Bound by Stars is a standalone by E.L.Starling. It’s a young adult, sci-fi romance with Titanic vibes.

Weslie designs an impressive life saving robot that earns her a ticket aboard the newest and most luxurious starliner headed from Earth to Mars. Jupiter is heir to one of the Big Six families that run Mars and Earth. Partnered up to work on a project a flame between the two is ignited that no one will be able to put out. With secrets and deception galore, can Weslie and Jupiter beat the odds and share a life together?

Bound by Stars is a unique and engaging read. The story is original while incorporating some Titanic Esque vibes. Weslie is a brilliant, strong willed, and caring FMC. Jupiter proves that people are not always the product of their raising. The twists and turns in this book just kept coming and surprised me constantly. I loved the more open ended conclusion to the book and would definitely recommend it to all the young adult readers!

Thank you Entangled: Teen for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

💌 minor spoilers ahead!

this book was breathtaking.

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did, like the emotions it brought out to me was spectacular, and the vibes it brought was magical. The found family vibes was good, the characters were so lovable.

This book so reminded me of the book Illuminae, which made it even more better.

I believe it's Starling's first book of debut, and surprisingly, it is very simple to go through, from the start we go through basics, like simplistic and all, and then the second part is where it picks up, which is also what is investing. My expectations weren't high since I was just tired working and helping.

When Wesliee Fleet, a normal earther girl raised in the dust ridden of Earths is selected and wins a golden ticket aboard the Boundless Ship, it is like a dream come true, with fragments of danger following through. But in this gleaming luxury of Mar's Elite, where every stare is lingering just on her, on of them is most prominent, Jupiter.

But when the ship is failing, and in this darkness of space where survival is the only thing that matters, not even love can save anyone there, so how will they survive?

because sometimes, love is worth defying the stars for.

Wesliee is a really stubborn girl, who's surrounded by unknown people and guards herself, and when she's saved by Jupiter, after he was the one who made it so obvious, she's more entitled to throw him than trust him. She stays with mostly her favorite ILSA. I love her fierce personality and the way she's stubborn cause she reminds me of myself bahah, which was kinda irritating but yeah.

ILSA, omg I love this robot so much, it's always them that takes the entire book, her entire personality is so much more like her owner, Wesliee. But the way she cares like a human makes me realise how important she is, her emotions are still valid, and everytime she has helped Wes in dire times of need. The way she would just start reading emotions out everyone around her parameter, trust me you"ll love her.

"Do not die while I'm away."

Jupiter is the golden boy and the heir following after his sister, whose entire life is controlled by his parents, mostly his mother, who plans him to take over everything and get betrothed to the Skye, another heir. To expand business along. Also the way he's so patient and calm most of the time, and sketches most of the time? I love an artist boy bahah.

"Mess with her again and you'll regret it."

Asha, she's the best friend Wesliee could ever have, even though Wes was annoyed how she kept talking and she never stops, she of course got used to it always. And her bond with Wes I appreciated it so much, she would help Wes dress, show her around, everything. She's the character I most liked too.

"Did ILSA really wake me up to witness you two stare longingly into each other's eyes? I mean I assumed it would happen eventually, but I would have been happy to hear all the details afterwards."

Skye is also such a great character, her bonding with Jupiter is such a great one to watch, as it's supporting, friendly and something that I loved to read about. She and Wes were also great together, but the way she was supportive around her circle was the best one <3.

"I almost look like you"
Skye steps up beside me in the mirror and hugs my arm. "You look like you, Weslie."

Honestly the way everything folded out till the very end was unexpected, and after the ending, some things quite did fell right into place, other characters had such complexity that I was interested in knowing about but also wasn't at the same time. The building of the world was pretty interesting to read about, and the writing style is just as easy to go through, though the details I had to go through twice haha. Some of these characters had so much to hide, even we U suspected them a lot, it still went through greatly!

The romantic aspect was also pretty good,, I was invested around the system and what was going to happen more, so I didn't mind when I thought I wanted more scenes and it felt a bit underdeveloped to me.

I would recommend you to read this book, because it's filled with good plot twists and surprising upturns and an ending that makes you want for book two more than ever.

💌 Thank you so much for Netgalley, Entangled Teen, to give me this gorgeous arc

Bound by Stars completely swept me away from the very first page. I was intrigued by the “Titanic in space” concept—that’s a bold pitch—but I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard and fast for the story and its characters. E.L. Starling has crafted a YA sci-fi adventure that feels at once fresh and timeless, weaving together themes of class, privilege, identity, and survival with intimate, emotional character moments. The slow-burn romance is beautifully paced and fully earned, making every development hit all the harder.

This is one of the most fun YA books I've read in awhile. I was a little hesitant at first because of the comparisons to Titanic (Never let go . . is literally on the cover), and although there are several similarities, the stories are different enough that Bound By Stars feels like its own story.

The futuristic and space elements definitely give a different vibe then your typical YA book. With these elements, E.L. Starling is able to play with story elements in a way that is refreshing and new. How about a game of handball/soccer played in zero gravity? Or laying in an arboretum with virtual birds from every possible species? These elements kept me engaged and allowed my imagination to run wild in a way it hasn't in awhile.

One of my favorite characters is ILSA, an AI robot who is sarcastic, sassy, and definitely develops her own identity throughout the book. Her relationship with Weslie, our FMC, is part best friend, part mother, and part science experiment.

Weslie and Jupiter's, our MMC, relationship is one that naturally develops over time. Although there is some forced proximity, their friendship is organic and allows the reader to become invested in them both as individual characters as well as their budding relationship.

What I didn't expect and was pleasantly surprised by were the plot twists that kept me fully engaged and turning the pages. The ending was a minor cliffhanger, and I genuinely hope that E.L Sterling has more of Weslie and Jupiter waiting for us.

Forget everything you think you know about space operas! 🚀 E.L. Starling's Bound by Stars is a dazzling fusion of sci-fi and romance that had me hooked from page one! 🤩 I could not put this debut YA book down – it's easily one of my favorite reads of the year! 💯

What's it all about? 🤔

Imagine a sassy and SMART FMC who has a sassy (but she doesn't see it that way) bot companion! The vibe is Titanic in space 👨‍🚀

We're talking:

✨ A journey to Mars 🚀
✨ Class divide and our FMC feeling as though she doesn't truly belong to either
✨ Sprincle some betrayal
✨ Forbidden love

The World:

Starling has crafted a truly unique world. 🌎 It's a blend of advanced tech ⚙️ and aristocratic - maybe - Bridgerton feel ✨ that just works. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are sky-high! 📈

The Characters:

✨ Weslie: A strong, independent STEM genius 💪 just trying to prove herself. She's resourceful, and a bit snarky but guarded! 💖
✨ Jupiter: The sweetest elite who just wants to be his own person. He is loyal and has a huge heart!
✨ ILSA: Perfect sidekick bringing you some unintentional comedy!

Plot & Pacing:

✨ Intriguing mysteries 🕵️‍♀️
✨ Heart-stopping romance 💓
✨ The pacing is brisk, keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. 🪑

Themes: Beyond the romance, Bound by Stars explores powerful themes like prejudice, 💔 cultural understanding, 🤝 and fighting for what you believe in. ✊ It's more than just a fun read; it's a book that will have you in your feels ❤️

What I Loved:

✨ The world - or Mars - building. It was interesting learning about how Martian society works 🌎
✨ Completely invested in Weslie and Jupiter's journey. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️
✨ The sweet teenage romance with class divide? Chef's kiss. 💋🤌

Final Verdict:

If you're craving a sci-fi romance with strong characters, a unique world, and a whole lot of swoon, Bound by Stars is a MUST-READ! 💯📚

“So…which one will you choose tonight?”
“Love or scandal?” She raises one thin white eyebrow. “Or possibly a bit of both?” “I’m, uh…I…”
“Ah…a bit of each it is,”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Entangled Teen, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my review.

Bound By Stars is a young adult story that is influenced by James Cameron’s Titanic but set in Space. Our Jack in this story is going to be the FMC Weslie who wins a trip to Mars after being selected to present her bot ILSA to the “Big Six”, the wealthiest six families that controls Mars and most of the people on Earth. And Rose is the MMC, Jupiter, who is the reluctant heir to one of the six families. While this story does have instances where you can see the authors inspiration, the story becomes wholly her own.

Weslie is a brilliant girl from Earth which,in this world, is looked down upon by the wealthy. Earth’s resources have become scarce and Weslie hopes to improve her and her mother’s life by winning the contract for her robot ILSA. Jupiter is a kind and talented boy that has been thrust in a life that feels beyond his control when his sister, the original heir, is killed and he is now the heir for one of the big six families.

Winning affords Weslie first class accommodations among the elite. She is faced with classist cruelty but also finds friendship and acceptance amongst some of the children of those elite. It’s when she is paired with Jupiter to work on a project during the trip that we find Weslie reluctant to open up and even hostile at times towards Jupiter and but his dogged effort wins her over eventually.

I took a star off because it was a bit slow to start and I had to really focus before the story grabbed me. But grab me it did and I ended up finishing this book in one day. Also the ending left a lot of the plot open ended and it feels unfinished. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the ending and the revelations, especially between Curran and Weslie, were completely unexpected. I’m hoping this means that a sequel is going to be coming for this book because there is so much material to work with and I would LOVE to see where Jupiter and Weslie end up (I adore them together) and how Weslie deals with her new role, her mother and Curran and the Captain. Like when I tell you that ending was unexpected and mind blowing, the secrets that come out are top tier.

Tropes you’ll find in this book are:
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨He Falls First
✨Found Family
✨Trapped In Space
✨Slow Burn
✨Female STEM

This review will be posted on GoodReads and B&N today and Amazon tomorrow. I will create a Post on social media sites Instagram and TikTok tomorrow, 07/01/25, as requested by the publisher.

I included my linktree which has links to all social media as well as a separate tab for ARC reviews which will have links for each review done for this book.

Thank you for selecting me as an ARC reader

Just finished Bound by Stars by E.L. Starling and wow—Titanic in space is the perfect way to describe it. Think luxury spaceship, forbidden romance, class divides, and that slow-building sense of “this is not going to end well” tension. The world-building was super immersive, and the elements of a mystery kept me coming back. I wish we got a little more depth with some of the characters but overall, this was such a gripping, mysterious, and beautifully told ride. 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—highly recommend if you love sci-fi with a sprinkle of romance!

Absolutely amazing! This book gave me Titanic and Romeo and Juliet vibes. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. Weslie and Jupiter are star crossed lovers. They meet on a starship, bound for Mars, and fall desperately in love. With backgrounds in different classes, and futures beyond their control, there is no way they can ever be together. Caught up in the struggle between classes, they face attacks from persons unknown, bent on destroying the peace of the elite on the voyage, threatening their lives, and the lives of everyone they hold dear.

Bound by stars


When they say Titanic in Space it really is Titanic in Space that is heavily influenced by James Cameron’s movie. And I was HERE for it! I always was fascinated by the Titanic tragedy and I love the movie. I devoured facts and documentaries as a kid and every so often go back and read things about it still.

So when I read about Bound by Stars, I had all the feels from the Titanic movie, with switched up genders and plenty of suspended reality science fiction. It has a lot of its own heart and story to it that is unique of course and a sweet romance that had me rooting for the two star crossed kids.

I truly enjoyed this book and the ride, and then when things really hit and kept going it was hard to put down because you had to know what happens! I finally got back into the “must read and know” feeling that I’ve been missing, having been in a book slump.

If you love the star crossed lovers YA trope, space and sci-fi elements, the movie Titanic and disaster movie feelings, then I absolutely would recommend this book.

Thank you so much for the advanced copy!!

I really enjoyed this book way more than I expected. The emotions felt real and the whole vibe was something special, kind of magical. The characters felt like a found family, which made everything feel warm and relatable. Wesliee was super stubborn but in a good way, and Jupiter was interesting, especially with their slow burn romance full of tension and witty moments. ILSA was honestly my favorite, she made me laugh a lot. The story was easy to get into at first, starting simple, but then it picked up a lot and kept me hooked with twists I didn’t see coming. The setting on a spaceship heading to Mars gave it a cool, fresh feel. It had adventure, mystery, romance, and real stakes that kept me reading late at night. The ending was thrilling and left me satisfied but still thinking about the characters. Thank you so much to the author, Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book. I really wanted to be invested in this book, but for some reason I could not get into it. I tried, but I do not think this book is for me. I, honestly, don't think there was anything wrong with it at all, it just was not for me.

“Everything has a gravitational pull. Even you and me”

Unputdownable! I’ve not read anything like this before and I was hooked. The sci-fi element mixed with the titanic vibes sucked me in

Weslie was very stubborn and quick to react, but considering her societal upbringing and social status, I can see why she put up those defenses. She lost me when she was skipping dinners though 😐They can talk about me all they want, I’m not going to bed without eating. Now that I think about it, that’s probably why she was so short tempered 🤔 Home girl was just hangry 😂

Jupiter fell hard and fast and I loved it 🥰. He just wanted his girl and his freedom to make his own choices. I cackled every time he ran or hid from Gianna. He made sure she worked for every bit of that paycheck

I do wish we could have seen more of Skye 🫶🏾 The bits that we did get I really liked her. Maybe in book 2 👀 just putting that out there lol

I have to mention ILSA who stole the show. She was freaking hilarious. No need to acknowledge your feelings when she’s right there to tell you and everyone else how you’re feeling 🫠

Do I have a headache from staying up all night? yup 😭 Do I need copious amounts of coffee even though I rarely drink it? Sure do 😬 Would I do it all over again? A resounding yes 💯 this book is worth it

Alright, to cut straight to the chase, I didn't think I was going to finish this book for the first 20% of it. The writing was not quite what I usually am looking for, and the character development was a bit jolty. (To be fair, this could be partially due to me receiving an eARC that hasn't been fully polished.) However, I am truly glad I stuck it through as the storyline really took off and I now find myself anxiously awaiting the next installment of this series. The end is truly a cliff-hanger that will leave you chomping at the bit for more.

The character development came together in the end, as well, and there was even a twist I wasn't anticipating, but absolutely loved.

My biggest qualm/change I'd make though? Spoilers ahead:

The shift from enemies to interested parties (and even lovers) was far too quick and abrasive. One chapter he is asking friends to talk to her for him because she hates him so much, the next chapter he is saying he may be in love with her. I knew it was coming from the minute "gorgeous jerk" was uttered, but it definitely could have used a slower roll out with a bit more build up.

Either way, I am ultimately thrilled to have received this eARC from Entangled and will certainly be keeping my eyes peeled for book two!

Bound by Stars is a thrilling YA space adventure that centers a Titanic-inspired forbidden romance between Weslie, a girl from the dust-riddled ruins of Earth, and Jupiter, a boy from Mars high society.

Upon winning a contest, Weslie finds herself on starliner Boundless, headed to Mars as she mingles with the elite society, feeling utterly out of place and looked down upon. Until a boy called Jupiter comes along. Their initial meetings are bumpy and ripe with miscommunication, but soon enough Weslie sees the sincerity in Jupiter's companionship turned friendship turned something so much more...

Sci-fi slash dystopian romance?! Yes please! The entire concept of this work is so imaginative, creative, and intriguing. Every bit of the world-building is immersive and highly immersive. It felt like a puzzle and it excited to see how every piece was a perfect fit. Then we have our cast of characters. An eclectic bunch that will you see easily loving some, intentionally disliking a few, and becoming increasingly curious of others. The stage has been wonderfully set, and at its center we have our protagonists Weslie and Jupiter.

Both protagonists are 17 year olds with their entire future ahead of them, but instead of seeing a future full of hope and endless potential, they only see a future already decided and condemned to. Until hope flourishes as their strained meetings become warm companionship that eventually leads to deep friendship and forbidden romance. A romance entire in their hands, they can either let go, or take a stance against fate. Weslie and Jupiter are two commendable protagonists. They both begin already very likable, but I appreciated how they still have room to learn and grow throughout the course of the narrative, and they did just that. Jupiter learns to take care of his words, realizing even if unintentional they can deliver hurt. He learns choice over duty may be the path to take. Weslie learns to open up to those she feared would only look down upon her, and discovers true friendship. Both protagonists evolve throughout the course of the narrative, and it's thanks to one another. So when their feelings grow, it only feels natural and inevitable. It feels right and so worthy to root for.

Weslie and Jupiter take the reins of the story with prowess and deliver a terrific YA sci-fi romance.

The final act brings fantastic action and astounding revelations. I held my breath through so much of that ending. However, some of those revelations do not have what I'd personally consider satisfying resolutions. It did frustrate a bit as I came to really invest heavily in the narrative and its characters and I was trilling to see how certain revelations would be handled. The book ends in a way I do not anticipate a sequel, but I would love to see one to see if certain story moments left unresolved may see their conclusions as well.

This journey is one full of potential, so much is seen through but there are loose ends I wished were tied up. Nonetheless, this is one adventure I'll be so glad to take on again and again!

Thank you kindly to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

Sobbing. Such a great read. So thankful for the arc opportunity! Will definitely be hyping this book up when it comes to release day.

ARC Review

Thank you E.L. Starling and Entangled Publishing for an advanced copy of this book!

I am BLOW AWAY by how much I enjoyed this book. It’s YA, and I do NOT read YA, but since Entangled sent it to me I gave it a try. I read it in a few hours and could not put it down.

It’s Titanic retelling in space. There were so many things I didn’t see coming, other things I thought I had figured out, but had wrong. The ending is wrapped up nicely, but definitely leaves us wanting more. I don’t know what the plan is for a second book, but if there is one… I’m reading it.

Wes gets onto the ship headed for Mars because she was the winner of a robotics contest. The ship is where she meets Jupiter and his group of elitist friends. From here, they start to form unlikely friendships. Weslie and Jupiter our soulmates from across the galaxy that have the odds stacked against them. Things start to go from bad to worse when they’re just days away from their destination, when what we all believed to be the truth starts to unravel.

Don’t be afraid to pick up this book because it says YA. It was WONDERFUL.

This book had a good premise, but it ultimately fell flat for me and I had DNF. It could be a me thing. I'm sure others could enjoy it, if they're in the mood for ot.

“Can we just be lost right now?”
“As long as you want to be lost with me.”
“Forever.”

You know that kind of book that pulls you in from the very first pages and makes you forget about the clock? Bound By Stars was exactly that for me. I started expecting a teen romance in space with a sci-fi backdrop and found something much bigger: a story about inequality, identity, tough choices, unlikely connections, and the weight of being who you are in a world that insists on defining people by where they were born.

The plot introduces us to Weslie, a 17-year-old "Earthling" whose life so far has been marked by scarcity and a grueling routine on Earth,a planet nearly depleted and left behind by the elites who migrated to Mars. But she has an unusual talent: she's a robotics prodigy, and her creation, the incredible ILSA, a life-support bot, earns her first place in an interplanetary competition. The prize? A first-class ticket on the Boundless, the most luxurious and fastest ship ever built, heading to Mars. For Weslie, this trip represents a chance to start over,not just for her, but also for her mother.

