What do you think?
Rate this book
Soul Court Ascension #3
Shrine of Stars
The worst has finally happened.
The Melded Earths are in chaos, Hel and Kaia are missing, and Bast is waiting for the axe to fall at any moment. His only hope lies with the strange and blood-thirsty vampyr now part of their reality.
When Hel awakens, she's far more than a world away. Her hunters have finally caught her and her power is nothing compared to her captor Sol— the Emperor of Suns. When she learns the devastating truth of her heritage, she realises there's no way she can escape.
It all comes back to the devouring contagion that's left a shrine of dead stars in its wake and the unbreakable bond between Hel and Bast that will be either their saviour or their death knell.
It's not just their lives and their world that hangs in the balance. It's everything.
Shrine of Stars is the final book in the Soul Court Ascension trilogy — a steamy enemies to lovers Paranormal Romance with a side of Urban Fantasy. It is not a standalone.
The Melded Earths are in chaos, Hel and Kaia are missing, and Bast is waiting for the axe to fall at any moment. His only hope lies with the strange and blood-thirsty vampyr now part of their reality.
When Hel awakens, she's far more than a world away. Her hunters have finally caught her and her power is nothing compared to her captor Sol— the Emperor of Suns. When she learns the devastating truth of her heritage, she realises there's no way she can escape.
It all comes back to the devouring contagion that's left a shrine of dead stars in its wake and the unbreakable bond between Hel and Bast that will be either their saviour or their death knell.
It's not just their lives and their world that hangs in the balance. It's everything.
Shrine of Stars is the final book in the Soul Court Ascension trilogy — a steamy enemies to lovers Paranormal Romance with a side of Urban Fantasy. It is not a standalone.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2023
102 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Mel Harding-Shaw
6 books46 followersMel Harding-Shaw is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy author from Wellington, New Zealand. Her debut novel, City of Souls, was released in November 2022.
She is also a widely published speculative short fiction writer under Melanie Harding-Shaw.
She is also a widely published speculative short fiction writer under Melanie Harding-Shaw.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 26, 2024
I didn’t actually finish this series.
I got so bored with the tedious writing. So much talking and thinking the same things over and over and over with nothing driving anything forward.
Two books in and still secret keeping and withholding whatever information they know. Which makes the characters underwhelmingly dull. Like I wish I cared but nothing inspired me to care.
So I started flipping through book two, then started 3 and I am bored at 10% in when there were two abductions why is that boring and yet why do I not care all at the same time???
Anyways I just reached the end of trying to make myself read it to finish. Like I know they will get back together because they are mates and will die of one doesn’t make it and this author doesn’t give kill the main character for their world vibes.
I got so bored with the tedious writing. So much talking and thinking the same things over and over and over with nothing driving anything forward.
Two books in and still secret keeping and withholding whatever information they know. Which makes the characters underwhelmingly dull. Like I wish I cared but nothing inspired me to care.
So I started flipping through book two, then started 3 and I am bored at 10% in when there were two abductions why is that boring and yet why do I not care all at the same time???
Anyways I just reached the end of trying to make myself read it to finish. Like I know they will get back together because they are mates and will die of one doesn’t make it and this author doesn’t give kill the main character for their world vibes.
November 1, 2023
A wonderful finale for Hel and Bast! They've had to suffer enough to help save the worlds and finally their story comes to a close!
The story starts off right where the previous one ends with everything going sideways and a couple of important people missing. Bast knows he has to work quickly to find Kaia and rescue Hel, luckily he's got some new friends to help out! I enjoyed Hel not taking anything lying down and did her part to save herself (with help from Bast because they are mates!). It's such a journey from who she was at the beginning of the series to who she becomes at the end. She has friends and allies that she relies on and trusts to have her back and support her. Bast was also fun! He tries to save everyone and give everyone a home. He's such a good foil to Hel, they work together perfectly and I loved the further development of their mating bond.
Everyone ends up a little more damaged (because, hello, final book, everyone's gotta suffer), but the ending is wonderful and did justice to the characters. I honestly liked the twist towards the end, it was surprising and absolutely perfect!
I loved the world building in this story. It wasn't just more of the same, but learning about the different worlds and how they work and how the contagion would destroy everything and spread everywhere.
