Title: Light from Uncommon Stars
Author: Ryka Aoki
First published September 28, 2021
372 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250789068 (ISBN10: 1250789060)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
Welcome to an adventure in California’s San Gabriel Valley, where cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship exist. Shizuka Satomi has made a deal with the devil to escape damnation.
Her task is to find seven violin prodigies willing to trade their souls for success. She has already convinced six, and only one more is needed.
But when she meets Lan Tran, a retired starship captain and mother of four, Shizuka’s priorities begin to shift. Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender runaway with exceptional talent, is also vying for Shizuka’s attention.
As their lives become intertwined by chance and fate, a story of magic, identity, curses, and hope emerges. And perhaps a warm donut is powerful enough to break a curse as vast as the California coastline.
Join these three women on a journey of discovery that will lead them to a family worth crossing the universe for.
About the Author
Meet Ryka Aoki – a multi-talented individual who wears many hats. Not only is she a gifted writer and performer, but she’s also a judo black belt and a professor of English at Santa Monica College.
Editoral Review
Light from Uncommon Stars is the latest novel from Ryka Aoki, published on September 28, 2021. Aoki is a multi-genre writer, musician, and performer who has received several awards for her works.
Her previous books include He Mele a Hilo and Why Dust Shall Never Settle Upon This Soul, which have garnered critical acclaim. Light from Uncommon Stars is a work of speculative fiction that explores themes of identity, immigration, friendship, and redemption.
The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate their way through Los Angeles and beyond. There’s Yi Lan, a violin prodigy who dreams of becoming a star, but is forced to confront her past when she is summoned by a centuries-old demon to participate in a deadly deal.
Then, there’s Katrina, a trans runaway who seeks refuge in a Filipino bakery run by Filipino trans woman, Grendel. Amidst the pastries and breads, Grendel meets and befriends a dying old man, Shizuka, who introduces her to wonders of the stars.
The plot is both imaginative and grounded, weaving together the fantastical and the real in a seamless and engrossing manner. Aoki’s prose is lyrical and evocative, bringing to life the vibrant and multi-faceted world of her characters.
Her careful attention to detail creates a vivid sense of place and time, immersing the reader fully in the story. The characters in Light from Uncommon Stars are nuanced and fully drawn, with their individual struggles and triumphs.
Yi Lan, in particular, is a standout figure, with her fierce determination and unwavering commitment to her art. Grendel and Katrina’s friendship is another highlight, showcasing the power of connection and empathy in overcoming adversity.
Shizuka’s story adds an element of poignancy and nostalgia, as he reflects on his life and his impending death. One of the greatest strengths of Light from Uncommon Stars is its diverse representation.
Aoki authentically portrays characters from different ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations with sensitivity and care. She tackles heavy themes like trauma, bigotry, and discrimination with nuance and grace, while also peppering the narrative with moments of humor and joy.
Despite these accolades, Light from Uncommon Stars is not without flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, as the different plot threads take a while to converge.
Some readers may also find the fantastical elements to be too convoluted or confusing. Overall, Light from Uncommon Stars is a beautifully rendered novel that highlights Aoki’s talents as a writer and storyteller.
It will appeal to fans of speculative fiction, contemporary lit with heart and a tug to the journey inward. Its portrayal of underrepresented voices and themes of identity and redemption make it a valuable contribution to the literary landscape.
It’s a journey worth embarking on. Rating: 4/5 stars.
