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Talia Benson never wanted an adventure, but when she’s swept into an unknown world where sentient animals exist, monsters roam, and angelic beings sway fate, she’s forced to embark on a quest to find her way home to her mom, her cats, and her quiet Canadian life.
Meanwhile, Jarrett has built a reputation for himself as the best runner in the Nine Realms. With only a squirrel for company during his extensive travels, his socials skills may have grown rusty. Maybe that’s why he impulsively delayed an important mission to help a strange, vibrant girl find her way home.
But turmoil is brewing in the Nine Realms. The guardians have seen a shift in the heavens. A prophecy has been unleashed. A darkness approaches. Soon Talia, Jarrett, and their ragtag band of friends find themselves pulled from their simple quest into the center of an oncoming war.Â
Charting Stars is a light read, full of nostalgic innocence and otherworld wonder. It doesn’t have a deep plot, but sometimes you just need a portal fantasy with a cozy adventure, a stoic character who reminds you a little of Flynn Rider, and animals who definitely have minds of their own.
Its writing voice can come across as young. I’m not usually a fan of this. However, I started listening to the audiobook of Charting Stars when I really needed to distract myself from a stressful situation, and that simplicity made it the perfect escape for me.
I’ve been a fan of Micheline Ryckman’s artwork for a while, but I’d never picked up one of her books until now. She’s been open across social media that she struggled through some serious health issues at the time of working on this story. And while I’m sad Charting Stars never had the chance to become a graphic novel like originally intended (It would have fit perfectly into that storytelling medium!), I’m glad Micheline was able to make the best of her situation. Her personal story, as well as Talia’s, serves as an encouragement to readers. And I really respect the author for her openness with her own journey.
Overall, I found Charting Stars to be wholesome and endearing. It’s not a story I’d recommend to everyone because of its tonal promise and slow pace, but fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, or other allegorical fantasies, will likely love this story for everything it offers — from guardian angel-like beings, ragtag companions, and a cute romance.
Rated: Mild, for general peril, some blood and injury, and a few mild suggestive comments. Characters kiss. There is no language.
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*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
