A Shifting of Stars (Of Stars #1) by Kathy Kimbray

A Shifting of Stars by Kathy Kimbray is a YA Fantasy story of a capsizing empire, a strong heroine, and altering magic.

“A squandering emperor.
A wicked prince.
A handsome stranger.
And the reluctant girl who’ll capsize a kingdom.

Seventeen-year-old Meadow Sircha watched her mother die from the wilting sickness. Tormented by the knowledge that the emperor failed to import the medicine that would have saved her, she speaks out at a gathering of villagers, inciting them to boycott his prized gladiator tournament.

But doing so comes at a steep cost.

Arrested as punishment for her impulsive tongue, Meadow finds herself caught up in the kind of danger she’s always tried to avoid. After a chance meeting with an enigmatic boy, she’s propelled on a perilous trek across the outer lands. But she soon unearths a staggering secret: one that will shift her world—and the kingdom—forever.

Filled with longing and heart, surprise and wonder, A SHIFTING OF STARS is the first book in Kathy Kimbray’s gripping Of Stars trilogy.“

We follow a main character, Meadow, who is arrested after speaking out about her raw feelings pertaining to her mother’s death. Mad at the emperor she believes caused her mother’s disease to progress, she goes on a hunt to find the change needed against him.

This book’s focus is almost solely on the characters. Even though there are hints of rebellions, we are solely sold on her development and goals throughout the story.

I think there could have been more world-building, especially around the magic system, but at the same time, I think it would have taken a little away from her journey. I did enjoy the uniqueness in the storytelling aspects. We aren’t just thrown into a typical YA Fantasy where there’s rebellions, an evil force, and a girl who leads the change. No, this focuses on HER journey and HER bouts with the emperor.

I enjoyed reading this book, and I think there is a lot more that can be explored in this world. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Published: 28 May 2019

Publisher: Self-Published

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 450

How I Read It: eARC from Author

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All of my book reviews contain my honest opinion only and are not influenced in any way.*

“Kathy Kimbray is a YA author from Australia.

After graduating from the University of Technology, Sydney, with a degree in Media Arts and Production, she went on to complete postgraduate studies in education and spent many years as a primary school teacher.

Now a full-time novelist, Kathy is lucky to be able to tell stories every day.

Aside from writing, Kathy is an avid reader, dancer, language learner, musical theater enthusiast and fan of terrible reality TV. She lives with her husband in Sydney, and dreams of one day owning that elusive chateau in France.”

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