Soul, Sun & Stars

by K.M. Davidson

Never forget to find happiness in it all…

Remy never believed he had a “greater purpose” to his life. Growing up in a secluded Magic community in The Clips, he was perfectly content to live in his hometown making potions, relishing in the gifts of life, and spending all his free time at the pubs.

But when wings spring from his back after his eighteenth birthday, the trajectory of his life changes course, and he’s forced to apprentice with an old Magic who knows how to control such rare powers. Except Remy is not the only winged apprentice, accompanied by a fellow Ibis.

Pinned against each other to receive the good favor of their mentor, Remy and Ibis find that they couldn’t be more opposite, from the appearance of their wings to their ambitions—or, in Remy’s case, the lack thereof. As his powers grow and Ibis’s resentment festers, Remy finds himself more determined than ever to show there is more to him than a flippant, pretty boy facade.

What begins as a rivalry turns into something more, and Remy quickly realizes how dangerous it is to love in a world hell-bent on destroying anyone that can be classified as other. Soul, Sun, and Stars is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Sirians Series, following a side character from the series with forced proximity, rivals romance, magical history, and Greek mythology-inspired, specifically Achilles/Patroclus. It is an installment of the exciting fantasy romance novella collection, From Loathing to Lovers. If you like tension-filled romances, books that make you cry, and couples that make you swoon, then you’ll love this collection.

[Warning: Contains adult content. This book is a tragedy and does not have the happiest ending. Reader discretion is advised.]

Genres: Fantasy

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

K.M. “Katie” Davidson is an adult fantasy author. Her authorial journey began as a young writer creating YA fantasy novels in composition notebooks and publishing them on Wattpad. After getting her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing and Master’s in English Literature—and abandoning 20+ book ideas—she finally sat down in 2023 and finished her debut novel, Darkness Comes Again.

Outside of writing and reading, Katie is a Content Marketer. She loves dance parties with her husband and dog, hiking, traveling, entertaining conspiracy theories (none more than aliens), collecting more rocks, and buying old copies of books published over 100 years ago.

For exclusive sneak peeks, character aesthetics, and more news, follow K.M. Davidson on social media: @kmdavidsonbooks

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not an author but I firmly believe it must be incredibly difficult to write a novella that still feels like a full, well thought-out story...K.M. Davidson did just that.

What do you mean, in less than 200 pages, I felt excited, happy, defeated, heartbroken and hopeful?

What do you mean, in less than 200 pages, I fell in love with these characters?!

A story of love and loss, joy and pain - this was everything I needed it to be.

This novella can be read as a standalone (if you are brand new to K.M. Davidson) but if you are fully immersed in the Sirians Series (as I am...) I think it fits perfectly after book 2 (Fate Demands Sacrifice).

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Sydney Victorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul, Sun, & Stars is a novella in K.M. Davidson’s Sirians series that is an absolute must read for fans of the main books! We get to see Remy’s backstory, and though we’re warned right at the beginning that it is a tragedy, I somehow still had my heart broken. As though I wasn’t explicitly told beforehand to expect it. 🙃

Remy’s story spans decades in such a short page count, but his story still manages to seem full and fleshed out. He’s lived through so much by the time we meet him in Darkness Comes Again. It’s incredible to see how he feels about Reva from his perspective.

Anywho, I’ll be needing a forwarding address to send my therapy bills to, since K.M. Davidson just had to go and rip my heart out and stomp on it a couple times.

Thank you K.M. Davidson for the early review copy of Soul, Sun, & Stars. All opinions are my own!

[Stephanie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella deserves all the stars, it was heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful. I had my heart broken REPEATEDLY, in a mere 200 pages K.M.Davidson managed to make me ugly cry numerous times. Her writing is so incredible and has quickly become a favourite of mine, this novella just further cemented her immense talent.

Please please read this! It can be enjoyed as a standalone but I strongly recommend reading her 2 other novels that are part of The Sirians Series so you can understand all the easter eggs she planted.

Now excuse me while I go ice my eyes because they are swollen from all the tears 😭

Thanks so much for this arc!! So glad I’ve been here since book one, such an honor to see this story and your author journey unfold 🫶🏻

[Savannah "S.N." Anderson]

Synopsis: In a world of mortals, Magics, and Sirians, fear of those who possess and wield the power of the Gods grows out of control, leading to prejudice and massacre. Remy's life of partying at pubs and running amok changes forever when leather wings sprout from his back. He must leave his family, friends, and lovers to train in the mountains with two other male Magics who also obtained the trait of wings. Voss is a stern Magic set in his ways. He sees the world in a certain way and has taught his first apprentice, Ibis, to see it as he does. Remy does not agree with their views that Magics should live in isolation and as servants to the kingdoms and challenges their perspectives. Ibis can't stand Remy, and Remy loves to push Ibis's buttons. As they train together under Voss's command, Remy develops feelings for Ibis because he gets rare glimpses of who the winged man can be, despite Ibis's knack for seriousness and emotional walls. These emotions are new to Remy, as he's never experienced them on an emotional level rather than something purely physical, and he wonders if there's any chance of reciprocation from his fellow apprentice. The wings Remy was gifted or cursed with as a Magic will push his limits as a calloused world presses in around him.

Review: This story has ripped out my heart and stomped on it repeatedly, but despite the pain I was put through, it was worth it. This story is written so well! The details and descriptions play out like a film, and because of this, there were scenes when I was awestruck. For example, when Remy and Ibis fly through the sky, and other times the imagery is disturbing and bloody, and I felt like I had to look away but I couldn't since the image was in my mind rather than on a physical screen in front of me. I could feel the characters' pain as they experienced so many awful things. I applaud K.M. Davidson for her ability to produce magic in her writing. I love the characters and the world so much and will keep returning, even though the open-door scenes in the novella and the Sirians Series aren't my cup of tea and I have to skip some things.

Content Warnings: Strong language, explicit sex scenes, graphic violent deaths.

[Bevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5/5}

CW: violence, death/loss, spice, some others

Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Soul, Sun & Stars” is available now!

Heartbreaking, but a good read.

A lifetime before the story we know, a man fell in love. Remy never wanted to train his Magic, never wanted to be sent away from his family to learn. Sprouting wings, naturally, put a damper on his plans.

Full disclaimer— I haven’t read any of “The Sirians” series. Since this is a prequel novella, I was a little concerned that I might have a hard time getting my fictional feet under me. Thankfully, that was not the case, and I was able to just enjoy the story.

The world building is fascinating and feels complex, and I’d very much like to read more about it. The characters are interesting and I really want to know what happens to them after this book ended.

As far as the actual plot, it was relatively low key (read: not a ton of fast-paced action sequences), but it kept me engaged. The relationship dynamic between Remy and Ibis was really fun, although the ending wasn’t what I’d call ‘happily ever after’ (this isn’t a spoiler; the author gives you that warning basically on page one).

It’s a short review because the book itself is fairly succinct (and we don’t want spoilers!), but it was a solidly entertaining read and it made me want to know more about the series.

[Sarah Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh well. She's done it again. Had I already fallen in love with the character of this book in the main series? Yes. But do I love Remy even more and feel like this novella was absolute perfection? Also yes.

From the jump, the format change from the Sirian series to a smaller novella was seamless, quick to read, and worked so perfectly to cover Remy's whole story. I usually don't love time jumping within novels because I can get a bit confused, but the flow of the plot and background story we get is so well done. We get to see Remy's growth from a headstrong, chaotic young magic to a haunted, sensitive older mentor, and this transition felt realistic and the beats in the story that prompt these instances of change just hit so hard.

This book is going to be sticking with me for a while. It's not your typical happy ever after, but the lessons of love that Remy takes with him and applies to the characters within the main series is so beautiful and had me bawling by the end. I was heartbroken yet my heart felt full, and I feel like that is rare for me to feel after such a tragic ending. This novella fits and ends perfectly within the world we know from the Sirian series and it makes me even more excited for the rest of KM Davidson's series to come out!

[Nautica · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍, 𝑺𝒖𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔
The Sirians Series
By: K.M. Davidson
Fantasy Romance

Loathing to Lovers Collection

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥

🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 - eARC
D*MMMMMMNNNNNNN IT OOOOOWWWWW!!

This is my first read by K.M. Davidson but I will unquestionably be reading the rest of her books soon! Well, maybe not soon, but as soon as I’m recovered enough to meet these characters again because I am still utterly heartbroken.💔😭

I put off reading this one for a while because I knew is was absolutley going to suck. In the best way, of course. I expected this novella was going to leave me in ball of tears and it did not disappoint. If this is also your first work by K.M. Davidson and you are worried about not being able to connect with characters in less than 200 pages, don’t. The writing of the characters and world was spectacular and I was attached to everyone from the very beginning.

While yes, this novella is a tragedy and therefore heartbreaking, it is beautifully tied up in a way that leaves you feeling a little hopeful for Remy and full of admiration for his tenacity. I am excited to see what other worlds of pain K.M. Davidson will be putting me through with her books (both already published and yet to be released).

🅀🅄🄾🅃🄴
“I’ve learned a lot from you, Voss, but I think the most important lesson is that without love, there is nothing to fight for. Nothing to die for.”
“You look at me like I’m the sun, but little do you know, you are the moon in my night and half my soul. I am yours, now and forever.”
“I love you, my sun.”
“I love you, my soul.”

🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂 One Bed; Winged Men; Unique Shifting Magic; Achilles/Patroclus Coded; Tragedy; Achillean Romance; Forced Proximity; GrumpyXSunshine; Rivals To Lovers; Novella

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I crying writing this review, both from sad things and heartwarming advice and love? Yes, yes I am.

This was a much needed novella, and I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read it. Remy was one character I really wanted the backstory for, and I’m so glad we got it.

I loved learning about him - the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad. Also, I’m a sucker for nicknames like ‘my sun’ and ‘my moon’ 😍

Ibis was a great counterpart for Remy, and I loved watching them learn from each other and battle all different kinds of feelings towards one another.

It was really nice to be able to see multiple points in his life, and I feel like for a novella it really gives you a good background and story for the character.

But my heart! It’s aching! For more reason than 1!

Definitely give the series a read and after book 2, give this novella a read as well! You won’t want to miss it.

[Jessica Hagerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot describe how happy I am that I randomly walked into Barnes and Noble many months ago and discovered this series as the another was sitting by the door.

I did initially pass the books and her but couldn’t stop thinking about the book so I quickly looked it up and ran back where I bought her first book Darkness Comes Again.

I went back to Barnes and nobles when her second book released and was disappointed to learn they do not stock her books but could order one. I ordered the second book online and within that book knew Remy had a sad love story.

This book will have you laughing, mad and crying. KM Davidson is an incredibly talented author and I cannot wait for the rest of these books to come out.

You can certainly read this book before the others as there’s no spoilers I much prefer the order the books came out in though.

[Isabelle Houseknecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

“Oh, my Sun.
Oh, my Soul.
Oh, my Soul. Find Me….”

I cried many times reading this book both from sadness and from the heartwarming story. I’m still crying while I write this. This is the first book I have read by KMDavidson and honestly I loved it. It drew you in and kept you wanting more and then before you know it you’re at the end! Going into this book I wasn’t really sure what to expect it definitely wasn’t what I got if anything it surpassed my expectations to the point that I’m already ordering the two books for the main series so I can continue and see where to story takes the characters! If you are finding this and wondering if this book is worth it the answer yes, read it but be prepared to cry more then once!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25🌟

Received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I applied for a number of ARCs in the Loathing to Lovers Collection as one of my favourite indie authors has a novella in the same collection and this was the first one I received. K.M. Davidson is a new author to me, but this won’t be the last book of hers I read.

Gosh, this was beautiful. It’s amazing how such a short book had some an emotional impact. The slow burn romance between Remy and Ibis was perfectly done.

I also really liked the passage of time, sometimes these romances feel so rushed, but not this one.

I was crushed that Remy once again lost people he loved.

It’s not a HEA but there is ultimately hope in the book and that is never a bad thing.

[Laura Braley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book blind, having not yet read any of the Sirian series. Trust that I will be rectifying that in the near future!

I did have concerns that I’d be lost without prior knowledge of the works the book is set in, but that never happened. Instead, K.M. Davison has crafted a well written prequel that entices a reader to further explore the world she’s crafted.

Remy and Ibis’ story is bittersweet - not a spoiler because you’re told that right from the beginning - but it is beautiful and breathlessly heartbreaking in all the best ways, while also a poignant reminder of how love, it’s loss, and finding a way to live again can be life altering in ways we could never expect.

In 200 pages, KM Davidson takes you through a game of emotions you won't soon forget.

[Jaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You look at me like I’m the sun, but little do you know, you are the moon in my night and half my soul. I am yours, now and forever.”

This was a beautifully heartbreaking novella. K.M. Davidsons writing is just phenomenal, and I'm surprised the amount of emotions I went through in 200 pages. This took a deeper dive into Remys life, and he has now become one of my faves. I'm so glad we got this look into his life to better understand him. He's been through so much, and I just wish I could give him a hug.
Once again, K.M. Davdison did not fail with the exquisite world building and history. There's just something about her writing that sweeps me away and paints such vivid pictures. I'm just baffled how so much happened in such little time and the story felt so complete.
I think this was way more impacting to read after the two novels, especially with some things that happened in Fate Demands Sacrfice, but this could still be an enjoyable read with no prior knowledge.

Thank you so much, K.M. Davidson, for the gifted ARC!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not my typical read but it was something different. The story captivated me and also crushed my heart repeatedly. It was very well written and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a short book that had such an emotional roller coaster! I loved Remy and everything he went through and was able to get through. Remy and Ibis were amazing together!!

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little look into Remy’s story. Even though it was heartbreaking it was also so beautiful

[Kelsey Snook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good, as is everything Katie writes - but do please prepare to be sad 😂

[Ally | book_dragon89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella. 😭😭 It broke me. I don’t know how K.M. Davidson managed to pack such a huge emotional punch in just 200 pages but she did. It was beautiful and tragic. I loved Remy before but I grew to understand and love him even more in this. I definitely recommend reading this after book 2 of the Sirian Series!!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader who loves the Sirians Series, I love how we get so much background on one of the amazing characters, Remy. I love how we get to know him and make connections between Reva and him. It's such a nice touch to make a novella about one of the most important people to Reva.

It also gives us the reasons why Remy is the way that he is. Even though it's a novella, the details about his life give so much depth and connection to the reader. He is easily one of my favorite characters now and I hope we get so much more of him in book3 and beyond.

Beware: This isn't a happy story, you may shed a tear or a million, but it is entirely worth it to get to know Remy. <3

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short novella about Remiel who is in the main book as a side character. I really loved learning his back story before he meet the main character in The Darkness comes again. We get to learn about how he was trained in the mountains, where he finds the love of his
life. This book has some ups and downs and makes you feel a wide amount of emotions.