Genre: Supernatural Romance
Contains: shifters, mystical abilities
In A Shift in the Stars, we travel to a realm that mirrors Earth’s East Africa. A realm call Ajabu. In Ajabu, we are greeted by the King of the Westlands, Ozouf Odhimabo-Njeri, or simple Oz. His land is losing its magical powers due to poor decisions and the increasing number of ‘The Other’ occupying his land. But there is hope in the form of Rieka from the In-between. She seems to be the light to brighten up the stars in the Westlands as well as its magic. However, the question is: is she willing to stay and help correct the mistake her mate made; especially after he chose someone else before her?
“I love you too…. From now until the stars fall from the skies.”
What Makes A Shift in the Stars by Dandridge Monroe A Good Read
- The relationship between Oz and Zo
Zo, or Zorion Mwanga-Kimani, is the Prince of the Eastern land. While most novels have the two most powerful kingdoms as rival or one stronger than the other, so that the main character is the strongest, this is not the case here. Both Oz and Zo are strong in their own rights and are great friends. The bromace is real!!!
2. Positive Families
Throughout the story, we see example of two positive black families that are supportive and caring, yet have different dynamics. The dynamics, I think, match with the characters that are placed in each family.
3. The Others
I really like how the author explains the background of the others. It is a different take of explaining race relation and how two apples from the same tree can taste different. (I don’t want to give away the explanation since it is an important part of the series).
4. The Realm
The description of the realm is very beautiful, even though we don’t get to see much of it outside of the palaces.
5. Different Shifters
While the main kingdom shifters are a wolf and a lion, we also get to see other shifters that are not commonly mention in shifter stories. Although, we don’t get to see them in action, it is nice to have them.
6. Girl Power!!!
I know what you are saying: “Why isn’t this under what the things I love?” Because it is only shown near the end of the story. We are able to see what Rieka is truly made up of, but Princess Isabis’s (Zo’s mate) power is never but on display. BUT I love that the females are stronger than their mates, and their mates are cool with it.
What I Feel Some Kinda Way About
1. Lack of Romance
I can’t feel the love between Oz and Rieka. It just isn’t there for me but I think it is due to the other 2 reasons on this list.
2. Rush
For a story with 217 pages, it feels rush. Eventful moments and rising actions fall to a horrible climax. It feels as if the author had a lot to say and end up missing the delivery.
3. Oz
oh Oz ..just smh. Read my Top 3 Things here. The top 2 are fill with OZ.
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 3/5
Recommendation: 3.5/5 A great in-between books read.
