The Starless Crown

Bookseller recommendation

“Part thriller, part climate fiction, part epic quest, James Rollins has built a world in which humans and creatures have evolved to live – and communicate – on a planet that is part fire and part ice with only a small bit of habitable land. As compelling as the human characters are – in particular, 14-year-old Nyx, who was raised, Romulus and Remus-style, by great winged meerbats, and maintains a psychic connection with the fearsome creatures – the animals are equally fascinating. Barber's narration brings the vast and varied cast to life, as they race against time and an evil sect to save their world.”

— Claire • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Narrated - and I do mean in the Jim Dale sense, with drama and distinct accents - by Nicola Barber, this deeply immersive fantasy novel begins with a tragedy, then launches multiple plotlines that explode into chases and battles, with a promise of sequel(s) to come. Readers who know Rollins' name from his thrillers will find intrigue aplenty as factions form and fight, and those of us who met him first as James Clemens will appreciate the expert world-building. Fans of George R. R. Martin will enjoy the complex religious, national, and familial conflicts, and the multiple points of view; fans of really inventive magical systems, like that in the Abhorsen series or the Shannara series, will be thrilled when the various plotlines converge, revealing the first hints of an excitingly unique theory of magic.”

— Nialle • The Haunted Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“The Starless Crown is an immersive epic fantasy set on a tidally-locked planet that pits science fundamentals against zealot beliefs. The world is faced with imminent doom, and it falls to the shoulders of a band of outcasts to uncover ancient secrets that hold the key to their survival, all while surviving the wrath of a power-hungry prince on his hunt to claim the throne. What a ride! This is an excellent story about the struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. Although I wish the characters had been a bit more personable, I enjoyed every part of this story and can't wait to see where Rollins takes it from here. And, yes, I may have cried during a certain character's death...”

— Anna • The Well-Read Moose

Bookseller recommendation

“A really fun read combining fantasy and science fiction. So yes, a dystopia with giant bats, metal beings—not sure robot is the right word, and swords. What’s not to love?”

— Millie • Cassiopeia Books