Stardust and the Kingsword: Book 2 in the Aarilyan Seas Series

by Meagan Kaye

A cursed treasure. A second chance at love. And a perilous adventure on the high seas.

Lillian loved her life at sea. Which is why she’s a little salty that the pirate captain she gave her heart to abandoned her on dry land. But when one of his crew tells her the treasure she helped him find was cursed, she sets off to save Captain Kale from what he’s become.

Lillian thought that when Kale retrieved the Kingsword he’d be made the pirate king. Instead, the sword has corrupted him into a heartless, violent monster. When she frees him from its hold on him, she narrowly avoids the same fate—and learns of a grim new reality.

To survive the curse, they must complete the tasks to properly claim the Kingsword before a month has passed. Lillian works as hard to lift the curse as she does to resist Kale, solving riddles and sailing into strange waters beside a man bent on regaining her trust and affection. Will their newly reforged bonds be strong enough to endure their desperate quest, or will the Kingsword be the death of them all?

Stardust and the Kingsword is the second thrilling romantasy book in the Stardust Series. If you love high stakes on the high seas, second chance romance, and epic quests, dive into Stardust and the Kingsword!

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2025

Reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional journey filled with high stakes, daring rescues, battling curses, redemption, and fighting for love and family.
Lillian has been holding out hope since the day she was left behind by The Stardust. With an unexpected reunion and guidance from Tamela, she must help gather the Stardust crew together so they can try and rescue Captain Kale who has been corrupted by a curse.
With new allies and magical gifts, they hope to break Kale from the darkness, but they find themselves facing more than just curses, with hunts across the ocean, betrayals, and a time sensitive scavenger hunt to complete.
This story combines the themes of found family, forgiveness, resilience, bravery, kindness and the love of the sea.
Lillian, Kale and the Stardust crew face a whole host of dangerous threats that will test their limits, demand sacrifice, and make them embrace their fates.
This is a great balance of action, suspense, intrigue and romance, as they battle on the seas, embrace the supernatural, and fight for each other.


“No, darling. You’re mine now.”

“I didn’t know how empty my life had been until you came and filled it with your joy. How dark it was until you filled it with your light."

"We agreed. We fight together. No matter what"

[Katie Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! I am so happy to see them together again. This was a fun adventure with high stakes and cool magical elements. I love Lillian and Kale so much.

[Jess Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A cursed treasure. A second chance at love. And a perilous adventure on the high seas.”

Stardust and the Kingsword by @meagankayewriter is the second thrilling romantasy book in the Stardust Series. If you love high stakes on the high seas, second chance romance, and epic quests, dive into Stardust and the Kingsword! ☠️🏴‍☠️

📚:319 pages ⚔️: Available NOW

Read it if you love:
➼ Romantasy
➼ PIRATES
➼ Duology (this is book 2 and final)
➼ Rebellion, bargains & prophecy
➼ Badass FMC; Captain pirate MMC
➼ Epic World Building + Deadly trials
➼ Spicyyyyy

📖BLURB: She loved life at sea—until the pirate captain she loved left her behind. When Lillian learns the treasure she helped claim is cursed, she sets sail to save Captain Kale. The Kingsword was meant to make him pirate king. Instead, it turned him into a monster. Now they have one month to break the curse, complete deadly trials, and survive long enough to claim the sword—while sailing side by side with broken trust, unresolved desire, and a love that might be just as dangerous as the magic chasing them. Will they survive the quest…or will the Kingsword destroy them both?

🏴‍☠️ My thoughts: I already loved book one so much but now… book two is possibly my favorite! Perfect way to end this epic story with so much action, love and spice, twists, turns and revelations! The drama and romance are EVERYTHING! Lillian is a badass and Kale is amazing! The whole pirate crews is ao funny and entertaining! The story is so well written and as the biggest fan of pirates of the Caribbean I can testify: IT GIVES ME 100% POTC VIBES but in an original way! I loved it and the author, Meagan, is honestly one of the cutest and sweetest I’ve ever met!!!

[S.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! Oh my goodness. I enjoyed book one, but this book was another matter completely. Meagen Kaye wove such a beautiful, entrancing story around these characters that we fell in love with during book one. To see the growth of each of them, along with the growth of their love for each other... it was so well done.

And the adventure! This book was more fast paced than book one and absolutely dragged you along for the ride. The betrayal, the journey, the friendships... and while this book did end on a happily ever after, there was also teasing tidbits that set you up for more stories in this world. Stories that I can't wait to get my hands on. And I so hope it's Johnny and Tamela's story because I NEED THAT, especially after that bonus scene!

This book is perfect for those who love:
- Pirates of the Caribbean (and have always been in love with Elizabeth Swann)
- Us against the world type love
- Betrayal and redemption
- A little bit of spice
- A woman who steps into her strength while still staying soft for her loved ones

[Meagan Poetschlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stardust and the Kingsword throws us right back into the action where it left off at the end of From Stardust.

This sequel had a very satisfying pace and the sense of magical adventure that keeps you hooked. I loved meeting some new charachters and also seeing some favorites again. The crew is a varried sort but are like the found family you always wanted. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

Lillian has transformed into quite the badass pirate. Her character has evolved so much since book 1 and she now carries herself with pride and confidence. She even saves her mans life multiple times. She earns and deserves the title of Pirate Queen.

And of course, our pirate captain with a curse, makes up for the wrongs he did. He is still a gentleman and shows his passion for Lillian, but also respects her.

This was a good end to the duelogy, with a wonderful happy ending.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited to read book 1 until book 2 came out, and I'm glad I did. I was impatient to get right into this book after the ending of From Stardust.

I love that we jump into Lillian's growth right away. While she is sad about what happened at the end of book 1, she is not just sitting around moping about a man. She is improving herself with new skills and a job she enjoys.

This book had tons of action and even more magic. I loved the curses and quests and getting to see magical beings. I liked that they make Lillian kind but still resilient, spunky and intelligent. I still didn't like or care for Johnny.

While the book wrapped up well, there are hints that there could possibly be more to come. I would love to see more of Lillian and Kale in future books.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars 3 peppers

I absolutely have loved this series. This is book 2 and you HAVE to read book 1 first (From Stardust).

This is for all my fans of Pirates of the Caribbean, or The Ever King series.

This is a fast-paced, emotional, action packed adventure. There is magic, curses, mermaids, treasure.

Lillian and the Stardust crew set out to break a curse. Along the way, the pick up Tamela (who I love) another surprise guest, and some new friends.

Lillian is such a badass FMC. She is so loyal, fierce, brave. And Kale, ugh I love him so much and just want to hug him.

Absolutely give this series a read- it is a top fantasy rec for me now!

[Bksm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Stardust and the Kingsword, and it’s a fantastic follow-up to Book 1. This was a thrilling dive back into the magical world of the Aarilyan Seas, and it delivers heart, high-stakes adventure, and rich worldbuilding. I really enjoyed the mix of sea-bound adventure, myth, and self-discovery. I loved getting to follow Lillian on a journey that’s not just about magic and an ancient sword, but also about finding strength, facing loss, and figuring out who she really is. A must-read for fans of pirates and epic quests.

[Victoria Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read From Stardust the first book in the Aarilyan Seas Series then you will love this one even more!!! I love that we get to see old favorite characters from the first one but man is the adventure in this book even better! You can’t stop turning your page. My husband was telling me multiple times at night I had to put my book down and go to bed. But who can go to bed when Kale Mason is around! If you have ever wanted to read a great fantasy book that involves Pirates, Adventure and some steamy scenes then this has to be added to your TBR this year!

[Amy Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stardust and the Kingsword
By Meagan Kaye

I received this as an ARC.

I really enjoyed the first book. So I was super excited to receive this one to ARC read.

This picked up right where the first book left off. There were lots of twists and turns that I didn't expect some right at the very start. This was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the story.

4 star read
I recommend this book

[Sefri Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good sequel! I’m so happy that I got to read this book. Set a few months after the first book ended, we see Lillian again waiting for Kale and his crew again. After she finds him, an adventure begins of trying to find all the pieces of the puzzle (or riddle) they need to break the curse of the Kingsword from the last book. They are joined by the old crew, and a new face as well. If you like the last book, then you will definitely like this book as well^^

[Kimmy Cervantes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel delivers action, curses, and high-stakes emotion as Lillian sets out to reunite the Stardust crew and save Kale from a dark fate. With strong themes of found family, resilience, and redemption, it’s a gripping journey across dangerous seas. Lillian’s growth shines—she’s fierce, kind, and determined. Fast-paced, emotional, and full of magic, this story wraps up well while leaving just enough room for more.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite series! I met the author at a book event and I took a chance — which I’m beyond happy I did! After finishing book one within a day, I couldn’t wait to read book two (thank god for KU).

Such an amazing job following up on the 1st and I can’t wait until another book is released from this author!

The characters are compelling, has natural growth, and the WIT! Obsessed!

11/10 recommend!!!!

[Danae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t want to leave the characters or the world, but alas all good things must come to an end. Honestly, I would probably read any book that has these characters in it. I loved the found family aspect and how the characters felt like real people.
I loved how while it does have Pirates of the Caribbean vibes it can still hold its own.
⭐️5
💧8

[Rachel S · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5/5
🌶3/5

I love Lillian and Kale so much! Their love is just.. swooon!!! This book had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing what was going to happen next! If pirate romance where he falls first is your jam, I would recommend this series!

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read it picks up right where book 1 left off and good adventure

[Dani De · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually a 3.75

I loved it from book 1 but for some reason I got a tad bored in the middle of the second. It did pick back up!