I'd left this book on my TBR for entirely too long. And now, now that I've read it, I'm hooked!
I've always enjoyed books by this author, but this one was really good!
I especially love Jack and Ivy.
The only thing I didn't love about this story.... the ending! It feels like the book ends on a major cliffhanger.
Thankfully, I've got the sequel here and will dive right into it next!
What is this book about? 1916....pre WWII spies. Russia. A terribly deadly foe.
Murder, mystery, intrigue, and lots of danger.
But then, throw in a romance between Jack and Ivy, and you've got such an amazing story.

Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This book was disappointing to me, because of the bad language sprinkled throughout. If not for that, it could have been “epic,” as it was marketed. Since the ugly language was present, the story fell flat instead.

I did appreciate that the book jumped straight into the action in Russia and that orphans were trained as spies in WWI (I wonder if that was real). Honestly, it feels like we need a civilian-run Talon today.

Content: crude humor, gambling terms, excessive expletives, tobacco, alcohol, breastfeeding, condemn oneself to hell to save someone, excessive profanity

I have enjoyed many of the author's books and found this one to be another well written historical story. I liked the bit of mystery! The characters were fun to get to know.

You might as well call this the Brilliance of Ciesielski! Once again she gives readers such a remarkable story, engaging and full of history. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

RATING: 4.5/5

J'nell Ciesielski's "The Brilliance of Stars" immerses readers in a riveting tale set amidst the turmoil of the Great War, weaving together a captivating narrative of action, romance, espionage, and gripping secrets.

In the midst of the chaos of 1914 Washington, DC, Ivy Olwen, a resourceful young woman adept at surviving on the streets, finds herself thrust into the midst of a covert agency of assassins. Undergoing a transformation that equips her with lethal skills, Ivy navigates a world of perilous missions, where her education spans from explosives to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage. Yet, amidst the danger, it's the time spent with Agent Jack Vale, amidst books in the library and stargazing on the roof, that awakens a new dimension within her.

Jack, molded by hardship and honed by the agency, discovers a newfound sense of belonging when Ivy enters his life. Their partnership becomes more than a professional alliance, as Jack's heart finds purpose in fighting for Ivy, regardless of the sacrifices.

As they embark on what seems to be a straightforward mission to dismantle Russia's most ruthless arms dealer amid the backdrop of war, they find themselves entangled in a treacherous manhunt across frozen landscapes and perilous terrains. Their journey takes them from the Crimean Peninsula to the Trans-Siberian Railway, revealing depths of evil they never anticipated.

Ciesielski masterfully crafts an enthralling narrative filled with thrilling adventures, clandestine espionage, and a sweeping romance that ignites against the backdrop of historical turmoil. The vividly depicted settings, coupled with meticulous historical details and sparkling descriptions, transport readers to a bygone era, vividly evoking the tension and uncertainty of wartime espionage.

"The Brilliance of Stars" is a stellar start to an epic duology, showcasing Ciesielski's storytelling prowess as she seamlessly blends pulse-pounding action with heartfelt emotions. Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the next installment, captivated by the electrifying journey of Jack and Ivy amidst a world fraught with danger, mystery, and the allure of a love that transcends the chaos of war.

Ciesielski's ability to intricately intertwine history, intrigue, and romance makes "The Brilliance of Stars" a compelling and irresistible read, leaving audiences yearning for the next chapter in this exhilarating series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher Thomas Nelson for the advance copy for my honest review.

The Brilliance of the Stars by J’nell Ciesielski is book one on her Jack and Ivy duology.

This story is an action-packed romance set around World War I. Think superhero-spy action but historical. I enjoyed Jack and Ivy’s chemistry together, though their romance was a bit steamier than I prefer. And the suspense kept me guessing.

If you enjoy face-paced reads with intense characters, give this one a read.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

The Brilliance of Stars
by J'nell Ciesielski
I had difficulty downloading the arc and being able to read the text. It was a shame. I was looking forward to reading it. When I get a copy, I will return and update my review.

I want to thank NetGalley and Neilson Publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Plot:
•Takes place during the Great War
•Two master assassins
•Washington D.C.
•Blend of historical fiction and action adventure

My thoughts: I don’t even know what to say! This book completely took me by surprise and blew me away! I just loved this action packed, romantic read, the strong historical sense of place and time, and the characters we meet! It has an espionage, James Bond spy vibe to it that was so fun. I have never read another historical fiction book quite like it, which was totally refreshing! I will say, just be prepared that the action can be intense at times and there is evil presented that felt a bit dark. As much as I couldn’t put this own down, I did have to pace myself at these heavier times. This is no knock on the book, and the writing throughout all of these elements was absolutely phenomenal! I just feel it’s important to mention. Anyways, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this gripping and excellent duology!!!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

“The Brilliance of Stars” (Jack and Ivy #1) by J’nell Ciesielski (ARC Review)

OCTOBER 31, 2022 ~ COURTNEYTONOKAWA
Ciesielski, J’nell. The Brilliance of Stars. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-0785248453 | $16.99 USD | 352 pages | Historical Romance/Christian Fiction

Blurb

Amid the chaos of the Great War, two elite assassins learn precisely how dangerous it is to have something—or someone—worth losing.

Washington, DC, 1914. Ivy Olwen knows how to survive on the streets without two coins to rub together. Then destiny thrusts her into the nest of a covert agency of assassins sworn to drive back the world’s darkness, and she acquires a new set of lethal skills. Her education—from explosives to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage—is as far reaching as the organization’s missions. But it’s the hours she spends among the towering bookshelves in the library and stargazing on the roof with Agent Jack Vale that make her heart fly.

Jack knew plenty of hardship before the agency refined his rough edges, transforming him into the man who never misses. But he didn’t know the feeling of home until Ivy entered his world. Now Jack’s heart drums with a singular purpose: he will fight for her, fight alongside her. No matter the cost.

When the pair is sent on a seemingly simple mission to take down Russia’s newest and most dangerous arms dealer—a soulless man using the Great War as an opportunity to further his own depraved agenda—they discover that no amount of training could have prepared them for a manhunt that takes them across the frozen tundra, to the Crimean Peninsula, and along the Trans-Siberian Railway . . . only to discover that there is evil in the world they will never understand.

The first book of an epic duology from bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski, The Brilliance of Stars incorporates her signature blend of thrilling adventure, glamorous espionage, and sweeping romance.

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

The Brilliance of Stars sees J’nell Ciesielski going in a different direction creatively as she writes her first series. While still set during the First World War, like her other books, it’s fun to see her trying something new by fleshing out a couple’s love story over multiple books.

I love the way Ciesielski embeds real history into her work. And the fact that she’s written multiple books about WWI and touched on a new aspect every single time really gets at the multifaceted nature of the war itself. I liked seeing more of Russia and the Eastern front, especially from a civilian and international perspective (my previous reads of that perspective were more insular, and focused on the Romanov family). The shifting political climate in Russia and how that impacted the landscape of the war is conveyed poignantly, as are the many moments of peril the major characters face.

I really liked Jack and Ivy’s relationship as well. I love that they’re both orphans who grew up knowing the tough realities of the world but are now contributing to the war effort. It was fun to see how they challenged each other, while also exploring how their love grew. And even with the intense rising stakes, I appreciate they were given moments, however brief, to be happy, get married, and act as a normal married couple would

This first book of a two part series about the adventures of Ivy and Jack. Filled with action, adventure and historical elements. Well written and enthralling with strong character development. It's a love story, A spy thriller and war story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

I have enjoyed several of J’nell Ciesielski’s Christian Historical Fiction stories, and was looking forward to The Brilliance of Stars but it was not what I was expecting at all. This story is set during WWI, or “The Great War” which is a period that I haven’t read a lot about. Ivy and Phillip are orphans, living on the streets in Washington DC, selling newspapers and surviving by their wits. When they stumble into a meeting with some spies, they are taken in by “Talon”, looked after and trained to become part of a team that eventually ends up in Russia. Jack was one of the first people they met at this special school and he became their best friend, but eventually, he and Ivy felt more. The team is made up of several operatives with different talents, Ivy is a language master, Phillip becomes an explosive expert, Jack is their leader and sharp shooter and others are map experts etc. Their job in Russia is to find Balaur, an evil genius who is developing devastating weapons to sell to the highest bidder. Will they ever be able to get their hands on this slippery arms dealer.

