Book Review: The Valley of Stars

Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka

Venture into a world where curiosity is punished, but defiance leads to destiny.

The first in a series, Yona Katz’s The Valley of Stars immerses readers in a flawless realm. Seventeen-year-old Asha is a Star, which means she is trained to fulfill two essential roles: illuminate the darkened world of Adama below and prepare for war against Dark, a fallen Star. 

Asha’s seemingly perfect life is shattered when she is caught breaking the law, leading to her exile from the Valley of Stars and a certain death sentence on Adama. Miraculously, Asha is rescued by Yusra, a mysterious and wary girl from Adama. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, challenging Asha’s perceptions and revealing the harsh realities of survival in this new world.

In The Valley of Stars, Katz crafts a vivid and intricate world where the Stars are luminous beings who see themselves as guardians and bearers of light. Originally characterized by innovation and peace, the Stars had focused on cultivating the stardust that sustains them until Dark turned on them; now the Stars have a harsh and militant society led by Mother Star and the Star Council. In stark contrast, Adama is teeming with life—wild and untamed—where Adamians carve out their existence from nature. Asha, captivated by the natural world, observes: “Everything moves on Adama: fire, air, water. Endless movement.”

Despite the divide between the Stars and Adamians, both societies mirror aspects of our own world, filled with greed, corruption, humor, and compassion. The Stars regard Adamians as inferior, while the Adamians view the Stars as an enigmatic anomaly. 

Both cultures share a troubling view of children: Stars are raised to obey without question and are groomed to be soldiers, while many Adamian children toil in factories and for criminals. Katz’s bold and thoughtful approach to worldbuilding shines.

Asha is curious and precocious, maintaining a strong sense of duty while yearning for more from her life. Her endless questions about Adama persist despite the risks, as Stars are punished for curiosity and expected to obey. Yet, Asha’s likability sets her apart from similar protagonists; her precociousness is tempered with sincerity, especially as her relationship with Yusra deepens. 

A genuine sweetness develops between them, adding an emotional depth to both characters, especially as it takes time to develop. Their relationship develops naturally, moving from mutual distrust and uncertainty to a profound and enduring bond. It is a healthy—and lovely—relationship filled with green flags that demonstrate how attractive healthy relationships can be. 

This series stands out thanks to its rich worldbuilding and deep thematic exploration. The Valley of Stars is not just a backdrop for Asha’s journey; it is a character in its own right, with its own rules, conflicts, and mysteries. Katz deftly balances the story’s magical elements with poignant social commentary, resulting in a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

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