There is not a possible universe in which I could have hated this book more. Puzzlingly, I don't have a pithy reason for you, or any reason. It just...didn't work for me, which, possibly because the premise had some merit, was extremely disappointing.

Thank you to Harlequin Teen via NetGalley for the eARC , all opinions are my own.

I read some other reviews though and feel very alone in my way of thinking about the book, so I am concluding that my old curmudgeonly self is not the target audience, even though I have read within the YA scifi /romance genre before and loved it.

So what threw me off? The labels, right from the start, the labels threw me off and I never recovered. Why does everything have to be labelled so that I need Google to understand how people are being described? When I was a kid these things were just considered....like...normal. I don't understand how this is productive to teens or society in general

At first I was just getting annoyed by the labels as I had to Google the check-check-check list of every label the author was using to describe people's genders and It just felt like a huge dump at the start of the book. I really do not believe that people talk like these characters and I hope it's not the future. Also for all the fact that Janelle didn't want to kiss Morris until she liked/trusted him, that's fine and reasonable, but is she really going to love him in the span of a week or so and THEN decide to kiss him? Actually that sounds like a pretty normal teenage girl thing but the author made a huge deal out of it. Trust might have been a more appropriate sentiment to the setting than love and more in character. People are so fixated on these labels though that I feel like the normalcy is lost on the rest of us, when really everyone is just being who they are.

Avr0la also confused me as this is the first time I have seen "they" used to describe a singular person. I am lost trying to understand how someone is supposed to differentiate between one or two or more people being present when we read this? I don't ask this sarcastically, I am just bewildered and confused. I looked it up and I guess English just lacks a more proper pronoun so 'they' has gotten shunted into this role, but it's so confusing to me on paper and my head is spinning. That said though, Avi was a great character and maybe my favorite, and I hope there is more of it in the next book. I might read it.

Even without the labels throwing me for a loop, this book is intended for a very niche group of book worms. I got about 75% of the literary references used but are a lot of readers going to know who, for example, Jesper and Wylan are? I can read YA but the whole thing felt very young to me with all the song lyrics and corny bits. I wouldn't hand this to a middle grader but I think a specific target group of YA would enjoy it. I also wasn't expecting this to be setting up a sequel so the ending lost points.

My last gripe is that the book was SO repetitive, even writing a character with anxiety doesn't mean we have to repeat the same things over and over and over ad nauseum; I found myself skimming a lot. The end just opened up a whole huge can of worms for the second book.

I can't really recommend this outside of the niche group I specified. I did finish it though so that was something, hence the 2* rating.

I really enjoyed this read. I felt like the characters and the story were both very well written. Some of the romance aspect felt a little rushed to me, but I still enjoyed it.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Sound of Stars is a story about the power of hope, love, and art. Full of fantastic representation, Dow's debut novel is a testament to resistance. The Sound of the Stars is a story about re-discovering our hope. Like Ellie, I have been feeling rather bleak and hopeless. Ellie, a biracial black teen, has seen firsthand the effects of racism on her family. The micro aggressions, the way humanity seems to be destroying itself long before the aliens arrived. Because of this, Ellie's perspective resonated with me, not only because she is a huge book worm, but also because she's isolated, left wondering about the good in humanity as neighbors turn against each other. She's scarred not only by the past, but also now the daily quest for survival.

The Sound of Stars is a story centered around art that inspires hope and love. Characters desperately wanting, stretching their hands over the great expanse looking for connection. And the way art and passion can bridge that gap, create relationships where only ashes and ruins existed before. While in many ways it seems like a story about the end of humanity, The Sound of the Stars is the exact opposite. It's a story about how art can save humanity. Our quest to save the essential pieces of ourselves, freedom and expression, in the face of defeat. It's a celebration of love, friendship, family, and hope.

There's no denying that my favorite character has to be Ellie. I adored the fact that Ellie is a plus size biracial demisexual and anxious main character. In science fiction especially there are not enough diverse characters which take center stage and Ellie's representation is a source of hope itself. There are plenty of other diverse characters especially non-binary and bisexual characters! Morris, on the other hand, read very innocent to me. For the beginning of the book I wasn't sure how I felt about Morris. He's an intriguing character, created in a lab to serve the Ilori, Morris' hope for his friendship with Ellie felt a bit naive at times. Even though Morris is not responsible first hand for the imprisonment of humanity, he is part of the alien force and his expectation of Ellie's trust sometimes felt a little unrealistic.

That brings me to my only caveat about The Sound of Stars - the romance. Both of these characters aren't free and I think that is what draws them to each other. What begins as bonding over the importance of art transforms into a deeper understanding of the forces that constrain each other. I enjoyed both characters individually, it just took a while for me to get used to the idea of them being together.

The Sound of Stars is a story about hope and resistance. Most importantly, I adored the fact that in the middle of this science fiction book, there's such an emphasis on art. The message that music, art, and stories can create connections to other people. A reminder we aren't alone.

The Sound of Stars is a post-apocalyptic ya sci-fi novel that tells the stories of 1) Janelle (Ellie) who is dealing with the aftermath of an alien invasion and 2) Morr1s who is a member of the imperialistic colonizing alien race (the Illori).

I really wanted to love this book, but in the end I only liked it. The characters are very well written and relatable (even Morr1s), and the storyline is all about survival, rebellion, and hope.

However, I felt like the characters were written in an attempt to be the next power-couple rebellion leaders, a lá Katniss & Peeta or Clary & Jace or whomever else (which I get, who doesn’t want to write the next blockbuster ya movie), and the rolls seemed kind of forced.

The other thing I found kind of strange was the romance aspect. In the beginning of the book, both characters talk about not liking “hooking up” with virtual strangers because it lacks an emotional connection, but the two of them are basically declaring their love for each other after knowing each other for a less than a week. It was weird.

Anyway, I’ll definitely recommend this to some of my hardcore ya sci-fi/dystopia folks, but probably not for my occasional readers.

A great premise with sweet, relatable characters. The book itself was well-written. Fans of light sci-fi will enjoy this.

*Review will be posted on my blog closer to publication on 2/18/19*

*3.5 Stars*

Thank you to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this eARC.

The Sound of Stars is a very interesting mesh of the sci-fi, dystopian and romance it’s infused with love of music, books and the love of love really. It explores so many subjects like race, and colonization plus it has aliens! There is a lot going on in this surprising book.

Janelle or Ellie, as everyone calls her, lives in New York City but the world has been taken over by aliens called the Ilori and their labmades. Say what? Yes, Earth’s problems have become insignificant with this way bigger threat taking over. Humans have been killed and are now undergoing a process where they will be given vaccines and their bodies will be husks. The Illori will be able to inhabit these husks to vacation on Earth. Yes…Earth is basically being colonized by these powerful aliens who have been colonizing planets all around the universe.

Ellie is just a teenager, who keeps a secret library. If she is found out by the Ilori it would mean a death sentence. But she meets an Illori, a labmade commander named M0Rr1S, or Morris, who wants to trade. He will keep her secret if she can get him some other kind of contraband – music.

This story is a journey of books, music, love and watching two different species find common ground.

What I Liked:

*Love for books and music is at the heart of this book. It reminds us that no matter what’s going on, how as people we can be divided or conquered, the written word in story form or music form transcends hate and can bring people or in this case species together.

*I was intrigued about this alien race, the Ilori, and their labmades. This story lays out some of the problems on Earth from climate change, to race relations and the corrupt government (hmmm sounds very familiar!). But with the Ilori invasion (which didn’t start out as one really), the humans have pretty much united to fight the aliens. Learning that the Ilori have been colonizing planets for awhile made me want to learn more about their alien race and these planets that they have found in the universe.

*Labmades are an interesting part of the Ilori. They aren’t true Ilori, they were basically, made in a lab. So in their society, they are looked down upon. So Ellie being black and Morris being a labmade shared the feelings of being inadequate and “less than” everyone else.

*It’s a unique story all around with the romance between a human and labmade. The way the story unfolded reminded me almost of a space opera (though they are not in space) – but Ellie and Morris travel throughout America to get to their destination and it feels like this epic space journey…but on land. If that makes sense?

Things That Made Me Go Hmm:

*The romance at first for me…was totally cute. A labmade and human relationship? I was totally for it! And I think a lot of people will find it an amazing part of the story, but at the end it was getting a bit cheesy for me. 🤣 But that’s just totally a “it’s me” thing…Ellie and Morris totally fell for each other and I swear it started to become some space opera musical (yes with singing involved).

*The first few pages was hard for me to connect to because it’s sci-fi (not my favorite genre) with a lot of technical jargon that just left me scratching my head. I just needed to be patient, because soon I was 40% done with the book without knowing I was reading that fast. I loved learning about this Earth as aliens take over and their plans for humans. The story kinda lost me again 75% in and maybe because of the romance and cheesy/cuteness.

*I don’t know that I connected to a character most…maybe Morris because I was fascinated with his life as a labmade.

Final Thoughts:

Even though it was sci-fi and dystopian, it had lots of romance and optimism because of the love between Morris and Ellie. They are seriously the sweetest couple. The world-building of the Ilori and Earth after an invasion felt realistic and I wanted to know more about the aliens! There is so much going on in this story. There is adventure, deception, humans on the brink of being hosts to aliens, Earth being made into a vacation destination, music, books and love. For me, The Sound of Stars was a very unexpected yet fun story to read.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

First, we have to talk about this cover. I know it has nothing to do with the story, but it is GORGEOUS. I was drawn to it for just how beautiful it looks (and also because it sounded like a good book).

The book itself is quite good. There's a lot of set up, so you have to be patient, but I thought it was well worth it because Ellie and M0Rr1S are sweethearts. They are just trying to find their way in a horrible, scary situation and doing their best to find small amounts of happiness. I love them both so much and it was a joy getting to learn more and more about their stories.

When the story picks up, it dashes off--I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough! My favorite part is the middle with Ellie and M0Rr1s on the run, learning more and more about each other as people while also trying to save the Earth. It was thrilling and sweet all at once and really, just perfect.

The biggest annoyance I had was with the characters once the journey started coming to an end. I'm not going to go into major details to avoid spoilers, but it seemed as though the characters' reactions felt forced to continue the narrative Dow wanted to write rather than seemed a natural reaction from them based on what we knew. The book bounced back for me and I thoroughly enjoyed how it ended and how everything resolved, but I was getting quite frustrated with Ellie and M0Rr1s towards the end of the book.

With that said, the rest of the story is beautifully crafted. I loved the worldbuilding and how Dow took the time to really think about what Earth would look like and how people would act after an alien takeover. The depictions felt incredibly realistic and it's clear she spent a lot of time crafting that. I also love how she has an entire universe in this book but doesn't spend a whole lot of time dragging the story down with details of other worlds and races, but things are hinted at enough that they're definitely there, and I really appreciated the fullness of that. I could see a sequel coming out of this universe for sure.

If you love science fiction and contemporary romance, I would highly recommend this book. It's quite the page-turner and you will love the characters.

Picture this: Equilibrium meets War of the Worlds. That's what this book is!

I enjoyed the idea of this book. Aliens have taken over a sick Earth with the mindset of restoring it and basically turning it into a vacation home while chilling out in their human hosts. Yep. They're going to steal the bodies while they're on vacay. But somehow music and books actually inadvertently save the world. The unique part is they're forbidden [see equilibrium likeness here.]

I liked the characters but didn't feel they had chemistry. It was a little one-sided to me but separately they were each likable.

The overall plot was interesting and I'd give it a solid 3.8 savvy crowns which is rounded up to 4 on goodreads. :)

I struggled to connect with the main characters in this one. It's beautifully written, yet I didn't feel anything for them - I didn't have anyone I was rooting for.

This book will be great for a lot of people, it just wasn't for me.

This book was full of pop culture so if thats your thing you will die hard love this one. For me the premise sounded little silly. A girl who loves books and an alien who loves music. Maybe it was the wording but I found myself laughing though a lot of this title. It was a good book if you are not looking for something to deep. I found it entertaining and the the book engaging. The characters were very relatable and well that ending was just killer. I am not sure how I feel about it even now. I will be checking out the next title since I am guessing there will be one.

This is such a wonderful story of two people on opposite sides of a war brought together by their love of art. Ellie hosts a secret underground library when the invading Ilori outlaw any books after they are used to convey messages through the human rebellion. Morris, one of the Ilori, is fascinated by human music and protects Ellie and her secrets.

On the run together, they face both humans and Ilori and choose one another over their own people again and again because they see something similar in one another through their love of art and life. They are adorable and perfect and fight back against the Ilori invaders together, proving that humanity deserves to be free to choose.

Aliens. Books. Dystopian NYC. This book screams my name, so it is no shock this this is one of my most anticipated reads and debuts of 2020 (Though I got to read it last week!) The Sound of Stars did not disappoint for one second and kept me wanting and needing to know what was going to happen next.

Can we take a moment to admire how beautiful the cover for this novel is?! The art and the colors blend beautifully and I absolutely adore it, the ARC is stunning but I can't wait to see finished copies of this beauty.

Alechia is a debut author and for her first novel, The Sound of Stars is magnificent. The world building, characters and plot bring this story a live in front of the reader. I can't wait for every one else to meet Ellie and M0Rr1S!

I loved every moment of this post apocalyptic road trip to save humanity and literature and music and I can't wait to see what the sequel will hold. (There will be a sequel, right? *insert puppy dog eyes here*)

This is a what did I just read type of book. It was a bit of a bumpy start but once you grasp the world building it starts to even out. The characters are interesting and the plot drives this very unique book home. Overall great sci-fi/ dystopian read! 4/5 stars.

I was not sure what to expect with this book. The beginning confused me some, until I got some background information and was able to process the story. It's unlike any book I have ever read, yet it reminds me, in places of several stories. Twilight, to name the obvious, but also, The Host, also by the same author. There are bits and pieces which are similar; the unlikely romance between two dissimilar species; but also the shared humanity of the characters.

Set in the not-too-distant dystopian future, the world has been besieged by an alien race. People are being herded together into living communities while slowly the world is cleaned up and cities are flattened. Humans are allowed only two transgressions before they are put to death in front of their community; everything is illegal; books, music, singing, and any kind of habit forming behavior is not tolerated. Janelle's parents are mere shells of their former selves; her father has been "vaccinated" into a half-self, and her mother has a mysterious job from which she escapes with illegal drinking. Janelle herself is an illicit lending librarian, loaning precious books to select community members. One day she discovers Morris in her storage room, and her life changes forever. Morris is an elite member of the Ilori command, and the two form an unlikely friendship which can change the course of Iloria rule.

As Morris and Janelle's friendship grows, so, too, do the dangers. The book is really well written, and the plot twists and turns leave the reader surprised, and rooting for the underdog to win.

Oh, where do I start?

This is one of the best books I've read all year. I am not a big Sci-Fi reader but I loved the premise so much and the COVER (OMG!) so I had to give it a try. And ohhhh myyyy wooord. The prologue alone had me enthralled. From the clever use of structure to the DEEP characterization of the two main characters to the heartwarming way their belief systems shift as the novel progresses--I was HOOKED.

If you love character-driven stories with plot twists, TSOS is for you. I rarely find such richly deep characters that suck me in so quickly. I could not put this book down and when I was forced to, it's all I thought about while away from it. The alien character, in particular, captivated me from the very early pages. The dilemmas he faced, the ways he grapples with being ostracized, and the lessons that come out of it really impacted with me. Personally I identified more with Ellie and the lens with which she'd grown to see the world. Her bravery to be who she is on the inside, on the outside while tearing down emotional barriers she'd built really resonated with me. Both of the main characters are so believable and the dilemmas they face, so palpable. And one of the antagonists was so well written, I literally GROWLED at the page anytime they appeared. Ha ha! A nod to the author's talent for writing such REAL characters.

