Scan barcode
nightlylaments's review
I like the book but I was not in the right state of mind to read it I plan on coming back to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Violence, and Police brutality
Things get dark very fast.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.
theblerdyreader's review
4.0
“The universe is a Bitch.” The year is 2022 and a vampire is president. Vampire on witch violence is rampant. We meet college student and witch Mercury on a pivotal night when he attends a college frat party. A night when Mercury and his human friends end up being involved in an altercation with vampires that turns deadly.
This book gave me “True Blood” vibes, but with all of the Black witchiness and queerness we need in this world.
Although there were some parts of the plot that might have benefited from being flushed out further and the ending wasn’t as climatic as I anticipated, it didn’t bother me so much because this book ended up being so much more than I expected. About halfway through I wanted to fangirl message the author Amanda and say yesss you’re really on to something with this story! I sincerely hope to read more stories by her in the future. Bring us alllll the Black Witchiness!!
I truly appreciate the vulnerability and even the tenderness shown by Mercury because sadly Black male characters aren’t oftentimes portrayed in this way. There were some touching moments throughout.
Fictional or not this story mirrors many of the travesties that have been plaguing America historical and even at this very moment including the horrific Trump Era. Like the unapologetic bad ass of the story Sloane warns in her closing statement, “America, you in danger girl.”
This book gave me “True Blood” vibes, but with all of the Black witchiness and queerness we need in this world.
Although there were some parts of the plot that might have benefited from being flushed out further and the ending wasn’t as climatic as I anticipated, it didn’t bother me so much because this book ended up being so much more than I expected. About halfway through I wanted to fangirl message the author Amanda and say yesss you’re really on to something with this story! I sincerely hope to read more stories by her in the future. Bring us alllll the Black Witchiness!!
I truly appreciate the vulnerability and even the tenderness shown by Mercury because sadly Black male characters aren’t oftentimes portrayed in this way. There were some touching moments throughout.
Fictional or not this story mirrors many of the travesties that have been plaguing America historical and even at this very moment including the horrific Trump Era. Like the unapologetic bad ass of the story Sloane warns in her closing statement, “America, you in danger girl.”
jesm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A high speed chase across the country full of fights between witches and vampires?
Yes, please.
The best way I can describe this book is as a super cathartic ride.
Not gonna lie, there have been many times over the past five or so years when I wish I had magical powers to fight against the former...regime...
Author Amanda Ross @amandatheeauthor does a really fun job of magic system building and I really loved how tattoos are used (no spoilers...but it's cool AF).
Yes, please.
The best way I can describe this book is as a super cathartic ride.
Not gonna lie, there have been many times over the past five or so years when I wish I had magical powers to fight against the former...regime...
Author Amanda Ross @amandatheeauthor does a really fun job of magic system building and I really loved how tattoos are used (no spoilers...but it's cool AF).
crlyhairedbibliophile's review
3.5
Welcome to America, the land of the (not quite) free and the home of the (occasionally) brave. The country that gave us Frederick Douglass and Robert E. Lee. Who gave us Hollywood and the segregated South. Who gave us Brown vs. the Board of Education but who drained an entire swimming pool when Dorothy Dandridge dipped her toe in the water. Welcome to America, where you're more likely to star in a reality TV show, wear a shirt that says "suns out guns out," or be murdered by a vampire than any other country in the world.
To Astera, With Love takes place in a 2022 America and follows Mercury, Ellis (who I often wanted to reach through the pages and strangle
psreadsmore's review against another edition
1.5
The year is 2022, and a vampire is President. This is leading to even more tension between the vampires and witches. Mercury, a witch, ends up at a party, where one thing happens after another. And suddenly. Mercury and his friends are on the run trying to get to the one place where they might be protected.
This book is fast-paced and brutal. Clearly inspired by the racial tensions of current day, this story really turns up the brutality (definitely check trigger warning before reading). The near-future /alternate-history setting was a clever choice, and definitely focuses on an analog of white supremacy fighting with Black and Brown communities. This book heightened the violence and toxic relationships that we already know to exist today and brought them front and center to confront the reader.
