A review by keepcalmblogon
The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Stardust Grail was a Macmillan Audio pick. I wanted something a little different, as I’ve been rediscovering my love for space sci-fi, and this book did not disappoint!

While on the surface, this story is about a quest to find a near-mythic device, it deals heavily in colonization, acculturation, cultural assimilation, friendship, and the theory that connects all life. This book represents historical context from varying angles that show context in and of itself can be subjective depending on where in a timeline the lens is placed and how deeply in or out it’s zoomed. In the end, this book accepts that history can’t be changed, but a civilization’s actions moving forward can be, and that’s what matters.

Maya faces a kind of trolley problem with the discovery at the end of her journey, and in the end, there really is no choice to be made. I loved her friendship with the alien Auncle; it shows how two individuals with different backgrounds and from different species can share commonalities, empathy, and goals. I also loved the side character Medix who brought to light questions of humanity and free will of an AI robot. Wil was an important character in showing that people of different ideologies and opinions can work and coexist, as well as become friends. It’s also worth mentioning the use of various pronouns across different species and civilizations; I loved that!

I think Katharine Chin did an excellent job as narrator, and while I haven’t heard her before, I’ll definitely look out for her now!

This book is five stars, and I recommend it to any sci-fi lover, whether you enjoy cozy reads or space-operas; I think this book would be loved by all.