This story is definitely steamier than the previous ones, but it still has a nice slow build to them and isn't too quick on the draw. This story is also fairly violent and lots of creative characters are introduced.
This is the final book in the series and books one and two must be read prior to have everything make sense, and for maximum enjoyment!
The story starts off right where the previous one ends with everything going sideways and a couple of important people missing. Bast knows he has to work quickly to find Kaia and rescue Hel, luckily he's got some new friends to help out! I enjoyed Hel not taking anything lying down and did her part to save herself (with help from Bast because they are mates!). It's such a journey from who she was at the beginning of the series to who she becomes at the end. She has friends and allies that she relies on and trusts to have her back and support her. Bast was also fun! He tries to save everyone and give everyone a home. He's such a good foil to Hel, they work together perfectly and I loved the further development of their mating bond.
Everyone ends up a little more damaged (because, hello, final book, everyone's gotta suffer), but the ending is wonderful and did justice to the characters. I honestly liked the twist towards the end, it was surprising and absolutely perfect!
I loved the world building in this story. It wasn't just more of the same, but learning about the different worlds and how they work and how the contagion would destroy everything and spread everywhere.
This story is definitely steamier than the previous ones, but it still has a nice slow build to them and isn't too quick on the draw. This story is also fairly violent and lots of creative characters are introduced.
This is the final book in the series and books one and two must be read prior to have everything make sense, and for maximum enjoyment!
April 7, 2025
A fantastic conclusion to Hel’s and Bast’s story, though I really wanted more. The story starts with lots of tension and just continues to ratchet it up. The side characters are intriguing and it’s obvious that they have their own stories and aren’t just there as cardboard cutouts. I can’t wait to read Ra’s and Mica’s standalone.
November 14, 2023
3.5.
I enjoyed the first two books but I did find this one a bit dull. The characters just felt a bit two dimensional for some reason and having Bast and Hel apart for a lot of the book didn't really work for me. It got to the point where I just wanted to finish it.
I enjoyed the first two books but I did find this one a bit dull. The characters just felt a bit two dimensional for some reason and having Bast and Hel apart for a lot of the book didn't really work for me. It got to the point where I just wanted to finish it.
October 28, 2023
Shrine Of Stars is a brilliantly edgy, high-energy story. The author has superbly crafted her narrative so that the tension of the story builds through the three books and culminates perfectly here in the unforgettable conclusion to the Soul Court Ascension trilogy. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and am so glad the author is continuing with spin-offs because her genius level imagination creates nothing less than spectacular reads.
The setting and concept continue to be some of the most original and immersive I have ever read. The author now has an extra world of characters to blend with the humans and elementals we know, and it makes for surprising and absorbing events. As Bast says " 'The greatest strength of our people is in our differences.' ". The storyline is taken to another level with the need to resolve the shard catastrophe and the twists the author throws at us while doing it. Her writing is well and truly up to the emotionally charged task, as she delivers thrilling resolutions to world ending scenarios.
These characters are so solidly fleshed out that they easily carry this riveting narrative. Their strength and ties forged in battle and celebration are the epitome of found family. This is my favourite trope, but the way the author continues to casually but deliberately wave the 'enemies to lovers' flag means I may soon be shouting it's praises too.
I love everything about this book and the whole series. Definitely recommended!!
I received a free copy of this book as part of an ARC campaign.
The setting and concept continue to be some of the most original and immersive I have ever read. The author now has an extra world of characters to blend with the humans and elementals we know, and it makes for surprising and absorbing events. As Bast says " 'The greatest strength of our people is in our differences.' ". The storyline is taken to another level with the need to resolve the shard catastrophe and the twists the author throws at us while doing it. Her writing is well and truly up to the emotionally charged task, as she delivers thrilling resolutions to world ending scenarios.
These characters are so solidly fleshed out that they easily carry this riveting narrative. Their strength and ties forged in battle and celebration are the epitome of found family. This is my favourite trope, but the way the author continues to casually but deliberately wave the 'enemies to lovers' flag means I may soon be shouting it's praises too.
I love everything about this book and the whole series. Definitely recommended!!
I received a free copy of this book as part of an ARC campaign.
November 2, 2023
What a wonderful close to this action packed fantasy. Harding-Shaw has tied up this series quite effectively in less than 300 pages. The plot moves at break-neck speed, there is no down time, which elevates the sense of urgency to a point that is almost palpable. While we add another a few new faces in this last installment, especially one of my favorite characters the vampyr Kairon, each introduction and backstory is presented with a deft hand by weaving them into the current world quite well.
At this point in the trilogy, Bast and Hel have fully accepted their mate bond and converged their individual magics to which each partner can pull from. Being separated for a large swath of the novel, Harding - Shaw implements a number of devices to allow both Hel and Bast to "meet" to share information and a few impromptu steamy interactions. Throughout the novel, however, you feel the desperation of being separated and the discovery of an existence worse than death.
As the third novel in the Soul Court Ascension series, obviously there is a finality to the story, however, as with all of Harding-Shaw's writing, it leaves the reader wanting to learn more - side character stories, new storylines, exploring the many portal worlds, etc... They have created this very rich and vast universe to explore, and I'm excited to see to where the new adventures will travel.
At this point in the trilogy, Bast and Hel have fully accepted their mate bond and converged their individual magics to which each partner can pull from. Being separated for a large swath of the novel, Harding - Shaw implements a number of devices to allow both Hel and Bast to "meet" to share information and a few impromptu steamy interactions. Throughout the novel, however, you feel the desperation of being separated and the discovery of an existence worse than death.
As the third novel in the Soul Court Ascension series, obviously there is a finality to the story, however, as with all of Harding-Shaw's writing, it leaves the reader wanting to learn more - side character stories, new storylines, exploring the many portal worlds, etc... They have created this very rich and vast universe to explore, and I'm excited to see to where the new adventures will travel.
August 13, 2024
The Melded Earths are in chaos, Hel and Kaia are missing, and Bast is waiting for the axe to fall at any moment. His only hope lies with the strange and blood-thirsty vampyr now part of their reality.
When Hel awakens, she's far more than a world away. Her hunters have finally caught her and her power is nothing compared to her captor Sol— the Emperor of Suns. As she learns the devastating truth of her heritage, she realises there's no way she can escape.
This was an action packed finale as Bast and Hel struggle to save everyone as Sol continues his deadly hold on the Melded Earths, especially the City of Souls. There are now a new group of people - the vampyres, led by Kairon, who help with this. The hunt for Kaia had me on the edge of my seat and the battle at the end was amazing. I still struggled with the overload of world science jargon. I feel it was overdone and drawn out. I think it would have added to the story if it had been somewhat simplified if that makes sense? Loved Hel and Bast together as they complimented each other so well. Not sure if I like that epilogue of what Sol did but overall a very enjoyable read.
When Hel awakens, she's far more than a world away. Her hunters have finally caught her and her power is nothing compared to her captor Sol— the Emperor of Suns. As she learns the devastating truth of her heritage, she realises there's no way she can escape.
This was an action packed finale as Bast and Hel struggle to save everyone as Sol continues his deadly hold on the Melded Earths, especially the City of Souls. There are now a new group of people - the vampyres, led by Kairon, who help with this. The hunt for Kaia had me on the edge of my seat and the battle at the end was amazing. I still struggled with the overload of world science jargon. I feel it was overdone and drawn out. I think it would have added to the story if it had been somewhat simplified if that makes sense? Loved Hel and Bast together as they complimented each other so well. Not sure if I like that epilogue of what Sol did but overall a very enjoyable read.
October 19, 2023
Where do i even begin im so overwhelmed with feelings.
This book surely tore at my heartstrongs, nearly made me cry and scream in frustration but in the end i couldnt keep smiling as it all came down to a beautiful ending.
As Bast searches for his mate and the sassy Kaia things dont always go the right way and let me tell you i kinda highly enjoyed that.
Eventho i despise Sol, somehow i think he was misunderstood stil a twaffle waffle dont get me wrong.. but all he wanted was his world safety he went about it the wrong way and was a massive twaffle in the end.
The ending however beautiful it is.. was not what i hoped for, i mean a pregnant hellkitten would of been nice just saying.. but who knows maybe in the future a novella where that happens *hint hint wink wink*
And then at the end the news of a novella i am beyond excited for that one.. going to be epic for sure.
This series sure held me in its spell it bewitched me and made me feel so much more then i thought.
Highly recommend this book!
9.3/10
This book surely tore at my heartstrongs, nearly made me cry and scream in frustration but in the end i couldnt keep smiling as it all came down to a beautiful ending.
