What do you think?
Rate this book
Realm of Stars & Shadows: Realms Saga
Kara's newly awakened magik beckons her to surrender to the shadows, offering a power that could reshape the nine realms. Yet, it's Sigurd—the man whose death she once caused and whose love she resurrected—who anchors her to the light.
As magik starts to wane across the nine realms, and the distinction between hero and villain blurs, Kara and Sigurd face their ultimate test. To defy the prophecy of Ragnarok and forge a new destiny, they must delve into the depths of their souls, confronting fears, and desires long buried.
In the midst of chaos, one question can their bond light the way through the shadows, or will the allure of power prove too potent to resist?
In "Realm of Stars and Shadows," Kara and Sigurd's epic tale unfolds—a story of love, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle against fate itself.
As magik starts to wane across the nine realms, and the distinction between hero and villain blurs, Kara and Sigurd face their ultimate test. To defy the prophecy of Ragnarok and forge a new destiny, they must delve into the depths of their souls, confronting fears, and desires long buried.
In the midst of chaos, one question can their bond light the way through the shadows, or will the allure of power prove too potent to resist?
In "Realm of Stars and Shadows," Kara and Sigurd's epic tale unfolds—a story of love, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle against fate itself.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
12 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 18, 2024
Rating: 4.25/5*
Realm of Stars & Shadows was an action packed and entertaining follow up to Realm of Flames and Steel.
The plot picks up almost immediately after the previous novel ends and continues with all the fun angst. It took a while for me to settle back into the world of this story because I had not revisited book 1. Still, it took very little time for me to be absorbed into the narrative.
Kara and Sigurd's angst and the fact that all the characters are morally grey kept the story going. Of course, Norse deities, creatures and other fun nods to mythology added further appeal.
On the whole, this was a fun extension of the series and I'm excited to see how the angst continues in the following books.
Realm of Stars & Shadows was an action packed and entertaining follow up to Realm of Flames and Steel.
The plot picks up almost immediately after the previous novel ends and continues with all the fun angst. It took a while for me to settle back into the world of this story because I had not revisited book 1. Still, it took very little time for me to be absorbed into the narrative.
Kara and Sigurd's angst and the fact that all the characters are morally grey kept the story going. Of course, Norse deities, creatures and other fun nods to mythology added further appeal.
On the whole, this was a fun extension of the series and I'm excited to see how the angst continues in the following books.
August 20, 2024
Great sequel which portrayed beautifully the aftermath following the previous cliffhanger.
Just when Kara and Sigurd thought they had reconciled their complicated feelings, another wrench is thrown into their path and both have to assess whether the pull they feel towards each other will be the realm's doom or salvation.
I loved how the story looked at the implications from all the new information that had come to light, how it puts every relationship into perspective between Kara and her fellow Folkvang citizens. The urge to access this new magik inside her gets stronger and Kara teeters on the edge of giving into the call of power or resisting and defining who the real enemy of the story is.
The slowburn was determined to be my undoing but it made for such a rewarding emotional payoff. I can't wait to see Kara embrace her powers and go full vengeance on the Gods.
Fave quotes:
"You don't have to worry about me."
"From the moment we met, I've worried about you."
"Does that mean you'll go with me to the end?"
"To the end and into the next life."
"You need to stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you want me to be your undoing."
I kissed him for all the nights I wished I could. I kissed him for all the words I once whispered against his skin. I kissed him for every tear that carried the pain in our hearts.
She was a beacon of color and warmth in a world of muted colors.
Just when Kara and Sigurd thought they had reconciled their complicated feelings, another wrench is thrown into their path and both have to assess whether the pull they feel towards each other will be the realm's doom or salvation.
I loved how the story looked at the implications from all the new information that had come to light, how it puts every relationship into perspective between Kara and her fellow Folkvang citizens. The urge to access this new magik inside her gets stronger and Kara teeters on the edge of giving into the call of power or resisting and defining who the real enemy of the story is.
The slowburn was determined to be my undoing but it made for such a rewarding emotional payoff. I can't wait to see Kara embrace her powers and go full vengeance on the Gods.
