Book Review: Starless by Jacqueline Carey
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor (June 12, 2018)
Length: 592 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
I’m a huge fan of Jacqueline Carey and will read anything she writes no matter the genre or subject, but I do believe she is in her element whenever she tackles epic fantasy because the format lends itself well to her style. Hence, I was so excited when I found out about Starless. Carey is a master worldbuilder who has also written some of my favorite characters of all time, and I feel that opportunities like these are when she can really let loose and show off the full scope of her incredible talent.
Steeped in rich history and mythology, the world was Starless was a delight to discover and experience. The book’s title refers to the skies above Zarkhoum, which are completely devoid of celestial bodies save for the sun, Zar, and his three companion moons. They were the parents of the many stars whose light used to fill the night skies, until the children grew rebellious, causing Zar to cast them all down to the earth, where their punishment bound them in exile forever more. But while they could not return to the heavens, the stars lived among mortals as gods, and some of them even took to the task of protecting the land and its inhabitants. Pahrkun the Scouring Wind was one such god. Deep in the desert, there lives a brotherhood of warrior-priests who dedicate themselves to his service, and it is here that we find our protagonist, Khai.
There is much more to Khai than meets the eye, however. On the rare occasion that a member of Zarkhoum’s royal family is born during an eclipse, it is said that the child’s shadow, or soul’s twin, is also born at the same time. Thus, all babies born during the eclipse are gathered for a test to find the one destined to be the new royal child’s protector, which is how, when the Princess Zariya was born, the infant Khai was identified as her shadow. But being chosen by their god also meant that Khai was entrusted to the Brotherhood of Pahrkun to raise and train as a warrior—and there was just one major complication. While the solution ultimately presented itself in the form of an age-old desert tradition, it meant that Khai had to grow up without knowing an important truth.
Split into several parts, the story first begins in the desert, where readers get to catch a glimpse of Khai’s early years growing up within the Brotherhood. Hands down, I think this was my favorite part of the book. I’ve always had a fondness for fantasy stories that involve a training school component of some sort, and Carey has once again managed to come up with a very imaginative scenario. This will probably come as no surprise, but one of my favorite books ever, her novel Kushiel’s Dart, also started in a similar manner, following a protagonist who comes of age as an apprentice training for their life’s calling.
In the case of Starless, Khai trains in preparation to become Princess Zariya’s shadow and future bodyguard. It’s also interesting to note how the Brotherhood of Pahrkun gains some of its members. Any man convicted of a crime deserving of execution can instead choose to be judged by the Trial of Pahrkun, which involves fighting three of the Brotherhood’s members in the Hall of Proving. If the supplicant can best them all, his sins are wiped away, and he joins the Brotherhood, enriching their ranks with his new skills and knowledge. This was how Khai ended up with some of the best and most interesting mentors, including Brother Merik, Brother Saan, and of course, the unforgettable Brother Yarit. Without a doubt, the characters were the key element that made this opening section of the book stand out. I loved the different personalities and the fascinating interactions between all of them.
The second part of the book opens up the world a bit more, introducing readers to the court of the royal family. Khai also finally gets to meet Princess Zariya for the first time, making a shift from a monastery full of men to close quarters dominated by women. Without revealing too much, I thought gender roles were explored very well in these chapters. As an issue, gender is important in this novel, though the author handles the topic with such subtlety and finesse, it simply integrates itself seamlessly into the story’s larger themes. As always, Carey’s emphasis is on character development and backstory, so that a character’s identity choices end up coming across as natural and as much a part of them as any of their other thoughts, actions, and emotions.
Then, the story shifts gears almost completely in the final part of the book, throwing readers headfirst into a more traditional fantasy quest narrative which puts more emphasis on action and adventure. Khai and Zariya find themselves joining up with a ragtag crew of “prophecy seekers”, embarking on a swashbuckling journey on the high seas to prevent the fallen god Miasmus from rising again. Even though I enjoyed these ocean-bound sections just slightly less than the desert chapters at the beginning, I have to say the overall energy found here was very addictive. I loved getting to travel with our characters to all these exciting new places, encountering fantastical creatures and meeting interesting people. There’s also the easy friendships among this diverse cast, creating a lively atmosphere that made this book just plain fun to read.
The truth is, I hadn’t wanted to hype myself too much for Starless. Despite Jacqueline Carey’s return to the epic fantasy doorstopper genre, somewhere in the back of my mind I knew it would be foolish and a little unfair to compare it to her past work, or to expect this book to sweep me completely off my feet like Kushiel’s Dart. But damn, after finishing this one, I gotta say—it sure came wickedly close. This is one breathtakingly rich and evocative novel. Even more impressive is that Carey was able to pull off this powerful tale in one single volume. I maintain that she is one of the fantasy genre’s most brilliant and precious talents, and a book like Starless only strengthens that belief.
The BiblioSanctum 
Ohh that sounds so good! Is this actually a stand alone? That would be even better! I think I need to get it soon, I love what you say about the start of the book, being similar to ‘Kushiel’s Dart’. I loved reading about Phedre’s training, so I’m sure this one will be a treat as well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s a standalone! I’m paraphrasing Carey here, but she once tweeted something along the lines of, “If you finished reading and wanted more, but are still satisfied, then I would have done my job.” That’s how I felt, so I would say she succeeded!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve made me so excited to start this! I’m so glad it lived up to your expectations of Jacqueline Carey😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
It did! Kushiel’s Dart is still my favorite by her, but damn, this was so good too.
LikeLike
What’s the sex content of this book like? I really enjoy Carey’s writing style but I found the Phedre books just too focused on sex for me to enjoy them – that’s not a judgement, merely a fact of me being ace! I’d love to try another high fantasy series by her
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not much sex content at all, compared to Kushiel (which was sexually charged through the whole thing, I agree!) This had some light romance, but really only at the end as I recall!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for a great review. New author and – possibly series – for me. Sounds really interesting. Just ordered it. Cheers, Brian
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacqueline Carey is one of those authors featuring prominently on my “must read” list, even though I have not managed to sample any of her works yet, so the fact that this is a stand-alone novel might be the best way for me to start reading her books… And your heartfelt recommendation is a powerful motivator, indeed 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh she’s wonderful, and if you haven’t tried her yet, you really must! She’s written in quite a few fantasy subgenres, like UF, retellings, etc. but her high fantasy is always my favorite. Kushiel’s Dart is the one I tell everyone to pick up, but if you prefer starting with a standalone, Starless is a fantastic choice!
LikeLike
Oh you liked a bit more than me. I don’t know what my problem was but I couldn’t connect to the story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I read your review and I can understand where you’re coming from! The first part was the best, where the second and third parts were a bit weaker.
LikeLike
I’ve been wanting to try Carey for a while, but with all the books I have to read I keep putting it off. 😦 I should give this a shot, since it sounds like the world is really unique, a nice new take. Plus I enjoy a good training sequence as well. 🙂 And it’s a stand alone, those rarest of beasts ha ha! Glad this was good! Will definitely keep this one in mind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s one of my favorite authors! Depending on what fantasy subgenres you prefer, she has some great books out 😀
LikeLike
Ohhh want! On my wishlist it goes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
LikeLike
I’m looking forward to this one – thanks for the review! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get a chance to read it soon 😀
LikeLike
Wow. OK. This doesn’t make me less reluctant to read Kushiel’s Dart (I’m still not sure how much I’ll like it), but between your review and others of Starless and Miranda and Caliban, maybe those would be better bets for me as my first Jacqueline Carey read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As much as I looooove Kushiel’s Dart, I think she’s improved a lot since those books so it actually might not be a bad choice to try some of her newer stuff. Her high fantasy really is amazing though, so I would definitely read this over M&C 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is really encouraging. I LOVED all nine of the Kushiel books, but have had a hard time connecting with anything else she’s written (with the exception of the first Santa Olivia book). Maybe this one will be a better fit for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same way! Loved her Kushiel books, and enjoyed her first SO novel – but the sequel after that was terrible. I also enjoyed her urban fantasy trilogy Hel’s Angent, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. Her latest novel Miranda and Caliban was good too, but I felt she couldn’t really let loose the way she usually does because it’s a retelling. Starless is Carey is fine form though, I am so happy! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review! I think my favorite part was also the first section. I love Khai and getting to know him was my favorite thing. It felt like the most personal part of the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. And when he found out the truth – oof, I just wanted to give him a hug!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, me too. I really think Carey did such a fabulous job with his character.
LikeLike
I haaaave to start this soon.
LikeLike
I hope you’ll get a chance to pick it up soon!
LikeLike
Well, this sounds brilliant! I haven’t had a chance to check out Carey’s Kushiel other books yet, so I guess a standalone would be the perfect starting point. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be a great starting point! As much as I adore the Kushiel books, I also sympathize with people who don’t want to lock themselves into a series. Especially since there are a whopping 9 books set in her Kushiel world!
LikeLike
Yes, yes, yes! I can’t wait to read this now! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eee, I hope you read it soon, can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, I haven’t heard of this author before, but this book sounds so amazing! The premise of moon and stars mythology kinda gives me Asian vibes, and I also enjoy training school settings as it gives a good kick-start for adventures. Sounds like the characters and gender aspects were well-done too! I am totally adding this to my TBR now. 😉 Awesome review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Starless by Jacqueline Carey – Dab of Darkness Book Reviews
Yay. Great review and encouraging star rating. Can’t wait to read this one.
Lynn 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Mogsy’s Bookshelf Roundup: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads | The BiblioSanctum
Pingback: #WyrdAndWonder Fantasy Five Tuesday: We’re Going On A Quest | The BiblioSanctum