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Shadow and Starlight #1
A Song of Shadow and Starlight
Ilaria Shaye Kitarni is the sole heir to the Midorian Throne, but she will never be permitted to rule.
On the eve of her wedding to her childhood best friend, she unwittingly thwarts an assassination attempt, and is kidnapped by the Tronovians, the sworn enemy of the Midorians.
Determined to escape her captors, she burns their boat and swims to the shores of the Jungle Kingdom of Bava. But instead of getting away, she thrusts herself, and the three magic-wielding brothers who captured her, into perils she’s only ever read about in books.
During the long trek through Bava, she discovers hidden truths not only about the people she loves most, but about herself as well.
Never trust a Tronovian. That has been beaten into Shaye’s head for as long as she can remember, but could it be, the only people she can trust are her enemies?
A Song of Shadow and Starlight is the first book in a NA Fantasy Romance and Adventure series, perfect for fans of Avatar the Last Airbender, ACOTAR (Steamy vibes without Explicit Spice), and Dungeons and Dragons!
On the eve of her wedding to her childhood best friend, she unwittingly thwarts an assassination attempt, and is kidnapped by the Tronovians, the sworn enemy of the Midorians.
Determined to escape her captors, she burns their boat and swims to the shores of the Jungle Kingdom of Bava. But instead of getting away, she thrusts herself, and the three magic-wielding brothers who captured her, into perils she’s only ever read about in books.
During the long trek through Bava, she discovers hidden truths not only about the people she loves most, but about herself as well.
Never trust a Tronovian. That has been beaten into Shaye’s head for as long as she can remember, but could it be, the only people she can trust are her enemies?
A Song of Shadow and Starlight is the first book in a NA Fantasy Romance and Adventure series, perfect for fans of Avatar the Last Airbender, ACOTAR (Steamy vibes without Explicit Spice), and Dungeons and Dragons!
334 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2023
259 people are currently reading
11212 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Gauthier
11 books242 followersStorytelling is in Morgan Gauthier’s blood; She can’t seem to turn her brain off at night and some of her best ideas have come to her in the shower.
Born to two book-loving parents, Morgan was raised on a healthy diet of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, and any fantasy book she could get her hands on. She started writing her own stories at eleven years old and hasn’t looked back.
Wolves of Adalore was her first self-published YA Fantasy title and since then, she has published a Contemporary Romance (Aloha, Seattle) with the second YA Fantasy installment in the Mark of the Hunter Trilogy (The Red Maiden) coming in April of 2022.
Morgan Gauthier lives in East Tennessee with her husband and best friend, Brad, with their three children, Remi, Archer, and Roux (who are 4 years old and younger!). If five people wreaking havoc in the same house wasn’t enough, Morgan also has three dogs, Potter, Skye, and Bubba, and one grumpy bird named Titus.
If Morgan isn’t writing or reading, she can be found binge watching Netflix shows, attempting to cook like Gordon Ramsay (not even close to his level), and practicing archery.
Born to two book-loving parents, Morgan was raised on a healthy diet of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, and any fantasy book she could get her hands on. She started writing her own stories at eleven years old and hasn’t looked back.
Wolves of Adalore was her first self-published YA Fantasy title and since then, she has published a Contemporary Romance (Aloha, Seattle) with the second YA Fantasy installment in the Mark of the Hunter Trilogy (The Red Maiden) coming in April of 2022.
Morgan Gauthier lives in East Tennessee with her husband and best friend, Brad, with their three children, Remi, Archer, and Roux (who are 4 years old and younger!). If five people wreaking havoc in the same house wasn’t enough, Morgan also has three dogs, Potter, Skye, and Bubba, and one grumpy bird named Titus.
If Morgan isn’t writing or reading, she can be found binge watching Netflix shows, attempting to cook like Gordon Ramsay (not even close to his level), and practicing archery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
June 2, 2023
This book is so good! Everything fantasy lovers want in a book! Morgan has built such a unique and rich world with a magic system everyone will love! She masterfully brought elements we love from things like Avatar the Last Airbender and ACOTAR and gave them a fresh twist that will keep you turning pages as fast as you can.
Trust me when I say, you won't want to miss out on this one!
Is book 2 ready yet?😅
Trust me when I say, you won't want to miss out on this one!
Is book 2 ready yet?😅
August 2, 2023
Ilaria, the sole heir to the Midorian throne, was set to marry her childhood best friend when she was abducted by the three Tronovian brothers on the eve of her wedding. As she tries to make sense of her situation, Ilaria discovers that her entire life has been built on a foundation of lies and deceit. She struggles to determine who she can trust, especially as her sworn enemies warn of an impending war lurking in the shadows.
The story was a delightful and easy read, with a vividly imagined world and a unique magic system. Ilaria, a sheltered princess, has spent her entire life behind the walls of the castle, aware of the dangers that lurk outside but unaware that she is already living with danger. After discovering the truth about herself and her situation, she feels conflicted and struggles to make decisions that she believes are right.
