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Kingdom of Stars #1
The Lingering Dark: Kingdom of Stars, Book 1
"You may call me Highness, and you should do so on your knees."
Saiph must kill the mortal queen.
Sent to the mortal plane by her mother, Saiph finds herself caught in a bargain with one of the people she has been told to destroy—Auren, the rebel queen's guard.
After a string of magick users disappear, Saiph is forced to work with Auren to uncover the culprit. But when new evidence comes to light, Saiph must re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about the Kingdom of Stars.
Plagued by her growing feelings for the woman she's supposed to hate, Saiph is left torn between duty and love. With time running out to complete her task, Saiph must fulfil her bargain with Auren and choose her side in the upcoming battle, before it's too late.
Contains mature themes.
Saiph must kill the mortal queen.
Sent to the mortal plane by her mother, Saiph finds herself caught in a bargain with one of the people she has been told to destroy—Auren, the rebel queen's guard.
After a string of magick users disappear, Saiph is forced to work with Auren to uncover the culprit. But when new evidence comes to light, Saiph must re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about the Kingdom of Stars.
Plagued by her growing feelings for the woman she's supposed to hate, Saiph is left torn between duty and love. With time running out to complete her task, Saiph must fulfil her bargain with Auren and choose her side in the upcoming battle, before it's too late.
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
First published November 25, 2022
28 people are currently reading
1274 people want to read
About the author
Jade Church
21 books318 followersJade Church is putting the ‘O’ in romance with her high-heat and swoony romance books. Jade currently lives in the U.K. and when she’s not cuddling her cats or writing, she spends the majority of her time reading and binge re-watching The Vampire Diaries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 25, 2022
I received this complimentary ARC, courtesy of Jade Church, in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone, add this new, epic romantasy to your TBRs!!!
Do you like:
- Stars? (à la Neil Gaiman’s Stardust) 🌌💫
- Vampires? (à la JLA’s From Blood and Ash) 🧛♀️
- Binding blood bargains? 📜
- Stabby sapphic girls? 👸🏻🗡👸🏻
Then, this is the book for you!!! 🥰
…Now, Jade, where is book two? 👀
Everyone, add this new, epic romantasy to your TBRs!!!
Do you like:
- Stars? (à la Neil Gaiman’s Stardust) 🌌💫
- Vampires? (à la JLA’s From Blood and Ash) 🧛♀️
- Binding blood bargains? 📜
- Stabby sapphic girls? 👸🏻🗡👸🏻
Then, this is the book for you!!! 🥰
…Now, Jade, where is book two? 👀
May 21, 2024
“Yes,” Saiph breathed. “I could end you between heartbeats, and you would beg for more.”
3.5 stars. This wasn't the most intricate fantasy world, but it was really unique in a lot of ways. It uses a lot of typical fantasy tropes; some of them in ways that I really enjoyed and that were pretty unique; and then some of them in ways that were just a little bit cheesy. But overall, I didn't mind it. There are lots of things that I might change about this just to make it more cohesive as a story and as a romance, but I did enjoy myself all in all. This is a sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance between the heir to a magical kingdom in the stars, and the bodyguard of the newly returned human queen. There's some action, a lot of magic, and very morally grey characters. Which is something that doesn't always work for me, but I think this managed to hit just the right notes for me to enjoy it.
Saiph is a star, and in this world that's kind of like a cross between a fae and a vampire? A bit silly when you first describe it, but it did work in the text. She's sent to kill the human queen and all of her followers, but the first person she runs into is the queen's bodyguard, and they get embroiled in a blood pact which means that they can't hurt each other until the oath is fulfilled. There are some other fun corollaries to it that make for a lot of good romantic tension. I LOVE when enemies protect each other reluctantly. There's a lot of animosity but also a lot of attraction. And they're each hiding secrets from each other. Saiph is a kind of difficult character at first, because she's so contemptuous of the humans and their lives. As a reader, I love ice queens, but sometimes she was more arrogant and cruel than anything else, which is a little bit of a turn off. Not completely cruel, of course, and she did have a lot of things to learn and some areas where she grew. It just took a while for me to warm up to her. But then again, there was one particular moment that I can think of where the morally grey thing reeeeeally did it for me. So I don't know. Maybe I'm just fickle. I do think that Saiph in general could have been written with a little more care and consistency.
“I have never drawn both blades, and I likely never will. What could I possibly have to protect?”
I really liked Auren as the love interest. She is a powerful magic user with secrets of her own, and I liked the juxtaposition between how hot and dominant she was, but how she also enjoyed Saiph's arrogance and dominance. They had a lot of chemistry, especially in that one moment I'm thinking about in the alleyway. I loved seeing them work together, and I really wish that this book had been a bit longer, because I'd have loved a bit more of those scenes where they had to travel together or work together. One thing I didn't really like about the way the book did plot progression and reveals is the fact that the reader is in possession of certain facts from Saiph, and then we know about certain things from Auren, and we're just sort of waiting for both sides to catch up. And I never really enjoy it when books do that.
I've also recently discovered that I'm not really a fan of when a book tries to fit two romances into one, especially if it isn't done holistically. I didn't even realise that Orien, Auren's brother, would have a romance of his own. He only gets his first chapter halfway through the book, and by then it just felt jarring and weird to introduce a completely new POV. And the fact that the author just crammed in all of his backstory with his love interest in one chapter before proceeding straight into a sex scene was like... what? Am I supposed to care about these people? Either the book should have been properly divided between both couples, or Orien and his love interest should have gotten a book of their own, so that their story could be fleshed out. That was one of the things that contributed to this feeling a bit uneven and just not as cohesive as it could have been. I get why the author might have wanted to have his POV, to tell a certain part of the plot, but it always feels janky to me when POVs are almost evenly split, and then you get one or two chapters from side characters.
I feel like I've been complaining a lot, but really, on the whole, I enjoyed this a good deal. Saiph and Auren are definitely enemies, but they are very unhinged about each other, and on their way to being obsessed, and you know me. Unhinged and obsessed are my bread and butter.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Jessica Jeffries, who has a voice that reminds me of one of my favourite British narrators, so I enjoyed this a lot. Really looking forward to the next book, and I hope it's just going to be a duology. Not sure if there's enough plot for a trilogy. But I really like these women, so I'll take anything I get. I guess I'm resigned to the fact that other couples might probably play a part in their story, but I just hope it's not that big of a part.
“You belong to the wilds, seren.”
October 31, 2022
Thank you to the amazing Jade Church for the ARC in return for an honest review.
This was pretty epic! I really wasn't sure what to expect going in as I don't read many fantasy novels but I was pleasantly surprised...
I loved the detail throughout the whole book the tiny details really set the scenes and drew me in. It was very otherworldly and I that's what I loved.
The characters were super fiesty and well developed, I appreciated the sibling bonds or not so bonded in Saiph and Vala's relationship. I felt this detail was relatable to reality.
Something else I truly appreciated was the lgbtq addition to the story I'm all for queer relationships and smut. So that was a pleasant surprise.
If you like...
Enemies to lovers
Blood binds
Hot girls with swords
Otherworldly scenes
Getting hot under the collar 😉 with some seriously steamy dialogue.
Then you need to be pre ordering this book!!!
Eagerly awaiting Book no 2!!!
This was pretty epic! I really wasn't sure what to expect going in as I don't read many fantasy novels but I was pleasantly surprised...
I loved the detail throughout the whole book the tiny details really set the scenes and drew me in. It was very otherworldly and I that's what I loved.
