Title: A Conspiracy of Stars (Untitled Duology #1)
Author: Oliva A. Cole
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Release Date: January 2, 2018
“But home isn’t just a memory, I’ve decided: it’s knowledge, knowing where you belong and where you fit in.”
This was a solid sci-fi story that combined all the things I want to see in my science fiction reads: compelling research, characters I connect with, and an intriguing mystery. A Conspiracy of Stars follows aspiring scientist Octavia, who’s desperate to follow in the steps of her parents and discover the secrets of Faloiv. But Octavia soon realises the planet isn’t the only thing hiding secrets, and the ruling Council of N’Terra might have a few of their own.
Thing I Liked
The cover is absolutely stunning and is on my list for covers of the year. It’s honestly what made me want to pick up this book.
I thought it was really cool that all the research was animal-based. Learning how the animals interact with their surroundings and other animals, and using that to make advancements was cool.
I really appreciate that we get a large cast of diverse characters. Octavia, her parents, Alma, Rondo, and Yaya are all black. And I loved that we get to see so many black scientists represented in the story.
Things I Didn’t Like
I needed to know more about Faloiv and the Faloii people. I know a big part of this story is Octavia discovering the Council’s secrets herself, but I felt a disconnect to what was happening because I largely had no clue how or why things were happening. I like the world building of the legacy of the compounds and the Council, I just needed more from the other side.
This was such a quick read and I was so invested I didn’t want to put the book down. I’m definitely looking forward to getting some answers in book two, and I can’t wait to pick it up.
Have you read A CONSPIRACY OF STARS yet? What did you think? Share below!
I received a copy of the book from Katherine Tegen Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Life of a Literary Nerd 
I actually hadn’t heard of this book before, but I agree that the cover is simply stunning, and it seems like the book might be up my alley! Great review!
(I love your blog by the way!)
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Thank you so much!
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I hadn’t heard of it before either, but it sounds like a pretty good read. They certainly did do a great job with the cover art. Seems very appropriate to the story, based on what you said, and is still very visually pleasing!
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It really is perfect for the story!
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I’m actually in the middle of reading this one right now and I still have no idea how I feel about it, even halfway through. It’s good, sure, but at the same time I feel so bored and like the pacing is way too slow. I also hate the relationship angle that the book took so early on, so I’m hoping that just goes away as the book goes on.
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I agree that the pacing a little slow for me, but it was so easy to read. And I don’t know if it was because I wasn’t invested, or it wasn’t that deep, but its a book you don’t really have to think about much. or at least I didn’t.
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Love the cover!
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ME TOO! It’s already on my list for favorite covers of 2018.
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