Blog Tour: A Shifting of Stars
Title: A Shifting of Stars
Author: Kathy Kimbray
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Format: eARC
Publisher: Self-published
Date Published: 28 May 2019
Goodreads Description: A squandering emperor. A handsome stranger. A reluctant heroine. And the ancient magic that will capsize a kingdom.
Seventeen-year-old Meadow Sircha watched her mother die from the wilting sickness. Tormented by the knowledge that the emperor failed to import the medicine that would have saved her, she speaks out at a gathering of villagers, inciting them to boycott his prized gladiator tournament.
But doing so comes at a steep cost.
Arrested as punishment for her impulsive tongue, Meadow finds herself caught up in the kind of danger she’s always tried to avoid. After a chance meeting with an enigmatic boy, she’s propelled on a perilous trek across the outer lands. But she soon unearths a staggering secret: one that will shift her world—and the kingdom—forever.
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Author Information
Kathy Kimbray is a YA author from Australia.
After graduating from the University of Technology, Sydney, with a degree in Media Arts and Production, she went on to complete postgraduate studies in education and spent many years as a primary school teacher.
Now a full-time novelist, Kathy is lucky to be able to tell stories every day.
Aside from writing, Kathy is an avid reader, dancer, language learner, musical theatre enthusiast and fan of terrible reality TV. She lives with her husband in Sydney and dreams of one day owning that elusive chateau in France.
Author links:
Giveaway Information
Prize: One (1) signed paperback copy of A Shifting of Stars and one (1) Amazon gift card worth 10 USD (two winners: one for the paperback, one for the gift card)
Scope: Open worldwide/internationally
Review: A Shifting of Stars
General Thoughts
I can honestly say that this book left me a bit speechless. It took me a few days to sort through my thoughts and put them into coherent sentences. Let’s jump right in, I enjoyed this book. It was a solid first part of a larger story. However, it started off a little slow, I was already 50% into the book and still sort of waiting for it to start. I was expecting a different story from the blurb and kept waiting for that story to start.
Once the story did start, I actually found myself enjoying it immensely. A Shifting of Stars has lots of twists and turns and has the makings of a great fantasy story. Kimbray’s writing is fluid and easy to follow and it makes the story easy to follow.
I do have some issues with the worldbuilding and the magic system. I wasn’t entirely orientated in the world, the book sorta just throws you in. There should have been more history included about the world and how the world works. The same goes for the magic system. Magic is only introduced 70% into the book, and not much was said about how it works or the rules.
Books don’t always need to explain everything in terms of magic and worldbuilding, but when you’re creating something new you need to give your readers something. That being said, the story is incredible. It’s unique and new and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
Characters
Meadow is one of my favourite characters. I liked her from the beginning, even though she’s a little naive and makes some dumb decisions. I think I would have made the same decisions if I were in her place, to be honest.
While Meadow is a great character, the rest of the characters feel a little underdeveloped. We don’t spend a lot of time with them, as the main focus is on Meadow, so I’m hoping to get to know them more in the next book.
A Shifting of Stars Playlist
As part of the blog tour for A Shifting of Stars, I’ve decided to assemble a playlist for this book. I love music and I thought it would be the perfect way to get in the mood to read this book. So here it is!
Let’s Chat
What did you think of A Shifting of Stars?
I have to say this first: your book photography is stunning! Also A Shift of Stars sounds like a fun read but it’s a shame that it takes such a long time until the plot really picks up 🙁
Thank you so much!
This sounds like my sort of read and that cover 😍. I’ve entered the giveaway.
Gemma @ Gemma’s Book Nook
Great review!
You have such amazing photos!
This is a terrific review.
great review like the sound of this
Loved the review and absolutely LOVE your graphics. I can see you put a lot of work into your post, and it shows!
You have mad skills!
Great giveaway. Your photo is gorgeous. So clever!
Great review. The book looks wonderful. I hadn’t heard of it until now.