The best thing about this book was absolutely its world-building. It's clear that so much work was put into this society and a lot of attention was paid to the intricate politics and different factions within this world. The class issues and rebellions in this book were really fun and I enjoyed the way they influenced the plot. I love an epic fantasy with an emphasis on court politics, conflicting motives, scheming and secrets so that was an aspect that I really loved! The queer-normative world was also great and I especially liked how there were gender non-conforming races and individuals as that's something that isn't present in too many high fantasies.

I really loved the main character as well. I thought she was written in a really complex and interesting way and her grief over the loss of her wife was a thread that stayed strong throughout the whole book, adding a lot of depth to her character and helping to make her more sympathetic and relatable. Her grief was written really well in my opinion and I enjoyed the dual timeline at the beginning of the book exploring her relationship with her wife.

However, while her grief remained consistent throughout the book, it's really the only thing that did. Her relationship with her fathers, her friendships, loyalties and motives all felt temporary and mercurial. Things that seemed to have incredible importance for a few chapters suddenly became irrelevant as soon as their purpose was served and the main character no longer seemed to think much about them. The romantic subplot also felt really rushed and underdeveloped. The love interest's character seemed to change out of nowhere to serve the plot and the chemistry between them felt forced. I think if the romance was left out of the book, nothing really would have been lost and the motives of the main character would make a lot more sense without the love interest to further confuse them. While the main character was well developed and had an interesting and developed back story, not many of the other characters felt anywhere near as developed and many of them were forgettable. This was especially an issue with how large the cast was as it became hard to follow who was who. The prophecy aspect of the plot also came out of nowhere, and the main conflict of the story definitely needed a lot more build-up and time on page to feel like more of a threat.

Overall, I loved the world that this story took place in and I thought the main character was great and her complexity was written really compellingly. However, the plot felt a little weak and many of the side characters were forgettable and inconsistent. If you enjoy epic fantasy with extensive world building and a queer-normative society, I would recommend this, but the story itself may be a little underwhelming and the romance especially leaves a lot to be desired.

2.5/5

A web of lies, deceit and traitors. Caitlin finds herself thrown in the midst of it due to the choices she both makes for herself and allows others to make for her. Eventually these decisions catch up with Caitlin as she walks the fine line of survival and spy where she doesn’t know if the next person she attempts to put trust in will get her killed…or worse.

At its core Stars and Soil is an interesting story. I enjoyed the world and the plot, the potential is there but I feel like it still needs a little more polishing.

There were a few typos, a few errors that threw off the flow of the sentences and one or two misspellings of character names. Some of the transitions between scenes felt clunky, I had to go back a few times to the previous pages confused because the change had been so sudden that I thought I must’ve skipped a few pages. Overall, however, the writing was easy and enjoyable to read.

The romance I thought felt forced, for a character so worked up in her grief that she mentions her wife every few pages it just didn’t feel like it clicked for me. There was no chemistry. I thought there was more chemistry between Caitlin and Diarmuid personally. That being said, I did really appreciate that queerness was just simply a part of the world, something natural.

The characters were plenty but I found myself getting lost in all the names, not everyone was memorable and it got a little confusing near the end when the pace suddenly picked up in the book and everything was happening at once.

I wish there had been more explanations about the magic and Gods, by the end of the book there were so many things happening that it just felt convoluted. Caitlin did not know much herself and the reader is a reflection of that but I think it would have benefited with a little more information trickling through the book as a whole, not just in the final arc.

Like Caitlin you find yourself railroaded through without much time to process what is happening and then all at once it’s over and it’s just a listing of names and explanations of what happened to them after the main conflict concluded.

With a little more polish and editing this book could be a good read for those that enjoy political intrigue.

This book WILL make you cry. There's a ton going on, but not in an overwhelming way. Caitlin is an incredibly strong protagonist and as we view the world and courtly drama through her eyes, we can't help but root for her to finally find a happy ending.

I really enjoyed the overall worldbuilding and magical elements and loved the nuances of the political intrigue. Definitely recommend this book with a hot cup of cocoa and some tissues to help you work through the expansive range of emotions this will invoke.

This captivating fantasy novel is brimming with epic world building, political maneuvering, and shifting alliances. Lady Caitlin, caught in a web of deception, must navigate a kingdom in turmoil and uncover a hidden prophecy to avoid becoming a pawn in a centuries-old plot.

This was OK! The plot was good and it really got you interested. However, the story did tend to drag with details that were not relevant to the story.

Book Review: Stars and Soil by Dax Murray

Dax Murray’s Stars and Soil: Scions and Shadows is an intricate, emotionally charged fantasy novel that blends courtly intrigue with deeper explorations of power, loss, and identity. In this first installment of the Scions and Shadows series, readers are plunged into a richly detailed world on the brink of collapse, where kingdoms rot from within, rebellion brews, and ancient forces stir beneath the surface.

The protagonist, Lady Caitlin, is a character defined by her grief and apathy, having lost everything that once tethered her to her former life. But where others might fade into the shadows of such tragedy, Caitlin's evolution pulls her directly into the political chaos of the kingdom. Her initial indifference is shattered when fate forces her to confront the powerful figures in her life, including a charismatic rebellion leader and a dangerously apathetic prince. As she navigates the deadly politics of the court, Caitlin finds herself ensnared in an even more insidious web—one woven by dark forces that have long been biding their time.

The novel shines in its portrayal of court intrigue, deceit, and alliances. Murray creates a palpable atmosphere of distrust, underscored by a memorable line that perfectly sets the tone: "Don't trust anyone, Lady Caitlin. Not even me. Especially not me." In this world, allegiances shift like quicksand, and Caitlin must balance the weight of her own grief with the constant threat of betrayal. The court itself becomes a character—dangerous, manipulative, and steeped in secrets.

Stars and Soil excels in character complexity. Caitlin is a captivating heroine, whose struggles with both external and internal battles feel raw and deeply personal. Murray carefully layers her growth, allowing readers to empathize with her desire for destruction while still hoping for her redemption. Surrounding her is a diverse cast of characters, each vividly drawn, with hidden motives and conflicting loyalties. The representation of queer relationships and characters with disabilities further enriches the narrative, contributing to the depth and inclusivity of the world.

Beyond the personal drama, the novel’s exploration of larger themes—such as the cost of power, the price of loyalty, and the weight of centuries-old conspiracies—sets the stage for an epic tale. The prophecy Caitlin is entangled in lends an air of foreboding to the story, suggesting that the real stakes stretch far beyond the crumbling kingdom she inhabits. Dark magic, militant revolutionaries, and secretive priestesses complicate Caitlin's journey, making the story an immersive experience where every action carries unforeseen consequences.

The strength of Stars and Soil also lies in its vivid worldbuilding. Murray paints a decaying kingdom with meticulous detail, from the opulence of the court to the growing unrest among the people. The narrative is rich in description, immersing readers in a realm rife with political tension and shadowy intrigue. Comparisons to Seth Dickinson’s The Traitor Baru Cormorant and Tessa Gratton’s The Queens of Innis Lear are apt, as Murray similarly crafts a world where politics and personal ambition are inseparable from the greater fate of the realm.

However, for some readers, the complexity of the plot and the sheer amount of court intrigue might require patience. The deliberate pacing, especially as it builds the groundwork for future books, may feel slow at times, though this also allows for deeper character development and the unraveling of intricate subplots.

In conclusion, Stars and Soil is a compelling start to what promises to be a thrilling fantasy series. Dax Murray deftly combines political intrigue, personal stakes, and deep worldbuilding to craft a narrative that keeps readers on edge, second-guessing every character's intentions. For fans of intricate fantasy worlds, morally complex characters, and stories that balance the personal with the political, Stars and Soil offers a gripping, emotionally resonant experience. As Caitlin’s path leads her deeper into danger and deception, the series is poised to grow into something truly remarkable.