As Bast searches for his mate and the sassy Kaia things dont always go the right way and let me tell you i kinda highly enjoyed that.
Eventho i despise Sol, somehow i think he was misunderstood stil a twaffle waffle dont get me wrong.. but all he wanted was his world safety he went about it the wrong way and was a massive twaffle in the end.
The ending however beautiful it is.. was not what i hoped for, i mean a pregnant hellkitten would of been nice just saying.. but who knows maybe in the future a novella where that happens *hint hint wink wink*
And then at the end the news of a novella i am beyond excited for that one.. going to be epic for sure.
This series sure held me in its spell it bewitched me and made me feel so much more then i thought.
Highly recommend this book!
9.3/10
October 23, 2023
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. In the last book we saw Hel being taken by her father during a battle. Now Bast will stop at nothing to get her back along with Kaia, who was kidnapped. Family means everything. Hel is in Sol's world of Traverse. Smtg she has been running from her entire life. Make matters worse, Sol has the power to influence her and she forgets herself at times. Bast is always on her mind and she's able to fight back. Bast new friends, the vampyre, help in the fight against the contagion and finding the girls. Hel is not shocked to see Lady of Air betraying her people to be Sols lapdog...but there is a secret there. Time is running out for Hel. He wants to her to stop the contagion or he will sacrifice her to save the world's, even if it means to sacrifice millions. Hel feels helpless to stop him and she is unsure if she will come out alive. Great read. Don't want to get into too much details as it will give away all the drama, lies and OMG moments.
October 19, 2023
Absolutely fantabulous book and a marvelous ending to these three books with the open ending I was truely hoping for. I enjoyed this book so very much Bast and Hel are such marvelous characters they are so richly written and with so much depth to them they aren’t just cut-out figures they are actual people. The growth both of them and the secondary characters showed was out of this world. The world building was top notch too. I could feel the pain at their separation when Sol took Hel. He is I want to say evil but maybe more driven to make sure the endings are only what he (or it) wants there just is no room for any other opinions. But the connection between Bast and Hel was out of Sol’s realm of understanding he just could not get a grip on them. I’m so very glad there are more books coming in this world. This author has become such a favorite.
ARC copy with voluntary review.
ARC copy with voluntary review.
November 4, 2023
This last book was pretty much non stop action, and I couldn't put it down. As per the trend, Hel and Bast just do not get a break, but at least this time they will get a bit of help saving the worlds and the people they love. And seeing the strength of their bond is just beautiful!
.
I loved all the revelations that were revealed, especially about Hel and where she came from. Also, just when I thought the cast couldn't get any cooler vampyres were added! ( technically we met them at the end of the last book, but I was so glad they became a larger part of the story. )
.
The end pay off was unexpected but I really enjoyed how it went. I also loved the exploration of motives and gray areas.
.
This is such a great SFF romance series. Please go read it.
.
I loved all the revelations that were revealed, especially about Hel and where she came from. Also, just when I thought the cast couldn't get any cooler vampyres were added! ( technically we met them at the end of the last book, but I was so glad they became a larger part of the story. )
.
The end pay off was unexpected but I really enjoyed how it went. I also loved the exploration of motives and gray areas.
.
This is such a great SFF romance series. Please go read it.
July 11, 2024
High Stakes & Action-Packed Finale
Just wow. With not only their melded world at stake but the fates of so many others depending on them, the MCs of this book were put through hell to reach their happy ending. It had non-stop, heart racing action that fully incorporated its unique magic systems, internal and external threats that pushed the MCs to their absolute limits, and a clear, cohesive storyline that kept up the quick pacing as the book progressed.
This book—along with the whole series—kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. It was pure entertainment that was a joy to experience.
Just wow. With not only their melded world at stake but the fates of so many others depending on them, the MCs of this book were put through hell to reach their happy ending. It had non-stop, heart racing action that fully incorporated its unique magic systems, internal and external threats that pushed the MCs to their absolute limits, and a clear, cohesive storyline that kept up the quick pacing as the book progressed.
This book—along with the whole series—kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. It was pure entertainment that was a joy to experience.
October 23, 2023
This was such a bittersweet ending to the Soul Court Ascension trilogy. The journey of the characters have been a fun rollercoaster ride. I love how the side characters have depth and their own stories. I was quite excited to read about the expanding setting of different worlds and glad that Mel will be writing another book in the same universe.
