The Star Thief by Lindsey Becker

Published: April 11th 2017 by Little, Brown Books For Young Readers

Honorine’s life as as maid at the Vidalia mansion is rather dull, dusting treasures from faraway places and daydreaming in front of maps of the world. But everything changes when she catches two brutish sailors ransacking Lord Vidalia’s study, and then follows a mysterious girl with wings out into the night….

Suddenly, Honorine is whisked into the middle of a battle between the crew of a spectacular steamship and a band of mythical constellations. The stars in the sky have come to life to defend themselves against those who want to harness their powers. Much to her surprise, Honorine is the crux of it all, the center of an epic clash between magic and science, the old ways and the new. But can this spirited young girl bring both sides of a larger-than-life fight together before they unleash an evil power even older than the stars?

I know, I know – never judge a book by its cover, but I admit, the cover is what reeled me in. It is so majestic and reminiscent of Mark Helprin’s masterpiece, A Winters Tale (one of my all-time favourite books).

I love stories that make the reader believe in magic.

Not illusions or tricks, real magic –the kind that exists beyond space and time. The Star Thief had me feeling like a child again as I quickly devoured through each page.

There is not a single flaw to be found in this story. The characters are full of zest and life, both loveable and er, not so loveable. The story moves so quickly, it almost makes you want to pace yourself as a reader so it doesn’t end so quickly.

This is a journey I would love to stay in forever. A fantastical world where the constellations and a steamship are the leaders of a adventure like none other.

I would love to see this story transferred into film. The descriptions on the pages came to life so vividly on my mind, I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to experience in a cinematic atmosphere (one can hope).

Such a brilliant, imaginary and beautiful story.

Thank you, HBG Canada for the review copy.