Stormveil: An Epic Fantasy

by Starr Z. Davies

A storm is coming.

Bast Blackblade, dangerous assassin, made a promise to Aslyn. A promise that grows harder to keep with each passing day as she thrusts herself headfirst into the dangers of the Imperial Court.

Aethan wants to get back to Aslyn, but first he has his own promise to keep... to find and save her father. But when an unexpected turn of events leaves him on the brink of death, Aethan prays he will live to see Aslyn again.

Stormveil is a dark yet noblebright fantasy with rich characters, dragons, spicy romance, and deadly games. It's the second installment of Starr Z. Davies' brand new fantasy world of Divica Stormborn Chronicles.

Due to the graphic nature of this book, it is not suitable for readers under 18.

480 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Starr Z. Davies is a bestselling author and winner of numerous book awards.

She writes by the lake, dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. She's best known for her soul-crushing historical fantasy and genre-blending dystopian worlds of futuristic cities and fantasy realms. ​She has recently shifted into the realm of epic fantasy novels, where she expects to settle for a long time to come.

Starr's an avid reader with a Bachelor's in writing and publishing. During undergrad, she gained a reputation as the Character Assassin, because she knew how to destroy (and often kill) her characters with impunity.

She's proficient at producing action-packed, character-rich stories that her readers love.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book swoops right back in exactly where Stormvalor left off, and honestly, I was hooked from the very first page all over again. Starr’s writing just grips me in that magical way - rich, vivid, practically cinematic - and she makes it sooo ridiculously easy to visualize, especially with the multiple POVs.

And can we please take a second to talk about blood oaths? I’ve read very few books that actually commit to a true, spine-tingling blood oath, and this one absolutely nails it. Yes, please make a blood oath to protect me for the rest of your life. I’m obsessed.

The stakes just keep getting higher and higher with this series. The tension, the twists, the emotional punches—they all just kept building in the best way.

And dare I say it… I almost liked this second book a tiny bit more than the first. This literally never happens to me, but here we are.

What’s inside:
⚡️grumpy assassin
⚡️duty vs. desire
⚡️treason & betrayal
⚡️princess espionage
⚡️touch her & die
⚡️forbidden magic

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stormveil is the second book in the Stormborn Chronicles, and it plunges the reader back into a world of betrayal, prophecy, and storm-fueled destiny. The novel follows Aslyn Kiernan, caught in the iron grip of the Bloodstone family and the watchful eyes of the emperor’s Black Guards, while Aethan Starkling forges ahead on his own perilous path. The story blends courtly intrigue, forbidden love, and violent confrontations with a dark and oppressive empire. It is about loyalty tested, power corrupted, and a storm rising that could break the world or save it. Author Starr Davies sets the stage with gods and monsters, but at its heart, the book is about flawed people trying to survive in a realm where every choice has a cost.

I was swept away by the sheer intensity of the writing. The battles felt sharp and brutal, the court politics carried an edge of dread, and the characters bled with raw emotion. Davies doesn’t shy from ugliness. Betrayal cuts deep, and moments of violence sting. I found myself bristling at Marek’s cruelty, aching for Aslyn’s fragile defiance, and rooting for Aethan even as he stumbled under the weight of destiny. The world is grim, but it pulses with energy. I kept turning the pages because I couldn’t look away.

The writing is vivid, but also relentless, and I caught myself craving a flicker of light that lingered longer than a page or two. That said, the intensity felt true to the world Davies has built. These characters don’t get easy outs, and that rawness makes their small victories feel earned. I also appreciated how the prose sometimes softened into something tender, a fleeting glance, a remembered touch, a line that hinted at hope. Those moments landed harder because of the shadows around them.

Stormveil left me both shaken and satisfied. It is a gripping read. If you enjoy fantasy with teeth, stories where the villains are terrifying, the heroes are flawed, and the stakes keep climbing, this book is for you. I’d recommend it to readers who want their epic fantasy to come with grit and heartbreak, but also with characters who cling to love and courage even when the odds are stacked against them. This storm is worth weathering.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok

This Epic Fantasy series is too good! While I slightly preferred the first book, this absolutely delivered everything it needed to.

Our three main characters are just as compelling, navigating their individual but intertwined journeys. Their complexities and flaws make them feel incredibly real.

The plot is full of political intrigue, twists, and betrayal. The stakes are high—you genuinely have no idea what's coming next! Just when a glimmer of hope appears, the situation takes a devastating turn.

And that ending? Cannot wait for the next book! I'm crossing my fingers for some sweet, sweet revenge!

‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧

➳❥Book 2/ Epic Fantasy Series
➳❥Multiple POVs
➳❥Political Intrigue
➳❥ Magical Oath
➳❥ Touch Her & Die
➳❥ Twists & Betrayal

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼

“𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐲𝐧.”

“𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝.𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡, 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫.”

“𝐀𝐬𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞-𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.”

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧.”

“𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐜. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐢𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭.”

“𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫.”

Thank you R&R Book Tours & Starr Z. Davies for this ARC ♡

[KMart Vet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those epic fantasies that immediately sinks its teeth into you with politics, layered motivations, and a world where every choice has consequences. It’s a book with a lot of moving parts, yet it never feels bloated or overwhelming; instead, it’s surprisingly accessible, the kind of story you can slip into easily even as the stakes grow heavier and the web of alliances tightens.

One of those books where the tension ratchets up slowly until you're both DYING to know what happens and also dreading to see how these characters are going to be challenged. You’re pulled through by equal parts dread and anticipation, always wondering which character is about to make a decision that changes everything.

And honestly, that wouldn't happen without the characters being incredible. They’re complex in ways that feel REAL, each one shaped by the pressures of their factions, their loyalties, and their own wounds. And Davies does not coddle her readers. There are moments that hurt, moments that feel unfair, and moments that remind you exactly why political fantasy can be so emotionally devastating when it’s done well.

The story itself is gripping; threading intrigue, danger, and heart through every chapter. It’s the kind of epic fantasy that respects its audience: detailed, ambitious, and purposeful, but never confusing or impenetrable.

In short, Stormveil is fantastic and even better than the first (which I also rated 5 stars). Deeply political, emotionally charged, and brilliantly crafted. An epic fantasy that genuinely earns the word epic.

Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stormveil

What an exciting action-packed sequel to this epic fantasy! I was hooked from the start and loved diving further into this world.

There was so much going on and I loved all the twists and turns! It was dark and gritty yet hopeful and full of courage!

The story was also told from various POVs and I enjoyed all the different perspectives especially from Bast, Aslyn, and Aethan and their companions as well!

There were so many great tropes in this one like; forbidden magic, twists, secrets, prophecies, assassin, fighter princess, betrayal, suspense, war is coming, battle scenes, multiple POVs, high stakes, and so, so much more!!

I definitely cannot wait to see where things go from here!

[Lois Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right after the events of the first book. Aslyn is separated from Aethan but Bast has stuck by her side and while the two seem to hate each other there is more at play. Bast and Aslyn sure know how to get under each other’s skin. the multicast point of view continues to keep the story moving and gives a really good picture of all the moving parts this story has. As secrets start to come to light and Aethan’s life is on the line this book did not disappoint and again that cliff hanger ending…. Ugh…. i need the next book.

[Lisa Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic series that should be on everyone's radar! Starr Z. Davies has a unique ability to create characters and worlds unlike any I have ever read before. The detailed descriptions of landscapes, the character arcs, the mystery and suspense, I am completely invested in the journey and cannot wait for the next book. Read this series now!

[April Elschlager · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follow up to Stormvalor exceeded my expectations, in the best possible way. By the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat stressing and needing to know what happens next. I enjoyed book 2 a bit more than book 1. There was so much going on in book 2 that there was never a lull or drag to the story. Extremely excited to see where she takes this story next year.

[Jessica Goeken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

I loved the first book so much and I was so excited to read this one. While I don’t think it quite matches the first, I did enjoy walking with these characters again. Bast is my favorite, and I loved discovering more of his secrets this time around.