Review: Made of Stars by Jenna Voris
I’ll admit, when I first heard of Made of Stars, I was immediately intrigued by its description: “Bonnie and Clyde in space.” Seriously, who could resist that? Jenna Voris has managed to blend the thrills of a heist with the emotional complexities of young love against a cosmic backdrop, and I knew I was in for a wild ride. As a self-proclaimed YA enthusiast, the fact that its release date got bumped up to January 1st felt like the universe aligning perfectly to start my year on a high note.
The novel kicks off with the daring duo, Ava and Shane, who are anything but your typical protagonists. Ava, our space bonnie, doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk with explosive flair. I reveled in her fierce independence and morally grey sense of justice. Seriously, when she wanted something done? Boom! You could count on an explosion or maybe even a murder to follow—though all in the name of justice, right? Shane, our space clyde, brought a chaotic energy that reminded me of Kaz Brekker if Kaz were rocketing through the cosmos. His unwavering protectiveness over Ava is encapsulated perfectly in this moment: “If you touch her again… I will let her break every bone in your body.” Now that’s a captivating declaration!
As for the supporting cast, I teetered between adoration and a bit of exasperation with some of them. Cyrus, the space police, was my second favorite; his gullibility was laughably endearing, especially as Ava continuously outsmarted him. And then there’s Jared—the unsung hero of the bunch! Sweet, innocent Jared, whose antics left me both laughing and wanting to protect him at all costs. The banter, particularly the exchanges about his unsolicited use of "bad language," had me giggling. This side character packs so much personality into the story even though he doesn’t steal the spotlight.
Let’s talk romance, because Voris knows how to write a slow burn. The budding connection between Ava and Shane had me screaming internally for them to “just kiss already!” Their chemistry builds beautifully, especially during high-stakes moments, which only amplified my emotional rollercoaster. And while I adored all the romantic tension, Cyrus and Lark offered some delightfully cute banter as rivals-turned-lovers that was equally enticing. Their worry for each other melted my heart!
However, if I had to point out a shortcoming, it would be the pacing of the plot. While the action scenes were exhilarating—hello, space bank heists!—I did find myself yearning for a tad more intensity throughout the book. The conclusion is what left me absolutely wrecked; I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it’s beautifully bittersweet.
Overall, I devoured Made of Stars in a day and a half; I couldn’t put it down. For anyone who enjoys thrilling adventures with heartfelt character dynamics, this book is a must-read. 🌌 I’m convinced that Jenna Voris has forged a universe that demands exploration, and I can’t help but hope for a sequel to follow. With its vibrant characters and intertwining romances, this novel resonates with themes of love, rebellion, and hope that linger long after the last page.
So if you’re also into chaotic space heists, morally grey characters, or incredibly swoon-worthy slow-burn romances, then consider this your final nudge to pick up Made of Stars. You won’t regret it! ⭐