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Queen of Stars and Spirits: A Fae of Brytwilde Novella
A shy spirit. A scheming queen. And one headstrong princess willing to risk anything for a happily ever after.
Months after her wedding, Elle Blackford is convinced that she and her family have a chance at a happy future, secure in their new life within Ashwood. Even if the threat of war with the summer kingdom of Ravenheart hovers over the land, it feels a long way off in the heart of winter.
But then a mysterious spirit begins to haunt her, one that has refused to move on to the glade of souls. One that won't interact with anyone but Elle. One that makes Elle begin to question the history surrounding the Ashwood family.
Meanwhile, Queen Griselda sets into motion a plan that could destroy Grace's happiness. Furious, Elle fights to help her sister, only to find herself at odds with both the queen...and Prince Fitz himself.
As Elle searches for answers, she begins unraveling secrets that might rip away everything she loves.
*Set after the events of Castle of Dusk and Shadows and Fortress of Blood and Power, this novella features Castle's cast, including Elle, Fitz, and other beloved characters. It can be enjoyed before/without reading Fortress, but may contain some very minor spoilers.*
Months after her wedding, Elle Blackford is convinced that she and her family have a chance at a happy future, secure in their new life within Ashwood. Even if the threat of war with the summer kingdom of Ravenheart hovers over the land, it feels a long way off in the heart of winter.
But then a mysterious spirit begins to haunt her, one that has refused to move on to the glade of souls. One that won't interact with anyone but Elle. One that makes Elle begin to question the history surrounding the Ashwood family.
Meanwhile, Queen Griselda sets into motion a plan that could destroy Grace's happiness. Furious, Elle fights to help her sister, only to find herself at odds with both the queen...and Prince Fitz himself.
As Elle searches for answers, she begins unraveling secrets that might rip away everything she loves.
*Set after the events of Castle of Dusk and Shadows and Fortress of Blood and Power, this novella features Castle's cast, including Elle, Fitz, and other beloved characters. It can be enjoyed before/without reading Fortress, but may contain some very minor spoilers.*
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Rachel L. Schade
15 books504 followersRachel L. Schade was born on the first day of summer in a small town in Michigan, only to end up in another small town in Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University to learn how to write obnoxiously long papers, cite people who use big words, and discuss her passion: books. She has a great love for the color blue, sunshine, chocolate, and not folding her laundry. Currently she lives with her husband and surrounds herself with coffee and books on a regular basis.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 30, 2024
I started this novella for fun, and as an extra treat for all the amazing readers who messaged me about their love for Fitz and Elle. It was a delight to return to this world. I hope you find this the perfect sort of cozy, slightly spooky, and swoony ready to curl up with this Halloween…or this winter…or any time, really!
November 2, 2024
I read this one sitting! This was such a great addition to this world. I loved the mix of spooky and sweet with a tad bit of mystery. This is my 3rd book from this author and each has been better than the last. This really is everything I want from a fantasy world. All the vibes and great characters. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
February 10, 2025
Such a beautifully written companion novel that really extended the story. This series is a MUST read!
Typically I'm not a fan of novella's because they just don't leave you satisfied but Queen of Stars and Spirits proved me wrong. It didn't feel short or rushed- it truly just dove deeper into their storyline- it felt like an extension of the book. I loved revisiting Fritz and Elle's story again and if possible it catapulted Elle to my favorite heroine of all time. How can you not love a little steam (doesn't enter smut territory at all- completely clean) hurt feelings, an elf who would kill anyone who lays a figure on you, and a heroine willing to risk it all. Though I do wish there was a bit more of Holden or Grace's pov. I mistakenly went into this thinking the story was more about them vs. Fritz and Elle.
I can't wait for the next installment of the series and can't believe I have to wait several months for more. QoSaS was a beautiful little gift to hold me over till Manor of Wind and Nightmares comes out in May.
Typically I'm not a fan of novella's because they just don't leave you satisfied but Queen of Stars and Spirits proved me wrong. It didn't feel short or rushed- it truly just dove deeper into their storyline- it felt like an extension of the book. I loved revisiting Fritz and Elle's story again and if possible it catapulted Elle to my favorite heroine of all time. How can you not love a little steam (doesn't enter smut territory at all- completely clean) hurt feelings, an elf who would kill anyone who lays a figure on you, and a heroine willing to risk it all. Though I do wish there was a bit more of Holden or Grace's pov. I mistakenly went into this thinking the story was more about them vs. Fritz and Elle.
I can't wait for the next installment of the series and can't believe I have to wait several months for more. QoSaS was a beautiful little gift to hold me over till Manor of Wind and Nightmares comes out in May.
November 19, 2024
This was a fun book that took us back to Elle, Fitz, Holden, Grace and other characters from the Castle of Dusk and Shadows book. It helped give us some closure to their stories but I hope we see them more throughout the Brytwilde series.
In this book we follow Elle as she stumbles upon a spirit that is attacking her. Elle starts wondering why this spirit is so drawn to her when some mysterious guests appear in the middle of the night and cause Holden and Grace’s life upside down. Of course because Grace and Elle are related this creates chaos for the entire family and sets a downward spiral. There is mystery in this book about the spirit as well as why the family seems to be cursed. It was a fun book and had a twist I definitely didn’t see coming.
Make sure to read the Castle of Dusk and Shadows prior to this book
In this book we follow Elle as she stumbles upon a spirit that is attacking her. Elle starts wondering why this spirit is so drawn to her when some mysterious guests appear in the middle of the night and cause Holden and Grace’s life upside down. Of course because Grace and Elle are related this creates chaos for the entire family and sets a downward spiral. There is mystery in this book about the spirit as well as why the family seems to be cursed. It was a fun book and had a twist I definitely didn’t see coming.
Make sure to read the Castle of Dusk and Shadows prior to this book
September 23, 2024
Schade’s done it again!
I had the privilege to alpha read Queen of Stars & Spirits. And… wow.
The story is her own, with fae intrigues and magic, yet still has some hints of Pride & Prejudice in it for the avid Jane Austen lovers! (Don’t worry, if you’ve never read Austen, you’ll still enjoy it, I promise.)
A MUST read for those of you who loved Castle & wanted more of Elle & Fitz! (And Grace & Holden too!) We get more swoony moments but with high stakes thrown in the mix too.
Trust me, you’re gonna love it!!!
(No spice, just swoon. 😍)
I had the privilege to alpha read Queen of Stars & Spirits. And… wow.
The story is her own, with fae intrigues and magic, yet still has some hints of Pride & Prejudice in it for the avid Jane Austen lovers! (Don’t worry, if you’ve never read Austen, you’ll still enjoy it, I promise.)
A MUST read for those of you who loved Castle & wanted more of Elle & Fitz! (And Grace & Holden too!) We get more swoony moments but with high stakes thrown in the mix too.
Trust me, you’re gonna love it!!!
(No spice, just swoon. 😍)
October 16, 2024
Magical, swoony, and spooky, with all of Schade's signature wit and elegant prose. I loved it!
November 23, 2024
I need more
January 4, 2025
I could never not love Fitz & Elle, & I will probably always need more 😍 Rachel absolutely nailed this- as usual!! 🙌🏻❤️🔥
February 17, 2025
A cute little novella that gives us more of Fitz and Elle's love story, with a sprinkle of mystery and intrigue!
If you're already a fan of these two, this story is exactly what you need. I was fully hooked on the spirit Elle encounters— honestly, I would NOT complain if Schade gave us an entire book about her.
Now, let's talk about that scene:
Fitz clasped my hands. "Please don't stay long."
Standing on my tiptoes, I pressed a kiss to his mouth, but Fitz seized my waist and pushed me against the wall. He drew out the moment, his tongue caressing mine before he trailed his lips down my neck, leaving me breathless. My husband smirked. "You needed a proper kiss."
HELLO, Fitz?! Where did that come from?! 🥵
This scene had me swooning. It's intimate and just the right level of steamy without crossing the line-after all, this is YA, not smut. So don't go in expecting that, okay?
If you've been craving more Fitz and Elle, you'll absolutely love this novella. It's the perfect bite-sized story with romance, mystery, and a hint of magic.
Definitely worth the read!
If you're already a fan of these two, this story is exactly what you need. I was fully hooked on the spirit Elle encounters— honestly, I would NOT complain if Schade gave us an entire book about her.
Now, let's talk about that scene:
Fitz clasped my hands. "Please don't stay long."
Standing on my tiptoes, I pressed a kiss to his mouth, but Fitz seized my waist and pushed me against the wall. He drew out the moment, his tongue caressing mine before he trailed his lips down my neck, leaving me breathless. My husband smirked. "You needed a proper kiss."
HELLO, Fitz?! Where did that come from?! 🥵
This scene had me swooning. It's intimate and just the right level of steamy without crossing the line-after all, this is YA, not smut. So don't go in expecting that, okay?
If you've been craving more Fitz and Elle, you'll absolutely love this novella. It's the perfect bite-sized story with romance, mystery, and a hint of magic.
Definitely worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews