I was introduced to this title when Haring and Connolly came to my school to present about it. I requested because I had never read it. The worlds they created were very original and the premise is really interesting. The best part of the story was the folklore of the world, as it seemed so real. The story begins slowly, but I would recommend it to others as the action pulls you in.

This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it! I am giving this book three stars, as I don't want to give it a good or bad rating, since I did not get to it and we have to leave a star rating.

Kyro goes with his father to the star tower which has multiple telescopes to check the stars. If one star falls from the sky, his father leaves Kyro in the tower hens to get th star, fixe it and returns it to the sky by catapulting the star. Why.?

Ever since Kyro’s mother died, his father has been obsessed with the night sky. He is a Star Shepherd—one of the few who make it their life’s duty to rehang fallen stars before they go out. But times have changed since the Elders first gave their hearts to the sky, and the Shepherds are met with increasing hostility. Kyro is tired of the villagers’ mistrust and his father’s distance. A series of mysterious events force him to embark on a dangerous journey with his trusty dog Cypher and spunky best friend Andra to try and stop those who want darkness to return. Darkness is where the dark creature “live” and want the stars to disappear so that they can come don to earth and make havoc plus more.

I’ve left out a few things as I don’t want to spoil the book for you. It was an amazing story to read that shows the need for friendship and loyalty. Kyro wants his father’s love and approval. I love he interaction of Kyro with his dog and best friend Andra as they crossed a desert. I highly recommend this book to read.

I thought this was an excellent adventure story. I appreciated that it has a boy as the main character* who has to overcome doubt and fear to save the stars, his father, and you know, civilization. Andra was the perfect supporting character; I love her spunk!

The inclusion of pictures will make this a hit with young readers. I feel like there is more story for Kyro and I would absolutely read further adventures featuring Kyro and Andra.

*I am so happy to see great adventure stories where girls are the main characters. But as (only) a boy mom, I also want there to be stories that show boys being brave and doing amazing things too.

I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley, this is my honest review.

The children really enjoyed this book, it was different enough to hold their interest. The illustrations were delightful. Suitable for all of the family.

As night falls over the village of Drenn and the surrounding land, the stars emerge bright and twinkling in the sky. But these stars occasionally fall, and they must be returned to their rightful places by people who have been tasked with this very important duty. Ever since his mother’s untimely death, a boy called Kyro helps his father in his role as a Star Shepherd, in as much as his father permits. Unfortunately, the work of the Star Shepherds goes largely unappreciated by the majority of people, especially as the true purpose of the stars has been long forgotten. But as more stars fall from the sky under ever more mysterious circumstances, it is up to Kyro to determine exactly what is happening in time to protect both the people and the home he loves.

This intriguing middle grade novel is a curious blend between fantasy and fright, introducing readers to a world in which stars regularly interact with the ground beneath them. Though the initial world building is clumsy, it becomes clearer as the narrative gains momentum. Action, intrigue, and a cast of colorful characters soon join Kyro in his mission, and this amplifies the intensity of the story. Short chapters and frequent anime-adjacent illustrations keep younger middle grade readers engaged in the novel, while older readers will appreciate the overall messages apparent in the narrative. Themes of friendship, belonging, responsibility, and family are embedded throughout the story, and readers will find similarities between Kyro’s situation and their own despite the outward differences in their individual circumstances. Intriguing and unique, this is a thought-provoking tale for confident middle grade readers who are not afraid of death and danger.

ARC copy...it was a magical read as what I would expect from the author and did enjoy it! The illustrations were nice too!