ARC Review: Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan

Ignite the Stars
Author: Maura Milan
Series: Ignite the Stars (Book 1)
Publication: Albert Whitman & Company (September 4, 2018)

Description: Everyone in the universe knows his name. Everyone in the universe fears him. But no one realizes that notorious outlaw Ia Cōcha is a seventeen-year-old girl.

A criminal mastermind and unrivaled pilot, Ia has spent her life terrorizing the Olympus Commonwealth, the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. When the Commonwealth captures her and her true identity is exposed, they see Ia’s age and talent as an opportunity: by forcing her to serve them, they will prove that no one is beyond their control.

Soon, Ia is trapped at the Commonwealth’s military academy, desperately plotting her escape. But new acquaintances—including Brinn, a seemingly average student with a closely-held secret, and their charming Flight Master, Knives—cause Ia to question her own alliances. Can she find a way to escape the Commonwealth’s clutches before these bonds deepen?

In this exhilarating edge-of-your-seat sci-fi adventure—perfect for fans of The Lunar Chronicles—debut author Maura Milan introduces our world to a thrilling new heroine.

My Thoughts: Ia Cocha is the scourge of the Olympus Commonwealth. Knows as the Sovereign of Dead Space, the Rogue of the Fringe Planets, and the Blood Wolf of the Skies, Ia Cocha is public enemy number one for the Olympus Commonwealth. It isn't until she is captured that people come to realize she is a seventeen-year-old girl. Her capture escalates prejudice in the Commonwealth against refugees and encourages many to join the Royal Star Force to defend their ideals.

Brinn Tarver is one of those who live on a Commonwealth planet who is inspired to join the RSF. But Brinn has a secret. She is a member of one of those despised minorities. She is half-Tawny though her father is a citizen. Since the Tawny are known for their blue hair, Brinn has been dying hers brown for years. They are also know for their intelligence and Brinn has been deliberately shooting for average in all of her school classes.

The third viewpoint character of this story is Knives Adams. He is the son of the General who captures Ia but he doesn't want anything to do with the RSF. He is content to be the youngest flight master ever at the Aphelion Space Academy where Brinn and Ia are sent.

Knives's father has tasked him with keeping Ia prisoner. They have fitted her out with a device around her heart that simulates a heart attack if the proper button is pushed on the control device. Ia is determined to escape from the school and rejoin her brother in their revolution on the fringe. When Brinn and Ia are assigned as roommates, Brinn is terrified. Gradually, though, they get to know each other and recognize each other's strengths.

This was an engaging science fiction story. The world building was well done. The characters were also well-defined and the changes they experience through the story seemed realistic to me. I liked the adventures that each of the characters went through.

Favorite Quote:

War was an awful thing. It left an impression on her cells, soured the blood flowing through her veins, leaving a rotten stench inside her that only she could smell. She didn't want to admit it was guilt, but it was, festering forever in her core. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.