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Shadowvale #7
A Sky Full of Stars
Shadowvale isn’t your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.
Lexi Gardner is a rare creature with a nearly unlimited supply of magic. Unfortunately, that magic has gotten a little low. That’s all right. She’s come to Shadowvale for a refill and thanks to an impending magical event, getting all the magic she requires shouldn’t be a problem.
Until she crosses paths with someone who greatly needs her help. A man trapped in the forest. A man no one wanted anything to do with. A man considered by most to be a curse. Lexi, however, sees beyond his past. She sees him for who he is now. And who he could become. The only problem is saving this handsome mountain of a man will take more magic than she has. In fact, it’ll take all the magic she can get her hands on. Seems a small price to pay for his company, however.
She vows to help him if he’ll help her in return, something he’s glad to do. But he has his own issues to deal with. As do most people in town. Like Amelia Marchand, the witch who created Shadowvale. Will Lexi be able to help Amelia and her new friend while securing the magic she desperately wants? Because a life without magic won’t be any kind of life at all. Unless love turns out to be all the magic she needs…
Lexi Gardner is a rare creature with a nearly unlimited supply of magic. Unfortunately, that magic has gotten a little low. That’s all right. She’s come to Shadowvale for a refill and thanks to an impending magical event, getting all the magic she requires shouldn’t be a problem.
Until she crosses paths with someone who greatly needs her help. A man trapped in the forest. A man no one wanted anything to do with. A man considered by most to be a curse. Lexi, however, sees beyond his past. She sees him for who he is now. And who he could become. The only problem is saving this handsome mountain of a man will take more magic than she has. In fact, it’ll take all the magic she can get her hands on. Seems a small price to pay for his company, however.
She vows to help him if he’ll help her in return, something he’s glad to do. But he has his own issues to deal with. As do most people in town. Like Amelia Marchand, the witch who created Shadowvale. Will Lexi be able to help Amelia and her new friend while securing the magic she desperately wants? Because a life without magic won’t be any kind of life at all. Unless love turns out to be all the magic she needs…
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2024
133 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
187 books3,416 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 15, 2024
A Sky Full of Stars by Kristen Painter
Shadowvale series #7. Paranormal romance. Best read as part of the series. Reads almost as final wrap up.
Lexi Gardner wanders into Shadowvale to fill up her magic reserve. As she walks through the forest she finds a tree, that’s not fully a tree but more. She pushes a small amount of magic into the tree and promises to come back the next day with more magic. She then finds one of the main meridian lines and fills up. The next day she frees Edgar from the tree but knows she can’t use the magic running the town again so must search for other sources.
Edgar doesn’t remember much but he knows he was a monster. He doesn’t want to scare anyone but will do whatever he can for Lexi in thanks and helping him learn some basic skills. She doesn’t have many human skills and while he doesn’t either, he knows that together they can survive and thrive.
Amelia Marchand created Shadowvale where the sun never shines and the magic decides who can come in. She makes an agreement with Lexi not to use the town’s magic again with an alternative. Lexi just wants to help people. It’s her purpose in life. But if she uses all of her magic, she becomes human.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook and at times read them both together. The performance is done by B. J. Harrison who does most of the various series by this author. He does a great job with emotions and voice differences for the many characters. I enjoy audio so I can do other things while reading. This particular narrator reads particularly slow in my opinion. Generally I will listen at 1.5 but with this narrator will increase to a higher speed.
Because he does the full series, it was like visiting with a friend and catching up with what’s happening around town.
A love story that is heartwarming. A town with all kinds of supernaturals where curses are the norm but they find a way to life fully and happily.
A long time open thread is resolved which I’m very happy about. I won’t spoil it. But if you’ve read any of this series, you are going to want to read this one asap.
Shadowvale series #7. Paranormal romance. Best read as part of the series. Reads almost as final wrap up.
Lexi Gardner wanders into Shadowvale to fill up her magic reserve. As she walks through the forest she finds a tree, that’s not fully a tree but more. She pushes a small amount of magic into the tree and promises to come back the next day with more magic. She then finds one of the main meridian lines and fills up. The next day she frees Edgar from the tree but knows she can’t use the magic running the town again so must search for other sources.
Edgar doesn’t remember much but he knows he was a monster. He doesn’t want to scare anyone but will do whatever he can for Lexi in thanks and helping him learn some basic skills. She doesn’t have many human skills and while he doesn’t either, he knows that together they can survive and thrive.
Amelia Marchand created Shadowvale where the sun never shines and the magic decides who can come in. She makes an agreement with Lexi not to use the town’s magic again with an alternative. Lexi just wants to help people. It’s her purpose in life. But if she uses all of her magic, she becomes human.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook and at times read them both together. The performance is done by B. J. Harrison who does most of the various series by this author. He does a great job with emotions and voice differences for the many characters. I enjoy audio so I can do other things while reading. This particular narrator reads particularly slow in my opinion. Generally I will listen at 1.5 but with this narrator will increase to a higher speed.
Because he does the full series, it was like visiting with a friend and catching up with what’s happening around town.
A love story that is heartwarming. A town with all kinds of supernaturals where curses are the norm but they find a way to life fully and happily.
A long time open thread is resolved which I’m very happy about. I won’t spoil it. But if you’ve read any of this series, you are going to want to read this one asap.
January 21, 2024
Series: Shadowvale #7
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Lexi Gardner has come to Shadowvale because her magic is running low and she needs the impending magical event to refill it. But when she comes across a man who is trapped within a tree she finds herself willing to risk the last of her magic to rescue him but he has to help her in turn. But Edgar wasn’t the only one in Shadowvale who ended up needing her help and Lexi soon finds herself risking all her magic to help the town.
This was an interesting Shadowvale novel. Lexi is a sylph who should have unlimited magic to but has used too much helping people and now needs a magical meteor to replenish her abilities or risks becoming human. Lexi was an interesting character because we have never seen a being like her before and in theory she should be able to do anything, but she can’t. She struggles with her loss of magic and eventually realizes that it wouldn’t be so bad being human if she got to spend it with Eddie.
When I initially picked this up I didn’t realize that the man trapped in the tree was going to be Edgar Hyde, but I should have after Henry was so distraught over trapping him in the tree to begin with in the previous book. Edgar is a changed man now. He no longer is a rage filled beast but instead is focused on making a life for himself in Shadowvale and helping Lexi. I really liked seeing Edgar and Henry reunite and are now like actual brothers.
Edgar and Lexi’s relationship was a bit disappointing for me. While close proximity is usually a trope I really enjoy, these two didn’t really have any romance between them before they were saying ‘I love you’. They spend the majority of their time trying to find magic to fix each other and we never really get any real conversations about feelings or their future until a while after they have said they love each other. A lot of their relationship felt more for convenience than for actual feelings and I think that is why Is struggled more with the romance with this one than all the previous Shadowvale books.
While the romance was lacking for me, this book does provide some answers to questions that have been left hanging from previous books. We learn more about the book in the woods, Pasquel’s disappearance, and more about the magic of Shadowvale. Shadowvale continues to be a unique town with unique characters that I want to know more about, and after this book I do wonder how things will change in Shadowvale.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Lexi Gardner has come to Shadowvale because her magic is running low and she needs the impending magical event to refill it. But when she comes across a man who is trapped within a tree she finds herself willing to risk the last of her magic to rescue him but he has to help her in turn. But Edgar wasn’t the only one in Shadowvale who ended up needing her help and Lexi soon finds herself risking all her magic to help the town.
This was an interesting Shadowvale novel. Lexi is a sylph who should have unlimited magic to but has used too much helping people and now needs a magical meteor to replenish her abilities or risks becoming human. Lexi was an interesting character because we have never seen a being like her before and in theory she should be able to do anything, but she can’t. She struggles with her loss of magic and eventually realizes that it wouldn’t be so bad being human if she got to spend it with Eddie.
When I initially picked this up I didn’t realize that the man trapped in the tree was going to be Edgar Hyde, but I should have after Henry was so distraught over trapping him in the tree to begin with in the previous book. Edgar is a changed man now. He no longer is a rage filled beast but instead is focused on making a life for himself in Shadowvale and helping Lexi. I really liked seeing Edgar and Henry reunite and are now like actual brothers.
Edgar and Lexi’s relationship was a bit disappointing for me. While close proximity is usually a trope I really enjoy, these two didn’t really have any romance between them before they were saying ‘I love you’. They spend the majority of their time trying to find magic to fix each other and we never really get any real conversations about feelings or their future until a while after they have said they love each other. A lot of their relationship felt more for convenience than for actual feelings and I think that is why Is struggled more with the romance with this one than all the previous Shadowvale books.
While the romance was lacking for me, this book does provide some answers to questions that have been left hanging from previous books. We learn more about the book in the woods, Pasquel’s disappearance, and more about the magic of Shadowvale. Shadowvale continues to be a unique town with unique characters that I want to know more about, and after this book I do wonder how things will change in Shadowvale.
January 1, 2025
This was such an amazing book!!! I love this series but this one by far is my favorite! The story was so interesting and there were so many hidden surprises!! It was a real treat to listen to!! I absolutely loved it!!! I highly recommend this!!
March 6, 2024
Absolutely loved this story!
January 27, 2024
A bit scattered
As much as I love the Shadowdale series, this book was a bit of a disappointment. The plot was all over the place and the romance felt forced, it didn't seem to grow organically, they were just kind of thrown together. The main character Eddie was a little too gooey and timid, especially considering who he was, and not terribly likeable, a bit of a sad, scared wimp. Lexi also came off as selfish, a trait that did not change through the course of the novel, and the selfless acts she did felt almost out of character. Some incredibly big things happen in this book, and somehow, the events didn't have the emotional punch they should have had, leaving me feeling disappointed and knowing it could have been so much better. Three pacing was odd, too many redundancies, especially in the first half of the book. I'm afraid this is my least favorite of all of Kristen Painter's books.
As much as I love the Shadowdale series, this book was a bit of a disappointment. The plot was all over the place and the romance felt forced, it didn't seem to grow organically, they were just kind of thrown together. The main character Eddie was a little too gooey and timid, especially considering who he was, and not terribly likeable, a bit of a sad, scared wimp. Lexi also came off as selfish, a trait that did not change through the course of the novel, and the selfless acts she did felt almost out of character. Some incredibly big things happen in this book, and somehow, the events didn't have the emotional punch they should have had, leaving me feeling disappointed and knowing it could have been so much better. Three pacing was odd, too many redundancies, especially in the first half of the book. I'm afraid this is my least favorite of all of Kristen Painter's books.
January 18, 2024
Seventh in the Shadowvale paranormal romance series and revolving around a town that protects the supernatural. The couple focus is on Lexi Gardner and Edgar Hyde.
My Take
It’s a pair of characters moved by a premonition, and three of them are helpful creatures, but one, Lexi, is too helpful. I know, a lot of numbers that don't match up . . . not to worry. It'll work out *grin*
Painter uses third person protagonist point-of-view from Lexi’s and Edgar’s perspectives, so we know their thoughts and fears. The most critical part of the story is Lexi and if she should run out of magic . . . Worse, too much of the wrong kind of magic and Lexi could turn into a sin-eater. As for Edgar, he fears who and what he was before he became a tree. We also learn how relentless Amelia can be when it comes to Pasqual and Shadowvale. Although, I gotta say, it doesn't quite ring in my mind.
It’s so cute how clueless Lexi and Edgar are about daily life. Cooking, doing laundry, using a phone, driving . . . They are so lucky to be in Shadowvale where the people are so supportive and helpful.
Both of them are learning about deeper meanings in life. We also learn how Amelia was able to create Shadowvale and the promise she had to make.
It’s a tit-for-tat situation in which Lexi must make a dreadful decision that will impinge on the rest of her life. A greedy action that can go one of two ways.
In some respects A Sky Full of Stars is an irritating read. Lexi is too helpful, especially considering the consequences, although I did have to admire her willingness. It was also too easy. Sure there’s a bit of tension around Lexi’s magic, but the story needed more.
The Story
Lexi Gardner needs a massive refill on magic if she’s going to move on. Only she cannot resist helping people. Including that unusual tree in the forest.
All that help comes with a price as Lexi uses up all her magic . . . and still owes Amelia Marchand a favor.
The Characters
Lexi Gardner is a sylph, a.k.a. a starchild, whose magic is running out, and she’s ready to move on to another . . . place. She’s purchased the Five Bells Pub from Teddy.
Edgar “Eddie” Hyde, a curse, is a tree ( Monster in the Mirror , 6) who thinks he’s a monster.
Shadowvale is . . .
. . . a town created by Amelia Marchand, a very powerful witch, who lives in the fabulous Indigo House. Pasqual is/was her vampire lover for whom she created Shadowvale. Thoreau is her pet tiger. Becket, a reaper, is her majordomo. And her warden. The town is heavily financed by the gem mines.
Dr Henry Jekyll is married to Izzy. They have two Flame Point Siamese cats: Saffron “Saffy” and Clementine “Clemmy”. The doctor is in need of a research assistant.
The Five Bells Pub is managed by Trip Carson. Belle is one of the bartenders.
Thomas Wilson and his daughter, the sleepless Kacy, run Sunshine Cabs.
The Creamatorium has a fabulous range of tasty ice cream. Stella, a woman with exceptional gifts, owns Stella’s Bargain Bin where you can get fabulous deals. Joel Campbell’s son, Logan, is dreadfully sick. Tim works at Shadowvale Pet Rescue where Rambo/Reggie is found. Josh is a server at The Table, a fancy restaurant. Deacon Evermore, a raven shifter, is the main peacekeeper in town and can marry people.
There's a book in Dark Acres, a very bad part of the Enchanted Forest, that can lift your curse. The meteor shower has several names: the Tears of Anubis, the Aerarii, and those meteors contain magic that can be harvested or grant wishes. A meowl is a cat with wings who prefers to live in the cemetery. Lylianna appears to lead the grove nymphs.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a dark background of a night sky with golden stars and a bright and sparkling gold ball in the center around which double trails of gold swirl. At the very top is an info blurb in white. Immediately below that is the author’s name, also in white. Below that is the series info in a radial gradient of royal blue to turquoise in a fancy script. Below the ball is the title in white with a purple outline.
The title is about A Sky Full of Stars, of meteors that promise to fulfill wishes.
My Take
It’s a pair of characters moved by a premonition, and three of them are helpful creatures, but one, Lexi, is too helpful. I know, a lot of numbers that don't match up . . . not to worry. It'll work out *grin*
Painter uses third person protagonist point-of-view from Lexi’s and Edgar’s perspectives, so we know their thoughts and fears. The most critical part of the story is Lexi and if she should run out of magic . . . Worse, too much of the wrong kind of magic and Lexi could turn into a sin-eater. As for Edgar, he fears who and what he was before he became a tree. We also learn how relentless Amelia can be when it comes to Pasqual and Shadowvale. Although, I gotta say, it doesn't quite ring in my mind.
It’s so cute how clueless Lexi and Edgar are about daily life. Cooking, doing laundry, using a phone, driving . . . They are so lucky to be in Shadowvale where the people are so supportive and helpful.
Both of them are learning about deeper meanings in life. We also learn how Amelia was able to create Shadowvale and the promise she had to make.
It’s a tit-for-tat situation in which Lexi must make a dreadful decision that will impinge on the rest of her life. A greedy action that can go one of two ways.
In some respects A Sky Full of Stars is an irritating read. Lexi is too helpful, especially considering the consequences, although I did have to admire her willingness. It was also too easy. Sure there’s a bit of tension around Lexi’s magic, but the story needed more.
The Story
Lexi Gardner needs a massive refill on magic if she’s going to move on. Only she cannot resist helping people. Including that unusual tree in the forest.
All that help comes with a price as Lexi uses up all her magic . . . and still owes Amelia Marchand a favor.
The Characters
Lexi Gardner is a sylph, a.k.a. a starchild, whose magic is running out, and she’s ready to move on to another . . . place. She’s purchased the Five Bells Pub from Teddy.
Edgar “Eddie” Hyde, a curse, is a tree ( Monster in the Mirror , 6) who thinks he’s a monster.
Shadowvale is . . .
. . . a town created by Amelia Marchand, a very powerful witch, who lives in the fabulous Indigo House. Pasqual is/was her vampire lover for whom she created Shadowvale. Thoreau is her pet tiger. Becket, a reaper, is her majordomo. And her warden. The town is heavily financed by the gem mines.
Dr Henry Jekyll is married to Izzy. They have two Flame Point Siamese cats: Saffron “Saffy” and Clementine “Clemmy”. The doctor is in need of a research assistant.
The Five Bells Pub is managed by Trip Carson. Belle is one of the bartenders.
Thomas Wilson and his daughter, the sleepless Kacy, run Sunshine Cabs.
The Creamatorium has a fabulous range of tasty ice cream. Stella, a woman with exceptional gifts, owns Stella’s Bargain Bin where you can get fabulous deals. Joel Campbell’s son, Logan, is dreadfully sick. Tim works at Shadowvale Pet Rescue where Rambo/Reggie is found. Josh is a server at The Table, a fancy restaurant. Deacon Evermore, a raven shifter, is the main peacekeeper in town and can marry people.
There's a book in Dark Acres, a very bad part of the Enchanted Forest, that can lift your curse. The meteor shower has several names: the Tears of Anubis, the Aerarii, and those meteors contain magic that can be harvested or grant wishes. A meowl is a cat with wings who prefers to live in the cemetery. Lylianna appears to lead the grove nymphs.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a dark background of a night sky with golden stars and a bright and sparkling gold ball in the center around which double trails of gold swirl. At the very top is an info blurb in white. Immediately below that is the author’s name, also in white. Below that is the series info in a radial gradient of royal blue to turquoise in a fancy script. Below the ball is the title in white with a purple outline.
The title is about A Sky Full of Stars, of meteors that promise to fulfill wishes.
October 7, 2024
I did not wanted to write a review on this but looking over the low star reviews I notice one that is just not truthful. So I am correcting one of the 2 star reviews here:
Amelia: She offers her ( Lexi ) to drain the book to get her magic back. And the girl never gets threatened, she does it because she feels it is the right thing to do, and she wants her magic back.
Edgar, the monster or Mr Hide was cool getting him back and out of that tree.
And if you really love and miss someone , like Amelia, plus the town is at risk with that all the people living there, you try everything to:
1. get that person back you love and because he means everything to you & u want him healthy etc
2. and do not want you home/your town destroyed,
3. people living in the town would have no place to go..
That is not evil. Does not make you a villain.
4. Lexi could have always said no. Be human and live on. But she did not.
She wanted the people to have their home / town and a life with Edgar in that town.
5.And she also was not comfortable living without her magic-
So she took the risk of draining all that black magic. Hoping for the best.
You can debate about her motives and more. Would I have done it, knowing Edgar could loose me and needs me? Nope, I do not think so. But that is just me. Makes me selfish I guess lol .
6.Amelia being desperate for help. doesn`t make her evil.
I liked this book because it is deeper and not just a book to relax and not think. Book readers that read real books, upscale books, have no problem following this story.
As a matter of fact I would love to have more of this kind of book. Because most other books in the genre are just so simple and boring. If you read Shakespeare and you get a Mikey Mouse comic ( and that is what you get with most books of this Genre )... not very satisfying. Very low level.
So this book was cool. And for me a nice surprise because it had some depth to it I did not expected at all.
Amelia: She offers her ( Lexi ) to drain the book to get her magic back. And the girl never gets threatened, she does it because she feels it is the right thing to do, and she wants her magic back.
Edgar, the monster or Mr Hide was cool getting him back and out of that tree.
And if you really love and miss someone , like Amelia, plus the town is at risk with that all the people living there, you try everything to:
1. get that person back you love and because he means everything to you & u want him healthy etc
2. and do not want you home/your town destroyed,
3. people living in the town would have no place to go..
That is not evil. Does not make you a villain.
4. Lexi could have always said no. Be human and live on. But she did not.
She wanted the people to have their home / town and a life with Edgar in that town.
5.And she also was not comfortable living without her magic-
So she took the risk of draining all that black magic. Hoping for the best.
You can debate about her motives and more. Would I have done it, knowing Edgar could loose me and needs me? Nope, I do not think so. But that is just me. Makes me selfish I guess lol .
6.Amelia being desperate for help. doesn`t make her evil.
I liked this book because it is deeper and not just a book to relax and not think. Book readers that read real books, upscale books, have no problem following this story.
As a matter of fact I would love to have more of this kind of book. Because most other books in the genre are just so simple and boring. If you read Shakespeare and you get a Mikey Mouse comic ( and that is what you get with most books of this Genre )... not very satisfying. Very low level.
So this book was cool. And for me a nice surprise because it had some depth to it I did not expected at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
Lexi Gardner is a rare creature with a nearly unlimited supply of magic. Unfortunately, that magic has gotten a little low. That’s all right. She’s come to Shadowvale for a refill and thanks to an impending magical event, getting all the magic she requires shouldn’t be a problem.
Until she crosses paths with someone who greatly needs her help. A man trapped in the forest. A man no one wanted anything to do with. A man considered by most to be a curse. Lexi, however, sees beyond his past. She sees him for who he is now. And who he could become. The only problem is saving this handsome mountain of a man will take more magic than she has. In fact, it’ll take all the magic she can get her hands on. Seems a small price to pay for his company, however.
She vows to help him if he’ll help her in return, something he’s glad to do. But he has his own issues to deal with. As do most people in town. Like Amelia Marchand, the witch who created Shadowvale. Will Lexi be able to help Amelia and her new friend while securing the magic she desperately wants? Because a life without magic won’t be any kind of life at all. Unless love turns out to be all the magic she needs…
I would have never guessed that Edgar Hyde would have gotten a book. Not sure why I didn't think of it but I just didn't. So imagine my suprise! This book was so interesting, I believe that this is my favorite Shadowvale book yet. Not only did we get Lexi and Edgar's story but we also learned more about Amelia Marchand. If you haven't read this series then you are truly missing out on this special place. Kristen Painter continues to keep me on the edge of my seat! Do yourself a favor and get to reading this series!
Until she crosses paths with someone who greatly needs her help. A man trapped in the forest. A man no one wanted anything to do with. A man considered by most to be a curse. Lexi, however, sees beyond his past. She sees him for who he is now. And who he could become. The only problem is saving this handsome mountain of a man will take more magic than she has. In fact, it’ll take all the magic she can get her hands on. Seems a small price to pay for his company, however.
She vows to help him if he’ll help her in return, something he’s glad to do. But he has his own issues to deal with. As do most people in town. Like Amelia Marchand, the witch who created Shadowvale. Will Lexi be able to help Amelia and her new friend while securing the magic she desperately wants? Because a life without magic won’t be any kind of life at all. Unless love turns out to be all the magic she needs…
I would have never guessed that Edgar Hyde would have gotten a book. Not sure why I didn't think of it but I just didn't. So imagine my suprise! This book was so interesting, I believe that this is my favorite Shadowvale book yet. Not only did we get Lexi and Edgar's story but we also learned more about Amelia Marchand. If you haven't read this series then you are truly missing out on this special place. Kristen Painter continues to keep me on the edge of my seat! Do yourself a favor and get to reading this series!
June 6, 2024
This had so much potential but I just can't.
I loved the inclusion of Eddie. As soon as the introduced the being inside a tree, I knew. I loved him getting his own shot at love and a chance to live.
But I didn't like her. Eddie only lived a few hours every night locked in a lab, his lack of life experience makes sense. But she's centuries old and apparently so reliant on magic that she doesn't even know how to make toast. I just couldn't connect to it.
But my biggest problem was Amelia. She came across (to me) as a villain that's willing to sacrifice the individual for the greater good unless it benefits her. Oh god, she's the Neighbourhood Watch in Hot Fuzz. Amelia drives her to the point of death, and changing her entire being from a Sylph to an Ifrit, to drain the Box under the magical book. But she gets her happy ending after she releases her vampire love from the tiger. So basically Amelia gets every single thing she wants while not being the one to sacrifice anything. Nah love, absolute lack of empathy with no repercussions.
I don't know if this is the end of the series, but it's the end for me. To have such a visceral reaction Amelia, I don't think I could positively read another book with her in it and see her happily with Pascal. Yeah, I'm a grudge holder, even to fictional characters.
I loved the inclusion of Eddie. As soon as the introduced the being inside a tree, I knew. I loved him getting his own shot at love and a chance to live.
But I didn't like her. Eddie only lived a few hours every night locked in a lab, his lack of life experience makes sense. But she's centuries old and apparently so reliant on magic that she doesn't even know how to make toast. I just couldn't connect to it.
But my biggest problem was Amelia. She came across (to me) as a villain that's willing to sacrifice the individual for the greater good unless it benefits her. Oh god, she's the Neighbourhood Watch in Hot Fuzz. Amelia drives her to the point of death, and changing her entire being from a Sylph to an Ifrit, to drain the Box under the magical book. But she gets her happy ending after she releases her vampire love from the tiger. So basically Amelia gets every single thing she wants while not being the one to sacrifice anything. Nah love, absolute lack of empathy with no repercussions.
I don't know if this is the end of the series, but it's the end for me. To have such a visceral reaction Amelia, I don't think I could positively read another book with her in it and see her happily with Pascal. Yeah, I'm a grudge holder, even to fictional characters.
January 8, 2025
A Sky Full of Stars: Shadowvale Book 7
Hmmm. I think I was hoping for more from the final book. Now, the world-building and the characters' dynamics are excellent, and there was no exception in this book. Painter writes well and generally paints (pardon the pun) a story.
However, I was underwhelmed by this one, although I anticipated the series' ending from the subplots in books 5 and 6. No spoilers here, folks.
This romantic tale follows Lexi Gardner, a rare being with an almost limitless reservoir of magic—well, almost—and she releases a man trapped in the forest we met in the previous book (6). That left me with unanswered questions, like how Eddie got there and why.
The book felt like a fishing net, full of holes, although the narrative flowed—and flowed. I felt the book was too long. So, I didn’t get the satisfaction from this book that I did from the others. It was probably my least favourite. Read it for completion; it is not offensive.
Each instalment can be enjoyed independently, but reading the series in order enriches the experience as recurring characters and overarching storylines develop throughout.
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐.
Hmmm. I think I was hoping for more from the final book. Now, the world-building and the characters' dynamics are excellent, and there was no exception in this book. Painter writes well and generally paints (pardon the pun) a story.
However, I was underwhelmed by this one, although I anticipated the series' ending from the subplots in books 5 and 6. No spoilers here, folks.
This romantic tale follows Lexi Gardner, a rare being with an almost limitless reservoir of magic—well, almost—and she releases a man trapped in the forest we met in the previous book (6). That left me with unanswered questions, like how Eddie got there and why.
The book felt like a fishing net, full of holes, although the narrative flowed—and flowed. I felt the book was too long. So, I didn’t get the satisfaction from this book that I did from the others. It was probably my least favourite. Read it for completion; it is not offensive.
Each instalment can be enjoyed independently, but reading the series in order enriches the experience as recurring characters and overarching storylines develop throughout.
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐.
October 1, 2024
Quite a lot happens in this paranormal fantasy romance, which seemed longer than previous books in this series. A sylph who's given up on life encounters a tree that's not a tree. She often gives up too much of her magic helping people, and she does so again multiple times in this story.
The "tree" was a monster from a previous book, but being left in the forest has transformed him into a good man. He falls in love with the sylph, and she falls for him too. They adopt a cat together.
The couple makes a few friends, who enrich each other's lives.
Meanwhile, the witch who founded the town has a few needs of her own, and she enlists the sylph for assistance, rewarding her generously for her efforts and risks. The witch gets much of what she wants as well.
Typos: "too" for "to," "lay" for "lie," "bearing" for "baring."
The "tree" was a monster from a previous book, but being left in the forest has transformed him into a good man. He falls in love with the sylph, and she falls for him too. They adopt a cat together.
The couple makes a few friends, who enrich each other's lives.
Meanwhile, the witch who founded the town has a few needs of her own, and she enlists the sylph for assistance, rewarding her generously for her efforts and risks. The witch gets much of what she wants as well.
Typos: "too" for "to," "lay" for "lie," "bearing" for "baring."
February 7, 2025
Another Great Shadowvale Tale by Kristin Painter.
It's a wonderful story line that draws you in with its life-like characters. Kristen Painter is a genius at writing a story that moves you along effortlessly as the characters move through their various trials and triumphs, their disappointments and their joys. What a delightful world she has created for her readers, whether first time or devoted fans, Kristin Painter writes from her heart as well as her awesome imagination!
In this story, so many good things happen and some riveting moments as well. You will enjoy this story, cheering on the characters, feeling their sadness when efforts remain fruitless and the great rebounds of love, kindness and selfless personal sacrifice. A wonderful tale you won't want to put down! 🤗🥰❤️
It's a wonderful story line that draws you in with its life-like characters. Kristen Painter is a genius at writing a story that moves you along effortlessly as the characters move through their various trials and triumphs, their disappointments and their joys. What a delightful world she has created for her readers, whether first time or devoted fans, Kristin Painter writes from her heart as well as her awesome imagination!
In this story, so many good things happen and some riveting moments as well. You will enjoy this story, cheering on the characters, feeling their sadness when efforts remain fruitless and the great rebounds of love, kindness and selfless personal sacrifice. A wonderful tale you won't want to put down! 🤗🥰❤️
January 16, 2024
I love this town and this series! Of course I am a big fan of pretty much anything Kristen Painter writes! Whereas this series usually can be read as a standalone, you really should read book 6 Monster in the Mirror, before reading this story. I love that we get a follow up on Edgar and how his story continues. Lexi is an awesome character as well, and such an interesting supernatural. This has to be one of the best books in the series, and I really enjoyed spending more time with Henry, Izzy, and other interesting characters of Shadowvale. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
January 17, 2024
It’s time for a trip back to Shadowvale. Lexi is an ancient magical being who is running low on magic and comes to Shadowvale to refuel. While wandering in the forest, she finds a being trapped inside a tree and frees him. Edgar has many regrets about his time as Henry Jekyll’s curse but thankfully, he’s no longer filled with chaotic thoughts. The two work together to acquire the magic Lexicon needs, but things don’t work out as planned. This is such a good book, even if I really wanted to kick Amelia several times. There are some interesting twists in the ending.
January 20, 2024
So Many Questions Answered 🎉
This book was the answer to so many questions throughout the series. Possibly my favorite book of the series. I love that we have some resolution to what happened after the book Monster In The Mirror.
I read these book as they were released, but this book makes me want to go back and binge the series. The author’s character and world building is so satisfying you feel that you are immersed in the story.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I am happy that I read them in order so that the world and characters grew with the series.
This book was the answer to so many questions throughout the series. Possibly my favorite book of the series. I love that we have some resolution to what happened after the book Monster In The Mirror.
I read these book as they were released, but this book makes me want to go back and binge the series. The author’s character and world building is so satisfying you feel that you are immersed in the story.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I am happy that I read them in order so that the world and characters grew with the series.
February 5, 2024
2024 bk 7. The 7th book in the Shadowvale series and the 7th official of my calendar year. (I'm not counting re-reads that have already been reviewed.) At first I wasn't sure about this book. There was a mystery that tinged on horror and depression and I needed some of Painter's lightness - but then things took a turn for the better. A story of a generous sylph and a character from a prior Shadowvale book come together to show the power of love and redemption and generosity. It may well be my favorite of the Shadowvale titles after all!
February 18, 2024
What an absolutely lovely story
I've been reading Kristin Painter's books for years. The Nocturne Falls and Shadowvale series are books I've read and reread. Many wonderful characters and interesting stories! Lexi and Edgar, though, seem very special to me. They are unusual creatures with intriguing histories and personalities. Their supportive relationship is inspiring and the magic that Lexi performs advances the history of Shadowvale's own story in unexpected ways. Altogether, a great addition to Painter's series!
I've been reading Kristin Painter's books for years. The Nocturne Falls and Shadowvale series are books I've read and reread. Many wonderful characters and interesting stories! Lexi and Edgar, though, seem very special to me. They are unusual creatures with intriguing histories and personalities. Their supportive relationship is inspiring and the magic that Lexi performs advances the history of Shadowvale's own story in unexpected ways. Altogether, a great addition to Painter's series!
April 12, 2024
I love the Shadowvale series and this may be my favorite one in the series! what a great place to live, where you can be yourself with your curse and still find happiness, friends, and love.
As always, B.J. did an amazing job with the narration!
My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book, and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
As always, B.J. did an amazing job with the narration!
My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book, and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
July 14, 2025
A Sky Full of Stars, Kristen Painter’s seventh book in her Shadowvale series feels like a final culmination. Although I’d be happy if my favorite series would go on indefinitely, I understand even good things must come to an end. (But I hope it doesn’t!) I was so happy when I realized Stars would continue the story that started in book six! Eddie and Lexi come together and their story shows how magic and love can bring second chances and healing. As always, Kristen doesn’t disappoint I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!
January 19, 2024
Absolutely love this series! This is the seventh book and hopefully one in many to come! The characters are fun with their quircky personalities and powers. Fast paced with plenty of ups and downs. I enjoyed reading about the older characters from other books as well as the new ones introduced. Sat and read book until I was finished good thing I started at the weekend!! Look forward to more from this arthur.
February 1, 2024
If you are new to the shadowvale series expect that each will have people finding their way to what is their new home. For Lexi it's about saving her life but finding her family. I really enjoyed that at the beginning I wasn't sure I trusted this new girl with my beloved town of Shadowvale but of course Lexi won me over and the return of several old characters as supporting roles made me very excited. love this series!!!
February 20, 2024
wow, wasn't expecting this. We get to visit some things from former books and also get some answers to things in the past. The author blew this one out of the water! I loved it so much. also loved the characters. It was a treat to revisit Henry and to see Edgar get his own book. You could read this as a stand alone but you'd really get the most from it if you at least read Henry's book. I can't say much more or it would spoil things. This is now my favorite book of this author's.
January 22, 2024
Fantastic story!!
I enjoy my visits to Shadowvale, always finding myself captivated by both the enchanting town and the characters. Lexi & Edgar's story is no exception!
Filled with magic and an adorable love story, the authors writing pulls you right into this vivid world.
Superb audio narration brings each character to life!
Highly recommended!!!
I enjoy my visits to Shadowvale, always finding myself captivated by both the enchanting town and the characters. Lexi & Edgar's story is no exception!
Filled with magic and an adorable love story, the authors writing pulls you right into this vivid world.
Superb audio narration brings each character to life!
Highly recommended!!!
January 27, 2024
Absolutely Wonderful
I don't think Kristen can write a bad book. I have read everything that she has written and each one is different and exciting. This one is is one of her best. Lexi is so real you can almost reach out and touch her. She is tough, vulnerable, amazing and loving. Please continue writing. You have a rare gift.
I don't think Kristen can write a bad book. I have read everything that she has written and each one is different and exciting. This one is is one of her best. Lexi is so real you can almost reach out and touch her. She is tough, vulnerable, amazing and loving. Please continue writing. You have a rare gift.
February 3, 2024
Read it in One Sitting
Outstanding story in the Shadowvale series. There are some full circle aspects and some other interesting continuations of existing secondary storylines. It can still hold up to a stand alone reading but it is even better when you are invested in all the characters.
Outstanding story in the Shadowvale series. There are some full circle aspects and some other interesting continuations of existing secondary storylines. It can still hold up to a stand alone reading but it is even better when you are invested in all the characters.
February 9, 2024
I love this book I was just anticipating I couldn’t wait till the end and then I was wanting more. I love this writer. I hope she can come up with more a storyline on this series because I love it just waiting patiently for next book she’s putting out but if you’re into paranormal and love, a twist, definitely read this book it’s worth it.
February 18, 2024
Wonderful read
I love this series but mostly because each book feels like it's a whole new story. Not just a continuous story from one book to another. Kristen Painter finds a way to move the plot along while weaving in fresh characters, answering questions left from previous books, giving each life. Wonderful story and I loved the way it was told. Looking forward to more.
I love this series but mostly because each book feels like it's a whole new story. Not just a continuous story from one book to another. Kristen Painter finds a way to move the plot along while weaving in fresh characters, answering questions left from previous books, giving each life. Wonderful story and I loved the way it was told. Looking forward to more.
March 6, 2024
Such a very soulful book
This book in the series really resonated within my very heart and soul . Thank you so much for being a beautiful, warm, human being and amazing writer.
This book is one to read, and it is a very interesting story with characters that come to life with true soul and depth . Thank you so much.
This book in the series really resonated within my very heart and soul . Thank you so much for being a beautiful, warm, human being and amazing writer.
This book is one to read, and it is a very interesting story with characters that come to life with true soul and depth . Thank you so much.
March 20, 2024
Worst book of the series, but not terrible. The dialogue was stunted and this made it hard to get into the story and care about the characters. However, it seems like perhaps the series will continue now that Pascal is back? and that someone got their curse lifted by the book? The book mentions a couple characters that could get their hea. I will keep reading the series
January 15, 2024
Im so glad we got more Eddie! I just wish we knew what happened to the others...
A lot happened in this one quite quickly. I kind if wish we had more time instead of people getting married within 4 days. Still cute nonetheless but not my fave in the shadowvale or nocturn series.
A lot happened in this one quite quickly. I kind if wish we had more time instead of people getting married within 4 days. Still cute nonetheless but not my fave in the shadowvale or nocturn series.
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