Review: Starcrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

16-year-old Digger thrives as a spy and sneak-thief among the feuding religious factions of Gerse. But when a routine job goes horribly wrong and her partner and lover Tegen is killed, she disguises herself in a group of young nobles and sneaks out of the city. Accepted as a lady-in-waiting at the stronghold of the powerful Nemair, she finds new peace and friendship (and some new targets). But when an old client from the city comes to the castle, she realizes her hosts may be planning the ultimate uprising against the king - and rather than true peace, she may be at the heart of the rebellion. Now with an extensive excerpt of the daring sequel, LIAR'S MOON!

Digger was born under the thief’s moon. It would seem she is fated to a life of stealing. On the run from a KGB-like police force known as green men, Digger convinces a group of nobles floating along on a boat that she is one of them, a noble. As luck would have it, Merista needs a lady in waiting and Digger who now calls herself Celyn is the perfect person for the job. Political intrigue (YESSIR), blackmail, friendship, magic, and young love, in other words, things that are awesome ensue.

I’ve seen a review or two where Starcrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce was compared unfavorably to A Curse As Dark As Gold. I’ve not yet read that, however, I really enjoyed Starcrossed. Perhaps this is because I have no basis of comparison with Bunce’s previous work. Either way, I was entranced by Bunce’s world building. I found the land with three moons and multiple jobs to be believable while reading. When I’m reading world building, I want to be able to believe the author, not think to myself, what a load of bull.

Furthermore, I enjoyed Digger/Celyn’s character arc. She goes from being self-centered to actually caring about others beyond herself. I’m always down for a little character redemption in the books that I read. You see, Celyn has three rules that she follows: Stay alive, don’t get caught, and don’t get involved. Her whole life is centered around self-preservation. She has little room for others. However caring for certain characters and getting to know people such as the Lady Merista and her family more deeply, Celyn does change, despite being mired in blackmail by a certain evil lord.

Key to my delight with this book is that it’s YA fantasy. I love that and wish it would become a huge trend. I also love that Celyn isn’t a warrior. Don’t get me wrong I love a book with a kick ass lady at the helm. However, I can dig that Celyn uses her brains instead of brawn to get by. Additionally, there are little glimpses of court life. With routines and etiquette, and well, I love that sort of thing.

Furthermore, there’s very very little romance for our main character, as she’s so focused on her three rules. There’s no love triangles. PLUS an emphasis on friendship. Be still my beating hear.

Other Reviews:

Bookworm1858
Consumed By Books
The Compulsive Reader
The Book Smugglers

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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