The Starlight Assassin

by Sydney Wiswell

An assassin plagued by her past, a boy forced to become a king, and the fate that binds them together.

Seven years ago Wren Everhart spared a life she was meant to steal, and the decision has haunted her ever since.

Now she’s being sent on her biggest assignment to kill the ruler of the oldest kingdom in all of Astrya. But when she learns the king she’s meant to kill is the boy she once saved, everything changes.

While the King tries to puzzle out the girl he searched for with the woman he’s getting to know, Wren fights a battle with no winning sides. Something enchanting kindles between them, but there are unknown powers at play, and they find themselves being ripped apart at every turn.

But then the King offers her something she’s never had a choice. One that’s as tempting as it is dangerous. Will she spare him yet again, or will he be another life to stain her ruined hands?

History unfolds, magic stirs, and romance burns in Book 1 of the Forged Fates series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

488 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2025

Reviews

[Iola · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 rounded up!)
An action-packed, fast-paced romantic fantasy that jumps straight into the action from the first page.
The character dynamics are impeccable, and it's easy to distinguish between each character because their individual traits and personalities are written so well. I loved Wren as an FMC - she was stubborn, feisty, strong, and compassionate - and I loved Luca as the MMC who balanced her in all the right ways. The progression from "I will kill him" to "I would kill for him" was really fun. Misunderstandings or arguments were also resolved satisfyingly quickly (i.e. not dragged out for chapters). It was also refreshing to read a book where the world building isn't crammed into a few chapters: it was paced and built upon throughout in an authentic way.
There were parts, mostly from one chapter to the next, that sometimes read quite abruptly, probably due to the fast pace, but the overall story and plot progression flowed really well.
I would recommend to those who enjoy fast-paced romantic fantasy books with great banter and strong world-building.
Check the trigger warnings before reading (most notably - the torture and death of parents scenes are graphic and brutal).
Thank you to the author for the eARC!

[Megan Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!

Sometimes your main character doesn't need to have secret powers! Sometimes they don't need to be a mystical chosen being! Sometimes they can just be an assassin!

I wanted to love this so bad but I just felt like there was something missing. Wren comes off as such a Mary-Sue who just so happens to be immensely skilled at everything that she does. I genuinely said "oh come on, really?" when it was revealed that Wren had powers. It felt so cheap, and easy and, oh my god I'm going to get mad again.

I also didn't care for the so called "conflicts" between Wren and Luca. They felt contrived and never explored enough into Luca's character. Like, sure, his parents are dead, but the ramifications of that never go beyond how he acts with Wren. What a missed opportunity to world build and explain how Enara changed after their deaths.

Speaking of world building, why does Wren disarm a bomb? I don't understand what kind of world are we in. Are we in traditional castles, high courts, and sword fighting Enara? Because if we are, bombs historically are not a thing here.

There were moments where I was kicking my feet, I'm not a monster. I loved Micah and the budding romance he has with Kalyn (I'm calling it now). I think the smut was tastefully done, and wasn't obscene just for the sake of being obscene. I appreciated that. I also liked any moments where we got to see more of the Nightclan's inner workings. MORE OF THIS PLEASE!!!

I will be reading the next book because I have faith in this series, I really do. I just want to understand the world and the characters that I am reading beyond petty arguments and surface level plot.

[Ash (so there’s this book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Spice: 2/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*

The Catalog: FM, assassin x King, assassination gone wrong, hurt/care, hand flex, “who did this to you?”, he falls first and hard, it’s always been you, hidden identity, magic, prophecy & lore, found family, banter, possessive & protective MMC, FMC trying to learn how to let someone take care of them, amazing side characters

Synopsis:
The Blade of Astrya is the most feared assassin in the realm. She’s never made a mistake, never failed a mission, yet seven years ago she let a young man live and his eyes have haunted her every day since. Her newest assignment is one she cannot fail — failure means a fate worse than death — yet when she meets the King she’s meant to kill, fate itself pauses when she discovers her target is none other than the blue eyed man she spared all those years ago.

