Have you ever finished reading a book, only to have the urge to immediately read it again? That’s how I felt the moment I finished The Starless Sea last night. This story is filled with beauty and an incredible amount of detail; I think I’ll need to read it again just to make sure I catch everything.

The story is so unique, that I’m not even sure how to describe the plot. I suppose you could call it a love letter to libraries and the magic of books. Don’t expect to fly through it - the complexity of the tale demands focus. I’m convinced that’s why some people don’t appreciate her first book The Night Circus - the pacing doesn’t follow what you usually see in today’s popular genres (like YA). The Night Circus and The Starless Sea are meant to be savoured.

So, of course this book gets all the stars! Funny side note: the story wraps up in my hometown, which gave me a bit of a chuckle. I’ve never read a story with it mentioned before! Anyone else here from ‘Mississomething’?