Darci's Review 

This fantasy debut is one of the best releases this year. Georgia Summers has created a magical, breathtaking world which you navigate through multiple points-of-view. The Everlys are among the cast of characters through which we view this world, with Violet Everly as the main protagonist. From a young age Violet was a dreamer who would hide away in her closet reading of far-away magical lands she wished she could explore. Little did she know she would obtain this dream of hers at the cost of a century's old curse of stardust and vengeance. As she explores the worlds of power-hungry scholars, vengeful gods, and deceitful acquaintances, Violet experiences life to the fullest while fighting this old age curse condemning each Everly generation.  

Summers has created such depth in her storytelling, encouraging me to wonder in awe at her attention to detail about the lore, the magic system, and the worlds she built. Her prose and writing style are perfect for such a tale, reminding me of many other great fantasies written before her, such as The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman. A dark but heartfelt standalone, perfect for dreamers who wish upon stars.

Publisher's Review

Filled with magic, stardust, and a shockingly dark heart, this is a stunning standalone fantasy perfect for fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Starless Sea and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

'For centuries, Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor is a woman named Penelope, who never ages, never grows sick - and never forgives a debt.

Ten years ago, Violet Everly's mother left to break the curse, and never returned. Now Violet must find her mother, or she will be taken in her place.

Her hunt leads her into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods, and monsters bent on revenge. And into the path of Penelope's quiet assistant, Aleksander, who she knows cannot be trusted - and yet to whom she finds herself undeniably drawn.

Tied to a very literal deadline, Violet will travel to the edges of the world to find her mother and the key to the city of stardust, where the Everly story began . . .'