There Once Were Stars by Melanie McFarlane

Title: There Once Were Stars
Author: Melanie McFarlane
Publisher: Month9Books
Format: Ebook 
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Rating: 3/5 stars 

Synopsis:

Peace. Love. Order. Dome. That’s the motto that the Order has given the residents of Dome 1618 to live by. Natalia Greyes is a resident of Dome 1618, a covered city protected from the deadly radiation that has poisoned the world outside for four generations. Nat never questioned the Order, until one day she sees a stranger on the outside of the dome. Now Nat wants answers. Is there life outside the dome and if so, what has the Order been hiding from everyone? 

Review:
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

When the novel first started, I was quickly intrigued with where this plot was going. I knew there were going to be many questions along the way to learning about this world. I've never read a book set in a Dome before, and I found it quite interesting. As the story went on, and little by little things started to unfold, the excitement dwelled down. The Order was not intimidating at all, and the big reveal was predictable in my opinion. I wanted it to be a real page turner, with some kick ass action! There was so much potential for that, especially since the writing was well done.
Your main character, Natalia was very headstrong. She wanted the answers to what The Order was hiding, and she would have done anything to do so. Despite not getting much support around her, besides Evan – the Outsider of Dome 1618, who she slowly falls in love with. Natalia never gives up on what she believes in, and that's what makes for a fantastic female protagonist. She was fearless, and I am super sad that I will not be getting to read more of her. There was so much more room for her as a character to grow. This book was just the cusp of who she is, and I would love to see who she will become in the future. SEQUEL PLEASE?!
Like most young adult books, there's always a little romance. Therefore, I didn't care too much about this one. It wasn't exciting and fresh! Evan was no different from your typical love interest. Again, I think there was more room for his character. He was very one noted, most of the time, and was constantly sending “swoon worthy” smirks to Natalia, which did nothing for me. I didn't connect to him, or them as a growing couple what's so ever.

Melanie Mcfarlens debut novel is a unique mix of dystopian and sci-fi. While I wasn't blown away by the story, I do believe many young adult readers might enjoy this very much. 

Xo, Nicole