It wasn't as good as I'd hoped (based on the summary and the cover), but I am outside the targeted age range. I probably would have loved this in 4th grade or so. It looks long, but the chapters are extremely short. ( )

My blurb: “A wildly imaginative tale full of wonder and hope that is grounded in our everyday world and the very real problems that today’s children face."

I very much enjoyed this magical realism novel about Alma Lucas, a middle-grader who struggles with anxiety, but is determined to save a fallen star (a "Starling"). The Starling reminds me of the movie "Stardust" though that fallen star is healthy and acerbic as opposed to the failing child Starling. I love the diverse characters: Alma, fearful, creative, determined; Hugo, confident with science, but socially unsure; Shirin, outgoing, popular, open to new people, loyal; Dustin the "bad boy" who's trying to be good; the ShopKeeper, a wise old gnome-like being. I love the village of Four Points with its organized layout of directions and elements: First Point - North - Deep Downs - Earth; Second Point - East - Peak - Air/Wind; Third Point - South - Forest - Fire; Fourth Point - West - Spring - Water; Fifth Point - Center - Tower - Sky. I love the structure of the story, of Chapters within titled Parts such as "The Quintescope" and each of the four elements. Finally, I love the theme of quintessence. We are all filled with quintessence, we need only look within and acknowledge our trues selves, our soul-ness. But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of family and friends to grow our quintessence. So says the Shopkeeper and so I believe. ( )

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Quintessence was a very science-heavy story that I enjoyed; however, the characters consistently put themselves in dangerous situations, and I really didn't like how unsafe most of their activities were. The author makes it seem like their "quest" was perfectly normal and necessary, but I would freak the F out if my child tried to attempt something similar.

1. They lied repeatedly to their parents.
2. They snuck out of their homes most nights and didn't come back for HOURS.
3. Got on a suuuper sketchy bus (also in the middle of the night) with a stranger.
4. Played with fire (what happens when you play with fire?).
5. Went into a cavern (also at night) without a map, guide, or any knowledge of what they were doing.
6. Disregarded the need for sleep, but still seemed functional during the day.
7. Name-calling (lots of it) that's never really addressed (alluded to, but not addressed).
8. Played with lightning (what happens when you play with lightning?).
9. Nearly died SEVERAL times.
10. NEARLY. DIED.

Like, I totally understand that this book is fictional, but it rarely felt realistic (and it definitely doesn't set a good example). The characters are in middle school, yet taking risks most adults wouldn't even consider. I know they were trying to save the Starling, and they felt like they were on an adventure, but I disliked how few consequences there actually were. "Alma! You're grounded!" Alma sneaks out again.

I also felt like Alma's parents allowed certain behaviors because of her panic attacks. Additionally, I hated how they constantly told her she wasn't trying hard enough, or that she needed to work on acclimating. Just be there for your kid, you know? At the beginning of the book they were encouraging Alma to make friends, do this, say that... but by the end they were checking her bed every 15 minutes. It was bananas. I also have no idea how they let Alma see a psychiatrist on her own without verifying/vetting the person themselves. It seemed irresponsible for parents that supposedly "cared" so much (especially since the psychiatrist contacted them out of the blue).

I know this sounds super negative, and I didn't start this review thinking it would go this way, but here we are. Clearly, I had more issues with this story than even I originally realized. When describing this book to my husband (he heard us talking about sciency stuff), I recollected the bits about elements and stars, supernovas and quintessence. Those aspects of the story were wonderfully written and really fascinating. However, how the characters applied their knowledge left a lot to be desired. EVERYTHING WAS EXTREMELY UNSAFE.

Furthermore, I couldn't get behind Hugo's random explanations, like "Zonks!" We didn't see enough of his background for his quirks to make sense. I also wanted to know why he looked and sounded like a robot, and what happened between him and Dustin to create such a divide. The author's explanation was very shallow and seemed to be glossed over for the sake of convivence. Additionally, I didn't understand Shirin's reluctance to hang out with/not hang out with her friends. She alludes to not being able to be herself - - or do what makes her happy - - but there's not really an explanation for that either. Dustin is one giant enigma. Trying to find yourself? Really? By being the world's biggest jerkface?

I really liked the concept for this story, but hated how easily everything clicked into place. The ShopKeeper's random appearances, how quintessence actually worked, and how their collection of the elements was supposed to help the Starling. There's a very quick (sort of ) explanation at the end, but after everything the characters went through, I wanted to know more. We (my son and I) deserved better answers.

Example of a confusing explanation: "In each point, there was a symbol— an upside-down triangle with a line through it at the top, a right-side-up triangle with a line through it on the right, a right-side-up triangle at the bottom, and an upside-down triangle on the left. And in the center of the star there was a circle with lines extending from it, like light rays."

Points for having a main character with panic attacks (touching on what those felt like for her, showing how they impacted her life, and how she viewed herself because of them). Points for having a somewhat diverse group of friends. Points for the scientific elements. ZERO POINTS for me having to repeatedly tell my son why he shouldn't try this at home. (★★★☆☆)

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This middle grade read tells the story of how four misfits find their true strengths. They work together to help a fallen star get back to the heavens. In the process, they learn to work together, to cope with unfamiliar situations, to rely on others, and to use their hidden talents to solve problems..

Kids who enjoy learning about astronomy will find something to like about this story. The fantasy aspect will also appeal to those who want a bit of unreality and magic in the mix.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )