we have established this half a dozen times already [insert eyeroll here]. That’s probably my only criticism though – there was a diverse cast & the plot was really interesting. The two parts of the book enable the reader to fall totally into the world of the book, for it to then be ripped up from under them. There was constantly an air of unpredictability surrounding the story & there were so many occasions when I genuinely wasn’t sure what was going to happen next.
Starswept was ridiculously intoxicating & I was super addicted to the story from the outset – it seems I’m starting to enjoy romances… Mary Fan’s writing was fab & I love the world building; I cannot wait to find out more in the sequel. I will 100% be buying a physical copy of the book if one is made available in the UK as its cover is absolutely stunning.
Starswept is a future-set fantasy romance that left my heart racing on multiple occasions. This book is separated into two parts; the first is mushy & cute, whilst the second half is action packed & full of tension. This story was completely intoxicating & I’m thrilled that Mary is planning a sequel.
This book opened with a fast paced & information packed first chapter, which left me with the knowledge that this story was going to be incredibly original & incredibly exciting. Iris was an adorable main character, who was nervous & awkward, but with an incredible talent. I felt a connection to Iris quite quickly; the way she described how she felt like she didn’t really fit in reminded me of how I felt at school & I think this helped to create an emotional attachment very quickly.
The story slowly started to show signs of being a sort of Romeo & Juliet type love story, & I was never fully convinced that Iris could trust her Romeo. The whole first half of the book was very much written as a fantasy romance, & although I enjoyed the writing & the story, I definitely preferred the second half. Despite this, I understand that the first half had to be included & written how it was; it was done so that the second half could have a really emotional effect on the reader. The first half helped me become attached to the characters & helped to fully immerse me in the world & its lies.
The second half was a dramatic change from the first – the pace of the story increased quickly & my heart was left racing on more than one occasion. Starswept went from a fluffy romance to an intense adventure full of danger & excitement. Part of me really wishes the second half had been longer; I was enjoying it so, so much & loved how the story was planning out. I loved watching the secrets of the Adryils unfold & became totally addicted to the intoxicating plot. Before I started reading the book I asked Mary whether Starswept is going to be part of a series, & she told me that she was planning a sequel – now that I’ve finished the book this knowledge has made me so excited! I know I’m going to have to wait ages for the sequel though, & that’s so, so sad. I’m really excited about this series.
So I’ve said that I really enjoyed this book, but one thing that bothered me was that some of the paragraphs became a bit repetitive… Iris kept repeating that she had to be careful so the Adryils wouldn’t work out that she wasn’t like the others, & it got to the point where I was like, yes Iris, I know, we have established this half a dozen times already [insert eyeroll here]. That’s probably my only criticism though – there was a diverse cast & the plot was really interesting. The two parts of the book enable the reader to fall totally into the world of the book, for it to then be ripped up from under them. There was constantly an air of unpredictability surrounding the story & there were so many occasions when I genuinely wasn’t sure what was going to happen next.
Starswept was ridiculously intoxicating & I was super addicted to the story from the outset – it seems I’m starting to enjoy romances… Mary Fan’s writing was fab & I love the world building; I cannot wait to find out more in the sequel. I will 100% be buying a physical copy of the book if one is made available in the UK as its cover is absolutely stunning.
From Amanda Dana, author and blogger:
Iris Lei has struggled with her gift as a musician. What makes it worse is that she must raise her standing at her art school or she'll be kicked out; living a life of a common laborer and barely making enough wages to live once her stipend for her school fees have been deducted. The musical compound should be helping her to flourish, but she feels as if she's treading water, desperate for a breakthrough.
Adryils are an alien species that have contacted earth, their weakness is the arts, something they themselves had never developed due to their ability to understand thoughts and feelings telepathically. Earth has done everything in its power to protect itself, but the lure of money and sponsorships of earthling artists was too alluring. Adryil tech, and visits, are strictly limited and for the most part illegal.
But everything changes for Iris when she literally runs into an Adryil boy on the lam, leaving her with a special device. Although owning Adryil tech is highly illegal, she has a strong urge to hold onto it, and since breaking the rules is something that she's never been willing to do before, the mystery of it seems to counterbalance the safety of the familiar grounds she grew up on.
Mystery and intrigue follow Iris's story as she unravels the true purpose of the establishments around her, along with a blossoming bond with an alien boy she should never have met.
Elegant and mysterious as a sonata, this science fiction adventure will keep you entranced until the end. I highly recommend to ya science fiction readers of any age.
Iris Lei has struggled with her gift as a musician. What makes it worse is that she must raise her standing at her art school or she'll be kicked out; living a life of a common laborer and barely making enough wages to live once her stipend for her school fees have been deducted. The musical compound should be helping her to flourish, but she feels as if she's treading water, desperate for a breakthrough.
Adryils are an alien species that have contacted earth, their weakness is the arts, something they themselves had never developed due to their ability to understand thoughts and feelings telepathically. Earth has done everything in its power to protect itself, but the lure of money and sponsorships of earthling artists was too alluring. Adryil tech, and visits, are strictly limited and for the most part illegal.
But everything changes for Iris when she literally runs into an Adryil boy on the lam, leaving her with a special device. Although owning Adryil tech is highly illegal, she has a strong urge to hold onto it, and since breaking the rules is something that she's never been willing to do before, the mystery of it seems to counterbalance the safety of the familiar grounds she grew up on.
Mystery and intrigue follow Iris's story as she unravels the true purpose of the establishments around her, along with a blossoming bond with an alien boy she should never have met.
Elegant and mysterious as a sonata, this science fiction adventure will keep you entranced until the end. I highly recommend to ya science fiction readers of any age.
From Tania, blogger for Thinking Like a Fangirl:
This is not Mary Fan’s first book and I think that shows on the expertise with which she plays with the story, making it evolve effortlessly. Her writing is also very compelling, making you fall into her world and not want to get out... Her characters are well built, balancing between qualities and defects lightly tipping from one side to the other. Just like real people do.
I also enjoyed the storyline very much, it didn’t seem forced or made out of nowhere. It was cohesive and smart, not very surprising, there weren’t many twists and turns still it was very enjoyable. Good book to dive in if you’re looking for a nice time.
This is not Mary Fan’s first book and I think that shows on the expertise with which she plays with the story, making it evolve effortlessly. Her writing is also very compelling, making you fall into her world and not want to get out... Her characters are well built, balancing between qualities and defects lightly tipping from one side to the other. Just like real people do.
I also enjoyed the storyline very much, it didn’t seem forced or made out of nowhere. It was cohesive and smart, not very surprising, there weren’t many twists and turns still it was very enjoyable. Good book to dive in if you’re looking for a nice time.
From Banal Girl:
In this book, Mary Fan introduce us to an incredible and dystopian world where exists a prestigious perfoming arts school. In this school, called Papilio, kids and teenagers compete to be the best and to attract an Adryil patron in order to have a good future. Adryil—an advanced race of telepathic humanoids— establishes a relation of partnership with Earth: They power the school and then they can choose the best artists and hire them to play in their parties and etc.
Iris Lei, born penniless, is a violist that practice every day to attract a Adryil patron. Her life changes when she meets an Adryil boy who, illegally, entered her school.
Honestly, I did not have high expectations for this book. However, when I started reading it and saw the wonderful photos it had in each chapter, I fell in love.
With her elegant and captivating writing, Mary Fan, leads us to a well-built and unique world.
To add, this book has well-built characters. It is possible for us to identify with them, even if they live in a world so different from ours. Having the ability to do something like this is incredible and that is why I am a fan of Mary Fan, now!
Another thing that amazed me was the aesthetic originality of each chapter. I think it gave a very nice touch to the chapters.
I never thought I'd like this book that much, but after I read it, I came to the conclusion that it's really good and you should read it! Do not miss the opportunity to purchase it in August!
In this book, Mary Fan introduce us to an incredible and dystopian world where exists a prestigious perfoming arts school. In this school, called Papilio, kids and teenagers compete to be the best and to attract an Adryil patron in order to have a good future. Adryil—an advanced race of telepathic humanoids— establishes a relation of partnership with Earth: They power the school and then they can choose the best artists and hire them to play in their parties and etc.
Iris Lei, born penniless, is a violist that practice every day to attract a Adryil patron. Her life changes when she meets an Adryil boy who, illegally, entered her school.
Honestly, I did not have high expectations for this book. However, when I started reading it and saw the wonderful photos it had in each chapter, I fell in love.
With her elegant and captivating writing, Mary Fan, leads us to a well-built and unique world.
To add, this book has well-built characters. It is possible for us to identify with them, even if they live in a world so different from ours. Having the ability to do something like this is incredible and that is why I am a fan of Mary Fan, now!
Another thing that amazed me was the aesthetic originality of each chapter. I think it gave a very nice touch to the chapters.
I never thought I'd like this book that much, but after I read it, I came to the conclusion that it's really good and you should read it! Do not miss the opportunity to purchase it in August!
From SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews:
Going in to this book I had no idea what to expect. I have read few books set in the way future, some set on earth, some set in space, others somewhere in between. But this book is somewhat unique.
I really enjoyed the world setting; it is was fantastic and really well explained. But so were the characters. I really loved Iris and her dark, yet beautiful journey in this book.
Iris comes from a poor household and struggles to keep afloat with her school for the arts. As if that is not enough, she soon has to face so much more. She must make very hard decisions that could cost her everything. An Adryil boy doesn’t help, for the matter. And as they grow closer, things are just getting more and more complicated and more dangerous for Iris.
Some things seemed odd, but in the end everything just came together really well and makes sense.
I really loved this book; it was dark, sweet, and had some great twists. It also was really well written, a much welcomed new book in the YA sci-fi book world.
This was my first book by Mary Fan, but will definitely not be the last.
If you like YA dystopian, Sci-Fi books, I highly recommend this book.
I rate it 5 ★
Going in to this book I had no idea what to expect. I have read few books set in the way future, some set on earth, some set in space, others somewhere in between. But this book is somewhat unique.
I really enjoyed the world setting; it is was fantastic and really well explained. But so were the characters. I really loved Iris and her dark, yet beautiful journey in this book.
Iris comes from a poor household and struggles to keep afloat with her school for the arts. As if that is not enough, she soon has to face so much more. She must make very hard decisions that could cost her everything. An Adryil boy doesn’t help, for the matter. And as they grow closer, things are just getting more and more complicated and more dangerous for Iris.
Some things seemed odd, but in the end everything just came together really well and makes sense.
I really loved this book; it was dark, sweet, and had some great twists. It also was really well written, a much welcomed new book in the YA sci-fi book world.
This was my first book by Mary Fan, but will definitely not be the last.
If you like YA dystopian, Sci-Fi books, I highly recommend this book.
I rate it 5 ★