The Three brothers, Atlas, Nyx, and Finn, are incredible characters. Atlas may come across as arrogant and cocky to others, but he is fiercely protective of those he cares about and loves. Nyx, the youngest brother, is easy-going and funny, often joking around and flirting with Ilaria. Finn, the middle brother, has a quiet and calm demeanor and is a skilled healer with exceptional intelligence. Together, they make an amazing trio!
The story was a perfect blend of secrets, action, adventure, lies, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance that kept the tension high. I was screaming at Atlas and Ilaria to kiss and make up, only to be interrupted by someone every time they got close. While the cliffhanger ending left me wanting more, I am excited to see what the second book has in store.
The story was a delightful and easy read, with a vividly imagined world and a unique magic system. Ilaria, a sheltered princess, has spent her entire life behind the walls of the castle, aware of the dangers that lurk outside but unaware that she is already living with danger. After discovering the truth about herself and her situation, she feels conflicted and struggles to make decisions that she believes are right.
The Three brothers, Atlas, Nyx, and Finn, are incredible characters. Atlas may come across as arrogant and cocky to others, but he is fiercely protective of those he cares about and loves. Nyx, the youngest brother, is easy-going and funny, often joking around and flirting with Ilaria. Finn, the middle brother, has a quiet and calm demeanor and is a skilled healer with exceptional intelligence. Together, they make an amazing trio!
The story was a perfect blend of secrets, action, adventure, lies, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance that kept the tension high. I was screaming at Atlas and Ilaria to kiss and make up, only to be interrupted by someone every time they got close. While the cliffhanger ending left me wanting more, I am excited to see what the second book has in store.
February 25, 2024
"You could be a powerful queen if you gave yourself a chance."
✨️ Rival Kingdoms
✨️ Hidden Identity
✨️ Secrets
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Slow Burn
✨️ Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
✨️ Witty Banter
✨️ FMC 1st Person POV
Every bullet point above was done so well! I especially loved the slow burn and banter throughout. All the brothers are swoon worthy. 🫠 I look forward to seeing the characters' growth and adventures they will go on in the next book!
I absolutely loved this book and would 100% recommend it to others. ✨️
I need book 2 like yesterday!
Thank you to the author for an eARC copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
✨️ Rival Kingdoms
✨️ Hidden Identity
✨️ Secrets
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Slow Burn
✨️ Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
✨️ Witty Banter
✨️ FMC 1st Person POV
Every bullet point above was done so well! I especially loved the slow burn and banter throughout. All the brothers are swoon worthy. 🫠 I look forward to seeing the characters' growth and adventures they will go on in the next book!
I absolutely loved this book and would 100% recommend it to others. ✨️
I need book 2 like yesterday!
Thank you to the author for an eARC copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 4, 2023
DNF. How is this book rated so high? The writing is absolutely terrible. The FMC is horrifically annoying and all of her thoughts and reactions make absolutely no sense. The girl gets kidnapped and you know what the first thing she worries about? The fact that her night gown ripped. Bffr if you’re going to write a book for the love of god at least make the characters have some sort of realistic intelligence.
Anyways if you enjoy horribly written books, stupid characters, and a predictable plot have at it
Anyways if you enjoy horribly written books, stupid characters, and a predictable plot have at it
March 12, 2024
4.5 Stars
When Shay is kidnapped by her enemies, and taken away from her kingdom, she quickly learns that everything she knows is not quite what it seems.Shaye has to figure out if she can learn to trust the Tonovians, or escape and return to her kingdom and fiance, and give up the little freedom that she has.
Morgan gave us information about the world slowly, and spread out through the story, so it felt natural and never overwhelming as we learned more information. I fell in love with our MC’s so quickly, and the side characters with their charm and banter was easily enjoyable. There was no smut but a slow burn that was very much worth it.!
This was a quick and easy read, and felt so cozy. I know that I will reread this again, especially as the weather changes and I can sit in front of a fire with a cup of tea.
A few tropes are:
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Found family
Enemies to lovers
When Shay is kidnapped by her enemies, and taken away from her kingdom, she quickly learns that everything she knows is not quite what it seems.Shaye has to figure out if she can learn to trust the Tonovians, or escape and return to her kingdom and fiance, and give up the little freedom that she has.
Morgan gave us information about the world slowly, and spread out through the story, so it felt natural and never overwhelming as we learned more information. I fell in love with our MC’s so quickly, and the side characters with their charm and banter was easily enjoyable. There was no smut but a slow burn that was very much worth it.!
This was a quick and easy read, and felt so cozy. I know that I will reread this again, especially as the weather changes and I can sit in front of a fire with a cup of tea.
A few tropes are:
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Found family
Enemies to lovers
June 2, 2023
Author Post coming at you!
A Song of Shadow and Starlight is the first book in a NA Fantasy Romance and Adventure series, perfect for fans of Avatar the Last Airbender, Tangled, ACOTAR (Steamy vibes without Explicit Spice), and Dungeons and Dragons!
If you like...
* Slow burn enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
* Kidnapped Princess
* 3 Magic Wielding Brothers
* Magic, Magic, and more Magic!
* Rival Kingdoms
* Hidden Identity
* Found Family
* Witty Banter
* Classic Action and Adventure
* Books with Humans, Elves, Trolls, and Dwarves
* Epic Worldbuilding
Then this book is for YOU! And the Harland brothers are hot. So, go ahead and meet them!
A Song of Shadow and Starlight is the first book in a NA Fantasy Romance and Adventure series, perfect for fans of Avatar the Last Airbender, Tangled, ACOTAR (Steamy vibes without Explicit Spice), and Dungeons and Dragons!
If you like...
* Slow burn enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
* Kidnapped Princess
* 3 Magic Wielding Brothers
* Magic, Magic, and more Magic!
* Rival Kingdoms
* Hidden Identity
* Found Family
* Witty Banter
* Classic Action and Adventure
* Books with Humans, Elves, Trolls, and Dwarves
* Epic Worldbuilding
Then this book is for YOU! And the Harland brothers are hot. So, go ahead and meet them!
September 26, 2023
DNF at 24%
I can't really get on with the writing, but the main thing that broke any immersion I had for the story was describing the MMC smelling like "leather and sulphur" - why has no one else picked up that sulphur (and therefore the MMC) smells like rotten eggs?!? 😂
I can't really get on with the writing, but the main thing that broke any immersion I had for the story was describing the MMC smelling like "leather and sulphur" - why has no one else picked up that sulphur (and therefore the MMC) smells like rotten eggs?!? 😂
June 18, 2024
I liked the idea, but unfortunately did not like the execution. I felt there was too much telling vs showing. I wanted to like it because of elements that remind me of World of Warcraft. But I was so disappointed.
January 12, 2024
Secrets and lies. Lies and secrets. After being kidnapped by Eris and the Harland brothers, Shaye discovers more about herself than she ever imagined she’d learn. When she realizes her enemy kidnappers are more truthful to her than anyone she’s ever known, the inner turmoil she fights leads her to new revelations about life, love, and who she is.
As part of Morgan’s street team, I was delighted to be given the chance to receive the ARC for this book as it has been one of my most anticipated 2023 reads since I first saw her Instagram post on it. This review is 100% honest and my thoughts on this INCREDIBLE book.
1.) The writing was amazing and her ability to capture her character’s personalities was phenomenal. Each character had distinct personalities that flowed so well together. Nobody was just bland and boring.
2.) The witty banter was topnotch to me. Especially with Nyx, who ended up being my FAVE character overall, despite me thoroughly rooting for the morally grey, swoon worthy Atlas during the wonderful slow burn we see occur.
3.) I’ve once again been reminded that we don’t trust *certain* character types that we see in the beginning of books (IYKYK).
4.) The cliffhanger that this book leaves on was perfectly timed and has me already itching for more. The next book comes out next April and I already cannot wait!
5.) If I could give this book 10/10 stars, I would. I loved it that much.
Tropes include:
🔥Slow Burn, Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🔥Three Magic Wielding Brothers
🔥Found Family
🔥Rival Kingdoms
🔥Magic! Magic! And more Magic!
🔥Kidnapped Princess
🔥Action and Adventure
🔥Lost Royal
🔥Hidden Identity
🔥Humans, Elves, Trolls, and Dwarves
🔥Epic Worldbuilding
🔥Witty Banter
As part of Morgan’s street team, I was delighted to be given the chance to receive the ARC for this book as it has been one of my most anticipated 2023 reads since I first saw her Instagram post on it. This review is 100% honest and my thoughts on this INCREDIBLE book.
1.) The writing was amazing and her ability to capture her character’s personalities was phenomenal. Each character had distinct personalities that flowed so well together. Nobody was just bland and boring.
2.) The witty banter was topnotch to me. Especially with Nyx, who ended up being my FAVE character overall, despite me thoroughly rooting for the morally grey, swoon worthy Atlas during the wonderful slow burn we see occur.
3.) I’ve once again been reminded that we don’t trust *certain* character types that we see in the beginning of books (IYKYK).
4.) The cliffhanger that this book leaves on was perfectly timed and has me already itching for more. The next book comes out next April and I already cannot wait!
5.) If I could give this book 10/10 stars, I would. I loved it that much.
Tropes include:
🔥Slow Burn, Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🔥Three Magic Wielding Brothers
🔥Found Family
🔥Rival Kingdoms
🔥Magic! Magic! And more Magic!
🔥Kidnapped Princess
🔥Action and Adventure
🔥Lost Royal
🔥Hidden Identity
🔥Humans, Elves, Trolls, and Dwarves
🔥Epic Worldbuilding
🔥Witty Banter
October 8, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
I LOVED this book. I literally ignored some of my errands and to do list to stay home and binge this book in about a day—it’s that good!
