Heir of Stardust and Secrets: A Fae Fantasy Romance

by CC Hartly

In the shadow of war, love may be her greatest enemy...

Nyleeria has always lived in the shadow of loss, with only her childhood friend to bring light to her days. But when an ancient power is discovered within her, everything changes. Her family is torn apart by tragedy, and she is thrust into a conflict that has smoldered between humans and fae for centuries.

King Thaddeus, a human ruler hardened by the endless war against the fae, seeks to protect his kingdom at any cost. When he discovers Nyleeria’s dormant magic, he knows it could be the key to his people's survival. But the closer Nyleeria gets to the King, the more she realizes that her greatest danger may not be the Spark or the fae—but the feelings he stirs within her.

As the veil between realms grows thinner, Nyleeria must navigate a path filled with peril, where trust is a luxury and love could be the most dangerous weapon of all. Torn between duty and desire, she must decide what they are willing to sacrifice—for her people, for him, and for a future that hangs in the balance.

Don't miss this captivating adult Fantasy Romance by debut author CC Hartly. With its intricate magic systems, believable characters, and richly developed world-building, it's sure to delight romantasy and epic fantasy listeners everywhere!

Filled with action, adventure, heart-stopping romance, and just the right amount of spice, Mythic Spark is perfect for fans of Briar Boleyn, Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer Armentrout, and Rebecca Yarros.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Ebooks

Audible Audio

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

CC Hartly emerges as a fresh voice in the world of adult romantic fantasy with her debut novel, Heir of Stardust and Secrets, the first book in the highly anticipated Mythic Spark series. With a background in marketing and two degrees in the field, Hartly's transition to publishing is marked by a passion for fantasy and her own imaginative character-driven world rich with magic, love, and lore.

Her Canadian roots in the Rockies sparked a love for the wilderness that shines through when she recklessly jumps in puddles, revels in thunderstorms, and doesn’t hesitate before taking a dip in glacial waters. When not crafting her next novel, she's adventuring outdoors or delving into anything fantasy, always with her trusty four-legged companion, Finnigan, by her side.

Reviews

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many that will liken this book to ACOTAR and while I agree with them on certain points, I think this one stands far enough apart to not be a dupe. Many romantasy books have a similar plot so I don't hold that against the author at all.

I really enjoyed this book and it was a fun, spicy, romantasy read that I have been looking for. It is not the most original book ever, but it sure is entertaining.

I will also say that the "surprises" weren't surprising at all to me. In fact, when I read the last sentence of the book I said out loud "Duh, no shit", but that didn't take away from the enjoyment for me. I am definitely interested to see where the storyline goes and I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pub Date: 11/12/24

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC!
2/5 stars

This author has clear talent, with beautiful captivating writing style that kept me interested in finishing this book when I almost DNF’d multiple times. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. The storytelling was a bit all over the place and I couldn’t get over how similar to ACOTAR it was, and I love ACOTAR! It was just too many things to overlook.

*spoilers*
Young human girl mostly rejected by her family spends a lot of time in the woods training. The author spends a good chunk of the beginning of the book detailing the relationship between Nyleeria and Eithan. So much so that I was expecting him to be integral to the story moving forward, only to have him disappear to be married off and rarely mentioned again.
She is taken by an immortal ruler after discovering her cruel parents were killed, and her siblings who were also cruel to her were kidnapped… (why do we care?) and later introduced to fae who are sectioned into seasonal courts (winter autumn summer spring). She even has a conversation with some fae about there being a high lady of a court, and “there’s no such thing as a high lady.” A little on the nose there. Then the fae have the power of valenning, aka winnowing.
The immortal man who takes her is the love interest despite little to no chemistry, only for her to meet a fae male who is the most beautiful she had ever seen… again on the nose there. There’s tension between them of course. Nothing really happens with them romantically, but it is assumed he will be the main love interest next. The author sprinkles in sexual tension between several other male characters at random moments that left me a little confused at times.

Those were the most glaring similarities to ACOTAR that I remember.

My other complaints are that this book was too long for what the story contained. There are things mentioned that I expected to be important later that weren’t brought up again.