While the concept was good, it definitely felt heavy handed, leaning into satirical commentary territory, from the violence to the characters themselves, some of whom at times seemed like caricatures. I had a hard time understanding their motives, feelings, actions, and interactions. I also had a difficult time understanding the mechanism and rules of the magic. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. I think this debut novel is a good read for someone who is looking for an interesting world and a over-the-top fast-paced action-packed urban fantasy, that rings of satire.
This book is fast-paced and brutal. Clearly inspired by the racial tensions of current day, this story really turns up the brutality (definitely check trigger warning before reading). The near-future /alternate-history setting was a clever choice, and definitely focuses on an analog of white supremacy fighting with Black and Brown communities. This book heightened the violence and toxic relationships that we already know to exist today and brought them front and center to confront the reader.
While the concept was good, it definitely felt heavy handed, leaning into satirical commentary territory, from the violence to the characters themselves, some of whom at times seemed like caricatures. I had a hard time understanding their motives, feelings, actions, and interactions. I also had a difficult time understanding the mechanism and rules of the magic. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. I think this debut novel is a good read for someone who is looking for an interesting world and a over-the-top fast-paced action-packed urban fantasy, that rings of satire.
lyszflo's review
5.0
I’ve chuckled and been caught off guard by how timely
this is. I love all of the real life references in this alternate world that has been created. The character relationships feel authentic and real. I’ve yelled and cringed and some of these interactions. Drugs, Vampires and Black Witches. I AM HERE FOR ALL OF IT. Heartbreaking and very vivid moments - but unfortunately still so relatable. Watching the characters evolve is interesting and some are insufferable. I can’t wait to see what else comes next.
this is. I love all of the real life references in this alternate world that has been created. The character relationships feel authentic and real. I’ve yelled and cringed and some of these interactions. Drugs, Vampires and Black Witches. I AM HERE FOR ALL OF IT. Heartbreaking and very vivid moments - but unfortunately still so relatable. Watching the characters evolve is interesting and some are insufferable. I can’t wait to see what else comes next.
bookiesandtea's review
2.5
This book follows Mercury a witch who is on the run from vampires, as he and his friends endure a road trip across the country to the annual witches coven! Along the way they have to fight their way through several obstacles and challenges from people who are searching for them while trying to stay alive.
I thought the author did a good job mirroring real life issues into the book especially the racial tensions of current day and the political aspects that happened in the last 4 years. Unfortunately at times, I felt as if the events that transpired were so far fetched and unbelievable. I also wished more was explained about the magical powers the characters had and how they worked. Some of the language in the book was a little off putting and felt unnecessary which is just my personal opinion. The last fight scene to me was less than climatic and the ending left more to be desired so we know there will be a sequel!
Overall a decent read and I commend the author for exploring such an interesting take on such tough issues plaguing our society!
I thought the author did a good job mirroring real life issues into the book especially the racial tensions of current day and the political aspects that happened in the last 4 years. Unfortunately at times, I felt as if the events that transpired were so far fetched and unbelievable. I also wished more was explained about the magical powers the characters had and how they worked. Some of the language in the book was a little off putting and felt unnecessary which is just my personal opinion. The last fight scene to me was less than climatic and the ending left more to be desired so we know there will be a sequel!
Overall a decent read and I commend the author for exploring such an interesting take on such tough issues plaguing our society!
tavenorcd's review against another edition
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve finished a novel. A lot is going on in the world, and reading has been difficult.
The pandemic.
Police brutality.
Nonviolent protests.
It’s understandable that people aren’t reading the same stories they might have read six months ago. Or reading as much as they might like. My days currently consist of a few hours of writing/editing, eight hours as an attorney, and a few hours heading downtown to attend BlackLivesMatter protests.
But today, on Sunday, June 14, I sat down and read the entire paperback of “To Astera, With Love” from cover-to-cover in one sitting.
I haven’t read an entire book in one sitting in well over a year.
And with “To Astera, With Love,” Amanda Ross has managed to write a novel uniquely reflective of the current zeitgeist. It hooked me on page one.
Imagine a world where the president is a literal vampire. Imagine a world where witches live among us, with powers capable of throwing a man against a wall. Imagine a world where race relations and police brutality mix with the racism and prejudice of a centuries-long war between vampires and witches.
With wit, wisdom, and astute creativity, Amanda Ross creates a wonderfully entertaining narrative that also intersects powerful themes of systemic racism. And we all know how powerful fiction and narrative are to cause people to think. You’ll laugh. You’ll probably cry. You’ll reflect on your own prejudices.
If you’ve been marching in the protests across the United States and the world, read this book. It will give you a moment of reflection, humor, and introspective analysis regarding the race relations of our country. If you’ve not attended a protest, but want to read a story focused on the current transformative moment in which we live, Read “To Astera, With Love.”
By the end of the book, you’ll be out in the streets alongside everyone else, chanting Black Lives Matter.
Writing: 8/10. The prose is exceptionally well-crafted, with well-timed moments of humor and perfect reflective essays on the pseudo-America of the novel that also happen to make you think about our real world. If the comparisons feel too real, good. I imagine that’s the point.
Plot: 9/10. What a story. Constantly driven by its heroes (Mercury and Sloane are absolute gems).
Characters: 10/10. I can’t stress enough how much life Amanda Ross breathed into the stars of the show. With a crew of five “leads,” traveling across the country together, it’s difficult to pull off the level of distinct characterization that occurs in “To Astera, With Love.”
Setting: 10/10. Seriously. A faux-America filled with witches and vampires mirroring the insidious racism seeping through our country? It’s pulled off with superb skill. Amanda Ross writes her debut novel like she’s written ten novels already.
Overall: 9.25/10. Five Stars. Read it. Seriously. Just read it.
The pandemic.
Police brutality.
Nonviolent protests.
It’s understandable that people aren’t reading the same stories they might have read six months ago. Or reading as much as they might like. My days currently consist of a few hours of writing/editing, eight hours as an attorney, and a few hours heading downtown to attend BlackLivesMatter protests.
But today, on Sunday, June 14, I sat down and read the entire paperback of “To Astera, With Love” from cover-to-cover in one sitting.
I haven’t read an entire book in one sitting in well over a year.
And with “To Astera, With Love,” Amanda Ross has managed to write a novel uniquely reflective of the current zeitgeist. It hooked me on page one.
Imagine a world where the president is a literal vampire. Imagine a world where witches live among us, with powers capable of throwing a man against a wall. Imagine a world where race relations and police brutality mix with the racism and prejudice of a centuries-long war between vampires and witches.
With wit, wisdom, and astute creativity, Amanda Ross creates a wonderfully entertaining narrative that also intersects powerful themes of systemic racism. And we all know how powerful fiction and narrative are to cause people to think. You’ll laugh. You’ll probably cry. You’ll reflect on your own prejudices.
If you’ve been marching in the protests across the United States and the world, read this book. It will give you a moment of reflection, humor, and introspective analysis regarding the race relations of our country. If you’ve not attended a protest, but want to read a story focused on the current transformative moment in which we live, Read “To Astera, With Love.”
By the end of the book, you’ll be out in the streets alongside everyone else, chanting Black Lives Matter.
Writing: 8/10. The prose is exceptionally well-crafted, with well-timed moments of humor and perfect reflective essays on the pseudo-America of the novel that also happen to make you think about our real world. If the comparisons feel too real, good. I imagine that’s the point.
Plot: 9/10. What a story. Constantly driven by its heroes (Mercury and Sloane are absolute gems).
Characters: 10/10. I can’t stress enough how much life Amanda Ross breathed into the stars of the show. With a crew of five “leads,” traveling across the country together, it’s difficult to pull off the level of distinct characterization that occurs in “To Astera, With Love.”
Setting: 10/10. Seriously. A faux-America filled with witches and vampires mirroring the insidious racism seeping through our country? It’s pulled off with superb skill. Amanda Ross writes her debut novel like she’s written ten novels already.
Overall: 9.25/10. Five Stars. Read it. Seriously. Just read it.
wordwilderness's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Hate crime, Racism, and Blood
Minor: Rape