The characters were super fiesty and well developed, I appreciated the sibling bonds or not so bonded in Saiph and Vala's relationship. I felt this detail was relatable to reality.
Something else I truly appreciated was the lgbtq addition to the story I'm all for queer relationships and smut. So that was a pleasant surprise.
If you like...
Enemies to lovers
Blood binds
Hot girls with swords
Otherworldly scenes
Getting hot under the collar 😉 with some seriously steamy dialogue.
Then you need to be pre ordering this book!!!
Eagerly awaiting Book no 2!!!
October 21, 2024
This has been downloaded on my kindle for SO long and I don’t know WHY it took me until now to start it!
Goddamn!!
This was gorgeous. So beautifully written. Starting the next! Byeeee
Goddamn!!
This was gorgeous. So beautifully written. Starting the next! Byeeee
November 27, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable fantasy read! Full review to follow in the next few days.
December 11, 2022
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much I absolutely loved it!!
I haven't read any sort of fantasy book in months (which is odd for me as this is what I have primarily always read) but sadly nothing has kept me interested enough to read past the first couple of chapters! Thankfully, however, the opening scenes of The Lingering Dark hooked me, and I was immersed in the story instantly...I really didn't want it to end!
Enemies to lovers, Vampires, sapphic romance & steamy scenes - need I say more?!
Saiph is a badass FMC and I really enjoyed the well-developed worldbuilding! I am out of my reading funk and I can't thank you enough! So excited to see how the story continues on in the next book.
November 10, 2022
“Until your light touches the sky.”
Are you in a book buying ban? Worry not. This book is THE reason to break it. And you’ll be sooo happy you did. It’s brilliant!
The magic system — THE MAGIC SYSTEM — was one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever read. Full disclaimer: I’m a goner for all things stars. So that’s that. But still, it was complex enough to have you ask questions. Yet, simple enough that you can actually understand the answers. And just beautiful. So, so beautiful. I feel this compelling need to repeat myself 🙈 it was beautiful!!!
Now let’s talk romance 👀 I love both couples something fierce. Like when I saw we were getting Orien and Valentina’s POV too I almost legit lost it 👀 Also, I do hope — if hopes and wishes were whatever the saying is 🙈 — to see more of Saiph’s sister. She has me intrigued.
I’m not sure I can discuss the ending. No, not because of spoilers and whatnot but because I’m not sure if the tears are from the choice made or because of what Auren felt. Maybe both. Maybe these are happy + sad tears. Maybe I just need book 2 right now 👀
This book is perfect for those who love:
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤hidden identities
🖤morally gray MCs
🖤binding deals
🖤forbidden love
🖤only one bed
🖤soul bonded mates
🖤multiple POV
🖤sapphic fantasy romance
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️
Are you in a book buying ban? Worry not. This book is THE reason to break it. And you’ll be sooo happy you did. It’s brilliant!
The magic system — THE MAGIC SYSTEM — was one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever read. Full disclaimer: I’m a goner for all things stars. So that’s that. But still, it was complex enough to have you ask questions. Yet, simple enough that you can actually understand the answers. And just beautiful. So, so beautiful. I feel this compelling need to repeat myself 🙈 it was beautiful!!!
Now let’s talk romance 👀 I love both couples something fierce. Like when I saw we were getting Orien and Valentina’s POV too I almost legit lost it 👀 Also, I do hope — if hopes and wishes were whatever the saying is 🙈 — to see more of Saiph’s sister. She has me intrigued.
I’m not sure I can discuss the ending. No, not because of spoilers and whatnot but because I’m not sure if the tears are from the choice made or because of what Auren felt. Maybe both. Maybe these are happy + sad tears. Maybe I just need book 2 right now 👀
This book is perfect for those who love:
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤hidden identities
🖤morally gray MCs
🖤binding deals
🖤forbidden love
🖤only one bed
🖤soul bonded mates
🖤multiple POV
🖤sapphic fantasy romance
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️
March 20, 2024
this book should get 3 stars for making me percieve Orien and his bonelessness but Auren ate and i'm in love with her so four stars where's the next book
November 5, 2022
I don't know how to start this review, than by saying this was amazing😆 From the first page I was dragged in this world.
Saiph is such a badass character, who fights for the right things, even if this means that it conflicts her. I love the character the author has created for her.
Auren, what do I have to say about her? She is amazing and she has stolen my heart from the first page♥️ She is strong and protects the ones she love, even if it means that she put herself in danger.
Orien is a grumpy man, who loves his sister. The interaction between him and Saiph is worth gold. They can't stand each other and that makes some laughable scenes.
This book was such a amazing read. It had lots of great tropes like one bed, dagger to the throat, I came to kill you but fell in love, slow burn, who did this to you and probably a few more that I am forgetting😅
So if you are looking for your next read, this might be the one for you! Did I also mention that the book has Sapphic main characters! Go read this amazing book!
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
Saiph is such a badass character, who fights for the right things, even if this means that it conflicts her. I love the character the author has created for her.
Auren, what do I have to say about her? She is amazing and she has stolen my heart from the first page♥️ She is strong and protects the ones she love, even if it means that she put herself in danger.
Orien is a grumpy man, who loves his sister. The interaction between him and Saiph is worth gold. They can't stand each other and that makes some laughable scenes.
This book was such a amazing read. It had lots of great tropes like one bed, dagger to the throat, I came to kill you but fell in love, slow burn, who did this to you and probably a few more that I am forgetting😅
So if you are looking for your next read, this might be the one for you! Did I also mention that the book has Sapphic main characters! Go read this amazing book!
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
November 3, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 Stars
I was excited about a unique fantasy concept of "Star people" and humans coexisting but I wish there was more world building to explain the division of the Stars and human realm. The novel begins with a flashback of day of the betrayal and we learned more history throughout the book but without the foundation, I was left confused during the beginning.
The main characters of the story were definitely likeable and you saw the growth of Saiph as she learned about her mother's rule. There were two main relationships developing and we learned about the customs of the Star people, which reflect many Fae customs.
The pacing of the story was great and I was never left bored. You are left with a bit of a cliffhanger and a lot of unknowns.
3.5/5 Stars
I was excited about a unique fantasy concept of "Star people" and humans coexisting but I wish there was more world building to explain the division of the Stars and human realm. The novel begins with a flashback of day of the betrayal and we learned more history throughout the book but without the foundation, I was left confused during the beginning.
The main characters of the story were definitely likeable and you saw the growth of Saiph as she learned about her mother's rule. There were two main relationships developing and we learned about the customs of the Star people, which reflect many Fae customs.
The pacing of the story was great and I was never left bored. You are left with a bit of a cliffhanger and a lot of unknowns.
November 14, 2022
Arc review - The Lingering Dark is first book in a new sapphic fantasy series by Jade Church and had so much potential, however I personally found it fall short of that potential.
I found it to be incredibly fast paced which I don't always love and certain plot points that seem very obvious to me which I also don't enjoy. I like to be kept guessing and on my toes.
That being said I enjoyed the characters and the world building. I'd love to see the Kingdom of Stars more as that would be a really interesting addition to this book. I loved that the magic system incorporated stars as Stardust is one of my favourite fantasy stories.
I found it to be incredibly fast paced which I don't always love and certain plot points that seem very obvious to me which I also don't enjoy. I like to be kept guessing and on my toes.
That being said I enjoyed the characters and the world building. I'd love to see the Kingdom of Stars more as that would be a really interesting addition to this book. I loved that the magic system incorporated stars as Stardust is one of my favourite fantasy stories.
November 30, 2022
𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤.
“𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.”
𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐩𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. "𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬? 𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨, 𝐈 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞." 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫.
"𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧?"
𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬. "𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬."
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝.”🔥
__________________
This book thoroughly filled a void I have not been able to fill since watching Stardust years and years ago!! But beyond that it serves up a luscious, suspense filled, engrossing storyline with absolutely stand out characters.
Saiph is a Star sent to earth by her mother, the Queen of the Kingdom of stars, to find and assassinate the heir to the throne of Somnium. While there, she unwittingly enters into a blood debt to a woman named Auren who claims to serve the rightful queen of Somnium. Focused on fulfilling the blood debt so that she may torture her mark’s identity out of Auren, Saiph accompanies Auren and her brother Orien only to find herself inexplicably drawn to Auren. As she begins to question everything she knows, Saiph finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into the conflict on the mortal plane and as lines begin to blur between her and Auren so do the sides in the fight leading Saiph to the ultimate choice: Auren, or her kingdom?
Saiph was a hilarious, vicious, ruthless, take no prisoners, bad B, and I absolutely adored her!! She had the swagger of Thor at the start of his first Marvel movie encountering the human world for the first time combined with the recklessness of Aelin from Throne of Glass, which made her highs even higher and her introspection even deeper and more heartfelt.
Auren was another fantastic, strong female lead, walking the razor thin line between inspirational leader and secretive, morally gray lover. She reminded me so strongly of Lara from The Bridge Kingdom and seeing her strong, wise, but also reckless nature meld with Saiph’s pure force of nature was equal parts intense and entertaining. Seeing the arc of their relationship and the push and pull of both love and duty for people who both had only ever known duty and dreamt of love was pure perfection. I adored the storyline between Orien and Valentina and their POVs sprinkled throughout the book added SO much to the story overall, but unquestionably the stars of this book were Saiph and Auren and I would watch the world burn for them!!
The ending of this book was ROUGH but left me completely fired up and SO READY for the second part of this duology!! Thank you so much Jade for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. It was beautiful and a pleasure to read!!😊
“𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.”
𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐩𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. "𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬? 𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨, 𝐈 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞." 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫.
"𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧?"
𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬. "𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬."
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝.”🔥
__________________
This book thoroughly filled a void I have not been able to fill since watching Stardust years and years ago!! But beyond that it serves up a luscious, suspense filled, engrossing storyline with absolutely stand out characters.
Saiph is a Star sent to earth by her mother, the Queen of the Kingdom of stars, to find and assassinate the heir to the throne of Somnium. While there, she unwittingly enters into a blood debt to a woman named Auren who claims to serve the rightful queen of Somnium. Focused on fulfilling the blood debt so that she may torture her mark’s identity out of Auren, Saiph accompanies Auren and her brother Orien only to find herself inexplicably drawn to Auren. As she begins to question everything she knows, Saiph finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into the conflict on the mortal plane and as lines begin to blur between her and Auren so do the sides in the fight leading Saiph to the ultimate choice: Auren, or her kingdom?
Saiph was a hilarious, vicious, ruthless, take no prisoners, bad B, and I absolutely adored her!! She had the swagger of Thor at the start of his first Marvel movie encountering the human world for the first time combined with the recklessness of Aelin from Throne of Glass, which made her highs even higher and her introspection even deeper and more heartfelt.
Auren was another fantastic, strong female lead, walking the razor thin line between inspirational leader and secretive, morally gray lover. She reminded me so strongly of Lara from The Bridge Kingdom and seeing her strong, wise, but also reckless nature meld with Saiph’s pure force of nature was equal parts intense and entertaining. Seeing the arc of their relationship and the push and pull of both love and duty for people who both had only ever known duty and dreamt of love was pure perfection. I adored the storyline between Orien and Valentina and their POVs sprinkled throughout the book added SO much to the story overall, but unquestionably the stars of this book were Saiph and Auren and I would watch the world burn for them!!
The ending of this book was ROUGH but left me completely fired up and SO READY for the second part of this duology!! Thank you so much Jade for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. It was beautiful and a pleasure to read!!😊
August 20, 2024
Considering how high the rating for this book is I was very disappointed.
Firstly, the prose style made it very difficult to read (extensive use of adjectives in an attempt to sound more intelligent than what the book is), and the internal dialogue of the characters read repetitive, boring, sometimes random. Then, there were many orthographic mistakes that even I, a non English native-speaker was able to spot.
Secondly, the relationship between Saiph and Auren felt very cringe at the beginning. Dirty jokes and double meaning comments and physical touch that wasn't warranted by the scene. Fortunately, this improves in the last third of the book.
Thirdly, how the plot moves: there are good things, but the plot often moves forward with unlikely coincidences, sometimes solving some enigmas too easily or in a dump. In addition, we are told somethings about this world but then there are things that happen that wouldn't make sense but are just accepted as fact or the characters are just too stupid. For example: we are told that no stars have been seen in the human world in a long time, and that only the star queen and her heir can see what is happening in the human plane, however the star queen has acolytes in the human world that follow her orders: how does she communicate with them and how humans communicate with her? How does she control them? There are no diplomatic visits nor rewards for following the queen? A communication system?
Another example, the guys that are kidnapping the people with magick from the beginning say that they are acting in behalf of the queen. My first question was which queen, because the "rebel heir queen" is trying to stop them, so it makes sense that they are likely referring to the star queen, but apparently Saiph and Auren are too stupid to reach this logical conclusion. Another example: so Auren and Orien are taken as babies, know absolutely nothing about their heritage, and somehow end up easily figuring out in historical precision their history, what they are and so in. Mind you that their nanny died before telling them anything of substance... This was imo a very stupid thing to do by the writer. Anyway, all these problems unfortunately continue and worsen in book 2.
Another problem with the plot is that, usually, even if there is a sequel, part of the starting plot (namely "help me find what happened to the humans with magic who are disappearing ") should be solved. We spend most of the book developing the characters and their romance, with some assassination attempts subplots. However, the disappearances of the humans are only solved at the very end but not completely: Valentina is the only character that does anything noteworthy to draw out those responsible for the disappearances, but we still don't know why they kidnap them or where they take them to... We just know that other humans arr taking these ppl for the star queen. At the beginning these smugglers are portrayed as being impossible to track, or that know nothing. Suddenly Valentina gives us the information that those disappearing are from very poor families and come to the conclusion that the families are selling them. After wich she only needs to murmur in a market that she needs money and what a shame she has a cousin with magic, and bingo, she finds the smugglers and even gets paid! So unearned, Saiph is supposed to investigate but there is no investigation "on screen" we just receive the information from an investigation that has been done "off page".
Overall, it felt that the writer just wrote in ine sitting the book without working much on the world building nor the plot.
This might sound silly but I thought that the prologue was also unbelievable. What nanny is holding a baby in a room where servants are hitting blankets or carpets to remove the dust? And how can these servants gossip in a room with dust? It would have been more believable that the servants were doing anything else...
The best part of the book was the sex in all honestly but there is not enough of it to make it worth reading.
My advice to the writer would be: don't try too hard to sound smart, it just makes it harder to read, focus on creating ambience instead of repeating internal dialogue, make sure that the plot makes sense for the world and leave as little plotholes as possible (otherwise you end up contradicting yourself). Work on making fantasy world exposition better (world building) by using different literary devices, don't promise the book will be one thing ("Saiph will investigate what is happening to the humans disappearing") and do not deliver later. Make sure the plot is driven by the characters and not everything by chance and necessary coincidences.
