Set the Stars Alight has a unique feel. It follows two different stories with separate timelines. The modern day story follows Lucy and Dash. They’re adults now, but we’re treated to whimsical flashes of their childhood growing up together. I actually thought the modern day story had more of a fairytale feel than the story set 200 years ago. Lucy is an academic marine archaeologist, and Dash is a forensic astronomer. They reunite and work together to secure a research grant to find the lost ship Jubilee. They eventually start searching for it on their own.
The secondary storyline is about two young men and the lady they both love, and it’s connected to this lost ship. I did find that circumstances regarding the ship and its location strained credulity. I also felt like their was something magical drawing Dash and Lucy to discover the ship ruins. There was no way Lucy’s father’s stories, riddles, and clues could’ve led them to find it.
There are Christian themes, but they’re handled with a light touch. I loved how Lucy’s father told her there was One who was coming…and coming…and coming for her. Fighting for her heart.
“Every breath a gift. He sets the stars alight, my girl. And we open our eyes to this in in benevolent defiance of the dark…by remembering. Take note. Live deeply.”
A slow paced story with lyrical writing that had a bit of an otherworldly feel.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tandielion 