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Shadows & Starlight

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Ophelia Aetherlight has lived a quiet life, a guardian of Bevan, content with small joys—romance novels, a warm hearth, and the comfort of the familiar. For seven years, she has protected her people, walking a steady path. But everything shatters the day a stranger arrives—a shadow from beyond their borders carrying secrets that should have remained buried.

With Nova Duskweaver’s arrival, prophecies long forgotten stir, and a darkness long held at bay begins to creep into every corner of Ophelia’s life. The rebellion, the crown, the war she never sought—suddenly, she is entangled in forces far beyond her control. And Nova, with her sharp eyes and sharper tongue, is at the center of it all.

Ophelia knows better than to trust a woman like Nova—cunning, dangerous, and hiding too many secrets of her own. But as war looms and betrayal lurks in every shadow, she must decide whether Nova is the key to her salvation or the architect of her destruction.

When the storm finally breaks and all illusions are shattered, Ophelia stands at a crossroads. One path leads to redemption—its cost unknown, its reward uncertain. The other offers only destruction, a path of ruin with no return.

And so, with the weight of her choices upon her, Ophelia must Will she rise to the challenge, or will the darkness swallow her whole?

For fans of Throne of Glass, The Shadows Between Us, and Serpent & Dove, Shadows & Starlight is a dark, romantic fantasy filled with rebellion, intrigue, and an intoxicating enemies-to-lovers tension.

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

13 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

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B. Wills

3 books30 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Naomi Crowell.
96 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2025
* 4.5 stars !
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book! This book was a surprisingly fast read for me considering how long it is, but it was fast paced and kept my attention. I think the characters are this book’s strongest part, they are really complex and I loved to see the development and twists and turns of their relationships play out. I was a little bit confused about the world and specifically the power system for probably the first half of this book, but everything was cleared up by the end! I think this is one where it’s better to just let everything play out and questions remained unanswered until the right time. I am definitely hooked with this story and I’m so mad at the author for ending the book like that and not immediately publishing the sequel 😭
Profile Image for Yoder.
228 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2025
Note: I received advance review copy of Shadows and Starlight.

Shadows and Starlight is a fun and spicy epic fantasy that had me surprisingly hooked. It honestly feels like this was written by a horny romantasy reader, but one with some talent. There is three times as many spicy scenes as I expected but the were good, relevant, and brief at the same time. The are some errors in the writing and much of the character development happens “off camera.” The epic fantasy story is also very truncated, like if the shoved the first three books of The Wheel of Time into one book. But man I still really loved this story and world. There is so much in the story and world that will pull you in and leave you with more to discover. Also I just have to say the author writes the villian, King Elrond, immaculately. You will hate him and be unnerved by him all at the same time.

In the end, I want more of this story and that is how I know it was really that good!
Profile Image for alexia larkins.
31 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
I was so thankful to have gotten an ARC of this book, and holy cow, I’m OBSESSED with this universe and cast of characters.
Aside from the romances featured in this story being absolutely swoon-worthy and heartwarming, the plot had me invested from the jump. Want rebellion and high stakes? An interesting magic system? Cool fantasy creatures and battles? This book has it all!!
That cliffhanger ending though????? Absolute madness. I need book 2 NEOOOOOOOOW
Profile Image for Ali Southwell.
22 reviews
March 28, 2025
A spicy, queer, fantasy world that gave many perspectives. You don’t hardly ever get the POV of the antagonist which was fun. I can appreciate the action packed ending that leaves you on a cliff. Once I got there, I was soaring through the pages. Very unsure if how I pronounced the names in my head was what B.Wills had in mind 😆
Profile Image for Amanda Long.
12 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2025
I got to beta read this book and it is SO. GOOD.

It’s got your romantasy, spice, magic, magic creatures, dragons. It’s like zodiac academy meets throne of glass meets acotar.

It is written so wonderfully, and the story flows so well. It’s easy to follow and did I mention the FMC is a total badass??
1 review
June 25, 2025
This book holds a special place in my head, rent free! Why!? Let me tell you..

From the very first page, I was captured! You already know that you're in for a wild ride but you definitely don't want to get off!

The way that the multiple P.O.V's are written is extremely well done. The characters are so easy to follow but simultaneously have so much depth! Ophelia is my favorite! She is definitely my spirit animal in all ways! But I love so many of the others too!

The way that the scenes are written with attention to detail makes it super easy to picture exactly where they are, what they're doing and the space around them! Plus the very clear and intentional dynamics in all of the relationships keeps you wanting more!

The villain is villain-ing. The suspense is everything! The surprises don't stop! And the feelings that the ending will create inside of you are a new experience!

I am very, very, impatiently waiting for Book 2! You will be too!
Profile Image for Aurien.
13 reviews
March 18, 2025
Honestly, I never expected this fantasy romance - but not romantasy - to surprise me, but it absolutely did! The story pulled me in effortlessly, and I devoured it page after page.

The premise and execution are utterly charming, and one of the things I loved is how naturally the LGBTQIA+ elements are woven into the story. They’re not forced or overly emphasized—they simply belong, making the world feel more authentic.

For a debut novel—especially a self-published one—I was genuinely impressed!
While some scene and time transitions felt a bit rushed and a little extra world and characters-building wouldn’t have hurt, the book still shone with originality. The spicy scenes—though few and well-crafted—weren’t even necessary in my opinion, but despite playing with some familiar tropes, this story stands out as fresher and more compelling than many of the polished, mainstream romantasy books out there. It’s full of twists, and that final cliffhanger? Absolutely brilliant!

And let’s talk about the female main character—she doesn’t whine! Instead, she acts and reacts with strength and authenticity.
That alone deserves a standing ovation!

This book has it all—shapeshifting dragons, succubi, magic, intrigue, passion, love, action and prophecies…

The villain is well developed, and the world—actually, worlds—opens up endless possibilities for future books.

I’m beyond excited to get my hands on the next volume, and I can’t thank the author enough for letting me experience her debut novel in advance. What an incredible journey—I'm already counting the days until the sequel!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
72 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2025
This is my first book of this author and her first debut book and I absolutely loved having the chance to get to read it! The character building and the dual pov’s helped get to know each character more and what they were going through or thinking. There is a celestial lights festival and what I wouldn’t give to attend it! I can just picture it with the description of the vendors and the decorations and beach with the lantern lighting ceremony, it sounds absolutely mesmerizing. I wouldn’t mind trying faerie fizz either. Ophelia and novas relationship is truly something beautiful and their banter is hilarious. Both are fierce and cunning women! Ryvvik and seraphina I was not expecting anything to happen at first but then after playing ryvviks game the spice was spicy between the two 🥵. The magic, shapeshifting and fated mates was chefs kiss! That cliffhanger though has got me in a chokehold, I can’t wait for book two!!
Profile Image for Karrie.
25 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2025
Well this book broke me. I don’t cry at books, never had- and by the end of this book, I was a mess. It took me a bit, and some notes to fully grasp who was who and their relationships to each other and their powers but once I was in, I was in. The writing was dynamic and fast paced, but easy to read and simple to follow. I love the characters, each has their own unique personality but all seamlessly blend together into a unit that works so well. The dynamics in the pairs that start the book and the ones that finish it are amazing- Skalanis and Ryvvik have my favourite so far.

No spoilers but I was okay at 80% and still at 90% but the ending was like a throat punch to my emotions and I need the follow up now. Thank you B.Wills for such an amazing book!
Profile Image for Tanisha FantasyBooksandBudgets.
111 reviews9 followers
March 10, 2025
3.5 stars!
This book is super unique and my first FF! The writing style is done so well. Very visual. I love how many different magical creatures are in this book. It is my favorite part.
This has a TON of everyone's favorite tropes in it.
If you're a fan of fated mates, 'good girl', found family, or reluctant heroes you will love this.
Ryvvik is my favorite character.

If there’s one thing I could change it would be the way the story flows, personally I felt like it jumped too much and didn’t make sense at times but the plot was definitely there and I’m excited to see where the author goes from here.
Profile Image for Ashlee Tharman .
226 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2025
**ARC READ**

Ophelia and Seraphina have been living life in solitude when their whole world is flippef upside down with the arrival of Nova, Ryvvik, and Skalanis. The future is meeting the past at a fast rate and the 5 must work together to ensure Eventide has the future it deserves.

Wills introduces us in this fantasy world with both feet on the ground running. The world building is phenomenal and character growth is amazing. It has every element a fantasy novel should have and makes you want more. The end of this book completely tore me up, and I am already looking forward to book 2! Be prepared to giggle, squeal, gasp, and cry!
Profile Image for Ashley  Z.
46 reviews4 followers
March 18, 2025
I was very lucky to get an ARC read of this, so a big thank you to B. Wills for allowing me to read this and give my honest review!

I absolutely devoured this book especially when you get about halfway through until the end! In the beginning it was a little confusing on the world and the magic aspects, but it’s one of those books that you learn what’s going on when the characters do. I loved all the different POVS as well! That was a fun and great experience throughout the whole book! If you’re looking for a a great spicy inclusive fantasy series to read LOOK NO FURTHER!! I can’t wait to continue this series as the rest of the books come out!
Profile Image for chaptersbymysh.
15 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2025
4.75 stars!!!
I was graciously given a chance to arc read this and it did NOT disappoint! If you love stories that have many different perspectives with hidden rich prophecies, fae characters, shifter characters and lgbt representation this is definitely that book for you! There is spice in this book but it’s not super intense , I would say it makes up around 2-4% of the book.

This is a whirlwind good time filled with twists and turns that’ll have you audibly gasping for air and flipping to the next page for more!!!


Thank you for this amazing opportunity B. Wills!!!

Profile Image for Lori.
19 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2025
In one word,LOVE. I absolutely loved this story. I enjoy a good high fantasy/romantasy and this story really delivers. Romance,political intrigue,a mysterious prophecy- it's all there.
Ophelia is a wonderfully multifaceted character,and I enjoyed watching her connection and relationship with Nova develop. These two are closest to my heart,but I enjoyed the developments of Sera, Ryvvik and Skalanis
Be forwarned, the book ends on a whopper of a cliffhanger and you will be waiting eagerly for the next installment. I know I am!
Profile Image for Stephanie Simko.
7 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2025
This book is fire on top of more fire and I am all for it. The love interests, the realm, the easter eggs, and so much more. The first day I could not put it down and read 13 chapters in a day and half. B really knows how to paint the pictures and scenes so beautifully that you just don’t want to put it down and you crave more :). 1million stars if I could rate it that high. This book takes you through all emotions!! Seriously…..what are you waiting for…….go READ this book!!
Profile Image for Marah Lee.
2 reviews
March 6, 2025
I was chosen to be a beta reader for this book, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I literally finished it in a day. A DAY. That’s how freaking good it was. The world she created is extraordinary. It makes you feel like you’re actually there when you are reading it. The plot and characters are do well made, and the romance is unbelievable! I cannot wait until the next adventure unfold. 10/10 would recommend!
Profile Image for Brit.Readz.
385 reviews7 followers
March 11, 2025
I enjoyed this one!

This has a few things going on like fated mates, tons of magical creatures, spicy build up and so much more.

I liked the way this was built up, I enjoyed the plot and the character relationships! I feel like it was a bit jumpy but I also liked how it was written in a quick tempo. For a longer book it was easy to follow just needs maybe a tiny bit of cleaning up! Thank you for the opportunity to read! Excited to read more from you!
Profile Image for Alicia.
31 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2025
Wow! I was completely immersed, everything from the character and world building is perfection!

Ophelia is such a beautiful character inside and out and Nova is so strong and supportive. Ryvvik is hilarious and Seraphina is elegance and grace!

I don’t want to give anything away because you NEED to read this book! The ending, OMG the ending, I need the next book like now!
Profile Image for Jessica Conner.
41 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2025
I received this book as an ARC & I love this so much! I was hooked from the beginning & I am so invested in these characters! I couldn't put it down. I felt so many emotions. The ending has me speechless! I can't wait until the next one!
Profile Image for Lynette.
108 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2025
High fantasy adventure with found love, enemies to lovers, found family, lots of spice (not just straight). Great world and character building. Many plot twists and on the edge of your seat moments. And how did I manage another cliffhanger book?? lol. Bring it on!!
Profile Image for BCKitchen.
6 reviews
April 6, 2025
This book was very good the writing style is on point B Wills put her heart in to this book you can feel it the story is compelling and I love that we get multiple povs through out. I really love Opheila she's such a strong fmc and I can't wait for the next book!!!
19 reviews
March 5, 2025
I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this book. Great story and characters! I can't wait to get my physical book trophy!
Profile Image for Sophia-Rose Johnson.
Author 19 books47 followers
March 14, 2025
Overall, interesting story, cool magic, love and romance and adult fun time!

Not my favorite thing: a bunch of POVs in 1st person and I unable to remember whose POV we’re in.
Profile Image for Amanda Tasker.
37 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2025
This is a great read. Downloaded it on the release day and completed it within a couple of days. Great character and world building. Thoroughly enjoyed
Profile Image for Domenica Luna.
22 reviews
April 19, 2025
3.5 Stars!

Shadows & Starlight was a fun read! I love how the characters were written, the relatable baanter, and the story itself. I loved the variety of magical creatures we were introduced to. It has a good amount of spice, including LGBTQ+.

The flow/pacing of the story as a whole was a bit off for me. Despite that, I am still so excited to read the next book and find out where the story takes us...and the cliffhanger!? Ahhhh. I can't wait to see how these characters continue to grow and how their stories unfold.
Profile Image for Kiann Maranville.
20 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 overall
🌶️/5 spicy (super minimal, barely considered open door)

I wanted to like this book SO bad. The premise was incredibly intriguing, and the first few chapters were great…it went off the rails after that.

The pace and timing are hard to follow, and with a robust magic system and shifters that were not explained at all, I became increasingly uninterested and only finished it because I can’t DNF books.

Nova’s character could be so much more than it is, had time been spent to stop and explain or give even the slightest of backstory. Random characters are introduced later in the book like we should have known who they were at the beginning. The creative liberty of the names is definitely something, and I consistently found myself getting pulled out of the story trying to figure out how a name was pronounced. There are also way too many perspectives in this book, each chapter is seemingly someone different - while I understand some things need to be told by each of these different perspectives, it was incredibly jarring as a reader to go from Nova to Ophelia to King Elrond to Seraphina and all over the place.

If time had been taken to care for the backstory and explain the magic system a little more, as well as paring down the amount of perspective shifts, this would have been a better read.
1 review
March 14, 2025
I’m in love with this book! I got to beta read this one and let me just say it does not disappoint! The storyline is phenomenal, the characters are all uniquely created and have so much depth to them. The details are so vividly displayed it would be hard not to feel like you’re right in the book too. It’s very hard to keep my attention when it comes to reading but I finished this masterpiece in 4 hours. If you like spice, action, fantasy, and women empowerment alongside man then you’ll love this book. I can’t wait to read the second one!! She’ll leave you on the edge of your seat begging to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Lori.
13 reviews
April 1, 2025
I just finished Shadows and Starlight, and you might actually like this one. The world-building took me a minute to get into, and the story jumps around a bit at times, but once it clicks, it’s really engaging.

This fantasy is FANTASY. There's magic and creatures and a villain that is very villainy. Plus, you get multiple POVs, including the antagonist’s, which you don’t see very often.

That ending... definitely one of those books where you finish and immediately want the sequel. If you’re in the mood for a fantasy that’s got action, romance, and a little bit of everything, this one’s worth checking out.

*please check trigger warnings
Profile Image for LeAnn Hale.
277 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure! I couldn't put it down! Opehlia and Nova's chemistry was intense. Their instant love and banter were too good! I love the relationship that develops between Opehlia's sister and Nova's best friend. It is too sweet. I feel like I grew to love the all the characters through the story and really could imagine their adventure. They have to help Opehlia find her way to regain her crown and kingdom from the evil king. This story has a Princess Bride feel and I love the adventure and action of it! It has: found family, love, action, adventure, and fated mates! Go pick up this great adventure! I can't wait to get more of this series!
3 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2025
I never have gotten into fantasy books, not even Harry potter. However when I first started reading this book it was over for me. The FMC is an absolute badass that doesn't take anything from anyone. She is so lost in the world but yet so grounded. The love stories in this book just make your heart melt and make you believe in true love again. OH MY and the spice.... I needed a napkin once or twice lol. The characters and their stories are so well done that you are transported to that world. It doesn't feel like fantasy it feels like you are there. The banter between the characters will have you laughing out loud. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL FANTASY READERS!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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