Auras of the Fallen Stars

by Mara van Nacht

August Monroe never wanted war—only to cross the river and train under a world-renowned chef.

Then a Sovereign’s unchecked rage cleaved the world in two and stole the only person who ever truly knew her.

She should’ve drowned in grief.
Instead, she sharpened her knives.

When her mentor rises at the head of a growing Resistance, August refuses to stand aside. But war offers no clean lines, and patience runs thin. Desperate for answers, she infiltrates the palace of a powerful Sovereign, stepping straight into the shadows of the magic that destroyed her world.

But something ancient stirs in her blood—something the Fallen Stars would kill to possess.

In a realm unraveling with secrets, magic, and betrayal, August will stop at nothing to find the people she loves—even if it takes everything she has, and even if everyone else gives up.

Betrayal. Found Family. Feminine Rage. And a girl who refuses to break.
This is August’s story—and she’ll walk through fire to make it her own.


Auras of the Fallen Stars is for lovers of Epic and Romantic Fantasy, Found Family, Vast Worlds, Unique Magic, Political Divide, Relatable Main Characters and Feminine Rage.

Fans of Strong Character Development as seen in The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy, Women Scorned as seen in The War of Lost Hearts Series by Carissa Broadbent, and Vast Worlds as seen in The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas will fall in love with The Descendants of the Stars Series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Sharee Peplinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOD. THIS BOOK…. WOW… it’s so good… it has consumed me in the best possible way! Definitely my new obsession!! New all time favorite series! The twists? DID NOT SEE COMING. AT ALL. the fact this is Mara’s debut novel too… MIND BLOWING. this book is so well written and her attention to detail is NEXT LEVEL. I have no doubt she will be a New York Times best selling author! I need book 2 STAT… like YESTERDAY. If you like Fourth Wing or ACOTAR I think you’ll LOVE this series… but also I think you’ll just love it in general. It is so good. I genuinely wish I was better with words so I could write a better review but there’s a reason I’m a reader not an author 🤣 the ending… THE FUCK!? In the best way! The characters 12/10 it’s so hard to pick a favorite. Storyline ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a tiny little sprinkle of spicy but the quality of it is *chefs kiss* (see what I did there 😏) I cannot wait to read more books by Mara. Frankly I’d read her grocery lists at this point. OBSESSED. CONSUMED. IN LOVE. with this series

[Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wait until more people read Auras of the Fallen Stars, this book is going viral!!!

5⭐️ and 1🌶️

I was not expecting the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE at the end of this book and now I need to know more ASAP!

The characters are well written, and I love the FMC, August, a chef turned bad ass. She has had a hard life, and I don’t see it getting any easier. But she’s funny, strong, and interesting to see her pov.

This was truly a refreshing romantacy where I didn’t see similarities in other books I read this year and that really kept me wanting more.

May 2026 can’t come fast enough for book 2, Truths of the Allied Guild. WE NEED ANSWERS MARA!

Thank you for the ALC from NetGalley

[Karla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars — I have feelings and they are chaotic.

Mara, you should be tried for emotional damage. Auras of the Fallen Stars WRECKED ME. August is a culinary hurricane with knife-edge wit and a temper that reads like a female Gordon Ramsay, and I love her for it. She made me laugh, she made me ache, and at one point I literally felt like an idiot sandwich. That is peak energy and I will never recover.

The worldbuilding is rich without being showy, the magic feels lived in, and the stakes kept tightening until I could not breathe. The found family beats hit so hard and the romance is tense and earned.. I’D JUMP OFF A CLIFF IF ONE CERTAIN MMC TOLD ME TO

If you want a fierce heroine, messy emotions, and a story that will sit with you long after the last line, pick this up now. I volunteered to be emotionally traumatized and would do it again.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for voluntarily giving my review.
we meet August, who wants to be a chef. the day she leaves for her dream, the river overtook everything and everyone she cared about on the other side. The only bright thing that day was a soldier named Blaine. fast forward 10 years and August is a chef and worker for the leader of thr resistance in secret. a terrible fire that costs her more and a job offer as head chef in a castle comes up. Blaine wants August to choose them and not the resistance. The next thing August knows she wakes up in a strange place forgetting how she got there. meeting her new boss Rivian is scary yet exciting until she finds out he is a Sovereign. she won't give up her hopes of helping the resistance but now she must come up with a plan that will help them while not falling for her handsome boss. things get super challenging with drama, deceit, omg moments and wondering what a chef has to do with the fallen stars!

[Feral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s discuss a beautifully written, well thought out blend of relatable characters, their growth, world building and twists you aren’t expecting to hit you at your highest and lowest moments. What a debut novel and introduction to a new world.

I know you’re probably wondering, how in the world does a Chef lead a resistance? Well, Mara made it happen in a beautiful way.

