The Brilliance of Stars

By: J'nell Ciesielski

Narrated by: Callan Friesen, Ariel Hansen

"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!" —Amy E. Reichert

Amid the chaos of the Great War, two elite assassins learn precisely how dangerous it is to have something—or someone—worth losing.

Washington, DC, 1914. Ivy Olwen knows how to survive on the streets without two coins to rub together. Then destiny thrusts her into the nest of a covert agency of assassins sworn to drive back the world’s darkness, and she acquires a new set of lethal skills. Her education—from explosives to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage—is as far reaching as the organization’s missions. But it’s the hours she spends among the towering bookshelves in the library and stargazing on the roof with Agent Jack Vale that make her heart fly.

Jack knew plenty of hardship before the agency refined his rough edges, transforming him into the man who never misses. But he didn’t know the feeling of home until Ivy entered his world. Now Jack’s heart drums with a singular purpose: he will fight for her, fight alongside her. No matter the cost.

When the pair is sent on a seemingly simple mission to take down Russia’s newest and most dangerous arms dealer—a soulless man using the Great War as an opportunity to further his own depraved agenda—they discover that no amount of training could have prepared them for a manhunt that takes them across the frozen tundra, to the Crimean Peninsula, and along the Trans-Siberian Railway . . . only to discover that there is evil in the world they will never understand.

The first book of an epic duology from bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski, The Brilliance of Stars incorporates her signature blend of thrilling adventure, glamorous espionage, and sweeping romance.

• Historical romance set during World War I
• Map included in the audiobook companion PDF download
• The first Jack and Ivy novel; book two, To Free the Stars—coming August 2023
• Also by J’nell Ciesielski: The Ice Swan, The Socialite, Beauty Among Ruins

Critic reviews

'[A] captivating and immersive tale of espionage and romance amid the dangers of WWI . . . 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.'

'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!'

'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.'

'Ciesielski starts off her new series with a kiss and a bang, and neither the romance nor action slows down from there. This is an adrenaline-packed, globe-trotting read for anyone looking for a clean-cut adventure reminiscent of Captain America.'

'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.'

Fans of adventure/romance stories may well enjoy the fantastical storyline . . .

Fascinating- too dark

I absolutely adored this book for the first half or so. It was fascinating, hilarious- loved the dry humour, but as one other reviewer stated, starts good, becomes too dark- too much killing, easy killing, and the whole controlled assassin thing. I hesitate to dive into the second book right away. I need a light weight break. Otherwise I love this authors books!
The female narrator was really good except for mouth noises but I’m bad about that. The male narrator was crazy good, especially when imitating the accents!!!

Too dark and too many words mispronounced

The story becomes too dark. Started out soo good. Nothing like the other books I’ve read of hers that I loved.

The reading has too many words mispronounced which is just annoying.