Have been unable to review due to illness. Review coming soon! This novel looks fantastic and I highly recommend this author to everyone! Can't wait to read this one!

I really enjoyed reading this book! I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the mystery and sci-fi qualities. I don't read many sci-fi books, in fact this is the first one I've read in years, and I loved it! I recommend it if you like books where you have to keep flipping the page to find out what happens next!

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was fun and exciting. I liked how this Ya book blended dystopian with almost murder mystery and fancy ball gowns. It wasn’t too deep or anything and characters were kinda flat, but all-in-all it was a fun brain candy quick read.

I know there are some reviews that don’t like that the main character is rude and abrasive, but honestly that’s what made the book refreshing to read. She wasn’t a boring and perfect character. She was mean and selfish and knew it about herself.

Yes there were tropes and things were predictable, but that’s half the fun. Sitting there guessing who actually did what. And sometimes being wrong or second guessing and realizing ah you were right.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review!

Vika Hale knows what it is like to have nothing. Slinging drinks on a backwater planet barely keeps the lights on, but everything changes when the mysterious benefactor who bankrolled her education dies and names Vika in his will. Whisked away to a prosperous planet, Vika is thrust into a glittering new world where secrets are weapons and the gloss of high society is only skin deep. Afraid to lose her new life Vika quickly sets about changing herself to fit in with high society, but a narrow escape from an attempt on her life sends Vika on the trail of a would be assassin.

To find out who tried to kill her, Vika must rely on Sky Foster, her benefactor's assistant with secrets of his own. As Vika and Sky's investigation uncovers a trail of secrets and murders that lead to an underground resistance, they must risk everything in order to stop the killer and keep the people of her home planet from being caught in the crossfire.

My Review:

I instantly snagged this book based off of the first three words in the description: Bridgerton meets Illuminae. My favorite netflix show mixed with my favorite YA science fiction series? Sign me up! The only issue is... the only thing this novel had in common with Illuminae is the varying POV's in a science fiction setting. Despite the mis-marketing I absolutely enjoyed this novel. it was very regency-esque but with less corsets and more explosions! The divide between the classes and exploitation of the lower class made the perfect backdrop for the plot. I loved the underlying message regarding how expensive it is to be poor. The pacing matched the plot perfectly, and the writing style was very engaging. I was able to sink right into this book after the first two chapters, and the only reason it took me so long was because of a grammatical error/stylistic choice regarding the shortening of the word 'because'. The word was written without the apostrophe, (cause vs 'cause) which are two very different words, and it kept pulling me out of my immersion.

One of the things I loved most about this novel was the characterization of Vika. I must confess I did not like her for the middle section of the book when she started being judgmental and trying to change herself. I think that's what makes her so likable in the long run. You get to see her grow as a person and come to a decision about what really matters. Her partner in crime Sky starts off as someone calculating and secretive but the more time he spends with Vika the more he opens up.

The only thing I would have changed about the characters at all would have to be with the villain. The novel starts out with an inside look into their psyche as they set the stage for the plot to begin. It was dark and twisted, but conflicted all at once. It held a promise that every other instance of the villain's POV failed to deliver on. Every further instance of their POV deteriorates into the stereotypical mustache twirling villain. It sort of unbalanced the story for me, and I wish more time had been spent in their mind to develop them further.

All in all this novel was fun, thrilling, and a great way to get over my recent reading slump.

I give this novel a total of 3.5 stars

I want to preface this review with while this book wasn’t for me, I know it will be for someone! The book wasn’t bad.

I didn't find I connected to the main character and I found that the storyline was lacking for me. I think the concept is very enjoyable and interesting though. Maybe it wasn’t the time for me to read this book. I will be adding it to my list to pick up at a later time to reread.

I went through a lot of emotions with this one.

Vika Hale comes from the wrong side of the tracks (or the wrong planet, in this case), and is forever dreaming of something more. When she's finally able to live her dream, is it actually what she wanted?

Look, I'm a sucker for Cinderella stories. This has a lot of elements of that! And it's wrapped up in a neat little well developed sci-fi package. It has so many things I love. A fun mystery, too!

But I found it terribly difficult for me to connect with Vika for about half the book. She just became so wildly unlikable. And while I recognize that this was probably the point, I just wanted to be out of her POV as soon as possible so I could get back to Sky. He was a delight. More Sky. And more Ariel! A whole book on Ariel, please!

I had a lot of fun reading this. I was kept guessing (which I love), and got completely swept away when the action picked up near the end.

I hope there are more in this series, and I can't wait to read more by Cristin Terrill. Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Stars Between Us is a tale of two cities, planets rather, with the Haves living on the eco-healthy, rich one and the Havenots living on the smogfilled, ex-mine, depressed planet.

This is ultimately a love story, with hidden identities a la the Prince and the Pauper, but it's also a cautionary tale about economic inequity, post-industrialization ecologic hazards, smugglers, the 1% , and many other delicious things.

