Book Review: Starfall

Reviewed by Kristine Eckart

A futuristic sci-fi novel that will make you question everything

Starfall follows the journey of Xenia and Will as they set out to fix an important relay station, but this routine mission becomes extraordinary in more ways than one. 

Xenia, categorized as an integrated human, is a tech expert, aided by the artificial intelligence amalgamated with her own mind, and presents as genderless. Will, however, comes from a gendered world where integrated intelligence is a totally foreign concept and is discriminated against. But being forced off the road due to inclement weather is just the start of their trials. They’ll have to negotiate with mystical beings at an eerie unplotted mansion and their abduction by the radical group, the White Violets. 

Together, Xenia and Will must find their way home in an unexpected voyage that will change everything from their physical appearance to their belief systems about the world and their place in it.  

One of the best things about sci-fi is the new worlds to escape to, and Starfall does not disappoint in this area. From the drowning of the world we know to the creation of a new world called Riverine to the conception of utopian cities like Harmonie, the worldbuilding and the physical landscape of Starfall present an interesting and immersive backdrop for the story. 

However, it’s the contrast between humans as we know them with humans integrated with artificial intelligence that provides the most thought-provoking twist. Xenia’s artificial intelligence bot, Alt, not only helps with calculations, research, and analysis but also aids with Xenia’s mental and emotional health by playing calming music, projecting stabilizing scenery, and reminding Xenia of self-care practices like movement and mantras. It’s like putting a combination of your best friend and your smartphone inside your head! 

Another interesting aspect of being ‘integrated’ with this intelligence is it also influences the body to be genderless, in appearance and in action. Because of this, stereotypes against Integrated beings have developed in the world of Starfall, but as the central characters learn more about each other, they begin to break down those stereotypes and find common ground. Starfall shows that no matter the scenery or our appearance, it’s the humanity in all of us that is transcendent.

“Whatever healing is unfolding in front of me suggests something greater. I want connection to that… whatever it is. I want it for my own, for it to be part of me. Or for me to be part of it.” 

Starfall is a great escape from our world, with familiar and intriguing threads that will pull you in and have you always wondering what will happen next.

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