Ryka Aoki's 'Light From Uncommon Stars' is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary realism, following the intersecting lives of characters like Katrina, a transgender runaway violinist seeking refuge, and Shizuka Satomi, a legendary violin teacher known as the Queen of Hell. The narrative weaves together elements of demonic curses, violin competitions, and interstellar travel, creating a unique and diverse story that explores themes of identity, redemption, and the transformative power of music. Aoki's writing style is praised for its richly imaginative world-building, sensitive portrayal of transgender experiences, and skillful balance of profound themes with moments of warmth and humor.

Characters:

The cast is diverse and intricately developed, featuring a trans protagonist, a violin virtuoso with a dark past, and endearing alien refugees, all navigating their individual struggles for acceptance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is rich and evocative, characterized by a rhythmic style that plays like a musical composition, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative weaves together distinct storylines about a violin teacher's Faustian bargain, a trans girl's journey of self-discovery, and a family's escape from galactic war, all anchored by themes of identity and belonging.

Setting:

The setting is a vivid, contemporary California backdrop that harmonizes with fantastical elements, providing a rich and immersive environment for the characters.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates throughout, allowing for deep character exploration while maintaining an engaging narrative flow that balances moments of tension and reflection.

There’d be no reason to doubt her; of course she would go there. That’s where the queers went. Her father would punch the wall, throw something heavy and breakable; her mother would cross herself and ...

Notes:

The book intertwines music, demons, and intergalactic refugees in a unique narrative.

Katrina, the protagonist, is a transgender violin prodigy fleeing an abusive home.

The story features a violin teacher who has sold her soul to the devil.

It includes a donut shop run by aliens who escaped a galactic war.

The book explores deep themes of identity, trauma, and healing.

It blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary fiction.

Aoki, the author, is a composer and musician, influencing the rich musical themes in the novel.

The main characters experience moments of warmth and connection amidst struggles with societal issues.

Despite serious themes, the book is described as whimsical and heartwarming.

It received nominations for the Hugo and Locus awards, showcasing its critical acclaim.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of child abuse, sexual assault, transphobia, and racism.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in the book, primarily focusing on a lesbian relationship between two older characters.

From The Publisher:

Good Omens meets The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet in Ryka Aoki's Light From Uncommon Stars, a defiantly joyful adventure set in California's San Gabriel Valley, with cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship over fresh-made donuts.

A National Bestseller

Indie Next Pick

New York Public Library Top 10 Book of 2021

A Kirkus Best Book of 2021

A Barnes & Noble Best Science Fiction Book of 2021

Shizuka Satomi made a deal with the devil: to escape damnation, she must entice seven other violin prodigies to trade their souls for success. She has already delivered six.

When Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender runaway, catches Shizuka's ear with her wild talent, Shizuka can almost feel the curse lifting. She's found her final candidate.

But in a donut shop off a bustling highway in the San Gabriel Valley, Shizuka meets Lan Tran, retired starship captain, interstellar refugee, and mother of four. Shizuka doesn't have time for crushes or coffee dates, what with her very soul on the line, but Lan's kind smile and eyes like stars might just redefine a soul's worth. And maybe something as small as a warm donut is powerful enough to break a curse as vast as the California coastline.

As the lives of these three women become entangled by chance and fate, a story of magic, identity, curses, and hope begins, and a family worth crossing the universe for is found.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Ratings (31)

Incredible (9)
Loved It (11)
Liked It (5)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (114):

Read It (31)
Want To Read (62)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (19)

2 comment(s)

parcat480

Loved It

8 months

It’s a book that made me feel like I was eleven again reading on wattpad in the nicest way possible. So many things were going on at the same time and i honestly had so much fun following every story line.

zozopuff

Incredible

9 months

amazing story of a talented trans teen's struggles; the slow modernization of values in communities that resist - oh and it has aliens. 5/5 stars

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Light From Uncommon Stars

Ryka Aoki