The Brilliance of Stars

Written by J'nell Ciesielski

Narrated by Callan Friesen and 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

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780785248477

J'nell Ciesielski

Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.  

Reviews for The Brilliance of Stars

[Berly · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Please take note that this book is part 1 of 2.

I'm torn about a review for this book. I had it saved for months. I finally decided to listen to it. But I thought it was a completely different book. I have no idea why I had saved this one.

But after listening to the prologue, I was hooked. I had not read the blurb, because I hate being spoiled. Basically the prologue did that to me though. It took almost half of the book to get answers to why that was the way the book started. Those were some slow moving chapters. Spies, adventure, intrigue... Those aspects came in thr last half of the book.

But along with them, came some violence and details of that violence that I didn't care for. There were some descriptions of the romance between married a married couple that were more than I felt were necessary. And the story took an odd turn for me at the end also. And then to top it off, this ends on a cliff hanger of sorts. The next book has been published at this time, but I am not sure I will be reading it. I know it won't any time soon.

I just didn't connect with the characters. I think part of that is because I kept remembering they are teenagers. One thing that assisted me in remembering that are the narrators, especially the female one. I kept thinking that she made the characters sound so young. But in actuality, they are. And I didn't like that for the content of the book. The female narrator also pronounces several common words incorrectly. That was annoying as well.

This was my first book by this author. I have since seen that it is a departure from her other books. I may try a different one at a later date. Her love for history comes though in her writing. And I did not learn some things about this time period, especially through the author's notes. I'm glad those were included in the audiobook.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bravery is about standing up and moving forward in spite of fear.Set in Washington, DG and various places in Russia during The Great War, the historical detail alone will keep you reading. As orphans, Ivy and Phillip have survived by looking out for each other. Suddenly thrust into a situation they cannot control, how will they fare?Talon is a long standing group that prides themselves in being defenders of righteousness and protectors of the weak. Jack is a wonderful example of a hero you can swoon over and still expect nothing but the best from. The well developed characters are bound by different chains and yet will stop at nothing to secure their assigned target. Add some romance and a cliffhanger at the end, and you have a fantastic beginning to a series. This copy was received through Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Brilliance of Stars by J’nell Ciesielski starts off the Jack and Ivy Duology with a story of camaraderie and a quest to defeat evil. The novel hooked my interest early on as Ivy transitioned from homeless teen to educated, elite assassin. There was no lack of action, but once Jack and Ivy’s team traveled to Russia, things heated up and kept me flipping pages. Somewhere around the 60%-70% mark, the story slowed and grew darker. I knew to expect a cliffhanger, but this one wasn’t bad. It was more open ended rather than stopping at the pinnacle of suspense. It’s the type of cliffhanger I can live with, although I am eager for book two.I enjoyed Ivy and Jack’s relationship from beginning to end, even when only the barest hint of romance existed. Gradually, their romantic relationship grew, and I adored the way that Jack loved Ivy. I wish every man loved his woman that way. There was a fade-to-black bedroom scene with more detail than I was comfortable with. However, the novel still stayed in the “clean” romance category.Speaking of categories, The Brilliance of Stars by J’nell Ciesielski contains some Christian undertones, but is largely general fiction, making it appealing to readers of both genres. I recommend this novel to fans of historical romantic suspense.Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The writing in this story, the elements of plot, dialogue, pacing,and the like are top notch. The story is original, the characters endearing, and the suspense captivating. However, there is one personal preference that dampens my enthusiasm for The Brilliance of Stars. I love series that have a thread of mystery that carries the reader from one book to the next, but that also has a mystery that is particular to each book and that is brought to a satisfying conclusion in that book. I wish that books that end in a total cliffhanger requiring one to wait until the release of the next book, and maybe the one after that, before reaching any satisfying conclusion came with a warning label allowing readers to make a choice before investing hours of reading time. That said, at least I know I can count on good quality writing when the next book in Ciesielski's Jack and Ivy series is released.I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Brilliance of Stars from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Bravery is about standing up and going forward in spite of fear."Be prepared for pure enchantment, delight, and adventure. J'nell Ciesielski has penned a completely different, and completely brilliant, historical romance. I was a bit surprised at the world of spies and international espionage and adrenaline-filled suspense since this is not her usual style but fell in love immediately. It's an intense mix of Mission Impossible, James Bond, and Avengers - complete with cool gadgets, slippery villains, fantastic group of characters, betrayal within the team and gasp-worthy plot twists. I loved Ivy and Jack and Phillip. Their orphan hearts are so broken and bruised, yet they find strength in each other. Their desire for purpose and sense of belonging is thoroughly relatable. Ivy's gumption, intelligence, and compassion perfectly compliment Jack's skill, strength, firm leadership, and clear sense of responsibility as they work together as spies and assets. Ivy and Jack's love is so tender and their banter is truly fantastic. I can't wait for the second installment of the series. This book ends on a cliff-hanger of sorts and I need to find out what happens next!This is book not to be missed. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[katebaxter_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an interesting spy thriller set in the historical context of 1917 Russia during World War II and the fomenting Russian Revolution. Lots of adventure with touches of the supernatural made it an engrossing read. 1914 - Washington, D.C.Having been kicked out of the orphanage at the tender age of twelve some time ago, Ivy Olwen and her fellow orphan, Philip are eking out a living on the street. They're living rough but hoping that their luck will change with a bit of effort on their part. Nothing seems to be going their way until that fateful day when they sought shelter from the rain. They seemed to have inadvertently eavesdropped on a covert intel exchange in the tunnel where they had hoped to stay dry. Averting certain death, they soon find themselves beholden to a private spy agency, Talon, which strives to keep the balance of good outweighing the bad in the world. Are Ivy and Philip of the stuff required for Talon service? Do they even want to be? They discover that Jack, one of Talon's aces, to also have been a orphan whose life was turned around by Talon. So maybe it's not such a far-fetched notion for Ivy and Philip. Together, all three develop a friendship and hone their personal skills - Ivy is bookish with a photographic memory; Philip is a whiz with munitions and Jack is a sharpshooter with strong leadership capabilities. Three years later, they're on their way to Russia to find and neutralize a highly dangerous arms dealer. And so the adventure begins.This was an action packed thriller with lots of derring-do, creative thinking on the fly and lots of near-death moments. The characters were well developed and the writing never lagged. I could hardly put the book down. The romance elements were a bit untimely but somehow our lead characters pull through it all in spite of the distractions. The introduction of supernatural elements was unexpected and took the story away from the historical fiction realm and moved it more toward fantasy. Regardless, it was an exciting read and all I can say is that there better be a sequel to this story. Who was that woman? Is she Baba Yaga? Perhaps more will be revealed in the next installment of this thrilling spy series. I for one cannot wait!I am grateful to author J'nell Ciesielski and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, for having provided a complimentary e-copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Brilliance of Stars is the first book in J'nell Ciesielski's new two-book series, Jack and Ivy. Teenage orphans are seized and eventually recruited into a secret society and trained as spies and assassins during the early 1900s. Edge-of-the-seat action starts at the beginning and doesn't let up as the agents travel through Eastern Europe and Russia to bring down a nefarious arms dealer. Amidst the mayhem, suspense, and danger, is a sweet romance. I liked the intense friendships of the agents--a friendship that says I will never leave you behind. Many interesting tidbits of history are interspersed throughout the fast-moving story. And to entice the reader to read the second book there is a huge cliffhanger at the end. Narrators, Callan Friesen and Ariel Hansen did a great job bringing Jack and Ivy's story to life. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

My book club’s selection this month is The Brilliance of Stars by J’Nell Ciesielski. I had heard quite a bit of positive chatter about this historical novel set in the WWI-era and featuring spies and was anxious to read it. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It is a very well-written novel that started out strong with me. Two teenaged orphans stumble upon a nefarious Russian plot and are swept into a secret organization with roots in early American history. Charged with clandestine activities that serve American interests, yet unsanctioned by any government, Talon is a wonderful creation filled with clever and skilled spies honed to wreak havoc in the name of good. So far so good. History, suspense, and a sizzling romance made me want to read more. But . . . the deeper into the book I got the weirder and more implausible the story became. At least that’s my opinion. I am the first to say that a reader must suspend disbelief, but I had a hard time believing what I was reading. The book takes the reader on an adventure from Washington, D. C. to Russia in the throes of revolution to the remote wilds of Romania. The bad guys are very very bad (creepy/evil is a good term too) and the good guys do things (assassinations, bombings, etc.) in the name of good. Themes such as abandonment and self-worth fill the pages. Like I said, a lot of people have loved this book. I’m just not one of them. There is a big cliffhanger at the end which may persuade me to read the sequel. I’ll have to think on that a bit.Audience: Adults.(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)