The book also touches on the importance of the concept of a found family and connections. Who they really are is brought out to the forefront in a very emotional and unflinchingly raw way. Aside from the beautiful queer representation, they are being their most authentic self.

I think that is why one of the main characters is transgender. Ultimately, who you are shines through in this story because the music and the devil know what is in your heart. Maybe it is because it involves Faustian bargains, or maybe it is due to someone hitting rock bottom. The good, the bad, and the deplorable are brought into the light for all to see. The first thing you notice when reading this story is that humanity is laid bare. “As the lives of these three women become entangled by chance and fate, a story of magic, identity, curses, and hope begins, and a family worth crossing the universe for is found.” And maybe something as small as a warm donut is powerful enough to break a curse as vast as the California coastline.” Shizuka doesn’t have time for crushes or coffee dates, what with her very soul on the line, but Lan’s kind smile and eyes like stars might just redefine a soul’s worth. “Shizuka meets Lan Tran, retired starship captain, interstellar refugee, and mother of four. She’s found her final candidate.īut where does a donut shop fit into all of this? Enter Katrina, a young transgender runaway who catches Shizuka’s ear with her wild talent Shizuka can almost feel the curse lifting. To escape damnation, she must entice seven other violin prodigies to trade their souls for success. Shizuka, long ago, made a deal with the devil. All are women running from something and grasping for something that will, in the most literal sense, save them. The premise involves three women, Shizuka Satomi, Katrina Nguyen, and Lan Tran. However, instead of Light From Uncommon Stars feeling overly jangly like a tin can full of pennies…this book comes together like a bit of sugar-dusted magic. Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki is a collection of discordant elements: California’s San Gabriel Valley, cursed violins, Faustian bargains, queer alien courtship and fascination for fresh-made donuts.

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