I'll recommend it to be purchased for middle school library acquisition

3.4/5

Very YA, I think 13-16 me would have really enjoyed this book (not that adult me didn't also enjoy this book too).

Future meets past in The Stars Between us. This book didn't need to be based in space, it wasn't vital to the plot, but it made it fun! Think historical romance with some mystery, but instead of journeys across the Atlantic Ocean, travelling through space. Neat concept, but don't go in expecting a lot of Sci-fi, everyone in this story is a human or a Mec (minor part).

My biggest eh was the Mc. The MC was vain, but was intentionally written that way. It just seemed so conflicting between her loving her family (especially her dad) and being a brat towards them after she is better off.

I also didn't really like the way the chapters were written in the beginning, I understand it was to emphasize the differences between the two planet's cultures, but it was only written a particular way for the first 15% of the book, then it got left behind. To me I think it'd make more sense to have her 'code switch', especially with her private tutor that's mentioned in the beginning than immediately know how to adapt to a new culture.

Overall though, I really did enjoy the book. I was little on the fence in the beginning but it really came around. Was it predictable, yes. Was it still an enjoyable read? 100%. The romance was good, the character growth was great, the characters in general were written really well. Honestly a spin off about Ariel I'd read in a heartbeat!

I was given a free ARC through netgalley, but everything in this review is my own honest opinion. Thank you, for allowing me to review this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the premise when I first requested it but was nervous because mixing sci-fi with a Bridgerton would not be an easy thing to do successfully. I was glad I gave it a chance, I really enjoyed it. And while I did not like Vika as a person I loved her as a character because she made me feel something towards her. I rather have a character that is frustrating over one who is just blah. The world was well explained and done in a way that was believable and easy to imagine myself in.

Thank you, NetGalley for the chance to read this book!

For starters, the cover art for this book grabbed me the minute I saw it. It’s GORGEOUS. This story was very much regency romance meets space with a dash of mystery and I really did enjoy it. I wish the love story would have been a little more developed but other than that it was a fun read. Thanks for the ARC, Netgalley!

I really wanted to love this book but I couldn’t. The story line is interesting and moves quickly. I struggled with the main character and her brashness. Given that I’ve never been a big fan of Dickens, Austen or Bridgerton it’s not a shock I didn’t love this book. If those are areas of interest for you then I’d recommend this book.

The Stars Between Us is the story of Vika, young barmaid from the poverty-stricken planet of Philomenus, and the fortuitous turn of events that catapult her into high society on the planet of Ploutos. Something is rotten on the planet of Ploutos, however—Vika must team up with her benefactor’s mysterious assistant, Sky Foster, in order to uncover a conspiracy that puts all of their lives in danger.

I really enjoyed this story! The concept of high society in a space-setting was imaginative; it was almost as if Jane Austen wrote a Star Wars novel.

All of the characters were interesting, though I struggled with liking Vika. At times, she seemed spoiled and entitled. However, I ultimately found her character arc satisfying. I absolutely loved Sky Foster. My only feedback here is that I wish Terrill had taken more time to develop the relationship between Vika and Sky.

The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. Terrill did an excellent job of placing red herrings, and though I solved it about halfway through, I was never entirely sure that I was correct. Additionally, I was so focused on solving the mystery that I never saw the book’s final twist coming.

The Stars Between Us is a creative, fascinating story that makes themes of poverty and class distinctions interesting and accessible for young readers. I would recommend this to fans of science-fantasy, romance, and Bridgerton. Young fans of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen might also enjoy this book.

A rags to riches story set in space with a splash of mystery.

Vika Hale grew up on the impoverished planet of Philomenus, which is in the shadow of the far wealthier planet of Ploutos with a colony-empire relationship. Her fortunes literally seem to change for the better when a mysterious, wealthy benefactor names her as an heir in his will - with the stipulation that she marry his son, Leo. At first, it seems that Leo has died in a regular accident. But as Vika tries to survive her new star-studded life in Ploutos, she realizes that someone seems to be targeting their heirs to the Chapin fortune.

Overall, this was a YA dystopian sci-fi that was an easy and quick read. There is some world building done, but it's fairly light and not high fantasy. There were times when I wished the author took more advantage of the space setting - I loved the start of explaining the collapse of the mining industry and its economic impacts. However, I can also respect that this is written as YA, so it's also not necessarily something that has to be included. The tropes of class warfare and inequality are easy to connect with, as well as the theme of power corrupting and money not solving everything.

It was hard at times to root for Vika - she could come off a little brash and rude. At the same time, I did appreciate her ruthless, cutthroat attitude. I do wish that Sky, one of the love interests, had stood up to her a little more - it wouldn't have killed her to be given a little bit of a reality check! Another example is that she forgets to send money home to her family once she's rich - yes, she had a slightly rocky relationship with them, but also... ouch.

