Book Review: Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes
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What is this book about?
Lucy Clairmont’s family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it’s Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she’s discovered in her family home.
Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time.
As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers–and the healing–they so desperately seek.
My review:
Have you ever had a story that kinda just hung in the air after you finish it? Like the last note of a powerful chorus echoing through an auditorium? This was that kind of story for me. There was something so deep and meaningful about the way this author wove God’s pursuit of our hearts with the fantastic stories of light in the darkness that were told to Lucy and Dash.
My heart broke for both Lucy and Dash as they found tragedy tearing at their lives and coming between them. I rejoiced when they were finally able to express their true feelings. My curiosity got the better of me digging through the mystery of the missing ship and a notorious traitor. Yes, I did miss some sleep to dig into it. 😉
One thing that made me stumble during this read was the amount of riddles that ran throughout. Between the stories told by Lucy’s father and the poems written by Killian, I found myself struggling to completely piece it all together. I got the gist of it but I did finish the story with the feeling that I probably missed something. There was also a connection between the stories and some characters that I thought would arise but didn’t.
I really loved how Lucy’s dad kept telling her about God as “the One who is coming…and coming…and coming after you.” How true and wondrous it is that God does that for us all.
What I enjoyed most about this book:
The message of light in the darkness and God’s persistence in pursuit of us.
What I didn’t like about this book:
So many riddles in the stories and poems that I am sure I missed something.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. This is the second book I have read by this author and I have enjoyed the tapestry of storytelling and inspiration. This is a standalone story.
Note: I received this book complimentary as a member of the author’s launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
Where can I learn more about this author and their books?
-Loraine Nunley
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