The setting and the details of the mountain climbing expeditions were detailed and fascinating. I can’t think of another fantasy quite like it, though there are plenty where the heroes must make it across the mountains. 

It’s a pleasure to read a story set in a non-patriarchal society. Men and women function in the roles of power in this world, as leaders, explorers, shamans, and scholars. The love triangle and the attendant thrilling kisses were thus a bit of a letdown, and solidly put this novel into the YA category.

I rolled my eyes at a scene where a male character blushes and hesitates at the thought of helping a female companion out of wet clothes in a snowstorm. Bruh, you’ve been sleeping in the same tent for weeks. Has she never stopped to pee before? Have you?

wasn’t sure how i felt about this book at first but ended up really enjoying it as time went on! i suppose it was a little slow at times but i didn’t feel it dragged on as much as others seemed to.

i saw reviews saying the ending was very predictable and while part of it was, i honestly didn’t expect part of the twist!

looking forward to reading the second book

I just can't take any books with dark themes right now.

UPDATE (Re-read Dec 2022):
On re-read it was so delightful   to be back in thos world, in the snow, climbing mountains learning about the places, culture and people of this fantasy world and most importantly hanging out with characters. 
Kamzin is a fantastic protagonists as she feels really grounded and honest. Her family relationships are interesting and relatable with an older sister you love but often are frustrated with and o erlooked by. A lifelong childhood friend where you both have your own struggles and dreams. I really enjoy Kamzin is not Magical in a Magical world but has mountain climbing and navigation skills. I really enjoy the connection and chemistry between Kamzin and River and the mystery around the original expedition plan and the one they ended up with. 
Much preferred on the re-read and really enjoyed the sequel.
I recommend reading both closely together. 

FEB 2022: I feel I can't judge this properly until I see how things turn out in the sequel to the duology. As I have thoughts and expectations that if they are not met I will think the book misleading with its emotional direction. However if they are then its a huge amount of fun in a mountain climbing Magical adventure to save the world. 

I loved EVEN THE DARKEST STARS and thought it was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed the story and the setting - the SETTING was amazing. The setting of this book was inspired by Nepal and Mount Everest and the mountain itself became a character. Heather Fawcett did an amazing job bringing the reader into the story and immersing them in the world. This was such an easy book to fly through because I was invested in the characters, their survival, and learning more about this fascinating world.

This is a high stakes adventure with little bits of magic woven in. While this isn't your typical loud fantasy book, or romantically-driven, it's a good story with characters who feel multi-faceted and eat and vulnerable. Every time I sat down to read, I found myself immediately wrapped into the story and looking forward to the next time I could sit down and read more. If you enjoy adventure fantasy and don't mind books without a strong romantic subplot (there is romance, just not a LOT), then I highly recommend picking this book up. I absolutely loved in and will read it again.

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