Thoughts:
TLDR; An incredibly action packed story about uncovering forgotten history that features all the best things in fantasy romance, creating both a nostalgic callback to genre favorites, and an exciting new interpretation.

The Starlight Assassin is everything I love about fantasy romance all rolled into one incredibly exciting, action packed, banter filled adventure. I adore the setup for this story; there’s something so enticing about an assassin later tangling fates with someone they spared. There are larger forces at work while the MCs battle through their own conflicts, and I was invested from the first sentence.

I have such a huge weakness for assassin FMCs (seriously all of my favs FMCs are k!llers, lmao), and I’m now adding Wren, the Blade of Astrya, to my list of best baddies. She is such a multidimensional character with a stubborn streak strong enough to scare a mule. She loves so hard. As for her King, Luca, he is pining, possessive, perfection. I loved their banter and I truly believe he is Wren’s perfect match. I can’t wait for book two!!

There are also so many amazing secondary characters, especially Luca’s bestie and royal guard, Micah. The three of them have very similar vibes to the dynamic between Dorian, Chaol, and Celaena. I adore their friendship.

I definitely recommend this book to fantasy romance readers!

[Athena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, what a fantasy romance book! You have a classic setup: an assassin (with a tortured past) assigned to kill the (handsome, brave, and righteous) king. She discovers that he is the boy she once let live and is a good king. Can she bring herself to kill him before her assassin's guild gets tired of waiting and kills them both as punishment for failure?

This book is so compelling and has a great pace! I made the foolish decision to start this book quite late at night and stayed up late (by two hours). I then reluctantly dragged myself to work and started on it again as soon as I got home, and didn't stop reading until I finished the book.

The characters are developed, and fate has woven them together in an interesting way that is slowly revealed throughout the book. The magic system is still something of a mystery at the end, but it is very cool. And speaking of the end, what an ending! I need the next book freaking YESTERDAY. Not the biggest cliffhanger I've ever read, but it's up there.

There are depictions of violence, torture, and a good bit of blood but it wasn't so explicit that I had to put the book down. All of it is plot/characterisation related and not egregious. I'm not a super dark reader so I am probably a little more squeamish than most people, and this book wasn't too bad.

The slow burn was slow and the spice was open door and relatively little, just one scene, but a fitting payoff from all the building tension.

If you love a darker fantasy romance with an assassin/king romance, this is the book for you.

[Nihadha Rowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was an emotional whirlwind—in the best possible way. I went in expecting a fantasy romance, but what I got was a story layered with mystery, heartbreak, longing, and revelations that left me breathless.

At first, I found myself wondering what exactly is going on?—but as the story unfolded, it became clear that every twist was intentional, every detail carefully placed. The moment everything started to make sense, I felt like I’d stumbled into a beautifully constructed puzzle, and I couldn’t look away.

The writing is immersive and intelligent. The emotional depth of the characters made their struggles feel real, and the romantic tension was crafted with care and patience. The worldbuilding is rich, and the pacing keeps you turning the pages while also giving you space to feel.

It was a privilege to read this book. I’m already hoping to be an ARC reader for the sequel because this series has truly carved out a place in my heart. If you love romantasy with meaning, mystery, and magic, don’t miss this.
This isn’t just a debut—it’s a statement. And it deserves every bit of hype coming its way.

[Jayme Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have this at 4 stars right now.
Because I ate it up like boom chicka pop kettle corn… gobbled it right up

But I need my thoughts to percolate a little bit before I make final review.
---------------------------------------------------------
Okay. I've percolated.

The 4 star review stands for me because I did have a really, really good time.

An assassin falling for her mark? Yes please.

“One day, I’ll know the story behind each of your scars,” he whispered against my skin, “and I’ll make those responsible burn.”

