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Bound by Stardust
A stardust collector. A handsome immortal. And a floating kingdom full of sinister secrets.
Once a year, on All Hallows Eve, stardust falls from the floating kingdom. But only one person is brave enough to enter the boneyard and gather the magical Asira, the Stardust Collector.
Known as a sharp-tongued spinster with a talent for healing, Asira leads a lonely life in the woods. However, inside the boneyard, Asira finds more than just stardust.
Lying among the dust is a wounded man, one of the immortal Masters who dwells in the starry kingdom above. She takes him home, hoping for a magical gift that will change her humble life.
The man, Drazhan, is handsome, flirtatious, and has a unique way of getting under her skin. Full of gratitude, he vows to change her life, but only after he enacts his revenge on those who cast him down.
A week later, during the annual tithe, Asira becomes one of the Chosen—those elected to live in the floating kingdom and serve the Masters.
But all is not as it seems.
Beneath the glamor and gold, a sinister secret is waiting to reveal itself. Asira will need her wits, Drazhan’s help and stardust to unravel the dark secrets of the floating kingdom. . .
Bound by Stardust is book 4 in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection. These books are all standalones written by your favorite fantasy authors and are the perfect read for your summer vacation. Prepare to be swept away into magical worlds with tropes you obsess over and swoon-worthy romance.
Once a year, on All Hallows Eve, stardust falls from the floating kingdom. But only one person is brave enough to enter the boneyard and gather the magical Asira, the Stardust Collector.
Known as a sharp-tongued spinster with a talent for healing, Asira leads a lonely life in the woods. However, inside the boneyard, Asira finds more than just stardust.
Lying among the dust is a wounded man, one of the immortal Masters who dwells in the starry kingdom above. She takes him home, hoping for a magical gift that will change her humble life.
The man, Drazhan, is handsome, flirtatious, and has a unique way of getting under her skin. Full of gratitude, he vows to change her life, but only after he enacts his revenge on those who cast him down.
A week later, during the annual tithe, Asira becomes one of the Chosen—those elected to live in the floating kingdom and serve the Masters.
But all is not as it seems.
Beneath the glamor and gold, a sinister secret is waiting to reveal itself. Asira will need her wits, Drazhan’s help and stardust to unravel the dark secrets of the floating kingdom. . .
Bound by Stardust is book 4 in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection. These books are all standalones written by your favorite fantasy authors and are the perfect read for your summer vacation. Prepare to be swept away into magical worlds with tropes you obsess over and swoon-worthy romance.
234 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2023
403 people are currently reading
4303 people want to read
About the author
Angela J. Ford
53 books1,065 followersAngela J. Ford is a bestselling fantasy romance author who writes high-stakes epic fantasy and swoon-worthy fantasy romance novels filled with atmospheric worlds, diverse characters, and satisfying happily ever afters. Her stories feature fast-paced plots, rich descriptions, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and enchanting magic, often with a musical twist. With over 30 published books, Angela's imaginative storytelling has captured the hearts of fantasy romance readers worldwide. As an avid reader herself, Angela can often be found with her nose in a book.
Visit her website (angelajford.com) for signed hardcovers, exclusive book boxes and luxe bookish candles.
Visit her website (angelajford.com) for signed hardcovers, exclusive book boxes and luxe bookish candles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
February 14, 2024
2.5/5⭐️
story and ending felt very rushed
story and ending felt very rushed
July 30, 2023
Sorry; no
January 14, 2024
This book felt like it was written for a high school assignment
July 3, 2023
Thank you to the author for the eARC! These are my own honest opinions.
These are all quick little fun fantasy romance romps without a ton of substance due to their length. Perfect for summer reads. This one was a little more interesting with some interesting world-building. It was a little bit spooky and the fae were a bit different in this one compared to other stories about them.
The writing was good, though things were a little melodramatic at times. I enjoyed the diversity and that the FMC was in her 30s.
Overall, fun and short.
These are all quick little fun fantasy romance romps without a ton of substance due to their length. Perfect for summer reads. This one was a little more interesting with some interesting world-building. It was a little bit spooky and the fae were a bit different in this one compared to other stories about them.
The writing was good, though things were a little melodramatic at times. I enjoyed the diversity and that the FMC was in her 30s.
Overall, fun and short.
June 19, 2023
oops I finished ages ago and forgot to update gr…
anyway this was rlly nice but I wish it wasn’t marketed as “dark fantasy”
the darkness bit felt middle grade
anyway this was rlly nice but I wish it wasn’t marketed as “dark fantasy”
the darkness bit felt middle grade
June 1, 2023
4.5 stars
I always enjoy Angela’s writing.
Her stories are always filled with strong women and a supportive love interest.
I really enjoyed the aspects of stardust and Asira was a fun character to follow- she is a strong woman who has a lovely life as the towns healer but she wants more. She thinks she has found a way towards something else but she was gravely mistaken.
How her and Drazhan meet was quite interesting as well. I enjoyed him and actually would love to know how their story could continue. Do they catch the rest of the masters? What about the giant bird?
I always enjoy Angela’s writing.
Her stories are always filled with strong women and a supportive love interest.
I really enjoyed the aspects of stardust and Asira was a fun character to follow- she is a strong woman who has a lovely life as the towns healer but she wants more. She thinks she has found a way towards something else but she was gravely mistaken.
How her and Drazhan meet was quite interesting as well. I enjoyed him and actually would love to know how their story could continue. Do they catch the rest of the masters? What about the giant bird?
December 31, 2025
angela, honey, i’m sorry to say this but this book felt ai generated…🥴 i don’t have much else to say.
June 23, 2023
4.5 stars
0 spice
Some Quotes:
____
"But my desire to serve you is out of honor, not because I see any weakness in you.”
I needed her mind.
The last thing I needed was for her to burst out of the room, half naked, while Itried to hide a dead body.
____
I really loved this novella in The Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series. The ending left me wanting a little itty bit more.. but it was so good. I loved this characters. I had a great time reading this.
Thank you to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
0 spice
Some Quotes:
____
"But my desire to serve you is out of honor, not because I see any weakness in you.”
I needed her mind.
The last thing I needed was for her to burst out of the room, half naked, while Itried to hide a dead body.
____
I really loved this novella in The Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series. The ending left me wanting a little itty bit more.. but it was so good. I loved this characters. I had a great time reading this.
Thank you to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS
This is one of eleven novellas in The Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series written by different indie authors. They are all stand alones and can be read in any order.
You need to know that this is a novella. It is meant to be a short story where the pace is fast and there isn’t a lot of in depth description of characters and world building. Yes, there will be unanswered questions and plot holes to get you to read other books by the author. I personally love novellas because they give you a taste of the author’s writing style and you can read them in one to two sittings.
This is my first book by Angela and I really enjoyed it! I loved the concept of the stardust on All Hallows’ Eve and the dark twist it took with the Masters. It was fast paced and I really liked the world she created. Her writing style is great! I am interested in this storyline and hope there is more in this world.
Thank you Angela for the ARC! 🖤✨
4.5/5 STARS
This is one of eleven novellas in The Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series written by different indie authors. They are all stand alones and can be read in any order.
You need to know that this is a novella. It is meant to be a short story where the pace is fast and there isn’t a lot of in depth description of characters and world building. Yes, there will be unanswered questions and plot holes to get you to read other books by the author. I personally love novellas because they give you a taste of the author’s writing style and you can read them in one to two sittings.
This is my first book by Angela and I really enjoyed it! I loved the concept of the stardust on All Hallows’ Eve and the dark twist it took with the Masters. It was fast paced and I really liked the world she created. Her writing style is great! I am interested in this storyline and hope there is more in this world.
Thank you Angela for the ARC! 🖤✨
January 6, 2024
It was a book. It had potential. I just don’t think it held any gravitas. As a reader, I also found it difficult to engage in. I think the premise held promise and with a little more time it could’ve been really good.
May 18, 2024
Ok really really digging these one-off intros to these authors! Loved the secret cult dynamics, the floating castle, the secrecy behind the story. Another low spice book but loved the story telling
January 4, 2024
2.5 stars. It was good not great
January 23, 2024
Super cute little fantasy/love story - much needed palette cleanser after reading some darker books. Looking forward to reading the other novellas in the standalone series !
February 19, 2024
Cute and corny lol
June 13, 2023
“I tried not to think about the way his golden eyes twinkled, or the fact that I enjoyed sparring words with him. I tried not to think about the fact that he was the first man who’d looked at me, truly looked at me, in years.”
This was the first book I’ve read by author Angela J. Ford and I loved it! BOUND BY STARDUST is the 4th book in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection – all standalone novellas - and it’s a dark fantasy romance complete with he falls first, grumpy/sunshine, one bed, forced proximity, and fake marriage tropes. Asira, the female MC, is our grump and she is smart, resilient, and brave. I loved the banter between her and the sunshine MC, Drazhan. Since this is “dark fantasy” there are some scenes that depict violence and there are references to abuse and drug use, but it's not overt and really adds to the tension throughout the story. Epic world-building, interesting characters, vicious villains, and a swoony love story… don’t wait, run and grab this book! (PS – romance is fade to black, no sex on page)
*** Favorite Quotes ***
“Freedom has different meanings.”
“Because when I kiss you, it feels like we are lost souls meant to find each out. When I kiss you, it feels like home, that everything is all right, exactly as it was meant to be.”
“A bloom of emotion rose inside my chest. I was wanted, not for what I could do for others or my skills, but simply for being myself.”
“No, I can’t promise you safety. Only adventure, magic, kisses, and my heart.”
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was the first book I’ve read by author Angela J. Ford and I loved it! BOUND BY STARDUST is the 4th book in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection – all standalone novellas - and it’s a dark fantasy romance complete with he falls first, grumpy/sunshine, one bed, forced proximity, and fake marriage tropes. Asira, the female MC, is our grump and she is smart, resilient, and brave. I loved the banter between her and the sunshine MC, Drazhan. Since this is “dark fantasy” there are some scenes that depict violence and there are references to abuse and drug use, but it's not overt and really adds to the tension throughout the story. Epic world-building, interesting characters, vicious villains, and a swoony love story… don’t wait, run and grab this book! (PS – romance is fade to black, no sex on page)
*** Favorite Quotes ***
“Freedom has different meanings.”
“Because when I kiss you, it feels like we are lost souls meant to find each out. When I kiss you, it feels like home, that everything is all right, exactly as it was meant to be.”
“A bloom of emotion rose inside my chest. I was wanted, not for what I could do for others or my skills, but simply for being myself.”
“No, I can’t promise you safety. Only adventure, magic, kisses, and my heart.”
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2023
Bound by Stardust is a part of the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae novella collection.
I really loved this one! I like Asira and Drazhan and how they fall for each other. One of the tropes in this novella is "he falls first" and he definitely does.
There's some subterfuge and a fake marriage, too! I just really enjoyed how these two worked together to tackle a problem: the Masters may not be the protection Asira was taught they were.
All in all, this was a great short novella. Many thanks to BOMM and the author for the review copy!
I really loved this one! I like Asira and Drazhan and how they fall for each other. One of the tropes in this novella is "he falls first" and he definitely does.
There's some subterfuge and a fake marriage, too! I just really enjoyed how these two worked together to tackle a problem: the Masters may not be the protection Asira was taught they were.
All in all, this was a great short novella. Many thanks to BOMM and the author for the review copy!
June 23, 2023
First of all this cover is Gorgeous 😍 So is the character art.
The story is just as good! This is the 4th book in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series.
The banter and sexual tension between Drazhan and Asira is great. This story was so captivating and a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy. It kept me on my toes and was such a unique world.
We meet both main characters right at the beginning of the story in a boneyard. The relationship didn't feel rushed and developed really naturally. The twists and turns were amazing and I would love to read more about this world!
The story is just as good! This is the 4th book in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series.
The banter and sexual tension between Drazhan and Asira is great. This story was so captivating and a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy. It kept me on my toes and was such a unique world.
We meet both main characters right at the beginning of the story in a boneyard. The relationship didn't feel rushed and developed really naturally. The twists and turns were amazing and I would love to read more about this world!
June 7, 2023
4/5 stars
I enjoyed the premise of the story with the aspects of stardust and the characters were fun to follow. Asira is a strong woman who has a life as the towns healer, but wants more. It’s fast-paced, engaging and I felt like I was immersed in another world with magic. I actually think it would be cool to have this story expanded upon because it had such a good premise.
