Star Daughter

By: Shveta Thakrar

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

*Chosen as a 2020 Kids’ Indie Next pick * A Locus Reading List recommendation * An Andre Norton Nebula Award Finalist*

"Shveta Thakrar's prose is as beautiful as starlight." (New York Times best-selling author Holly Black)

This gorgeously imagined YA debut blends shades of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust and a breathtaking landscape of Hindu mythology into a radiant contemporary fantasy.

The daughter of a star and a mortal, Sheetal is used to keeping secrets. Pretending to be “normal”. But when an accidental flare of her starfire puts her human father in the hospital, Sheetal needs a full star’s help to heal him. A star like her mother, who returned to the sky long ago.

Sheetal’s quest to save her father will take her to a celestial court of shining wonders and dark shadows, where she must take the stage as her family’s champion in a competition to decide the next ruling house of the heavens - and win, or risk never returning to Earth at all.

Brimming with celestial intrigue, this sparkling YA debut is perfect for fans of Roshani Chokshi and Laini Taylor.

©2020 Shveta Thakrar (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

hard to get through

3 stars 🌟 it was interesting but there was alot of chaotic stuff going on in the book and I slowly lost interest. Also the Grandma's a Bi+<#

Wondrous and uplifting

I was looking forward to this book for ages because I loved the concept of a girl who was a star, but the reality was even better than I had imagined. I loved Sheetal’s journey, her agency, her community, and the way that this story focused on empathy and hope. The starry court was so cool, too! If you want a book that leaves you feeling good, this is a great choice!

not too bad

I heard absolutely no praises for this book.
I don't think it was bad but I also feel like the author was trying to cram a lot into some of the scenes.

did I hate this book no absolutely not....it was different but it's not one I would suggest to someone.

mainly because half the time I couldn't stand the main character, but that's just because indecisive people in book just annoy me.

Brilliant magical coming of age book!

Sheetal is nearing her 17th birthday, this half-star, half-human, is trying to find her place among her peers. The story that unfolds is one of magic, music, and love. Thakrar weaves a beautiful storyline that reads like poetry throughout this lovely coming of age book. Sheetal’s destiny is unique and mesmerizing. Nankani’s narration flows so well with the writing that the story and characters really come to life. I highly recommend this book and recording. There isn’t a thing I feel needs criticism. I am hoping the story of the Star Duaghter May continue.

A welcome distraction

I was looking for a “light and refreshing” story to read as a “palate cleanser” between different book series. I found this and read the description and was intrigued. This book turned out to be AMAZING! I could loose myself in the story, see the colors, hear the music, taste the flavors. The author, very intuitively and expertly, merged Indian folklore with modern life. I’m left with a longing for more! I’m looking forward to reading more works of art from this author in the future!

Narrator reads as if every sentence is a question

She speaks clearly and pronounces things properly but turning everything into a question really bothers me as a listener. The story is pretty good but I think the author has created the main character's personality to be inconsistent in her maturity. I understand she's a teenage girl but it's like she's a different person sometimes and when we get taken through her tantrums, it's exhausting.

Involved, Colorful and Interesting

I am glad I listened to the audio version of the story, because I would not have been able to handle reading all of the interesting and unique words, names, and places.

I think it was worth my time. The story is very interesting based on the heroes journey theme, and coming of age.

I did not appreciate the homosexuality notes.

You do not need to understand Indian culture, or religion to understand the basics of the story. If you do understand those things it will definitely add a deeper dimension to all the things that are discussed. While it was a good first run with this author, I do not intend to listen to any further of her writings.

Nothing is as it seems

This was a beautiful story of a girl who's mother is a Star (as in the night sky) and her father is human. As she gets rapidly closer to her 17th birthday she begins to feel the pull to go to the stars herself. As she learns everything isn't as it seems she struggles to find herself and her place both on Earth and the Heavens.

Everything that makes YA awful and so much more.

Whiney over dramatic main character who throws random tantrums...check. Ridiculous over the top flowery language that only serves to leave you more confused to what is going on..check. Adults who have unrealistic expectations of "normalcy" that they force on the "misunderstood" child...check. Gag inducing unrealistic love interests...check The main character believing that everyone else's needs, wants or desire's are so petty compared to their own and everyone is out to get her, but she doesn't REALLY care because they just don't understand.....check check CHECK.
I didn't finish this book, didn't even make it to the 3rd chapter before i started skipping to see if this book ever improves. it doesn't. i will be getting my credit back as soon as i can. This book is worse than trash it is an utter insult to real teen girls everywhere.