Book Review – The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Night Circus, a timeless love story set in a secret underground world–a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea.
Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues – a bee, a key, and a sword – that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library, hidden far below the surface of the earth.
What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians – it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead. Zachary learns of those who have sacrificed much to protect this realm, relinquishing their sight and their tongues to preserve this archive, and also those who are intent on its destruction.
Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly-soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose – in both the mysterious book and in his own life.
My rating:
I ended up listening to this book, and I think it really added to the gorgeous atmosphere that Morgenstern created.
Honestly, the writing and story just really work for me and are so stunningly beautiful. Much like the Night Circus, it is circuitous and confusing in places, but I loved it.
The way the stories evolve out and then slowly come together is honestly masterfully done. The concept of discovering a book that you are part of it wonderful, and I totally see why Zachary has to investigate further.
We slowly learn about this sprawling world of stories that live under the surface of ours, and those that go there; as well as those who try to destroy the pathways. I wanted to visit! It really is a bookworm’s dream of a universe. Hauntingly magical, and with a good sense of mystery, this totally drew me in.
Zachary is an absolute cinnamon roll of a main character. I loved him with Dorian, and the friendships he has with Mirabel and Cat. Cat was possibly my favourite, even though she’s a minor player! And even though his relationship with Dorian boils down to instalove, a trope I hate, I loved them? I think it’s the way they interact, and how Dorian tempts him with storytelling that had me intrigued.
I do understand why people don’t love it, but I’m not one of them, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4.5 stars.
Buy The Starless Sea from Waterstones.
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