Blackstar

Blackstar #1

by Lukas Ryan

What is the meaning of love and sacrifice in a post-war generation?

The Eastern Isles, an empire of humans, beastkind, and Fae, have recovered from a divisive war caused by an infectious entity. Humans established the Commission as a defense mechanism; however, mistrust of the Fae races has only increased while upholding their duty to protect against dangers.

Beast, Kovuco Blackstar, born of a deviant legend, lives in the shadow of remorse until he meets the enchanting Lady Ameilja Rose Frost, a human seer of the Eastern Isles. Kovuco is unique among his kind, but even more troubling, he harbors an illicit attraction toward Ameilja, whom he’s strictly employed to protect.

Ameilja isn’t your typical noblewoman; she’s an advocate gifted with an unfathomable power, a power that makes her a prominent tool in the Commission’s goal. Unknown to Ameilja, her rare ability is also a fatal instrument in an even darker plot that threatens the fabric of all life.

While dealing with internal struggles, Kovuco finds himself increasingly drawn to his lady, until they’re both compelled to do something that will irrevocably bind their destinies. The fateful event between Kovuco and Ameilja may be the only hope for eradicating an ancient evil that’s risen against the world, all while harboring the most significant humans don’t give their hearts to beasts.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

488 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2024

About the author

Lukas Ryan started writing creatively when he was young, and he’s been honing his skills and preparing his work for publication since. He dabbled in computer sciences, Christian ministry, and other creative fields before discovering his true calling in the creative writing field. Lukas and his wife and daughter reside in North Carolina. He has close friends and family members and lives a nomadic, adventurous lifestyle.

Reviews

[rachrach ⚘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for the second book. That ending had me on chokehold, I was so happy to see Kovuco got to Ameilja before the book ended. But other than that, this book deserves every bit of grace it’s given. I loved the writing, I loved the kinship of the White Throats and how much Ameilija cared for all of them. I loved the relationships between Kovuco and his brothers and father because for some reason, I expected them to have a sour relationship but they instead showed a loving and reliable relationship between the four. Also ALSO- that part when Ash comes back and he’s not dead! AH I cried happy tears! I love that man.

Keifer and Rae tho? I did like Keifer at the very beginning and that was before you see that he’s banging a bunch of other women. That moment too when they made up was very sweet, but damn. That man made me feel a sorts of ew when he banged Szonja, flirted with Emiliana and that slap to Rae took the cherry on top. I’m very nervous about them working out but again. So excited for the second book and what comes.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sticks with you. Two storylines in one universe.

I think it’s really important to understand that going in.

There is the Baadar/Kiefer storyline that is kind of mad scientist/World War Z (sorry that’s what came to mind). That focuses on the plague and the Commission and world building.

And there is Kovuco’s storyline that is POV. His storyline focuses on him and his pack of protectorates called the White throats and the woman they protect Lady Ameilja. These two storylines flow over the same timeline and begin to clash in some epic battles at the end.

Once I understood that I was able to settle in and really enjoy the ride. I love Kovuco. He is sweet and endearing. He’s a ferocious fighter but still just so loving. His internal struggle about his feelings for Lady Ameilja and his role as her protector and societal norms were all very well flushed out. The action sequences were very good. Honestly I could babble about this book for a while.

Solid opening to the Blackstar universe and I’m anxious for the second book because this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.

[K. Jesel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a grueling experience. I wanted to like it, but I didn’t. I really didn’t. We don’t meet a main character until 23 pages in. Those first 22 consist of barely relevant prologue-type story from the POV of a character we don’t revisit until so much later that you’ve probably forgotten them by then. The info conveyed in this part would’ve fit much better as exposition sprinkled into the main story as it becomes important. Likewise, even after we meet the main characters, we’re given massive info dumps that are barely different from each other, they mostly just regurgitate world building. The main story is told through three characters’ POVs, two of which are in third-person, while one is in first. In my opinion, the third-person ones are written far superior to the first-person one. That one is just overall cringey, especially at the beginning when they’re describing themself to the reader, it just sounds very “I’m 6’4” btw haha.” There are two plot lines that progress simultaneously but separately. Not only do the main characters of each NEVER MEET IN THE ENTIRE BOOK, the two plots don’t even become relevant or influential to each other until like two thirds into the book. You can tell they take place in the same universe, same kingdom, but otherwise, they’re two different stories. I get that this is planned to be the first in a series, but the story could’ve benefitted from looking at the structure at the individual book level, not just for the series as a whole. Along the same vein, the climax is a brief but awesome battle, probably my favorite part. But it’s quickly followed by an ending that doesn’t resolve anything. The story arc doesn’t get a chance to stick the landing, because it never lands. Feels more like it should be a chapter break rather than the end of a whole book. The novel is not without its strengths though. The dialogue is very strong and natural throughout, particularly between romantic interests, and the narration of their thoughts/feelings regarding said romance is beautifully written. Settings are painted vividly using all the senses. The concept as a whole is very complex and uniquely balances fantasy and sci-fi. It reminds me of Lich King-era WoW, which is a compliment. Unfortunately, the strengths just did not outweigh my complaints, so I did not enjoy reading it.

[Justin Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is full of twists and turns that left me not being able to put it down. The storyline is magnificent. I can’t wait for the second book in this series if there is one!!

[Patricia McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot going for it. I am typically much more into the romantasy side of fantasy but this has a little bit of that. This book has a bit of a steam punk vibe for parts of the book that take place in Demitori. I adore our main protagonist Kövuco. He’s very much an introverted romantic soul. Ameilja is a headstrong girl who has some major fight in her. This book has beasts and fae creatures mixed with more modern elements. There’s political intrigue mixed in with a dark plague like force. Very interested with how the book ends and the questions I will definitely need answered in book 2.

[Shannon Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!!!

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a struggle to finish and the ending was not worth that struggle. All throughout the book I really wanted to like it but never got there. Some of the characters were interesting and the world that was created had potential.

[Alicia Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to leave bad reviews, I really don’t like to do it. I bought this on a whim during Amazon’s sale, it was listed with fantasy romance and if you like fantasy romance let me steer you away from this book. I think it was just categorized wrong and maybe others really enjoy it, it was certainly not for me. It is overly descriptive to the point that 50% through you’re still getting an in depth description of every single new scene and mild side character. There was hardly any dialogue and the dialogue there is falls flat and emotionless. I wasn’t able to get into the characters because Kiefer seemed to be a main protagonist as half the story is from his perspective, but he’s callous, cold and abusive. He takes everyone around him for granted and uses them without a second thought, I was convinced he was a villain, but I had to DNF 50% through when I realized he likely was a main protagonist (I did not finish the book so I could be wrong). He even at one point openly admits that if he didn’t have a partner readily available for consensual violent sex, it insinuates he would be violent with an inexperienced partner without their consent because he had “needs.” Don’t even get me started on the MMC describing the FMC as having “birthing hips.” I liked Ameilja, she seemed to be a strong female character, except she would completely fall apart in an emotional mess over the sap of a MMC and it made her unlikeable, it wasn’t organic at all and felt like an offensive stereotype. There are gratuitous depictions of violence and callous descriptions of assault, and to make matters worse they did not even further the plot lines, of which 50% through there was little plot anyways. There was so much needless world building that didn’t add to the story and I couldn’t figure out what I was even reading. This seemed to be written for a specific audience and that audience is not female romantic fantasy readers. I had hoped it would be like a zombie Underworld type novel, it had potential, but it really wasn’t for me. If you like gratuitous violence just because, and extensive descriptive world building you may enjoy this, I simply want to dissuade those like me who thought they would be reading a very different novel from wrongly picking this up because you thought it was romance fantasy, which felt like what it was incorrectly marketed as.

[Melanie Enochs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls you in from the beginning. It switches POV but easy to keep up with. Descriptive without being over bearing. I can not wait until the second one. This book has moved into my top 5 favorites. He reminds me of Brandon Sanderson

[Amanda Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's simply amazing. I picked it up at our local second and Charles. The cover immediately drew me in. From the very first paragraph, I was hooked and wasn't disappointed at all.

[Richard Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I’ll keep it short and spoiler free. If you like beauty and the beast and you enjoy a good fleshed out world with their own religions and cultures you will like this.
Can’t wait for the second book!

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical at first but loved the storyline after I got deeper into it. The world, characters, and history were well started and have so much room for further depth. Far from being poorly written or shallow in detail. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Kyle Modschiedler · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I really could not get into this book. I’m not saying it’s bad it’s just not for me. It felt very info dumpy in a lot of areas and it just didn’t vibe with me. It was a very interesting concept tho!

[Mandy Lehti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackstar by Lukas Ryan is a lush, emotionally charged fantasy that blends forbidden desire, ancient corruption, and the fragile hope of a world still bleeding from war. It’s the kind of novel that sinks its claws in gently at first then pulls you into a sweeping story of sacrifice, destiny, and love that defies every boundary set by empire, culture, and species.

Kovuco Blackstar is a standout protagonist a beastborn warrior burdened by legend, remorse, and the constant reminder that his existence alone unsettles the fragile peace of the Eastern Isles. His internal conflict is riveting, especially as he becomes increasingly entangled with Lady Ameilja Rose Frost. The tension between duty and longing is beautifully woven, giving their dynamic both tenderness and danger.

Ameilja, meanwhile, is radiant not in a delicate noblewoman way, but in her fierce advocacy, her unshakable empathy, and the volatile power she doesn’t yet understand. She’s a seer whose abilities place her at the center of the Commission’s cold political machinations, but also at the heart of a darker threat that spans far beyond the empire’s borders. Her power is both blessing and curse, and Ryan uses it to stunning emotional effect.

What makes Blackstar irresistible is how deeply personal the stakes are. The world may be recovering from war, but its scars mistrust, fear, fractured alliances drive every character choice. Kovuco and Ameilja’s connection is slow burning yet explosive, a bond that shouldn’t exist but might be the empire’s only hope against an ancient evil reawakening. Their eventual intertwining of fates feels momentous, intimate, and mythic all at once.

Fans of romantic high fantasy, beast human forbidden romance, post war magical epics, and character driven tension will be completely enthralled by this first installment.

[Lilly Mainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically can predict a book once I start reading, but this was a unique and captivating experience. A mature level read. The novel includes: thorough writing and description, a map of the empire; necromancy, and different types of characters in a fantasy setting. The characters face internal emotional and mental questioning, a lot of active scenes, some romance, trigger content, and found family. It’s a sci-fi novel on some levels, but not a lot. It included a lot of build up through out the whole story to end on a cliffhanger. This novel has mature content. I enjoyed the main male character’s point of view the most. I was saddened to see some of the characters die, but hang on to see what happens to one of my favorite characters. ;-) Some characters I liked and some characters I didn’t. Each chapter had something to offer and propel the story forward. The reading experience: the book was set up as if I was watching a movie. This might be a spoiler but you get to read the backstory right away: setting an actual foundation, and there is a prologue too, (both a suspenseful and engaging start IMO), and then jumps into the present with the main characters and takes off from there. Boy I read this quick! I enjoy Amelia and Kovuco (the main female and male characters). There are a lot of moving pieces and characters that start to come together later and some twists I did not expect. As I had noted, it ends with a cliffhanger so I do hope another book will be published. Thank you Lukas for writing something new and captivating. On to my next read!

[Jen Brig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, a very good read with a cliffhanger that immediately left me searching for the release date of the next book!

Firstly, I think this book is done a disservice by being classified as ‘fantasy’ or action fantasy, though it has those elements. I picked this book up due to the author having a local signing event. The book was presented as a fantasy or even romantasy, which it’s not the second, for sure.

I’ll admit, I almost put the book down, as the first 20 or so pages are part of one of two alternating narratives, with the first introduced seemingly set in a steampunk or tech based world.

Once past this very slow start to the setting and world, the story opens into a well written, character driven narrative. Great world building, a dash of political intrigue, the story alternates between our fantasy couple and a steampunk-y detective-ish storyline. I found myself much more invested in the first storyline, but as the book develops, both storylines become quite engaging and memorable.

This story FEELS like a home brew D&D campaign to me, with classic themes, but unique narrative and engaging world building that mixes traditional fantasy with some new ideas. If you can get past the very slow first chapter, you’ll fall in love with Kovey and Amelija and stop the end of the world with Kiefer.

[Antonia Leroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang, this was awesome and refreshing. I haven’t read anything like this before. Ive needed to get away from repeats. No offenses cause I enjoy many stories and their likenesses. But Book slumps are real tricky. This read really picked up pace and I couldn’t put it down. It kept me curious. Don’t get me started on the world. Well done and gave me what I needed. Good visuals. Very detailed with meaning. Cool elements. It’s different. Eerie at times too. *no spoilers* The moving pieces started to come together and then … THEN, the dang ending!! What!??????? I need book 2 TODAY! ~swoon~ Can’t do me like that, buddy!! It just got started!! Dang, I rated 5/5 because this book fed all of my emotions, visuals and senses.

[Mia Milliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed this read! Rough around the edges kind of fantasy - like an adult beauty and the beast. Loved the steampunk and oriental-like world. I could see its beauty in my mind. Found the author on TikTok and I’m so glad I read it! It’s different in its own way. Includes similar fantasy and Fae I have read about, but there is many new aspects to it. There’s a trigger warning ⚠️ but You gotta read it! It’s like some real world issues. I’m a romance lover and I must say, without giving spoilers, I MUST have a second book soon ….. I hope?!! Ugh!! I’m hooked. A quick read with action on almost every page.

[Libra Hasenpflug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my ALC review:
Wow! Hear me out! Let’s world build in the most magical way. Blackstar sets you up to a new world and new land filled with adventure, and action. Be patient because it leads up to something really quite spectacular. This story follows a badass MFC Ameilja and her Völfien. Her close bond to them, and what she sees for herself in the future. Kovuco is one of her Völfien who is a Blackstar (by name) and is somewhat considered an outsider to everyone except Ameilja and her pack of protectors.
This book has some Asian influence which is extremely lovely to read! I can’t wait to see where this story takes us next!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It didn’t matter. Whatever she wanted from this life, I would follow her.”

The beast falls for the human. ❤️

Enjoyable and intriguing read. LOVED the romantic aspects. I liked the Forbidden love and forgiveness parts. Action and fast paced overall. A roller coaster ride of events happening that kept me decently hooked. I appreciated the relationships between the characters, especially the court of volfien and with his father. I am curious what’s going to transpire with the darker force though? This is a new book and a brand new author. Good job, keep it up 👍🏻

[Iam1Hero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weeks after finishing this as my first ever book to complete albeit via Audible. I still think of the world as it was described of the isles to the cities. And the slowburn of getting to know the characters played right for me to even give a damn about them. The chapter breaks are my favorite breaking down where we are and what's about to happen. And it's true to the grit yet whimsical fantasy world that surrounds this romantasy. I enjoyed it very much and I can't wait for the second book now that I've learned the book will pick up from that.

[Wesley Crum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me in all the right ways. The worldbuilding is rich, the writing is confident, and the characters feel fully realized. What stood out most to me was the contrast between two central male characters—one embodies quiet strength, loyalty, and depth, while the other leans more into selfishness and recklessness. I found myself drawn to the former and increasingly frustrated with the latter, which made for a dynamic reading experience. Despite my growing dislike for one of them, I was fully invested from start to finish and can’t wait to see where the next installment goes.

[Chris Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give this book a longer chance to get into then you might be used to allowing. In school, I was always taught to give a book at least 50 pages before deciding whether to drop it or not. It took about 115 pages to truly get going in this one. When it did get going, it was hard to put down. I look forward to the next book in this series. Hopefully, that one won't be as slow to start since the multiple paths don't have to be built from the ground.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me live that fantasy!
This book is an absolute excellent read! This fantasy storyline is super unique and intriguing! All of the characters are very diverse and you can oddly enough relate to all of them and their dilemmas in one way or another! Each of the cities are very well characterized and seem like a place you would want to venture to and take on their challenges! Plus, who doesn’t love a forbidden romance?! Can’t wait for his next book!!!

[Alyssa (bookish_and_baking) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yes. Give me book two immediately! I loved this story! Blackstar is a unique world that’s like if Beauty and the beast and Resident evil met. You follow two story lines, one with Kiefer and an illegal lab. The other story is Kovuco and Ameilja (who I LOVE) trying to make a change within those in power.
The world was so fun to learn and the building of it was given to us in a way that isn’t overwhelming or had me thinking… what the heck is going on?
Can’t wait for the next one!

[Shawn Roque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a fantasy novel that makes you want to keep listening/reading. Lukas Ryan builds each character in a way that makes you want to know more; pulling you into their “lives”, feeling what they feel. The way he leaves you hanging on certain chapters forces you to crave more. I would not hesitate to read this book over and over again to see what I may have missed.

[Natalie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okayyyy! I would give it 4.8 but 5 is worth it!! Found this author on TikTok because I love beauty and the beast. Gave it a try. He said it’s like an adult beauty and the beast and it delivered!
I didn't know what to expect going in to it … at all…That made this book more engaging than I expected. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but then it pulled me in! Like really pulled me! It’s well-written and has beautiful dialogue (especially the 2 main characters). If you are looking for an actual beauty and the beast feel with a new, engaging structure, romance, elemental powers, Fae, some spice, a darker world structure, emotional moments and some gory fighting …. I don’t want to say all details that will give it all away …. But this is overall an enjoyable read. It’s not like other fantasy’s I’ve read. The ending got me … buttt I guess that’s what slow burns do? 😫I need to know what happens with Ameilja and Kovuco!! Still unsure about Kiefer and Rae, but I don’t know, I guess I like characters that are hot and damaged 🔥😅😉 Sounds like another book will be out soon. Can’t wait!! I have so many questions I need answered!

[Boggan · Rating 3 out of 5]

almost DNF but stuck through till the end. struggles to reconcile the shifts in perspective and the separate story lines. over all it was good. not sure ill read thr next one despite the cliff hanger.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fae and werewolf novel with a unique setting, hopeful that the next book will drop soon!

[PsychDoc88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a while to get into the book but once I did, it was really good. Can’t wait to see what’s next with Kovuco and Amelija.