✨Shrine of Stars by Mel Harding-Shaw✨
🖤 Conclusion of a trilogy
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Fated mates
🖤 Great world building
🖤 Elemental and portal magic
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Triggers include: kidnapping, violence, trauma
Thank you so much for the ARC
✨Shrine of Stars by Mel Harding-Shaw✨
🖤 Conclusion of a trilogy
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Fated mates
🖤 Great world building
🖤 Elemental and portal magic
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Triggers include: kidnapping, violence, trauma
Thank you so much for the ARC
September 24, 2024
A really good ending
I thoroughly enjoyed how the book built up suspense and tied up all the loose ends well in this book. Yes there are some branching storyline I'd love to read about especially how Kaia gets along and how Stella/Sol continue along with the various other beings of the melded worlds and beyond. Tir is an interesting character as is Rhyker and I'd love a story with these two as leads in their own right.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the book built up suspense and tied up all the loose ends well in this book. Yes there are some branching storyline I'd love to read about especially how Kaia gets along and how Stella/Sol continue along with the various other beings of the melded worlds and beyond. Tir is an interesting character as is Rhyker and I'd love a story with these two as leads in their own right.
November 29, 2024
I lost my way with the talk of the portals and the planets and ended up skipping quite a lot of this book. That is far more a reflection of me than the author however- i just don’t think i am smart enough to understand it. Aside from my idiocy, really enjoyed the introduction of the Vampyrs and am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Earth Lord can go bolt though, Ra should make him do some serious grovelling
Earth Lord can go bolt though, Ra should make him do some serious grovelling
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
Argh!!!! I LOVED this book!! So much happens but it’s all worth it off that ending!!
This book literally took me through so many different emotions. There was so much going on. But damn it was worth it off that ending!!
I absolve love Hel and Bast. I cannot express how much I have loved seeing their relationship grow and seeing Hels character growth especially in this book was just amazing!
This book literally took me through so many different emotions. There was so much going on. But damn it was worth it off that ending!!
I absolve love Hel and Bast. I cannot express how much I have loved seeing their relationship grow and seeing Hels character growth especially in this book was just amazing!
November 5, 2023
The conclusion to the Soul Court Ascension trilogy, the story begins immediately after the events in the previous book. Bast is searching for Hel and Kaia. Hel has been taken by her father Sol, who is trying to use Hel to end the contagion - no matter if she survives.
Will Bast be able to save his mate? Nice satisfying end of the series.
Will Bast be able to save his mate? Nice satisfying end of the series.
November 3, 2023
loved it, but epilogue was messy
Love it, but the epilogue was much messier than anticipated.
Hate Mica completely and what happened with Stella - I didn’t care for.
Otherwise a very enjoyable series
Love it, but the epilogue was much messier than anticipated.
Hate Mica completely and what happened with Stella - I didn’t care for.
Otherwise a very enjoyable series
November 16, 2023
Thank you
Thank you for these books they were amazing they are full of great people you fall for and want to be happy and safe please keep writing the same way for any more books I already brought three can't wait for more
Thank you for these books they were amazing they are full of great people you fall for and want to be happy and safe please keep writing the same way for any more books I already brought three can't wait for more
January 21, 2025
I enjoyed the final book for Hel and Bast but I did feel like they were constantly in trouble which did get a bit tiresome. I also might read Ra and Micas story again now that I've read the trilogy and actually have the backstory 🤣
did-not-finish
November 12, 2023DNF @30%
Nothing against the book, I'm just not in the mood for it right now. Might come back to this later.
Nothing against the book, I'm just not in the mood for it right now. Might come back to this later.
January 16, 2024
3.5 stars
May 12, 2024
urban
Many races fight to save their world. A portal contagion has become a force to be reckoned with. Love still in the air.
Many races fight to save their world. A portal contagion has become a force to be reckoned with. Love still in the air.
June 14, 2025
Such a great trilogy!
Really love this book! A great end to the series but start to this world! Lovable and hateable characters all around.
Really love this book! A great end to the series but start to this world! Lovable and hateable characters all around.
September 30, 2025
I was not sure how this trilogy was going to tie off it was a satisfying and unexpected read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews