The Starlit Shadow

by Cidney Mayes

If being with her meant I would lose all reason, then I would fall into madness willingly.

Sorsha Sventura is a courtesan at the House of Night, where the rich come to play and indulge in forbidden magic. Desperate for her freedom, she strikes a dangerous bargain with her mistress: spy on Lord Corvus Stormfall, a member of the fae elite, and report on the movements of the other Houses.

Corvus, a second-born son, knows he will never live up to his father’s expectations. When he arrives at the House of Night to collect fees for their use of magic, he meets an enchanting courtesan, Sorsha. His attraction must be the result of enchantment. How else can he explain his overwhelming desire to be with her?

As passion blooms between them, Sorsha and Corvus are pulled into a fae-led plot to depose the mortal royals. As secrets begin to unravel, they realize they must restore banished magic to the realm, before the coup rips them, and their world, apart.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

380 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

Cidney Mayes is a teacher librarian and writer of speculative fiction from Portland, Maine. She is currently earning her MFA from Southern New Hampshire University. With over a decade of book review experience, she decided to write the stories she’s always wanted to read. Her work explores themes of feminism and power amidst lush, dark, and often magical settings. When not writing, you can find her playing board games and video games, walking in the woods, or watching reality TV with her husband and cats.

Reviews

[Nancy •͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ {Comment restriction} · Rating 2 out of 5]

──⟡⋆˙✩ 2 stars ✩ ⋆˙⟡──

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 βօօҟͲąցʂ 𓍯𓂃

➸ Court politics
➸ Insta-love
➸ Forbidden love
➸ Winged MMC
➸ Enemies to lovers

This book is a whole bundle of clichés. Every trope I’ve seen before—and then some—rolled into one.

ೃ⁀➷ Lesson learned: never judge a book by its cover. Or its title. Or even the premise, apparently. You know what? Just stop reading altogether.

The cover lured me in. The synopsis seduced me. A courtesan meets a fae lord—he’s enchanted, but she? She’s actually a spy. Yes please, I thought.

ೃ⁀➷ A courtesan FMC? When does that ever happen? And she’s a secret spy, too? I was expecting a woman confident in her allure, wielding charm like a weapon, her seduction an art form, her beauty a mask for deception.

Alas. All my hopes and dreams went straight down the drain.

ೃ⁀➷ Because what I got was a courtesan who... wasn’t really a courtesan. She spends most of her time evading clients, so she has no idea how to flirt, beguile, or even carry a conversation. She's not confident, not clever, not interesting. She’s dull. So dull.

And of course, she’s “not like the other courtesans”. They're all slim and graceful, while she’s muscled and plain (but not too plain, because we still need our male lead to be obsessed with her, naturally).

Oh, and she’s bullied by the most beautiful, successful courtesan in the house—because jealousy. Why? Who knows. Why would someone gorgeous and thriving be threatened by someone awkward and unpopular? It’s a mystery.

ೃ⁀➷ Then comes the male lead. Our FMC is a delicate innocent thing, but the MMC is a rake. Because of course he is.

ೃ⁀➷ Their meet-cute? The “mean” courtesan trips our FMC in front of everyone, and he swoops in like a knight in shining armour to help her up.

I rolled my eyes so hard I’m shocked they didn’t pop out of my head.

ೃ⁀➷ And of course, the moment he sees her, he’s captivated. Insta-lust. He can't stop thinking about her. We’re supposed to swoon, but I just wanted to scream.

Please. Spare me.

Many thanks to netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for an ARC. All thoughts are my own.




⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ρ𝕣ꫀ-𝕣ꫀꪖᦔ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Not me requesting this because the cover is ETHEREAL even tho I have so many other ARCs glaring at me. Anyway I got accepted and now I gotta read it within the next 10 days. (Well done Nancy. Good job digging your own grave)

[avi ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ִ ࣪ ˖ ࣪ pre-read ! ᰔ ִ ׄ
did I might have forgotten about this arc.... yes but will I speed read it before the 19th absolutely stay tune

[Haleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟

I loved the tone of the writing in this book. The formality in the way the characters spoke really transports you to a different time and place. The writing is consistent and well thought out. I loved the fact that we got a golden retriever as the MMC, nice change of pace from the typical "dark, mysterious, and initally mean" we see all too often in this genre.

Where this book lost me a little bit was in the character traits. I feel like there was a missed opportunity to create conflict by making all the main characters so loose-lipped and trusting. They immediately spill secrets without first forming a bond, and I just couldn't quite buy into it. For example, Sorsha immediately told the prince she was a spy, and Corvus told Sorsha specific details of a coup against the royal family within the first week. I just feel in those kind of precarious situations one doesn't spill secrets without first establishing and cementing trust, and I was missing that.

That being said, the politics of this book were quite enjoyable. The fae/mortal relations and the corrupted magic plotline was probably my favorite part. It's definitely a nice easy read for those who love fae fantasy books!


***Thank you Cidney Mayes and Cranthorpe Millner for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***

[Brooke Easton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Starlit Shadow is a romantasy that follows Sorsha and Corvus in dual pov. Sorsha a courtesan / spy is assigned to obtain information from Corvus who is the second born son of a Fae Lord, who may have involvement in a coup.
This romantasy is not your typical read, the MMC is not a morally grey character, he gives of golden retriever vibes, but he still has wings, and has that spark that people love this read. Sorsha has been brought up in the courtesan manor with no memories from the time prior. Is it love at first sight or is it intrigue read to find out!

Pasts unfold
Truths are told
Forbidden romance vibes
Political intrigue
Plot twists

This book is fast paced and does leave you wanting more, I can’t wait to find out more. Thank you Cidney Mayes, Netgally and Cranthrope Millner Publishers for the ARC read

[♡Molly♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚Rating*ੈ✩‧₊˚
2/5 Stars

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗Tropes˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
⋆.°🦋༘⋆ Insta Love
✧˖°. Enemies To Lovers
⋆.°🦋༘⋆ Forbidden Love
✧˖°. He falls First And Harder
⋆.°🦋༘⋆ Political Intrigue

𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights-

·:*¨༺”For Adam I write true love because we lit it every day”༻¨*:·

💭 Thoughts-

-ˋˏ✄┈┈I was drawn in like most by the cover, synopsis, and promise it was like acotar, but I was very much disappointed…

-ˋˏ✄┈┈I was honestly kind of just reading it, and it was there, but it was just kind of mid

-ˋˏ✄┈┈At some points I swear the MMC forgave the FMC wayyyy too fast for things she did

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for sending me this ARC!

The Starlit Shadow is the first book in a Fantasy Romance series and I loved it so much, it has many of my favorite tropes and I can’t wait for the next book.

Sorsha is a courtesan, abandoned by her mother as a child at the House of Night and working to pay off her debt. When Corvus, a fae lord, gets obsessed with her from the first meeting and requests to be her only client, they can’t ignore their growing attraction, but with Sorsha tasked by her madame to spy on Corvus and them getting involved in a conspiracy to restore the magic, they realize that their forbidden feelings for each other are the least of their problems.

This book was such a pleasure to read from the first page and was getting better and better with each next one. I mean, who doesn’t love a courtesan turned spy and obsessed with her fae lord with forbidden relationship and political intrigue in a fascinating world with so many secrets, I couldn’t get enough of this book and there wasn’t a single boring moment. And just when I thought I knew where the book was going, everything was turned upside down and I loved all the plot twists here. Sorsha and Corvus were amazing as the MCs, I liked how they both were perfectly imperfect and struggled with their questionable decisions and actions, but they were perfect for each other and the tension and angst between them was delicious, I liked the forbidden/star-crossed aspect of their relationship and loved it when they gave in to their feelings. I also really liked Tristan and hope we will get more of him in the next book.

The Starlit Shadow is an amazing romantasy book, I loved it and definitely recommend it to everyone who enjoys this genre. I’m so excited for book 2!

[organisedchaosbooks]

The Starlit Shadow offers a compelling premise, weaving together forbidden magic, court politics, and richly imagined world-building. The setting is immersive and well-developed, with layers of intrigue that promise high stakes and tension. I especially enjoyed the concept of a courtesan spy navigating political dynamics. It’s a trope I always find fascinating, and it’s used creatively here.

While the story had all the ingredients for a standout romantasy, I struggled to connect with the characters on a deeper emotional level. Some plot developments, such as the rivalry between the high-achieving courtisen and the FMC, felt underexplored or inconsistent with character motivations. The romance leaned heavily into instalust, which set a tone that didn’t quite evolve into the emotional payoff I was hoping for. A few tropes felt more obligatory than organic, which made the overall execution feel flatter than the concept deserved.

That said, readers who enjoy forbidden magic, court intrigue, and an MMC who falls first and harder will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a story with strong bones, and I’ll be curious to see how the author’s voice develops in future works.

What to expect
💘 He Falls First and Harder
🧙 Forbidden Magic
🕵️ Courtesan Spy
🏛️ Political Intrigue

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a chance at reading.

For an indie debut, this was a fun romantasy.

Our main character is an orphan who lives in a gentleman's club in this fantasy / renaissance setting. Due to her roles, and the roles of other women in the establishment, they wear masks. She is told by the mistress who runs the establishment that she is the chosen one for a gentleman. She goes, and comes face to face with one of the richest and highest families in the district.

The gentleman is the son of a fairy/fae family, part of a court who maintain the magic / fae families while saving face with the human court that has taken over. He isn't quite interested in her, but as they continue to meet, he starts to feel something for her. What he doesn't know is that she is currently spying for the mistress of the establishment.

What I liked about this couple as once they realize that they were both using one another, recognize their emotions, they become a couple that supports on another. There is also a human prince who was involved and I was afraid of a love triangle but thankfully one did not come about.

I will say that if you're someone who likes world building and magic understanding, you're going to have a bit of an issue on the presence and strength. I really wish that there was more of this, but I think since we'll get a sequel out of this we'll get more world building in book two.

So, stay for the cat and mouse build, but frown at the world building. Hopefully this will be rectified.

[Niamh ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

- forbidden magic
- star-crossed love
- political intrigue
- mmc with big wings
- interesting fmc

a little slow in the beginning but once I got used to the writing style I did enjoy it. It was actually kinda refreshing to have a book with Fae in it but it isn't just a copy paste of every other romantasy book that has been released in the past 3+ years 🤭

would have liked it if viviana had a retribution arc or even gave us a reason behind being so ~eh~; same with papa stormfall. also so funny to imagine a powerful fae, with wings, with a protruding gut.

if you actually think more into the book and the politics and those in power vs those in The Shale, its kinda terrifying how similar it is to real life politics but we don't like to think about that 🙂‍↔️🫶

i feel as if the ending was a bit rushed, but I do love a cliff hanger. excited to see what it next ⭐⭐⭐⭐

thank you Cranthorpe Millner and Cidney Mayes for the opportunity to read this as part of it's book tour 🩷

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book from start to finish! It’s got everything dangerous bargains, forbidden magic, and a romance that feels like falling under a spell. Sorsha’s a courtesan who’ll do anything for her freedom, even spy on the fae elite, but she doesn’t plan on meeting Lord Corvus Stormfall or wanting him as badly as she does. Soon they’re tangled in passion, politics, and a fae plot that could tear their world apart. Dark, romantic, and totally addictive.

[Cany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One of my favorite touches was how the MMC’s wings weren’t just a visual flourish! They were woven naturally into daily life, from the way they draped over furniture to clothing adapted with holes for them, or simply being a little in the way. It made the world feel tangible and lived-in. In the ARC I read, I did notice a few small continuity details that I hope were refined before release, but these didn’t take away from the vivid imagery and character presence that stood out most to me.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and will 100% pick up the following ones once they’re out!

[Amber Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the ARC!

Read if you like mortal and fae rivals, corruption, evil dark magic, court politics, secret powers, a winged MMC, touch her and die, and enemies to lovers.

Slow going but the second half offered redemption!

As for the plot involving humans overtaking the fae lands and banning magic, I found it interesting and a novel idea: however, it lacked context and the reader just got bits thrown in randomly throughout the book. It would have been good to give that backstory. For the first half of the book, I found the way the plot unfolded to be choppy with chunks of random info dumping here and there which dragged on, slowed the pace, confused the reader at times, and didn’t immediately peak or keep my interest. Also, there seemed to be plot threads that appeared randomly out of nowhere and with little to no context until later in the story, like the MMC’s brother’s ending. As for the FMC’s scars and origin, I get why the author waited to reveal the details but it was just randomly and briefly mentioned in the beginning of the book in a way that was not organic so it was confusing at first and seemed random. Also, the animosity between the MMC and his father and the father’s advisor were thrust upon the reader with no explanation. We are first introduced to the other fae houses at the initial meeting so there is a lot of info and name dumping. There could have been some scenes from the fae court to build up an understanding for the reader of the politics and house intricacies in a way that made more sense. The random and partial info dumping for the first half made it hard to be engrossed in the plot and instead of leaving bread crumbs for the reader and building anticipation, it fell flat and left confusion until further explained later. It disrupted the pace of rising action of the plot.

The book opens with the FMC and MMC meeting and it being an insta-obsession on the part of the MMC. I would have preferred to get more backstory on at least one of them so I had a more emotional connection to the characters. The author could have opened with the initial meeting and then backtracked to give character development or could have simply started with some backstory. Also, while I get the premise of the book is built on the MMC meeting the FMC and being attracted to her… I think the romance/infatuation came off a bit too sudden and forced. They could have had initial attraction with a few more encounters that involved getting to know each other better rather than the instantaneous decision of the MMC to take drastic action to be with her within minutes of meeting her and without any substantial connection. That being said, the encounters did happen after the grand gesture, and I found the moments they spent together built a stronger connection for the reader. I enjoyed the push and pull and tension building and the spicy scenes were written well.