Firstly, the prose style made it very difficult to read (extensive use of adjectives in an attempt to sound more intelligent than what the book is), and the internal dialogue of the characters read repetitive, boring, sometimes random. Then, there were many orthographic mistakes that even I, a non English native-speaker was able to spot.
Secondly, the relationship between Saiph and Auren felt very cringe at the beginning. Dirty jokes and double meaning comments and physical touch that wasn't warranted by the scene. Fortunately, this improves in the last third of the book.
Thirdly, how the plot moves: there are good things, but the plot often moves forward with unlikely coincidences, sometimes solving some enigmas too easily or in a dump. In addition, we are told somethings about this world but then there are things that happen that wouldn't make sense but are just accepted as fact or the characters are just too stupid. For example: we are told that no stars have been seen in the human world in a long time, and that only the star queen and her heir can see what is happening in the human plane, however the star queen has acolytes in the human world that follow her orders: how does she communicate with them and how humans communicate with her? How does she control them? There are no diplomatic visits nor rewards for following the queen? A communication system?
Another example, the guys that are kidnapping the people with magick from the beginning say that they are acting in behalf of the queen. My first question was which queen, because the "rebel heir queen" is trying to stop them, so it makes sense that they are likely referring to the star queen, but apparently Saiph and Auren are too stupid to reach this logical conclusion. Another example: so Auren and Orien are taken as babies, know absolutely nothing about their heritage, and somehow end up easily figuring out in historical precision their history, what they are and so in. Mind you that their nanny died before telling them anything of substance... This was imo a very stupid thing to do by the writer. Anyway, all these problems unfortunately continue and worsen in book 2.
Another problem with the plot is that, usually, even if there is a sequel, part of the starting plot (namely "help me find what happened to the humans with magic who are disappearing ") should be solved. We spend most of the book developing the characters and their romance, with some assassination attempts subplots. However, the disappearances of the humans are only solved at the very end but not completely: Valentina is the only character that does anything noteworthy to draw out those responsible for the disappearances, but we still don't know why they kidnap them or where they take them to... We just know that other humans arr taking these ppl for the star queen. At the beginning these smugglers are portrayed as being impossible to track, or that know nothing. Suddenly Valentina gives us the information that those disappearing are from very poor families and come to the conclusion that the families are selling them. After wich she only needs to murmur in a market that she needs money and what a shame she has a cousin with magic, and bingo, she finds the smugglers and even gets paid! So unearned, Saiph is supposed to investigate but there is no investigation "on screen" we just receive the information from an investigation that has been done "off page".
Overall, it felt that the writer just wrote in ine sitting the book without working much on the world building nor the plot.
This might sound silly but I thought that the prologue was also unbelievable. What nanny is holding a baby in a room where servants are hitting blankets or carpets to remove the dust? And how can these servants gossip in a room with dust? It would have been more believable that the servants were doing anything else...
The best part of the book was the sex in all honestly but there is not enough of it to make it worth reading.
My advice to the writer would be: don't try too hard to sound smart, it just makes it harder to read, focus on creating ambience instead of repeating internal dialogue, make sure that the plot makes sense for the world and leave as little plotholes as possible (otherwise you end up contradicting yourself). Work on making fantasy world exposition better (world building) by using different literary devices, don't promise the book will be one thing ("Saiph will investigate what is happening to the humans disappearing") and do not deliver later. Make sure the plot is driven by the characters and not everything by chance and necessary coincidences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2023
TLDR: An immortal is tasked with killing a false heir and falls in lust (F/F), but her story is complicated by many perspectives.
The Lingering Dark is a surprisingly original fantasy romance that ends on a cliffhanger. Saiph is a star – an immortal molded by the machinations of her queen-mother. When the queen orders Saiph to kill a mortal woman claiming to be heir to the throne she is eager to prove herself. However, shortly after crossing the boundary between their realms, Saiph is snatched, drugged, and taken underground by rebel humans. To earn her freedom she must rely on the skill and cunning of a fellow prisoner named Auren. Trusting her is out of the question. Or is it? The more Saiph learns about mortals from Auren the more she doubts her mission and the queen’s motives.
This is a fun, albeit imperfect read. The plot and setting remind me of classic fairytales and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust because the realms differ drastically from one another. Yet, the singular barrier between them is a bit of forest. The forest is overwhelmed by dark magic that tricks and confuses would-be travelers meaning all but a few avoid it entirely. In addition to “the lingering darkness” of the forest, the queen-mother lays constant siege near the barrier. Her reasons for doing this are unclear, but it results in humans despising immortals. Unfortunately, Saiph’s ethereal glow is a beacon for their animosity.
Without question, the best part of this book is the tentative relationship developing between Saiph and Auren. Their lack of trust in one another is relatable even when their journey is not. They walk up to the ledge of falling in love because they’re otherwise alone. Then they walk back down because of obligations and commitment. Both tracks seem destined to destroy them so temptation occasionally dictates the moment. I believe the author successfully walks the line of authenticity. The stakes are high and reasonable, so the characters don’t fall into making stupid choices to create dramatic tension. It’s acceptably angsty and lovely.
I have a couple of pieces of constructive criticism. Firstly, the author falls into the trap of using unique cliche too often. I know it’s oxymoronic to describe something as “unique” and “cliche” but I cannot think of a more accurate description. I should have highlighted the many pages this occurs on, but I did not know I would run into it so frequently. From memory, it is something like, “...as so much dust in the wind.” “As so much” doesn’t rankle where other cliches often do. My problem is not its use, but its overuse. Frankly, the author is good with descriptive language, so I know she’s capable of writing without the cliche or simplifying to avoid repetition.
Secondly, and this one is likely more personal, the multiple-point-of-view perspective is jarring and clumsy. I understand why the author chose it because exposition is needed to inform the reader about the players and the plot. However, this could be handled much more effectively. The first 33% of the book is told from Saiph’s perspective. Then the text jumps to one chapter from Auren’s perspective, on to Saiph, then Orien, and briefly Valentina. The best example I can provide without spoilers is Valentina traveling to meet Orien. This chapter is filled to bursting with exposition, little action and dialogue, and can be communicated through one of the central protagonists – Saiph or Auren.
That said, this tale is worth reading. I’m frustrated to be left dangling from the cliff till the next book but curious to see which direction I’ll be pulled in. I’m not often puzzled by character motivations. I look forward to hearing what the queen has to say.
The Lingering Dark is a surprisingly original fantasy romance that ends on a cliffhanger. Saiph is a star – an immortal molded by the machinations of her queen-mother. When the queen orders Saiph to kill a mortal woman claiming to be heir to the throne she is eager to prove herself. However, shortly after crossing the boundary between their realms, Saiph is snatched, drugged, and taken underground by rebel humans. To earn her freedom she must rely on the skill and cunning of a fellow prisoner named Auren. Trusting her is out of the question. Or is it? The more Saiph learns about mortals from Auren the more she doubts her mission and the queen’s motives.
This is a fun, albeit imperfect read. The plot and setting remind me of classic fairytales and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust because the realms differ drastically from one another. Yet, the singular barrier between them is a bit of forest. The forest is overwhelmed by dark magic that tricks and confuses would-be travelers meaning all but a few avoid it entirely. In addition to “the lingering darkness” of the forest, the queen-mother lays constant siege near the barrier. Her reasons for doing this are unclear, but it results in humans despising immortals. Unfortunately, Saiph’s ethereal glow is a beacon for their animosity.
