this is one of my most anticipated 2020 releases and it did not disapoint. i loved the adventure, the magic and the monsters in the way. i will be rereading this again and buying a physical copy once it is out

I loved the world building, very poetic and descriptive. This debut young adult fantasy has something for everyone. Unique magic, pirates, mermaids and a strong female character that can hold her own. Not to mention the gorgeous cover.

There are some spoilers in this review.

The title of this book is...interesting. I don't love it. I don't quite connect it to anything besides teeth being what Amora uses for her soul magic. But teeth aren't the only things she uses, and stars are only really mentioned when they are sailing, so the title doesn't make much sense with what the story was about. Anyway.

I was pretty ambivalent about everyone except maybe Vataea, who was bad-ass but still a bit not quite there as a character for me. I frequently forgot she existed. From the first chapter I absolutely hated Amora (I just finished the book and I actually had to go back to the last page and look up her name because for some reason I could not keep it in my head), her arrogance and surety was obviously a set-up for her to fail and it was too blatant for me. And the only thing I could think of when reading Bastian was Captain Hook from Once Upon A Time. He exudes sexy-pirate vibes with swagger and confidence, and it felt like that was the character Bastian was modeled after. While not a horrible thing, I still wish I'd been able to see him in my head as his own person.

The story itself was interesting. I think that was what really kept me going. I was curious to see how the different islands worked, how Kaven was gaining hold, and who and what he really was. It was pretty clear from the moment Bastian broke Amora out of prison that they were going to fall for each other, but the romance wasn't too in-your-face. I thought the twist at the end was good, although I still don't understand how Bastian activated the curse, when he doesn't have soul magic and the king just killed himself. Shouldn't it have been the king who activated it? Or even Amora every time she killed someone? That part really didn't make sense.

Poor Ferrick was just dead weight the whole time - the only thing he was good for was healing people and literally chopping off his own limbs so that Amora could kill other people. His shining moment at the end was a nice way to give him something to do, but I really wish he had been given that chance much earlier and wasn't such a bumbling idiot throughout the first half of the book. He seemed like a decent enough person, who wasn't all that stupid actually, but who was trying to help someone he cared about and was only treated with frustration and disdain (yet another reason I didn't like Amora).

I'll still probably seek out book two because I want to know whether Amora can break her own curse, save soul magic, and save the kingdom. Hopefully the characters are a bit less unlike-able the next time around.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are my own.

Grace's debut novel comes out swinging and stay chock-full of adrenaline through the last page. Led by a POC female main character, Grace's leading lady never doubts her birthright, which is so refreshing. She accepts her duties as just an aspect of life, and when all hell breaks loose and she discovers things aren't what they seem, Amora adjusts accordingly. Not only is Amora a ruler, she genuinely cares about her people and wants to serve them, not rule them. \
Without giving any spoilers, this book is going to rock your minds, your world, and the whole of YA Fantasy. Get ready.

I really enjoyed this book! It is fast paced and grabs you from the beginning! The characters are interesting and extremely well written. I would highly recommend this to anyone that is a fan of ya fantasy!

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

After looking all year I've finally found a sea-worthy adventure full of magic that exceeded my expectations. All the Stars and Teeth wasn't what I expected while being everything I needed. An adventure journey that took place on the deck of a unique and magical ship with a sassy and con of a pirate, a princess bent on proving herself worthy of her kingdom and determined to make her people unafraid of her and her unique abilities, the biggest cinnamon roll who loves the princess but has trouble finding his sea legs and finally a mermaid who joins the novel halfway through who is the most cunning and dangerous of them all. A gang bent of prevailing over evil and restoring peace to the kingdom.

➽ Amora - Heir to the throne and the next high animancer. She hold the most unique magi of them all; the gift of souls. On the day of her demonstration where she is supposed to show her control over her power she realizes just how scared everyone is of her and what she can do. A misstep is made and now she has to fight her way through her kingdom with a pirate to save not only it but prove herself worthy of being Queen.

➽ Bastian - A Zudian pirate with the fastest magical ship to ever sail the seas who has had his magic stolen from him. He's out to save his people from an evil he ran from years ago and has convinced Amora to join him.

➽ Ferrick - Soon to be engaged to Amora his childhood best friend and one of the most talented Suntosan healers.

➽ Vataea - Mermaid and possible man-eater. Mermaids are known for their voices and the power they hold over the sea.

I opened to the first page and saw all the islands listed along with their jewel representative along with the type of magic each practiced and was worried about being confused, but the magic system was very well explained within the first few chapters and even more detailed throughout their journey. There were so many different kinds of magics and even within those defined magics lived even more possibilities. I don't want give too much away but it was unique and well thought out through to the end. I do have to say that Amora's magic was odd and I could totally understand why her people might be a little scared of her. Her soul magic is drawn from bones which she retrieves herself and that process was a tad gruesome. Points to Bastian for only passing out once observing it live.

There was romance that ended in quite the unexpected way. Becoming the next animancer meant also becoming engaged to Ferrick for Amora and saying she was less than thrilled is an understatement. At first it's because she seems selfish and maybe a tad wanton (no judgment get it girl) but there is just no chemistry between the two which is apparent when Bastian steps on the scene. Sparks start flying immediate and honestly swoon. Who doesn't want a rugged pirate? Just be prepared for that slow burn lusty love.

I loved adventure journeys where we get to see more of the world and discover it alongside our MCs. Amora had been so sheltered her life so like her we get to experience the islands for the first time and the magic they each separately wield. While they were on their way to a serious task, the adventure of getting there had a few light moments and the not-triangle-triangle of Bastian, Ferrick and Amora was highly amusing. Vataea just added to the group dynamic. I loved getting to know the world along with the people in it. Even those we met in passing were fully fleshed out. While this is a fantasy novel with a bunch of magic thrown in, it was easy to connect to the type of situation they were all in and the emotions they felt.

With her debut novel Grace comes into the writing world strong and with a book that is sure to make waves. There isn't a major cliffhanger but there is still a lot of plot left to be wrapped up. I'm not sure how many books the series will have but I need to know what happens next and how what they learned on their adventure and what happened will effect not only them but the entire kingdom.

This book has all the elements of an engaging and popular YA fantasy, particularly a protagonist who goes against the grain and has to prove herself. The fast-paces story will please a wide variety of readers. Highly recommended!

This book was so much fun to read!! It gripped my from the first chapter and was just in a constant state of motion, keeping my jumping from one page to the next like my life depended on it.

Amora Montara has spent her life training to become the heir of the High Animancer of Visidia, the master of soul magic. To secure her position, she must put on the most important demonstration of her life. But when that goes disastrously wrong, Amora forges a deal with the dashing, mysterious, and handsome pirate Bastian and flees for her life.

As she sails the islands that make up her kingdom, Amora discovers a dangerous enemy and new magic that may just spell the end for her kingdom and life as they know it. Amora must conquer all the dangers she faces beside a crew she never imagined she'd be a part of, or risk the fate of all of Visidia.

Okay, where to even begin? One of the most important parts of any story to me are the characters. If I don't find myself attached to the characters then I will be hard-pressed to enjoy the book. I LOVED these characters. They are well-written, developed, they all are distinct, with their own personalities and quirks that really make them fun to read. Amora herself is starting on an exciting path of growth, blossoming from a girl who thinks she knows everything, but when her truth is shattered, rather than be overwhelmed, she gets down to business to fix things and accepts that responsibility. I really admired that about her.
Our supporting cast, Bastian, Ferrick, and Vataea are all compelling (Especially this swoon-worthy Bastian *insert heart eyes here*)

I thought the world and kingdom, while I've seen plenty split into regions by magic or element, was still unique and different enough to feel like a new world I haven't been to before, which is not always easy to do. The history was rich and lent itself to making Visidia seem like a concrete place. I also was a fan of the magic system! I look forward to learning more about it and the way it will be changing in the upcoming book.

Overall, this was definitely a great book. I'd give it 4.5 stars. I 100% will be looking forward to the next installment. It kept me hooked with a fast-paced, exciting plot, engaging characters, and colorful world. There was even a little bit of a twist that I didn't see coming (which, again, is hard to do- I tend to see things coming a mile off in most stories). Definitely recommend this!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Imprint for the free e-arc I received for an honest review.

Loved both the book and that cover art! Wow! Stunning!
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

When I was perusing Goodreads and checking out 2020 releases, I came across Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth and I was immediately intrigued by the stunning cover and the interesting synopsis. As I mention in my Sea Witch review, anything with mermaids qualifies as an instant read for me. With the gorgeous mermaid tail on the cover (along with a ship, skull and skeleton elements) there is mention of a ‘vengeful mermaid’ in the synopsis - so, clearly, my expectations of this book were set high. I can say that this debut novel from Adalyn Grace goes far beyond just mermaids and exceeded expectations!

The Plot

Amora Montara has been raised to be the High Animancer, for her realm, Visidia, a group of islands. Each island’s inhabitants practice one type of magic of their choosing; however, Amora has never had a choice – she will have to practice soul magic.

Soul magic is the most deadly and dangerous form of magic and is only practiced by the royal family. Early on in the story, it is explained that long ago a beast attacked the realm and hoped to control those who practiced multiple types of magic. It was believed that practicing more than one type of magic made people greedy for power and the beast looked to corrupt those who looked for power. The beast offered to teach people the most powerful form of magic, but only in return for their souls. People who tried to master this ‘soul magic’, but already practiced multiple magics died in the process.

Amora’s ancestor, Cato Montara, who was a magicless man, bargained with the beast. If Cato could convince the population to give up practicing all but one of their magics, the beast would give its magic to Cato and leave. Cato was successful in convincing people to give up all but one of their magics and he vanquished the beast, but it could return one day if people begin practicing multiple magics again. Cato stepped into ruling the kingdom and practiced only soul magic; however, the beast stayed locked in his blood and was passed to his decedents.

We meet Amora on her birthday, about to participate in a coronation ritual to test her magic in front of her people and to solidify her ability to take up the position of High Animancer when her father is no longer fit. However, during the coronation she loses control of her magic and is forcibly removed and faces the possibility of being hanged.

While in the dungeon awaiting her fate, she is saved by Bastian, a pirate who she strikes a bargain with. They both agree that he will help her prove she is fit to rule if she will first help him reclaim his stolen magic. While on their high-seas adventure, Amora’s betrothed, Ferrick, joins them and they cross paths with a vengeful mermaid (yay!) named Vataea who joins the crew.

Together they must get Bastian’s magic back and save the kingdom from a destructive magic that is on the rise that threatens to kill all life in its path.

The Review

Amora is a very head strong girl who starts off a little rigid, but quickly flourishes into a well-rounded character. Her whole life has been training for her to take the High Animancer position, and the responsibilities that go along with the burden her lineage requires. When she is thrown together with Bastian, who you could almost say is her foil, it takes her a little bit to catch up to his charismatic, mostly care-free swagger. Her character growth is really fun to watch blossom as she is swept away by the different magics, people, and creatures of her kingdom.

I LOVED Bastian immediately. It is hard not to swoon for witty, snarky, boys who dress well and MAY be a pirate – and he fits the bill gloriously. The way he seems to know just how much support or push Amora needs to be successful and claim her magic for herself is also very appealing. How can you not love a supportive man?

It’s also hard not to love Vataea, the mermaid. We encounter her being held captive on land by a crime-lord who has taken over one of the islands. The crime-lord operates using years of a person’s life as currency (clearly, he is no joke) and is an all-around bad guy. Amora, Ferrick, and Bastian, help Vataea escape in exchange for her temporarily joining their crew and helping them to detect magic and curses along the way. Mermaids in this world are pretty incredible! Not only is Vataea gorgeous, but she has a siren song that drowns men, as well as a bunch of other magic that makes everyone’s lives better. For coming out of traumatic scenario, she has a pretty kick-butt attitude and really adds a lot to the crew.

Ferrick is probably the character you get to know least out of the crew. He is betrothed to Amora out of duty – but genuinely cares for her. Unfortunately for Ferrick, his love is not reciprocated. He has a really cool form of magic that allows him to not only heal others, but himself as well (like regrow a hand!). Overall, I felt a little sorry for his character early on, but I have a feeling he will get his day to shine.

I also really enjoyed the world and magic system that Adalyn has built for this story. I like the freedom that having it take place on different island gives her in terms of variety and terrain. She does a fantastic job of making the magic system interesting without over complicating it with rules or limitations. One of my favorite parts is the presences of curses, which plays a huge part in the adventure. It is a unique angle that adds a lot to the story.

Overall, I think this was a stunning debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Adalyn does a fantastic job keeping your attention, moving the story forward, as well as building an interesting and characters. I will be looking forward to read more in book two!

I adore Bastian the pirate so much. The swoon was just right for a YA. The magic was interesting and the mythological creatures were a great addition to the story. The MC started off a little rigid but the author gave you so many range of emotions that it really helped develop the character. I gave this story 5 stars and highly recommend it.

I love pirates, but have been let down with a lot of the pirate-type books! However, here is one that totally changed my mind! I'll also add that the cover is one of my favorites of the year!

Amora was pretty freaking awesome! I easily connected with her and what she was going through and had to face! Then there were the boys! I loved Bastian and Ferrick, especially Bastion, though! And Vataea has my heart! She was vicious and lovable at the same time! The bond between the crew was one that I would want to truly be a part of.

All I want in my life right now is to set sail on Keel Haul—that's the ship, by the way! The author put a whole unique spin on the pirate life with wonderful and vivid descriptions that had me captivated from one. Now, give me all the bones and all the magic, and I'm seriously excited for book 2!

A great adventure tale full of dark magic and political intrigue! This book has an engaging, action filled plot that will keep readers' interest. Is violent and dark at times. Wish there were a little more depth to some of the characters. A great read for those who love princesses, pirates, mermaids, magic, and books about good versus evil!

Multicultural YA fantasy/adventure/romance that has potential but which, for me, was dragged down by pace issues and at times conflicting world-building elements. YA readers of series like Throne of Glass or The Paper Magician might find it appealing.

This was a good adventure book that didn't shy away from violence or complex emotions. While I didn't connect with many of the characters I would recommend it those that like stories with pirates, mermaids, and plenty of action.

This book was received as an ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group - Imprint in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

All the Stars and Teeth was a twisted version of a princess fairy tale which made me love it even more. The book had a lot of Caraval and Throne of Glass elements to it but I also picked up on some Disney's Brave elements with the tenacious behavior of Amora especially when she had to flee the kingdom and meet Bastian discovering the power of dark magic. They always say the road you take does not always matter unless it takes you to where you want to go and for Amora that route was Bastian. With all that is at stake Amora overcame her mislead demonstration. Because of the unique plot and characters throughout the book, our young adult patrons will sure enjoy this book and our teen book club will love it.

We will consider adding this title to YFiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This book was very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot was super engaging and i was completely sucked into it. I will be recommending this book to my patrons.