A compelling retelling, Scavenge the Stars, is a compelling take on the classic The Count of Monte Cristo.

Compelling Storytelling
The thing that makes Scavenge the Stars so compelling is how it takes the reader by surprise. When the reader begins this journey, it is easy to forget that it is supposed to be a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo as it follows Amaya, an indentured young girl working on a debtor ship.

Sim builds up the story, building Amaya’s history and how she fits into the story with excellent pacing. So when she reveals herself as a countess, it fits into the formula of a retelling, capturing the reader’s attention. It sneaks up on the reader as Sim tells the story, using her pacing and language to keep the reader enthralled.

Sim’s precision with writing, going back and forth between perspectives, lures the reader into the story, making the reader forget that this is a retelling. Retellings are great as long as they can stand on their own