Starspill by Catherine Fisher - Book Review

Publication Date: 05th Sep 2024/ 14thJan 2025 

Genre: Middle-Grade Adventure Fantasy 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A slow start but a worthy read 

The town of Starspill had been in Fog for over 140 years, ever since the Wolf ate the Sun. But why are the cats now intent on making Zac steal one of the three Embers of the Sun from the Museum? What will the cats gain from it? Why did they steal Zac's old Map to make him do the job? 

The story comes in the third-person POV (Zac’s). 

My Thoughts: 

This is more of a tween book than MG fiction but it is clean (despite the darkness). 

The premise and the cover made me request a copy right away. It has fantasy, cats, atmosphere, and kids who need to be brave.  What’s not to like? 

The book has a slow start which makes sense we need some would-building and meet the characters. Right away, we can see cats will have a major role in the plot (yay!). 

The concept is terrific – a city named Starspill that has been enveloped by the Fog for centuries, ever since the Wolf ate the Sun. The residents get light from star-powered lamps made by Startsmiths (Zac’s family) or candles (Alys’s family). 

Zac and Alys should be around thirteen (I don’t remember reading their ages). While the boy is an introvert, Alys is a firebrand (the kind who will hit first and talk later). They make an interesting team. 

The atmosphere gets full marks from me. I love how real the Fog feels as if it seeps out of the pages and envelopes the reader. 

The main characters are well done but the side ones don’t get the same attention. This is a common concern in MG fiction. I’m still not sure what to think about Martha’s character. It seems to change as required for the story. 

The cats in the book can talk. Jinx is a little black kitten with high aspirations and self-confidence a thousand times its size! 

The stakes get higher as the story progresses. There’s enough danger and adventure for kids to stay hooked and turn the pages. However, I felt the conclusion in the climax needed a little more explanation. (Also, I needed more about the green star). 

The ending is satisfactory and heartwarming. The book is a standalone but it could very well become a series with the same setting and more adventures. 

The pacing is uneven but somehow works for the plot. As we get to the last quarter, it really ups the momentum. Yet, it doesn’t feel rushed or messy. There’s tension, danger, action, courage, and empathy. Loved that little moment in the climax which showed Zac’s character. Beautiful!  

To summarize, Starspill is a delightful middle-grade (and younger YA) fantasy with an atmospheric setting and an adventure of a lifetime. I wish it had some illustrations too! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Firefly Press, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #Starspill