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No Shelter But the Stars Kindle Edition

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 340 ratings

Virginia Black's No Shelter But the Stars is the space opera you've been waiting for—packed with warring worlds, romantic adventure, and larger-than-life characters.


Kyran Loyal is the last heir to the lost throne of a forgotten planet, the figurehead of a nomadic people fleeing the galactic tyranny of a brutal regime. Davia Sifane is the unrecognized daughter of an imperial despot. When happenstance pits them against each other in battle, neither expects the outcome: they are the only two people to survive. Marooned on a barren moon, their only hope of survival is to rely on each other, but what they learn will either kill them or change the galaxy forever.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Set against a well-crafted backdrop of brutal political and colonial machinations, Black shows us the possibilities that can take root and flourish in treacherous ground, and the impact that individuals can have on the course of empire. No Shelter But the Stars is a story that will resonate long after the final page is turned.” —Andi Marquette, author of The Far Seek Chronicles 

“The stakes couldn’t be higher in this vivid, gripping tale of survival featuring two powerful women, implacable enemies, marooned in a lethal environment with the fate of worlds hanging in the balance. What a story!” —Katherine V. Forrest, trailblazing author of Daughters of a Coral Dawn 

About the Author

VIRGINIA BLACK (she/her) likes strong whiskey, loud music, and writing, though not necessarily in that order. When not penning dark speculative fiction, she is almost always reading. Born in California—where even green is brown—Virginia escaped to the rain showers and vibrant greens of the Pacific Northwest. She lives with her wife of twenty years and their savagely witty teenage daughter. Learn more at virginiablackwrites.com. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CGNYKHD7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bywater Books (January 23, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 23, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 326 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 340 ratings

About the author

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Virginia Black
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Virginia Black lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her works include the short stories “Season Finale” and “Love Undaunted” in the Sapphire Books FANDOM TO FANTASY series, "Constant" in the Golden Crown Literary Society Writing Academy anthology WRITING FREEDOM, and "Reclamation" in the Bold Strokes Books anthology "IN OUR WORDS - Queer Stories from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Writers". Her first novel, CONSECRATED GROUND, introducing war witch Joan Matthews, will be published by Bywater Books in February 2023. Learn more at virginiablackwrites.com.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
340 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and well-crafted. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the immersive world-building. The writing is described as smooth and captivating. Readers feel a range of emotions from sadness to joy, relief, and longing. The spiritual content is described as soothing and comforting, bringing tears of joy and sadness to their eyes.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

32 customers mention "Story quality"32 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's plot. They find it refreshing and engrossing, with a well-crafted narrative. The love story between Davia and Kyran is described as amazing and thrilling.

"...and Davia first fighting to stay alive, and then developing into love for each other was so lovely...." Read more

"...The heat between the characters, the will to live, the survival it took on a desolate moon. I loved every minute of this read. Highly recommend." Read more

"...The author is such a wordsmith that I was taken aback by the entire book. I loved how the life stories of Kyron and Davia were given...." Read more

"This was fantastic! Women loving women in an epic sci-fi with tension, longing, and sex? Yes sign me up right now!..." Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They describe it as an excellent, well-written story with captivating characters.

"This was fantastic! Women loving women in an epic sci-fi with tension, longing, and sex? Yes sign me up right now!..." Read more

"...The MCs are magnificent, the writing is so good you feel you’re actually stranded in that barren moon with them and you feel the desperation, the..." Read more

"...It is well worth the time to read." Read more

"...but her second book, No Shelter But the Stars is one of my favorite books of all time. I don’t say that lightly...." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting and well-developed. They feel the characters' sense of loss and love. The book is well-written, with a strong emotional connection between the characters.

"...The heat between the characters, the will to live, the survival it took on a desolate moon. I loved every minute of this read. Highly recommend." Read more

"...Yes sign me up right now! The depth of each character and the description of the settings put right on that "dammed rock" with the MCs...." Read more

"...The world and character building are superb, and both the situations that arise and the characters’ reactions to those situations are wonderfully..." Read more

"...I loved the characters, plot, and relationships. Pick up this book. Read this book." Read more

11 customers mention "World building"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-crafted world and characters. They find the plot engaging and believable.

"...The world building by Black was truly incredible...." Read more

"This is one of those rare books that is truly epic! I have not been a fan of science fiction but this one has beyond a doubt changed my mind...." Read more

"...The pacing of the story is well done with enough world building that you understand but don't get info dumped...." Read more

"...The development of the characters & their lives is well thought out & paced perfectly. Instantly added to my lifetime favorites list!" Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality good. They say the author is a skilled wordsmith and they are captivated by the entire book.

"...Excellent narration by Trei Taylor!" Read more

"...The author is such a wordsmith that I was taken aback by the entire book. I loved how the life stories of Kyron and Davia were given...." Read more

"...The MCs are magnificent, the writing is so good you feel you’re actually stranded in that barren moon with them and you feel the desperation, the..." Read more

"Well (at times beautifully) written, this story will pull you into anothet world and leave you a little heartbroken that the story ultimately has to..." Read more

6 customers mention "Joy"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it entertaining and well-written. The story depicts a range of emotions, from sadness to joy, relief, and longing. It's described as a beautiful experience to witness, bringing tears of sadness and joy to their eyes.

"...Kyran and Davia’s worlds colliding was a beautiful experience to witness...." Read more

"...It will bring tears of sadness and tears of joy to your eyes. Ms. Black is a hell of an author." Read more

"...This book had all the feels. It was sad and happy, hate and love and danger and peace. It is well worth the time to read." Read more

"...The range of emotions this book had me feeling from devastation to unfettered joy, relief, and longing pulled more than a few tears from me...." Read more

6 customers mention "Spiritual content"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the spiritual content of the book. They find the main characters' inner thoughts and feelings soothing to the soul. The world-building and spiritual underpinnings are sublime. The book brings tears of sadness and joy to their eyes, with action and angst mixed in.

"...action and angst and yet (with Davia's background) it is almost spiritual in nature. Not in a religious way but rather in a soothing to the soul way...." Read more

"...in that barren moon with them and you feel the desperation, the hopelessness and then you feel the connection between them...." Read more

"...I could not put the book down. This book had all the feels. It was sad and happy, hate and love and danger and peace...." Read more

"...The tension was believable, emotion heartfelt, and the angst - oh so real...." Read more

Hop in and go for an epic ride, just try not to crash land on a barren moon, will ya?
5 out of 5 stars
Hop in and go for an epic ride, just try not to crash land on a barren moon, will ya?
I’ve never wished to be stranded on a dangerous alien moon, but for Davia I might!No Shelter But The Stars is so many things.WarMysteryIntrigueDesolationHopelessnessFearDesperationVulnerabilityTenderFierceVirginia Black crafted this narrative like a bespoke suit. Every fold, pin, break, and seam fits perfectly around the characters and the story. As Davia and Kyran’s lives and histories unfold and enterwine, you can feel their forbidden destiny blossom.Kyran’s impatiently patient ways made me smile, and laugh countless times. Davia’s sense of duty and strength inspired me. The range of emotions this book had me feeling from devastation to unfettered joy, relief, and longing pulled more than a few tears from me.The moments of despair and disgust are stark and visceral, but they bring the moments of joy and connection into stark relief. When you have known profound desolation, intimacy can be truly raw and life altering.This IS a ROMANCE and they get their HEA. For anyone on the fence about sci-fi, this would be a great place to get a delectable taste of it on the tip of your beloved HEA. Hop in and go for an epic ride, just try not to crash land on a barren moon, will ya?
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024
    The story of Kyran and Davia first fighting to stay alive, and then developing into love for each other was so lovely. And there is so much more, with each of them not relishing their "royal" status, and yet owning it in their own beautiful way to carve a path for stability for all. Not knowing if they would ever find their way back to each other was a bit heartbreaking along the reader's journey, but what they accomplished on that way back was nothing short of remarkable. Excellent narration by Trei Taylor!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
    Where to begin? For the most part, I’m an avid reader of lesbian romance novels. I asked for a five star book in a book group and 3 people recommended Virginia Black’s No Shelter But The Stars. I probably wouldn’t have found this book any other way.
    The world building by Black was truly incredible. Even in the depths of far space and universes unknown or to most, unimaginable, I was able to clearly picture every scene. Kyran and Davia’s worlds colliding was a beautiful experience to witness. The heat between the characters, the will to live, the survival it took on a desolate moon. I loved every minute of this read.
    Highly recommend.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
    This is one of those rare books that is truly epic! I have not been a fan of science fiction but this one has beyond a doubt changed my mind. The author is such a wordsmith that I was taken aback by the entire book. I loved how the life stories of Kyron and Davia were given. It made me really know each of them on a personal level. What a lovely love story. Enemies to lovers at a whole new level. There are not enough words of praise to give this book the justice it deserves. So much action and angst and yet (with Davia's background) it is almost spiritual in nature. Not in a religious way but rather in a soothing to the soul way. I wholehearted recommend this one. I will treasure it and no doubt will reread many times.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2025
    I’m not usually into science fiction and had to start the audiobook over a few times until I could devote enough time to really get into the story. I’m so glad that I didn’t give up because this is a wonderful story. Virginia Black’s writing is so smooth and her storytelling is compelling. I loved Kyran and Davia and the chemistry between them. I know that when I re-listen I will love it even more.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
    This was fantastic! Women loving women in an epic sci-fi with tension, longing, and sex? Yes sign me up right now! The depth of each character and the description of the settings put right on that "dammed rock" with the MCs. The pacing of the story is well done with enough world building that you understand but don't get info dumped. I hope this gets even more reviews and gets in more libraries. Im looking forward to reading another book of the authors in the near future.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
    First the title intrigued me, being a trekker, I knew it would be right up my ally. Being the first book I’ve read by this author, nothing prepared me for this story. The story is of strife, injustices, oppression as well as the most beautiful love story. The MCs are magnificent, the writing is so good you feel you’re actually stranded in that barren moon with them and you feel the desperation, the hopelessness and then you feel the connection between them. I won’t say much more about this book other than it is a must read, it will stay with you. It will bring tears of sadness and tears of joy to your eyes. Ms. Black is a hell of an author.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2024
    A beautiful, expansive love story told from multiple points of view. The world building is in depth while also managing to avoid getting bogged down with too much embellishment. The development of the characters & their lives is well thought out & paced perfectly.

    Instantly added to my lifetime favorites list!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
    Virginia Black is one of my favorites. The story of Davia and Kyran was amazing. An enemies to lovers is too simple a description. This story was so well written that you feel like you are part of the story. I could not put the book down. This book had all the feels. It was sad and happy, hate and love and danger and peace. It is well worth the time to read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • djinn fissure
    5.0 out of 5 stars I felt fully immersed in this thrilling story and loved every page.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 18, 2024
    The first time I read No Shelter But the Stars, I was in awe of every sentence (except for everything before Kyran crashes, which almost put me off the book--it is slow and ordinary--like blah, blah, blah sci fi--yeah, yeah, a space battle--yeah, yeah, a disgruntled Princess. The rest of the book is glorious, sui generis, edge-of-your-seat, down-in-the-dirt and in your face science fiction). After I finished my first read, I immediately began again. I wanted to see anew Kyran's take on what happened now that I knew Davia's. Oh, and the sex is a master class in majestic, while most lesbian novel sex is same old, same old, just-flip-the-pages-as-quickly-as-you-can-to-get-it-over-with sex. When the story ended, I missed Kyran and Davia so much, again. They injected strength into my soul. I read it a third time and was finally able to pause. I've rarely read books back-to-back, and never before, three times.

    A month later, I read it again. Twice.

    It is now my favourite title and my favourite book. It has just nudged out Unbreakable by Cari Hunter, another story (not science fiction) about two strong women going through hell together. No Shelter But the Stars and Unbreakable are what I wish other lesbian writers could aim for and at least get in the same universe as. But some books are great and others are quite, and disappointingly, ... not.

    Read No Shelter But the Stars as many times as you can. And then read Unbreakable.
  • Andrea
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me ha encantado!
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 31, 2024
    Ha sido un gran viaje, la única pregunta qué tengo es... Por qué no se habla más de éste libro?
  • Kindle Kundin
    5.0 out of 5 stars 11/10 across the boards!!
    Reviewed in Germany on January 9, 2025
    I loved every single thing about this book: the formidable and indicatre word and World building, the in depth characterization and the amazing tension between Kyran and Davia. I recommend everyone to read this book, as it is so deeply well written and thought out- I made sure to follow the author and will be waiting for more sapphic books :') thank you so much!!
  • Mazaet
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2024
    Wonderful world building and two realistic and fully formed main characters. I felt fully immersed in this thrilling story and loved every page. Off to find more by this author.
  • Invitée
    5.0 out of 5 stars très belle découverte
    Reviewed in France on April 26, 2024
    Premier livre que je lis de Virginia Black et ce ne sera pas le dernier. Excellent, je l’ai dévoré en deux ou trois jours. J’espère vraiment qu’il y aura une suite. Merci pour ce très bon moment.

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