A Circle of Stars

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how a story about alien abduction and queer identity would gel at first, but *A Circle of Stars* surprised me with its emotional precision and sci-fi ingenuity. Kirt Graves’ narration is a standout—his gravelly tone for Casper’s despair and smooth, almost poetic delivery during cosmic revelations make the experience immersive. The first half of the audiobook is a gripping sprint through Casper’s unraveling relationships and the shock of his abduction, but the middle slows down a bit, relying on exposition that feels slightly forced. Still, the payoff is worth it: the climax, where Casper confronts his captors and reclaims his agency, is electrifying and deeply satisfying. What really resonates is how Montgomery weaves the alien setting into Casper’s personal growth. The people of Novilem aren’t just sci-fi tropes; they’re reflections of the societal pressures Casper faces on Earth, which adds a layer of thematic resonance. Graves does a fantastic job differentiating the characters’ voices, especially the alien leader, whose calm authority contrasts sharply with Casper’s frantic vulnerability. However, the audiobook’s reliance on Casper’s internal monologue occasionally veers into melodrama, and some secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Still, the emotional core is undeniable—this is a story about finding belonging in a universe that often feels indifferent. If you’re looking for a YA audiobook that’s both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, this one delivers.