Review: All the Stars and Teeth

Review at a Glance

• Title: All the Stars and Teeth
• My Rating: 4
• Genre: Fantasy, YA
• Format: eARC*
• Publication Date: February 4, 2020
• Author: Adalyn Grace

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Book Blurb

When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence on the debtor ship where she’s been held captive for years. Instead, the man she saved offers her unimaginable riches and a new identity, setting Amaya on a perilous course through the coastal city-state of Moray, where old-world opulence and desperate gamblers collide.

Amaya wants one thing: revenge against the man who ruined her family and stole the life she once had. But the more entangled she becomes in this game of deception—and as her path intertwines with the son of the man she’s plotting to bring down—the more she uncovers about the truth of her past. And the more she realizes she must trust no one…

Packed with high-stakes adventure, romance, and dueling identities, this gender-swapped retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo is the first novel in an epic YA fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo.

My Thoughts

It seems like the young adult fantasy genre is going to continue to explode with new authors, new stories, and some kick a** women.

All the Stars and Teeth is a gritty, dark, and magical adventure of a princess on the high seas discovering herself and her kingdom, proving once again that self exploration is often as important as global exploration.

What really stood out to me about this book was the imagery. I mentioned on my instagram how visually stunning this book is. Adalyn Grace does a spectacular job painting pictures with words, especially in some of the darker scenes. I’m not well versed in blood magic, but let’s just say, things get dark quickly anytime Amaya begins to use her magic.

This is the beginning of a series, so it should be pointed out that there is a fair amount of world building that takes place. I would have preferred that the necessary background information be spread out a little, but the ideas and settings designed were wonderfully thought out.

While predictable at times, I would argue that a lot of books are predictable in general terms, but in specific details, authors can really shine, and Grace really shines in her debut.

With evocative writing, relatable characters, heart warming romance, and shocking twists, All the Stars and Teeth is a smart and imaginative kick off to a must read new fantasy series.

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