Sound of Stars

“This debut has it all: music, books, aliens, adventure, resistance, queerness, and a bold heroine tying it all together. ”—Ms. Magazine

Can a girl who risks her life for books and an Ilori who loves pop music work together to save humanity?

When a rebel librarian meets an Ilori commander…

Two years ago, a misunderstanding between the leaders of Earth and the invading Ilori resulted in the death of one-third of the world’s population. Today, seventeen-year-old Ellie Baker survives in an Ilori-controlled center in New York City. All art, books and creative expression are illegal, but Ellie breaks the rules by keeping a secret library.

When young Ilori commander Morris finds Ellie’s illegal library, he’s duty-bound to deliver her for execution. But Morris isn’t a typical Ilori…and Ellie and her books might be the key to a desperate rebellion of his own.
“The Sound of Stars is a marvelous genre-bending debut." —The Nerd Daily
“The Sound of Stars is a stunning exploration of the comforts that make us human and the horrors that challenge our humanity.”—K. Ancrum, author of The Wicker King
 
"This book has everything! Aliens set on conquering earth! A determined heroine with a hidden stash of books! And the power of music and stories to give those with every reason to hate the power to love. Who could want anything more?"—Joelle Charbonneau, New York Times bestselling author of The Testing and Verify
 
“An absolute must-read for everyone.” —Book Riot
 
“Dow's debut is a testament to hope and the power of art.” —Buzzfeed
 
Also by Alechia Dow:
The Kindred

Reviews

“This debut has it all: music, books, aliens, adventure, resistance, queerness, and a bold heroine tying it all together. ”—Ms. Magazine

"The Sound of Stars is a marvellous genre-bending debut."  —The Nerd Daily
 


“This book has everything! Aliens set on conquering earth, a determined heroine with a hidden stash of books…and proof of the power of music and stories to give those with every reason to hate the will to love.” —Joelle Charbonneau, New York Times bestselling author of The Testing and Verify


“Alechia Dow is an incredible new voice—The Sound of Stars was a true pleasure to read.” —Saundra Mitchell, author of The Prom novel and editor of All Out and Out Now
 


“A stunning exploration of the comforts that make us human and the horrors that challenge our humanity.” —K. Ancrum, author of The Wicker King


BookRiot Most Anticipated Queer Read of 2020


"Dow paints a moving picture of two young people’s defiance and the power of song and story to combat despair." —Publishers Weekly


"There is much to enjoy in this story featuring a complex black teen: Ellie is bright, resourceful, and coping with issues with body image and anxiety. Morris and his family are intriguing. The depiction of the world has many similarities to today's society, and the overlay of speculative aspects fits seamlessly. A promising debut that begs for a sequel." —Kirkus Reviews


"This debut is a hopeful testament to resistance that weaves in commentary about climate change, racism and politics, and includes LGBTQIA and mental and physical health representation. —Lana Barnes, freelance reviewer and proofreader, for Shelf Awareness