Onboard the ship, the setting is breathtaking: the author conveys in vivid detail the contrast between the extravagant luxury of the Martians and the simplicity of Earth. And it’s in this context that Weslie literally bumps into Jupiter Dalloway, heir to one of Mars' Big Six corporations. Their encounter is explosive, full of sparks, sarcasm, and plenty of mistrust. She sees him as the living symbol of a system that marginalizes Earthlings. He's used to flattery and suddenly finds himself challenged by Weslie’s sharp intellect and authenticity.

This is where the book really shines for me: the author builds their relationship with care and layers. It’s not an instant love, but a bond that grows out of friction and strengthens over time, through forced proximity and the small vulnerabilities each one begins to show. Jupiter is not your typical "rich prince," and Weslie, with her stubbornness and strength, refuses to be shaped by the rules of this new world. There’s chemistry, yes, but there’s also respect, internal conflict, and mutual growth, and that makes everything more engaging.

And as if the romance wasn’t enough, Bound By Stars also delivers a growing mystery and political tension. Mysterious sabotage and threats from a rebel group. The narrative skillfully balances emotion with suspense. More than once, I found myself holding my breath,especially during the intense action scenes and the plot twists that completely shift the story’s perspective.

Speaking of plot twists: just when I thought I had it all figured out,boom! And there’s one specific scene that shattered my heart into a thousand pieces.

Another standout is ILSA, the robot Weslie created. She’s not just a brilliant invention, she’s a character in her own right,with personality, comic timing, and a central role in the plot. One of those secondary characters that easily steals the show.

Despite all my excitement, if I could change one thing, it would be a deeper exploration of some relationships,especially between Weslie and her mother. But since the story takes place entirely on the ship, I understand the limitation, and I’m hopeful the next volumes will explore that dimension more fully.

In the end, Bound By Stars is a story that surprises in many ways. It’s like Titanic meets Interstellar, but with political conspiracy, social critique, sarcastic robots, and a romance built on honesty and empathy. A futuristic narrative that makes you reflect on belonging, inequality, power, and affection amid chaos.

E.L. Starling delivers in this debut with fast-paced writing, sharp dialogue, and characters we can truly connect with. I finished the book with a heavy heart and am already counting the days until the second one.

If you’re looking for an engaging YA sci-fi with slow-burn romance, action, and meaningful themes, go ahead and add Bound By Stars to the top of your TBR. It will captivate you. And it will stay with you.


>>> Thank you to NetGalley/Entangled Teen and author E.L. Starling for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m so glad I got to read it. 💖 <<<<

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)

Bound by Stars had a lot of potential! I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers setup and ILSA. There were definitely moments I enjoyed, and the romance had its swoony bits.

That said, I spent a lot of the book a little confused. The worldbuilding felt a bit vague in places, and I had several questions that never really got answered. The pacing was also a little uneven—some parts dragged, and others moved too quickly, but overall pacing issues don't bother me much.

Still, it kept me entertained enough to finish, and I might read the next one just to see where things go. It didn’t blow me away, but if you're in the mood for a light, spacey romantasy, it’s worth a shot.

Okay so Bound by Stars absolutely chewed me up and spit me out...IN SPACE. This book had me by the throat with the emotional tension and I kept turning the page like a clown thinking things would get easier. Spoiler: they didn’t. And I loved it.

Let’s talk about the slow-burn romance. The two main characters have so much tension I’m pretty sure they caused a gravitational shift. One minute they’re ready to stab each other, the next they’re staring too long and not talking about it. It’s enemies-to-lovers but in a “we might have to save the galaxy together while pretending we don’t care” kind of way. I was thriving.

Also, shoutout to the political backstabbing, morally questionable missions, and loyalty tests that made my little drama loving heart beat faster. There’s a scene on a rooftop (if you know, you know) that had me whispering “oh no” out loud like I was watching a soap opera.

My only tiny complaint: I wanted the ending to sit in the emotional mess a little longer before wrapping up, but honestly? That’s just because I didn’t want to leave.