Even better to me are the friendships forged between (King) Luca and his general as well as the unlikely (and forbidden) friendship that grew strong between Wren and Kalyn, two female assassins in the Nightclan. These friendships are fierce and beautiful.

and the Nightclan!!! I LOVE getting a glimpse into the way it functions and the depth of the depravity of villains and/or the enemy.

There is a dash of spicy that I thought fit well into the story. It could easily be glossed over if it's not your cup of tea.
There are some potential TW so be sure to check that list.

I would bet this is new adult. The simplicity of the phrasing is like YA but with some adult content.

I did get annoyed because it felt like no one was learning any lessons from their actions. However, they all have a variety of trauma scars they've mostly neglected to deal with.
There were a few other small details that I just didn't love and that's why it's only 4 stars.

Will I read the next book in the series? 100% yes. I think it can only get better from here. Not to mention, it was a damn good time and I do want to know what happens next.

[Kayla C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me a story about an assassin falling for their mark and I’m there - enemies to lovers is a solid trope. But can you call it enemies to lovers when their first meeting left an impression on both of them and she’s been thinking of him while he’s been looking for her? They’re equally protective of each other and both jump towards sacrificing themselves for the other, which might not be the healthiest relationship dynamic but it sure comes up a lot when there are countless enemies after you. All in all Wren and Luca’s connection runs deep and is a pleasure to read.

One thing I noted is that the story moves really fast. There are time skips when I expected more action, and moments that could have been tense or challenging and are instead bypassed. Even the relationship between Wren and Luca is just suddenly there, without a lot of close connection early on. Flipping from one chapter to the next sometimes was abrupt and made me think I accidentally skipped pages. That being said, it’s on the longer side and there is a lot of adventures and thrills to be had and limited pages to have them in.

The story has a lot of familiar elements - female assassin, chosen one style prophecy, mysterious orphan origins, a stay-strong badass mantra, and more. But the author weaves them in a new tale, layering in new twists on the familiar. There are so many good moments throughout, like the relationship between Luca and his general, basically anytime they’re on the peninsula, several key scenes involving rings, and of course the comfort to be found in a chosen family. I will be eagerly awaiting book 2!
-
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC!

[M Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8⭐️ 1 🌶️
🤩Off the bat ! Let me tell you I received this as an eArc in exchange for a totally honest review before this book comes out !🤩

If you’re in the mood for a slow burn romantasy with a “he fell first” twist and plenty of yearning, this one might be for you. While the pacing was slower than I usually like, I still found myself invested—mainly thanks to Luca, the male main character, who was hands-down my favorite. His steady strength and unwavering loyalty for Wren made him such a standout, and I really enjoyed the presence of his general, Micah , who brought a strong big brother energy to every scene he was in.

Wren, the female lead, had some great moments and I admired her resilience (given her upbringing), but there were times when her choices felt selfish in a way that made her harder to root for. I also really wanted more depth and emotional connection between her and Kalyn, a fellow assassin. Their bond had so much potential, but it never fully landed for me, and I think the story missed an opportunity there. I think in the next book we will definitely get more on page moments of Wren & Kalyn that will boost the sisterly vibes for me :)

As for Luca & Wren TOGETHER/Couple wise But I loved the way Wren and Luca’s relationship developed toward the end. The slow build of trust and understanding between them really paid off in the final chapters—it felt earned, and I found myself rooting for them much more once those emotional walls started to come down.

And okay, I have to say it: I DO NOT trust Peter. He’s one of Luca’s guards and I’m convinced he’s hiding something. In the next book, I’ll be keeping a close eye on him…

Overall, while it wasn’t a perfect read, the romantic tension, the “he fell first” element, and the worldbuilding made it worth the time—especially for romantasy lovers who enjoy a slow burn with intense characters and a touch of danger. This is giving very much TOG Books 1-3, the Dorian, Celaena & Chaol moments we all know and love ! If you miss that feeling definitely pick this baby up !! I look forward to reading from Sydney in the future !!

