Review Detail

With everything that happened in A Sliver of Stardust, Wren has begun to doubt everything. Her ability, and even if she really wants to be there. She has lost faith in what she loved about the stardust in the first place and when she’s called by the council to help cleanse the gateway, she doubts if she’ll even be able to do it. After a betrayal Wren finds herself in the Land of Nod, a strange new world, mysterious and completely different from her own. With the help of a ragtag group of orphans, Wren evades Boggen’s clutches. With a brilliant tale of magic and mystery, Burt has brought much beloved nursery rhymes back to life in a new and creative way.

After finding herself in the Land of Nod with old and new friends, Wren begins to try and find the Outsiders. A mysterious group of people who might help her take down Boggen. The only problem, Outsiders hate anything to do with stardust. After close calls and quick escapes, Wren finds herself on the other side of the wall, making her way to the Outsiders camp. Wren has to use her quick brain and stardust if she wants to survive out in the wild. But not everything is as it seems. Even beyond the wall. And Wren will learn what it takes to fight off Boggen and defeat him once and for all.

Burt has created an amazing character in Wren, who no matter what has not given up. She is a brilliant fighter and does not lose her faith in the people she cares about. Nod is very much a steampunk land and I loved learning more and more about it. We get to see the toll the tainted stardust has been having on this land, and despite the fact that it’s not Wren’s home, she is as willing as ever to help.

Simon is a character who continues to surprise you. His love of animals has him helping Wren in a way she didn’t even think possible. And despite being rivals for most of their life they have quickly become best friends. Burt has kept the rivalry between them but it’s friendly. Wren is brilliant on her own and strong, but Simon brings his own to the table. Their friendship is very much my favorite part of the book. And so many times Simon has rescued Wren.

What left me wanting more

The ending was great, and I am so happy with the way it ended, but I can’t help but feel that it was open ended and I’m not sure if there is going to be more books in this series. I hope there is because I would love to see what Wren can do now, and how she grows as a character.

Overall this world is so imaginative, with villains I would never want to meet. Side note… WHY are children’s villains so much worse than young adult villains?

Burt created a beautiful world full of magic and friendship. Where a young girl has always had the ability she just needed to trust herself. Full of magic and love this beautiful story is one that will have you laughing and completely on the edge of your seat.