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Realm of Stone and Starlight: BRAND NEW addictive and heart-piercing enemies to lovers romantasy read from C. L. Mecca for 2026
Welcome to Elydor, where kingdoms collide and love reigns supreme 🗡️❤️💫 ⚔ The sizzling romantasy saga that’s stealing hearts across the realm - perfect for fans of BookTok favourites including Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and A Court of Thorns and Roses. ⚔ He was born to be a weapon. She was born to break the curse. Together, they might destroy a kingdom.
As heir to Gyoria, every choice Terran has made has been forged in duty and hardened by the weight of his father’s hatred for Aetherians. But when Lady Lyra, an Aetherian noblewoman, enters his life, fierce and untamed, her presence threatens to unravel the stone walls he has built around his heart.
Lyra carries her own secrets, bound to magic and truth she cannot easily share. Trusting Terran could cost her everything, yet resisting him grows harder with every glance, every stolen touch and every vow whispered in the dark.
As the final relics stir and the ancient Aetherian Gate stands on the brink of reopening, clans are poised to fracture and loyalties begin to splinter. To claim a future together, Terran and Lyra must decide if their love can withstand not only betrayal and bloodshed but the weight of Elydor’s destiny itself…
Realm of Stone and Starlight is part of the Heirs of Elydor series but can be read as an interconnected standalone. Enter the elemental world of Elydor and escape into a love so fierce it will shake the kingdoms. 💫⭐️✨
👑 Elemental magic
👑 Dual POV
👑 Enemies to lovers
👑 He falls first
👑 Touch her and die
👑 Power play
👑 Rival kingdoms
👑 Fated mates
👑 Artefact quest
Praise for the Heirs of Elydor
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'Totally addictive. Really enjoyed it from start to finish. I couldn’t put the book down.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'This story is so unique and imaginative'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'The banter was so good and the tension was wonderful.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'This whole series has my heart.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'A captivating fantasy world.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'Gave me belonging, family and true friends every time I go back to it.'
As heir to Gyoria, every choice Terran has made has been forged in duty and hardened by the weight of his father’s hatred for Aetherians. But when Lady Lyra, an Aetherian noblewoman, enters his life, fierce and untamed, her presence threatens to unravel the stone walls he has built around his heart.
Lyra carries her own secrets, bound to magic and truth she cannot easily share. Trusting Terran could cost her everything, yet resisting him grows harder with every glance, every stolen touch and every vow whispered in the dark.
As the final relics stir and the ancient Aetherian Gate stands on the brink of reopening, clans are poised to fracture and loyalties begin to splinter. To claim a future together, Terran and Lyra must decide if their love can withstand not only betrayal and bloodshed but the weight of Elydor’s destiny itself…
Realm of Stone and Starlight is part of the Heirs of Elydor series but can be read as an interconnected standalone. Enter the elemental world of Elydor and escape into a love so fierce it will shake the kingdoms. 💫⭐️✨
👑 Elemental magic
👑 Dual POV
👑 Enemies to lovers
👑 He falls first
👑 Touch her and die
👑 Power play
👑 Rival kingdoms
👑 Fated mates
👑 Artefact quest
Praise for the Heirs of Elydor
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'Totally addictive. Really enjoyed it from start to finish. I couldn’t put the book down.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'This story is so unique and imaginative'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'The banter was so good and the tension was wonderful.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'This whole series has my heart.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'A captivating fantasy world.'
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'Gave me belonging, family and true friends every time I go back to it.'
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 14, 2026
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Mecca
14 books55 followersC.L. Mecca is the author of steamy paranormal romance that transports readers to a world of love, passion, power and control. She also writes historical romance as Cecelia Mecca.
Every heroine, from Lady Sara in the Border Series to Alessandra Fiore in Bloodwite, is your best friend-- the one who kicks ass and takes names. When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to take control, sparks fly with increasing fervor. If you favor sleep, don't start reading her books late at night.
Cecelia writes the Amazon bestselling Border Series which takes readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles in 13th century Northumbria along the Anglo-Scottish border. aka Hot English Knights AND Sexy Scottish Highlanders She's also currently jumping into a new world which tests the patience of even the most steadfast romance heroine. After all, dealing with the ultimate bad boys-- sexy, wealthy and swoon-worthy vampires-- is not for the faint of heart. In other words, she's releasing her first contemporary paranormal series in January 2019.
