Review – Scavenge the Stars (Scavenge the Stars, Book 1) by Tara Sim (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 7, 2020
ISBN-13: 978-1368051413
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars
“When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence on the debtor ship where she’s been held captive for years. Instead, the man she saved offers her unimaginable riches and a new identity, setting Amaya on a perilous course through the coastal city-state of Moray, where old-world opulence and desperate gamblers collide. Amaya wants one thing: revenge against the man who ruined her family and stole the life she once had. But the more entangled she becomes in this game of deception-and as her path intertwines with the son of the man she’s plotting to bring down-the more she uncovers about the truth of her past. And the more she realizes she must trust no one?”
Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the “Scavenge the Stars” series. I borrowed this book from the library.
Story (4/5): I didn’t realize at first that this is a retelling of “The Count of Monte Cristo” but that quickly becomes apparent. This was really well done and I enjoyed it a ton. There is a gender swap here compared with the original story; Amaya has been forced onto a debtor ship and is keen to seek revenge on those who put her there. What Amaya doesn’t realize is that her revenge is not a straight-forward thing.
Characters (4/5): I loved Amaya and Cayo, they were very well done characters with complicated pasts and a lot of depth to them. The story alternates between Amaya and Cayo’s POV. There are a number of very well done side characters as well.
Setting (4/5): The majority of the book takes place in the port city of Moray, a somewhat typical fantasy type setting. There is some world-building beyond Moray but not much. The setting really wasn’t the feature of the story.
Writing Style (5/5): I always really enjoy Sim’s writing style; it’s beautifully done and effortless to read. I was quickly engaged in the story. I loved the characters and the twists and turns throughout the story. There is just something about Sim’s writing style that really clicks with me; I just feel completely compelled and engaged any time I read any of her books.
Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed these characters, this story, and all the intrigue. I read this book very quickly and could not put it down. I definitely plan on continuing the series. I really loved Sim’s “Timekeeper” series as well and she is quickly becoming a “must read” author for me.