I spent the first 70% of this book absolutely vibing and needing all the snacks because of time spent with August (or should I say the female version of Gordon Ramsey cause damn those poor assistants) in the kitchen. Filled with rich, easy world building and epigraphs to tease the senses. You spend your time asking yourself if you’ve discovered a secret or if that really didn’t mean a thing.

Then I spent the last 30% cursing and blessing Mara’s beautiful mind and ability to create with words and deliver that perfect end of book chaos to have you DYING for the next installment.

This unique world is one that I cannot wait to return to Celestera and where this story is going. If you enjoy any of the following in a story, add it to your TBR:

Found Family
Slow Burn
Political Intrigue
Complicated Characters
Forced Proximity
Complicated Relationships
Trauma

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe this is this authors debut novel, this is so well written and the world building and magic system and characters are all so unique, I felt like I was in the world myself and couldn’t put this book down!

If you’re looking for your next epic romantasy following a FMC who’s world gets torn apart not once but twice (talk about emotional damage) and she has to leave behind everything she knows to start a new life two times, only to end up in places she never expected, check this book out! I know like next to nothing about cooking but this book made the idea of being a chef exciting and something I could understand and I now want to taste test this FMCs lasagna!

I love a found family so seeing the FMC form her own in each place she went was super enjoyable to read and I loveeee all of the side characters! There’s plenty of tension and yearning in this book as well to her male counter parts in each part that made for a good romance with plenty of banter. I was so surprised by some of the twists and devastated at each turn of the knife the surprises lead to. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster in the best way and I cannot wait for more from this author in this world! Overall my rating 4.7/5!

Thanks to the author and the nerd fam for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[its_just_christin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept seeing posts about this book and was intrigued so I applied for the ARC and then also the ALC and I’m glad I did. This book was so good. The story was interesting and full of twists. August is an awesome FMC she’s brave, smart, sassy, and real. She makes mistakes and the best part she’s in her 30s. It’s refreshing to have a FMC who has actually lived a life.

August lost her best friend when her town was taken out by a Sovereign. She was lucky enough to not be there when it happened but the loss changed her and she decides to join her mentor and join the resistance to try to get revenge. She takes a position as the chef in the home of a sovereign thinking she can get inside information to share with the resistance. Things don’t necessarily go as planned and she finds herself in the middle of a battle she didn’t realize she had a role in.

I enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I was definitely caught off guard by some of the twists and never saw it coming. I’m excited to read the next book in this series. The audio version narrated by Megan Carver and Stephan Godleski and they did a great job of bringing the story to life. Thank you Mara van Nacht for providing this eARC and ALC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Cassie Nosko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Mara van Nacht for providing me with an earc of your debut novel! Auras Of The Fallen Stars was simply incredible! In this book we get a bit of everything from political divide, found family and so much feminine RAGE 😤

I laughed, I ugly cried and I could not put this book down. I NEEDED to know what was coming next. The MCs were so relatable and personable; August is an absolute WEAPON!

The world building carried perfectly; it wasn't overdone and complemented the plot! You can really see that Mara poured her heart and soul into this book!

Only complaint... I need book 2 right now 😂

If you love...
Romantasy 💘
Magic 🪄
Found Family 🧑‍🧑‍🧒
Political division ➗
Stellar World Building 🌎
Feminine RAGE 😡 🔥
And so much more pick this book up when it comes out

✨ December 9th, 2025 ✨

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had such an interesting and complex world. I was completely entranced by the story and really enjoyed getting to know August and following her throughout the book.

This story is about August, a chef who takes a strange job at a palace after a breakup. So many things happen that come together in the end and it was nice seeing all the pieces fall into place.

The last part of the book was the real stand out to me. The pacing and action was kicked up a notch, the twists had my attention, and the ending left me needing more.

Read this if you like:
✦ Found Family
✦ Forced Proximity
✦ Unique Magic System
✦ Political Intrigue
✦ Feminine Rage

Thank you @thenerdfam for gifting me this book.

[findingthebook · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Arc Review.


August has gone through the worst. She grows up makes connections with some and she is known for her cooking. She has made a name for herself just as she wished. After a terrible tragedy she reevaluates her life and decides to leave everything behind. Her decisions might be her downfall.


I tried to connect with August but I couldn’t really feel a depth in her, she went from having everything to staring over so quickly, which made take a step back and process it all. Some important events felt a bit brushed off and not talked about enough. The ending was a bit rushed but it did hit the spot.

[Beth Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and couldn’t be happier!

A feisty FMC with incredible internal (and external) banter? Sign me up!!

This is a super solid debut novel from Mara Van Nacht and totally sets the scene and world for this romantacy series!!

The imagery, banter, sarcasm, twists and turns through out this book have left me desperately wanting more! I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store!!

[Sherry James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough! Fantasy is quickly becoming my favorite genre simply because of how amazing authors are with world building and character development so when im reading i see everything thats happening in my mind, I can imagine the bright colors, amazing dresses & feel the emotions the characters feel.