Not sure if I will continue this series. Again I am thankful for the ARC opportunity!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heir of Stardust and Secrets (Mythic Spark #1) by CC Hartly
~In the shadow of war, love may be her greatest enemy...
Rating: *****
Feels: Determined, Exposed, Betrayed, Strong
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Magic, High Fantasy
First published November 12, 2024 : 486 pages, Paperback

I really enjoyed this read for the world building and the FMC's personal growth. I always love seeing a strong women throw into a crazy situation and watching her grow with everything that is throw at her. The magic system is very visual and intricate which lends it to its own kind of beauty. I also enjoyed how the magic system varied between peoples in the book and the connections they could make and honor with the source of the magic. It lends the whole story a depth and maturity that is refreshing. I really enjoyed the different fae courts and hope we get to see more of those as more books in this series come out. Looking forward to continuing this story !


Favorite quote: “The way your eyes lay me bare, Nyleeria, you’re going to make me blush in front of all these guests,” he said, and although he was joking, he seemed just as stripped by my gaze as I was by his. “You’re a warrior; surely, you can handle the assessing gaze of a human woman,” I crooned.

This book has:
Strong FMC
Slow Burn
Age Gap
Fae Vrs Human
Complex moral dilemmas
Fae Courts
Political Intrigue
Chosen One
Hidden Identify
Found Family
Magic
Lush world building

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the nerd fam for the arc I really enjoyed this book! It was one I couldn’t put down. I loved the FMC and am looking forward to book two. The world was rich and I loved the atmosphere of this book. It did remind me of ACOTAR a lot but hey I loved that book so that’s ok! Go check it out!

[paigesofsmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I couldn’t put this book down!

This is similar to ACOTAR in my opinion but there are many differences. I would not say it’s exactly like it. The romance was believable and I absolutely ate it up! I was giggling and kicking my feet! I even shed a few tears I won’t lie. This story captivated me from the first chapter. The world building was spectacular!

This is a spic Romantasy that I highly recommend you read this winter!

I would also like to say thank you to the author and the publishing company for sending me this arc. The artwork inside the book is stunning as well.

Please read this book!

[Kylieisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

An addicting romantasy with tension, angst, magic, and impeccable world building. I was not able to put this book down.

[Anna Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entire time I was reading this I was thinking “am I crazy or is he the absolute worst?” And turns out…YES

I really enjoyed this book! I’d give it more of a 3.75 stars. You discover the world along with the FMC as she learns more about what’s outside the small home she shares with her family. I found myself wanting more for her for the beginning of the book and when “more” arrived I was very confused by why I wasn’t liking it lol trust that feeling if you have it….

This was a great start to the series and has me very excited for more! There was already a big twist and a cliffhanger so I can’t wait for the next book.

Here are a few of my favorite things…
- there’s a “there’s no such thing as a high lady” moment and I can’t wait to see if someone ruins that just like our High Lord Rhysand
- the experience of reading this book as a whole. I was feeling things and questioning myself and it was so fun
- Tarrin. I know he hasn’t made all the right choices but I want him on team good guys
- Endymoin. I had good feelings about him from day 1

Looking forward to book 2! I’m very much hoping for dual pov…..

Thank you to the Nerd Fam for sending over an ARC!

Would I recommend? Yes!

[emmy (taylor’s version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: Thank you to the author and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

So, first things first. This copy is an almost straight up copy of ACOTAR (with a few things flipped), but I’m not saying that in a bad way as you can see from my rating. I actually went into the book extremely excited because of that.

Plus, I’ll never fault cliche tropes. That’s the fun of reading the same genre.

I was addicted to the world building in this novel. One thing that I know will never disappoint when I read a fantasy novel is being able to picture the world in my head, and I was not disappointed. The setup is similar to ACOTAR (as expected) with season courts and high lords, but the concept of the fae world intermixing into the human one was an interesting concept I was glad was unique to the story.

While the world building was fantastic, my favorite part of this story was the characters.

If you know me, you know a book is always run by its characters for me. A book with a bad plot but good characters is 4-5 stars, but a book with a good plot and bad characters is 2-3, you know? This book did not have a bad plot though; simply saying no the characters carried the story.

Our main female character is a badass. I absolutely loved her attitude, and her lack of “omg I’m so tiny. I can’t fight.” No, she showed up to the king’s house and started throwing knives.

I loved the main male trio (bat boys reincarnated), but my favorite of the three was Tarrain. He was so incredibly sweet and hilarious. The entire book I was praying I wouldn’t turn the page and find him dead. This review would be vastly different.

For the love interest, um. So I saw he was blond and immediately went, so that’s not the one, right? (I’ve read too many fantasy romance books) Therefore, I started shipping the main character with the guy I also thought was the villain the entire story. That was very typically of me. In my defense, I didn’t love the main love interest. He was giving me a bad feeling from the very beginning.

Lastly, the end (ha!) was very predictable. The plot twist was very “duh. that was obvious from the beginning,” but I still will be on my toes waiting for the next one.

[Allison *booked_by_ally* Bravoco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has all of my favorite components, fae, magic, spice, and a FMC that can fight and speaker her mind! Nyleeria, the FMC, has always thought she was a normal girl, from a poor family who didn’t love her. She finds herself with King Thaddeus, king of the human realm, who tells her he’s waited centuries for her because she has the “spark.” The spark being a dormant magic that is able to save the humans from the fae. What I really enjoyed about this book is that it’s lighter in the fantasy and world building so it’s very easy to understand and enjoy. There is a great amount of romance, flirting, and spice that any romance or romantasy reader can enjoy this book! The lies and betrayal in this book made my jaw drop and I honestly love just how strong Nyleeria is. She is an FMC that stands up for herself and trains to become stronger physically and with her magic. If you love SJM and enjoyed the ACOTAR series you’ll love this book! There are many similar elements which of course I loved, since ACOTAR is one of my favorite series.

[Gaby | gabblesreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, but unfortunately the similarities to ACOTAR were too obvious for me and the plot was a bit all over the place so sadly wasn’t for me 🫣

I did love the writing style and think there’s huge potential for this series. Nyleeria was a refreshing main character, I really felt she stood up for herself and never acted as the weak human character, despite having vulnerable moments. Also there was flirting with multiple male love interests so feel like at this point confusing to even know who will end up as the endgame 😂

Overall was just an okay read for me, simply was a bit too long. If you’re a bit new to the romantasy genre then you will probably still enjoy this, but I feel I’ve read a lot at this point so a bit more picky with what I want.

Thank you to the author for the chance to read an eArc of this in exchange for an honest review!

[Katie | booksandpines · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heir of Stardust and Secrets
By CC Hartly

I received an ARC of this debut novel and I am pleased to have had the opportunity!

Thought to be cursed since the womb, Nyleeria’s world is upended when she discovers her parents murdered, siblings kidnapped, and the King at her door. Thrown into a world she never knew existed, Nyleeria must learn more than just how to control the spark within her, but also who to trust along the way.

…

I enjoyed the storyline of this novel and for this being an author’s debut novel, I am impressed with the writing style and her unique spin on this story.

I will say that there were several things throughout that felt rather abrupt, whether coming or going, and while it left me confused or sometimes jarred in the moment, there was always a little nudge in the back of my brain saying that there was maybe a reason for it and we would discover it as we go. Which, that did seem to be the case for the most part. We can also blame me reading the majority of the novel on overnight shifts 😅

If you are someone who likes to theorize while reading, you’re going to have a field day with this book. I appreciated that I was always waiting for a certain *thing* to happen and sometimes I hit the nail on the head, other times it absolutely did not happen how or when I was expecting it.

The characters tipped the scales for me once again. Their development was fantastic, especially in regard to our FMC Nyleeria. I enjoyed all the connections and relationships we explored, and the fact there is still so much left to explore makes you wanting to come back for more.

Long story short; the beginning and the end had me in a chokehold, I loved the characters, I already want to know what happens next, and I will absolutely be continuing the series!

⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ (6 if I could!)

I went in blindly on a book buddy rec (bless them eternally) and look i barely even read the blurb … to be honest that was probably the best way to experience it. Because the slow unfolding of Nyleeria’s power, her past and the dangerously compelling King Thaddeus? Chef’s kiss.

Nyleeria is one of those FMCs who’s been through hell - horrible family, tragic loss, the whole deal and yet she still manages to be kind, brave and entirely too selfless for her own good. But don’t be fooled, she can hold her own! She’s fierce when it counts and I admired her so much for it.

Thaddeus … well I can’t say too much without spoilers but I knew something was coming. He’s complicated and calculating but there’s a depth to him that made it impossible not to be intrigued. And as for the romantic tension between him and Nyleeria? It absolutely delivered.

The worldbuilding was rich and seamless … nothing felt too much or overdone. The realm of humans, fae, ancient magic, long-held grudges … it all felt vivid and layered. I loved the side characters too. Tarrin was a standout, and Nevander wormed his way into my heart. And then there’s Endymion … mysterious, magnetic and please let there be more of him later because I have questions (and hopes and delusions).