Fave quotes:
"You don't have to worry about me."
"From the moment we met, I've worried about you."
"Does that mean you'll go with me to the end?"
"To the end and into the next life."
"You need to stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you want me to be your undoing."
I kissed him for all the nights I wished I could. I kissed him for all the words I once whispered against his skin. I kissed him for every tear that carried the pain in our hearts.
She was a beacon of color and warmth in a world of muted colors.
May 19, 2025
I have to be honest with you all this was the weaker of the two books. Yes it had fight scenes, some heart breaking moments, some shocking moments and the like but I felt that it dragged on. It could have ended after Si and Kara got to the beach on the boat and I would have been happy. I personally thought the last 4 chapters or so were not necessary.
I did like that this book had some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I also liked that Sipe included more gods and mythology. There were moments while reading that I wasn't sure who I was rooting for or what I wanted the characters to do. There were also some revelations that were upsetting. The action was good when it was there and there were only a couple spicy scenes that didn't go overboard or get too graphic. I'm glad I read this but at the same time the way it ended made me want both a little more and a little less.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Norse mythology, strong female main characters, good twists and turns, books that make you grapple with indecision at times, fight scenes and such.
I did like that this book had some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I also liked that Sipe included more gods and mythology. There were moments while reading that I wasn't sure who I was rooting for or what I wanted the characters to do. There were also some revelations that were upsetting. The action was good when it was there and there were only a couple spicy scenes that didn't go overboard or get too graphic. I'm glad I read this but at the same time the way it ended made me want both a little more and a little less.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Norse mythology, strong female main characters, good twists and turns, books that make you grapple with indecision at times, fight scenes and such.
October 30, 2024
“Realm of Stars and Shadows,” by Allison Sipe
I have liked this series so far; it is a good Norse mythology book with one of the main characters being a Valkyrie which was interesting. I did think the book was slightly boring and dragged on in parts, but I did enjoy it. I liked the main characters and their romance was enjoyable. Anyways, 3 out of 5 stars.
-Norse Mythology
-Valkyrie
-Enemies To Lovers
Thank you for the free copy, Booksprout.
I have liked this series so far; it is a good Norse mythology book with one of the main characters being a Valkyrie which was interesting. I did think the book was slightly boring and dragged on in parts, but I did enjoy it. I liked the main characters and their romance was enjoyable. Anyways, 3 out of 5 stars.
-Norse Mythology
-Valkyrie
-Enemies To Lovers
Thank you for the free copy, Booksprout.
November 21, 2024
this was a strong sequel in the Realms Saga series, it had that feel that I was expecting from the first book. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed the fantasy romance going on. The overall story worked well in telling the story and enjoyed the world and how it used the Norse mythology. Allison Sipe has a strong writing style and am excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2024
Damn I just wanted to reach into this book and shake the fark out of both Si and Kara...It was great to have them come together again but damn the gods and their interference and pulling them apart yet again... now we wait for a happy ending...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
Kara and Sigurd's story has just gotten so much better. Together they’re fighting for the fate of the world and phew it was super intense. This was very fun, and while i love me a good romance, this mythological love story will remain on my mind for a while.
series-to-continue
July 16, 2024❤️🔥 THIS IS HONESTLY HOW I'M FEELING RIGHT NOW ❤️🔥 I'M SO READY FOR THE PAINNNN ❤️🔥
TSPKTSPKTSPKTSPK 💃🏻
TSPKTSPKTSPKTSPK 💃🏻
February 28, 2025
Can’t wait for Kara to fuck everyone up in book 3 😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Poor Kara and Si can’t catch a break 😭
Can’t wait to see Kara come into her power even more in the next book
Also f Ragnar like who do you think you are talking to my girl like that
Can’t wait to see Kara come into her power even more in the next book
Also f Ragnar like who do you think you are talking to my girl like that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
i can't wait for the third book to come out
November 28, 2025
Viking vibes
Amazing story line I loved it, they were quick reads for me because the writing just flowed. I can’t wait for the third!
Amazing story line I loved it, they were quick reads for me because the writing just flowed. I can’t wait for the third!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews