Book Review | Amid the Crowd of Stars

After a colony has long lost contact with Earth, Ichiko is sent to investigate their planet to determine if their planet is habitable, and likewise, if any of them may return to Earth.

Lyrical and richly imagined, Amid the Crowd of Stars is a unique take on extrasolar planetary exploration. Where this story succeeds most is in its worldbuilding--focusing on the Lupusian’s society and the flora and fauna of the planet. Due to the nature of the story then, it’s definitely a slow burn. Don’t expect any large, hostile threats like giant worms from Dune or mutant bears like from Annihilation. Instead, the biggest threats are microbial ones and the fear of contamination. To me, this is a really interesting angle to take.

However, I have major unanswered questions about the story. For example, Ichiko is a sociologist, archeologist, and exobiologist all in one, and she refers to herself as belonging to a research team. We’re mostly limited to her POV. However, we don’t really see or hear about any of her team members going on expeditions to the planet. She's the only one. Moreover, I find it odd that the Terrans from Earth are attempting to use Earth antibiotics to combat alien microbes. Of course, that’s not likely to work. Why aren’t they focusing on finding and creating antibiotics from the planet they’re investigating? Even better, why aren't they trying to create vaccines by testing the antibodies of the Lupusians that are already immune?

Overall, I find Amid the Crowd of Stars conceptually fascinating. However, some of its execution failed for me. Ultimately, the story succeeds more in exploring the culture of another planet than it does as a well-thought-out alien contagion story.

Thank you, NetGalley and DAW, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : February 9, 2021
Publisher : DAW
ISBN : 9780756415693
Pages : 352

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