For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Genre: YA, Post-Apocalyptic
Format: ARC from Rain Maiden Jen
Read: 8/22/2012 — 8/23/2012
In Six Words: This book absolutely blew me away.
Links
Diana Peterfreund — Website | Blog
Amazon — Hardcover | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Synopsis
It’s been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.
Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth–an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.
But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret–one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.
-from Goodreads
Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict
The blogosphere is responsible for this one. I think it was probably Jenny’s (of the Supernatural Shark fame) review that tipped the scales in favor of this book (as her reviews so often do for me). I received it from Rain Maiden Jen as a July RAK. And then I devoured it and lurved it. I figured I would like it, but this book really far surpassed any expectations that I had.
My Thoughts
Oooooh. This BOOK! For the record, I have not read Persuasion by Jane Austen, which–if I’m correct, and say so if I’m not–this book is a retelling of. I think that is important to note, because I suspect that my views may have been different if I had read it first. I don’t know how they would have been different–better or worse–but different, nonetheless. Anyway. I. LOVED. This. Book.
For Darkness Shows the Stars was one that instantly grabbed me, even though I had intended to read a different book that day–once I started, I couldn’t stop. When I went to bed before finishing it, I rolled around in bed, wondering what would happen. When I woke up in the morning, I was half-afraid to start again, because that’s how much this book pulled at my emotions (in a good way). This book just burrowed its way into my heart, and it was difficult to get it it out. If I had wanted to get it out, I mean. For the record, I didn’t.
Told from Elliot’s perspective and interspersed with letters between Elliot and Kai as children, we come to realize the sacrifices that Elliot has been forced to make in the past four years. And I just flat out adored Elliot. She’s the star (heh) of this book, and she is strong, capable, and caring, which is exactly what I love in a female heroine. And Kai broke my heart. But I get why they had to make the choices they did, and my heart ached for both of them. And that, my friends, is the sign of a good book. I was so wrapped up in their world and struggle that I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
On the world, briefly: I was fascinated by the Luddite/Post/Reduced relationships, and though there is a tiny part of me that would have wanted more explanation, the world was only important in how it acted upon Elliot and Kai. It was, in some ways, just another character in the book. I also appreciate how, though there are religious undertones, there isn’t any preaching–it’s all done for the effect of Elliot and Kai’s relationship. The world in which Elliot and Kai grew up doesn’t want to allow their relationship, and it is clear that its very nature attempts to keep the two apart. But when I finished, I had two simultaneous thoughts. One, I wanted MOAR. And the other I will not share lest it be spoiler-ish. It’s not, really. And it’s kinda related to the first bit. But whatever.
Other Reviews
Mary @ BookSwarm September 19, 2012 at 7:21 am
A TEN!?!?! AWESOME! I don’t know what it was about this book–it was so incredibly magical that, like you, I got so wrapped up in the world and didn’t want it to end (that’s not to say that I want a sequel. That might ruin the magic of this book…). NICE!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 10:15 am
YES! A ten! When I found myself thinking about the book and the characters while trying to fall asleep and upon waking up in the morning, I knew it needed a ten.
Rummanah September 19, 2012 at 9:30 am
Wow, a 10?! I already had this book on my tbr pile after reading Jenny’s review, but now I’m going to bump it up higher. I can’t remember if I read Persuasion, but I think I know the gist of the plot. Can’t wait to get to this one!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 10:17 am
Yes. Tens don’t happen very often. :) I’m actually curious about picking up Persuasion now.
Jenny September 19, 2012 at 9:50 am
Supernatural Shark. Hahahahaha:) I love that that’s how I’m going to be known from now on.
I’m SO glad you loved this book Amanda! I honestly did not expect to love it as much as I did, but like you, my heart just ached for Elliot and Kai! Every interaction between them had me gripping the pages with white knuckles because there was just so much pain and hurt flowing between them. Just talking about it and reading your review makes me want to reread:) SO GOOD!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 10:20 am
Heh. I must have written this review right around the time the Supernatural Shark thing was happening. But I like it. After your answer about your movie, though, it might have to change to “Supernatural Shobster.”
Yes! This book was addicting.
Ashley Prince September 19, 2012 at 9:53 am
I really want to read this book. It seems so unique and that cover is gorgeous. :D I will definitely see about reading Persuasion first, though.
Great review.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 10:23 am
I definitely love the cover. I am curious to see how reading Persuasion first will affect your enjoyment of this book! :)
Alison (AlisonCanRead) September 19, 2012 at 11:03 am
Jenny’s reviews often tip the scales for me too. I have read Persuasion but I really don’t remember it well. I wonder if it would be fun to reread Persuasion and then immediately read Peterfreund’s book.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Jenny’s reviews wreak havoc on my wishlist (all I can say is that thank goodness I’m cheap, otherwise it’d be my pocketbook rather than just my wishlist). I would guess that reading Persuasion and then this would definitely be an interesting experiment. :)
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook September 19, 2012 at 11:09 am
I’ve seen this book floating around the blogosphere as well. I can’t decide if it is a book I would enjoy or not. But all the reviews I’ve seen have been stellar. Glad you enjoyed it!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 12:09 pm
I wasn’t sure that I’d like it, either, but it just sucked me in. :)
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal September 19, 2012 at 12:11 pm
*creeps onto your blog*
I like the title.
*creeps away*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 12:12 pm
*thrusts naked men at you for your trouble*
(Even better, the title has extra meaning in the book.)
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal September 19, 2012 at 12:15 pm
*accepts the thrusting naked men*
I like meaningful things.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Meaningful things like thrusting naked men?
Felicia September 19, 2012 at 12:54 pm
WOW a 10? I can’t remember the last time you gave an outright 10!
Both you and Jenny loved it—it is moving into my might try list :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 2:49 pm
I’m trying to be less stingy with my tens. :)
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) September 19, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Great review, Amanda!! And a Ten? That’s top marks. :)
I have this on my shelf and it’s soo beautiful! I need to read it soon! I’m like you — the blogosphere is COMPLETELY responsible for me wanting this book. I don’t think I should put it off much longer.
Thanks for sharing!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Yes! Tens are rare. That’s so you KNOW the book was good. (At least for me.)
:)
Ruby September 19, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Oh, wow. I don’t know if it was because I’ve read Persuasion or simply just a difference of opinion, but For Darkness Shows the Stars was a disappointment for me. A lot of this had to do with the comparison between the characters in FDStS and their original counterparts–Peterfreund’s just didn’t stack up. Especially Wentworth/Wentforth.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 19, 2012 at 10:18 pm
I guess we can’t all like the same books, eh? :)
Amy @ bookgoonie September 20, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Sold. You dont hand out 10s nor praise YA often. Nuff said.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 21, 2012 at 9:58 am
Except all of my tens have been for YA books. Huh. Funny how that works.
Sarah (saz101) September 24, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Ooooh, AMANDA. THIS SOUNDS AMAZING.
Oh, also: AMazing AManda. It’s like… illiteration, but double :P
I’d actually seen a few lukewarms ones about this and was totally like mmmmm.. I dunno…
But… oh, you’ve SO sold me. I’ve never read Persuasion, either (I’ve only read P&P and Lady Susan–because it’s WAY short–and half of Sense & Sensibility), so I’m not fussed. A good story is a good story, you know?
Also: there seems to be surprisingly little peen in this book and your review. Did it effect your enjoyment and reading experience?
*studious expression*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 24, 2012 at 11:55 pm
I’m thinking that maybe reading Persuasion has something to do with it. I don’t know. I thought that it stood up on its own well.
*whispers* I finished the story, and I was all like, “Wait. There wasn’t even kissing. WHAT IS THIS AND HOW DID I NOT REALIZE IT?” So, in other words, it was so good I wasn’t even aware of the lack of peen until I finished the book.
Sarah (saz101) September 25, 2012 at 12:07 am
It was like, the subtle peen. Always there, in the pants, and it’s sub conscious presence was enough? :D
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 25, 2012 at 8:40 am
Subtle peen, yes. Or like inside wood rather than outside wood.
Sarah (saz101) September 25, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Oh goodness.
I did it’s instead of its.
I feel unclean O__O
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 25, 2012 at 10:26 pm
*pets you*
I still love you and accept you, Sarah. My love is unconditional.
Sarah (saz101) September 25, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Clearly it is.
And large.
I stop loving people when the make such grammatical abominations. *sobs*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 25, 2012 at 11:16 pm
*continues petting you* It will all be okay, Sarah. It will all be OKAY. Think happy peen thoughts.
Sarah (saz101) September 25, 2012 at 11:18 pm
*purrs*
Alexa September 29, 2012 at 11:30 am
I always see this at my library and I keep passing it up for whatever reason. I guess I’m going to have to change my mind because you hardly ever give out a score of 10 for a book! It sounds like this book was emotional as all could be and I love when books can suck you in and you feel the sam emotions as the characters do. That is the sign of an amazing book, when you are so wrapped up you have to stay up to the early hours of the morning reading.
Thanks for the amazing review, without your review I probably would have passed this one up.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender September 29, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Yay! :) Hope you enjoy it!