Light From Uncommon Stars

About “Light From Uncommon Stars”

A 2021 novel by Ryka Aoki is set in California's San Gabriel Valley and follows Shizuka Satomi, who made a deal with the devil to avoid damnation. She must lure seven violin prodigies to trade their souls for success, and she has already delivered six. When she hears Katrina Nguyen, a transgender runaway with extraordinary talent, she believes she has found her seventh. Meanwhile, Shizuka meets Lan Tran, a retired starship captain and interstellar refugee, in a donut shop. Though Shizuka is focused on completing her task, Lan's kindness and presence challenge her understanding of value and soul. As the lives of Shizuka, Katrina, and Lan intertwine, the story explores themes of magic, identity, and hope, leading to the formation of a family that transcends worlds.