This book had it all - heartache, tension, danger and magic. My chest physically hurt for Ny at times, knowing all she’s already endured and what’s still ahead. But damn if she isn’t up for the fight.

What a way to kick off June. I’m obsessed and absolutely cannot wait for the next one. CC Hartley, you have me in a chokehold.

[wornoutbookmark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this as it was recommended by a mutual, but I just couldn't get into it. The storyline was intriguing but the synopsis promises more than what was given. It just felt way too long for what actually transpires in the story. The pacing of the plot was incredibly slow and nothing of important really happened until very late in the book. There was no subtly at all and there was too much telling versus showing. It's basically shoved down our throats that the FMC is special and every one in her group loves her and is protective of her... that's just not very interesting to me. I had to skim most of the dialogue and spicy scenes as it felt very cringey and too on the nose. I think I would've enjoyed this more if there was more plot and less showing off of the FMC and her group of men...I'm not sure if I will be continuing with the series.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Trahant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idk spoilers probably?

A human girl with borderline Stockholm syndrome whose name isn’t Feyre goes on a fae adventure and we’re all shocked when she ends up not being human after all at the end…

Also really annoyed that so far Endymion is pretty much tuxedo mask from sailor moon and she didn’t even attempt to change his name.

The name Thaddeus gives me the ick so I’m unsurprised he lived up to that standard. Also haaaaaate that every man Feyre.. sorry, Nyleria meets is insanely attractive and is also instantly attracted to her too.

Probably going to read the next one though haha

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled a lot with deciding what to rate this one. I'd probably give it a soft 3.5

While the story overall was interesting - the overuse of bits and pieces of other books was hard to look past. Now I will always defend the fact that there are only so many tropes in fantasy and you have to expect to see them reused. SJM didn't invent many of the things she used, but given her reach, there are going to be comparisons. My biggest hurdle with this one is that it didn't really feel like there was an attempt by the author to put her own spin on them. In some cases they were almost word for word.

"There's no such thing as high lady"
"I want to devour you like my own personal feast"

Again - these show up in variations in other books but in this case it just didn't feel like the author made an attempt to make them her own?

I just... It was fine - will I pick up book 2? Maybe?

*I received an eARC*

[kelseareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Following the death of her parents and the disappearance of her siblings, Nyleeria is invited to the palace by King Thaddeus. While he is human, he is capable of spell work and has spent over 500 years searching for her. He wants to use her dormant powers to protect his kingdom from the Fae. If Nyleeria can learn to harness this spark, she may be able to find her siblings and save the human world, but her sense of duty and loyalty will be continuously tested as she uncovers more about her powers and the Fae realm.

This was such a great debut novel! Nyleeria is such an incredible main character and I loved her character growth throughout the book. While the beginning was a little slow, the story really picked up and the last 25% was intense. This story had so many twists and turns, and I need the sequel after that ending!

What to expect:
💙 Romantasy
💙 Weapon-Wielding FMC
💙 Chosen One
💙 Secret Powers
💙 Fae Courts

Thank you to CC Hartly and Aethon Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Winter Hermitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ! Let me start by saying this book is nothing like I expected it to be ! The twists and different directions this journey takes is astonishing !

Now, this is book 1 of a series, so, there is a lot of character development and world building to be had here. However, I still got dragged deep into this story ! The author does a great job of balancing plot events and character knowledge, growth and development ( the FMC goes through a lot of training only adding to her badassery !). There is so much packed into these pages! And the spice ~ chef's kiss ~

And that freaking ending ! Ah ! part of what is hard about being an ARC reader is that even though you get to read books pre_release you have to suffer the cliff hangers a little bit longer than everyone else! I need book 2. Yesterday ! This looks like it's going to be an amazing series ~

[Makayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fully expected to love this, but it just wasn't fully for me. I never felt a connection with the characters, and it just seemed a bit all over the place and predictable for me.

Thank you to CC for allowing me to arc read!

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so boring and bland. The author started it off kinda spicy but it was just a tactic to keep readers in. There really wasn’t much excitement.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride from start to finish! I'm talking epic world-building, badass female lead, and a love triangle that'll have you on the edge of your seat. Honestly, I couldn't put it down.

