The Sound of Stars - by Alechia Dow

About the Book

"Two years ago, a misunderstanding between the leaders of Earth and the invading Ilori resulted in the deaths of one-third of the world's population. Seventeen-year-old Janelle "Ellie" Baker survives in an Ilori-controlled center in New York City. With humans deemed dangerously volatile because of their initial reaction to the invasion, emotional expression can be grounds for execution. Music, art and books are illegal, but Ellie breaks the rules by keeping a secret library. When a book goes missing, Ellie is terrified that the Ilori will track it back to her and kill her. Born in a lab, M0Rr1S was raised to be emotionless. When he finds Ellie's illegal library, he's duty-bound to deliver her for execution. The trouble is, he finds himself drawn to human music and in desperate need of more. They're both breaking the rules for the love of art--and Ellie inspires the same feelings in him that music does. Ellie's--and humanity's--fate rests in the hands of an alien she should fear. M0Rr1S has a lot of secrets, but also a potential solution--thousands of miles away. The two embark on a wild and dangerous road trip with a bag of books and their favorite albums, all the while creating a story and a song of their own that just might save them both."--

Book Synopsis

"This debut has it all: music, books, aliens, adventure, resistance, queerness, and a bold heroine tying it all together. "--Ms. Magazine

Can a girl who risks her life for books and an Ilori who loves pop music work together to save humanity?

When a rebel librarian meets an Ilori commander...

Two years ago, a misunderstanding between the leaders of Earth and the invading Ilori resulted in the death of one-third of the world's population. Today, seventeen-year-old Ellie Baker survives in an Ilori-controlled center in New York City. All art, books and creative expression are illegal, but Ellie breaks the rules by keeping a secret library.

When young Ilori commander Morris finds Ellie's illegal library, he's duty-bound to deliver her for execution. But Morris isn't a typical Ilori...and Ellie and her books might be the key to a desperate rebellion of his own.
"The Sound of Stars is a marvelous genre-bending debut." --The Nerd Daily
"The Sound of Stars is a stunning exploration of the comforts that make us human and the horrors that challenge our humanity."--K. Ancrum, author of The Wicker King

"This book has everything! Aliens set on conquering earth! A determined heroine with a hidden stash of books! And the power of music and stories to give those with every reason to hate the power to love. Who could want anything more?"--Joelle Charbonneau, New York Times bestselling author of The Testing and Verify

"An absolute must-read for everyone." --Book Riot

"Dow's debut is a testament to hope and the power of art." --Buzzfeed

Also by Alechia Dow:
The Kindred

Review Quotes

"This debut has it all: music, books, aliens, adventure, resistance, queerness, and a bold heroine tying it all together. "--Ms. Magazine

"The Sound of Stars is a marvellous genre-bending debut." --The Nerd Daily

"This book has everything! Aliens set on conquering earth, a determined heroine with a hidden stash of books...and proof of the power of music and stories to give those with every reason to hate the will to love." --Joelle Charbonneau, New York Times bestselling author of The Testing and Verify

"Alechia Dow is an incredible new voice--The Sound of Stars was a true pleasure to read." --Saundra Mitchell, author of The Prom novel and editor of All Out and Out Now

"A stunning exploration of the comforts that make us human and the horrors that challenge our humanity." --K. Ancrum, author of The Wicker King

BookRiot Most Anticipated Queer Read of 2020

"Dow paints a moving picture of two young people's defiance and the power of song and story to combat despair." --Publishers Weekly

"There is much to enjoy in this story featuring a complex black teen: Ellie is bright, resourceful, and coping with issues with body image and anxiety. Morris and his family are intriguing. The depiction of the world has many similarities to today's society, and the overlay of speculative aspects fits seamlessly. A promising debut that begs for a sequel." --Kirkus Reviews

"This debut is a hopeful testament to resistance that weaves in commentary about climate change, racism and politics, and includes LGBTQIA and mental and physical health representation. --Lana Barnes, freelance reviewer and proofreader, for Shelf Awareness