Happy First Line Friday! Today I’m linking up with Reading is My Superpower and sharing the first line from J’nell Ciesielski’s latest historical novel, The Brilliance of Stars.

“‘I think we’re safe for now.'”

The Brilliance of Stars by J’nell Ciesielski

The Basics

Title: The Brilliance of Stars

Author: J’nell Ciesielski

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Series: Jack and Ivy (Book 1)

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

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. But when destiny thrusts her into the nest of a covert agency of assassins sworn to drive back the world’s darkness, 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 are just beginning to understand.

My Review

The premise of this book sounded really interesting – history, romance, espionage… what more could you want in a book? While I did enjoy the fast-paced action, the story overall fell a little flat for me. Some parts seemed a little unrealistic, trending more towards fantasy or science fiction mixed with history. I enjoyed the friendship between Jack, Ivy, and Phillip, but I had a hard time really connecting with them as characters. However, I know this book has received many rave reviews! It may not have been my cup of tea, but fans of historical fiction with plenty of action may enjoy it more than I did.

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Reading is My Superpower to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.