[A Court of Dragons and Fae Rose 🧝‍♀️🐉 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Starlight Assassin—I’ll just start by saying THAT ENDING ENDED ME.

And I need the next book NOW.

Ahem. Now, for a lest screaming review, i absolutely so very much, loved this book.

It was, amazing. And I loved each and every one of the main characters for varying reasons. Wren is a snarky and witty FMC who is so strong, and knows her own mind. Luca is like a golden retriever of a king and i absolutely love that about him. Unless someone/thing threatens his assassin, and then he’s a vicious protector and makes your toes curl.

Kalyn is the best friend every girl needs, and Micah is the found family every lost soul needs.

I absolutely loved this world. There was never a dull moment in my opinion. Plenty of action. And a lot of actually focusing on the “she’s an assassin” which I feel does tend to get put to the side in most romantasy/fantasies. It never feels like that park gets put to the background in this book and that’s so amazing to me.

From page one, to the last I felt like we moved in such a perfect pace. Never too slow and dragging, never too fast and confusing.

I will absolutely be continuing this series and buying anything this author puts out in future. The Starlight Assassin is by far one of my top 5 reads of 2025 so far.

If you like: assassins, strong willed fmcs, found family, golden retriever mmcs with that “touch her and ☠️ ” vibe, best friends who will call you out on your sh!t, prophecies and lost gods, non-stop action, political intrigue, healing moments and spicy scenes—this book is absolutely for you. I will be screaming about this book for days to come. And dreaming about these characters.

[RiverFiend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed to get me out of my slump.

Jam-packed with action, danger, fear, and a slow burn romance, this book has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Our main characters are both smart, stubborn, and brave. Forged by different paths of life, they join and face their future together.


xxxxxxxxxxSPOILERSxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Luca was so sweet and smart, he was exactly what was needed in a king. Taking over from such a young age must have been so difficult, but it seems like he was able to fill the shoes left behind by his parents. He was the balance to our tough girl wren.

From the moment they met again, it was like no time had passed. Their bond was forged long before that first meeting, and it was so fun to get to see them explore it and learn more about each other.

Wren is that person you can’t help but root for. She had to learn how to be strong, because being anything less would have gotten her killed. While she was initially rough around the edges, we got to see her grow into herself, feeling like she can finally make her own decisions.

I really enjoyed learning about the magical aspect of the plot. The glyphs specifically brought something special to the story. Those shadow people were scary… but of scary cool? I’m looking forward to seeing how the author uses them in the series.

Overall this book was really well paced, and kept me entertained the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and it felt like a breath of fresh air. I am so looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC!

[Brianna Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this one a 5/5 but it is more of a 6/5 it is the best Arc I have read ever and it was such a blessing to be able to read it!

There is so much magic’s and love within this novel I honestly couldn’t stop reading. The way Sydney writes i will just have you feeling like you are in the book!

Let’s just say once the physical copy is out… I am adding it to my shelf so I can reread it !

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this was just a book where the assassin falls for her mark, I’d still have loved it. Definitely fits a lot of tropes I adore: found family, enemies to lovers, tortured pasts and fated destinies. However it was also action packed to the brim with a good central mystery the main characters are trying to sort out.

There were moments where the pacing felt a bit off, my guess due to the vast amount of detail packed into this book but overall I appreciated the world building and character development. I love the main characters and the cadre they form. I also look forward to learning more about this world and its lore.

Thank you to the author, Sydney Wiswell for the ARC copy of this book!

[Madz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man where do I even start?!
Wren is an absolute badass baddie and I want to have even half her strength. And Luca is just *chefs kiss*

The last few chapters of this book have absolutely destroyed me in the best ways and I cannot wait for book 2!
I am literally crying haha so read with tissues nearby 😂

Such a great mix of heartbreak, action, magic and then the found family is just… ugggh! Everyone needs a Micah in their lives!

Guys this book is an absolute 10/10

[Iris Jl · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved every second of this

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Starlight Assassin by Sydney Wisewell
-Forged Fate, Book 1-

4/5⭐️
1/3🌶️ (spice, 1 scene some innuendo)
2/3🦋 (swoon)

•My Thoughts•
She’s sent to assassinate a king only to find out he’s the boy she chose to save years ago and has never forgotten. I loved this set up, the world building was well spaced out and continued to grow throughout the book. This was a slow start for me and I had some trouble connecting with the instant feelings between our two main characters BUT I trusted the friend who recommended it (hi Ash 👋🏻) and ended up really enjoying the journey. This was high stakes, high stress and so help me, if someone was stabbed one more time I was going to riot but PHEW. THAT CLIFFY ENDING. It made me so excited for book two and more of the prophecy and meddling gods. I loved the banter, especially between the main characters (think Poppy, Casteel and Keiran vibes without a joining😅). The found family is beautiful and I’m excited to see where this goes. Such a fun debut!

Thank you to Sydney Wisewell for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sydney for the eARC! 💕


You should read this if you like:
🗡️ a stabby FMC
💖 he falls first
❗"fuck it"
🔎 found family
💫 fated mates

Summary:
Wren was raised by The Reaper, the leader of an assassin guild, the Nightclan. She's learned from an early age that feelings get you nowhere, making her the most successful weapon in his arsenal. So when they're hired to kill the king, Wren is sent to do the job. She did not anticipate coming face to face with the last person to have shown her true kindness.
It comes as a shock to her that Luca recognizes her, still cares about her, and while trying to get closer to him to fulfil her mission, she realizes that the kingdom and all these friendly people within the castle will crash and burn without him.
She's beginning to see that she cannot bring herself to kill Luca, but can she really turn against The Reaper? Running is not an option as no one has ever escaped his clutches. Wren has never relied on anyone but herself so the decision is difficult to her: be vulnerable and trust Luca - tell him who she really is and possibly die by his hand, OR go back to the Nightclan a failiure - be tortured for it and continue the miserable life she'd led so far?

My opinion & spoilers:
Wren's struggle to rely on anyone, her reluctance to be truthful to Luca, was understandable - and yet I wished she'd done it sooner. Luca is a walking green flag, and at some point you gotta trust that. When it finally came, their together moment was heart-wrenching.
While reading, there were several moments where I thought "oh shit this is it, this is the build up to a cliffhanger" only to realize that I was like 40% into the book haha. It felt like I'd been on this journey with Wren longer, but in a good way! There were twists and turns every other chapter.
Low-key I'm waiting for Micah and Kalyn to get better acquainted. And I think Peter is working with Benedict.

The fantasy element only starts being relevant about half way into the story, which I thought was interesting. Imho the book didn't even need that additional layer, but it's got potential and I'm sure Sydney has huge plans for this magic in book two.

[Moiras Darling Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I have needed you since I first felt the flames that dance between us, and I became desperate to watch you burn for me the way I do for you.”

This book immediately hooks you in. The main characters, the side characters, the plot, the depth of the magic system, the world building... chefs kiss. This truly was a work of art. The characters are complex and have been thoroughly thought out while still being Interesting. The dangers that lurk around the corners are a lot, yet not repetitive. The pacing Is perfect, giving us hints of whats to come while still keeping us on our toes. Perfect mix of found family, redeeming qualities, revenge, action, saving each other from near death, spice, and cute stolen moments. I love that the FMC remains a badass and true to her origins throughout the whole book, being compassionate and caring but staying true to her assassin roots.

This Is 100% my top read of the year so far. Definitely a 6-star read, and I will be very Impatiently waiting for book 2!! This book truly was amazing and I cant wait to see the author get everything she deserves out of this book!

THANK YOU to the lovely Sydney Wiswell for my eARC copy!!!! Going to go preorder my copy now :))

tropes:
league of assassins
touch him and die
elemental magic
long forgotten gods
found family
stabby FMC
golden retriever MMC
political Intrigue
he falls first
Intertwined paths
beloved side characters

[Ninssss · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded to 5 ⭐️

When I read the synopsis of this book, I quickly requested for an eARC for this book. A badass assassin FMC? Morally grey MMC? Yes, please! Add in action, forgotten history/prophecy, found family, and fun banter—I just knew this one would be my kind of read.

The story gives off an action packed romantic fantasy, dark and magical vibe. The plot starts slow but builds up well, and the payoff is so worth it. The romance is fast-paced, but it still works because of the emotional moments and tension along the way. There were just moments that I felt that I should read into some of the scenes' descriptions more for me to really absorb it and not get lost in that moment. Also, the original mission of the FMC wasn't clearly stated well but I feel like it will be answered in the second book.

I absolutely loved both the main characters. They each have such strong personalities, but also shows real struggles of their pasts. The other characters also add even more heart to the story. I also love the funny banter between characters that balances out the story.

If you’re into morally grey characters, he-falls-first moments, celestial magic, found family, and a strong ride-or-die bestie vibe, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Huge thank you to Sydney Wiswell for granting me an eARC! I’m so grateful to have read this early—what a ride!

P.S. --- I want the second book right now!!! 😭😭

[Julieta Giraldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy! 

This is the book for you if you like
🗡️ Strong female characters who know how to fight and are the best at it
😍 A cinnamon roll “who did this to you?” handsome prince
🔥 Unmatched chemistry that literally burns

I just want to say: WOW! I loved it 🥰 Those last chapters and prologue broke me so bad, I need book 2 now! 🥹

Wren, our female lead, is the best assassin in Astrya, but to be so, she had to go through a lot. It broke my heart how, at the beginning, she did not let people take care of her 🥺 She’s not only strong, but also knows how to hide her emotions. However, this ability might falter around a certain someone 🤭 Her stubbornness and feisty attitude made her interactions with Luca incredibly entertaining.

Luca, our male lead, is everything I want 🤭 Even though he is the king, and an extremely good one at that, he surprises us with his humility and abilities, like cooking. I loved how he is sweet and flirty, but it was extremely hot how he stands up for Wren by being possessive and protective 🔥

I love Kalyn and Micah, they truly represent the found family Wren and Luca needed. They were really good support characters and their interactions were full of emotions: funny, tearful, and sometimes had me going “hell yeah!” during scenes. Also, shout out to Colette, Marina, and Braida for being so caring with both main characters ❤️

The fight scenes were all amazing! Chapter 26 had my anxiety and adrenaline up. There is spice later in the book, but it’s so worth it 😍 The author did an amazing job writing the villain, I hated this character. They were like a cockroach, they just wouldn’t die 😤 The last hundred pages: the revelations, the emotions, the tension, the uncertainty. It was perfect 🥹

This is an amazing beginning to a series. I can’t wait for book 2!

Please check the trigger warnings, as it does have some torture and mature themes.

[Brentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟🌟🌟💫✨

guys this book was like candy—i was addicted and could not stop reading it! i had to pry my eyes away from kendall the kindle the last two nights so i could actually get some sleep 😴after the secrets of the nile books i was a little worried i was going to fall into a slump, but the starlight assassin said “NOPE THINK AGAIN!” i truly had so much fun and can’t wait for book two!

the plot was super fast paced, and very action packed, which got me hooked into the story right away. i never felt like i was waiting for something interesting to happen. there were times it felt a bit too fast, and i would have loved a little bit slower of development and buildup to some things. the characters were fun and i was really invested in their relationships (sydney wiswell if a certain two side characters don’t get together i am gonna be so mad) and i am anxious to see how things will play out in the next installment!

for my fellow closed door girlies—there is one open door scene and a few innuendos so if you decide to pick this up and want accommodations let me know!!


thank you so much sydney for letting me read this early!
the starlight assassin releases this coming tuesday, may 13th!!!

[CoffeeCupChronicles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me by the throat, called me Wildfire, and refused to let go. I thought I was signing up for a fun lil assassin tale. I was wrong. I was emotionally held hostage.

Wren is the chaotic queen I want to be when I grow up — if growing up means choosing violence and witty comebacks on a daily basis.

At one point, I realized I hadn’t unclenched my jaw in five chapters. That’s the kind of breakneck pacing we’re talking. It’s “oops I accidentally read the whole thing in one sitting” energy.

The romance?? Unholy levels of tension. Wildfire banter? Flirty threats? Rage and protectiveness and whispered promises against skin?? I’m sweating.
• “My castle, my rules, Wildfire.”
• “Although not being able to see your right eyebrow raise when you think I’m being ridiculous is a tragedy.”

Like… sir.

AND THE FOUND FAMILY?? If anything happens to them in future books I will riot with tears in my eyes.

This is the kind of book that feels like getting sucker punched and hugged at the same time. The ending gutted me. But like in the way you lowkey love because it means you felt something. And now I need book 2 or a support group, whichever comes first.

Sydney Wiswell, you’re dangerous and I’ll happily let you ruin me again.

[Issy Chapple · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: i have mixed feelings about this book. the plot was action packed and i enjoyed the story and the world for the most part. i’m glad it was quite fast paced but i felt that some parts were almost too quick, and we were just onto the next thing when i felt the first wasn’t resolved. i of course enjoyed the whole assassin element, but again, it felt like the stakes just weren’t there. wren kept talking about how her mission was to kill the king, but at no point did i ever think she was actually going to kill him, which took that tension away. i did enjoy the character dynamics between wren, luca, micah, and kalyn, it was fun and i liked the teasing banter, and obviously parts of it had me grinning for them, but it seemed to be too easy for them- luca and micah just didn’t care that wren was meant to kill luca?? she was just allowed to continue living in the castle without any sort of repercussions. i did enjoy the fast paced writing as i felt like i whipped through the book considering it was relatively long. it felt to me like this book was the first draft, because it had so much promise but parts just fell flat for me. i did however ultimately enjoy the book and the story and will be reading the second one! thank you for the ARC!

[Janella Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Starlight Assassin brings forth a world where the Gods and Spirits have abandoned the world and follows the journey of an assassin, trained to be a weapon, and a king, who should have died by her hands 7 years ago.

Wren, the FMC, is a notorious assassin, who has battles with her morality and what she has been taught all her life. Her complexity is refreshing for those who want a strong FMC and has more beyond the strong interior.

Luca, the MMC, is a surprising character because he is not as one would think for a king. He, too, battles with his own past and being able to understand the girl, who went missing 7 years ago.
Wiswell's world brings the reader to a dark and mysterious world and characters that have been raised in it. Those who enjoy found family will enjoy the camaraderie between the main characters and side characters. As dark as the world may seem, Wiswell has a nice balance between light hearted and heavy scenes that help move the story and journey on.

Highly recommend for those who love action, dark fantasy, and romance!

Thank you to Sydney Wiswell for an opportunity to read this as an ARC.

[Sammy Ink drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story.
who wouldn't enjoy a badass FMC with a very traumatic past who grows up to be an assassin. A boy forced to be King due to a tragic event in his past. Both Wren and Lucas spend years growing up into their roles life expected of them.

Wrens new assignment, kill the King. So sure about her mission, she finally comes face to face with the King. Only to recognize him as the boy who had saved her life a long time ago.

King Lucas doesn't take long to decide Wren Everhart will be his. Lucas and Wren struggle with the tension that is obvious between them. How can assassin be loved?

Her stay at the castle and meeting unlikely friends start to break down the walls she was trained to have.

Forces and magical beings have come to cause mayhem in Astrya.

Wren has a new assignment with secrets to uncover and realities to face about her past and future. Can she find herself worthy of love, power, and forgiveness to let her reach her potential.

You will have to dive into Sydney's amazing world of magic, trauma, found family, and fated mates to find out.

[Anna Steward · Rating 5 out of 5]

ღ I don’t even know where to start. Words can’t describe the love that I have for this book! I have loved every word, every chapter, and every page. This book has taken me on a journey that I will never forget. Filled with love, redemption, pain, and joy, this book is a poetic masterpiece.

ღ I am so blessed to have gotten to read the arc for the first EVER book written by Sydney Wiswell. I am excited to tell you all that you experience this amazing story now because her book was just released last week!! It is easily accessible on Amazon. Please give this book a read, it seriously deserves so much love and support!

ღ I swear that one day Sydney Wiswell will be such a famous author. The words she writes are poetically beautiful and hold such deep meaning. She has developed an amazing world filled with memorable characters, a gripping plot, and fascinating magic. I am absolutely on the edge of my seat, waiting for her next book to come out! ✨

[Elise O’Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I have needed you since I first felt the flames that dance between us, and I became desperate to watch you burn for me the way I do for you”

Fierce, romantic, and cutthroat, the Starlight Assassin is the high stakes fantasy you’ve been searching for.

I absolutely adored Wren, our FMC, who always takes the reins and knows how much she can handle. Her strong personality makes for an amazing character and someone who you can connect with through the pages. Seeing her relationships grow with friends, family, and lovers all feel realistic and truly important.

This story truly took my heart, held it gently, and then ripped it apart time and time again. One of the best reads I’ve had all year!

Don’t forget to read the trigger warnings as there is sensitive content, and a huge thank you to the author for the e-ARC

[Leapoldnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be my new definition of action packed. You can't put it down because there is contantly a new event and you need to know how it ends! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be rereading it because I'm sure I missed some of the story weaving as I rushed to find out the fates of these beloved characters.
This book had all of the things I love in a story, banter, strong and lovable characters, danger, adventure, and a swoon worthy MMC.
The healing journey of the FMC as she is supported by her new friends throughout the story was one of the highlights for me. I have struggled with my own self worth and where I belong in my world and seeing her realize she is valuable for who she is and not what she can do to those she cares most about was lovely.
I am going to need the continuation of this story ASAP though because that cliffhanger!

[Bárbara Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I got this as an ARC and I’m so so thankful 🥹
I went into this with no expectations and ended up laughing, crying, screaming, you know, all the shenanigans 🤠
I’m absolutely flabbergasted, in desperate need of the next book in the series and pissed that it ended. 😭
It’s so gripping, unfortunately I didn’t have time to binge it (I WAS FORCED TO STOP 50 PAGES TO THE END IT WAS TORTURE)🥺
Do beware it touches topics that are definitely hard, so read the TW (whether as a warning or shopping list that is your choice and I am guilty of the second)👀
I wish I knew what else to write, honestly this gave me the same high and then WTF sensation as Onyx Storm (IYKYK) and it’s exactly what I needed🥲

[Gali Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!

It has:

Non-stop action
Wound tending
Hand flex
Who did this to you
Magical prophecy


Wren, an assassin sent to kill the king, finds her mission more challenging than she anticipated, when she learns that Luca- the king, is the same boy she spared years ago.

This book is very fast paced (both the romance and the action), and it kept me engaged through every single page. The pacing was really good and I wasn't bored for a second!

I loved the characters- Wren is strong and resilient, but also compassionate and lovable. Luca is the literal definition of the perfect boyfriend, and I loved their communication. Micah, Luca's best friend and guard, is a sweetheart and his friendships with both Luca and Wren is beautiful.

I can't wait to read the next book! ✨

[4 The Love Of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the book!!!! The characters are enticing, the plot hooked me from chapter 1, and the end definitely left me wanting to read the books to come. I love when authors don’t hold back on letting their characters FEEL their feelings. Well done! I will say, for those of us the mostly read closed-door fantasy, there are a couple of open-door scenes. However, those few scenes do not take away the story’s value. I will definitely read again and recommend it to all fantasy peeps who love a tough MCF. Wren, you are my new book heroine! ❤️