The entire narrative was captivating and fascinating. I enjoyed the story because it wasn't like any other stories I have read before. I’d love to have been able to really get to know the characters. The story is too brief to achieve the depth and connection with the characters I want, but I can't really say much as that is to be expected with a novella.
Thank you Angela Ford for providing me with an ARC of this book!
I enjoyed the premise of the story with the aspects of stardust and the characters were fun to follow. Asira is a strong woman who has a life as the towns healer, but wants more. It’s fast-paced, engaging and I felt like I was immersed in another world with magic. I actually think it would be cool to have this story expanded upon because it had such a good premise.
The entire narrative was captivating and fascinating. I enjoyed the story because it wasn't like any other stories I have read before. I’d love to have been able to really get to know the characters. The story is too brief to achieve the depth and connection with the characters I want, but I can't really say much as that is to be expected with a novella.
Thank you Angela Ford for providing me with an ARC of this book!
June 19, 2023
I received an ARC copy of Angela J. Ford's book. I devoured it within a day. It was such a good read that kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen. I was caught up in the world she created and had a suspicion that things weren't what they seemed. I won't tell you if I was correct. You'll have to read the book to find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
June 24, 2023
This is the 4th book to release in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Series and I am so happy when I read each of these books. This book has been on of my favorite, so far out of the eleven. There is mystery, fantasy, romance, and a darkness I really liked. I loved both of the characters, I just wish we could have learned more about the reveal of Asira.
June 18, 2023
It’s a fun, read packs a punch keeps your attention, fast paced, and overall just enjoyable
April 5, 2025
This was a super quick read.
This book has potential to be a longer and more thorough book. With that being said, it wasn’t bad - just know it had more room for bigger things.
This book has potential to be a longer and more thorough book. With that being said, it wasn’t bad - just know it had more room for bigger things.
July 28, 2023
Bound by Stardust
@angelajfordbooks
⭐⭐⭐. 5/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A stardust collector. A handsome immortal. And a floating kingdom full of sinister secrets.
Once a year, on All Hallows Eve, stardust falls from the floating kingdom. But only one person is brave enough to enter the boneyard and gather the magical Asira, the Stardust Collector.
Bound by Stardust is book 4 in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection. These books are all standalones written by your favorite fantasy authors and are the perfect read for your summer vacation. Prepare to be swept away into magical worlds with tropes you obsess over and swoon-worthy romance.
My review:
OK so I didn't LOVE this one but I didn't hate it? IIt was enjoyable enough.
I found it predictable and didn't really connect with the MC as much. I found whos bones were falling from the sky every all hallows eve interesting but when we were told we don't know where the stardust actually comes from I was a bit dissapointed as I was kinda waiting to know. I know it's a short book but I would have liked more packed into the pages.
Good quick read but just fell short for me.
#boundbystardust #starrykingdomofthefae #bookreader #bookrecommendations #bookish #bookishthings #bibliophile #booktok #bookstagram #bookaholic #bookreview #booklover #bookblog #bookstagramuk #bookstack #bookaddict #readmorebooks #booksbooksbooks #booklove #bookcommunity #bookobsessed #bookishlove
@angelajfordbooks
⭐⭐⭐. 5/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A stardust collector. A handsome immortal. And a floating kingdom full of sinister secrets.
Once a year, on All Hallows Eve, stardust falls from the floating kingdom. But only one person is brave enough to enter the boneyard and gather the magical Asira, the Stardust Collector.
Bound by Stardust is book 4 in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection. These books are all standalones written by your favorite fantasy authors and are the perfect read for your summer vacation. Prepare to be swept away into magical worlds with tropes you obsess over and swoon-worthy romance.
My review:
OK so I didn't LOVE this one but I didn't hate it? IIt was enjoyable enough.
I found it predictable and didn't really connect with the MC as much. I found whos bones were falling from the sky every all hallows eve interesting but when we were told we don't know where the stardust actually comes from I was a bit dissapointed as I was kinda waiting to know. I know it's a short book but I would have liked more packed into the pages.
Good quick read but just fell short for me.
#boundbystardust #starrykingdomofthefae #bookreader #bookrecommendations #bookish #bookishthings #bibliophile #booktok #bookstagram #bookaholic #bookreview #booklover #bookblog #bookstagramuk #bookstack #bookaddict #readmorebooks #booksbooksbooks #booklove #bookcommunity #bookobsessed #bookishlove
June 23, 2023
4⭐️
Bound by Stardust is the fourth novella the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series. I found the ideas and building of this world to be really captivating. The role of stardust, who The Masters were, and the truths and secrets that Asira and Drazhan discover together, whilst also falling in love was just all really interesting world/plot points. This is most definitely a ‘he falls first’ romance and is fade to black. I think that the development of their relationship throughout the story is really sweet, I really liked their dynamic. This was well paced, with action when it needed it, and more tender romantic moments that were well timed. I think the world overall had a lot going for it, and so did the plot and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was left wondering a few things that I felt could have been answered like the origins of the stardust, more on Fae powers, or what happened to them. Overall, I really liked this, it was a good, and really enjoyable read.
Thank you to Angela J. Ford for sending me this ARC. I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Bound by Stardust is the fourth novella the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series. I found the ideas and building of this world to be really captivating. The role of stardust, who The Masters were, and the truths and secrets that Asira and Drazhan discover together, whilst also falling in love was just all really interesting world/plot points. This is most definitely a ‘he falls first’ romance and is fade to black. I think that the development of their relationship throughout the story is really sweet, I really liked their dynamic. This was well paced, with action when it needed it, and more tender romantic moments that were well timed. I think the world overall had a lot going for it, and so did the plot and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was left wondering a few things that I felt could have been answered like the origins of the stardust, more on Fae powers, or what happened to them. Overall, I really liked this, it was a good, and really enjoyable read.
Thank you to Angela J. Ford for sending me this ARC. I leave this honest review voluntarily.
June 23, 2023
Black Girl Magic......Literally
A cute novella about Asira who is a Stardust Collector and Healer (she was Black Girl Magic) who yearns for a chance to be amongst the Chosen to live a life of luxury in the floating kingdom and serve the Masters. Her life changes the moment she saves a man named Drazhan who she found in the boneyard while collecting Stardust.
Drazhan is one of the immortal Masters Asira has heard of and although she could do without his flirtatious banter she is hopeful that he will be her ticket into getting chosen.
Drazhan is forever grateful and cannot seem to take his eyes off of the beautiful woman who saved him but he grows concerned about her desire to live among the Masters, for Drazhan knows that there is more to the Masters that meet the eye.
During the Annual Tithe Asira finds herself among the Chosen Ones and is excited beyond belief but that excitement quickly becomes a feeling of confusion and then horror for she now understands why Drazhan tried to sway her desire to be Chosen.
Time is of the essence and it is up to a lonely Stardust Collector, her trusty Stardust and a Flirty Immortal to put an end to the sinister plans being unleashed in the Starry Kingdom.
A cute novella about Asira who is a Stardust Collector and Healer (she was Black Girl Magic) who yearns for a chance to be amongst the Chosen to live a life of luxury in the floating kingdom and serve the Masters. Her life changes the moment she saves a man named Drazhan who she found in the boneyard while collecting Stardust.
Drazhan is one of the immortal Masters Asira has heard of and although she could do without his flirtatious banter she is hopeful that he will be her ticket into getting chosen.
Drazhan is forever grateful and cannot seem to take his eyes off of the beautiful woman who saved him but he grows concerned about her desire to live among the Masters, for Drazhan knows that there is more to the Masters that meet the eye.
During the Annual Tithe Asira finds herself among the Chosen Ones and is excited beyond belief but that excitement quickly becomes a feeling of confusion and then horror for she now understands why Drazhan tried to sway her desire to be Chosen.
Time is of the essence and it is up to a lonely Stardust Collector, her trusty Stardust and a Flirty Immortal to put an end to the sinister plans being unleashed in the Starry Kingdom.
June 3, 2023
This novella reads like an adult fairy tale. It’s short and sweet. Although it has evil characters, I didn’t find it particularly “dark” in a spicy way. It’s dark in the way Malificent is dark. It has 1 closed door intimate scene. The MMC is respectful, observes boundaries, and only does things consensually. The story of course moves very quickly so there is an instant love connection. There were just a few small things that kept this from being 5 stars- over use of some phrases such as “for” ex: “for she was…” There was also 1 thing that seems contradictory and could have been flushed out better (what the MMC is or is not.) The entirety of the story however was engaging and interesting. It wasn’t like any stories I had heard before and I liked the tale that was told. I would love to read this as a full length novel and really get to know the characters. They were both likable even if the MFC has a listening problem. Too short to get the depth and connection I crave with the characters but I can’t complain too much because that’s to be expected as a novella. As a short story- it delivered. An enjoyable quick bedtime or beachside read.
October 1, 2023
wanted something seasonal and easy to read, this fit the bill and was free on my kindle so I picked it up despite not being the typical thing I would read.
It was very short so a lot of things happened very quickly that seem as though they should be explored more.
The romance was a bit lacklustre but that goes back to this being a short stand alone fantasy so there wasn't exactly time for slow burn.
Overall an inoffensive reading experience. Didn't mind the time I spent with this book but can't imagine I'll think of it much now that I'm done with it.
It was very short so a lot of things happened very quickly that seem as though they should be explored more.
The romance was a bit lacklustre but that goes back to this being a short stand alone fantasy so there wasn't exactly time for slow burn.
Overall an inoffensive reading experience. Didn't mind the time I spent with this book but can't imagine I'll think of it much now that I'm done with it.
September 30, 2024
This was a quick read, and had some cute moments and intriguing mysteries.
I thought the premise was really cool, with the Masters living in the sky, supposedly protecting the mortal kingdom below, but then Asira's whole understanding of these Masters are flipped when the far more sinister truth is revealed.
I like Asira as a main character, she was strong-willed, and knew how to protect herself. And though her job/duty was to heal other people, she longed for an adventure of her own.
Drazhan was lovely, too. Such a gentleman, and very protective of Asira, while still being supportive of her independence. I've found a distinct lack of protective men in recent fantasy books that aren't also toxic, so this was a nice change of pace.
However, I did find some of the romance between them lacking, in the sense that the emotional connection felt way too rushed, giving me little time to actually root for them before they were already falling for each other. I mean, after knowing her for about a day and a half (and being unconscious for at least half that time), Drazhan was already imagining marrying Asira, while she was too busy trying not to swoon at his good looks.
Some of the information and explanations seemed a bit rushed and info-dumpy, too, especially when everything was wrapping up towards the end. It just felt like, now that the couple has officially gotten together and are off on a brand new adventure, the rest of the mystery and the world itself was wrapped up in a quick bow and tossed to the side, which was a little disappointing.
Still, I liked the read, and will be interested in reading other works by this author, as well as the rest of this multi-author series.
Current ranking of the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Books that I've read so far:
1. Bound by Ravens (I think this has since been separated from the rest of the series, but I'm still counting it, here)
2. Bound by Knighthood
3. Bound by Stardust
I thought the premise was really cool, with the Masters living in the sky, supposedly protecting the mortal kingdom below, but then Asira's whole understanding of these Masters are flipped when the far more sinister truth is revealed.
I like Asira as a main character, she was strong-willed, and knew how to protect herself. And though her job/duty was to heal other people, she longed for an adventure of her own.
Drazhan was lovely, too. Such a gentleman, and very protective of Asira, while still being supportive of her independence. I've found a distinct lack of protective men in recent fantasy books that aren't also toxic, so this was a nice change of pace.
However, I did find some of the romance between them lacking, in the sense that the emotional connection felt way too rushed, giving me little time to actually root for them before they were already falling for each other. I mean, after knowing her for about a day and a half (and being unconscious for at least half that time), Drazhan was already imagining marrying Asira, while she was too busy trying not to swoon at his good looks.
Some of the information and explanations seemed a bit rushed and info-dumpy, too, especially when everything was wrapping up towards the end. It just felt like, now that the couple has officially gotten together and are off on a brand new adventure, the rest of the mystery and the world itself was wrapped up in a quick bow and tossed to the side, which was a little disappointing.
Still, I liked the read, and will be interested in reading other works by this author, as well as the rest of this multi-author series.
Current ranking of the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Books that I've read so far:
1. Bound by Ravens (I think this has since been separated from the rest of the series, but I'm still counting it, here)
2. Bound by Knighthood
3. Bound by Stardust
June 28, 2023
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
Asira, I really enjoyed the fact she wasn't a teenager or 18yo, she was a full adult, I think she was close to her 30s or still in her 20s but still very interesting approach about her. I loved how she chose to not marry, to be alone, and just take over her grandma's job, which was a Stardust Collector and a healer.
Drazhan, when we first meet him he's pretty mysterious and the way he comes back to life is just a bit shocking and also freaking out Asira.
Both characters felt for me pretty fleshed out, considering is a short story they were really nicely made and I loved their interactions and how they got together, their relationship I didn't felt it rushed, on the contrary, I felt they had the perfect pace when came to their relationship.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
The world-building isn't the main, main focus of the story but you get enough information to know where you are and how things around you are. However, the scene the book opens up was so magical. I could literally see the stardust falling from the sky and Asira gathering it, It brought me memories of when I saw my first meteorite shower, it felt so beautiful and magical.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
The book is a short and fast-paced story and I devoured it so quickly. I loved the idea with the stardust collector, it felt so magical the way she was collecting it and using it and Asira was described so cute in the story. As usual, Angela's characters are so beautiful and diverse and I love how she makes their relationship just grow, even in a short story she captured the foundation of their relationship, the very beginning when and who fell in love first and I loved how their relationship just developed afterward. The plot twist was not that easy to figure it out until it was revealed, even tho I had that feeling something's dark and not as it seems, but once you find the truth things are definitely darker.
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
Didn't found the book to be triggering or having big TW's unless you don't like blood and/or killing a creature then that might trigger you. I didn't got triggered by the book, nor there's spice in it. The romance is pretty fade to black in my opinion.
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⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
Asira, I really enjoyed the fact she wasn't a teenager or 18yo, she was a full adult, I think she was close to her 30s or still in her 20s but still very interesting approach about her. I loved how she chose to not marry, to be alone, and just take over her grandma's job, which was a Stardust Collector and a healer.
Drazhan, when we first meet him he's pretty mysterious and the way he comes back to life is just a bit shocking and also freaking out Asira.
Both characters felt for me pretty fleshed out, considering is a short story they were really nicely made and I loved their interactions and how they got together, their relationship I didn't felt it rushed, on the contrary, I felt they had the perfect pace when came to their relationship.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
The world-building isn't the main, main focus of the story but you get enough information to know where you are and how things around you are. However, the scene the book opens up was so magical. I could literally see the stardust falling from the sky and Asira gathering it, It brought me memories of when I saw my first meteorite shower, it felt so beautiful and magical.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
The book is a short and fast-paced story and I devoured it so quickly. I loved the idea with the stardust collector, it felt so magical the way she was collecting it and using it and Asira was described so cute in the story. As usual, Angela's characters are so beautiful and diverse and I love how she makes their relationship just grow, even in a short story she captured the foundation of their relationship, the very beginning when and who fell in love first and I loved how their relationship just developed afterward. The plot twist was not that easy to figure it out until it was revealed, even tho I had that feeling something's dark and not as it seems, but once you find the truth things are definitely darker.
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
Didn't found the book to be triggering or having big TW's unless you don't like blood and/or killing a creature then that might trigger you. I didn't got triggered by the book, nor there's spice in it. The romance is pretty fade to black in my opinion.
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January 20, 2024
"Terrin doesn't need the Masters to sustain itself. The people just need freedom and a good Stardust Collector>"
"You're the magic of Terrin, and as long as you dwell here, stardust will never truly be gone."
This was the first book I finished reading this year. I remember I was drawn to it by the cover and the hint at the story within, but after having finished it, it's not a book that will leave me thinking about it for days on end. I started off thinking I would really enjoy the book because it had a female character who was rather relatable. She didn't try to hide her fear and she didn't know exactly what she wanted, but she knew she desired adventure and she wasn't enticed by marriage. In spite of all of that, she was a rather strong female lead. However, the story was too underdeveloped for me and I think the large part of it was that it was a novella.
I didn't realize it was a novella but I still feel like there should have been more development of the story. Large parts of the story felt like they were just condensed into a paragraph to keep the story going-- even the underlying love story wasn't intriguing to me. There were so many things that were never explained properly, so it wasn't as enjoyable of a read in the end. I still quite like the cover and the idea of stardust which I think isn't something I come across often in Fae novels, but overall, I would only rate it 3 stars.
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