The Sound of Stars

 

Hi everyone!  Welcome to my first book review.  I have just finished Alechia Dow's debut novel, The Sound of Stars.  

It takes place in the near future. After a misunderstanding between the leaders of Earth and the invading Ilori, one-third of Earth's population is killed.  Two years later, 17 year old Janelle "Ellie" Baker is surviving in an Ilori-controlled center in New York City.  Humans have been deemed dangerously volatile, therefore any forms of expression have been banned.  No books, no music, and no expression of emotions.  However, Ellie breaks the rules by keeping a secret library. When a book goes missing, Ellie is terrified that the Ilori will track it back to her and execute her.  Born in a lab, M0Rr1S (Morris) was raised to be emotionless. When he finds Ellie’s illegal library, he’s duty-bound to deliver her for execution. The trouble is, he finds himself drawn to human music and in desperate need of more. They’re both breaking the rules for love of art—and Ellie inspires the same feelings in him that music does.  Ellie’s and humanity’s fate rests in the hands of an alien she should fear.  Morris has a lot of secrets, but also a potential solution—thousands of miles away. The two embark on a wild and dangerous road trip with a bag of books and their favorite albums to save the world and possibly, each other.

This book was amazing!  It dealt with themes such as racism, privilege, and many more.  Although Ellie is an amazing character.  She's black, plus-size, and has anxiety.  I really appreciated how the story never treats those things as her main characteristics, but rather an intrinsic part of who she is.  At first, she doesn't have much faith in herself or humanity.  However, as the story goes on, Ellie realizes that she is more powerful than she realizes.  Morris is a sweetheart.  He's a lab made Ilori and he's supposed to be emotionless.  In spite of this, he sympathizes with the humans and loves pop music.  Since he's not used to expressing his emotions, Morris has a tendency to say whatever comes to mind.  He was so sweet and genuinely wanted to be Ellie's friend when they first meet.  The bottom line is: Morris is a cinnamon roll and you can't hurt a cinnamon roll.  Ellie and Morris' relationship throughout the book is so sweet and pure.  As they journey across the country, Morris learns what it means to be human and Ellie learns what it means to have hope.

This was a beautiful story filled with love.  It's one of the best books I've ever read and I can't wait for whatever else Ms. Dow has in store.  It easily gets five stars.  I'd absolutely give it more if I could.  See you next time!

XOXO, Michaela