SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
Alexa finally arrives at the Five Stone Pillars. She may have defeated Abaddon, but he is back, in the form of a sea monster. And he is determined to destroy the pillars.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Alexa and Yipes are our only returning characters. And they are separated for a small portion of the book. Although the books doesn't emphasize their relationship, it still mentions their unique bond.
NEW CHARACTERS
Matilda is the first person Alexa meets, and she becomes like a big sister to her. Physically, she is as quite small, but she can often be bold, which surprises Alexa. Upon meeting Yipes, she seems to have a slight crush.
Jonezy is the same little boy who was at the orphanage as Roland and Thomas. But now he is all grown up. He is a leader to the people on the pillars. He is at first upset with Alexa and confused to why she is here, and why she brought a monster with her.
Alistair Wakefield is just a legend to Alexa. She learns about how he lived here but eventually went to live and be alone on another pillar, and died long ago.
Marco is a young boy who dislikes Yipes, causing Alexa to become suspicious of him when a secret attempt is made on her life.
PACING
The pacing isn't all that fast throughout, but it enters fast enough. We only get two chapters before disaster strikes. Carman shows he isn't afraid to kill off his characters, once again. And we still get a few of his good chapter endings that force you to read on.
ALEXA'S RELATIONSHIP-SPOILERS
Throughout each book so far, I have felt there has been something lacking: a friendship with someone Alexa's own age, and a love interest. And it seems we finally have one of those in this last one. Unfortunately, it comes a little too late. And Marco really isn't in the book that much. Mostly in the second half, and slightly throughout.
A character named Phylo plays an important part in the book, although he, himself, really isn't in the book much. I would have liked Marco to play that role instead, and maybe have Alexa have to learn to trust him gradually, instead of, all at once, which happens instead.
The majority of Alexa's relationships have been mentoring relationships: Armon, John Christopher, Warvold, and even Pervis Kotcher. Although Kotcher started out as an antagonist, he became an ally. Besides, Yipes, all of her friends were animals, which I think limited her experiences slightly.
Even Carman seems to notice that, and inserts a scene where Alexa makes friends with girls her own age. But they are nameless and have no part in the story.
PRINCESS ALEXA-SPOILERS
When Alexa tells Jonezy who her father is, he is shocked. He says that Thomas Warvold was their leader and who they relied on to bring supplies. Alexa is overwhelmed at the idea of being so important. Jonezy says her father was like a king, which would make her a princess. Even so, she rises to the challenge, revealing their plan to defeat Abaddon, knowing only her lineage will give her the credit she needs to be believed.
ALEXA'S SECRET
In the beginning of the story, we learn that Alexa can now how hear Abaddon, instead of Elyon. I thought this really should have affected her more, psychologically. After all, replacing Elyon with Abaddon seems like a big deal. But there is never a scene where Alexa wonders how long she will hear it, how much, and what that says about her.
A SATISFYING ENDING?-SPOILERS
The story goes on a few chapters after the climax: defeating Abaddon. Not a surprise. Carman tends not to let any loose endings go untied. The plan itself enfolds well, forcing Alexa to take the lead and still reply on her friends. But it was the chapters after that I'm mostly critiquing. Carman summarizes Alexa's new friendship with Marco, saying they become great friends. I wish this had been developed throughout the book, and not simply summarized as an afterthought.
Also, Alexa was very hesitant to reveal her lineage, and it takes an emergency for her to do so. But when it comes to what she will do now, she takes on the role of the next leader and transporter of goods without any hesitation. I found this slightly puzzling, assuming her hesitation of revealing her lineage had to to do with her not wanting to take the responsibility. Instead, it's revealed she does this for years to come and was always meant to do this. It felt too neat to me.
And what about home? What about her foster father? Her two mothers? Pervis Kotcher? Her stepbrother? I do wish these characters had scenes or mentions. I felt so far away from the first book and Alexa's family. She feels rather young, but seems to have found an occupation for the rest of her life. It just felt forced. Maybe a little too perfectly tied up with a bow. When it says she found her way home, I remember thinking, she was lost? I guess I didn't realize how unhappy she was at her home with her family.
EXPLICIT CONTENT
A character dies. It isn't described in detail. Another character has a knife used on her.
CONCLUSION
Alexa's journey comes to an end, defeating Abaddon for a second time, and discovering a new world. But the character development felt all at once, and slightly unrealistic. The same with her relationship with Marco. But the world Carman paints is original and he manages to bring Elyon back into the story, weaving together the pillars in an ending that only a Creator could foresee. I give “Stargazer” three stars.
What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any of my points? Or just have an insight? Please let me know, by commenting.
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