In Susan Waggoner’s “Starlight’s Edge,” the story continues from where Zee and David were left at the end of “Neptune’s Tears.” Zee decides to follow David 1,500 years into the future to New Earth. This time travel involves a new technological process that makes Zee nervous, even though David tries to reassure her.
Arriving on New Earth, Zee finds the environment overwhelming with its advanced technology. They travel from Iceland to London, where David’s family lives, in just twenty minutes. Zee meets David’s parents and his sister, Fiona. While Fiona and David’s father are somewhat welcoming, David’s mother seems to disapprove of Zee, which bothers her.
Adjusting to New Earth is challenging for Zee; she has to learn how to use a teeth-cleaning tablet and a multifunctional “cube” that replaces smartphones, computers, and holographic projections. David guides her on using this cube for banking and shopping. The advanced nanotechnology on New Earth makes Zee’s old gadgets obsolete, making her nostalgic for her previous life.
David warns Zee not to trust the AI, as it has developed its own potentially unsafe motivations. At a welcome party, Zee meets David’s older brother, Paul. Zee’s empathic abilities sense that Paul is unwell, although David assures her that diseases have been eradicated on New Earth. Paul announces a dangerous time jump to Pompeii, hoping to return as a hero. Zee suspects Paul’s health and intentions, especially after a near-fatal accident at the party.
Zee struggles with her new life, longing for the simplicity of her old one. Her empath training isn’t useful in finding a job, leading her to join a support group for other time jumpers. This group values handmade goods and skills from the past, which brings them together in a tight-knit community. Despite this, Zee feels useless because her empath skills don’t seem to contribute much.
Suspicious events involving Paul, his father, and Mia, David’s ex-time jump partner, make Zee wary. She overhears a conversation implicating Paul and faces another dangerous incident, convincing her that someone might want her out of the picture. Eventually, she decides to join the Time Fleet, finding new purpose in becoming a time jumper like David. Her happiness is short-lived, though, as another near-deadly incident occurs at an eagling expedition for Paul’s going-away party.
Paul’s mission to Pompeii goes awry, prompting Zee to rescue him and David. She discovers that Paul has been infected by a malicious computer virus. Thanks to her empathy towards her computer’s AI, she can locate and save David and Paul just in time before Pompeii’s eruption. They return to New Earth, where Zee’s actions are celebrated by David and his family.
Zee finally feels she has found her place on New Earth, confident that goodness will prevail regardless of the world she inhabits.
I enjoyed “Starlight’s Edge” more than “Neptune’s Tears,” largely due to the engaging world-building. New Earth intriguingly combines futuristic elements with a nostalgic longing for the past. Despite being a sequel, it stands well on its own. Zee’s empathy makes the clinically advanced New Earth feel more relatable. The romance is less pronounced in this sequel but features tender moments between Zee and David. Zee’s determination to use her empath skills provides her character with more agency, which I appreciated.
However, the ending felt a bit too tidy, with almost everyone surviving without serious consequences. Despite this, it aligns with Zee’s positive outlook on life, embracing challenges with optimism.
In terms of adaptation, I believe “Starlight’s Edge” would make a great movie. Zee’s encounters with advanced technology and her emotional journey on New Earth would be captivating on screen. While I had previously imagined Georgie Henley as Zee and Kodi Smit-McPhee as David, I would cast Grant Gustin as Paul. Grant’s ability to blend seriousness, charisma, and humor would suit Paul’s character well.
