Publishers Weekly
09/12/2022
Ciesielski (The Ice Swan) launches her Jack and Ivy duology with this captivating and immersive tale of espionage and romance amid the dangers of WWI. Jack Vale, a spy for the U.S.A.’s covert Talon Agency, recruits scrappy 16-year-old Ivy Olwen and her friend Philip after the teens stumble across one of the agency’s missions. Ivy and Philip were both orphaned at a young age, and have gotten by on street smarts and survival instincts ever since, something Jack relates to from his own troubled childhood. Over the years, as Talon employees give Philip and Ivy the traditional education they missed, alongside combat and weapons training, Ivy and Jack develop a deep connection and a slow-burning romance. When the three agents are sent to revolutionary Russia and take down black market arms dealer Balaur Tsar, the dangerous mission tests their mettle and pushes their bonds to the limit. Ciesielski’s unique plot entices from the first page, and she expertly weaves historical events into the narrative to create a feeling of authenticity. Readers are sure to be taken with the fortitude of Jack and Ivy, who manage to find stolen moments of happiness amid danger and violence. Agent: Linda Glaz, Hartline Literary. (Nov.)
author of Once Upon a December Amy E. Reichert
'Action! Romance! Spies! Secrets! The Brilliance of Stars has it all. This electrifying read from J'nell Ciesielski comes to life with historical details and sparkling descriptions that will leave the reader begging for book two!'
Historical Novel Society
Fans of adventure/romance stories may well enjoy the fantastical storyline . . .
author of The Call of the Wrens Jenni L. Walsh
'Excuse me while I go read The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski a second time. The intrigue of master assassins, a secret society, a cat-and-mouse game, all while the world is teeming with tension from the Russian Revolution and the First World War. Not to mention, while Jack and Ivy are falling in love. Who knew a grenade pin could be so romantic? This thrilling historical novel has it all and I look forward to more Jack and Ivy.'
national bestselling author of Sisters of Night an Erika Robuck
'An epic, Bond-style tale, set during the first World War, The Brilliance of Stars grips the reader from the first page. With its mesmeric settings, nonstop action, and witty dialogue, Ciesielski crafts a thrilling love story of powerful equals working tirelessly to save the world from darkness.'
author of Becoming Bonnie and The Call of the Wren Jenni L. Walsh
Excuse me while I go read The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski a second time. The intrigue of master assassins, a secret society, a cat-and-mouse game, all while the world is teeming with tension from the Russian Revolution and the First World War. Not to mention, while Jack and Ivy are falling in love. Who knew a grenade pin could be so romantic? This thrilling historical novel has it all and I look forward to more Jack and Ivy.
Library Journal
★ 10/14/2022
Ciesielski (The Ice Swan) starts off her new series with a kiss and a bang, and neither the romance nor action slows down from there. Ivy, Jack, and Philip are all orphans, hardened on the mean streets of early 20th century Washington, DC. A chance encounter under a bridge catapults them into a new life of deception and intrigue as part of a secret society called Talon, which has sworn to root out evil in every corner of the globe. As Talon operatives learn combat and espionage skills, they also have to learn who to trust amidst a world at war. VERDICT This is an adrenaline-packed, globe-trotting read for anyone looking for a clean-cut adventure reminiscent of Captain America. It's a great title to add to genre-bending Christian fiction shelves containing Michelle Griep's "Blackfriars" series and Ronie Kendig's "The Tox Files" series.—Christine Barth