So we've got Nyleeria, right? She's been living in the shadows her whole life, just trying to get by with the help of her bestie. But then BAM, she's got this secret ancient power inside her, and suddenly her whole world is turned upside down. Her family's falling apart, there's this centuries-old conflict between humans and fae heating up, and this human king, Thaddeus, is all up in her business trying to use her magic for his own survival.

Now, Thaddeus? Total hardass. Like, this guy has been fighting the fae for so long, he's basically forgotten how to have fun. But when he finds out about Nyleeria's hidden powers, he's all over that. The only problem? The closer Nyleeria gets to him, the more she realises her heart might be in danger too.

It's this whole tangled web of duty versus desire, and let me tell you, the author does not hold back. The world-building is straight-up breathtaking - I'm talking veil between realms, magical powers, the whole nine yards. And Nyleeria? She's not your typical damsel in distress. She shows up to the palace ready to straight-up throw hands if she has to.

Plus, there's this whole trio of male leads that'll have you swooning. Tarrain, my personal favourite, is just the sweetest thing.

Listen, I know fantasy romance can be a bit cliché sometimes, but this one? It's a page-turner, start to finish. The beginning and the end had me gripped between it’s talons, the characters were amazing, and now I'm dying to see what happens next. If you're looking for an easy, addictive read that'll transport you to a whole other world, you gotta check this out.

[rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️

Woah 😮. Read this with my bookclub @thegrimreadersbookclub ! I am so surprised by this being a debut novel! The story was engaging and interesting right from the start. It had heavy ACOTAR vibes (except the fmc was literate lol), so many similar vibes but unique in its own way so great for those who read & loved acotar ! It was written more fast paced and less world building. A great read for someone who is newer to fantasy or doesn’t read a lot of this genre (like me) but of course even those who read a lot and love it!

I loved how strong the main character Nyleeria was! It was all from her POV and I loved seeing how she always stood up for herself. This storyline really kept me guessing until the very end on where this was going!

Can’t wait for the next one 🔥

[jlreadstoperpetuity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyleeria's life is upended when she discovers a powerful magic within herself, pulling her into a centuries-old war between humans and fae. After a family tragedy, she becomes entangled with King Thaddeus, a ruler hardened by the conflict, who believes her magic could save his kingdom. As Nyleeria gets closer to Thaddeus, she faces a growing inner struggle—her emotions for him may be just as dangerous as the looming war. With the veil between realms thinning, Nyleeria must decide who and what she's willing to sacrifice.

Many likened this to ACOTAR and while I see some common themes, I'd say this one still has some good things that can stand on its own. I mean, ev3n ACOTAR adapted common elements we see on romantasy books.

It’s a story full of tough choices and high stakes, even if the plot feels a bit familiar. Still, it’s an enjoyable read, with enough tension and romance to keep things interesting. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how Nyleeria’s journey continues in the sequel.

[Fireheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. To address some prior reviews, while it has many of the same story plots as every other fae romantasy — news flash, that’s how genres and tropes work.

It contained enough uniqueness that I read it day in and out, without putting it down unless I absolutely had to.

To address another prior review, while the end was definitely somewhat guessable, it wasn’t the ONLY possible option, and I think there’s more to the story. I have theories:

Theory number 1: while Ny is Fae, her powers are still different than every other fae. I believe she IS the missing court. Oh! And the second to the high Fae of the Autumn court, Endymion, is her fated mate who also belongs to the missing court (because he CLEARLY doesn’t belong to the Autumn Court).

Theory number 2: Ny IS the mother

Theory number 3: the mother IS the missing court

This book is currently a three spice read which is my favorite level of spice, because it allows for the spice to develop and the storyline to come first. Having said that, I would die for this series to end up as a MMMMF reverse harem.

No, not Thaddeus. Fuck him. Fuck him very, very much.

But, hear me out, let’s say Eithan never actually got married. He just couldn’t. He loves Ny too much.

Then there’s Endymion, who —- obviously.

I am also here for Tarrin being part of the equation. They already have sexual tension and he is so caring, kind, and loving to her. We love Tarrin so much and don’t deserve him.

The final puzzle piece to our saucy RH would be the High Fae of the summer court, Caius, who has a metaphysical connection with both Ny and the mother (or Ny, the mother, perhaps).

CC, this is for you - I will go for whatever choice you make, but I do feel as though this MMMF RH would have us all absolutely thrilled. No pressure. Hehehe.

Again, fuck Thaddeus.

[Allie Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Nyleeria is such a great and well rounded character. This book was impossible to put down. It’s action packed, fun, and spicy, but still has plenty of depth and plot. The slow-burn was great and kept me invested. I love a strong FMC and this delivered. Plus I am a sucker for a series and the world building in this one lends me to believe that we are in for a good run. Make sure to check it out when it is released on November 12th!

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for a review and I am so glad I did! It was such a fun read and definitely worth the time.

[bookishashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book for sure gave me ACOTAR vibes with the spice and romantasy but I felt like it definitely stood out with the differences. It gave spice, plots, twists etc. if you want a good spicy ACOTAR vibe book that is also a quick read then for sure read this. I did enjoy it and didn’t want to put it down!

[kimiwheelielovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg I need book 2!!

[Jennelle Glassburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heir of Stardust and Secrets is a captivating fantasy novel that swept me away with its engaging writing style and brisk pace. CC Hartly has skillfully crafted a vibrant world that feels both enchanting and immersive. I was particularly impressed by the intricate details that made the setting come alive. While I can see some similarities with other fantasy novels, and with ACOTAR a favor series of mine, I feel that CC Hartly’s story line is uniquely hers. Fantasy is my favorite genre, and I feel that similarities lie between all fantasy books in some ways.
The formidable FMC is one of the book’s highlights. At 21, she is neither a damsel in distress nor overly naive; rather, she has undergone combat training before facing her adversaries, making her a refreshing character to root for. Her likability stems from her resilience and the complexity of her past, having grown up in a loveless household. However, I found myself yearning for a deeper exploration of the Fae civilization, particularly the political dynamics within its courts. Hopefully, future installments will delve into these aspects.
The emotional threads surrounding the twins and her parents didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped, lacking the buildup needed for genuine sympathy. With the loveless story line the author perceived that the FMC experienced, I was confused by the way FMC was so concerned with the safety of her siblings (maybe this makes me a heartless person). In contrast, I found myself invested in Ny’s journey, especially with the intriguing plot twists and cliffhanger that left me eagerly anticipating the next book.
On a more critical note, I wished for a more thorough explanation of the magic systems; they felt a bit unclear, and the FMC's powers appeared overpowered without sufficient context. The romantic elements, while present, sometimes felt confusing due to the FMC's chemistry with multiple characters, leading me to question who the true romantic interest might be. A stronger focus on genuine relationships rather than surface-level attraction would enhance the narrative significantly.
In summary, Heir of Stardust and Secrets is a delightful and easy, fun, and spicy read that left me wanting more. Despite a few critiques, my enjoyment of the book was undeniable, and I am excited to see where Hartly takes the story next.

[Amber Grinstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!

[Jada Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader Book Review 🤍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I loved ACOTAR & I loved this!! A lot of similarities, but still good nonetheless!! The hype was real bb. The world building & character development were 🤌🏽 I love me a good Fae book & THIS was a good Fae book. The twist you sort of see coming, but I don’t care ‘cause it wouldn’t change my opinion on this book. That being said, I would love to see the plot go deeper. So excited for what’s next & I hope that this is a whole ass series ‘cause 😮‍💨

Also, I need more Kai. Personal reasons. Don’t worry about it lmfaoo.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Mama 🐻 Book Review ❤️

It’s so good. Such a unique story, kinda similar to Quicksilver. Although I love that she has options when it comes to love interests- My favorite is Tarrin. She had a really sad up bringing, but I love that she’s so high spirited & I love her connection w/ nature & animals. Her relationship w/ Mrs. E also reminds me of my relationship w/ my Grandma (Her best friend). So I really enjoyed reading about that. A very good book that’s giving Quicksilver some competition, now we just have to see how Book 2 for both series turn out!!

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. This is like a standard romantasy story with fae, magic, romance & spice. I thought the writing was good, everything was detailed & the action kept making me want to read more. I liked the FMC & getting to see this new world through her eyes but I wish there was more world building that was sprinkled throughout the story as a whole. I’m hoping for more world building in the next book.
I think the thing that bothered me the most is that I would have liked to see more originality with the story because it’s similar to ACOTAR. It definitely took me out of the story & made the plot predictable. I do not mind the copying of tropes (because I honestly aim for those but copying scenes word for word definitely took me out of the story).

Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this arc!