Starling by Isabel Strychacz - Sheaf & Ink

The Story: Starling

From the Publisher

Edward Scissorhands meets When the Moon Was Ours in this enchanting, lushly romantic novel, STARLING is about two teen sisters who fight to protect the mysterious stranger who literally fell from the stars and into their backyard.

Strange things have always happened in the small town of Darling…Yet Delta Wilding and her sister Bee are familiar with the peculiar. Raised by an eccentric father always on the hunt for the spectacular. They’re used to following weather patterns that twirl onto strange paths. A car that refuses to play any artist but one. And living in a sentient house with whims of its own. But when a mysterious boy falls from the stars into the woods behind the Wilding sisters’ farmhouse, nothing can prepare them for the extraordinary turn their lives are about to take.

Extraordinary, and dangerous.

Starling Rust is not from this world and his presence in the Wilding home brings attention. As the terrified locals, Delta’s ex-boyfriend, and the unscrupulous mayor descend onto the Wilding’s home, both Delta and her sister go to incredible lengths to protect their mystical visitor. Especially as Delta’s growing feelings for Starling could prove the greatest risk of all.

My Review: Starling

I like the idea of Starling.

Exploring the dynamics and quirks of a small town parallel to a family who lives on the fringes. Who feels outcast and strange, similar to the story of Edward Scissorhands. As the reader, Strychacz quickly paints a picture with sharp and defining marks on the towns views of the Wilding sisters. You get the same vibe as Tim Burton created in Edward Scissorhands. You have the picture perfect Victorian homes lined in neat rows. While on the outskirts you have the Wild West, where the Wildings live. Surrounded by woods and what feels like uncharted territory.

Though Strychacz writes a story of small-town prejudices, the supernatural, and the suspense of the Wildings finding their father, the book tends to be melodramatic.

With an unhurried pace, extensive portions of sometimes drawn out exposition, a romance that felt a bit forced, even over the top, and an epilogue that felt too cookie cutter neat, Starling did have its moments. Like a Roman Candle, there are a few sections that bursts with energy, with brilliant trails of star dust into the nights sky. Only to sputter out, leaving you wondering and slightly disenchanted, after a handful of glittering minutes.

One Last Thought

Even though this book wasn’t for me, readers who enjoy this genre will be entertained and thrilled by Strychacz’s debut about loyalties and their consequences, friendship new and old, and the unexpected like a celestial boy falling from the sky.

Happy Reading ~ Cece

RATING: – Adequately Inked

Photo Collage by Sheaf & Ink of Starling

Photo Credits:
Nick Iliasov on Unsplash
Anatoliy Gromov on Unsplash
Blake Wheeler on Unsplash
Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Majid Rangraz on Unsplash
S L on Unsplash
Ryan Hutton on Unsplash
Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Pier Demarten on Unsplash
Aleksei Ieshkin on Unsplash

Publication Details

Pub Date	ISBN	Page Count	Publisher	Age Group	Source & Format	Review Posted Online
16-Nov-21	978-1534481107	448	Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers	YA	NetGalley, Digital Copy	November 10, 2021