A Five Star Book Review of Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes | A Time Slip Novel
*I voluntarily received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links which means I will receive a commission based on sales generated via these links.
A timeless story that is sweet, imaginative and profound…
Amanda Dykes is a master storyteller and her newest novel, Set the Stars Alight, takes readers on a creative and magical journey to unearth a riddle of the past. What a beautiful, well-written novel that is reminiscent of the classics and now a beloved treasure on my shelf.
"A split-time search for light, both in the past and present, brings the reader on a poetic journey to find belonging and hope." -Jaime Jo Wright, author of Echoes among the Stones and Christy Award-Winning novel The House on Foster Hill
In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.
Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.
As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.
★★★★★ | Set the Stars Alight, the newest novel penned by Amanda Dykes was my most anticipated release of 2020. After reading and reviewing her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are, I was excitedly anticipating this newest story. Imagine my delight to begin this story and discover myself immersed in a creative, imaginative new tale.
Amanda Dykes is truly a gifted author who has a magical way with words, carefully weaving stories from two different eras that become epic, heartwarming adventures while simultaneously engaging readers and delighting them with a story well crafted.
Set the Stars Alight is now a beloved favorite of mine because of it’s heartwarming characters, sweet love story, timeless narrative and lyrical words. The story pace is smooth, transitioning from modern day to the age of 1800’s pirates and warships and back again. This intelligent story offers a beautiful underlying tale of wonder, hope, friendship and sacrifice that both those with deep faith will enjoy as well as secular readers. As a Christian, I saw the profound truth in this story that was beautifully presented in a simple and endearing way. I dearly loved Lucy and Dash. All of the characters became characters written into my heart and their passion and grief were deeply felt. Set the Stars Alight is a story to be absorbed, reveled and herald. It is a now cherished one that I intend to keep through the ages and share with my children, right along with the classics of years ago.
I implore you to take a chance on this novel and see if it doesn’t impact you in one way or another. Both contemporary and historical fiction readers will enjoy it. This story is clean and appropriate for ages 13+.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey | Image Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group
Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She's a former English teacher and the author of Whose Waves These Are, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, as well as three novellas.
Do you enjoy time slip novels? If so, what is your favorite?
Share with me in the comments below!
