Book Review | A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia. A. Cole
A Conspiracy of Stars has hints of Avatar – but better. Set in a future on an alien planet, this book keeps you guessing the entire way through. A brilliant Young Adult Sci-fi novel that keeps you turning the pages.
I picked up a copy of this book at the Strand in New York early, but am only just getting around to writing my review now… I’m a bad book blogger! Please forgive me?
A Conspiracy of Stars (Untitled Duology #1) by Olivia A. Cole Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 2nd 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 432
Goodreads
Octavia has only ever had one goal: to follow in the footsteps of her parents and become a prestigious whitecoat, one of the scientists who study the natural wonders of Faloiv. The secrets of the jungle’s exotic plants and animals are protected fiercely in the labs by the Council of N’Terra, so when the rules suddenly change, allowing students inside, Octavia should be overjoyed.
But something isn’t right. The newly elected leader of the Council has some extremist views about the way he believes N’Terra should be run, and he’s influencing others to follow him. When Octavia witnesses one of the Faloii—the indigenous people of Faloiv—attacked in front of her in the dark of night, she knows the Council is hiding something. They are living in separate worlds on a shared planet, and their fragile peace may soon turn into an all-out war.
With the help of Rondo, a quiet boy in class with a skill for hacking, and her inquisitive best friend, Alma, Octavia is set on a collision course to discover the secrets behind the history she’s been taught, the science she’s lived by, and the truth about her family.
Okay so straight away I was drawn in, and I was LOVING IT, then I had a brief hiccup where I thought there was a case of insta-love happening and I wasn’t too keen. This wasn’t the case though, it was actually a really interesting situation which I really enjoyed!
The world building was so cool and well thought out. They had kind of accidentially colonised a new planet and been stuck there for 70 years and counting, but things were changing. There’s an indigenous people who the majority of colonists have never met, and interesting plant and animal life that’s really different to Earth’s.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that I drew some similarities between A Conspiracy of Stars and Avatar… the nature of this alien planet was so similar, and the animosity between the indeginous people and the humans. This isn’t a bad thing as I really LOVED Avatar! The plot isn’t similar at all – just the world itself.
The science was quite in depth which was really interesting and well thought out, it seemed quite believable – especially for an alien planet! I also really enjoyed the fact that all the children/teens were brought up to learn about certain aspects of the planet and science.
A Conspiracy of Stars was told from Octavia’s POV which really aided the whole, there’s something more going on, vibe of the novel, as we only knew what she did (which wasn’t a lot).
It was quite allegorical in the way that there was a leader who was quite irrational and making bad decisions that are pretty racist against the indigenous people. Sound familiar?
It was a steadily paced read – with things being hinted at throughout, but you’re not quite sure what’s going on which keeps you reading!
I liked Octavia but she definitely was ‘special’ in all ways. Even to the point where she is allowed to visit the places others aren’t because of who her parents are. However, I liked the way she developed as the book went on. Even early on she was questioning her and her friend’s biases against their fellow classmates, deciding to reach out to those they’d previously judged. I particularly enjoyed the friendship between her Alma and Rondo. They really supported one another, and even though there were romantic elements it wasn’t the focus of the story.
All in all I really enjoyed this book – a great read to start the year with. Have you read it yet?
13 Comments
I have this and can’t wait to read it!!!
You’re a great book blogger! I love your review! I like when books use a character that is not central to the actions taking place around them. It gives a certain mystery to the story that keeps me reading.
Aw thank you Jenn 🙈 I kept coming back to this review cos I wasn’t happy with it but at least someone enjoyed it!
This sounds really good! and a bit yes to any world that seems like Avatar!!
I loved Avatar so so much!
You had me a bit worried with the similarities to Avatar (I was never a fan) but that synopsis sounds too good to resist! It’s also lovely seeing more girls in YA with a bent towards science 🙂 Great review!
The similarities are more in the world than the plot line – mostly! So I think you should still be able to enjoy it!
YES! I so enjoyed this novel! I agree that Octavia was a little special snowflake at times but the world was just so cool!!!
Yey at least it wasn’t just me haha!
I’m so glad to see you enjoyed this. I’ve seen some mixed reviews, but I still really want to read it. Great review!! 🙂
I hope you enjoy it! 💕
I haven’t read this one yet but I do really like the movie Avatar, so knowing it is similar to that but in a book is something which intrigues me because I would love to read that for myself! I am glad there wasn’t insta love in there, because I really don’t enjoy that in my reads and that would put me off.
My recent post: http://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/02/reading-wrap-up-january-december/
Yeah when I thought it was insta love I almost closed it 🙈 it’s a bit confusing that part but it moves on pretty quick!