Book Review: If The Stars Go Dark by S.G. Prince

Official Synopsis: When eighteen-year-old Keller Hartman is recruited into the Legion’s most prestigious galactic unit, it’s a dream come true. He's worked hard for this. He’s ready to prove himself. The problem? His new partner—the beautiful, no-nonsense pilot Lament Bringer—wants nothing to do with him.

Forced to work together under Legion orders, Keller and Lament team up with a motley crew of specialists to investigate a mysterious visionary who can predict catastrophes. As they begin to peel back layers, however, they realize there's more to the story than meets the eye. With threats mounting and secrets unfolding, Keller and Lament will need to trust one another in order to stop the dangers at play. But with trust comes other feelings—ones neither of them is prepared for.

With the fate of the universe hanging in the balance, the only thing worse than failing their mission might just be losing each other.

If All The Stars Go Dark is my first official 'ARC' read of the year and oh man has it sent the standard high. This story follows Keller Hartman, an expert marksman, who has been recruited to the Legion's most prestigious unit. What he doesn't expect is to get there and immediately be shut out by the pilot he is supposed to be working with. Lament Bringer has been through a lot, having just lost his best friend and gunner in an event that still makes no sense. Now faced with having to fly with someone new, someone he wants to keep safe, while trying to figure out what is being hidden from him, Lament isn't the most open to the Keller joining. But it turns out Keller and Lament have more connection than they thought and can help each other find the answer to what happened to Bast and what is happening in general with the Determinist, a cult-like group run by a man who thinks everyone's life is pre-determined.

When the planet Keller grew up on is at risk of being wiped out, the two, and the rest of their team, have to work together to save everyone, and the only home Keller has ever know. But that means Lament letting Keller fly with him, while also dragging each other into dangerous situations. As they start to develop feelings that are more than just being flight partners, and it adds a whole new level to everything they have going on.

First of all, it has been a hot second since I've read a science fiction novel , or even a young adult science fiction novel, and this one definitely reminded me how much I enjoy little space adventures and heists (only in books though, I think space is scary IRL). There are a lot of factors that play into the background of both Keller and Lament, and how they act towards each other and everyone around them. They also both have a really great support system from the other Sixers around them, Vera in particular is on top of it when it comes to getting these boys to figure it out. I also really liked the other Sixers who were around, each of them brought a unique personality and trait to the group which allowed for a lot of fun moments within the book. Personally, I really liked Avi who is an actual child but also really great at making weapons, which I find hilarious.

You also have the other science fiction elements, one group that is the 'protectors' but might be involved, two cult-like groups trying to convince everyone the other is bad and a lot of different species and types of characters, from humans to other types of beings. Overall, this book definitely reminded me that I need to read more science fiction. There is also the underlying romance plot line, which was sweet and because they are both stubborn boys you spend a lot of moments just sitting there going 'just kiss', which is always my favorite. That being said it is still young adult, so nothing to crazy is happening at all on the romance side of things.

Also, in the most non-spoiler way I can manage, the ending of this book put me through it. I went from crying to cheering to basically crying again. Truly, once you get to the end of this one bring out the tissue.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it was definitely a great read for the beginning of the year.

I rated this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

If All the Stars Go Dark is scheduled to come out January 20, 2025!

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