Overall, I liked the unique concept of the book and plot but I think it lacked in execution for the first half of the book. The second half of the book is where the story really picked up steam and the plot was well paced. I was not expecting some of the twists and I was kept interested and immersed.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The plot revolves around our FMC, Sorsha, a courtesan with a hidden agenda, and our MMC, Corvus Stormfall, a fae noble burdened by legacy who crosses path at the House of Night, setting off a chain of passion and rebellion that may change their realm forever. Our MMC fell almost insta-lovey to our FMC, I wanted more banters before they actually fell but I love how they don't complicate their feelings and communicate because it feels more real. The world-building isn't the same like most romantasy I read, it lets you dive in immediately to the world with little knowledge on the magic and politics. But when the plot unveils I got hooked and all information are dropped to you, I got more interested. The book ends with so much questions I have no answers to and the spicy scene made it anticlimactic. I would still definitely read the second book and hopefully the author will tackle more on their magical realm and how things got to how it is now and the politics in their world since there are also humans involved. Overall, it was an interesting read and the chapters are short so it is a fast read.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Cidney Mayes’ The Starlit Shadow.
Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for my gifted ARC.

I’m still catching my breath after finishing The Starlit Shadow. Cidney Mayes doesn’t just write a romantasy—she builds a world you fall into face-first. I picked this up expecting a decent fantasy-romance escape. What I got was a lush, politically-charged, emotionally resonant journey about identity, power, and forbidden connection. It’s sexy without being shallow, dramatic without being ridiculous, and deeply character-driven in a way that so many fantasy debuts miss. And I can’t stop thinking about it.

Sorsha Sventura is a courtesan at the House of Night, a decadent, magical pleasure house built on secrets and subtle influence. But what makes her standout isn’t the usual “strong female lead” tropes—it’s how real she feels. She knows her world, understands the role she plays in it, and wants out. She’s not waiting for rescue; she’s playing her own long game. And when her mistress offers her a shot at freedom in exchange for spying on the fae lord Corvus Stormfall, Sorsha takes it, even knowing it could cost her everything.

Corvus, for his part, is not the morally gray, emotionally stunted “alpha” we’ve come to expect in romantasy. No brooding cruelty. No need to be redeemed. He’s immediately drawn to Sorsha, and instead of pushing her away or manipulating her, he leans in—curious, vulnerable, and openly affectionate. The man has feathered wings and “golden retriever energy,” which sounds like a joke until you watch him protect, pine, and stand his ground for love. It’s wildly refreshing.

The writing? Atmospheric and elegant. Mayes uses formality in the dialogue that actually fits the courtly setting and makes the fae world feel old and enchanted. The House of Night is dripping in velvet and candlelight, full of glamour hiding sharp edges, and the tension—both romantic and political—builds with each scene. The story begins with sensuality and intrigue, then deepens into rebellion and revelation as we follow Sorsha and Corvus through a dangerous fae coup and a mystery around lost magic that could rewrite their world.

Let’s talk romance. It’s sexy, yes. But it’s also smart. Sorsha and Corvus don’t just want each other—they respect each other. Their relationship develops in quiet conversations, risky admissions, and unguarded moments in the dark. One of my favorite aspects is that their connection never feels forced. They both have emotional baggage—Corvus grieving his brother, Sorsha grappling with being used by people she trusted—but they don’t use each other as band-aids. They heal together. And that’s what makes it hit.

There are a few bumps. Some early scenes feel slow as the pieces are set up, and I found myself wishing the supporting characters were given more room to shine. There’s a jealous rival at the House who could’ve had more depth, and a prince who shows promise but fades too soon. That said, I think Mayes is laying the groundwork for future books in the series. She introduces characters with potential and gives just enough world lore to keep you hungry. And honestly, if a few loose ends are the cost of a tightly woven core plot and beautiful character development, I’ll take it.

One quote that stuck with me: “If being with her meant I would lose all reason, then I would fall into madness willingly.” It captures the way this book lets love be reckless and sincere at the same time. Corvus doesn’t fight his feelings—he embraces them. And in a genre filled with reluctant lovers and endless miscommunication, that felt like a revelation.

The stakes rise fast in the second half. The romantic tension blends seamlessly with political rebellion as the characters get pulled into a fae-led plot to overthrow mortal royals and restore banished magic. The action never overshadows the emotion, though. Every twist hits harder because you care about the people caught in it.

By the end, I wasn’t just entertained—I was emotionally invested. I wanted more. I still want more. I’m rooting for Sorsha’s freedom, for Corvus’s rise, for their love to survive the forces that want to tear them apart. And I’m absolutely reading the next installment the second it drops.

This isn’t just a love story—it’s a story about reclaiming power, breaking out of cages, and daring to want something more than survival. If you like fantasy with heart, high stakes, and unforgettable characters, The Starlit Shadow belongs at the top of your list.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Cidney Mayes for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“If being with her meant I would lose all reason, then I would fall into madness willingly.”

The Starlit Shadow by Cidney Mayes is a rare kind of book—the kind that feels less like a story and more like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. It is breathtaking in every sense: from the lyricism of its language to the emotional depth that slowly, then suddenly, wraps itself around your heart.

From the very first page, Mayes casts a spell. The writing is gorgeously poetic, shimmering with imagery that feels both celestial and raw. You don’t just read this book—you feel it. You walk beneath its stars, hear the hush of its shadows, and carry its sorrow and hope like a heartbeat echoing in your chest.

The worldbuilding is exquisite. There’s a soft magic in the setting, one that doesn’t overwhelm but instead serves as a haunting, beautiful backdrop to the characters’ emotional journeys. Mayes has crafted a universe where wonder and melancholy live side by side—where even the quietest moments shimmer with weight and meaning.

But it’s the characters that truly elevate this novel. They’re flawed, fierce, vulnerable, and achingly human—even when they’re wrapped in myth and mystery. There is a deep sense of longing that pulses through the pages, a yearning for connection, for healing, for light in the midst of darkness. And it’s that emotional resonance that makes The Starlit Shadow unforgettable.

There were passages I had to read twice—three times—just to savor their beauty. And more than once, I found myself breathless, caught off guard by a single line that struck deep.

This is not just a book you read—it’s a book you experience. A story that lingers like stardust in your soul.

If you’re drawn to lyrical fantasy with emotional depth, aching beauty, and a touch of shadowed wonder, The Starlit Shadow is a must-read. Cidney Mayes has written something truly magical—something that will stay with me for a very long time.

[Kirsten Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would argue that this book for me is more of a romance fantasy, than a romantasy book! This story definitely prioritizes the romantic relationship, with the overall plot almost feeding the relationship. I am one hundred percent a mood reader, and I love big, epic fantasy storylines, but I also adore this style of romantic fantasy, where I get to follow a handful of characters in a fantasy setting, but it’s centred around a relationship, so it feels easy-to-read, but just as entertaining!

Even with a fast paced romance, the plot is absolutely still present, and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, although I do feel there could have been deeper world building in the first half to establish more background for the politics. There were a few moments where I just felt I was missing a little bit of context.

I actually really enjoyed the ‘insta love’ trope in this one, because I feel it was executed well within the story, and it was absolutely giving me the suggestion of ‘fated mates’, so I feel like the rest of this series still has somewhere to go with the dynamic between the two main characters. It also wasn’t just a straightforward ‘love at first sight’ deal, the MMC absolutely falls first, but there is conflict and secrets between them both giving the relationship depth that can sometimes be skimmed over with the ‘instalove’ trope.


Overall, I think it was a solid start to a series! I definitely feel like the world building could be further explored, but there is opportunity for this as the series continues, but the romance element is just a good time to read, and the whole story felt easy and well-paced. There’s enough political intrigue to keep the plot moving and to keep you interested, with a few little twists thrown in so it isn’t as predictable as it seemed initially. I feel like if you enjoy Tricia Levenseller and Scarlett St Clair books, and you’re a fan of Fae, this is absolutely a series to add to your TBR!




-Insta-love

-Political intrigue

-Courtesan turned spy

-Secret identities

-Golden Retriever MMC

-He falls first


Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

[Alise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, the first thing that caught my eye (literally) about The Starlit Shadow was the gorgeous cover. The masks hint at the intrigue and concept that not everything or everyone might be as they seem, as well as the main character herself — who is a courtesan for a house that deals in magic, something that is now forbidden in this fantasy world.

The two main characters should be enemies, but they find themselves with a common goal in restoring magic, as its absence is negatively impacting the larger world around them. This concept is genuinely interesting; the idea of a world where magic is dying and needs to be restored adds stakes beyond just the romance, especially when there is political tension and unrest.

However, I did have some issues with the writing itself. While the actual descriptions are good, the story struggles with character dynamics and the writing overall seemed to have an issue with telling the reader what is happening and why as opposed to showing the reader. This makes the development of some of the relationships and plotlines feel a bit lifeless.

There is definitely an insta-lust connection here, as well as many other popular romance tropes like "who did this to you," the forbidden aspect, fated mates, etc. I'm someone who prefers a much slower burn, and this just felt rushed. I personally needed more buildup and more tension. The flip side of this is that the relationship turns out to be really supportive and non-toxic, which is honestly refreshing in this genre.

