Review of A Stage Over Ruthless Stars by A.J. Clapton
As soon as I heard about A Stage Over Ruthless Stars, I was immediately intrigued. A tech competition set against the backdrop of a circus on a space station? Count me in! Thanks to the author, A.J. Clapton, for providing me with an eARC, I dove into this unique story, and wow—what a ride it has been!
From the outset, Clapton skillfully blends genres, creating a narrative that feels both fresh and sprawling. At the heart of the story are Aznan and Kairo, two best friends whose lives have taken divergent paths but are drawn back together by the stakes of the competition. Aznan, an inventive spirit with aspirations to attend a prestigious university, is dependent on his old friend Kairo, a circus performer navigating his own insecurities. The dynamic between these two is beautifully nuanced, highlighting themes of friendship, worthiness, and the kind of support that can only come from someone who truly knows you.
One of the most striking aspects of A Stage Over Ruthless Stars is its exceptional worldbuilding. Clapton meticulously lays out the complexities of life on a space station, addressing how gravity affects Aznan’s disability, Orthostatic Intolerance, and brings life to a setting devoid of conventional day and night with clever terminology—phrases like “thrown out of the airlock” instantly resonate. I found these little details to be not just charming, but vital in cultivating a sense of place that feels genuinely inhabited.
Moreover, the representation of Aznan’s ADHD and Kairo’s autism is done with respect and authenticity. As someone familiar with these conditions, I found the portrayal to be refreshingly honest. Clapton embraces the complexities of neurodivergence and disability, demonstrating that characters with these experiences are just as capable of adventure and growth as anyone else. This effort to depict these identities positively is something I deeply appreciated, and it made my reading experience all the more rewarding.
The tension ramps up around the 50% mark with an agonizing quasi-miscommunication, which kept me turning pages late into the night. I found myself rooting for Aznan and Kairo, ensnared by their struggles and victories. The theme of enduring friendship is woven throughout their interactions, making their journey feel both relatable and heartwarming.
Clapton’s writing style is fluid and engaging, perfectly balancing the high stakes of the competition with the emotional depth of the characters’ relationship. The pacing feels just right, making it easy to get lost in the story without feeling rushed.
If you love stories that intertwine friendship with thrilling adventures in imaginative settings, A Stage Over Ruthless Stars is a must-read. Perfect for fans of both speculative fiction and heartfelt narratives, this novel has something to offer for everyone. I genuinely came away from it feeling uplifted and hopeful, eager to see more authors boldly lighting up the pages with diverse characters and vibrant worlds. If you’re looking for a novel full of heart, innovation, and a dash of mystery, pick this one up—I promise you won’t regret it!
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