The found family, magical brothers, enemies to forced allies, diverse world, and hilarious banter had me totally sucked in. Atlas is such a swoony MMC and I loved all of his little lines to get under Shaye’s skin. I thought Shaye was a likable FMC, and I loved her growth from being a naive and sheltered princess to being exposed to the real world and new adventures (can’t say more than that, because, spoilers!). The little bits of backstory we learn about Eris and Finn made me love them so much, and you can count on Nyx to provide laughter at all the right moments. The amount of loyalty, acceptance, and respect their little group shares for each other just pulled at my heart strings.
This is book 1 in a series, and I thought the ending was just perfect. I am already SO excited for book 2 to come out and will absolutely be continuing the series!!
I LOVED this book. I literally ignored some of my errands and to do list to stay home and binge this book in about a day—it’s that good!
The found family, magical brothers, enemies to forced allies, diverse world, and hilarious banter had me totally sucked in. Atlas is such a swoony MMC and I loved all of his little lines to get under Shaye’s skin. I thought Shaye was a likable FMC, and I loved her growth from being a naive and sheltered princess to being exposed to the real world and new adventures (can’t say more than that, because, spoilers!). The little bits of backstory we learn about Eris and Finn made me love them so much, and you can count on Nyx to provide laughter at all the right moments. The amount of loyalty, acceptance, and respect their little group shares for each other just pulled at my heart strings.
This is book 1 in a series, and I thought the ending was just perfect. I am already SO excited for book 2 to come out and will absolutely be continuing the series!!
August 10, 2023
I would like to begin by thanking the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.
My rating is closer to about a 3.75 and I merely rounded up.
I honestly had so much fun with this. It was fast paced and had a lot of the tropes that us fantasy girlies absolutely adore.
Shaye is a sheltered, naive, and spoiled princess that has been stiffled for a good portion of her life by those that are supposed to love her. Due to her upbringing I understand why she is the way she is, but I will admit that I found her slightly frustrating. Nonetheless, I am excited to see how she grows in the near future.
MY LITERAL highlight of the book were the Harland brothers. They are all so unique in their own way and yet they work so well together as a collective. I love each brother with my whole chest. Nyx is that best friend figure who could dang well be your annoying brother. Finn was the timid one that is so sweet. Atlas is the grumpy brooding shadow daddy that you fall for all of the time. I can't wait to learn more about them and their history on the coming books.
The pacing for the book is a little fast and my only critique is that I wish it was slightly longer so that relationships could be developed to greater depths. I personally feel that the fact that this whole book takes course over a single week makes it slightly difficult to gauge the complexity of the relationship between the characters. It's almost as if the work was done behind the scenes and readers are simply told that things are progressing. However that being said, I did enjoy everything overall.
The world is unique and full of potential. I really liked how each Kingdom is different and offers something richer to the world building. I hope to see more expansion and interactions with the other kingdoms as we continue forward.
In conclusion, I had a good time and recommend this to someone looking for a fast paced fantasy romance book full of adventure and discovery of friendship.
My rating is closer to about a 3.75 and I merely rounded up.
I honestly had so much fun with this. It was fast paced and had a lot of the tropes that us fantasy girlies absolutely adore.
Shaye is a sheltered, naive, and spoiled princess that has been stiffled for a good portion of her life by those that are supposed to love her. Due to her upbringing I understand why she is the way she is, but I will admit that I found her slightly frustrating. Nonetheless, I am excited to see how she grows in the near future.
MY LITERAL highlight of the book were the Harland brothers. They are all so unique in their own way and yet they work so well together as a collective. I love each brother with my whole chest. Nyx is that best friend figure who could dang well be your annoying brother. Finn was the timid one that is so sweet. Atlas is the grumpy brooding shadow daddy that you fall for all of the time. I can't wait to learn more about them and their history on the coming books.
The pacing for the book is a little fast and my only critique is that I wish it was slightly longer so that relationships could be developed to greater depths. I personally feel that the fact that this whole book takes course over a single week makes it slightly difficult to gauge the complexity of the relationship between the characters. It's almost as if the work was done behind the scenes and readers are simply told that things are progressing. However that being said, I did enjoy everything overall.
The world is unique and full of potential. I really liked how each Kingdom is different and offers something richer to the world building. I hope to see more expansion and interactions with the other kingdoms as we continue forward.
In conclusion, I had a good time and recommend this to someone looking for a fast paced fantasy romance book full of adventure and discovery of friendship.
July 27, 2025
So was this a rip off of ACOMAF? Yes, completely. Did I continue to eat it up? Unfortunately, yes. Not great writing but sadly I got invested and just wanted them to kiss already but sadly I’m still left waiting. So I will be reading the next book 😔
Sarah Hinosoja read this book PLEASE
Sarah Hinosoja read this book PLEASE
August 11, 2025
3.75
January 26, 2024
Look, I know how hard it is to write something and get it published and all of that, and so I hate writing negative reviews. But also I don't agree that negative reviews should never be written. Negative reviews and viewpoints are valid too. With that being said, I'll start with my favorite part: I had a really good time sending live updates to my friend because I needed someone else to understand what I was going through. I would say that the story had promise, except it wasn't any more promising or creative than any other fantasy out there. Lots of things "inspired" by other stories. Like, hmm the man with shadow powers also happens to have violet eyes? What a surprise. Haven't seen that before.
Speaking of eye color and appearances, it was hilarious to me that our MC had "boring" (in her words) brown eyes and hair, but trust me that did not last long. She gets super special eye and hair color later so we know that she is super special. Because people with brown hair and eyes can't be special or main characters (eye roll). Our MMC also had a special nickname for her out of nowhere in a language she didn't know and kept trying to figure out what it meant and he wouldn't tell her. I guessed it right away (pretty obvious if you read the title). The banter everyone seemed to love between them wasn't that entertaining to me.
Nothing about the world or plot was remarkable. Everything felt pretty predictable. I honestly felt like there wasn't actually much that happened plot wise. Our heroine is kidnapped. She becomes friends with her captors of course. The MMC had to save her on like at least three separate occasions. The characters did not feel like real people. Their dialogues and reactions felt extreme or childish. When I found out our MC was supposed to be 21 I nearly choked because she thinks and acts like she's 15. I really felt like I was reading a teenager's wattpad story. The editing was non-existent, and certain passages or sentences were so bad they pulled me out of the story. Also, there was an odd number of times where the character described being handed a glass of wine which she would then swirl and describe the notes???? Like, cool you're a wine aficionado??? But it felt really weird and random. Something else that felt really out of place/time was the girls night slumber party that randomly happened halfway through the book. What time period is this supposed to be? Couldn't tell you, because the worldbuilding wasn't that developed or consistent.
Another pet peeve: people were constantly calling her clever or smart, but she never did or thought anything clever or smart. You can't convince me that she ever had more than two thoughts in her head, and having other characters pretend she does is lazy characterization. I could go on and on but suffice it to say that this was unfortunately, for me, one of the worst books I've read in a long time. Despite that, it was still entertaining, in the way those bad sci-fi movies on tv are fun to watch. My friend will be reading the sequel when it comes out and giving me the live text updates this time around so I don't have to.
Giving one star in honor of her dog that died while she was writing it.
Speaking of eye color and appearances, it was hilarious to me that our MC had "boring" (in her words) brown eyes and hair, but trust me that did not last long. She gets super special eye and hair color later so we know that she is super special. Because people with brown hair and eyes can't be special or main characters (eye roll). Our MMC also had a special nickname for her out of nowhere in a language she didn't know and kept trying to figure out what it meant and he wouldn't tell her. I guessed it right away (pretty obvious if you read the title). The banter everyone seemed to love between them wasn't that entertaining to me.
Nothing about the world or plot was remarkable. Everything felt pretty predictable. I honestly felt like there wasn't actually much that happened plot wise. Our heroine is kidnapped. She becomes friends with her captors of course. The MMC had to save her on like at least three separate occasions. The characters did not feel like real people. Their dialogues and reactions felt extreme or childish. When I found out our MC was supposed to be 21 I nearly choked because she thinks and acts like she's 15. I really felt like I was reading a teenager's wattpad story. The editing was non-existent, and certain passages or sentences were so bad they pulled me out of the story. Also, there was an odd number of times where the character described being handed a glass of wine which she would then swirl and describe the notes???? Like, cool you're a wine aficionado??? But it felt really weird and random. Something else that felt really out of place/time was the girls night slumber party that randomly happened halfway through the book. What time period is this supposed to be? Couldn't tell you, because the worldbuilding wasn't that developed or consistent.
Another pet peeve: people were constantly calling her clever or smart, but she never did or thought anything clever or smart. You can't convince me that she ever had more than two thoughts in her head, and having other characters pretend she does is lazy characterization. I could go on and on but suffice it to say that this was unfortunately, for me, one of the worst books I've read in a long time. Despite that, it was still entertaining, in the way those bad sci-fi movies on tv are fun to watch. My friend will be reading the sequel when it comes out and giving me the live text updates this time around so I don't have to.
Giving one star in honor of her dog that died while she was writing it.
July 31, 2023
4.4/5 stars⭐️
This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. Possible light spoilers ahead!
Initial thoughts:
I LOVED this book!! I really started to get into it around the 20% mark and just could not put it down! I love the brothers so much and the world building is so interesting! Finn is sweet, Nyx is a shameless flirt, and Atlas is your classic brooding secret cinnamon roll 😂 I love all three of them. And their other companion, Eris is so strong and I want her to be my best friend!
I can’t wait to discover more about Shaye’s magic and the secrets that have been kept from her. I enjoy Atlas and Shaye’s back and forth IMMENSELY!! I love good banter 😆
This is a great fast paced, banter-filled, new adult fantasy and I highly recommend you read it! It was so much fun to read!! I need the next book ASAP and am about to go read Morgan’s other books to fill the gap until book 2 releases!!
Finn is my favorite of the brothers— a sweet healer that enjoys making salves and tinctures, trying to make up for his magical ability to inflict pain? Yup I like them tragic 😂 also he has glasses and I think that’s adorable PLUS he likes to wear green and gold and that is one of my favorite color combinations!! He is quick to defend and will not hesitate to act when he needs to which I love! Actually, all three of the brothers do that.
Tropes:
⛓️Kidnapped princess
⚔️Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
❄️Secret identity
♥️3 hot brothers (I like Finn the best)
😘Pretending to be lovers and make out to avoid pursuers
◾️Shadow daddy powers
🌠MMC gives a nickname to FMC in his language and she doesn’t know what it means
🫂Found family
🔥MMC loves to pin her to railings and walls 😂
TW: abuse, mention of sexual assault (not main character), slight gore
I tabbed lots of quotes in this book (mostly the banter between Shaye and Atlas) but this one between Shaye and Eris really stood out to me:
“Ilaria Shaye Kitarni, it's ok to be afraid. It's ok to have second thoughts. It's ok to question everything you've ever known. It means you are searching for truth, searching for what brings you joy, searching for the real you and the power within. You aren't a bad person, or a terrible daughter, for making your own decisions and choosing your own thoughts. If anyone tells you otherwise, it's because they want to control you and you've taken away their power.”
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you want a fun and fast paced fantasy with great banter, an amazing found family, and an exciting start to a series that I know will have me on my toes!!
This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. Possible light spoilers ahead!
Initial thoughts:
I LOVED this book!! I really started to get into it around the 20% mark and just could not put it down! I love the brothers so much and the world building is so interesting! Finn is sweet, Nyx is a shameless flirt, and Atlas is your classic brooding secret cinnamon roll 😂 I love all three of them. And their other companion, Eris is so strong and I want her to be my best friend!
I can’t wait to discover more about Shaye’s magic and the secrets that have been kept from her. I enjoy Atlas and Shaye’s back and forth IMMENSELY!! I love good banter 😆
This is a great fast paced, banter-filled, new adult fantasy and I highly recommend you read it! It was so much fun to read!! I need the next book ASAP and am about to go read Morgan’s other books to fill the gap until book 2 releases!!
Finn is my favorite of the brothers— a sweet healer that enjoys making salves and tinctures, trying to make up for his magical ability to inflict pain? Yup I like them tragic 😂 also he has glasses and I think that’s adorable PLUS he likes to wear green and gold and that is one of my favorite color combinations!! He is quick to defend and will not hesitate to act when he needs to which I love! Actually, all three of the brothers do that.
Tropes:
⛓️Kidnapped princess
⚔️Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
❄️Secret identity
♥️3 hot brothers (I like Finn the best)
😘Pretending to be lovers and make out to avoid pursuers
◾️Shadow daddy powers
🌠MMC gives a nickname to FMC in his language and she doesn’t know what it means
🫂Found family
🔥MMC loves to pin her to railings and walls 😂
TW: abuse, mention of sexual assault (not main character), slight gore
I tabbed lots of quotes in this book (mostly the banter between Shaye and Atlas) but this one between Shaye and Eris really stood out to me:
“Ilaria Shaye Kitarni, it's ok to be afraid. It's ok to have second thoughts. It's ok to question everything you've ever known. It means you are searching for truth, searching for what brings you joy, searching for the real you and the power within. You aren't a bad person, or a terrible daughter, for making your own decisions and choosing your own thoughts. If anyone tells you otherwise, it's because they want to control you and you've taken away their power.”
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you want a fun and fast paced fantasy with great banter, an amazing found family, and an exciting start to a series that I know will have me on my toes!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2023
✨ B O O K R E V I E W ✨
A Song of Shadow & Starlight
By: Morgan Gauthier @authormorgangauthier
Pub. August 2, 2023
312 pages (KU)
A few weeks back I bought tickets to @imaginariumbookfestival and surprised @nerd.of.words - so we can’t wait to make a girls weekend out of it next year (and meet all the authors and fellow booksta friends)!
Since then, she has expertly made us a spreadsheet of authors and books we need to read beforehand (it’s a long list, y’all, but we are ready!). She influenced me to read this book and I’m so glad I did 😆
I devoured this book in two days (had a delayed flight and the only good thing about those is you can read longer 🤓).
The book begins with a spoiled princess being kidnapped by three brothers and their accomplice. They are forced to take routes back to their kingdom which bring Princess Shaye on the adventure through her world that she’s always wanted. There’s magic, talk of dragons and elves, demons, beautiful cityscapes, and slllooooowwwww burn! I LOVE slow burn. I love it when authors don’t even have the characters kiss in the first book (obviously I’m also DYING inside for SOMETHING to happen 😵💫), but I’m a sucker for slow burn. This book has slow burn and I am HERE for it. 🔥
The three brothers are each unique and I can’t wait to learn more about them as the series progresses. There is broody and “I will kill for you” Atlas, quirky and Damon Salvatore vibes, Nyx, and then there’s sweet and beautiful, Finn 🥹.