I'd recommend The Starlit Shadow for readers new to romantasy or those who especially love trope heavy fantasy romance. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, it delivers an entertaining story that leaves you hopeful the next book in the series will build upon the political intrigue the first left off on.

Many thanks to Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[alice]

The Starlit Shadow is a romantasy full of tension, betrayals, and a forbidden romance tangled up in a mess of politics and hidden truths.

sorsha is a heroine divided—half human, half fae, working at the house of night. under a binding blood pact, she is forced her to spy against her will on corvus, heir to one of the most powerful fae houses. when they meet, sparks fly immediately. the first few chapters had me rolling my eyes at the speed and intensity of their attraction to one another. (i didn't think i was a slow burn girlie, but this may have proved me wrong.) the push and pull between them—wanting each other but torn apart by secrets, lies, and family rivalries—was typical star-crossed, misscommunication angst.

the political intrigue kept the tension high, especially as the plot began to unravel. by the final few chapters, the stakes were sky-high: near-death experiences, family betrayals, devastating reveals, and a brutal coup that left the kingdom forever changed. sorsha steps into her own power in these moments, and i loved seeing her grow, accept, and learn about parts of herself. equally, i enjoyed watching corvus develop from a young man who just wanted his fathers approval, to a man who realises that approval means nothing.

that said, while corvus’ secrets made for drama, there were points where his brooding silence grated more than it thrilled me.

the ending felt slightly rushed to me, and the number of fade-to-black pass out ends to chapters in the last half of the book was perhaps a bit repetitive in the end, but still,
when i closed the final page, i was invested. the romance, the politics, and especially that blood pact (and the way it lingers at the very end) definitely have me intrigued for what’s to come.

thank you so much to netgalley and cranthorpe millner publishers for the ARC ♡

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorsha is a courtesan who works at the House of Night because she was abandoned there by her mother at a young age. The rich come to the House of Night to participate in forbidden magic and pleasure. She is desperate to be free of the House, so she strikes a deal with the madame, to spy on Lord Corvus Stormfall in exchange for her freedom after a year. Corvus, is a second born son, who is a displeasure to his father. When he arrives to the House of Night, he immediately feels a connection to Sorsha. As their connection blooms, both are pulled into a plot to have the fae turn against the humans in order to access magic again.

The audacity for this to be called Moulin Rouge x ACOTAR is a crime to humanity - Moulin Rogue is one of my favorite movies with the yearning and love. The FMC was not a strong spy/courtesan at all, which really just took away from the synopsis and plot of the book. She was incredibly dull and weak - I was not rooting for her at all. The jealousy of the other courtesan Viviana was super weird because why would someone who is the most popular courtesan that is also incredibly beautiful give a shit about someone who has no clients/regulars and is just plain. This book has insta-lust which is just blech. A lot of the writing was giving very high school senior year project rather than romantasy author - the dialogue was incredibly cringey at times and the world building was SEVERELY lacking, and there were waaaay too many descriptive terms for things. The ending was extremely anti-climatic, which makes you not want to read the next book at all.

Thanks Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Why did I read? I was suckered by the pretty cover + I love Moulin Rogue. Would I read again? Definitely not.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Author: @cidneymayes
POV: Single 1st person
Gene: Romantasy
Triggers: Explicit Open Door, starvation & death, and body mutilation of child
Read Time: 10 hours
Expected Publishing Date: Out now

What I loved about this book:
❤️ World Building - The world building was good, while it didn’t really go into much detail on some things, it didn’t lessen the story. The apostrophe of the book was lush at times and gritty at others, explaining how the gap between how the people with different incomes are treated.

❤️ The Characters - I adore Sorsha, the MFC, she was sweet and almost naive for having grown up in a brothel. While she sometimes tries to hide things that a lot of books play in, she didn’t take that long to realize that saying the thing is the better idea. Corvus, the MMC, was also sweet and adoring towards Sorsha, but there was a part in the book that he annoyed me. The side characters are also well developed in this book, which I always appreciate.

❤️ The Story - It was a really amusing story. The story brought memories of meeting someone new and falling in love for the first time. Having been married for 22 years now, it was very nostalgic for me. 😊 I was also entertained by the poltical intrigue and all the hidden family secrets there were to find out, and I still don’t know the answers to all of them yet, that’s for the next book!

❤️‍🔥Overall: This is a really delightful read and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

I got this book free from @Netgalley for my honest review.

[Mandarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

**ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I feel like this book was a mix of classics, at least in the vibes. At times, I got Cinderella vibes, Hades and Persephone, and some others that would be spoilers.

From the start, I loved the chemistry they had, and it was more than enough to convince me to read the entire book. And I'm far from regretting it. It was one of the most enjoyable and addictive reads I had the pleasure to experience since I got into my big break from reading. It is a SOLID four-star read.

As you might know, if you follow my reviews, romance is everything to me, and this romance was IT. There was a moment, though, that immediately made me stop reading for a while, but I just knew it couldn't last long. And I read the remaining amount of the book at the speed of light.

I'd like to mention something that could be improved about the writing, although it's solved editing. I feel like at times I didn't know where they were, or whether they were sitting down or standing, or they would jump from one thing to the other... It could've been more specific and just a little more descriptive. It wasn't anything crazy, though, just tiny mistakes. And they don't make the book less good.

But going back to the read, I can't believe I predicted something so big about it in the dumbest way possible. If you don't want even the tiniest spoiler, I suggest you stop reading right here.

But here it goes. I'll just give you a hint.

If you have read my updates on this book, you'll know what I mean.

[Olivia Host · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one had me at the description. Granted I'm not the biggest ACOTAR fan, but the rest? Sign me up.

I think this one mostly lived up to my expectations. The pacing was decent and the overall plot line fulfilled all of my needs as a reader, albeit there were a few parts I physically rolled my eyes at.

I think where this one falls short is the characters. They didn't have much distinct personality and The chemistry between the main characters felt off to me. This is an insta-love kind of vibe, mate-y without the title. Not my fav. It made it feel like the chemistry was manufactured. It wasn't for meeee.

Overall though I felt satisfied. I'm interested enough in reading the sequel but could see myself for getting the entire plot, I'm sorry 💀 it was just so similar to everything else out there. Also though I've read like 50+ Romantasy books in the past 2 years so this could be a "me" problem.

I'll be curious to see where the wings play a part for these characters. It was kind of one of my minor gripes as I was reading (like why are these necessary). My other gripe was that her mother somehow thought it would be perfectly reasonable to protect her by obscuring one of her key features, while completely leaving another super obvious one (I'm being vague for spoilers).

All that aside, I'll keep an eye out for this one's sequel & hopefully book 2 gives us the history this one could not!

[Grace -thewritebooks]

Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

This one wasn't for me unfortunately. It had an interesting premise: a fae vs humans world where magic is slowly dying, however nothing seemed to land quite right for me.
First thing for me was the insta-love, I didn't realise that was the trope here and might have avoided if I'd known, there was no slow building of a relationship, just the awkward push and pull of Sorsha being a spy and not being able to commit.
The other inter-personal relationships did not impress me, I didn't believe in Corvus and his father's fractured feelings, and I particularly disliked Corvus' "bad boy" personality that he put on sparingly throughout.
I feel like the world building had potential: we talked about other empires across the sea, and about people preparing for war, only for none of this to come to any kind of fruition later on. Same with the magic system, I thought the throwaway comment about this world being 'behind in running water and electricity etc because previously they all had magic' really interesting. But again, we didn't build on that anywhere else.
There was also a continuity error partway through where it said that Ferdie cleaned up some blood but I'm quite confident he was meant to be in a dangerous situation on the other side of town. Little things like this just added up for an uninspiring reading experience!

[SaleSavvyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this book in less than 24hrs ✨️

Full disclosure: This is a 4 star read based purely on the vibes and my enjoyment whilst reading. I am not claiming this is top of my list for quality writing, but it was still really good and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

This was an easy read, fully loaded with all the typical romantasy tropes - and I was not dissapointed by this. The plot line was largely predictable, except for one major reveal, which I didn't see coming as I was so invested/focused on other aspects! For that reason I would recommend this book to new romantasy readers, who maybe wouldn't predict the plot line as easily, and also those who especially love trope-heavy romantasy.

Alhough it was insta-lust, it was refreshing to have a non-toxic MC relationship, where they don't immediately declare their undying love. I personally prefer more yearning, build up and banter but I still found myself wanting to see how their story would unfold.

Overall, while it doesn’t reinvent romantasy, it was an easy-to-read and satisfying story that left me excited for the next book in the series, where the author will hopefully add more depth to side characters and build on the political aspects/story outside of the romance.

Thank you NetGalley for connecting me with the publisher for this ARC 🥳

[Jessica Molloy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, I just want to say thank you to NetGalley, Cranthorpe Miller Publishers, and Cindy Mayes for providing an ARC of this book.

Honestly the cover and the synopsis drew me in for this book, a courtesan spy yes please! But once I started reading my hopes dropped a bit, she didn’t use her charm and seduction as a weapon but instead avoided all clients and fell very flat. Then the jealousy from the top courtesan in the house just felt forced since our FMC was awkward and barely could consider herself a courtesan.

Now our MMC, he falls instantly in love with our FMC (not a trope for me personally) but he starts spilling secrets way too fast. Like sir please have a little bit of wariness here for someone you just met.

The plot was so interesting but I just found there was a lack of world building, you just felt thrown into the world, and a lot of the dialogue was quite cringey. Just made me struggle to get through this book, constantly checking how much left I had to go until the end. I’d say if I’d read this when I was a bit younger I would’ve loved this book since it just reads a bit more YA than adult.

I don’t think I’ll be reading the next instalment, the way our FMCs identity was revealed was very anticlimactic and I personally couldn’t get a connection with any of the characters in this book.

[My Green Kindle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Cidney Mayes for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book cover is STUNNING and I was immediately drawn into the premise of the story. There are so many things this book has going for it that people will enjoy.

Unfortunately, a few things fell flat for me. Our FMC is a courtesan but not really, she is not seductive or alluring or dangerous. The MMC (Rhysand who did this to you vibes) fell in love with her right away with just one look, I wish it was more drawn out and that they had really been playing a game against each other, turning into enemies to lovers. "I won't kiss you until you want me to" had me hopeful for that, but then they kissed a few chapters later. I think this trope definitely works for some people, just not for me.

There is a LOT of politics, human vs. fae and draining of magic which was intriguing, until I got a little confused by who is who.

Overall, I read it all and it was not bad. I think there is a market for this story. Personally, it felt a little cookie-cutter to me, and felt like the same romance tropes put into new packaging. I think there will be another book in this series.

Thank you for allowing me to review your work.

[Maria Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐

The Starlit Shadow was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really liked the overall tone of the writing and the way the dialogue created a formal, almost old-fashioned atmosphere that pulled me into the world. The court politics and political intrigue were definitely my favourite parts, especially the way the fae and mortal tensions were woven in. That side of the story kept me turning the pages.

Where it lost me was with the characters. There was a lot of insta lust and trust came way too quickly which made the relationships feel less believable. Secrets were spilled almost immediately instead of being built up over time and that made the stakes feel a bit flat. The heroine also fell into some familiar tropes and I just didn’t connect with her as much as I wanted to.

Overall this was an easy fantasy read with some enjoyable elements but it didn’t completely land for me. I think fans of fae fantasy who enjoy lighter romance mixed with court politics might still really enjoy it.

Thank you to Cidney Mayes and Cranthorpe Miller for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Fable · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Starlit Shadow had a lot of promise - a romantasy filled with fae intrigue, dark magic, and a strong central couple - but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The world-building and magic system felt underdeveloped and at times confusing. I often felt like I’d been dropped into the middle of things without enough explanation to understand the stakes or how everything worked. The pacing, particularly in the beginning, was also uneven. The romance between Sorsha and Corvus leaned toward insta-love, which made it hard to fully connect with their relationship early on.

That said, once their bond settled, I really enjoyed the supportive dynamic between them - it was refreshing to see two characters work together rather than constantly battle each other. I just wish that same care had been given to the side characters and subplots, many of which were introduced but never fully explored or resolved.

Overall, The Starlit Shadow is a decent read with potential, but it left me wanting more depth and cohesion in both the story and the world.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

[jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly I want to say thank you to Cranthorpe Miller Publishers and Cidney Mayes for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The preface of this book had me instantly…a political romantasy? YES PLEASE. However the start of this book was very abrupt and clunky, reading as if the author had gone through and added extra paragraphs in the editing process, creating an overall jarring read.

The printed version of this book was another reason for me to apply for this ARC as it is utterly gorgeous. The black and blue front cover as well as the back and spine is STUNNING and I can only wish it was reflected on the inside.

The MMC had so much potential to be a great character but instantly fell for our FMC which personally for me ( might not be for you) is a no go. Other characters were hard to picture down to the pure lack of relationship establishment.

Whilst there were some really lovely quotes in this book and the overall premise was brilliant, unfortunately it just fell short for me.

[Jade Ford]

The Starlit Shadow is a powerful romantasy that combines regency aspects and courtesan drama with fae politics. Featuring a world that used to have magic and where fae and mortals live alongside, Mayes beautifully whisks you on an intriguing journey of secrets, star-crossed lovers and self-discovery.

Sorsha, a courtesan who is sweet in her innocence, but has a bite, was a fun character to watch grow as she tried to understand the intricaries of fae politics and royal drama, whilst learning more about her own mysterious background and dealing with a bad deal she made with her mistress. Corvus was a refreshing love interest; a man who is romantically sweet and not afraid of his instant attraction to Sorsha. It was an intriguing contrast to the popular "shadow-daddy" enemies to lovers romantasies and I loved the change of pace!

Overall, it gave me Bridgerton and Firefly vibes, with a magical fae twist, and was a pleasure to read.