Praise from Goodreads, Amazon, national press, and social media
‘An uplifting tale of love and kindness’ Candis magazine.
Just read it in the bath and still love it. Absolutely gripped. Having to force myself to stop reading and go to bed. Absolutely love it, it’s so good, hugely punchy and pacey narrative, just fabulous. So much lovely detail and subtle points. (Deb, Manchester)
I loved this book. It was one of those I couldn’t put down but didn’t want to end. It is beautifully written and certainly stirs the emotions. It is a tale of love, loss, friendship, loyalty and doing the right thing.… it was a real rollercoaster of an emotional ride. (Sue Tingey, author of the Soulseer Chronicles)
Cox takes a straightforward SF idea and turns it into something wholly fresh and intensely gripping. A tightly personal story draws readers deep into a couple’s struggle to protect an innocent caught up in (literally) world-shaking events. By looking back to the ’60s space race, and what might have been, Cox invites us to muse on events and ideas that have shaped the societies we live in today, and asks us where we might want humanity to go * Juliet McKenna, author of the No.1 bestselling The Green Man’s Heir * (Interzone)
Sympathetic characterisation and fine storytelling . . . What makes this such a satisfying read, apart from the thrillingly rendered chase (and the refreshing notion that not all aliens are bent on inimical invasion), is the characterisation of Molly and Gene, a childless couple given this one miraculous chance to show love for an adopted son. This is an optimistic take onthe ET theme, done without the schmaltz of the film * Guardian *
a beautiful, bold concept that doesn’t shy away from the yuckier side of raising a moonchild, and when paranoid military maniacs get suspicious there’s nailbiting action, too. Can love conquer all?
This strong and generous first novel wears its heart on its sleeve and embeds all the thrills and chills in credible human, and non-human, emotions. *Daily Mail 15.02
Part ET, part Wonder, part Snow Child, it has the same combination of science fiction and heart-tugging tenderness that Stephen King does so well * Grazia
“…a wonderfully emotional, heart-warming journey of what it really means to be a parent” – The LA Times.
I dare anyone not to fall in love with the Meyers family . . . I could gush about this book forever, so I am just simply going to say, go read it. Read this beautiful, wonderful book * Angie Groves, Waterstones Blackpool *
A powerful combination of warm-hearted hope and steely-eyed realism . . . Idealism collides with harsh reality, hope battles violence and a family desperately tries to hold on . . . A heartfelt, richly imaginative and gripping story * SciFiNow*
Rich layers of depth and superbly drawn characters that are a joy to read . . . a finely crafted adventure with pacing that expertly ramps up throughout . . . I tore through it * Dominic Dulley, author of Shattermoon *
A pleasing, big-hearted read (Financial Times)
Dark and compelling reading * Irish Examiner *
A hybrid of more than one genre, a thrilling sci-fi tale that also poses the question of how far a mother will go to keep her precious son safe — Kate Goodman * Mature Times *
A gripping, remarkable story that will stay with you days after you’ve read it. Stephen Cox is the new big name in fantasy * Pulped Machina *
An endearing story well told and I would recommend it as an uplifting tale to read on a dark and stormy winter night — Barbara Beaton * My Weekly *
A great SF story, a great story of humanity, full of action but also of heart. Strongly recommended * Blue Book Balloon *
An emotional story that is filled with tension and one that has an underlying intensity to it. It is a quietly impactful enchanting story, a poignant portrait of a family life . . . A revelation. It is something unexpected and something wonderful. I highly recommend it * Tattooed Book Geek *
An amazing debut * Rea’s Book Review *
I got through this in a matter of hours and was hooked . . . Gripping . . . 5 stars * Just Katherine *
A story that will touch your heart . . . This heartwarming story reminds you of the lengths parents will go to to protect their children * Amanda J Evans *
A gentle science fiction tale that is more about the depth of human compassion than it is whizzy alien technology and laser swords. You don’t have to be a science fiction fan enjoy this book . . . Set against the backdrop of a small, decent, American town, Our Child of the Stars celebrates diversity, togetherness and the incomparable depths of human compassion * GeekDad *
An out of this world winner * Weekend Sport *
A book about flawed, complex people who can do good things . . . If you need some positive science fiction in your life to make you feel less hopeless about the fate of humanity then go read this book * Red Train Blog *
A heart-warming read and a book that I believe will appeal to many people who are fans of Sci-Fi and family-oriented fiction in general * Sammy’s Shelf *
A standout debut . . . I got lost in it and I think you will too * Books and Lovely Things *
A captivating tale * BookPhace *
This glorious, enchanting novel spellbound me . . . All-powerful and astonishing . . . A very special novel indeed and, even though it’s just January, this is a clear favourite for my book of the year * For Winter Nights *
‘Outstanding’ Mr HB, Goodreads
It’s bloody brilliant. I cried so much and I was willing on the Myers all the way through. Jez, Twitter
I’ve never read anything more exciting than Our Child of the Stars…
Cory the alien child is irresistibly charming, a character we smell and feel as well as see, hear and love. His strangeness and vulnerability make that emotional attachment as instant as any parent’s, even before he develops as a character in ways all parents recognise and others that set him apart.
…a climax as extended and dramatic as the best of Hitchcock…
its thoughtful, grieving realism about humanity – along with a fierce, bright hope regardless – makes it profoundly adult. I’ve read many good books in 2018, but over time I can’t imagine any of them proving more memorable than this. (Sue H, Goodreads)