Where do we even start with this?
We’ve heard and seen the hype around this book for ages before finally deciding to take the plunge.
Now, we’re currently basing our review on the audiobook since we’re too impatient to wait for the paperbook version [best believe we ordered it though, we’re definitely adding this gem to our teeny library].
Here’s the official blurb:
Two years ago, a misunderstanding between the leaders of Earth and the invading Ilori resulted in the deaths of one-third of the world’s population.
Seventeen-year-old Janelle “Ellie” Baker survives in an Ilori-controlled center in New York City. Deemed dangerously volatile because of their initial reaction to the invasion, humanity’s emotional transgressions are now grounds for execution. All art, books and creative expression are illegal, but Ellie breaks the rules by keeping a secret library. When a book goes missing, Ellie is terrified that the Ilori will track it back to her and kill her.
Born in a lab, M0Rr1S (Morris) was raised to be emotionless. When he finds Ellie’s illegal library, he’s duty-bound to deliver her for execution. The trouble is, he finds himself drawn to human music and in desperate need of more. They’re both breaking the rules for love of art—and Ellie inspires the same feelings in him that music does.
Ellie’s—and humanity’s—fate rests in the hands of an alien she should fear. M0Rr1S has a lot of secrets, but also a potential solution—thousands of miles away. The two embark on a wild and dangerous road trip with a bag of books and their favorite albums, all the while making a story and a song of their own that just might save them both.
Intriguing, right?
We loved every minute of the 12 hour + audio journey. The YA story’s set in a dystopian future that plays out as though it’s going to happen in the next decade or so. Alechia effortlessly weaves in references to pop culture and current events while also giving readers well-rounded characters to root for – or yell at depending on the chapter / scene.
There were moments of confusion though but we’re reserving judgement until we get the physical book to check if the inconsistencies we came across were because of the audio or if they exist in ink as well. We’ll let you know once we update this initial review.
Ellie and Morris reminded us a lot of our angst-filled high school days, complete with “do they like us” existential crises and navigating a confusing world of sexuality, hormones, and boundaries. We were really happy that Morris is respectful of Ellie and her rules, something that’s sometimes lacking from other YA or even adult books.
It’s a great depiction of a healthy relationship – well, as healthy as possible given that one’s an alien and they’re both racing against time to save the human race.
Another great thing about the book is how diverse the characters are – in every sense of the word – but it feels so natural that you don’t even think twice about it.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, which caused shouts of “what?! NOOOOO”.. We’re crossing all of our fingers and toes that Alechia’s working on sequel. This definitely feels like a series on par with The Hunger Games or Divergent.
You can order The Sound of Stars here: https://amzn.to/33i6zXd and probably from any bookstore near you.
Happy Reading!
CREATIVITY UNDEFINED 