Review of ‘Sword in the Stars’ (Once and Future, #2)

Synopsis

In this epic sequel to Once & Future, to save the future, Ari and her Rainbow knights pull off a heist...thousands of years in the past.

Ari Helix may have won her battle against the tyrannical Mercer corporation, but the larger war has just begun. Ari and her cursed wizard Merlin must travel back in time to the unenlightened Middle Ages and steal the King Arthur's Grail---the very definition of impossible.

It's imperative that the time travelers not skew the timeline and alter the course of history. Coming face-to-face with the original Arthurian legend could produce a ripple effect that changes everything. Somehow Merlin forgot that the past can be even more dangerous than the future...

Review

Incredible. Sword in the Stars picks up right where Once and Future left off, with Ari and her rainbow knights traveling to medieval times to steal the chalice from King Arthur. However, it came with a cost, of course.

Sword in the Stars was simply a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series. It was unique, but it was also compelling as the story puts these characters from a more evolved period into medieval times, a period that is less open-minded. It creates tension for the characters who are hiding their true selves, highlighting just how important identity is. It is a struggle for these characters to conform for their safety, but the point is they should not have to feel as though they need to hide their true selves for their safety, it should be okay to be one’s true self. The careful use of pronouns relays a powerful message to the readers.

That is what makes this such an impactful retelling of King Arthur’s story. Not only is this retelling 100% unique, but it also flows steadily and makes sure to highlight the development of the characters. It is not enough that the story has tension; the characters have to bring it to life. With everything they have gone through, the authors made sure to reflect the challenges they have faced and conquered in their personality, showcasing just how much they have grown. Ari has come so far from who she was in the first novel. Ari is more aware, mature, and thoughtful, she has the fierceness to lead a revolution, and it is impressive to witness. Merlin as well goes through so much in this novel. Between him and Ari, they make the novel so incredible to read because their journeys affect them incredibly and also push forward the tension of the story.

Sword in the Stars was just perfection. The strength of the characters, the drama, tension, action, and development of the plot and the characters make every moment engaging. Sword in the Stars is a compelling novel with a powerful message. All hail Ara Azar, Amy Rose Capetta & Cori McCarthy. An ingenious retelling. (★★★★★)

Key Selling Points

FANTASTIC SALES: Once & Future performed well right out of the gate, with more than 11,500 copies sold since March!

CRITICAL ACCLAIM: Once & Future earned three starred reviews from the trades and gushing praise from a who's who of YA authors!

POWERFUL DIVERSITY: Legends as you've never seen them! The titans of Arthurian myth are recast as a diverse group representing a variety of races, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

DUOLOGY: Finale of a two-book series: the ending of Book 1 left readers desperate for this conclusion!

DUAL NARRATION: The story unfolds from both Ari and Merlin's alternating points of view.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.