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The Incandescent Kingdoms #2
Hidden at Starshine
She’s hiding a secret. He’s supposed to kill her for it. A union between the two is impossible, so what will happen if they fall in love? All Sachi wants is to live quietly secluded from the rest of the world. But the threat from her stepfamily forces her to hide as a jeweler in the most crowded place of Starshine the capital. When Sachi’s jewelry catches the attention of Princess Sen, there’s no hiding from the royal family, and especially not the handsome Crown Prince Ryoku. Can Sachi keep her past hidden forever, or will it come back to haunt her? Prince Ryoku has sworn to protect the honor of the royal family, so when the rumor proves true that a poor girl from the southern province found the star stone, it is his duty to find her. When a local jeweler catches his eye, he’s interested in more than just her mysterious past. But a magical ball and an abandoned glass slipper bring Ryoku face to face with the truth. Can he keep his family’s honor and dispose of the girl who poses a threat to the royal family? Or is there more to honor than he thinks? “Hidden at Starshine” is a retelling of “Cinderella” and is the second book in the Incandescent Kingdoms series. Each book can be read in order or as a standalone. This novel–complete with tropes of forbidden love, hidden identity, and more–is a clean and swoony romance, perfect for young adult and adult readers!
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 30, 2023
Read my full review here: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress....
4.5 stars
Sweet and romantic, Leialoha Humpherys’ Hidden at Starshine is a beautiful retelling of Cinderella that explains the importance of kindness, true honor, and understanding your true identity.
I loved how Leialoha took the classic Cinderella fairy tale and put a unique spin on the story. I love how even though neither of the protagonists came from great families, there was still a great message about the positive impact families can have on everyone. I loved the inspiring character arcs!!!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Hidden at Starshine from the author. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
4.5 stars
Sweet and romantic, Leialoha Humpherys’ Hidden at Starshine is a beautiful retelling of Cinderella that explains the importance of kindness, true honor, and understanding your true identity.
I loved how Leialoha took the classic Cinderella fairy tale and put a unique spin on the story. I love how even though neither of the protagonists came from great families, there was still a great message about the positive impact families can have on everyone. I loved the inspiring character arcs!!!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Hidden at Starshine from the author. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
July 4, 2023
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I absolutely loved this retelling of Cinderella! I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
July 10, 2023
Hidden at Starshine
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Sachi & Ryoku’s points of view
– Sachi deals with anxiety, her view of herself, & the results of having been mentally & physically hurt by her stepfamily
Review:
Wow! I adored this Cinderella retelling so much! It gave me the expected of Cinderella, but also took it one step further. I didn’t realize that I’ve never wondered about Cinerella’s mental state after being kind to her stepfamily and having them turn so harshly on her when they should have been caring for her the same way she tried to care for them. This Cinderella gives us that. Sachi is kind, but she’s also hurt. She knows that her family did her wrong and that they hurt her deeply, which has followed her into her new life. I loved that Sachi came to find people who truly cared for her, giving her the family she should have always had from the beginning. I loved that though Ryoku was a prince, he was also so human, even going as far as accidentally insulting Sachi when he first met her by assuming why she’d be at the palace. I loved that their story started with them meeting way before the ball and falling for each other as they were. Some of my favorite moments/scenes in this book included: the way the Cinderella elements were weaved throughout the story, their first meeting, Ryoku rescuing Sachi, Sachi’s relationship with her godmother, picking wildflowers, searching for more gems, taking a hike, a wedding, and getting Sachi into the ball.
Summary:
Sachi lives in an almost constant state of anxiety. Between her life before and the fact that she is the girl on the run from the crown, it’s no wonder she’s feeling this way. Especially when Sachi has to interact with the prince and princess of the family she doesn’t want to be discovered by. They don’t know anything beyond what she’s told them, there isn’t any reason that Sachi would think they know more than that. But with Prince Ryoku’s attention on her and his position in the Secret Guard, she worries that at any moment her secret will be discovered…
Ryoku and the other members of the Secret Guard are tasked with keeping his family on the throne of Starshine and getting rid of any threat against that. So when a rumor spreads that a peasant girl discovered the Starshine star stone – a stone that by law makes the holder the ruler of Starshine – they are sent to find her and retrieve the stone by any means necessary. But the girl got away. Now, almost a year later, one of the girls suspected to be the one that got away has walked right up to the palace to work with his sister on the decor for the upcoming ball. But as Ryoku gets to know Sachi more, he finds himself becoming a better person and questioning what he had always been taught was acceptable. He’s not sure what he’d do if this girl ends up being the one with the star stone, but Ryoku is definitely holding out hope that she isn’t if only to save her from the fate destined for the girl with the stone – which is death.
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Sachi & Ryoku’s points of view
– Sachi deals with anxiety, her view of herself, & the results of having been mentally & physically hurt by her stepfamily
Review:
Wow! I adored this Cinderella retelling so much! It gave me the expected of Cinderella, but also took it one step further. I didn’t realize that I’ve never wondered about Cinerella’s mental state after being kind to her stepfamily and having them turn so harshly on her when they should have been caring for her the same way she tried to care for them. This Cinderella gives us that. Sachi is kind, but she’s also hurt. She knows that her family did her wrong and that they hurt her deeply, which has followed her into her new life. I loved that Sachi came to find people who truly cared for her, giving her the family she should have always had from the beginning. I loved that though Ryoku was a prince, he was also so human, even going as far as accidentally insulting Sachi when he first met her by assuming why she’d be at the palace. I loved that their story started with them meeting way before the ball and falling for each other as they were. Some of my favorite moments/scenes in this book included: the way the Cinderella elements were weaved throughout the story, their first meeting, Ryoku rescuing Sachi, Sachi’s relationship with her godmother, picking wildflowers, searching for more gems, taking a hike, a wedding, and getting Sachi into the ball.
Summary:
Sachi lives in an almost constant state of anxiety. Between her life before and the fact that she is the girl on the run from the crown, it’s no wonder she’s feeling this way. Especially when Sachi has to interact with the prince and princess of the family she doesn’t want to be discovered by. They don’t know anything beyond what she’s told them, there isn’t any reason that Sachi would think they know more than that. But with Prince Ryoku’s attention on her and his position in the Secret Guard, she worries that at any moment her secret will be discovered…
Ryoku and the other members of the Secret Guard are tasked with keeping his family on the throne of Starshine and getting rid of any threat against that. So when a rumor spreads that a peasant girl discovered the Starshine star stone – a stone that by law makes the holder the ruler of Starshine – they are sent to find her and retrieve the stone by any means necessary. But the girl got away. Now, almost a year later, one of the girls suspected to be the one that got away has walked right up to the palace to work with his sister on the decor for the upcoming ball. But as Ryoku gets to know Sachi more, he finds himself becoming a better person and questioning what he had always been taught was acceptable. He’s not sure what he’d do if this girl ends up being the one with the star stone, but Ryoku is definitely holding out hope that she isn’t if only to save her from the fate destined for the girl with the stone – which is death.
June 30, 2023
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for an ARC of this book. I received a copy for free and was invited to share my honest opinion.
I loved the first book in this series (Married at Sunrise) and was interested how a Cinderella retelling would pan out, given that it’s a story I know, whereas King Thrushbeard was one I didn’t. I liked how the author took the principal elements of the traditional story and fused it with her own setting without sticking too rigidly to the parts that really wouldn’t have worked (no fairy godmother or magical pumpkin carriage here!). There were a few parts that read a bit awkwardly; the whole tiny feet/whoever fits the shoe part springs to mind, but otherwise I thought the retelling worked well. I enjoyed the more realistic character of Sachiko compared to the perfect long-suffering Cinderella and I thought the references to the impact that being mistreated by her stepfamily had on her mental health was an interesting angle to take.
Ryoku made a pretty good Prince Charming, if a little one-dimensional (but isn’t the prince always?!). His character changed for the better as the story went on, and I’ll admit I liked how completely besotted with the MC he was. I really liked the dual POV because 1) I always enjoy a dual POV and 2) it was nice to see the story from the prince’s perspective for a change!
The one thing I would say is that I thought Chapter 32 was unnecessary and didn’t really add anything to the story - if anything I felt it watered down the strength of the ending. It would have had more impact had it finished at the end of Chapter 31. Other than that, it’s an enjoyable read and even though you know what’s going to happen (if you know the story of Cinderella), it still managed to take a couple of twist and turns I wasn’t expecting. Fans of Married at Sunrise will definitely enjoy this, as will anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings or even just fantasy romance without the spice! I’m interested to see which of Humpherys’ Incandescent Kingdoms we get to explore next.
I loved the first book in this series (Married at Sunrise) and was interested how a Cinderella retelling would pan out, given that it’s a story I know, whereas King Thrushbeard was one I didn’t. I liked how the author took the principal elements of the traditional story and fused it with her own setting without sticking too rigidly to the parts that really wouldn’t have worked (no fairy godmother or magical pumpkin carriage here!). There were a few parts that read a bit awkwardly; the whole tiny feet/whoever fits the shoe part springs to mind, but otherwise I thought the retelling worked well. I enjoyed the more realistic character of Sachiko compared to the perfect long-suffering Cinderella and I thought the references to the impact that being mistreated by her stepfamily had on her mental health was an interesting angle to take.
Ryoku made a pretty good Prince Charming, if a little one-dimensional (but isn’t the prince always?!). His character changed for the better as the story went on, and I’ll admit I liked how completely besotted with the MC he was. I really liked the dual POV because 1) I always enjoy a dual POV and 2) it was nice to see the story from the prince’s perspective for a change!
The one thing I would say is that I thought Chapter 32 was unnecessary and didn’t really add anything to the story - if anything I felt it watered down the strength of the ending. It would have had more impact had it finished at the end of Chapter 31. Other than that, it’s an enjoyable read and even though you know what’s going to happen (if you know the story of Cinderella), it still managed to take a couple of twist and turns I wasn’t expecting. Fans of Married at Sunrise will definitely enjoy this, as will anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings or even just fantasy romance without the spice! I’m interested to see which of Humpherys’ Incandescent Kingdoms we get to explore next.
July 2, 2023
A beautiful and unique take on Cinderella.
I already loved the Japanese Cottage Core setting of Starshine when we first saw it in Kidnapped at Dusk so I enjoyed getting to go back there and explore more of the capital.
Sachi was a brilliant character - very different to Heilani. She had that key quality of kindness that the original Cinderella is known for. Her anxiety and low self confidence are very relatable qualities. She had a beautiful inner strength and love for her country which allowed her to speak up despite them.
One thing I love about Leialoha's books is that all her characters are human with their strengths and their flaws. This was definitely shown in Ryoku - I wanted to shake him several times throughout this book, with his obsession with his distorted view of what honour is. However, he displayed his willingness to change and follow Sachi's example to overcome his fears of losing his family and his honour to become a better person and a better brother and friend. He also showed his endearing patience with Sachi and his awe at her kindness towards everyone she met.
My favourite part of this book was getting to see Sen and Kaito again, seeing how far Sen has come and her relationship with Kaito continuing to grow. It was very fitting to learn that she had taken up making homemade mochi.
What I find so special about the Incandescent Kingdom books it the way the stories are so immersed in the culture of the country it is set in and it's real life counterpart. I can't wait to see the variety of cultures and lands of the other Kingdoms we still have left to visit - the mountainous Alpenglow, Latin American inspired Moonlight, Amazon inspired Fireblaze, and Arctic Aurora all have the opportunity to be rich settings.
I already loved the Japanese Cottage Core setting of Starshine when we first saw it in Kidnapped at Dusk so I enjoyed getting to go back there and explore more of the capital.
Sachi was a brilliant character - very different to Heilani. She had that key quality of kindness that the original Cinderella is known for. Her anxiety and low self confidence are very relatable qualities. She had a beautiful inner strength and love for her country which allowed her to speak up despite them.
One thing I love about Leialoha's books is that all her characters are human with their strengths and their flaws. This was definitely shown in Ryoku - I wanted to shake him several times throughout this book, with his obsession with his distorted view of what honour is. However, he displayed his willingness to change and follow Sachi's example to overcome his fears of losing his family and his honour to become a better person and a better brother and friend. He also showed his endearing patience with Sachi and his awe at her kindness towards everyone she met.
My favourite part of this book was getting to see Sen and Kaito again, seeing how far Sen has come and her relationship with Kaito continuing to grow. It was very fitting to learn that she had taken up making homemade mochi.
What I find so special about the Incandescent Kingdom books it the way the stories are so immersed in the culture of the country it is set in and it's real life counterpart. I can't wait to see the variety of cultures and lands of the other Kingdoms we still have left to visit - the mountainous Alpenglow, Latin American inspired Moonlight, Amazon inspired Fireblaze, and Arctic Aurora all have the opportunity to be rich settings.
June 26, 2023
After reading Kidnapped at dusk, Ryoku definitely piqued my interest and I was waiting for his story and I knew his LI would be the mysterious girl who found the stone. This definitely a good twist of Cinderella!!
I wasn’t wrong. Sachi and Ryo definitely made an interesting couple and I loved the transition from attraction and suspicions to genuine love and affection that both needed, especially Sachi. As Sachi battled with anxiety and loneliness and self doubt and esteem, Ryo battled with the meaning of his life and values and his position as the crown prince and mostly honour and it’s true meaning and it’s implications and the need to keep on good graces with his father. I’m satisfied at how they helped each other with the insecurities they faced and their romance was wonderful 😍. The emperor and Sachi’s family😐.