You can find Cecelia in Northeast, Pennsylvania where she can be found, chai in hand, thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and paranormal playboys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.
FREE prequel:
Jump into her worlds with a free prequel: http://www.ceceliamecca.com/insider
Every heroine, from Lady Sara in the Border Series to Alessandra Fiore in Bloodwite, is your best friend-- the one who kicks ass and takes names. When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to take control, sparks fly with increasing fervor. If you favor sleep, don't start reading her books late at night.
Cecelia writes the Amazon bestselling Border Series which takes readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles in 13th century Northumbria along the Anglo-Scottish border. aka Hot English Knights AND Sexy Scottish Highlanders She's also currently jumping into a new world which tests the patience of even the most steadfast romance heroine. After all, dealing with the ultimate bad boys-- sexy, wealthy and swoon-worthy vampires-- is not for the faint of heart. In other words, she's releasing her first contemporary paranormal series in January 2019.
You can find Cecelia in Northeast, Pennsylvania where she can be found, chai in hand, thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and paranormal playboys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.
FREE prequel:
Jump into her worlds with a free prequel: http://www.ceceliamecca.com/insider
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Realm of Stone and Starlight by C.L. Mecca.
Boldwood Books, thank you for the ARC, and thanks to NetGalley for once again sabotaging my sleep schedule with zero remorse.
I cracked this book open expecting a perfectly pleasant romantasy. Maybe a little angst, maybe a little kissing, maybe a curse or two. Instead, the story stepped out of the shadows like Terran himself and said, “Sit down; you’re not ready.” Spoiler: I wasn’t. Elydor isn’t just a setting. It feels like the author sneaked into my house, lit a candle made of political tension and forbidden longing, and told me to enjoy myself. I did. Too much.
Terran, heir of Gyoria and champion of emotional constipation, carries himself like a man who knows the world expects him to be a weapon. He’s sharp, disciplined, and about as warm as a frostbitten throne room until Lyra storms in. She’s fierce in that quietly powerful way that drives brooding men straight into character development. Her secrets pulse under every scene they share, and even when she tries to keep him at arm’s length, the pages disagree. The tension between them isn’t slow burn so much as a simmering pot someone keeps nudging the heat on. And honestly, bless them for that.
The magic of Elydor feels grounded, tied to the land in a way that’s easy to follow but still gorgeous. Mecca knows when to describe something and when to let the reader feel it instead. That balance kept the story from slipping into the dreaded “fantasy info fog.” The relic hunt adds movement without ever dragging, and the looming Aetherian Gate gives the whole plot a ticking clock you can practically hear.
One of my favorite moments comes when Lyra says, “Stone can be shaped, but it’s the cracks that tell the truth.” I had to stop and admire how unfairly good that line was. It sums up the whole book: strength shifting, truth slipping through where the light gets in, and two people learning that vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a door they’ve both been too stubborn to open.
Their chemistry is delicious. Terran falls first with the enthusiasm of a man who has spent years avoiding feelings and now can’t locate the brakes. Lyra, meanwhile, tries to convince herself she has better things to do than fall for a man trained to hate her people. The universe laughs and refuses to assist. Every glance, every near-touch, every begrudging alliance feeds that satisfying arc from wary opponents to partners who’d tear realms apart for each other.
As the relics awaken and loyalties split, the plot tightens like a bowstring. What impressed me most is how Mecca keeps the emotional thread steady while the political landscape shifts under everyone’s feet. Terran and Lyra’s choices feel heavy because the world around them feels real. You understand what they stand to lose, and why loving each other might be the bravest or stupidest thing they’ve ever done.
By the final chapters, I wasn’t reading so much as clutching the book like it owed me answers. It’s dramatic, it’s heartfelt, and it delivers exactly what romantasy promises: danger, desire, and the possibility that love might change destiny itself. I closed the last page satisfied and slightly annoyed that I have to wait for the next installment. Classic reader problem.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#RealmofStoneandStarlight #CLMecca #Romantasy #EnemiesToLovers #HeFallsFirst #TouchHerAndDie #FantasyRomance #BookReview #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #ARCReview #FantasyReaders #RomantasyBooks #NewFantasyRelease #BookTokReads
Boldwood Books, thank you for the ARC, and thanks to NetGalley for once again sabotaging my sleep schedule with zero remorse.
I cracked this book open expecting a perfectly pleasant romantasy. Maybe a little angst, maybe a little kissing, maybe a curse or two. Instead, the story stepped out of the shadows like Terran himself and said, “Sit down; you’re not ready.” Spoiler: I wasn’t. Elydor isn’t just a setting. It feels like the author sneaked into my house, lit a candle made of political tension and forbidden longing, and told me to enjoy myself. I did. Too much.
Terran, heir of Gyoria and champion of emotional constipation, carries himself like a man who knows the world expects him to be a weapon. He’s sharp, disciplined, and about as warm as a frostbitten throne room until Lyra storms in. She’s fierce in that quietly powerful way that drives brooding men straight into character development. Her secrets pulse under every scene they share, and even when she tries to keep him at arm’s length, the pages disagree. The tension between them isn’t slow burn so much as a simmering pot someone keeps nudging the heat on. And honestly, bless them for that.
The magic of Elydor feels grounded, tied to the land in a way that’s easy to follow but still gorgeous. Mecca knows when to describe something and when to let the reader feel it instead. That balance kept the story from slipping into the dreaded “fantasy info fog.” The relic hunt adds movement without ever dragging, and the looming Aetherian Gate gives the whole plot a ticking clock you can practically hear.
One of my favorite moments comes when Lyra says, “Stone can be shaped, but it’s the cracks that tell the truth.” I had to stop and admire how unfairly good that line was. It sums up the whole book: strength shifting, truth slipping through where the light gets in, and two people learning that vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a door they’ve both been too stubborn to open.
Their chemistry is delicious. Terran falls first with the enthusiasm of a man who has spent years avoiding feelings and now can’t locate the brakes. Lyra, meanwhile, tries to convince herself she has better things to do than fall for a man trained to hate her people. The universe laughs and refuses to assist. Every glance, every near-touch, every begrudging alliance feeds that satisfying arc from wary opponents to partners who’d tear realms apart for each other.
As the relics awaken and loyalties split, the plot tightens like a bowstring. What impressed me most is how Mecca keeps the emotional thread steady while the political landscape shifts under everyone’s feet. Terran and Lyra’s choices feel heavy because the world around them feels real. You understand what they stand to lose, and why loving each other might be the bravest or stupidest thing they’ve ever done.
By the final chapters, I wasn’t reading so much as clutching the book like it owed me answers. It’s dramatic, it’s heartfelt, and it delivers exactly what romantasy promises: danger, desire, and the possibility that love might change destiny itself. I closed the last page satisfied and slightly annoyed that I have to wait for the next installment. Classic reader problem.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#RealmofStoneandStarlight #CLMecca #Romantasy #EnemiesToLovers #HeFallsFirst #TouchHerAndDie #FantasyRomance #BookReview #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #ARCReview #FantasyReaders #RomantasyBooks #NewFantasyRelease #BookTokReads
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read this book. I truly appreciate it.
The epic conclusion to a truly amazing series is finally here and you're going to love it! If you've been a fan of this series from the start, you're only going to have your heart broken only because it's over. However once it releases you'll be able to read it all again and again and never have to leave this world!
Watching Terran's heart-wrenching growth wass truly magical, and seeing Lyra finally find everything that makes her feel complete was so beautiful. But what was even more beautiful was how this book expanded on the vividness that C.L. Mecca can create, the friendships and the found family within, the relationship between Terran and Lyra and absolutely the conclusion. If you wanted a truly happily ever after for every single one of our favourite characters it's here, and the only issue is that despite it being over you're still going to want more! Maybe just a tiny little glimpse into the future for all of them, because I never wanted it all to end.
Yes you can completely read this book and the others on its own, but reading in order from start to finish will give you a world, a family, and comfort you're not going to want to leave. However no matter where you start you most definitely will always find spice, a breathtaking story and world and an incredible romance!
If you're a fan of found family, romantasy, a fantasy with a mystifing elemental magic system that runs parallel to our world, or you even just want to dip your toes into a romantasy genre you're going to absolutely love this book and this series! If you finish this book and you love some of those elements and so many more too you're going to absolutely love anything written under C.L Mecca's name Cecelia Mecca or under her other pen name Cissy Mecca!
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate it! I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait until I can bring it home!
The epic conclusion to a truly amazing series is finally here and you're going to love it! If you've been a fan of this series from the start, you're only going to have your heart broken only because it's over. However once it releases you'll be able to read it all again and again and never have to leave this world!