Without question, the best part of this book is the tentative relationship developing between Saiph and Auren. Their lack of trust in one another is relatable even when their journey is not. They walk up to the ledge of falling in love because they’re otherwise alone. Then they walk back down because of obligations and commitment. Both tracks seem destined to destroy them so temptation occasionally dictates the moment. I believe the author successfully walks the line of authenticity. The stakes are high and reasonable, so the characters don’t fall into making stupid choices to create dramatic tension. It’s acceptably angsty and lovely.
I have a couple of pieces of constructive criticism. Firstly, the author falls into the trap of using unique cliche too often. I know it’s oxymoronic to describe something as “unique” and “cliche” but I cannot think of a more accurate description. I should have highlighted the many pages this occurs on, but I did not know I would run into it so frequently. From memory, it is something like, “...as so much dust in the wind.” “As so much” doesn’t rankle where other cliches often do. My problem is not its use, but its overuse. Frankly, the author is good with descriptive language, so I know she’s capable of writing without the cliche or simplifying to avoid repetition.
Secondly, and this one is likely more personal, the multiple-point-of-view perspective is jarring and clumsy. I understand why the author chose it because exposition is needed to inform the reader about the players and the plot. However, this could be handled much more effectively. The first 33% of the book is told from Saiph’s perspective. Then the text jumps to one chapter from Auren’s perspective, on to Saiph, then Orien, and briefly Valentina. The best example I can provide without spoilers is Valentina traveling to meet Orien. This chapter is filled to bursting with exposition, little action and dialogue, and can be communicated through one of the central protagonists – Saiph or Auren.
That said, this tale is worth reading. I’m frustrated to be left dangling from the cliff till the next book but curious to see which direction I’ll be pulled in. I’m not often puzzled by character motivations. I look forward to hearing what the queen has to say.
November 21, 2022
I was gifted an E-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Honestly, I almost gave this one 2 stars. It was a frustrating story most of the time which I shall explain:
The worldbuilding:
In every fantasy story worldbuilding is so so important, but in this book there was next to nothing of the sort. I never get confused reading fantasy, but reading this I was confused throughout most of the book. My main questions were what happened before? Why are the two realms at war and have been at war for so long? Why, why why? Almost nothing was explained, not the 'stars', not the two worlds and not the magic. It felt at some times just infuriating as even a fantasy romance needs wordbuilding!
Then there were the characters which felt empty for most of the story. There was minimal background info and their personalities didn't show anything to tell me to care for them. And so I didn't. I was left with numerous questions about these people who I just couldn't get myself interested in. Only at the end of the story came some details about some of their pasts, although it still didn't make me care for Auren and Orien. The only character I liked from the start was Valentina as her personality showed through immediately. The others were just bland.
Lastly, the plot:
Plot? Where? Apart from the last 10-15% of the book the 'plot' seemed to be build around the 2 women's sex scene, or more accurately called fuck scene, as it was more of a hate fucking than anything else. In my opinion the two sex scenes in the book were bad, with the women's scene being somewhat more tolerable.
Most of the time the plot had me lost completely as I also didn't care about the characters and had no worldbuilding to keep me in the know. In the final chapters there was some more action and our 'star' finally, frustratingly slow, found out something the reader knew FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.
To conclude, the only redeeming quality this book has is the final chapters as there is the only interesting part to be found.
Honestly, I almost gave this one 2 stars. It was a frustrating story most of the time which I shall explain:
The worldbuilding:
In every fantasy story worldbuilding is so so important, but in this book there was next to nothing of the sort. I never get confused reading fantasy, but reading this I was confused throughout most of the book. My main questions were what happened before? Why are the two realms at war and have been at war for so long? Why, why why? Almost nothing was explained, not the 'stars', not the two worlds and not the magic. It felt at some times just infuriating as even a fantasy romance needs wordbuilding!
Then there were the characters which felt empty for most of the story. There was minimal background info and their personalities didn't show anything to tell me to care for them. And so I didn't. I was left with numerous questions about these people who I just couldn't get myself interested in. Only at the end of the story came some details about some of their pasts, although it still didn't make me care for Auren and Orien. The only character I liked from the start was Valentina as her personality showed through immediately. The others were just bland.
Lastly, the plot:
Plot? Where? Apart from the last 10-15% of the book the 'plot' seemed to be build around the 2 women's sex scene, or more accurately called fuck scene, as it was more of a hate fucking than anything else. In my opinion the two sex scenes in the book were bad, with the women's scene being somewhat more tolerable.
Most of the time the plot had me lost completely as I also didn't care about the characters and had no worldbuilding to keep me in the know. In the final chapters there was some more action and our 'star' finally, frustratingly slow, found out something the reader knew FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.
To conclude, the only redeeming quality this book has is the final chapters as there is the only interesting part to be found.
November 14, 2022
The Lingering Dark is a romance/fantasy novel with a spicy sapphic romance. I downloaded an ARC through Edelweiss and am leaving an honest review; thank you for the opportunity to read this book! I loved the pronunciation key at the front of the book; more authors should do this.
Saiph is a star (fae? vampire?) that is sent down to the mortal realm to end a false queen. She meets Auren, the false queen's bodyguard when they are captured together and need to escape. A blood binding ensures that they can not harm one another and Auren attempts to win Saiph over to her side. I feel strongly that this book has enough of the popular tropes to be quite beloved by romance readers: enemies to lovers, forbidden love, secret identity, one bed, and fated mates to name a few. There is some really cute banter and some hot-headed alpha-types.
The world-building was interesting. The beginning chapter and prologue hooked me immediately, but the rest of the world-building did not happen until much later in the book. I loved that the forest seems to be a character unto itself, but it was not explored as much as I would have liked. We start to get some answers about the world at about 50% of the book, but it was basic world-building and would have been more helpful at the beginning. I still am not certain if the stars are fae or vampires, but they certainly drink blood and have magic. This seemed more like a prequel than the first in a series. The characters are all strong and the plot is about equal to the romance contained within. Saiph was a difficult character for me to root for. She is young and naive and believes the lies that she was told, but I warmed up to her by the end. I loved the other characters, though, even if I sometimes had to suspend my disbelief at times.
My biggest complaint is the repeated use of the word 'savage'. I am not a sensitivity reader, but I learned that it has historically hurtful connotations in some communities and I would recommend not using it in the future, especially so frequently.
Saiph is a star (fae? vampire?) that is sent down to the mortal realm to end a false queen. She meets Auren, the false queen's bodyguard when they are captured together and need to escape. A blood binding ensures that they can not harm one another and Auren attempts to win Saiph over to her side. I feel strongly that this book has enough of the popular tropes to be quite beloved by romance readers: enemies to lovers, forbidden love, secret identity, one bed, and fated mates to name a few. There is some really cute banter and some hot-headed alpha-types.
The world-building was interesting. The beginning chapter and prologue hooked me immediately, but the rest of the world-building did not happen until much later in the book. I loved that the forest seems to be a character unto itself, but it was not explored as much as I would have liked. We start to get some answers about the world at about 50% of the book, but it was basic world-building and would have been more helpful at the beginning. I still am not certain if the stars are fae or vampires, but they certainly drink blood and have magic. This seemed more like a prequel than the first in a series. The characters are all strong and the plot is about equal to the romance contained within. Saiph was a difficult character for me to root for. She is young and naive and believes the lies that she was told, but I warmed up to her by the end. I loved the other characters, though, even if I sometimes had to suspend my disbelief at times.
My biggest complaint is the repeated use of the word 'savage'. I am not a sensitivity reader, but I learned that it has historically hurtful connotations in some communities and I would recommend not using it in the future, especially so frequently.
December 5, 2022
‘‘𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍.’’ 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒑𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅, 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝑨𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒏’𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒌, ‘‘𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒓, 𝒎𝒊 𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒂 𝒍𝒖𝒙.’’⚔️
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Thank you Jade Church for sending me an ARC of The Lingering Dark😍😍
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Book review 📚:
I’ve just finished reading this beauty and I didn’t want it to end, as always Jade’s novels leave me with a major book hangover after finishing them and the last chapter especially that cliffhanger left me on the edge of my seat with suspense!😱
The book starts with an introduction to the world of the Kingdom of Stars and Saiph, the heir of the kingdom gets sent to the mortal plane by her mother to hunt down the mortal who claims she is the true heir to the throne. In her quest, Saiph encounters the queen’s guard: Auren which they form a connection with each other immediately and throughout the book Saiph begins to question her mother’s motives and everything that is true or not.
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The Lingering Dark is Jade’s first sapphic fantasy novel I loved the romance between Auren and Saiph I was rooting for them from the beginning😍 also they’re such badass characters and the banter between them was gold, loved their enemies to lovers relationship! Orien and Valentina I lovee them can’t wait for their book! The plot twists at the end were completely shocking I couldn’t put down my Kindle I loved every page the magic in the world of this book and strong badass female leads gave Throne of Glass vibes🙈the way the author made the half-stars as vampires was brilliant🤩 so full of action and that ending left me wanting more
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🗡️Enemies to Lovers
🗡️One Bed Trope
🗡️Mate Bonds
🗡️Sapphic Fantasy Romance
🗡️Stars / Vampires
🗡️Forced Proximity
🗡️Hidden Identities
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Can’t wait for the next book in the duology series The Clarity of Light that’s coming out next year!😍
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Thank you Jade Church for sending me an ARC of The Lingering Dark😍😍
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Book review 📚:
I’ve just finished reading this beauty and I didn’t want it to end, as always Jade’s novels leave me with a major book hangover after finishing them and the last chapter especially that cliffhanger left me on the edge of my seat with suspense!😱
The book starts with an introduction to the world of the Kingdom of Stars and Saiph, the heir of the kingdom gets sent to the mortal plane by her mother to hunt down the mortal who claims she is the true heir to the throne. In her quest, Saiph encounters the queen’s guard: Auren which they form a connection with each other immediately and throughout the book Saiph begins to question her mother’s motives and everything that is true or not.
•
•
The Lingering Dark is Jade’s first sapphic fantasy novel I loved the romance between Auren and Saiph I was rooting for them from the beginning😍 also they’re such badass characters and the banter between them was gold, loved their enemies to lovers relationship! Orien and Valentina I lovee them can’t wait for their book! The plot twists at the end were completely shocking I couldn’t put down my Kindle I loved every page the magic in the world of this book and strong badass female leads gave Throne of Glass vibes🙈the way the author made the half-stars as vampires was brilliant🤩 so full of action and that ending left me wanting more
•
🗡️Enemies to Lovers
🗡️One Bed Trope
🗡️Mate Bonds
🗡️Sapphic Fantasy Romance
🗡️Stars / Vampires
🗡️Forced Proximity
🗡️Hidden Identities
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Can’t wait for the next book in the duology series The Clarity of Light that’s coming out next year!😍
December 10, 2022
Firstly, I'd like to thank Jade Church for the eARC, as part of her ARC team, for an honest review.
Fantasy is such a huge genre to tackle and this is Jade's 2nd fantasy book, her first being Temper the Flame. The improvement is vast and I really enjoyed The Lingering Dark! I absolutely love that it's a sapphic romance between the two MC, Auren and Saiph. I do prefer Auren as a character as I just didn't seem to gel with Saiph. She seems way too nïave and ignorant for the character with such age and power. She also seemed a little too much like a typical 'arrogant male'.
The prologue really set the scene and the writing was brilliant. I was so intrigued by this chapter. I thought the concept of the two worlds, Kingdom of Stars and the Mortal Plane was really good. I would have loved to have seen more of the Kingdom of Stars throughout the book and hope we get to see more in book 2. The world building that we get is good but I think more is needed when reading a fantasy book. Sometimes it left me a little confused. Also the powers that the Stars have wasn't clear as little bits were added throughout as if never ending.
There are two main sex scenes but I did expect more smut, maybe just a little more slow burn so that we could see the feelings develop physically between Saiph and Auren. I didn't get why we got Orien and Valentina's POV as I didn't see what this added (more towards Valentina's POV).
The fact that the reader knows the truth almost from the very beginning made Saiph look even more ignorant. I couldn't believe it took her until the end of the book and then being told/shown the truth. This probably added to me not gelling with her a a character.
I thought the ending was really good and seeing the characters at their full potential was really great to see. I'm really looking forward to book 2 and can't believe I have to wait almost a year!
Amy x
Fantasy is such a huge genre to tackle and this is Jade's 2nd fantasy book, her first being Temper the Flame. The improvement is vast and I really enjoyed The Lingering Dark! I absolutely love that it's a sapphic romance between the two MC, Auren and Saiph. I do prefer Auren as a character as I just didn't seem to gel with Saiph. She seems way too nïave and ignorant for the character with such age and power. She also seemed a little too much like a typical 'arrogant male'.
The prologue really set the scene and the writing was brilliant. I was so intrigued by this chapter. I thought the concept of the two worlds, Kingdom of Stars and the Mortal Plane was really good. I would have loved to have seen more of the Kingdom of Stars throughout the book and hope we get to see more in book 2. The world building that we get is good but I think more is needed when reading a fantasy book. Sometimes it left me a little confused. Also the powers that the Stars have wasn't clear as little bits were added throughout as if never ending.
There are two main sex scenes but I did expect more smut, maybe just a little more slow burn so that we could see the feelings develop physically between Saiph and Auren. I didn't get why we got Orien and Valentina's POV as I didn't see what this added (more towards Valentina's POV).
The fact that the reader knows the truth almost from the very beginning made Saiph look even more ignorant. I couldn't believe it took her until the end of the book and then being told/shown the truth. This probably added to me not gelling with her a a character.
I thought the ending was really good and seeing the characters at their full potential was really great to see. I'm really looking forward to book 2 and can't believe I have to wait almost a year!
Amy x
November 26, 2022
Thank you so much Jade Church for sending me a copy of your book!
The Lingering Dark is the first book in Kingdom of Stars duology. It is a sapphic fantasy romance with amazing world building and great characters that I really enjoyed!
Saiph is a star and the heir of Kingdom of Stars. When her mother, the queen, sends her to the mortal plane to kill a human claiming to be the true queen of the kingdom, Saiph expects a quick and easy job. What she doesn’t expect is Auren, the false queen’s guard and a woman to whom she feels an immediate connection. When everything Saiph thought she knew is called into question, she needs to decide who she can trust and pick a side in the upcoming war.
I really like the world the author created, the
idea of stars and humans is described in such a unique way I couldn’t put the book down, everything is so fascinating. I love the main characters, Saiph and Auren are both so strong and stubborn it was so much fun to read about their growing enemies to lovers relationship, and the second couple, Orien and Valentina were so cute, I just love them all! While I guessed some of the plot twists, the author still shocked me a few times, this book is full of action, banter and astounding revelations that guarantee you won’t be bored and that made me finish it in one sitting, I couldn’t stop reading and had to know what is going to happen next!
I really enjoyed The Lingering Dark and already can’t wait for the second book because that ending had me screaming! I’m dying to know what happens next.
The Lingering Dark is the first book in Kingdom of Stars duology. It is a sapphic fantasy romance with amazing world building and great characters that I really enjoyed!
Saiph is a star and the heir of Kingdom of Stars. When her mother, the queen, sends her to the mortal plane to kill a human claiming to be the true queen of the kingdom, Saiph expects a quick and easy job. What she doesn’t expect is Auren, the false queen’s guard and a woman to whom she feels an immediate connection. When everything Saiph thought she knew is called into question, she needs to decide who she can trust and pick a side in the upcoming war.
I really like the world the author created, the
idea of stars and humans is described in such a unique way I couldn’t put the book down, everything is so fascinating. I love the main characters, Saiph and Auren are both so strong and stubborn it was so much fun to read about their growing enemies to lovers relationship, and the second couple, Orien and Valentina were so cute, I just love them all! While I guessed some of the plot twists, the author still shocked me a few times, this book is full of action, banter and astounding revelations that guarantee you won’t be bored and that made me finish it in one sitting, I couldn’t stop reading and had to know what is going to happen next!
I really enjoyed The Lingering Dark and already can’t wait for the second book because that ending had me screaming! I’m dying to know what happens next.
November 27, 2022
3.75/5 stars
I really enjoyed this first book in Jade's new sapphic fantasy romance series, Kingdom of Stars. I loved the world-building and magic system. It gave me major Stardust vibes, if you've ever watched that movie (one of my all-time favs). It was super fast-paced and I was hooked from the very start.
So much so that I read it in two sittings!
I truly believe Jade's writing gets better and better with every book she writes and this one was no different. The story flowed and I'm so excited to see where the story goes from here in book 2. Already can't wait for it to be released.
I really loved the characters we were introduced to. Saiph and Auren had so much chemistry throughout the book and after that ending, I need to know where their stories go from here. I loved Orion and Valentina and really enjoyed how we got to see their POVs in this book as well. I do wish we had gotten more from Vala's character but that's something I hope to see in book 2.
I will say that the book was a little too fast paced for me personally as I usually like more description and I feel certain plot-points could have been expanded on but overall I loved my time reading this.
Highly recommend to all fantasy romance lovers!
I really enjoyed this first book in Jade's new sapphic fantasy romance series, Kingdom of Stars. I loved the world-building and magic system. It gave me major Stardust vibes, if you've ever watched that movie (one of my all-time favs). It was super fast-paced and I was hooked from the very start.
So much so that I read it in two sittings!
I truly believe Jade's writing gets better and better with every book she writes and this one was no different. The story flowed and I'm so excited to see where the story goes from here in book 2. Already can't wait for it to be released.
I really loved the characters we were introduced to. Saiph and Auren had so much chemistry throughout the book and after that ending, I need to know where their stories go from here. I loved Orion and Valentina and really enjoyed how we got to see their POVs in this book as well. I do wish we had gotten more from Vala's character but that's something I hope to see in book 2.
I will say that the book was a little too fast paced for me personally as I usually like more description and I feel certain plot-points could have been expanded on but overall I loved my time reading this.
Highly recommend to all fantasy romance lovers!
October 31, 2022
Thank you to author Jade Church for this ARC.
What a great start to a new series. I had not read a sapphic book before, and I am glad that this was my introduction to the genre. The romance was a great as well as the tropes. I am a sucker for enemies to lover with the “I came here to kill you but fell in love instead.” This book was filled with all the things you love in a romantasy story, including only one bed at the inn.
While I did figure out the big character reveal pretty quickly, as well as a few other plot twists, I still was very happy with how it was all revealed. Each character was likable in their own way, as well as all having to work through their own internal battles. I am hoping that we get more Orien pov in the next book because he seems to have a lot of layers to him.
The ending had me biting my nails. Beware, there is a cliff-hanger but it is well worth the heart palpitations. I am excited to see where the story goes from here as well as seeing some avenging characters and major a** kicking.
Overall, great start to a new series and I cannot wait to read the next one. If you are in the mood for a quick romantasy book then I recommend picking this one up when it is released!
What a great start to a new series. I had not read a sapphic book before, and I am glad that this was my introduction to the genre. The romance was a great as well as the tropes. I am a sucker for enemies to lover with the “I came here to kill you but fell in love instead.” This book was filled with all the things you love in a romantasy story, including only one bed at the inn.
While I did figure out the big character reveal pretty quickly, as well as a few other plot twists, I still was very happy with how it was all revealed. Each character was likable in their own way, as well as all having to work through their own internal battles. I am hoping that we get more Orien pov in the next book because he seems to have a lot of layers to him.
The ending had me biting my nails. Beware, there is a cliff-hanger but it is well worth the heart palpitations. I am excited to see where the story goes from here as well as seeing some avenging characters and major a** kicking.
Overall, great start to a new series and I cannot wait to read the next one. If you are in the mood for a quick romantasy book then I recommend picking this one up when it is released!
December 10, 2022
If you expect this book to be just like the other romance novels Jade has written in the past, then you are mistaken. Not only is it completely different from what she usually write, but it contains a very complex yet simple and super interesting magick system involving stars, kingdoms, secrets, lies, and histories that will undoubtedly have you asking questions in this new fantasy world.
This time not only do we get one romance, but we get two, one being sapphic, between Auren, the mortal queen's guard who claims to be the true heir to the throne, and Saiph, the heir to the kingdom on Stars who was sent by her mother to kill the rebel queen. Along with Orien, Auren's twin brother, and Valentina. Though I will admit, Vala, Saiph's twin sisters also caught my eye.
Expect a fantasy novel full of lots badªss female MC's, enemies to lovers, half-stars that are vampires, and lots of witty banter between Saiph and Auren. I can't wait to get to know more about Orien and Valentina's story next and that cliffhanger at the end, I was not ready for it at all!
This time not only do we get one romance, but we get two, one being sapphic, between Auren, the mortal queen's guard who claims to be the true heir to the throne, and Saiph, the heir to the kingdom on Stars who was sent by her mother to kill the rebel queen. Along with Orien, Auren's twin brother, and Valentina. Though I will admit, Vala, Saiph's twin sisters also caught my eye.
Expect a fantasy novel full of lots badªss female MC's, enemies to lovers, half-stars that are vampires, and lots of witty banter between Saiph and Auren. I can't wait to get to know more about Orien and Valentina's story next and that cliffhanger at the end, I was not ready for it at all!
November 17, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌟⚔️👩🏼❤️💋👩🏽
Enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, vampires, stabby badass woman, sapphic, sibling bonds. What isn't there to love?
The Lingering Dark by Jade Church is a must-read sapphic fantasy novel. It sets up a world where there is a rivalry between two queens, both heir to the throne, but in different ways. The one who claims she is the true queen sends her daughter down to kill the other's heir. Saiph sets to find her and comes across her guard, Auren. They strike a blood oath after a life is saved, and then go on a mission. Despite their difference (love the bickering between the two) something more is forcing them together.
The world is engaging, it makes you want to read more. I need book two now, please. I need to know what happens.
Thank you to author Jade Church for this ARC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌟⚔️👩🏼❤️💋👩🏽
Enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, vampires, stabby badass woman, sapphic, sibling bonds. What isn't there to love?