The Brilliance of Stars is an action packed story with romance, secrets, danger, violence and espionage. There were disguises, aliases and a lot of lies to infiltrate the Russian aristocracy, or what was left of it. When I met Ivy and Phillip at the beginning, I felt so bad for them, they were really struggling to survive and I wanted a better life for them. It didn’t surprise me to see how well they took to the life that Talon opened up to them. There were parts of the story that I found slow but perhaps because I listened and the Russian accents were a bit difficult to understand at times, and I switched to reading at times. As the action picked up, the story grabbed me and I became invested in finding Balaur as much as Jack, Ivy and the team. The story begins in Washington DC, but switches to a sweeping tour across Russia with the cold, open landscape, frozen lakes and caves all playing a part. There is some romance, but it is all closed door and not a large part of the story. Although it took some getting into, I ended up really enjoying this one and with it ending on a cliffhanger, which I am not a fan of, I am looking forward to the second book, To Free the Stars coming out this summer. I recommend you read this book if you enjoy espionage, action and some wonderful human interactions.

Amid the chaos of the Great War, two elite assassins learn precisely how dangerous it is to have something—or someone—worth losing.

Washington, DC, 1914. Ivy Olwen knows how to survive on the streets without two coins to rub together. Then destiny thrusts her into the nest of a covert agency of assassins sworn to drive back the world’s darkness, and she acquires a new set of lethal skills. Her education—from explosives to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage—is as far reaching as the organization’s missions. But it’s the hours she spends among the towering bookshelves in the library and stargazing on the roof with Agent Jack Vale that make her heart fly.

Jack knew plenty of hardship before the agency refined his rough edges, transforming him into the man who never misses. But he didn’t know the feeling of home until Ivy entered his world. Now Jack’s heart drums with a singular purpose: he will fight for her, fight alongside her. No matter the cost.

When the pair is sent on a seemingly simple mission to take down Russia’s newest and most dangerous arms dealer—a soulless man using the Great War as an opportunity to further his own depraved agenda—they discover that no amount of training could have prepared them for a manhunt that takes them across the frozen tundra, to the Crimean Peninsula, and along the Trans-Siberian Railway . . . only to discover that there is evil in the world they will never understand.

Overall 4 stars
Writing Quality 8/10
Image / Illustration Quality 8/10
Character Development 8/10
"Couldn't Put It Down"-ness 8/10
Intellectual Depth 9/10
Originality 9/10

I started this book and did not finish. I wish I had paid more attention to the “Christian faith” category that this one belongs to. I appreciate an intriguing story but this one lacked spice and a chaste kiss is not gonna cut it. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy. I will not weigh the stars down by rating this one, or posting about it as it was my failure to read the category and that resulted in my disengagement.

J’nell Ciesielski is brilliant! I was hooked from page one and can’t wait to read the next book!!! Well done!

The Brilliance of Stars, while a historical fiction read, is quite action packed. In fact, I've read several novels by this author and this was by far the fastest pace I've read of hers. Full of suspense and intrigue, with plenty of historical and cultural details, Ciesielski clearly invested much time and research in writing this story. I quite enjoyed the characters. They were in many ways larger than life. Some of the action scenes had almost a sci-fi feel to them. While my interest was maintained given the fast pace, it did feel a little drawn out in certain parts and I thought the novel could have been a bit shorter. That being said, there is plenty of character development as well as a satisfying conclusion to the story.

The Brilliance of Stars is an imaginative spy novel that responds to the question of what would happen if young people were recruited into a spy ring and pulled into a world of underground societies based in historical legends. The story starts off with an action scene and keeps up the momentum until the end.

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.

The Brilliance of Stars is packed with a delicious blend of spies and romance in this adventurous WWI novel. Set against a shimmering Russian backdrop, Ivy, Jack and Philip adventure into a world full of danger and intrigue. I love the fictional world the author has created, with hints of the folklore of the Ice Queen and Marvel's Winter Soldier. Definitely works in captivating this reader's imagination. The author skillfully pens a cliffhanger ending that has me eagerly anticipating the second book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved all of the different puzzle pieces coming together, and I cannot wait for the sequel!

An action packed spy novel, bullets whiz by as Jack and Ivy fight for their country and find love in this larger than life adventure.

A theatrical adventure worthy of a Marvel movie, with an origin story to match. I was taken by surprise by this book as it sets quite the different tone when compared to other books by this author. Great for fans of swashbuckling adventure, there is definitely enough action to go around!

I personally found the book intriguing at first, but as it progressed I struggled to stay engaged despite all the action going on. It is a clean read for the most part, which I always appreciate. But I think that my main difficulty was that the characters and the plot seemed larger than life and unrealistic, as well as the dialogue between them.

Overall, there are a lot of great things about this book, but for me it just didn't click together for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.