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The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow
Young adult

The Sound of Stars

Debut

We love supporting debut authors. Congrats, Alechia Dow, on your first book!

by Alechia Dow

Quick take

The alien-human friendship you didn't know you needed, all founded on a shared love for great tunes.

Good to know

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_Romance

    Romance

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_400

    400+ pages

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_Supernatural

    Supernatural

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_GraphicViolence

    Graphic violence

Synopsis

Two years ago, a misunderstanding between the leaders of Earth and the invading Ilori resulted in the deaths of one-third of the world’s population.

Seventeen-year-old Janelle “Ellie” Baker survives in an Ilori-controlled center in New York City. Deemed dangerously volatile because of their initial reaction to the invasion, humanity’s emotional transgressions are now grounds for execution. All art, books and creative expression are illegal, but Ellie breaks the rules by keeping a secret library. When a book goes missing, Ellie is terrified that the Ilori will track it back to her and kill her.

Born in a lab, M0Rr1S (Morris) was raised to be emotionless. When he finds Ellie’s illegal library, he’s duty-bound to deliver her for execution. The trouble is, he finds himself drawn to human music and in desperate need of more. They’re both breaking the rules for love of art—and Ellie inspires the same feelings in him that music does.

Ellie’s—and humanity’s—fate rests in the hands of an alien she should fear. M0Rr1S has a lot of secrets, but also a potential solution—thousands of miles away. The two embark on a wild and dangerous road trip with a bag of books and their favorite albums, all the while making a story and a song of their own that just might save them both.

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Free sample

Check out a preview of The Sound of Stars.

Why I love it

In a futuristic New York City, the human population is controlled by an alien race called Ilori, who have banned humans from emotional expression—including all art, music, and writing. Seventeen-year-old Ellie keeps a secret library, which, when discovered by alien boy M0Rr1S, is cause for her execution.

But sometimes emotional connections are too strong to betray, and sometimes the music is just too good to keep from dancing.

The Sound of Stars is a super charming romance filled with fun pop culture references, a highly diverse cast, and a joyful take on the future of human creativity. For fans of The Book Thief and Marissa Meyer—and all those who love storytelling—this one is for you.

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Member ratings (669)

  • Shanna T.

    Huntingburg, IN

    Wonderful book! Perfect mix of dystopian sci-fi, adventure, and romance! I’m hoping for a sequel to this and definitely planning to read the other books she has planned in the future of that universe

  • Charity S.

    Fort Payne, AL

    This book is phenomenal! The first few chapters was a little rough for me to get thru but it was so worth it. There are so many great lines out of this book. I just fell more and more in love with it

  • Krystian W.

    Lehi, UT

    Such a cute and well written story. I love that MC character is a book lover and there is a lot of social and political depth that is really well timed in this book. A highly recommended read by me.

  • Aubree C.

    Crane, MO

    I knew I would love the plot when I got it and it didn't disappoint! Morris was amazing and the plot twist was well done! I hope we get a sequel soon! Also, I wouldn't use Libby for an audiobook...

  • Dilman B.

    San Antonio , TX

    This is hands down, the best book I've read so far. I enjoyed it from the start to the end. I never wanted it to end. It is so good!!! It is 100% a keeper and for sure something I will read again!