Crystborn navigator Faven Sythe, driven by the disappearance of her mentor and a mysterious starpath leading to the haunted ship graveyard known as the Clutch, teams up with notorious pirate Bitter Amandine to uncover a galaxy-spanning conspiracy that challenges the foundations of their society. Amidst high-stakes action, found family, and a sapphic romance, the story explores the cost of power, the nature of identity, and the secrets hidden among the stars.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a galaxy shaped by the remnants of an ancient alien species, the story follows Faven Sythe, a crystborn navigator whose body is slowly turning to crystal each time she uses her abilities to chart starpaths for interstellar travel. After her mentor disappears, leaving behind a mysterious starpath that ends in the cosmic graveyard known as the Clutch, Faven embarks on a quest for answers. Her journey brings her into contact with Bitter Amandine, a notorious pirate captain with a haunted past and a misfit crew. Together, they uncover a galaxy-spanning conspiracy involving the governing body known as the Choir, the fate of the crystborn, and secrets tied to the legendary ghost ship, the Black Celeste. The narrative is told in third person from the alternating perspectives of Faven and Amandine, and features a predominantly female and non-binary cast, with a strong focus on queer and lesbian representation.

Readers praised the book for its fast-paced, action-driven plot, engaging banter, and the dynamic between the two main characters. The relationship between Faven and Amandine, including their romantic tension and evolving trust, was frequently highlighted as a standout element. The worldbuilding, particularly the concept of the crystborn and the starpath navigation, was noted as imaginative and visually striking. Many appreciated the found family trope, the humor, and the inclusion of a mostly female and LGBTQ+ cast. The pirate setting, space battles, and the sense of adventure were also cited as enjoyable, with several readers comparing the tone to shows like Firefly and Farscape.

Common criticisms centered on the book's pacing and depth, especially in the second half. Multiple readers felt that the story was too short for the number of plot twists and revelations, resulting in rushed or underdeveloped worldbuilding and side characters. Some found the science and mechanics of the crystborn and the starpaths confusing or insufficiently explained, leading to a sense of vagueness in the setting. The ending, including the major reveals and the epilogue, was described as abrupt or overwhelming, with some plot threads left unresolved. A few readers also noted the near-total absence of significant male characters and felt the focus on lesbian relationships and female characters was unbalanced.

The book is a standalone space opera with elements of science fantasy, featuring sentient spaceships, alien mysteries, and a society built on the ruins of a lost civilization. The narrative includes themes of grief, identity, and rebellion against oppressive systems, as well as the cost of power for the crystborn. While the story is self-contained, several readers remarked that the world could support further exploration or sequels, given the hints left in the epilogue. The book has an average reader rating of 3.97 out of 5 from 259 ratings and 120 full reviews, and is scheduled for publication on June 3, 2025.