The Lingering Dark by Jade Church is a must-read sapphic fantasy novel. It sets up a world where there is a rivalry between two queens, both heir to the throne, but in different ways. The one who claims she is the true queen sends her daughter down to kill the other's heir. Saiph sets to find her and comes across her guard, Auren. They strike a blood oath after a life is saved, and then go on a mission. Despite their difference (love the bickering between the two) something more is forcing them together.
The world is engaging, it makes you want to read more. I need book two now, please. I need to know what happens.
Thank you to author Jade Church for this ARC.
June 7, 2024
This was a pretty decent book. The characters were interesting. The plot was good. And the spice was well received.
Saiph is a badass that has been brainwashed throughout her life. When her mother sends her to the mortal realm to eliminate a threat to the throne, things definitely do not go as planned. Saiph is forced to reevaluate everything she knows to be true and decide who she wants to be outside of her mother's forceful eye.
Auren and Orien are quite the dynamic duo. He's cold and quick to temper she is warm and looks to the future.
The connections between all of the characters meshed really well and their group dynamic flowed really nicely. The tension between Saiph and Auren kept me wanting more and helped keep me engaged in the rest of the story.
Overall, this was a good read and I am excited to dive into the next one.
Saiph is a badass that has been brainwashed throughout her life. When her mother sends her to the mortal realm to eliminate a threat to the throne, things definitely do not go as planned. Saiph is forced to reevaluate everything she knows to be true and decide who she wants to be outside of her mother's forceful eye.
Auren and Orien are quite the dynamic duo. He's cold and quick to temper she is warm and looks to the future.
The connections between all of the characters meshed really well and their group dynamic flowed really nicely. The tension between Saiph and Auren kept me wanting more and helped keep me engaged in the rest of the story.
Overall, this was a good read and I am excited to dive into the next one.
November 30, 2022
This was such a fun read. I had such a good time reading about the characteristics of Stars, the history of the war between the Kingdom of Stars and The Moral Realm, and the growing relationship between Auren and Saiph.
Auren and Saiph might be my favourite sapphic couple yet. There's something so lovely about them. I really appreciate the trope of rivals/enemies but there's a mutual respect between them. Orien and Valentina are my soft couple, the true soul mates, of the read for me. GIVE THEM A HAPPY ENDING, @jadechurchauthor!
Or, you know, do whatever. You can't do any wrong at this point.
The only thing I have to be angry about is that it's the first in a duology and I have to wait for book two........... no rush, but..........
Auren and Saiph might be my favourite sapphic couple yet. There's something so lovely about them. I really appreciate the trope of rivals/enemies but there's a mutual respect between them. Orien and Valentina are my soft couple, the true soul mates, of the read for me. GIVE THEM A HAPPY ENDING, @jadechurchauthor!
Or, you know, do whatever. You can't do any wrong at this point.
The only thing I have to be angry about is that it's the first in a duology and I have to wait for book two........... no rush, but..........
December 10, 2022
This sapphic fantasy romance was so good and I found myself struggling to put it down. I loved the concept of the Kingdom of Stars and cannot wait to read more in this universe. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs as well as the flashbacks that provided more context to the history of the story. And the spice was *chefs kiss*
My only critique is that I found the beginning of the book very fast paced and I would have like a bit more time in the Kingdom of Stars, especially exploring more of Saiph’s relationships with her family.
If you’re planning to read this, I would recommend checking the trigger warnings first (they are also at the beginning of the book)
Thank you to Jade Church for my eArc of this book.
My only critique is that I found the beginning of the book very fast paced and I would have like a bit more time in the Kingdom of Stars, especially exploring more of Saiph’s relationships with her family.
If you’re planning to read this, I would recommend checking the trigger warnings first (they are also at the beginning of the book)
Thank you to Jade Church for my eArc of this book.
December 20, 2022
I was provided an ARC for this book, and it was phenomenal!! The relationship development between characters, both romantic and platonic, was really wonderful. This book is really fast-paced and fun. I never felt like there was a lull in the story, and it was a major page turner. I kept wanting to know what would happen between the two main characters. Would feelings go unrequited? Would the villain get what they wanted? This story also has several tropes that I LOVE, including the one bed trope and fated mates.
I really recommend picking up this book if you enjoy fun, quick, sapphic fantasy books!
I was a little stressed due to the cliffhanger at the end, but all the more reason to pick up the next one. I am so excited to continue this story when the next one comes out.
I really recommend picking up this book if you enjoy fun, quick, sapphic fantasy books!
I was a little stressed due to the cliffhanger at the end, but all the more reason to pick up the next one. I am so excited to continue this story when the next one comes out.
February 27, 2025
3.75/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide and Torture
This was a quick fun read. The world was interesting and had a creative concept that was fun to read (almost like vampire angels type character designs).
The book was short so it did feel fast paced because it did cram so in such little time but it didn’t really feel rushed.
The relationships between characters was really fun to see and I’d rather have had more of the group bonding more so than the oddly placed honey trap romance plot. Like it was a good cheesy romance don’t get me wrong they toxic and fun as hell.
Overall a good fantasy novel and I would read the second one just to get more out of the world and more time with the characters a their struggles.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide and Torture
This was a quick fun read. The world was interesting and had a creative concept that was fun to read (almost like vampire angels type character designs).
The book was short so it did feel fast paced because it did cram so in such little time but it didn’t really feel rushed.
The relationships between characters was really fun to see and I’d rather have had more of the group bonding more so than the oddly placed honey trap romance plot. Like it was a good cheesy romance don’t get me wrong they toxic and fun as hell.
Overall a good fantasy novel and I would read the second one just to get more out of the world and more time with the characters a their struggles.
November 17, 2022
I was sent an ARC for an honest review, this is my first read by Jade Church and I will happily read more of her books, I really enjoyed the writing style of this author, it was punchy and got to the point.
I enjoyed the plot of the book, the magic and the stars. I would of liked to have seen a bit more world building and history in the first half of the book but that because I love a big world build.
I was a fan of all the main characters and there was some great character/relationship progression. I'm very glad I got this arc it covered a lot of my fav troupes and I'm already looking forward to the second book!
I enjoyed the plot of the book, the magic and the stars. I would of liked to have seen a bit more world building and history in the first half of the book but that because I love a big world build.
I was a fan of all the main characters and there was some great character/relationship progression. I'm very glad I got this arc it covered a lot of my fav troupes and I'm already looking forward to the second book!
January 26, 2023
“As becoming as you look in all that blood, I think you might frighten the court.”
✨S Tier
🌶🌶Spicy
I am obsessed with this sapphic romantasy duology. Jade Church has written a phenomenal story between two absolutely ruthless FMCS, Saiph and Auren. Saiph has been sent to the mortal plane by her mother to kill the mortal queen but finds herself caught in a bargain with Auren, the rebel queen’s guard. The banter and tension between Saiph and Auren is addicting, and their savagery is delightful. I love badass FMCs, and Saiph and Auren are top tier. The world building and magic system was something entirely new for me to read, I am so invested into the mortal plane and the characters, I can’t wait to see where the story goes.
✨S Tier
🌶🌶Spicy
I am obsessed with this sapphic romantasy duology. Jade Church has written a phenomenal story between two absolutely ruthless FMCS, Saiph and Auren. Saiph has been sent to the mortal plane by her mother to kill the mortal queen but finds herself caught in a bargain with Auren, the rebel queen’s guard. The banter and tension between Saiph and Auren is addicting, and their savagery is delightful. I love badass FMCs, and Saiph and Auren are top tier. The world building and magic system was something entirely new for me to read, I am so invested into the mortal plane and the characters, I can’t wait to see where the story goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews