Crown of Stars by Sophie Jaff

Crown of Stars is the second book in the Nightsong Trilogy. It can be read as a standalone, which I am thankful for since I have not read the first book. It is a mix of fantasy and psychological thriller and is a true good versus evil story. The plot shifts between Margaret in the 17^th century and Katherine in the present.

Margaret is the daughter of a Traveler and has inherited supernatural gifts from her. The community is afraid of her and has shunned her. After her mother’s death, her father remarries and it is soon evident that Margaret will have to leave. She is finally able to secure a position as an alewife in the house of a young, wealthy lord whom she falls for. Tragically, her mother’s killer is now seeking her and she becomes determined to defeat him even at the cost of her own life.

Katherine is living in New York City and trying to raise Lucas whose mother, and her best friend, was killed. To complicate matters she is now pregnant and the father, whom she loves, has abandoned her since the attack that killed her friend.  Once he finds out about the child, he decides to bring Katherine and Lucas to London when he moves there for a new job. Katherine is hoping this will be a fresh start for all of them. The change of scenery is not going as Katherine had hoped and strange things are happening. It is as if she is two different people, one good and one bad. Will the good or the evil prevail?

The plot is well thought out and moves along at a good pace. There are enough unanswered questions to keep the reader engaged throughout. In fact, this is what I liked best about the book, the fact that Ms. Jaff was able to handout timely tidbits of information without spoiling the story.  The flow of time and the movement between characters was superbly done. I have only one complaint. I never felt connected to Katherine like I did Margaret.  Several places in the story I was wanting to know more about her. It is for this reason that my rating is less than 5 stars.

I received a free copy from the publisher through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program in exchange for my honest review.