Pick this book up if you want something refreshing and sweet with a dark bite of fantasy!
🥹 three quirky and sweet brothers
🤍 sheltered princess letting loose
🪄 magic and shadow daddies
🏞️ beautiful descriptions of cities
A Song of Shadow & Starlight
By: Morgan Gauthier @authormorgangauthier
Pub. August 2, 2023
312 pages (KU)
A few weeks back I bought tickets to @imaginariumbookfestival and surprised @nerd.of.words - so we can’t wait to make a girls weekend out of it next year (and meet all the authors and fellow booksta friends)!
Since then, she has expertly made us a spreadsheet of authors and books we need to read beforehand (it’s a long list, y’all, but we are ready!). She influenced me to read this book and I’m so glad I did 😆
I devoured this book in two days (had a delayed flight and the only good thing about those is you can read longer 🤓).
The book begins with a spoiled princess being kidnapped by three brothers and their accomplice. They are forced to take routes back to their kingdom which bring Princess Shaye on the adventure through her world that she’s always wanted. There’s magic, talk of dragons and elves, demons, beautiful cityscapes, and slllooooowwwww burn! I LOVE slow burn. I love it when authors don’t even have the characters kiss in the first book (obviously I’m also DYING inside for SOMETHING to happen 😵💫), but I’m a sucker for slow burn. This book has slow burn and I am HERE for it. 🔥
The three brothers are each unique and I can’t wait to learn more about them as the series progresses. There is broody and “I will kill for you” Atlas, quirky and Damon Salvatore vibes, Nyx, and then there’s sweet and beautiful, Finn 🥹.
Pick this book up if you want something refreshing and sweet with a dark bite of fantasy!
🥹 three quirky and sweet brothers
🤍 sheltered princess letting loose
🪄 magic and shadow daddies
🏞️ beautiful descriptions of cities
January 12, 2024
4.5/5
Morgan does a great job of providing equal parts, fantasy, romance, and comedy. This book gives me a lot of Princess Bride vibes, with just the right amount of fantasy, humor, and action. The characters don’t take themselves too seriously even though they deal with serious themes. The characters provide much comedic relief, especially Nyx and Fin. I enjoyed Atlas (my gosh, did I want his POV of this book so I could get inside his head).
Shaye was equal parts a fighter, but also someone who had been very sheltered given the world she lived in. Watching her grapple with the lies she was fed was difficult, but it also made her a fighter. I think we can all see a little bit of that in ourselves.
The plot moved quickly and was entertaining. I love this fun world of magical creatures Morgan has created and I cannot wait to go back.
Overall, it’s a really good fantasy to read when you feel the pressure or the weight of stress or heaviness. It’ll give you the perfect moment of escapism that will make you smile and crave more.
Morgan does a great job of providing equal parts, fantasy, romance, and comedy. This book gives me a lot of Princess Bride vibes, with just the right amount of fantasy, humor, and action. The characters don’t take themselves too seriously even though they deal with serious themes. The characters provide much comedic relief, especially Nyx and Fin. I enjoyed Atlas (my gosh, did I want his POV of this book so I could get inside his head).
Shaye was equal parts a fighter, but also someone who had been very sheltered given the world she lived in. Watching her grapple with the lies she was fed was difficult, but it also made her a fighter. I think we can all see a little bit of that in ourselves.
The plot moved quickly and was entertaining. I love this fun world of magical creatures Morgan has created and I cannot wait to go back.
Overall, it’s a really good fantasy to read when you feel the pressure or the weight of stress or heaviness. It’ll give you the perfect moment of escapism that will make you smile and crave more.
July 14, 2023
With hilarious banter, a fiesty heroine, slow burn enemies to lovers romance, and THREE swoony brothers, Gauthier has gifted readers an addictive romantasy.
I loved how even though our FMC didn’t know how to fight to defend herself, she didn’t let that stop her when her kidnappers came around… She was plucky, determined, and courageous. And Atlas? Swoon!!!
I also enjoyed the world Gauthier is creating and I look forward to exploring it more! It’s not often we get a fantasy world in a romantasy that includes races like elves and dwarves and trolls. The different cultures and world lore felt rich and vivid, and I look forward to how the sequels will expand on it even more.
Definitely a fun read for anyone who loves elemental magic, rich fantasy worlds, found family, swoony slow burn romance, banter, and a fierce FMC.
I loved how even though our FMC didn’t know how to fight to defend herself, she didn’t let that stop her when her kidnappers came around… She was plucky, determined, and courageous. And Atlas? Swoon!!!
