The novel Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim offers us something very unique and never before seen, wrapped up in a package of comfort and familiarity. In the familiar to YA form of a retelling, we see a gender-swapped Count of Monte Cristo. In this novel we follow two main characters, one, a girl who had been sold into the child labor aboard a labor ship, the other, the son of a rich man in town battling with his gambling addiction.

This world is introduced to us in such a manner that its existence is never in question. The world building is so thorough, (including excerpts from made-up books that are written about the worlds lore) that we can easily and comfortably slip into this land, and see the struggles that both characters go through individually. Everything about this book comes together in a manner that is so well-crafted, and very intricately woven. There are some twists and turns which were unexpected for me (I haven’t read Count of Monte Cristo so I’m unsure which parts are more closely related) and I really enjoyed the relationship between the two players as they develop throughout the book.

My one complaint about this book is that I wish there was a little bit more resolution. I’m unsure if a sequel is due to be coming out, but it is left very open as if one could be coming. If a sequel is not planned, then I think that it could have used a little more at the very end, but in general it was a very good book!

4.5/5 Would Recommend!