The Stars We Steal takes place in a spaceship 170 years after
Earth has become inhospitable. While steeped in luxury and intrigue, the story confronts some socioeconomic issues we
see in the news today.
Leo's family (father and a younger sister) is poor, but they can't afford to show it. They have docked their ship and
are staying with Leo's aunt, Captain Lind, of the very large, luxurious
ship The Scandinavian. While there,
Leo must participate in The Valg, a weeks-long ritual with daily activities in which she has no interest, in order to find a rich husband
and save the family. Leo has other ideas. She is determined to save her family by selling a water
purification system that she has invented, rather than marrying. But to apply for the patent requires more money that Leo has.
Since they are living on The Scandinavian, Leo has rented out her family's ship to make some money.
She is surprised when one of the occupants is her ex-fiance, Elliot. They did
not part on good terms, but feelings still exist. Elliot was the son of Leo's father's valet and was deemed much too low-class for Leo. So she abruptly dropped Elliot and hasn't seen him since. He now arrives having much improved his status, as well as his wealth.
During The Valg there are
protests because the lower class is not getting enough supplies to survive,
while the upper class is drowning in champagne and other luxuries. Leo suspects
Elliot may have something to do with these protests. She is sympathetic but also appalled that he would jeopardize Leo's hospitality.
As the young people
navigate their way through the various activities of The Valg, Captain Lind
works to quash the rebellion. Leo is frightened for Elliott and must try to help--if only to save her own reputation. Leo is also trying to keep her younger sister in line, navigating through a host of inappropriate suitors, including Elliott!
The characters are sympathetic and the romance isn't overdone. My one hesitation for recommending The Stars We Steal is that the consumption
of alcohol, mostly to excess, is presented as normal and a means to escape and
is pervasive among these teens. Every event, whether formal or a casual get together, is accompanied by copious amounts of alcohol, and unfortunately, my recommendation would be for mature teens only.
The Stars We Steal is ultimately suspenseful, with surprising and devious twists
and turns and life-threatening situations. Many of the characters are not what they seem, but the story eventually weaves to a satisfying conclusion. I'm wondering if this world is intriguing enough to support a sequel. I would be willing to give it a try.
Published by HMH BFYR, February 4, 2020
ARC obtained from School Library Connection Magazine
389 pages
Rating: 4/5
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for visiting! I LOVE comments!