August is a FMC that I instantly fell in love with. A chef thats also badass?! Yes please! Everytime she had an interaction with Rivian or Cliff i thought for sure i knew where the story was gonna go, I didnt 😂 but I love that!

I cannot wait til im able to read book two!

[Alexandra Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but this book?? I went in thinking epic fantasy and got hit with emotional damage instead 😭
August is such a strong but real FMC — she doesn’t even want war, she just wants her life, and watching her get pulled into rebellion and ancient magic was so intense. The worldbuilding is cool without being confusing, and the whole Sovereigns vs. Resistance storyline kept me hooked.
There’s angst, found family vibes, betrayal, and just enough romance to make it hurt in the best way.

[Shannon King Hofman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh WOW! Super impressed with Mara and her debut novel. Loved the characters and twists. Can't wait for the second book!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Auras of the Fallen Stars” is the debut fantasy novel by Mara van Nacht. The story takes place in Celestera, which becomes cleaved in two by the anger of a Sovereign Leader. This sets a new path in motion for August Monroe, a chef who was just looking for a new job across the river. She joins a resistance against the Sovereign Leaders in response to the tragedy.

The story follows August as she is pulled into the very world she wishes to destroy, and in the process meets some fascinating characters that really help carry the story alongside her.

What I really enjoyed about this book is how it differs from other romantasy books in terms of the shocking surprises in the latter part of the book, and other revelations. Sometimes I can see some things coming, but, in this case, I did not see it at all until it is revealed. There his also no instant knowledge about who August’s love interest will be. Which I also liked about this book, given that so many books introduce the main love interest and readers usually know right away that this love interest and the main female character are already predestined.

August is a great female lead character. She is strong willed and independent. She sticks-up for herself, and her ideals. August has a wonderful circle of friends. The book also has great tension between her and some other characters that add to the plot.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. The surprises at the end really made it for me. I was tense and on edge during the last 10% of the book. At that point I had no idea what was going to happen, even when I thought I did. And while I do not need every book I read to shock me and have crazy plot twists, I do enjoy them when they happen.

Thank you to NerdFam down the ARC to read and review.

[Luminea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has an interesting premise that initially drew me in, but in the end it was a struggle for me to get through.

One of the issues I had was the pacing. The first 25% was fairly steady and emotionally intense, with the FMC experiencing several traumatic events. Then from 25-75% of the way through I was either bored or confused, and kept putting the book down. Then in the last 25% of the book there is major action, a ton of new characters being introduced, and even more confusion.

The world building was quite original and interesting, if unclear. This is a high fantasy world with very complex lore, magical systems and history, and I have no doubt that the author has spent ages fleshing it out in her mind, which I totally respect. Obviously there are secrets that won't be fully explained until later on in the series, but I still had difficulty keeping up with all the information being thrown at me. I never completely understood the goals of the Resistance, and if the Advisory and the Sovereign Descendants were on the same side, and what the "war" was even really about.

Then there is the massive cast of characters to keep track of, which could have used an index or list. We have the Fallen, their descendants, humans, witches, and the native people of Celestara, and I struggled to get a clear picture of their origins and similarities/differences.

For the first part of the book, I felt like I liked and sympathized with the main character, August. Then when she departed from Quinthold she became almost recognizable. I understand she was dealing with trauma and trying to reinvent herself, but I lost my respect for her. She impulsively breaks up with her boyfriend of ten years and instead of trying to process it or grieve, she is instantly falling for someone else.

The author was going for a found family vibe with all the secondary characters, but unfortunately for me it didn't feel authentic...more like insta-love. August has been isolated and friendless by choice (aside from her boyfriend and mentor) for years, and suddenly she has all these new BFFs who fawn over her. She has no people skills, which I actually like about her character, and yet everyone in Auralia acts as if they already know her when they meet for the first time. She's suddenly having wine nights with the girls and joking with all the men as if they are old friends.

I also found it extremely creepy and cringey that her new boss calls her "love," invades her personal space, and touches her intimately on her first day of the job, and she had no issues with it. She's instantly lusting for him. He says he hired her because her aura called to him and he immediately wanted to hold her and protect her. And so now he's her boss and trying to seduce her? Eww.

Aside from this, I was frustrated by some holes in the plot that were never resolved. There's an entire chapter devoted to her kitchen assistant, Rowan, passing her a secret message in a very covert and elaborate way. August leaves the kitchen intending to read the scroll, and then it is never mentioned again. Not only do we not learn what it said, we don't even know if August read it, as if this entire chapter never even happened.

Supposedly she is also trying to gain intel for the Resistance by reading books in the library. She is given lots of "normal" books to read, but then she has an unusual experience with some magical books. One literally jumps off the shelf at her, and another smacks her in the face. She begins to read a mysterious glowing book that references The Auras of the Fallen Stars, which is clearly super important because that's the title of this story, right? She only reads one short paragraph before she is interrupted by her smarmy boss, and the book vanishes. Does she ever try to find it again? Nope. Does she talk to the librarian about the unusual way the books acted towards her? Nope.

Oh and a very significant and sentimental book that belongs to August also goes missing, but she makes zero efforts to find it. Yet she nearly drowned rather than lose her dragonskin bag, which is just as important to her.

So overall, I think this was a really cool concept with interesting world building but unfortunately the execution didn't work for me. There was way too much lore that wasn't clearly explained, relationships that weren't given enough time to develop authentically, and plot points left hanging.This is a debut novel, and I do think the author's writing has a lot of potential. I'm not sure if I'm invested enough in the story to keep reading the series, but I have no doubt that others will enjoy it.

I'm grateful to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read Auras of the Fallen Stars as an ARC.

I wish I could have rated this story better. I was super hyped and excited initially. It has a decent premise and clearly has plans. However, I found myself left asking, "Why?" for too many key plot points for my inquisitive brain to be satiated with it.

Why was the rebellion so important? What was their goal? What intel was so important? Who is Beryl? Where can I get the bag Nova crafted? What did August put in her lasagna if she detested ricotta? Will Zalya buy me a necklace like hers too? What happened to the book in the library? What was with the map in August's room? What was in the floury note? Where did Cliff go after the party? Can I have a lemon bar? Or was it cheesecake? Why did the villain want August? Is Rivian even real? Why was Zalya so hot and cold all the time? What was so special about such an angry human? What did Lorcan do??

[Gabrielle Delp · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review: Auras of the Fallen Stars by Mara van Nacht**

Mara van Nacht's Auras of the Fallen Stars is an utterly engaging read and a fantastic experience, even in this Advanced Reader Copy format. It masterfully blends the high-stakes world of resistance with the intricate beauty of culinary art.

*The Dual Life of August*
The narrative centers on August, an accomplished chef whose moonlighting pursuits lead her on a new, exciting path. Van Nacht’s descriptive prowess is truly the star here. I didn't just read the story—I felt like I was immersed in it, a phantom observer watching every moment unfold in vivid detail.

This piece delivers a powerful, sensory experience:
I could feel every emotion radiating from the characters.
I could sense every sensation, from the heat of a burning building to the chill of a meeting around a bonfire with new found friends.
The descriptions are incredibly intricate and visual, making the world pop right off the page.

*Final Thoughts & Recommendation*
This book is a true page-turner—I never wanted to put it down. Mara van Nacht is an inspiration, and the ARC made me so confident in the finished product that I've already pre-ordered a copy for myself and can't wait to gift a second!

I am immensely excited for the next installment in the series to discover what adventures await August and her growing circle of old and new allies.

If you like magic, dragons, far-away places, and high-octane fantasy with deeply realized characters, you absolutely need to pick up Auras of the Fallen Stars when it releases on Dec 9, 2025.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads

I went into this with zero expectations after winning a copy and ended up completely hooked.

From the very beginning, this book throws you straight into the world in a way that makes it almost impossible to put down. The first 20% is fast-paced and action-heavy, with constant movement and change for the FMC, and each chapter does a great job of pulling you into the next. I also loved the shorter chapter length and the little snippets at the start of each one. They added depth without slowing the pacing.

The world-building is genuinely one of the strongest aspects of this book. It’s vast, imaginative, and feels fresh. Fallen stars colonising a world, humans and descendants living together, and a resistance quietly building beneath the surface. It could have easily become overwhelming, but instead it felt balanced and easy to follow. You’re given just enough to understand without ever feeling lost. The inclusion of dragons was just the cherry on top.

That said, there were a few areas that didn’t quite land for me.

The FMC was likeable, but also frustrating at times. Some of her emotional responses, particularly around love and relationships, felt a little shallow, which made it harder to fully connect with her. This ties into one of my bigger issues, the romance.

I’m not against insta-love, but here it felt underdeveloped. The connection with her boss happens almost instantly, despite her having just come out of a ten-year relationship literally a day before. The dynamic felt uncomfortable at times, and the overly familiar tone early on didn’t feel earned. I actually found myself skimming some of those scenes because they leaned more cringe than compelling. I’m choosing to believe this was a rebound-era version of her rather than a reflection of her character overall.

The found family element is another area that had potential but felt slightly rushed. The bonds formed quickly, but not always in a way that felt fully earned. That said, this is something I think could really strengthen over the course of the series.

The ending is where things became a bit chaotic. A lot happens in a short space of time. New characters appear suddenly, old ones re-enter in ways that don’t always feel necessary, and several threads I had been following seemed to disappear entirely. Instead of answering questions, it raises many more, which left me feeling slightly overwhelmed. However, I do think this is the kind of book that would benefit from a reread, where those threads might feel more intentional and connected.

Despite those critiques, I have to say this is an incredibly impressive debut. The writing is engaging, the concept feels original, and it pulled me out of a reading slump without effort, which says a lot.

I’ll definitely be continuing the series, and I’m really excited to see how both the world and characters develop from here.

[Shannen · Rating 2 out of 5]

💫E-Arc Review💫
•
Tropes:
Found Family 👫
Forced Proximity
Feminine Rage 😤
Slow Burn 🔥
Diverse Magic System 🪄
•
“Send word if you need me, love”
•
August is a human in the descendant’s world. She thrives as a chef having graduated from the tutelage of her mentor during the day and moonlights in the rebellion at night. But when her mentor tragically dies in a fire, and her long term boyfriend forces her to choose between the rebellion and their relationship, she takes a leap and accepts the position of Personal Chef to someone rich - little did she know it was the Sovereign of Aurelia.

I enjoyed the set up and dynamic of the first love our FMC had with Blaine. It was giving comfortable relationship vibes but not epic love, so you could love to hate him. I would have loved to see more into his role as a high ranking member of the Advisory.

August’s personality was big and her love of cooking was really pronounced in the story. I kept thinking of her like Gordon Ramsay during her rage because the yelling in the kitchen towards other kitchen staff stemmed from a lack of love and passion in the kitchen to get everything perfect.

When August started wine nights with the girlies was when the found family really started to come out - I loved Mia and Bianca, however I wish there was just more. More connection to everyone. I think the feminine rage got in the way of meaningful relationships

I picked this up and put it down a few times and it felt like things were being told not shown to me. Everything was a bit disjointed and could use more flow. I wish I had been more invested in the romance of everything. At one point the MMC simply was away on a work trip but he never tells her that, and we are just left without the romance.

Everything very suddenly picks up about 80% in go the epic “final battle” that came out of nowhere and all these relationships are suddenly important to the FMC who had ignored and avoided Zalya, for example, after Zalya’s fist ever interaction with her expressed how she wanted a friend. She also very suddenly loves Cliff despite having not spent much time with him at all. These relationships would have benefitted from more.

I was confused about the world the entire time, too. I did not understand the supposed disjoint between the descendants and humans when all the descendants clearly were very kind to the human FMC. Not enough info on all fronts.

In the next book I’d like to understand the magic system more, the Advisory and its role and actions, and the sovereign realms (since August was so oblivious to it all).
🌶️🌶️.5

[Jenna Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

What makes Auras of the Fallen Stars so captivating is the way it explores the complexity of grief and rage. August’s transformation from a chef-in-training to a fierce, relentless force of nature is both believable and moving. Her journey isn't just about vengeance; it’s about reclaiming the parts of herself that were lost, about standing up in a world that wants her to fall.

The book explores themes of betrayal and found family, but more than that, it delves deeply into feminine rage—a kind of power that both heals and destroys, depending on how it is wielded.

The world-building is lush and immersive. The fractured realm, torn apart by the Sovereign's cruelty, is brought to life with stunning detail. The magic system, which intertwines with the very fabric of the story, is mysterious and intriguing, adding layers of tension and intrigue to the plot. The stakes feel high, the betrayals sharp, and the battles—both internal and external…gripping.

The pacing of the book is fast and intense, with each chapter pushing August closer to her goal, yet keeping the tension taut by introducing new secrets, twists, and unexpected revelations. It’s a story that demands to be read in one sitting, as you’ll find yourself unable to tear your eyes away from August’s journey. Her fierce determination, the camaraderie of the Resistance, and the powerful women who stand by her side make for an empowering and gripping narrative.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is August herself. She is a heroine who feels both vulnerable and invincible, torn between the person she used to be and the person she’s becoming. Her growth throughout the book is beautifully handled. She doesn’t just survive, she becomes a force to be reckoned with, determined to reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

The supporting characters, too, are richly developed. From the enigmatic Resistance leader to the morally complex Sovereigns, each character plays a pivotal role in shaping the story. The relationships, particularly the bonds of found family, are what keep the narrative grounded, offering moments of hope and tenderness amidst the chaos.

Auras of the Fallen Stars is a book that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a story about defiance in the face of overwhelming odds, about choosing to fight for love and justice, and about never, ever giving up, even when the whole world feels like it’s against you.

[Arcs & Edges · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when the world literally cracks open, and the only thing you have left to sharpen is you r kitchen knives? August Monroe never asked for a war, but when a Sovereign's rage shatters her reality, she discovers that the precision of a chef is just as deadly as the magic of the stars.

In this first book of the Descendants of the Stars series, we follow August as she follows her culinary dreams while joining a desperate resistance. After losing her mentor in both, she must infiltrate a royal palace and navigate the lethal shadows of the "Fallen Stars" to uncover a power hidden within her own blood.

What I loved
- Characters: August's background as a chef is such a refreshing departure from typical fantasy tropes. Her methodical approach to problems and her unique perspective on the world made her an instantly compelling lead. The "found family" she builds within the resistance (and the palace) feels earned and adds a beautiful emotional layer to the story.
- World- Building: The mythology of the Sovereigns and the celestial magic system is intricately developed. The atmosphere of a world physically divided by ancient power creates a constant sense of stakes and wonder.
- Themes: I was particularly moved by the exploration of resilience and how grief can be forged into a weapon. The political intrique within the palace walls is sharp and kept me guessing.

Points for Consideration
- Development: I found the initial chapters a bit challenging to navigate. The combination of several time jumps and alternating POV shifts meant it took some time to firmly place every character within the timeline.
- Pacing: The narrative is quite dense, prioritizing world-building and political setup in the beginning. While this provides great depth later on, the momentum feels a bit slow during the first part.
- Subjectivity: If you enjoy character-driven epics that require a bit of focus to unpack the lore, the payoff here is excellent, though it does ask for some patience in the opening chapters.

Final Verdict & Recommendation
I am giving Auras of the Fallen Stars a solid 4-star rating. It is a distinctive and atmospheric read, standing out most for its unique culinary-themed protagonist and high-stakes emotional core. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fresh take on the romantasy genre, and I am eager to see where the next book leads.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally I would put a small description of the book in my review but like it’ll spoil everything so just know that August is a feisty chef just trying to keep surviving on a daily basis (same honestly) while also dealing with multiple large traumatic events. She takes a mysterious job that leads her to some questionable discoveries, some incredible new friends, and danger obviously.

I really liked the idea of this book - the characters were lovable, the plot was incredible, the magic and world were very intriguing. The plot twist(s) at the end really threw me, I usually have a knack for being able to tell what’s happening in a romantasy book, but this one actually really got me so big applause for that! I also had no idea who the actual love interest would end up being, which sometimes is easy to tell but not here. I saw someone in another review saying they liked how August was in her 30s. I really have no memory of any ages being told in the book but I can honestly say August does act her age for the most part. Sometimes in books you get older characters who still act like they’re 12 but this was definitely not the case. Overall was a good book, I’ll be reading the rest of the series as it comes out and I can’t wait to see how the author and characters all grow as the series progresses!

All that being said - stop reading here if you’re the author, it’s going to be a little critical and you don’t need to see that if you don’t want to. Good work on your debut and I can’t wait to continue the series!


The downsides to this book are mainly the plot holes. Im a vibe reader so I typically don’t mind a flawed book as long as I had a good time - but this one kinda got me. A lot of the relationships and events felt really out of place as there was little to no build up. It was a little jarring and detracting from the lovely storyline. So many things felt forced and unprecedented and in the end I didn’t care a lot about most of the characters or relationships. I still also don’t really understand what the Resistance is, aside from the one time August briefly said she hates that magic causes a power imbalance. Anyway like I said above I enjoyed it enough to continue anyway but if any of these things tend to ruin your reading experience then beware! There wasn’t any typos though so typo haters you are safe here 🫡

[Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

Auras of the fallen stars pulls a lot into its pages, it makes you hit the ground running with a world changing event and the aftermath which understandably has a resistance team as the focus. Following a series of traumatic events and resistance failures, she is found by Ryvian at her most vulnerable and ready for a complete change, especially when that change will give her a new lease on her resistance life.

I really liked August as a MC, she's a woman trying to do it all, which is entirely relatable. I think the best part was that she wasn't reduced down to her gender, the fact she is a renowned chef and we are able to see her come into her own on many occasions in that field is fantastic, it also fits and flows into the story so well. There is a strong focus on friendship and being the outsider, wine club is again completely relatable and this was such a fun addition especially as it gave August an unexpected opportunity.

Also I know we were meant to root for Ryvian during the book, but despite my early misgivings, there was always something about Cliff for me, maybe i just love a grumpy boy.

There were a fair few unanswered questions which i'm hoping will be resolved, especially the scroll in the flour, which felt important but we never found out, and i think its because from that point on the story went into overdrive. The last couple of hours of the audio absolutely slapped to the point it felt like it was a whole new book, tons of action, massive reveals and quite the serving of spice. I'm absolutely intrigued by what will come next, especially as i'm hoping that we'll get some answers to Augusts second voice and also why she keeps losing time.....

As i was provided with an ALC I will say that I enjoyed the dual narration style, it really helped to define who was speaking and gave it a more cinematic feel, Stephan Godleski did a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of voice work as there were a lot of roles to fulfil.

Where the audio didn't quite work for me related to some pronunciation from the US narrators. Some UK English phrasing was used like pub, trousers, and plait, unfortunately plait being spoken as plate really pulled me out of the story and pub was never quite right, i'm curious to know why this was a choice though!

Thank you to the publishers for the ALC, its the start to an interesting series which i'm certainly here for more of!

[Brea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to Auras of the Fallen Stars entirely on audio, and let me tell you—this book whispered sweet lies into my ears before absolutely shoving me down a flight of emotional stairs.
First of all: a fantasy FMC who is a CHEF???
Immediate yes. Immediate obsession. August is out here wielding knives, seasoning food, and accidentally seasoning political rebellion with feminine rage. She’s in her 30s, exhausted, grieving, sharp-tongued, and running purely on spite and competence—which is honestly the most relatable energy I’ve encountered in a romantasy in a while.
The audio experience is immersive in the “wait, did that just matter?? should I rewind?? why do I suddenly feel uneasy??” kind of way. The narration pulls you in so smoothly that you don’t realize you’re being set up until it’s FAR too late. The vibes are vibing. The worldbuilding seeps in quietly. You think you’re just hanging out in kitchens and palaces and political tension—
—and then the last 30% happens.
EXCUSE ME????
Betrayal. Twists. Reveals. Emotional whiplash. I was walking around like, “Oh. OH. That’s what was happening. Cool cool cool I hate it here.” Absolute end-of-book chaos. Mara really said: you thought this was calm? incorrect.
Also: the romance??
Slow burn. Yearning. Banter. Confusing feelings. A situation that is less “love triangle” and more “emotional geometry I did not consent to.” And Cliffy?? Sir??? Growling on audio should be illegal. I would follow that man directly into poor life decisions.
The writing translates beautifully to audio—lush without being pretentious, emotional without being overwrought, and confident in a way that says “yes this is a debut but no I will not be acting like it.” Respect.
Is it complex? Yes.
Did I occasionally feel like I was missing something on purpose? Also yes.
Did it all CLICK in a horrifying, satisfying way by the end? ABSOLUTELY.
I finished this audiobook staring into space like I’d just been personally wronged.
If you want:
chef knives + magic
feral FMC energy
found family + trauma
slow burn that hurts your feelings
an ending that chooses VIOLENCE
Congrats. This is for you.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be waiting aggressively for book two and replaying scenes in my head like a normal, well-adjusted person

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this book is not like any other I have read before - with a VERY complex society, history and political system AOTFS is a book you could read 10 times over and still learn new things! I am already on my second read and like “Oh I forgot about that” and “Well that detail completely slipped my mind.” It is definitely a book you have to read by itself. As a crazy person who usually reads 2 books at the same time plus an audiobook - I did have to stop the others and give this my full attention to really take in and understand the full complexity of this book.

Let me tell you about the feisty FMC - August...she is a Chef! Yes a chef! I feel like this in itself is something new for a fantasy book and I am here for it. It definitely added a different aspect to the story from what I am typically use to reading from fantasy and romance books. It is very fun and she is a spicy woman on a mission.

Don't forget the amazing group of characters that surround August - I swear every character in this story could have it's own side book and I would be here for all of them because of how much "main character" energy they all give with all their quirks and details. It makes the story much more fun and adds depth to it where you aren't expecting.

Did someone say love triangle?? This is like a love square!! There are so many feelings here - I don't know how us or the FMC is going to decide or try to make it through this emotional rollercoaster.

I think the only thing I will say that through me a little bit was about 40% of the way through the book I felt like I started to miss something. The writing felt a bit different, almost like it was August diaryish and I feel like I was missing things. However at about 60% I came to realize that August also felt the same way at this point in her story about her life and it honestly seemed like oh maybe I was supposed to feel this way after all just like her LOL

and OMGoodness the ending. Let me tell you I was not expecting some of the plot twists here. WOW did Mara send us through the ringer with this one. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story drops us into a world divided between mortals and the Descendants, powerful magic wielders said to be the heirs of the first fallen stars.

Our FMC is stubborn, sharp-tongued, deeply loyal, and carrying far more grief than anyone her age should have to bear. Early in the story her world quite literally shatters when a catastrophic tear splits the realm in half, taking people she loves with it. From that moment on she dedicates herself to the resistance fighting against the Descendants believed to be responsible.

Fast forward ten years and she’s finally built something that feels like a life again, working as the head chef in the restaurant of her dreams, surrounded by a found family who have become everything to her.

But peace never lasts long in a broken world.
Within the span of days everything she’s built begins to unravel. Loss, betrayal, impossible choices, and a tempting opportunity that seems like salvation arrive all at once. Desperate for stability, she accepts a prestigious new position… only to discover she’s just walked straight into the palace of the ones she despises the most.

From there the story begins to truly unfold.
The cast of side characters brings so much personality and energy to the story, and the slow build of tension throughout the book leads to some genuinely shocking twists near the end.

The MMC especially had me feeling slightly unsettled the entire time… and once the final revelations hit, it all made perfect sense.

While the first half builds the world and characters at a slower pace, the second half absolutely takes off and delivers a whirlwind of revelations.

✨ Tropes & Themes
• Enemies to lovers
• Found family
• Strong-willed FMC
• Dragons
• Witches & magic
• Political tension
• Resistance against ruling powers

And that ending…
Let’s just say the cliffhanger was brutal and I’m going to need the next book immediately.

Overall, this was a fun fantasy read filled with magic, shifting loyalties, and twists I didn’t see coming.

[Emily Azevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A story about grief, rage, and refusing to stay broken.”

Wow. This book hit way harder than I expected. From the opening line, I was completely pulled into August Monroe’s world—a place split in half by a Sovereign’s fury and held together only by scraps of magic, loyalty, and loss. August never wanted to fight; she just wanted to learn to cook. But when everything she loves is torn away, she turns her grief into a weapon, and honestly? Watching her rise from the ashes was so satisfying.

The story blends found family, betrayal, and slow-burn rage in a way that feels both epic and personal. August is the kind of heroine who doesn’t wait around for rescue—she is the rescue. Her determination is messy and human, and that’s what makes her so easy to root for. The friendships she finds in the Resistance and the complicated relationship with her mentor give the book so much emotional depth.

The worldbuilding is rich without being confusing—there’s political tension, ancient magic, and a palace full of secrets that all feel alive. I loved how the story never paints war as clean or simple; everyone has scars, and every choice costs something. And when August starts to uncover what’s awakening in her blood? Goosebumps.

If you like stories about girls who refuse to stay down, complicated magic systems, and the feeling of clawing your way through fire just to find your own light, this one’s for you. Think The Poppy War meets Six of Crows, with a dash of kitchen knives and divine fury.

This book made me cry, cheer, and want to throw it across the room (in the best way). August Monroe isn’t here to be a hero—she’s here to survive, and she’ll make you believe you can too.

[Linda Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional roller coaster, filled with hidden identities, and a cleverly crafted world and impressive cast of characters.

What an incredible read! August is the snarky chef FMC and I truly bonded with her. She has been through so much loss and is at a point in her life where she is sick of feeling adrift and this leads her to search for something real.

Whilst deep in grief over the loss of her mentor, August leaves her relationship with human, Blaine, and takes a strange new opportunity to go and work for a Celestial (magical human descended from fallen Stars). She finds herself thrown into a new landscape where she has no idea what the rules are, and in the sights of her boss who is the Sovereign Descendent blessed with the strongest magical powers.

The world building and character development in this book is incredible and so well written. There are so many character arcs going on and lovers of epic fantasy will eat this up. This is a book where you have to think and use your imagination, as Mara leaves little bread crumbs connected to the mystery of what happened to the Fallen. You will also be questioning the hidden identities and motives of the side characters within August's journey, as their true objectives are slowly revealed. Every time you think you have worked out what must be going on, guess again!! Well done Mara 👏🏻

I totally felt August's emotional whiplash as her feelings tumbled between potential suitors but this was so cleverly done as I kept guessing who August was interested in, or whether she would pack it all in and go back to Blaine and beg him to take her back!! Yes there is spice in this book, but it is not the star of this show.

Typical book 1 cliffhanger where some things are revealed but now I have MORE questions than answers!! Well played, Mara.

Tropes I enjoyed:
💞 Unsuspecting love triangles
✨ Unique magic system
🌏 Epic, vast world building
🔥 Feminine rage
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn romance
🥰 Found family
😶‍🌫️ Hidden identities
📖 Epic fantasy

Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the eBook and this is my honest review. I eagerly await book 2!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in the Descendants of the Stars Series by Mara van Nacht. It’s an epically broad and emotionally deep story that will keep you intrigued the entire way through. And I promise it’s like nothing you’ve ever read!

The FMC is August Monroe, a chef with an impressive set of skills. She’s been broken and rebuilt herself alongside a good man working for a cause he believes in, but she breaks up with him and takes a job she thinks will relieve the stress and conflict she feels. Unfortunately it complicates everything. August is externally unflappable but has an active inner dialogue that provides great insight to the reader. Navigating who is trustworthy and who is not is actually a huge issue! She loves deeply, and typically has a great sense about others intentions, but this new environment clouds many things. Another man, powerful and influential, pulls her heart toward him, and she’s not sure if she can risk it. But little by little she falls for him.

The world building is steady, and the magic system and politics are complex. All are well paced and understandable. The romance is also far more convoluted than I imagined! The found family and side characters are expertly written and I look forward to more with them in the series!

This is going to be a phenomenal multi-book series that will introduce you to gods and goddesses in a brand new way. The ending of book one blew the doors off the hinges. If you love fantasy and sci-fi and deep feeling characters, are a woman who has rebuilt her life from scratch and fights for the resistance, this is for you!