Book Title: Across a Field of Starlight
Author: Blue Delliquanti
Release Date: February 8, 2022
Genres: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Young Adult, LGBTQ+
My rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Synopsis:
An epic sci-fi graphic novel romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war. An amazing story that explores the complexity of human nature and what brings us together.
When they were kids, Fassen’s fighter spaceship crash-landed on a planet that Lu’s survey force was exploring. It was a forbidden meeting between a kid from a war-focused resistance movement and a kid whose community and planet are dedicated to peace and secrecy.
Lu and Fassen are from different worlds and separate solar systems. But their friendship keeps them in each other’s orbit as they grow up. They stay in contact in secret as their communities are increasingly threatened by the omnipresent, ever-expanding empire.
As the empire begins a new attack against Fassen’s people–and discovers Lu’s in the process–the two of them have the chance to reunite at last. They finally are able to be together…but at what cost?
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an epic science fiction romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war.
My Review:
Across a Field of Starlight is an engaging and exciting graphic novel that, while confusing in the beginning, had me on the edge of my seat towards the end of it.
To begin with, the art style in this graphic novel was stunning. The character designs were all fabulous, and all of the little details really helped to draw the reader in. I think the biggest reason I wasn’t as confused as I might’ve been was because of the art style. This helped me picture some of the more complex sci-fi ideas that were never fully explained or developed.
I absolutely loved the way Across a Field of Starlight dismantled gender norms. All of the characters are so diverse, and all of it felt genuine. Sometimes in stories, it can feel like there’s diversity for the sake of diversity, but not in this graphic novel. It felt natural (as it should be), and effortless. This was by far my favorite part of the story, and I was so excited to see it portrayed as such.
I will say, I wish that it had been clarified whether one (or both) of the main characters were asexual or aromantic. It was almost touched upon, but then the novel transitioned into a different scene, and was never brought up again. This part felt unfinished, and I wish it had been developed more.
Additionally, I feel that there needed to be more worldbuilding here. While I thought the concept was super unique, I also didn’t understand it very well. Most of it became clearer as the story went on, but it took me a while to feel like I had a good interpretation of what was happening, which was a bit of a shame, because it really was a cool concept.
Despite these issues, I still enjoyed this. I loved getting to know Fassen and Lu, and they were such interesting characters. I loved watching their bond develop, even though they were always so far away from each other.
Across a Field of Starlight also brings up some interesting questions when it comes to politics and war. This, combined with the very needed discussions on sexuality and gender, makes this graphic novel a must read for those interested in science fiction.
While I did have some issues with it, I really enjoyed it overall and would recommend it to anyone considering picking it up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and TBR and Beyond Tours for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Buy it at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million
Check out my last ARC Review: Daughter of the Moon Goddess