Return of the Star Lords takes us on a high-stakes, dystopian journey where survival and sacrifice paint the backdrop for young Kya and her sister Syla. Set in the grim city of Jensel, ruled by the cruel God-King and his oppressive priests, Kya is faced with impossible choices to protect her younger sister. The arrival of mysterious foreigners with advanced technology shifts the narrative, blending themes of hope and despair into a compelling tale of resilience and humanity.

I loved Gillies’ ability to immerse readers into Kya’s perspective. From the opening, her desperation and determination are palpable. I felt an aching sadness during the attic scene, where Kya wrestles with the weight of saving herself or her sister. The rawness of these moments grounds the story in realism, even as the plot introduces science fiction elements. Gillies doesn’t shy away from exploring difficult topics, and this emotional depth is a strength. The pacing picks up when Captain Scott and his enigmatic crew enter the picture, blending action and intrigue seamlessly. The ambush scene near Good Luck Plaza had me on edge. Kya’s quick thinking and the foreigners’ surprising strength create a thrilling turning point.

I appreciated how the strangers’ advanced technology is slowly revealed, avoiding a complete overshadowing of the human characters. The “Star Lords” and their connection to local myths added layers to the story, hinting at a much larger universe. This aspect was fascinating, though the narrative occasionally leaned heavily on exposition to explain the sci-fi elements.

The relationship between Kya and Syla is the beating heart of the book. Moments like Syla’s joy at receiving a cake from Madame Nela or the poignant reveal of her healed arm show the depth of their bond. The humor and warmth in these scenes provided much-needed relief, and they made me root for the sisters all the more. By the conclusion, I felt a genuine sense of triumph for Kya and Syla. The final scenes aboard the spaceship were not only stunning but also emotionally resonant. Watching Kya transition from survival mode to cautiously dreaming of a brighter future was deeply satisfying. I couldn’t help but cheer for her and Syla as they embraced the unknown, holding onto newfound hope.

This book is perfect for fans of dystopian dramas with a sci-fi twist. If you enjoy emotionally driven stories with a mix of heartache, action, and a glimmer of hope, Return of the Star Lords will grip you from start to finish.