The Star Host
Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica-why does every thing science fiction have stars in it? Because it’s in space? I guess that would make sense, I’ve never actually thought about that before… I wouldn’t know either as I don’t read science fiction that often (or ever) and my knowledge of the science fiction fandom is negligible at best, but here we are! Reviewing a science fiction young adult novel that was recommended to me by several people!
The Star Host by F.T. Lukens is about a teenage boy protagonist who learns he is a technopath. This ability allows him to essentially become a sentient being with systems of technology to the point where he becomes dissociated with his own body and his human consciousness unless brought back from the the electrical system of wires and circuits by another person who can reach him, usually by auditory means.
The story starts off fast and action-packed, we are on the beach laughing and swimming with our younger brother Liam before bam! In true young adult form, our main character, Ren, is being abducted and sold into what the citizens call “bondage” and what the government calls “drafting.” Ren then finds himself amidst a plethora of other young people in shackles being shuffled to the local Fief’s castle to aid in his army.
In also very typical young adult fiction, Ren finds himself the user of an exceptional and rare ability that sets him apart from the other two individuals in his village: Sorcha and Jakob and in which keeps him isolated from the rest of the soldiers and the help that are being held hostage in the castle.
Soon enough, Ren finds himself being comforted by the presence of his cell mate and soon devises a plan to escape the forced bondage and return to his village in order to save his younger brother Liam and the rest of his family from imminent destruction.
If this sounds like you’ve read it before it’s probably because it sounds like every other science fiction young adult read out there. Small town boy finds himself at the disposal of an amazing ability that he must hone and control in order to save the world and the destruction of everyone and everything he loves. If it sounds like a recycled plot, you wouldn’t be wrong.
However, F.T. Lukens does a good job at creating characters that you empathize and care about. I genuinely cared about Ren as a reader and what happened to him. I grieved with him when his friend died, fiercely agreed with him when he tried to protect his brother, and his self-sacrifice mentality was more understandable than annoying.
This novel is nowhere near noteworthy or exceptional, but Lukens manages to create her own kind of magic between Ren, his friends, his family, and later his makeshift crew. The plot is always moving, action is always present and current, the romance is soft and squishy, and the dialogue is fluid, relatable, and engaging.
The Star Host will never make it onto the big screen, will never feature on The New York Times Bestseller’s List, and will most likely stay a humble read for a genre specific domain, but for an individual that doesn't like science fiction, it was an enjoyable and fluid experience.
In a way, it reminds of well-written fanfiction-you know it will never go anywhere or most likely reach success, but it humbles you and offers a specific kind of pleasure that makes you look forward to reading when you’ve finally finished all your responsibilities or used as another excuse to aid with your procrastination. Overall, I’m looking forward to the sequel and to the adventures that I know await in space.
Recommendation: Want a genial and uncomplicated YA book with planets and bickering warlords feating special abilities and solid relationships? Then The Star Host may just fulfill your non-existent science fiction needs and offer some entertainment at the end of a long day or during those never-ending tedious rides to work or school.
Score: 7/10
