Golden Star

Star Touched: Fae Bound #1

by Michelle Madow

An enemies-to-lovers romance that starts with a death sentence, and ends in three deadly magical trials.

Sapphire Hayes feels trapped.

Stuck in her quiet Maine town, bound to a dead-end relationship, and hidden behind the bar at the Maple Pig, where she serves drinks that magically soothe souls—although she doesn’t know why.

Then, when her boyfriend proposes under a meteor shower and she says no, he storms off, leaving her stranded in the woods.

Angry and lost, Sapphire drinks from a stream to calm her mind. She blacks out—only to wake high in a tree, staring down at a breathtaking man crouched over her lifeless body, with a prowling leopard at his side.

When she snaps back to life, she learns she’s landed in the fae Winter Court, and that this magnetic stranger—Riven—is a fae prince. He claims she’s a fae, too, and accuses her of being a spy.

Worse, his father—the ruthless king—condemns her to death.

But Riven offers an three brutal trials, each designed to break Sapphire's body and soul. If she survives, she’ll walk free. If she fails, her story ends here.

Sapphire has to decide if she can trust Riven—whose lips promise protection, but whose eyes hint at something far darker. Is he her captor, her savior, or her greatest enemy?

She doesn’t know.

But one thing is certain—the more she fights her fate, the more entwined it becomes with the cold prince who holds her life in his hands… and who threatens to steal her heart.

Packed with fae bargains, deadly trials, adventure-filled quests, and hidden magic, Fae Bound by USA Today bestselling author Michelle Madow is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Holly Black.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

276 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Michelle Madow is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance novels filled with forbidden love, elemental magic, and epic twists that readers never see coming. With over three million books sold and translations in multiple languages, her addictive stories have captured hearts around the world.

She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with 50 books published (and counting), she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.

Originally from Maryland, she spent nearly two decades in Florida before a brief chapter in NYC—and now she’s back in the Sunshine State, where golden days fuel her creativity and moonlight sparks her imagination.

When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was probably my favorite of the star touched series this far. Well written, with great characters, action, and plot twists I didn’t see coming. Great job!

[Spasticnontastic]

DNF at 45%

[AndreasBookFinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Star by Michelle Madow is book 1 of the Star Touched - Fae Bound series.

Sapphire Hayes is a bartender stuck in a boring life in small town Presque Isle. When her ex-boyfriend proposes to her thinking they’re the magic words to get her back, she declines and she finds herself abandoned in the forest with no clear path out. She wanders towards the sound of flowing water thinking it will lead her back and encounters a strange woman with strange silver hair and eyes that shimmer like galaxies. Will the woman help her find her way home or will she discover a whole new world she’d never imagined possible?

While this particular book is fine as a stand alone, my guess is that the next book in the series, Fallen Star, will tie in with the other Star Touched series books in some way. Coming after the Wolf Born and Vampire Bride series in the Star Touched Universe, Michelle Madow has done it yet again. Her characters are creative and edgy while her world building leads the imagination on a trip into a Fae World like no other. I highly recommend this and all Michelle Madow books if you haven’t yet read, she doesn’t disappoint!

[Emilie Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars- Addicting extra large popcorn that you mindlessly consume, mostly paying attention. You enjoy the snack but know there is almost no substance and you won’t feel particularly satiated afterward. It’s very casual writing with some distracting time inconsistencies. Was it three days ago or yesterday? Don't ask Michelle, she doesn't know.

[Myria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow while bar tending you meet people from all walks of life or the same people everyday but the stranger sitting at the bar is someone Sapphire won’t forget in a hurry yes she’s drawn to him so much so that everything around her seems to dim in comparison but before she can even get his name her ex Matt walks in wanting more than she’s willing to give no she doesn’t want to be with him married or not an she definitely doesn’t want to live with him. Sapphire wants more she wants to leave Maine for something different but where to start where to go when you only known one place your whole life and the one man that’s caught her attention has just left the bar oh well maybe fate will bring them back together just not in the way that Sapphire would ever consider possible because not only is he different than any man she’s ever met but that she’s in for an adventure she never thought possible with a lot of danger but also the possibility of so much more than she could ever dream off but only time will tell. Let the adventure begin

[Geff Ratcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new series from Ms Maddow.......... YAY!!!!

She may very well be my favorite living paranormal/supernatural author.

I've been reviewing some mediocre books from other authors (& some ok ones) lately, & this was like a breath of fresh air. Only complaint is I didn't want it to end!

Michelle's characters tend to become real for me, & the plots are always enjoyable.

In this series/book, Sapphire discoveries she is an abandoned Fae (not a human) & her & her best friend Zoey go an adventure to say the least!

We're left unsure if the main male in the book is intrinsically good or bad. We'll find out eventually.

At the end, in the author's notes, she states that she hope to have book 2 released in January. I can't wait!!!!

I received this advance reviewer's copy at no charge & am leaving an honest review.

[Aisha Sarfraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING START!! The beginning was a bit slow for me but once the story was underway, I could not put it down. Sapphire was a super fun character with some mind-blowing powers. Her best friend, Zoey, is exceptional for a human....But is she human? And not to mention, Riven of course. I loved his banter with Sapphire. He was an arrogant jerk but for reasons of his own, he helped her in every way he could. Can't wait to find out what those reasons were. Hope the next book releases soon. Super excited for it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanna hear a joke? Two Fae and a human walk into a bar. Well, I guess they didn’t really walk in, they were already there. Two know what they are. One doesn’t. And it’s all because of a lost cat. A ghost cat, but still a cat. Wait. Where was I going with this? Oh, yeah. The punch line comes later, along with lots of other action, great characters, and twists and turns. So, instead of me telling you when a fae isn’t really a fae, read the book to find the answer to the riddle. It really is a great series starter, and I can’t wait for the next book. Just read it. You’ll see.

[Camille Blais · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed in Michelle Madow’s writing. She has a way of creating world, characters and adventures that are so entertaining and real. Golden Star is no different, although a bit on the short side compared to most of her books, this book was a page turner. The world building is incredible and I cannot wait to read more. I highly recommend!

[Judy Sescil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire is a Fae and doesn't know it. Along with her best friend Zoey they enter the Winter world of Fae to try to recover her lost bracelet and perhaps encounter Riven who she met earlier at a bar. They end up getting captured and have to go before the King who thinks they are spies and wants them dead. Very suspenseful! I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Heather Vans · Rating 2 out of 5]

This FMC is irritating, but I will push through. I prefer Zoe to Sapphire.
The dynamic between Sapphire and Riven is frustrating. He behaves cold and aloof towards her in-front of his knights and at court because they are meant to be cold. She watched the king kill a knight and murder a woman who cried about it because weakness is punished. So why would he be giving you eyes infront of anyone. Yet she keeps looking for this vulnerability that he shows her in private. Is she stupid.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun adventure Michelle's books always have me at the edge of my seat. My favorite character was Ghost. (hehe) Sapphire is strong and powerful and Riven was annoying at time. But overall enjoyed the ride!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

I received this book from the publisher through Goodreads (thank you!) so I wasn’t 100% sure of what it was about except that there was fae and romance.

Did I enjoy this book? Meh. Did I hate the book? No. Will I continue the series? No.

Up til this point, Sapphire’s life consisted of bartending and concocting special drinks mysteriously tailors specifically for each individual patron, but when her boyfriend proposes to her on New Year’s Eve it sends her quite literally running for the hills and into a fae realm. There she meets Riven, a man who had frequented her bar and who she discovers is anything but human. Now twisted up into faery trials along side her human friend, Zoey, Sapphire must play a game of survival all while discovering that she herself is more than the human she believe led herself to be.

Golden Hour is a very quick fantasy. I can’t really call it a Romantasy since the romantic elements are really surface level, but there is a bit of lingering hints though out Sapphire and Riven’s story. If you’re looking for a quick read or a book to help fill in a monthly reading goal, this may be an option.

Much like quite a few romantasy books on the market, our lead character is 18 years old. Is there an aversion to fmc’s being just a little more mature? Not to mention she is openly 18 and bartending. That has to be illegal right? The thing is I saw no reason Sapphire couldn’t at least be 21 and have the rest of the study flow exactly the same.

Since the book is 265 pages, there are elements of the story that suffers due to page count, most of all the plot development. The tension between Sapphire and Riven is pretty nonexistent. I get that they’re supposed to be attracted to each other, but I never understood why that attraction was there since they didn’t get to spend a lot of time with each. Still Riven defies his father order to protect Sapphire, but while walking both sides of the line, I really have no idea about his motives.

The elemental magic elements were well done as they link to seasons and don’t require much explanation. As Sapphire is discovering more about herself, more questions begin to form and I loved that she didn’t have an insta-grasp of her magic straight off the bat.

Since this is the first book in part of a series, I want to believe that character development and plot will be fleshed out in future books, but for now, this book didn’t manage to grab my attention enough to make me want to continue. I

[Adena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the 3rd series set in the star touched universe. It is not necessary to read the previous series to understand and enjoy this book.

It starts like any other day for Sapphire, until she gets lost in the woods and finds herself in a mysterious realm with newly awakened powers. Unfortunately she is also in enemy territory, where danger is around every corner. Can she survive long enough to get back home? Even if she does, will that be safe? Throw in a growly but attractive guy who she's not sure she can trust and a mundane best friend she is trying to protect. The adventure begins.

Although the structure of this book implies it will be told from different characters' povs (each chapter has the character name as the title), all of this book is told from Sapphire's pov. I'm guessing in future novels that may change, but for now since Sapphire is still trying to figure out who to trust, we need to question the motivations of the others with her. This world is rich with fae lore, such as the restriction that fae cannot lie and the concept of changelings. The characters are fun and interesting, and we quickly share Sapphire's opinions and loyalties.

Since this is book 1, there is much more adventure ahead. I can't wait to see where it leads!

I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Golden Star* is the captivating first book in Michelle Madow’s new fantasy series *Fae Bound*, and it’s a brilliant start to what promises to be an enchanting and action-packed journey into the world of the fae.

Sapphire, a relatable and strong-willed young woman, is thrust into a hidden realm she never knew existed—one that is full of fae, magic, and dangers at every turn. The relationships between characters, both romantic and platonic, are also well-developed, and there’s a compelling mix of trust, betrayal, and emotional depth that makes every interaction feel meaningful. What I liked most is the intriguing build-up around the magic that Sapphire has (unbeknownst to her) as different elements slowly reveal themselves along her and Zoey's journey.

If you’re a fan of fantasy with a strong female lead, forbidden magic, and an intriguing cast of fae characters, *Golden Star* will have you hooked from start to finish. I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s in store as the hidden magic begins to unravel—because if this first book is any indication, things are going to get even more exciting in the rest of this *Fae Bound* series!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner for Michelle Madow in this Star Touched series with Fae Bound. Sapphire and Zoey are great characters. If you like edge of your seat action, a Fae Prince that could be good or not. A king that charges them as spies and wants a death sentence. A negotiation that could mean life or death and three trials that could set them free or not. What else does Sapphire have to face besides the fact that she is Fae and didn't know it. With each page turn you are confronted with more action. Can Sapphire trust the Fae Prince or is he working against her? Is there a spark there? So many questions that keeps you turning pages with so many twists and turns. I really like the beginning of this series and can't wait to see where it goes next. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enemies-to-lovers romance that starts with a death sentence, and ends in three deadly magical trials.”

OMG this had me captivated from the get go in this enchanting and action packed read. This is Sapphires story where she discovers all is not as it seems and goes from being stuck in a small town in Maine to a deadly fight for her life. Discovering that she is summer fae and landing in a magical realm that she never knew about and then meeting the winter fae prince lands her in a boat load of trouble and has you glued to the pages from start to finish. Incredible world building, Magic, danger, adventure and twists and turns that will keep you spinning, this has me hooked and eager for more!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowerment. Self discovery and friendship. Sapphire Hayes learns a lot about herself. Her best friend and fellow troublemaker Zoey aids Sapphire’s quest to locate her lost bracelet. A lot happens that kept my attention hostage. The meeting of Ghost and Riven Draevor of the Winter Court proves emotional, conflicting and chaotic. Meeting different creatures only allows Sapphire to learn more about herself and what she is becoming. I love how this concluded. I am eager for more; I want her to save her best friend.

I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't want this book to be the last one I've read in 2024. To end on a blah note just doesn't sit well with me. I was especially annoyed by the fact that once the main character, Sapphire, finds out that she's part fae and can't lie we are constantly reminded of this fact. Time and time again it is pointed out that she can't lie, so...
The story has potential, but the characters seemed a bit shallow. There's a reveal as to Sapphire's genetic makeup at the end of the book that left me saying, "yeah, right". I love the fantasy genre, but this one just was too underdeveloped for my tastes.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sapphire works at a bar. When a proposal goes wrong and she finds herself in a realm not her own. She makes a deal that gets her home only to discover that the only thing she got from her mom is gone. When she tells her best friend, Zoey, they go back, using a loophole in the bargain. But they are attacked and captured and put through things she never imagined. But Sapphire is strong and has more magic than she knows.

A great first book in the series. Sapphire and Zoey are a great combo and Riven is a mystery wrapped package.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great series starter from this author. I might add that I love all of her books.

This is the story of Sapphire, who thinks she is an ordinary human, but finds out differently when she is abandoned by her boyfriend in a forest, after refusing his proposal of marriage.

After drinking from a stream, she finds herself in the land of the Fae, where she meets Riven. Things go downhill from there. She eventually finds herself in a fight for not only her life, bu the life of her best friend.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short

I feel like this book needed to be longer, like maybe book 2 needs to be combined with this one. It was a lot of exposition, which I understand it is Book 1 out of 5. The Trials didn't feel like they had enough challenge, just her learning her powers. The ending left on a cliffhanger, but it didn't leave me feeling that book hangover, anticipation of needing to know what happens next. With all that said, this is a good story, and I'm hopeful reading the rest of the series will make this book even better.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be the third series in our touched series and I have loved each and every one of them and this one is no different. Sapphire is a bartender that just feels stuck in her life and wants something new for herself. Riven is a man she is drawn too and when she learns she is not human but a fae she has trials she must complete in order to stay alive. I love getting these new characters and can't wait to see what Michelle comes up with next. This book was a must read for me.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frigid challenge.
This is a moving story of Saphire and her best friend Zoey. They find themselves in the Winter Court charged with being spies for the Summer Court. What trials they go through trying to get back to Earth bring out the unknown skills Saphire has as a Summer fae. She learns things on the fly as they try to escape the freezing climate of the Winter Court and not die in the process.

[Dschaper54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!

I can’t believe I read the whole book and now I have to have the next one. This book was amazing!! And what a cliffhanger!! Madow’s books always suck you in from the very beginning and leave you wanting more. She has a gift for creating characters that we love and hate at the same time, characters who become family and friends, this book did not disappoint. A definite must read.

[Paula Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was amazing, I read it in a day!!
I love that the two main characters meet straight away in the first chapter, no messing about , straight in there lol.
Sapphire and Riven are amazing and I loved reading the start of their journey , but……… I need more!!
Great book by Michelle , love her work 🥰

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not bad

It’s a decent story. Of course, very predictable plot and characters as with most of these books. The writing is most definitely amateur and the dialogue a bit juvenile.

However, grammar and such is good so you aren’t pulled out of the story. So that’s a plus.

Neutral rating. Not one I’d ever read again. But good for quick mindless read.

[Holly Surette · Rating 1 out of 5]

why?

I go for a books that have dual POV and this one has each chapter under her name making you think that it is dual point book and throughout the whole book it is just her POV so I feel like either in the future there might be dual POV but I don’t think this one should’ve had names on each chapter because it made you think that it was and that’s disappointing

[Maria Kokkinaki-Tzemanaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover: I didn't like the cover at all. Too common.
Plot: i expected more romance.I guess the second book will have more romance and it seems more interesting than the first book. there was a plot twist i didn't see coming. i will definitely continue it.
Characters: I adored Riven and I liked Sapphire a lot. But Riven is soooo cool!
Overal:3.5 stars.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, having read some of this authors books before I knew it would be good but not this good. I started to read and suddenly I found I was utterly and completely engrossed could not put it down till the end. I loved it. Cannot wait for book two. Highly recommended.