Hold Back the Stars - by Katie Khan (Paperback)

About the Book

"A startling and evocative novel, harkening to both One Day and Gravity, a man and a woman revisit memories of their love affair on a utopian Earth while they are trapped in the vast void of space with only ninety minutes of oxygen left. After the catastrophic destruction of the Middle East and the United States, Europe has become a utopia and, every three years, the European population must rotate into different multicultural communities, living as individuals responsible for their own actions. While living in this paradise, Max meets Carys and immediately feels a spark of attraction. He quickly realizes, however, that Carys is someone he might want to stay with long-term, which is impossible in this new world. As their relationship plays out, the connections between their time on Earth and their present dilemma in space become clear. When their air ticks dangerously low, one is offered the chance of salvation--but who will take it? An original and daring exploration of the impact of first love and how the choices we make can change the fate of everyone around us, this is an unforgettable read"--

Book Synopsis

Booklist raves, "Taking 'star-crossed' to a new level...[and] cinematically styled...Hold Back the Stars is a tale of first love that will appeal to fans of David Nicholls's One Day and of Jojo Moyes's romances."

Love is more powerful than gravity.

"We're going to be fine."

He looks around, but there's nothing out here: nothing but the bottomless black universe on their left, the Earth suspended in glorious Technicolor to their right.

Trapped in the vast void of space, Carys and Max have only ninety minutes of oxygen left to live. None of this was supposed to happen. After a freak accident, Carys and Max are left adrift in space with nothing to hold onto but each other. As they fall, they can't help but look back at the world they left behind: a world whose rules they couldn't submit to, a place where they never really belonged; a home they're determined to get back to because they've come too far to lose each other now. While their air ticks dangerously low, one is offered the chance of salvation--but who will take it?

Review Quotes

"Hold Back the Stars is a high-stakes, high-concept, high-flying (or floating) love story that marks Katie Khan as a bold new talent. I raced through it. All the obvious 'out of this world' comments apply."--Bestselling author Matt Haig

"A beautiful, moving, truly original tale. I loved this book for taking me by surprise."--Renee Knight, author of Disclaimer

"An edge-of-your-seat tale."-- "British Vogue"

"As wildly inventive as it is deeply emotional, this futuristic tale of first love gripped me from page one and didn't let go. Katie Khan is definitely one to watch."--Colleen Oakley, author of Close Enough to Touch

"Dazzling . . . a truly stellar debut, full of wonder and heart. I'm sure it's going to be a mega hit." --Emma Jane Unsworth, author of Animals

"Gripping from the very first page, Hold Back the Stars is a rare combination of thrilling action, deep emotional depth, and intelligent ideas. The most unique love story I've read in years, it's sure to take the world by storm." --New York Times bestselling author Rowan Coleman

"Original, surprising and romantic."-- "Woman & Home"

"Prepare to shed tears." -- "Heat"

"Taking "star-crossed" to a new level...[and] cinematically styled...Hold Back the Stars is a tale of first love that will appeal to fans of David Nicholls' One Day (2009) and of Jojo Moyes' romances."-- "Booklist Online"

"Think Gravity meets The Versions of Us." -- "Red"

"This is a stirring, unique and beautifully crafted story on the complexities of first love that will stay with you long after reading. This is going to be huge." -- "Image"

Terrific . . . A beautiful story."--Samantha Shannon, author of The Bone Season

About the Author

Katie Khan is a writer from London and graduate of the acclaimed Faber Academy writing course. She also works for a film studio in the United Kingdom. Hold Back the Stars is her first novel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Katie_Khan.