Light from Uncommon Stars

Ryka Aoki's "Light from Uncommon Stars" is a dazzling symphony of diverse voices, captivating storytelling, and profound themes that will resonate deeply with readers for it honest portrayals of human struggle. This enchanting novel is a harmonious blend of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary realism, skillfully woven together by Aoki's masterful writing.At its heart, "Light from Uncommon Stars" is a story about identity, redemption, and the extraordinary power of music. Aoki introduces readers to a cast of characters as unique and diverse as the stars in the night sky. Each character is carefully written, possessing a depth and authenticity that makes them leap off the page. The novel's protagonist, Katrina, is a violin prodigy seeking refuge from a troubled past, and her journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.Aoki's narrative brilliance lies in her ability to seamlessly interweave complex themes with moments of genuine warmth and humor. The novel delves into profound questions about the nature of humanity, love, and sacrifice while maintaining a sense of wonder and magic. Aoki's world-building is richly imaginative, blending elements of mythology and science fiction to create a universe that is both familiar and entirely unique.One of the novel's standout features is its exploration of the transgender experience. Through Aoki's characters, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by transgender individuals, fostering empathy and understanding. The author's portrayal of these experiences is sensitive, nuanced, and deeply respectful, adding an essential layer of depth to the narrative."Light from Uncommon Stars" is also a celebration of the transformative power of music. Aoki's descriptions of music are so vivid and evocative that readers can practically hear the melodies and feel the emotions behind each note. The novel's musical themes serve as a poignant metaphor for the characters' journeys, creating a profound emotional impact on the reader.In addition to its thematic richness, the novel's pacing is expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds. Aoki skillfully balances moments of tension with moments of quiet introspection, creating a narrative rhythm that is as melodic as the music that permeates the novel."Light from Uncommon Stars" is a literary masterpiece that transcends genres and leaves an indelible mark on the reader's soul. Ryka Aoki's storytelling prowess, combined with her deep understanding of human nature and her ability to craft unforgettable characters, makes this novel a must-read. It is a luminous, transformative tale that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, reminding us of the extraordinary beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.

It's unique. It's weird. It's unexpected. It's all over the place.That said, I absolutely loved it, and I read it at lightning speed. (it will also be triggering for some... see end of the review for content warnings)I found the story and the storytelling so compelling that I didn't shift into my usual mode of "I must perform a literary critique on this as a read it and dissect every intention and metaphor of the author". That's something really special in my universe, and I'm not going to question it. X-DI read the negative reviews, and I cannot argue with a lot of the observations made there (about how busy the story is, about the lack of certain backstory/urgency, about a deus ex machina situation that might be the root of a superfluously fantastical spin on one story line). But for me, none of that mattered. The story moved me, delighted me, and entertained me. It hung together. It imparted wisdom. It made me feel. it was fun to read. It had some gorgeous one-liners. I liked the characters and all the nods to CA's rich Asian/Asian-American and LatinX cultures.Thank you, Ryka, for a wonderful story.I found some weird and annoying typos and errors in the Kindle version, and some of them were right in the middle of some of the BEST passages. I hope those are caught in future edits.CW: Thoughts of suicide, child abuse, transphobia, trans hate, LGBTQ discrimination, racism, sex work, rape, sexual harassment.

I’ve read and reread parts of this book at least six times so far. It’s unlike anything else, wonderfully weird, brilliant, and beautiful. You might disagree, but this is what it is to me: one of the most precious texts I’ve ever laid eyes on. Thank you, dear author. Thank you.

Every year I experience a truly terrible book slump at the beginning of the year. I struggle to find that one book to get my out of ennui and escape.This book is my salvation for this year’s book slump. And oh boy, it’s definitely rocket fuel.To be clear: this is not just a review. It’s a love letter.This book sings (pun definitely intended). It grasps the mathematical beautiful soul of classical music, a la Frank Conroy’s body and soul. It has the realistic, trauma-worn optimism of Cathrynne Valente’s Space Opera. It has the queer heart and soul of Audre Lorde’s Zaami. It has the earth shattering heart breaking sci fi realism of the Broken Earth Trilogy. It’s a self aware metaphor grounded in sensible reality. It’s a prelude and fugue that becomes a truly magnificent blending of themes in a crashing finale (and yes I know I’m mixing musical metaphors. That’s on brand for this lovely amazing book).Take your time with this story. Let it hold your hand as it guides you through its lush landscape. Pause and rewind, unashamed. Soak it in. Let the echoes linger. My god. What a spot on narrative of Asian American-ness, queerness, and the absolutely pathetic self righteous insanity that is being a classic musician.…I’ll be in my bunk, Ryka Aoki.

This is now one of my favorite books ever. I've never read anything like it. A blend of realistic fiction and science fiction with social commentary sprinkled throughout. I loved all of the core characters and the giant rollercoaster of emotions. Also, the descriptions of the food throughout the book were very well done and always made me hungry! I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it to everyone!

If you, like me, have ever wished to snap your fingers and unhappen everything that made you who you are, welcome home. Light From Uncommon Stars begs us to realize that there's more and better to hope for than the Button.

A weird and revealing story about a troubled but gifted teenage violin prodigy, a teacher who has sold her soul to the devil and an alien refugee who sells doughnuts all told with sensitivity, candour and revealing detail. Well written, well-paced and the story stayed with me long after I finished the book. One of the best and most engaging tales I have ever read. Highly recommended.

This book had me crying out of pure beauty. It is absurd, original, warm and touching. Characters are amazing, setting, picturesque and it transmits a love for music and life. I absolutely recommend it.

all my love to ryka aoki for every precious moment in this book. i only wish these weren't so expensive rip

Its a tribute to Ryka Aoki’s writing that a story that begins with Katrina Nguyen, a young queer trans runaway, with Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mexican, heritage fleeing her violent home with a go-bag that includes a beloved violin, moves on to a jet setting Shizuka Satomi a legendary violin teacher, sometimes called the Queen of Hell (because she has made a deal to make a deal with hell to sequentially deliver seven student violinists to sell their souls to hell after 7 years who is returning home to find her final student when is caught short and needs to use a restroom in Starrgate Donut, which is run by Lan Tran and her family whose secrets include; Their doughnuts are replicated, not baked, and they are alien refugees from a galactic war brought about by an existential crisis that all civilisations eventually succumb, flow seamlessly through a narrative of situations, reveals and a myriad of characters who are unique and fleshed out and so satisfying to uncover. I haven't even mentioned the daughter of famous crafters/repairers of musical instruments who must fight her own family's secret history of sexism to come into her ability to repair cursed instruments.All these stories blend and weave together, I'd like to use a cooking or music metaphor here to describe how wonderful this story becomes but I have no idea how magic like transcendental music or food is created but I wanted to as these featured so strongly in this beautiful tale of found family and love. It certainly doesn't gloss over the horrors inherent in any tale of hell or civilizations tearing themselves apart but it's the horrible treatment and self-doubt that Katrina suffers through that was hardest to bear.This story is one to remind us to be kind, you never know who is secretly a queen of hell, an intergalactic refugee sentient hologram, or a hurt and frightened girl who can make a violin sing and lift everyone's heart.