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delmam's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
taylorw94's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
charliauthor's review
4.0
Hard Hitting
Astera was definitely a surprise and for the inventive formatting and hard hitting subject matter, i give it four stars.
I went into this relatively blind, expecting a paranormal/supernatural vibe but ending up reading something quite politically charged. Not one to usually read books (fiction or otherwise) around certain topics, I found the allegorical nature of the witch/vampire fight for that of racism in America unexpected but clever. My personal taste would have had some more subtlety in its approach to racial slurs and actions but in the same breath, i respect how reflective this is of American culture as opposed to British.
There is a in your face element to racism/police brutality that isnt has prevalent in the UK and so i found it a little hard to digest.
However, as an education towards racial conflicts in the US and a window into very real feelings of conversations between blacks and whites, it was really well done.
The addition of opposing propaganda magazine articles from the witches and vampires was really great. The voice of vampire sympathisers and witch supporters was great in showcasing how each side of any argument, spins things to their own ends.
The magic use was also great although some more understanding of the system and where their magic stems from would be good. I loved Sloane as the fast talking best friend and Mercury as the reluctant hero.
So, for something unexpected, thought provoking and inventive, definitely check it out.
Astera was definitely a surprise and for the inventive formatting and hard hitting subject matter, i give it four stars.
I went into this relatively blind, expecting a paranormal/supernatural vibe but ending up reading something quite politically charged. Not one to usually read books (fiction or otherwise) around certain topics, I found the allegorical nature of the witch/vampire fight for that of racism in America unexpected but clever. My personal taste would have had some more subtlety in its approach to racial slurs and actions but in the same breath, i respect how reflective this is of American culture as opposed to British.
There is a in your face element to racism/police brutality that isnt has prevalent in the UK and so i found it a little hard to digest.
However, as an education towards racial conflicts in the US and a window into very real feelings of conversations between blacks and whites, it was really well done.
The addition of opposing propaganda magazine articles from the witches and vampires was really great. The voice of vampire sympathisers and witch supporters was great in showcasing how each side of any argument, spins things to their own ends.
The magic use was also great although some more understanding of the system and where their magic stems from would be good. I loved Sloane as the fast talking best friend and Mercury as the reluctant hero.
So, for something unexpected, thought provoking and inventive, definitely check it out.
hannahbaldwin's review
3.0
I received this as an ARC from the author and I was more than excited to start reading, but the story fell flat for me.
One thing I particularly loved was the relationship between Mercury and Ellis. It felt raw and I could relate it to some of my own friendships. Sloane was also a striking character with her feisty personality and clear urgency to stand up for herself and her friends. She really stole the show for me.
The concept of Astera was fabulous and I would love to have been there for much longer. I felt the wonder of magic right through to the core of it. The approach to politics was also incredible and I felt it came through strongest in the news articles dotted about. I wish I could say more on that but spoilers.
Overall, I feel that this book has the potential to be so much more than it is. The plot could have been woven together with more intricacy and the dialogue could have been much less forced.
I wanted something brave and bold but sadly, this just didn't hit the mark.
One thing I particularly loved was the relationship between Mercury and Ellis. It felt raw and I could relate it to some of my own friendships. Sloane was also a striking character with her feisty personality and clear urgency to stand up for herself and her friends. She really stole the show for me.
The concept of Astera was fabulous and I would love to have been there for much longer. I felt the wonder of magic right through to the core of it. The approach to politics was also incredible and I felt it came through strongest in the news articles dotted about. I wish I could say more on that but spoilers.
Overall, I feel that this book has the potential to be so much more than it is. The plot could have been woven together with more intricacy and the dialogue could have been much less forced.
I wanted something brave and bold but sadly, this just didn't hit the mark.
lilyrooke's review
4.0
A vampire in the White House, it's a no holds barred battle of witches versus vampires as Mercury and his friends flee across the country to reach Astera and supposed safety. I really enjoyed this book, loved the fast pace and the way the author didn't shy away from the darker aspects of the world. I thought the parallels of racism and the historical legacy of the atrocities committed against the witches was so clever. The parallel narrative of the magazine articles written from the point of view of a witch and vampire sympathisers was such a fascinating touch, playing on the kind of incendiary language we've grown accustomed to in the last few years. I would have loved to have got to know the characters a little better, but they were all set up well and I'm so looking forward to the sequel. Highly recommended for fans of fast-paced stories, it gave me big High School of the Dead vibes.
alexk02's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars
this book was okay. honestly it felt two dimensional at parts. i wasn’t invested fully. and the ending just was meh for me. but it left me wanting a sequel so i’ll give it that.
this book was okay. honestly it felt two dimensional at parts. i wasn’t invested fully. and the ending just was meh for me. but it left me wanting a sequel so i’ll give it that.
jadedisland's review against another edition
5.0
Imaginative paranormal fiction, I loved how much I connected to this story! This is my first time reading a fiction story with a male protagonist that I’ve liked in years. Mercury has an honest world view, but that doesn’t hold him back. As a witch with an empathetic nature, his connections to his family and the people around him really endear him to me as a reader. Some aspects of the story reminded me of present-day political strife, but that should come as no surprise since there is a vampire for a president; sound interesting yet? Everything about Amanda Ross, debut novel “To Asteria with love,” reminded me of how fun vampire stories can be. If you’ve been leery of vampire stories since Twilight, fear not because this tale will keep you gripped in political turmoil, a chase for adventure with a mix of urban realness. It’s all the paranormal i needed during my quarantine reading. Can’t wait to see what Amanda has for us next!
montrez's review against another edition
4.0
With elements of Buffy, True Blood, and Charmed, this magical road trip has grit, gore, lots of heart, and some politics too.
Things I enjoyed:
✔️A well written protagonist you can cheer for and crush on
✔️Relationships with amazing chemistry ( Bromance, found family, and family love)
✔️Fast paced action and a story that takes off from page 1
✔️A fresh take on the paranormal world.
✔️ Witty, well crafted writing with a unique structure
Things I enjoyed:
✔️A well written protagonist you can cheer for and crush on
✔️Relationships with amazing chemistry ( Bromance, found family, and family love)
✔️Fast paced action and a story that takes off from page 1
✔️A fresh take on the paranormal world.
✔️ Witty, well crafted writing with a unique structure