- 4.5 stars -

I was approved to review a digital review copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review will be cross-posted nearer to the book's publication on Goodreads and my book blog, Bookmarked, at the following link: https://angiesbookmarks.wordpress.com/2020/07/14/all-the-stars-and-teeth-arc-book-review

THE BOOK REVIEW

Thank you SO MUCH, Netgalley and Titan Books, for gracing me with an ARC of this wonderful debut. All the Stars and Teeth was already on my radar (I mentioned it the first time in this post). What drew me in was the promise of a new epic fantasy featuring ships, seafaring and mermaids. If you've followed me for a while or have read my bio, you will know that I am obsessed with anything related to ships and the sea. So when I saw this title appear on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. It was probably one of the best decisions I made this year!

Trigger Warnings: some body horror, abusive relationship, self-harm

WHAT I LIKED

Visidia is a treasure trove of inventive world-building and an exploration of the power of oral storytelling (and lies) in shaping a nation's culture. The magic system is well-balanced, with no single magic feeling overpowered compared to the others. The whole cursed soul magic business was a bit nebulous, but I think that's accounted for, as the characters are just as confused about it. And while it is true that the book contains some YA tropes and clichés, I think these are presented in a fresh light that makes them fit well within the overarching story.

I loved how the world was based on precious stones! I'm partial about that because my own fantasy world is based on similar logic. I'm not sure if there is a reason why jewels are used, but if there is, I would have liked to know a little bit more about it. Anyway, this is just a nitpick, really.

The action and the pace of this novel are absurd. And those TWISTS! I'm hooked. The story kept going at a sustained pace, constantly introducing new elements to keep the action going and interest levels high. The seafaring element also worked well without being unnecessary or cheesy - although I feel that the travel times are slightly under-estimated (only two weeks from the beginning to the end, including four or five different boat journeys?).

Kudos go to the absolutely wonderful and gorgeous Vataea, whom I can't wait to read more about, and to that cover design! I love when covers feature small details from the book that make sense only after reading. 

WHAT I LIKED A LITTLE LESS

Although the world of Visidia, with all its different islands and magic styles, is fascinating to explore, I feel like the story could have used a bit more "tightening up" at the beginning. There are pockets of exposition and world-building which, in my humble opinion, made it a little overwhelming. I feel that details about the other islands naturally arise through world exploration and didn't necessarily need such a hefty introduction right at the beginning of the novel. (Re)Discovering the world with Amora would have felt much more organic, in a way. This is also true for the (I think) extensive clothes descriptions that crowd the beginning of the book but ebb off by midpoint. However, it didn't deter me from reading on, I should specify.

The other bit that kept me from giving it a full five shining stars (and some teeth) was the romance element. While I WAS indeed rooting for them (trying to keep it spoiler-free), I felt like they didn't have much time to really get to know each other properly. They both hold secrets, burdens and a shared vision, but I would have liked to see them have some more meaningful interaction and bonding beyond secret-sharing. That said, I'm very excited to see where this relationship will go in the sequel (especially after THAT twist) and if another ship (get it?) I've been hoping for will actually set sail.

 
I'm really excited to see this fantasy debut hit the UK shelves! Excellent work; I can't wait for the second instalment in the series!

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace is the first in a fantasy duology featuring Amora Montara. Amora is the princess of an island kingdom and one of two potential heirs to the throne. In order to claim the throne she must become High Animancer, a magician with mastery over soul magic, a discipline that is reserved for royalty since the foundation of the kingdom. The use of magic is rigidly controlled so when Amora fails in the demonstration that was designed to show her mastery, by allowing the magic to overwhelm her, she believes her only option is to flee. Desperate for an ally to help her escape, she strikes a deal with Bastian, a pirate who is determined to recover his stolen magical powers. As the pair travel between the kindom's islands they learn that a dark new magic is on the rise, and they will have to work together if they are to protect the kingdom from doom.
While a seasoned fantasy reader may find the story a little predictable, the characters are so vivid and so much fun that they keep your attention engaged. As the pair sail the high seas they encounter monsters and mermaids and take the reader on an action packed adventure that makes up for the slightly slower start to the book. The author is not afraid to go dark, the practice of soul magic requires some pretty gruesome rituals and has some gory consequences. As a fantasy debut this was very impressive and I look forward to reading the next book.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. Yes it is fairly predictable, but it's also full of adventure and a really fun read. A great writing style that meant although predictable, I still couldn't put it down

This book was amazing. A sea adventure with a roguish captain: sign me up! I absolutely loved the world-building and writing style in this book, and they were big pluses for me. The reason why I am giving it four stars, is because it was a little dull at times, and my thoughts strayed during those scenes, which was a shame.

Really enjoyed this YA fantasy debut, for the first few chapters I wasn't sure how I felt about Amora but as soon as she lost herself at her soul magic ceremony, I was intrigued to see what was coming. Amora faces a very real conflict about her own magic, she's uncomfortable with it but forces herself to use it for the greater good. She's determined that she's the right person to save and care for her country, and that determination drives everything that she does.

I really liked that Amora was badass AF even without using her magic, taking on mythical sea creatures and generally fighting like a super cool pirate all over the place. I appreciated that her magic wasn't allowed to define her as a character, rather it was there to build her inner conflict and her relationship with her family and country.

I also really enjoyed her supporting cast of characters, including a truly excellent mermaid, a pirate with hidden depths and her adorable fiancé who I personally am very much here for.

There's a sense of adventure and love of the sea that runs through this book that makes you want to stand on the prow of a ship with the sea breeze in your hair and the taste of salt on your tongue. I can't wait to see what comes next for Amora and her crew.

This was an unexpected delight. The world is lush and well described, with an ocean vibe that could have been cheesy but I really enjoyed. There were a few tropes that I thought would be typical and predictable, but they actually got turned in their head in this story and felt new.

Gripping right from the start, All The Stars and Teeth is a brilliant new fantasy set it a beautifully crafted world. I couldn't put it down!

The plot was totally engaging and had enough surprises to keep me on my toes! I loved Amora, and really rooted for her throughout. The world building is fantastic, especially the magic system which is unlike anything I've ever read before. I'm so excited for the sequel!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This review has been posted to Goodreads and will be submitted to Amazon after release.