Title: Night of a Thousand Stars
Author: Deanna Raybourn
First published September 30, 2014
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Bestselling author Deanna Raybourn invites you on a thrilling journey to the roaring twenties in her latest novel, Night of a Thousand Stars. When a looming arranged marriage threatens to suffocate her dreams, Poppy Hammond decides to take matters into her own hands.
With the help of the charming curate Sebastian Cantrip, she flees to her estranged father’s village. However, their escape is cut short when Sebastian vanishes under perplexing circumstances, and Poppy is left with her loyal lady’s maid as her only ally.
Determined to uncover the truth, Poppy sets out on a dangerous journey to the unknown East, in pursuit of a valuable treasure. But her quest proves to be far more complex than she anticipated, as she becomes embroiled in a web of political intrigue that could threaten the heart of the British Empire.
Will Poppy risk everything she holds dear to uncover the truth? Find out in Night of a Thousand Stars.
About the Author
Deanna Raybourn, a bestselling novelist, hails from Texas and is a sixth-generation native. She holds a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Married to her college sweetheart and a mother of one, Raybourn currently resides in Virginia. Her novels have been nominated for several awards such as the Agatha, two Dilys Winns, three du Mauriers, two RT Reviewers’ Choice awards, a Last Laugh, and most notably, the 2019 Edgar Award for Best Novel.
In 2015, Deanna launched a new Victorian mystery series with A CURIOUS BEGINNING, featuring Veronica Speedwell, a butterfly-hunter and amateur sleuth. Veronica has since returned in several other adventures, including AN IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSTOR, book seven, which was released in early 2022.
In September 2022, Deanna will publish her first contemporary novel, KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, which follows the story of four female assassins on the brink of retirement. Please note that Deanna is not active on GR.
Editoral Review
Night of a Thousand Stars by Deanna Raybourn is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s with subtle romantic undertones. It was first published on September 30, 2014.
Raybourn is an experienced author, having penned several New York Times bestselling novels such as the Lady Julia Grey Series. The novel explores themes of love, grief, and redemption in the midst of political turmoil in the Middle East.
The story follows a Hollywood starlet, Poppy Hammond, on her trip to Baghdad to marry her fianc. However, things take a turn for the worse when she discovers her fianc’s true intentions, and she soon finds herself in peril.
The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, including a British journalist, a French photographer, and a Turkish diplomat. The setting is one of the novel’s most outstanding features.
Raybourn’s descriptions are vivid, and she does an excellent job of transporting the reader to Baghdad in the 1920s. The novel has a strong historical context, and Raybourn takes advantage of this to challenge traditional notions about gender roles and colonialism.
The writing style is immersive, and the pacing is excellent, capturing the reader’s attention from the beginning to the end. Raybourn excels at character development, and Poppy is a relatable and well-conceived protagonist, who undergoes significant growth throughout the novel.
The novel is not without its drawbacks, however. Some readers may find the romantic subplot somewhat contrived, and the ending may feel rushed.
Additionally, some of the political commentary may fall flat, making the novel feel somewhat heavy-handed. Overall, Night of a Thousand Stars by Deanna Raybourn is an excellent read.
It is engaging, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. The setting is unique, and the characters are memorable.
Although it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy historical fiction with a dash of romance will find it thoroughly enjoyable. The novel is recommended for fans of other books by Raybourn, such as the Lady Julia Grey Series, as well as readers who enjoy historical fiction and romance.
It may also be of interest to those who have an interest in the Middle East and its history. On a scale of 1 to 10, this book deserves an 8.5 for its strong writing, compelling characters, and evocative setting.
