🚀 Book Review: Star Marque Rising by Shami Stovall
A gritty, character-driven space opera where genetic hierarchies, political ambition, and moral ambiguity collide—Book 1 in The Star Marque Trilogy.
Shami Stovall’s Star Marque Rising launches readers into a futuristic universe ruled by superhumans, where survival depends on strength, wit, and the ability to navigate a morally gray world. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.20/5, the novel is praised for its fast-paced action, sharp dialogue, and complex characters.
🧠 Plot Overview
Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified gunrunner with a cocky attitude and unmatched combat skills, lives on the fringes of society—until he’s arrested by Captain Endellion Voight, the enigmatic leader of the starship Star Marque. She offers him a choice: rot in prison or join her crew of mercenaries working for the superhuman elite.
But Voight has bigger plans. She’s determined to become a planetary governor, a position no human has held since the superhumans won the war. To achieve this, she’ll use every tool at her disposal—including Demarco. As they navigate assassinations, blackmail, and interstellar politics, Demarco must decide whether to follow orders or forge his own path.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Antihero Protagonist: Demarco is brash, flawed, and magnetic—often compared to Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Political Intrigue: The story explores power dynamics, ambition, and rebellion in a genetically stratified society.
- Snappy Dialogue & Banter: The chemistry between Demarco and Voight adds humor and tension.
- Cinematic Action: Space battles, hand-to-hand combat, and high-stakes missions keep the pace brisk.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers felt the worldbuilding could be deeper, especially around the superhuman hierarchy.
- The plot leans heavily on action, which may overshadow quieter character moments for some.
📣 Reviewer Highlights
“Exceptionally well written… I literally read this book in one sitting.” — Readers’ Favorite
“Demarco is such a different yet perfect character. I loved his attitude and enjoyed his dialogues.” — Entrada Publishing
🏁 Final Verdict
Star Marque Rising is a thrilling sci-fi adventure perfect for fans of John Scalzi, Alastair Reynolds, and Robert A. Heinlein. If you enjoy morally complex heroes, fast-paced space operas, and stories that blend action with ambition, this one’s a stellar start to a promising trilogy.
