For Darkness Shows the Stars (For Darkness Shows the Stars #1)

Synopsis

It's been generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago she refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing familial duty over love. Now Elliot's state in floundering, forcing her to rent land to a group of shipbuilders, including renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentworth- an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret- one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. Again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved.

Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

Loved

• The Persuasion vibes! When I saw this story, at first I was upset that anyone would mess with Persuasion, which has been my favorite Jane Austen novel for a long time. But I was very intrigued and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did because I absolutely ADORED everything about this story. Diana Peterfreund masterfully reimagined the dreamy, yet at times painful romance of Persuasion while giving it a fresh spin with the dystopian setting and sci-fi technology. She stayed very true to the romantic plot of Persuasion, but the new setting was fascinating and provided the perfect blend of both worlds.

• The romance! I have always loved Persuasion because of Anne and Captain Wentworth's story, and For Darkness Shows the Stars did not disappoint. Elliot and Kai's romance was every bit as sweet, frustrating, and swoony as Anne and Captain Wentworth's. I loved how the author incorporated letters from Kai and Elliot's past throughout the book so we could understand the background of their romance, which deepened the intensity of their present relationship. My favorite part of Persuasion is the Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne telling her he has loved her the whole time, and this book had the letter!! Kai's letter was every bit as satisfying and dreamy as Captain Wentworth's and I may have read it 7 or 8 times . . . ;)

• Elliot. The other main thing I love about Persuasion is Anne's goodness throughout all her hardships, and Elliot was the same way. Elliot has so much working against her and hardly anyone treats her well, but she is still selfless, strong and just good. She does everything she can for the people on her father's estate and fights for what she feels is right in her quiet, but stalwart manner. It's so refreshing to have a heroine who never does anything selfish or impulsive, and is strong without being overbearing or bratty.

• The dystopian world. As I said, at first I was nervous about an Austen novel being set in a dystopian world, but the world Peterfreund created worked perfectly for this story. This world is detailed with history, culture and corruption. I loved the sci-fi elements woven through that were complex enough to be believable, but not overbearing or confusing. The idea of the Reduction was fascinating and refreshingly original.

Didn't Love

• My only complaint about this story is that Kai is so mean to Elliot a few times, and I just hurt for her. Captain Wentworth treats Anne the same way, but there were a few times when I *almost* couldn't forgive Kai for being so cruel to Elliot.

Content

• Language: 
• No swearing in this story.

• Sexual content: 
• One or two kisses not much described.
• References to the Reduced being forced into prostitution, nothing described graphically.

• Violence:
• Many references to the Reduced being abused by being beaten, exploited, and even raped. These references aren't detailed, but it is clear these people are being treated very poorly by the rest of society.
• One man threatens another with his gun.

Overall Thoughts 

Wow, I am SO happy I stumbled upon this gem! This has definitely become one of my favorites and those I've recommended it to have seemed to love it as well. It was so fun and refreshing to experience a long-time favorite story set in a unique and creative world, while still keeping the feel of the characters and the romance. You definitely don't have to have read Persuasion to understand this book- most of the people I have recommended it to haven't read it and still loved the story. (But if you haven't read Persuasion I highly recommend it!) I highly recommend this creative and masterful story which I'm pretty sure even Jane Austen herself wouldn't disapprove of if she was aware of its existence :)