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Reviewed by:
  • Starbreak by Phoebe North
  • April Spisak
North, Phoebe Starbreak. Simon, 2014 [432p] ISBN 978-1-4424-5956-4 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys     R Gr. 8-10

In this sequel to Starglass (BCCB 10/13), the centuries-long wait to reach a habitable planet has finally ended, though our travelers may be optimistic in assuming that they’ll be welcomed at their new destination. Terra wants to step up and help lead in the power vacuum created by overthrowing a corrupt governing system, but she is deeply distracted by her recurring dreams of Vadix, her beloved alien. Meanwhile, on a planet that is hostile in a number of ways, plans are mostly decided against allowing the residents of the ship Asherah to stay, which would leave the travelers no choice but to fight or flee back to a destroyed planet. The book offers an intriguing analysis of who is actually alien, particularly given the elements of Jewish culture and hints about historical situations that had Jewish individuals on Earth ostracized or made “outsider.” There’s also plenty of character development and love story here, so much so that readers might wish for more details about the incredible ship and the mysteries of the new planet. However, at the core this is a powerful romance novel, particularly for those who fervently believe in soulmates, preordained love, love at first sight, or, in the case of Terra and Vadix, all of the above.

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