It all began when Cassiopeia discovered that she belonged to a people with powers derived from a constellation of the zodiac: the Constellationists. She joins the London Academy to learn how to master them. But the arrival of a Supernova, a Constellationist more powerful than the others, could upset the fragile balance of the world…

As I closed this book I literally repeated “oh wow” at least 5 times (before going to pester Axelle in her dm’s haha). What can I say? I’d been intrigued by this title ever since the results of the “Un R de premier roman” competition for the R collection were announced, and it was when I saw Axelle behind her signing table in Montreuil’s book fair that I jumped at the chance. And what a good decision it was! 

It took me a while to get into the universe, as there are so many terms to know, but I quickly became attached to Cassiopée and her friends, with a furious desire to go back and read to find out what happens next. The biggest strength of this novel is the action, which never stops. Everything follows on perfectly, and you know you’re in for a thousand adventures with every reading session! I also loved the whole atmosphere of the Constellationist world, half-dark academia, half-futuristic. In fact, I really felt the influence of major works from my teenage years: Harry Potter (the magic system and school), Divergent (the hunt for the Supernova) and Hunger Games (the jungle, but you have to read to understand haha). And I wasn’t displeased, far from it! (long live young authors who grew up with the same refs as me).

Top-notch writing, very different and endearing (albeit rather young) characters, a good dose of political intrigue, a hint of romance, perfectly controlled tension… In short, a really good first novel that devours itself and of which I ABSOLUTELY want to discover volume 2, which I have a feeling will have many surprises in store for us!