Review of Fallen Stars (Heavenly Bodies, #2) by Anya J. Taylor
When I first picked up Fallen Stars, I was giddy with anticipation. The debut novel, Heavenly Bodies, struck a chord with its fierce protagonist, Elara, and a world ripe with magical intrigue. Anya J. Taylor delivered a punchy narrative filled with raw emotion and gripping stakes. So, naturally, I was eager to dive into the sequel—and maybe a little wary, too, given that sequels can often trip over their own shoes.
From the get-go, we’re thrust back into Elara’s tumultuous world, but this time, the dynamics are different. Elara’s fierce, feminine rage permeates the story, compelling us as readers to root for her, even as she spirals deeper into a chaotic abyss. As one early quote hauntingly states, “Elaraʼs light is gone. She has nothing to save her.” It sets the stage for the exploration of power, loss, and ultimately, redemption.
However, as I journeyed through Fallen Stars, I quickly realized that the change in narrative structure—introducing multiple POVs—could be both a blessing and a curse. While returning to Elara’s increasingly unbearable psyche was a test of patience, the fresh perspectives did offer a glimmer of relief. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that the charm of the first book lay in its singular focus on Elara. I missed that personal intimacy, and the shift in tone left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the narrative flow.
Additionally, as I read further, I couldn’t escape the sensation that parts of the plot felt familiar—almost painfully so. The echoes of other beloved fantasy worlds crept in, resembling elements from Crescent City and A Court of Thorns and Roses in ways that made me squirm. There was just too much been there, done that for my taste. Take Adrian and Oceanne’s love story; their dynamic became predictable quite quickly. When I unlocked the threads of their connection, it was like I had read the blueprint somewhere else.
Yet, it wasn’t all frustrating monotony. Adrian emerged as the unexpected highlight for me. His character flaws, depth, and characteristics pulsated off the pages, reminding me that underneath the tropes, there’s still engaging storytelling to be found. His quippy banter with Oceanne/Cancia infused necessary levity into the narrative. The twists regarding their identities were intriguing, yet, I couldn’t shake the notion that they were far too reminiscent of characters I’d seen in other series.
On the writing front, I found it needed more refining—there were notable inconsistencies that kept pulling me out of the story. In one instance, Enzo discusses fleeting memories of his mother, even though we were previously told he never knew her. These errors are symptomatic of a rushed editing process, which ultimately left me yearning for a more polished experience.
As I made my way to the end, I had to confront a bittersweet reality: I couldn’t help but feel let down. I had high hopes for how Taylor would unfold Fallen Stars. Unfortunately, the creative promises it held didn’t quite activate, leaving me wishing for a better grip on the potential it glimmered with.
For die-hard fantasy readers who thrive on romance-laden plots and enjoy the occasional nod to familiar narratives, Fallen Stars may hit the right notes. However, if you are like me and crave originality along with deeper character arcs, you might want to tread carefully with this one. It left me contemplating my own investment in these characters’ journeys—I want my money and time back, indeed.
Though I cherished moments of connection and strength within these pages, it’s clear this installment fell short of its predecessor’s charm. Anya J. Taylor has talent, but I hope the next book finds its footing more firmly in the fresh territory of storytelling.
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