I really debated between a 3 or 4 rating for this book but ultimately settled on 4 because I deeply enjoy Tara Sim's writing and her characters.

I would not say this is a Monte Cristo retelling, but more of a re-imagining using similar themes that spread across the main cast. It's an enjoyable read, but if you're hoping for the depth and complexity of Dumas's story and a very driven revenge-based narrative, this may feel a bit too hollow.

However, what you will find is a story that builds itself around the very human emotions of grief and anger and what it means to attempt to rise from the ashes. Amaya and Cayo are flawed. They are always growing. One of the reasons I enjoyed this as much as I did was that Sim allows her characters to breathe. Her characters make dumb, human decisions that aren't founded in rational thought and are driven by emotions, and they must face the consequences. And when they do make calculated decisions, it comes with weight and responsibility in a way that makes you invested in the outcome.

The plot was a bit too plain for me to ever feel the stakes were high enough, and so my emotional response was lacking in some scenes that should have landed harder. I do believe, however, that this will be rewarded in the second book. While Scavenge the Stars feels, to me, like it hangs too much on exposition, I also feel from Sim's other works that the build up will lead to a beautiful climax.

Overall, this was a fun read with a great cast and I highly recommend it.