I also enjoyed the world Gauthier is creating and I look forward to exploring it more! It’s not often we get a fantasy world in a romantasy that includes races like elves and dwarves and trolls. The different cultures and world lore felt rich and vivid, and I look forward to how the sequels will expand on it even more.
Definitely a fun read for anyone who loves elemental magic, rich fantasy worlds, found family, swoony slow burn romance, banter, and a fierce FMC.
March 24, 2024
This wasn’t my favorite. Overall, it felt incredibly rushed and I had a hard time connecting to the main characters. Edit: I had another thought about this book and maybe why it wasn’t my favorite. It felt like a prequel to a really awesome book to come. It was so rushed and so many loose ends that maybe the next book will link everyone together and we will get more content!
August 16, 2023
As much as I wanted to love this book, it was written in a fashion I could not continue to read the book. It had no real progression to the story and felt like it was pushing along with obscure details so fast.
Would not recommend.
Would not recommend.
June 1, 2023
First of all, Morgan did us the best surprise by sending us the eArc early.
Second of all, I knew that I was going to enjoy this but I loved it.
Third, I NEED MORE.
This book is everything Morgan said it was. It has magic, creatures, adventures, sassy and fierce characters, banter, three hot looking and powerful brothers (I mean I can't choose), and so much more.
In this book we dived a bit in the world but you can see that so much more is planned and I'm very excited to learn and discover more about this world, it's complexities and it's history.
This book was addictive, the brothers have such a good dynamic. And Shaye actually stay true to herself throughout the book, you can see that she is conflicted. On one hand she has her home, her fiance and an oppressing world. But on the other she has people that challenged her, that talk, help and answer her so you can really the strugle she goes trough.
Suffice to say that I love this book. And Morgan's writing but that's really no surprise.
Second of all, I knew that I was going to enjoy this but I loved it.
Third, I NEED MORE.
This book is everything Morgan said it was. It has magic, creatures, adventures, sassy and fierce characters, banter, three hot looking and powerful brothers (I mean I can't choose), and so much more.
In this book we dived a bit in the world but you can see that so much more is planned and I'm very excited to learn and discover more about this world, it's complexities and it's history.
This book was addictive, the brothers have such a good dynamic. And Shaye actually stay true to herself throughout the book, you can see that she is conflicted. On one hand she has her home, her fiance and an oppressing world. But on the other she has people that challenged her, that talk, help and answer her so you can really the strugle she goes trough.
Suffice to say that I love this book. And Morgan's writing but that's really no surprise.
March 8, 2024
wow!!
I could quite literally not put this book down! It captured me right from chapter one and continued to until the end with a steady pace. It gave me Aladdin X ACOTAR vibes and athough I absolutely loved all of the characters Nyx has an azriel air about him that I adored.
The contrast between the cities was enjoyable and multiple cities were ones I would love to visit ( particularly Bava!)
Lastly, the interactions between Atlas and Shaye had me smirking while I read. I enjoyed every one of their scenes and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
I could quite literally not put this book down! It captured me right from chapter one and continued to until the end with a steady pace. It gave me Aladdin X ACOTAR vibes and athough I absolutely loved all of the characters Nyx has an azriel air about him that I adored.
The contrast between the cities was enjoyable and multiple cities were ones I would love to visit ( particularly Bava!)
Lastly, the interactions between Atlas and Shaye had me smirking while I read. I enjoyed every one of their scenes and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
August 2, 2023
This was a wonderful book to spark my lean back into fantasy and romantasy. If you’re looking for enemies to reluctant allies to… maybe something more… you should absolutely grab this book. You’ll also get some delightful secondary characters, intrigue, family secrets, action and adventure. The scenes are quick-paced to make you want to turn the pages faster and faster.
Everyone should grab a copy so we can all get in on the ground floor of what promises to be a fun and fast-paced series of magic, tension, and found family shenanigans.
Can’t wait for book two!
Everyone should grab a copy so we can all get in on the ground floor of what promises to be a fun and fast-paced series of magic, tension, and found family shenanigans.
Can’t wait for book two!
August 20, 2025
So I actually randomly found this book on PINTEREST of all places. And I was like okay I’ll give it a try I’ve never heard of it and I wanna start reading more lowkey books to help promote them. AND LET ME TELL YOU I ATE THIS UP! There had to be crack or something on this because I couldn’t stop. My brain chemistry has been altered and couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and the adventure! Immediately starting the second one!!
August 3, 2023
Loved the characters in this book ! Took me a few chapters to get into it but then I was hooked ! Love the story line and the ending was perfect ! Cannot wait for the next one ! Enemies to lovers and friendship ! Must read !
August 17, 2023
4.5 stars ✨ I *almost* DNF at the beginning because wow Shaye was a brat, but then by 20% I was HOOKED. The character development was great and I love how colorful and rich the world was! Looking forward to the next one! A quick and fun read for Romantasy lovers!
September 20, 2024
i want to slap the fmc so badly
July 24, 2025
If you like ACOTAR you will like this. Not exactly the same but enough to give me those vibes.
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