Light From Uncommon Stars

Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki is a stunning blend of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary literature set in California's vibrant San Gabriel Valley. This unconventional narrative interlaces the fantastical pleasures of cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien romance, all served with the mouth-watering allure of fresh-made donuts. If you are a fan of the whimsical charm of Good Omens and the heartfelt journeys in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, this book promises to be a defiant celebration of life's joy and diversity.

Shizuka Satomi, renowned as a violin teacher with an uncanny ability to turn her students into prodigies, harbours a dark secret: she has struck a deal with the devil. To save her own soul from damnation, she must deliver seven other talented violinists' souls to Hell. Having already condemned six, Shizuka is on the hunt for her final candidate.

Enter Katrina Nguyen, a transgender runaway with an extraordinary, almost untamed gift for the violin. The moment Shizuka hears Katrina play, she senses the burden of her curse beginning to lift. Katrina's raw talent seems to be the key to her freedom. Yet, fate has more twists in store.

In a humble donut shop along a busy highway, Shizuka meets Lan Tran, a retired starship captain and interstellar refugee who now runs the family bakery while caring for her four children. Despite the urgency of her own plight, Shizuka finds herself irresistibly drawn to Lan's warm smile and starry eyes. As they share coffee and donuts, Shizuka starts to question what defines a soul's worth and whether love can play a role in one's redemption.

As the paths of these three remarkable women—Shizuka, Katrina, and Lan—intertwine, they embark on a journey marked by magic, identity struggles, curses, and ultimately hope. Through their intersecting lives, they discover a new kind of family, one worth crossing galaxies for. This poignant tale shows readers that sometimes, the smallest gestures, like sharing a warm donut, can bridge the deepest of chasms and crush the weightiest of curses.

Light From Uncommon Stars is a heart-warming and thought-provoking read that delves deep into themes of redemption, the importance of human connection, and the courage it takes to embrace one's true self. With its richly developed characters, lyrical prose, and masterful blending of genres, this novel is an unforgettable addition to contemporary literature.