I loved the appearance and impact of Sen in this and how she truly changed for the better. And Kaito. Obachan as usual, loved her 😆.
I’m so glad to have received this ARC because Leialoha is quickly becoming one of my favourite clean romance authors 💙💙.
Can’t wait for more!!
I wasn’t wrong. Sachi and Ryo definitely made an interesting couple and I loved the transition from attraction and suspicions to genuine love and affection that both needed, especially Sachi. As Sachi battled with anxiety and loneliness and self doubt and esteem, Ryo battled with the meaning of his life and values and his position as the crown prince and mostly honour and it’s true meaning and it’s implications and the need to keep on good graces with his father. I’m satisfied at how they helped each other with the insecurities they faced and their romance was wonderful 😍. The emperor and Sachi’s family😐.
I loved the appearance and impact of Sen in this and how she truly changed for the better. And Kaito. Obachan as usual, loved her 😆.
I’m so glad to have received this ARC because Leialoha is quickly becoming one of my favourite clean romance authors 💙💙.
Can’t wait for more!!
Read
February 16, 2024I loved getting immersed in the Starshine Kingdom! I especially love how Humphreys incorporates elements of cultures that are vastly underrepresented in literature into her books. For example, Starshine Kingdom includes elements of Japanese culture. Humphreys' storytelling is very engaging, and this twist on Cinderella is cleverly and beautifully done!
July 8, 2023
A very clean, cute Cinderella retelling with a Japanese cottage core vibe. Our story follows two POVs: Sachi and Ryoku. Sachi’s character and relationship with Ryoku drive the story and plot. No spoilers here, just a really good read.
I received an ARC, then I bought the book.
I received an ARC, then I bought the book.
July 8, 2023
Sweet Cinderella story with a twist
Loved how the main characters are discovering themselves as they go along, and things they love about the other that would help their kingdom. Kindness and honor are important themes in this story.
Loved how the main characters are discovering themselves as they go along, and things they love about the other that would help their kingdom. Kindness and honor are important themes in this story.
July 28, 2023
Beautiful read, I really enjoyed it. Thank you
October 6, 2025
Great beginning, good middle a little slow at the end but a great Cinderella retelling.
October 5, 2025
An intriguing Cinderella retelling with Japanese elements and a fmc with anxiety and a mmc character with internal battles.
September 2, 2023
A Cinderella Retelling, with anxiety representation!
As a person with anxiety this was well done and written accurately. Thank you!
Sachi is a jeweler. She is good at finding crystals and gems for her beautiful creations. Sachi is also very shy, kind, and anxious.
Ryoku is the crown prince of Starshine. He is a member of the Secret Guard, the almost militant like group that does whatever the Emperor and Emperoress command.
Sachi and Ryoku have such a patient and sweet love story. Her encouragement for him to be kinder and more understanding. His patience with her over her anxiety and hangups.
This was a beautiful retelling and I can't wait to see what else this wonderful author has in store for the Incandescent Kingdoms!
As a person with anxiety this was well done and written accurately. Thank you!
Sachi is a jeweler. She is good at finding crystals and gems for her beautiful creations. Sachi is also very shy, kind, and anxious.
Ryoku is the crown prince of Starshine. He is a member of the Secret Guard, the almost militant like group that does whatever the Emperor and Emperoress command.
Sachi and Ryoku have such a patient and sweet love story. Her encouragement for him to be kinder and more understanding. His patience with her over her anxiety and hangups.
This was a beautiful retelling and I can't wait to see what else this wonderful author has in store for the Incandescent Kingdoms!
April 8, 2024
"Hidden at Starshine" by Leialoha Humpherys, the second book in The Incandescent Kingdoms series, is a captivating Cinderella retelling with a fresh twist. After greatly enjoying "Kidnapped at Dusk," Ryoku's story in "Hidden at Starshine" became a compelling continuation, especially with the intriguing Cinderella narrative.
Returning to the enchanting Japanese Cottage Core setting of Starshine, I was excited to explore more of Sen's family and kingdom. The unresolved questions from the previous installment found satisfying resolutions, and the narrative teased the variety of cultures and lands yet to be explored in the series.
Sachi, the protagonist, emerged as a brilliant character, distinct from Heilani but with similarities too when you examine their backgrounds.. Her kindness, anxiety, and struggles with self-confidence added layers to her personality, seamlessly woven into the Cinderella narrative. Leialoha Humphreys continued her tradition of creating human and relatable characters.
