I was excited to read this book based on the premise. We have an alien who loves music and a girl who loves books who fall in love with each other. I loved the references to different songs and books throughout the story. I just felt that parts of the story dragged on a bit. Other parts weren't developed enough. Other times, I thought the author tried to make too much happen in the book. Still, I think this is a strong debut from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book for an honest review.

'I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.'

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Overall rating: 3.5stars
A debut sci-fi novel about a human girl who breaks alien rules by secretly distributing books to others in her compound, teaming up with an alien who is supposed to have no humanity, but loves music, going on a road trip to save humanity.

Positives:
I like the world building. It's contemporary, so easy to follow along and relate to. Pop culture is used throughout, which I enjoyed. Examples: Harry Potter, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Beyonce, etc.

I like that Janelle chapters begin with book quotes and Morris' chapters begin with music quotes. A good representation of each character. I loved their relationship and watch it build through out their journey.

Discusses current, real life issues throughout the book. Equality and justice. Good representation of LGBTQ community. The way music and literature give us a reason to keep living, helps us get through the darkest parts of our lives.

I love how the band ties into the main story, but I wish I had more time with them.

Negatives:
Kind of a slow start. There was a lot of over - explaining where I felt like I was constantly rereading the same thing.

There were also parts I wish I had more time with, like the compound in Texas. It was almost unnecessary, unless we will visit them again as allies to a rebellion. The things that happened along the way, happened so fast made the events lack depth. I understand the road trip had to be quick because they were on a time crunch. So, I think maybe 2 things should've happened and be stretched out, than many things happening. However, I did like the quick stops to dance and build the relationship between the two characters.

I didn't love the ending. I liked meeting certain characters, but it felt rushed. Will there be a second book? I hope. Nothing was resolved except that love can save the world, but that didn't happen yet. Only the love was established.

Overall, I enjoyed it. It kept me wanting to read further. To make sure they made it safely to their final destination and watch their love grow.

A unique new scifi novel, The Sound of Stars follows Ellie and Morris - star crossed lovers, literally. The novel as an interesting first contact premise, but I had a difficult time becoming involved in the main characters romance and the Ilori spelled their names (Morris is M0Rr1S) became old very quickly. Still, I enjoyed the novel and would look forward to reading more from the imagination of the author!

A special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Sound of Stars blew me away. The story follows a pair of star-crossed lovers: a human girl named Janelle, or 'Ellie', and a labmade Ilori named M0Rr1S. After Earth was invaded by an alien species named the 'Ilori', humans are confined to pointless lives without music and books and art. The reason why? The Ilori want humans to become shells without emotions, fears, even desires - they want them to be compliant. Their goal isn't to kill off the human race. Their goal is to kill off their freedom and independence.

Ellie has faced a lot of trials as a black girl and can sometimes be bitter (rightfully so). She's lived a life with needless racism, so sometimes she finds herself thinking that humanity isn't worth saving. The other part of her - the softer side - wants to share her love for books to keep humanity hopeful. The only way to do this is to keep an illegal library, risking instant death if she were to be caught. As for Morris, he was made to look human but to act alien. Despite the fact that he has a breath-stealing desire to feel, he's not supposed to. If he shows too much emotion he could be killed, so when he's alone he turns to human music to get some sort of relief. When the two of them meet, they immediately understand the risks the both of them take to feel okay in such a not okay world.

The relationship between Ellie and Morris is so tender and beautiful. I found myself falling in love with them from the beginning. The love wasn't rushed or forced, but instead felt natural and right. When the story picks up and the two find themselves running from the Ilori on a mission to save Earth, they face a lot of hiccups but always come out stronger...more determined. The author, in my opinion, did a fantastic job creating the characters and the storyline. I kept wanting to turn the pages, smiling and laughing and gasping the entire time.

The Sound of Stars has plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked and begging for more. I can't wait to follow Ellie and Morris's continued journey in book two!

*A huge thanks to the publisher and NG for the ARC. This review is one-hundred percent honest and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

I chose not to finish this book as I have limited time to read right now and it’s heavy-handed tone rather irked me.

This book was received as an ARC from Harlequin TEEN (US & Canada) - Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I completely loved the execution of this book in the beginning setting it up like a podcast style and explaining the purpose of Morris and the point he made through this earth. While I was reading this book, I could not help but think of Beautiful Creatures and Warm Bodies, teen romance novels with supernatural beings learning our lifestyle but this one really caught my interest because it was different. Ellie is holding an illegal library of recordings that might land her into exile in communication with another planet and then she meets Morris who is trained to be emotionless but when he is assigned Ellie's case, he can't help but be fascinated with Ellie almost completely forgetting that he is emotionless and she is a criminal. An invigorating story that will leave you speechless and breathless. Our teen book club will enjoy this very much.

We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.