Georgia Summers’ City of Stardust begins with an enchanting allure reminiscent of the captivating atmosphere found within the pages of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. With prose that glimmers like the stars in a moonlit sky, Summers skillfully draws readers into a world where magic and mystery intertwine seamlessly. From the very first pages, I was transported into a realm where imagination knows no bounds, and every character emerges in its own right, brimming with secrets waiting to be unveiled.

The opening chapters of the novel are nothing short of captivating. Summers paints a vivid picture of Fidelis, a city cloaked in an ethereal charm that beckons the reader to explore its hidden depths. The protagonist’s journey begins with a promise of intrigue and adventure, as she navigates the winding streets and encounters a cast of eccentric characters who inhabit this fantastical realm.

The author’s prose is lush and evocative, weaving a spellbinding tapestry that captures the imagination and holds it captive until the very end.

However, despite the promising start, City of Stardust ultimately falters in its execution, leaving much to be desired in its resolution.

As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the plot is riddled with inconsistencies and unresolved questions, leading to a conclusion that feels rushed and unsatisfying. What begins as a tantalizing mystery gradually unravels into a tangled web of plot holes, leaving the reader feeling disconnected from the narrative and disenchanted with the fate of the characters.

One of the most glaring issues with “City of Stardust” is the lack of development in the protagonist’s character arc. While she initially appears as a promising and relatable figure, her journey fails to resonate on a deeper level due to a lack of meaningful growth or personal stakes. As the plot progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to invest in her struggles or empathize with her plight, ultimately leaving the reader feeling indifferent towards her fate.

Additionally, the novel’s ending falls short of expectations, failing to deliver the emotional payoff that readers may have anticipated. Instead of tying up loose ends and providing closure, the conclusion feels abrupt and disjointed, leaving many questions unanswered and leaving the reader with a sense of disappointment. It’s a missed opportunity to deliver a satisfying resolution to a story that had the potential to leave a lasting impact.

Despite its shortcomings, the novel is not without its merits. Georgia Summers demonstrates a remarkable talent for crafting immersive and atmospheric prose that transports readers to a world of magic and wonder. The enchanting setting and imaginative premise are enough to keep readers engaged, at least initially. However, the novel’s failure to deliver on its promising premise ultimately undermines its potential, leaving it feeling like a missed opportunity rather than the captivating masterpiece it could have been.

It’s a story that begins with promise but ultimately fails to live up to its full potential, leaving readers longing for the magic they had hoped to find within its pages.

Thank you to Orbit Books for providing me with a copy for review!