By Kaylie Seed
A Wilderness of Stars is Shea Ernshaw’s latest YA fiction novel that is bound to charm teenage and adult readers alike. The reader follows Vega, a young woman who has spent her entire life secluded in the valley she was born in learning about the stars from her mother. Vega is The Last Astronomer, a title that has been passed down through generations. Only she knows the knowledge of the stars and how to find the key to saving everyone. In this unique coming-of-age story, Vega must decide whether to keep her knowledge of the stars to herself or save everyone from a sickness ravaging the world.
Ernshaw tends to repeat the same descriptions of characters and the plot numerous times throughout the novel. While reminders sprinkled here and there can be helpful to readers, having a bombardment of repeated descriptions can be overwhelming and may lose their power after a while. The pace felt inconsistent as most of the plot felt slow and as the end of the story nears, it picks up and the ending feels rushed. However, the way A Wilderness of Stars ends hints at a continuation of some kind, so I can forgive the feeling of an abrupt ending. Despite this, A Wilderness of Stars was a delectable read bound to enchant readers from beginning to end. Perhaps this will be a duology, and I am looking forward to the worldbuilding that Ernshaw could bring forth in a continuation of Vega’s story.
Ernshaw’s prose is both dark and ethereal, weaving together a story that captivates the reader while also bringing forth emotions of joy and sadness. The elements of science fiction should be noted as well, as Ernshaw has twisted together contemporary fantasy with science fiction to create a unique plot with elements of a coming-of-age story. Readers who have enjoyed Ernshaw’s previous novels will find delight in A Wilderness of Stars.
Thank you, Simon and Schuster Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.