Book Review #The Brilliance of Stars (A Jack and Ivy Novel) #Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson # 20th Century Historical Fiction #Clean Romance

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

RATING: 4.5/5

Title: The Brilliance of Stars (A Jack and Ivy Novel)

Author: J'nell Ciesielski

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romantic Thriller

J'nell Ciesielski's "The Brilliance of Stars" immerses readers in a riveting tale set amidst the turmoil of the Great War, weaving together a captivating narrative of action, romance, espionage, and gripping secrets.

In the midst of the chaos of 1914 Washington, DC, Ivy Olwen, a resourceful young woman adept at surviving on the streets, finds herself thrust into the midst of a covert agency of assassins. Undergoing a transformation that equips her with lethal skills, Ivy navigates a world of perilous missions, where her education spans from explosives to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage. Yet, amidst the danger, it's the time spent with Agent Jack Vale, amidst books in the library and stargazing on the roof, that awakens a new dimension within her.

Jack, molded by hardship and honed by the agency, discovers a newfound sense of belonging when Ivy enters his life. Their partnership becomes more than a professional alliance, as Jack's heart finds purpose in fighting for Ivy, regardless of the sacrifices.

As they embark on what seems to be a straightforward mission to dismantle Russia's most ruthless arms dealer amid the backdrop of war, they find themselves entangled in a treacherous manhunt across frozen landscapes and perilous terrains. Their journey takes them from the Crimean Peninsula to the Trans-Siberian Railway, revealing depths of evil they never anticipated.

Ciesielski masterfully crafts an enthralling narrative filled with thrilling adventures, clandestine espionage, and a sweeping romance that ignites against the backdrop of historical turmoil. The vividly depicted settings, coupled with meticulous historical details and sparkling descriptions, transport readers to a bygone era, vividly evoking the tension and uncertainty of wartime espionage.

"The Brilliance of Stars" is a stellar start to an epic duology, showcasing Ciesielski's storytelling prowess as she seamlessly blends pulse-pounding action with heartfelt emotions. Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the next installment, captivated by the electrifying journey of Jack and Ivy amidst a world fraught with danger, mystery, and the allure of a love that transcends the chaos of war.

Ciesielski's ability to intricately intertwine history, intrigue, and romance makes "The Brilliance of Stars" a compelling and irresistible read, leaving audiences yearning for the next chapter in this exhilarating series.

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• Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher Thomas Nelson for the advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

"Action! Romance! Spies! Secrets! The Brilliance of Stars has it all. This electrifying read from J'nell Ciesielski comes to life with historical details and sparkling descriptions that will leave the reader begging for book two!" —Amy E. Reichert

Amid the chaos of the Great War, two elite assassins learn precisely how dangerous it is to have something—or someone—worth losing.

Washington, DC, 1914. Ivy Olwen knows how to survive on the streets without two coins to rub together. Then destiny thrusts her into the nest of a covert agency of assassins sworn to drive back the world’s darkness, and she acquires a new set of lethal skills. Her education—from explosives to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage—is as far reaching as the organization’s missions. But it’s the hours she spends among the towering bookshelves in the library and stargazing on the roof with Agent Jack Vale that make her heart fly.

Jack knew plenty of hardship before the agency refined his rough edges, transforming him into the man who never misses. But he didn’t know the feeling of home until Ivy entered his world. Now Jack’s heart drums with a singular purpose: he will fight for her, fight alongside her. No matter the cost.

When the pair is sent on a seemingly simple mission to take down Russia’s newest and most dangerous arms dealer—a soulless man using the Great War as an opportunity to further his own depraved agenda—they discover that no amount of training could have prepared them for a manhunt that takes them across the frozen tundra, to the Crimean Peninsula, and along the Trans-Siberian Railway . . . only to discover that there is evil in the world they will never understand.

The first book of an epic duology from bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski, The Brilliance of Stars incorporates her signature blend of thrilling adventure, glamorous espionage, and sweeping romance.

• Historical romance set during World War I
• Book length: approximately 116,000 words
• The first Jack and Ivy novel; book two, To Free the Stars—coming August 2023
• Includes map of Europe 1917 and discussion questions for book clubs

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson (November 1, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages