Double Starfolk review Falling and Rising

Starfolk Falling and Starfolk Rising

Reviewed by Matt Adcock (@Cleric20)

I reviewed and enjoyed Martha Dunlop's Starfolk Arcana (here) and now have finally got around to finishing the trilogy - so here are my thoughts on the breathtaking close with Starfolk Falling and Starfolk Rising, two novels that form an emotionally charged conclusion. 

Together, these final instalments not only deepen the mythology of the Starfolk but also deliver a powerful exploration of love, fate, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness.

Starfolk Falling sets the stage for the grand conclusion by plunging Beth and Jonan deeper into their mystical origins and psychic powers. Their connection—an unbreakable bond forged over lifetimes—is tested more than ever as they face increasingly dangerous supernatural forces. Beth, now more attuned to her psychic abilities, begins to embrace the power she holds, while Jonan confronts his past lives and the true cost of his choices. The novel masterfully builds suspense, creating a heart-stopping crescendo of tension and danger. Amelia, their relentless antagonist, continues to weave her dark influence, but in Starfolk Falling, Dunlop adds complexity to her character, making her a more nuanced and fascinating adversary. Amelia’s quest for power over Jonan is revealed to be rooted in deep emotional scars, adding a layer of tragedy to her character that makes her both fearsome and pitiable.

Dunlop’s writing shines as she balances these supernatural conflicts with the very human emotions driving them. Every magical encounter is imbued with emotional weight, drawing readers into a world where love and power are inextricably linked. The pacing of Starfolk Falling is taut and deliberate, steadily building toward the final act of the trilogy. It’s a novel that immerses readers in a world where the stakes continue to rise with every chapter, leading to a dramatic and emotionally charged cliffhanger that sets the scene perfectly for Starfolk Rising.

Starfolk Rising, the concluding chapter of the trilogy, takes all the threads of the previous books and weaves them into a grand tapestry of resolution, revelation, and transformation. This novel is not only about the love between Beth and Jonan but also the cosmic forces that have shaped their destinies. As their story reaches its climax, Dunlop takes readers on a journey that is both epic in scale and deeply personal.

Beth’s transformation into a fully realised psychic force is one of the novel’s key triumphs. Her character, who started the series as a woman discovering her abilities, now stands in her full power, confronting both her internal struggles and the external threats to her love and life. Jonan, too, faces his ultimate reckoning, as he battles not only the forces that seek to destroy his connection to Beth but also the echoes of his many past lives. Their relationship, built on centuries of longing and loss, is a beacon of hope amid the chaos, yet it is also fragile, and Dunlop doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of their bond.

Amelia, who has been a shadowy antagonist throughout the trilogy, comes into her own in Starfolk Rising. Dunlop brilliantly fleshes out her character, making her more than a simple villain. Her motivations are rooted in a deep emotional history, making her a tragic and relatable figure despite her dark actions. This complexity adds emotional weight to the final showdown between her and the lovers, as readers come to understand the depth of her obsession and pain.

Out of a potential 5, you have to go with a Darkmatters:

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(5 - It's love, it's magic...) 

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