The Stars Never Riseby: Rachel Vincent
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed from the lovely Nick!
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.
When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.
To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?
Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.
When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.
To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?
Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.
This book be like...
I freaking LOVED it! It seriously felt like I was reading an episode of Supernatural (hence the .gif!), which was AWESOME. I don't quite know why, but I have ALWAYS been interested in the religious aspect of the paranormal. I know some people shy away from this type of thing, but not me. I am totally on board. I thought Vincent did a stellar job with the world she's created and how the Church is the force in power to keep order against the demon scourge.
I also liked how Vincent handled the sharing of this information. Instead of dumping the information on us, she did a little quizzing history session with her sister on the way to school, so we could understand just how perverse this world was. It is extremist at its very core and I could not believe how people could be okay with what they saw and what was done to punish those who disobeyed Church rules. However, in dark times people will cling to irrational beliefs and order for some semblance of safety and reassurance. I love books where I feel like I have a good grasp on the world and everything that's going on. She doesn't just tell us all of it either- she also shows us and there's plenty of action and adventure to be had!
I really liked Nina's character. She is so fierce and I admire her so much. She will go to great lengths to ensure her and her sister's survival, some of which had my heart in my throat. She is the epitome of an amazing heroine. She is so real too. I love that her reactions are genuine and that she doesn't just accept everything that's thrown at her. She exhibits caution and is wary of trusting new people. When Finn enters her life, she doesn't immediately go crazy over a cute boy. Instead, she's pretty darn hesitant, even though he's saved her life a couple of times now. She needs facts and proof before she gives him her trust.
I LOVED Finn! OMG. He was such a great character and there is a HUGE thing with him that seriously blew my mind. He really likes Nina and I loved how sweet their romance was. It wasn't overpowering, but definitely enough to leave this romance oriented girl satisfied. Finn is not alone though. He is with a group of other teens who are considered fugitives of the church and they were a great group. Well, Devi excluded. She got on my nerves. I do admire their dedication to one another though. They are force to be reckoned with!
I don't want to say much more because there are so many twists, turns, and revelations in store for you. I am so excited to see where Vincent will take the series next- we are in for quite a ride that's for sure!