Ryoku, despite being a prince, displayed flaws, particularly in his distorted view of honor. The story took readers on a journey of personal growth, mirroring Sen’s path in "Kidnapped at Dusk." Ryoku's willingness to change and follow Sachi's example, overcoming fears and questioning his values, added depth to his character.
The appearance of Sen, Kaito, and Obachan was a delightful touch. Seeing Sen's growth and her relationship with Kaito continuing to evolve felt fitting. The cultural immersion in the story's setting, reflective of real-life, remained one of the highlights of Leialoha's books.
The dual point of view from Sachi and Ryoku added richness to the narrative. Sachi's character development and her relationship with Ryoku drove the plot, offering a realistic portrayal of personal growth. The romance between them was skillfully developed, with moments of genuine love and affection.
"Hidden at Starshine" not only delivered an engaging Cinderella retelling but also expanded the lore of The Incandescent Kingdoms. The narrative seamlessly integrated themes of love, honor, and the complexities of personal change. In summary, it's a compelling addition to The Incandescent Kingdoms series, blending the enchanting setting of Starshine with a fresh exploration of themes, making it a must-read for fans of the series.
Returning to the enchanting Japanese Cottage Core setting of Starshine, I was excited to explore more of Sen's family and kingdom. The unresolved questions from the previous installment found satisfying resolutions, and the narrative teased the variety of cultures and lands yet to be explored in the series.
Sachi, the protagonist, emerged as a brilliant character, distinct from Heilani but with similarities too when you examine their backgrounds.. Her kindness, anxiety, and struggles with self-confidence added layers to her personality, seamlessly woven into the Cinderella narrative. Leialoha Humphreys continued her tradition of creating human and relatable characters.
Ryoku, despite being a prince, displayed flaws, particularly in his distorted view of honor. The story took readers on a journey of personal growth, mirroring Sen’s path in "Kidnapped at Dusk." Ryoku's willingness to change and follow Sachi's example, overcoming fears and questioning his values, added depth to his character.
The appearance of Sen, Kaito, and Obachan was a delightful touch. Seeing Sen's growth and her relationship with Kaito continuing to evolve felt fitting. The cultural immersion in the story's setting, reflective of real-life, remained one of the highlights of Leialoha's books.
The dual point of view from Sachi and Ryoku added richness to the narrative. Sachi's character development and her relationship with Ryoku drove the plot, offering a realistic portrayal of personal growth. The romance between them was skillfully developed, with moments of genuine love and affection.
"Hidden at Starshine" not only delivered an engaging Cinderella retelling but also expanded the lore of The Incandescent Kingdoms. The narrative seamlessly integrated themes of love, honor, and the complexities of personal change. In summary, it's a compelling addition to The Incandescent Kingdoms series, blending the enchanting setting of Starshine with a fresh exploration of themes, making it a must-read for fans of the series.
December 28, 2023
I received an ARC, but all opinions are my own.
2.5-3 stars
While I liked some of Ms. Humpherys' other books, this one just... fell flat. While I could understand Sachi's point of view, I was just really irked by it. Ryoku could also have had so much more potential for character development, what with his internal conflicts, but he felt really one-dimensional.
And the romance--I almost don't want to start on it. Maybe it's just me, but I love slow-burn romances that have a natural progression. Everything else just feels too rushed for me, because... insta-love? I've heard that it's happened to people in real life, but it just feels really unrealistic. How can you have a proper relationship with another person if you don't even know them that well?
One of the only things that saved it for me was Sen, Kaito, and Obachan’s appearances in the book <33 The series being all standalones of characters in different countries, we rarely get to see side characters from previous books, so I loved this glimpse into their lives.
2.5-3 stars
While I liked some of Ms. Humpherys' other books, this one just... fell flat. While I could understand Sachi's point of view, I was just really irked by it. Ryoku could also have had so much more potential for character development, what with his internal conflicts, but he felt really one-dimensional.
And the romance--I almost don't want to start on it. Maybe it's just me, but I love slow-burn romances that have a natural progression. Everything else just feels too rushed for me, because... insta-love? I've heard that it's happened to people in real life, but it just feels really unrealistic. How can you have a proper relationship with another person if you don't even know them that well?
One of the only things that saved it for me was Sen, Kaito, and Obachan’s appearances in the book <33 The series being all standalones of characters in different countries, we rarely get to see side characters from previous books, so I loved this glimpse into their lives.
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