In the School of Assassins, Stone Orphan waits for a first assignment. After their first kill, they will graduate and attain the coveted cloth of bone. But instead of a commission, Stone Orphan gets an inquisitive linguist, Ulín. Ulín has heard the Orphan Star's song of despair, mirroring her own, and drawing her to the School of Assassins. But Ulín is far more interested in learning Stone Orphan's language than deciding whom she wishes to kill.
Unable to contain their curiosity, Stone Orphan offers to exchange stories with Ulín to help her decide the fate of three men. By turns, Stone Orphan and Ulín narrate tales of love, suffering, exile, and self-determination, and two hurt souls find hope in each other through the radical act of listening.
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In the beginning, Bird brought us the stars. (1. DOWNWARD)
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(@TachyonPub, 16 July 2024, e-galley, 208 pages, ARC from the publisher via @NetGalley_UK)
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I'm a fan of the author and have read other books set in the Birdverse universe so I was looking forward to reading Yoke of Stars. I really enjoyed this novella. I devoured it in a couple of days because I didn't want to stop reading. The book is beautifully written and lyrical. The book is structured around Stone Orphan and Ulín, both traumatised, who connect, share their experiences and stories and, in a way. The book uses a story-within-a-story structure which works really well once you get used to it. It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of the characters and story. I thought this was a terrific read. I'd recommend it.