I do love a good rags to riches story - it was fun to lose myself in the lush descriptions of Vika's new surroundings and clothes and see our prickly hero balance fitting in while staying true to herself. I think I would have loved this in high school! It's got all the right elements to draw me in. This is a fantastic book if you're looking for a YA sci-fi/fantasy to lose yourself in, or a light thriller without gore.

this was an interesting sci-fi story with a pretty cover but i felt the story was just okay.
i found Vika to be kind of blah and overall lack compassion. she left her family the first opportunity she got and forgot about them as soon as she was spoiled in nice things.
i just wish there was more to the mystery part of the story.

This book has a lot going for it. A gorgeous cover, an interesting mystery, a budding romance. It's at times extravagant in its descriptions of fashion and interior design. The class warfare and descriptions of the divide between the ri h and poor were well done. Everything felt like a cross between bridgerton and the Great Gatsby some how.

The mystery was predictable to me, but I don't read a lot of mystery because it's not my preferred genre so you can make your own decisions there. The writing made it feel edge of your seat even though I figured most things out.

What it didn't have was relatable characters or much science fiction.

Let's start with Vika. What a brat. Now, I grew up poor so I feel appropriately able to say that she let the money and status go to her head in a big way. And it was annoying. Sky was a coward. Archer was boring. The only characters I loved were Ariel and Mira.

And for anyone who is a tough critic of Sci-fi, just don't read this. This is science light.

Overall it was an entertaining read that I liked but will quickly forget. I would read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Vika is SPUNKY and I love it. She is the typical good daughter, working late jobs at a bar in order to support her family. Her planet is dingy place to live, and the atmosphere is fogged with pollution. Until she gets the chance to go to a wealthy planet.

Vika meets main character Sky, and I ship the two of them instantly, even though Vika being sassy as she is, consistently gets into quarrels with Sky. I absolutely adore Sky, and with a plot twist that happened before the the middle of the book, I adore him even more. His growth and rise to the ranks was admirable, and the feelings that he harbors for Vika is adorable. In the book, Vika and Sky are tasked with a mystery they need to solve, and it’s so apparent how their relationship develops while they try to uncover this mystery.

I will say, I hope this book has a second one being written to follow up on the somewhat of a cliffhanger. While it is a HEA, it’s a weak one which left me disappointed but also wanting for more. Here’s to hoping. 🥂

PS. If you like books filled with mystery and a bit of action, as well as a “I can’t let him/her know that I’ve fallen for him/her” then you’ll adore this book too.

I haven't been on a YA kick in a while, but boy did The Stars Between Us bring me right back to the genre with a gorgeous setting and unforgettable characters. I will read anything Cristin Terrill writes!

I want to thank #Netgalley for letting me read an eArc of #TheStarsBetweenUs

This book was pretty good, it wasn't quite up my alley but I did my best to read it all the way through anyways.
The main character is not very likeable most of the supporting characters are though. It was just hard for me to follow but like I said it was out of my comfort zone by a lot. However it was still a pretty good book.

Had a lot of fun reading this book, some twists took me by surprise and I saw some coming, but it was still an enjoyable quick read. I liked the pacing of the mystery portion but of the romance not so much — it felt one sided for too long. Despite having some issues with the main character where I often found her unlikable, she grew on me by the end.

The Stars Between Us by Christin Terrill is an upcoming YA sci fi that I looked forward to reading but fell short in the end for me. It was slightly difficult to get through unfortunately. Not because it was a terrible book but some points of the book that were a struggle for me.

What I liked:

Well, I do like the premise of the plot. An arranged marriage to a person you never met that will give you a better life? Then suddenly it is stripped away due to murder? What do you do? A rags to riches type story. I found it promising.

You get to read the bad guys POV in this story which gives this story an air of mystery. Something that I don’t read too often and I found it driving me to wonder who was the murderer.

What I didn’t like:

First off, the characters.

For me the life and the attitudes of the characters didn’t make sense. You have Vika who in this book is extremely unlikable. She was raised in a world where her family were doing well off and then misfortune happened which caused them to live in poverty. You would think she is humbled in those circumstances and would cling to her family for support. Nope. She despises her family (except her dad), acts entitled once she suddenly gets access to money and mistreats people.

Here is Sky Foster, love interest, who was raised with money and was more humble and kind than Vika will ever be. Even though Vika was extremely rude and mean to him, she was beautiful and fell head over heels in love with her. Essence of insta love that didn’t appeal to me.

Feeling like an imbalance of characters is what threw me off. Vika came across as an entitled person and Sky came across as a very flat character. I understand that having unlikable characters can be great but for this story, it just didn’t flow right.

Second, the plot.

The plot of the story moved so slowly. Nothing was happening 45% of the book and it made the book unappealing to read. Just read on how Vika spends money and how she is suddenly acclimated in the rich society. By the time it got to the 60% mark and action started happening, I was already struggling and lost interest.

The ending was okay. The speech that Sky gives on why he gave up his fortune and how Vika found out about how Sky still loves her. Why would you tell a judge all that? Super cringey.