This is a book you MUST read. The author has also woven in such timely and important social commentary, a variety of LGBTQIA rep, much needed mental and physical health rep. As a fellow writer, I marvel at the author's talent. This book has nestled its way inside me and I don't ever want it to leave. <3

The Quick Cut: A girl and an alien invader bond over artistic interests while trying to preserve what they care about.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Art has this beautiful way of bringing people together. No matter how different they can be, it pushes through the gaps to see the ties that bind us all. In this debut novel about a girl living through an alien invasion, she finds a unique connection with an invader through music and books.

Ellie lives in a dynamically different world than the one she was born in. After the aliens named the Ilori came and a misunderstanding ensued, one third of the world's population was wiped out and their control was cemented. Two years later, her family lives in a confined area of New York City and all emotional expression has been deemed illegal. Art, music, and books were all collected and destroyed by them. Ellie keeps a secret library when one of the invaders named M0Rr1S discovers her stash. Instead of turning her in, he gets her help in his own secret: his love for music. Can their artistic bond find a way to save the world?

This book is a quirky blend of fantasy in combination with contemporary. Or truthfully, comporary in a fantasy setting. In every moment, the story plays out between Ellie and M0Rr1S with them trading off the narrating role. You see both of their internal dialogues and struggles to adapt to the world they are now in. It's so sweet to have a novel that really highlights how music and books can bond two unexpected people together (or show that anyone can be touched by emotion).

Unfortunately, the strong start this book has begins to degrade by the midpoint. A plotline that was well paced suddenly slows down when the duo take a new turn in their connection. As much as I wanted to enjoy the new scenery, I kept wishing the pace would pick up again.

With a sweet story, this book intrigues at the start only to turn to a sluggish pace by the end.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

This book is phenomenal! The first few chapters was a little rough for me to get thru but it was so worth it. There are so many great lines out of this book. I just fell more and more in love with Morris! I'll take one too please.

We get to go through some of the hard ships She has for just being a black girl and how people look down and think she doesn't belong just because of her skin color. Then Morris stumbles into her hidden library and she learns not only that they aren't so different but she learns too love and live.

I suggest this book 167%

The Sound of Stars is the alien invasion road trip novel for my SFF loving soul! (One I didn't know I needed, but definitely did.) Alechia Dow's writing grabs readers right from the beginning and takes them on a fast-paced journey they'll never forget into the epic struggle to preserve artistic expression - and with it, humanity - at any cost. This book is infused with teen spirit, along with rich world-building and fun, memorable characters readers won't want to leave behind. I'll recommend this to my Teen Book Club for sure!

*I was given an eARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine.*

Thank you to Net Galley for the e-arc!

I love romance heavy sci-fi books and sci-fi that follows the emotional responses from the sci-fi set up. This book sounded right up my alley. And I liked this book in the beginning. But after a while, it got extremely cheesy. This book has the feel of a romantic contemporary with a sci-fi set up. I also feel like the ending was too open ended for the set up, especially because I think this is supposed to be a stand-alone. It kind of seems like there's potential for a sequel, which I'm not mad at.

On the plus side, this book was cute. I think it did friends to lovers pretty well, and I liked their interactions with each other. This follows Janelle "Ellie" and M0R1S "Morris". Morris is not human, and he finds Ellie's illegal library. On Morris and Ellie: I thought their relationship together was well developed in the beginning, but during the middle it got cheesy and moved too fast. But throughout the book, they still had really cute moments together.

I liked the writing in this book on a prose level. The words flowed well, and I felt close to the characters as I read.

All in all, I liked this book, but it didn't have as many sci-fi elements as I was expecting and it was a little too cheesy for me. But I will definitely read more by this author.