Watching Terran's heart-wrenching growth wass truly magical, and seeing Lyra finally find everything that makes her feel complete was so beautiful. But what was even more beautiful was how this book expanded on the vividness that C.L. Mecca can create, the friendships and the found family within, the relationship between Terran and Lyra and absolutely the conclusion. If you wanted a truly happily ever after for every single one of our favourite characters it's here, and the only issue is that despite it being over you're still going to want more! Maybe just a tiny little glimpse into the future for all of them, because I never wanted it all to end.
Yes you can completely read this book and the others on its own, but reading in order from start to finish will give you a world, a family, and comfort you're not going to want to leave. However no matter where you start you most definitely will always find spice, a breathtaking story and world and an incredible romance!
If you're a fan of found family, romantasy, a fantasy with a mystifing elemental magic system that runs parallel to our world, or you even just want to dip your toes into a romantasy genre you're going to absolutely love this book and this series! If you finish this book and you love some of those elements and so many more too you're going to absolutely love anything written under C.L Mecca's name Cecelia Mecca or under her other pen name Cissy Mecca!
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate it! I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait until I can bring it home!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💖Blurb-
Welcome to Elydor, where kingdoms collide and love reigns supreme 🗡️❤️💫 ⚔ The sizzling romantasy saga that’s stealing hearts across the realm - perfect for fans of BookTok favourites including Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and A Court of Thorns and Roses. ⚔ He was born to be a weapon. She was born to break the curse. Together, they might destroy a kingdom.
As heir to Gyoria, every choice Terran has made has been forged in duty and hardened by the weight of his father’s hatred for Aetherians. But when Lady Lyra, an Aetherian noblewoman, enters his life, fierce and untamed, her presence threatens to unravel the stone walls he has built around his heart.
Lyra carries her own secrets, bound to magic and truth she cannot easily share. Trusting Terran could cost her everything, yet resisting him grows harder with every glance, every stolen touch and every vow whispered in the dark.
As the final relics stir and the ancient Aetherian Gate stands on the brink of reopening, clans are poised to fracture and loyalties begin to splinter. To claim a future together, Terran and Lyra must decide if their love can withstand not only betrayal and bloodshed but the weight of Elydor’s destiny itself…
Realm of Stone and Starlight is part of the Heirs of Elydor series but can be read as an interconnected standalone. Enter the elemental world of Elydor and escape into a love so fierce it will shake the kingdoms.
💜Blurb-
I have enjoyed the other books in the series and Realm Of Stone And Starlight certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The was plenty of content to keep me interested and entertained and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and the author C.L Mecca for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to Elydor, where kingdoms collide and love reigns supreme 🗡️❤️💫 ⚔ The sizzling romantasy saga that’s stealing hearts across the realm - perfect for fans of BookTok favourites including Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and A Court of Thorns and Roses. ⚔ He was born to be a weapon. She was born to break the curse. Together, they might destroy a kingdom.
As heir to Gyoria, every choice Terran has made has been forged in duty and hardened by the weight of his father’s hatred for Aetherians. But when Lady Lyra, an Aetherian noblewoman, enters his life, fierce and untamed, her presence threatens to unravel the stone walls he has built around his heart.
Lyra carries her own secrets, bound to magic and truth she cannot easily share. Trusting Terran could cost her everything, yet resisting him grows harder with every glance, every stolen touch and every vow whispered in the dark.
As the final relics stir and the ancient Aetherian Gate stands on the brink of reopening, clans are poised to fracture and loyalties begin to splinter. To claim a future together, Terran and Lyra must decide if their love can withstand not only betrayal and bloodshed but the weight of Elydor’s destiny itself…
Realm of Stone and Starlight is part of the Heirs of Elydor series but can be read as an interconnected standalone. Enter the elemental world of Elydor and escape into a love so fierce it will shake the kingdoms.
💜Blurb-
I have enjoyed the other books in the series and Realm Of Stone And Starlight certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The was plenty of content to keep me interested and entertained and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and the author C.L Mecca for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
⭐⭐⭐.5
Overall, I enjoyed this story very much. I liked all of the characters, their interactions and the romance between Lyra and Terran. The world felt intriguing and rich with detail, and the magic system was interesting to me.
Realm of Stone and Starlight is book 4 of the Heirs of Elydor series, but was stated to be an interconnected standalone that could be read independently of the other books. Whilst technically this is possible and is what I did, the books do assume you have a basic level of knowledge from the previous titles, not fully explaining concepts within the world and characters already having pre existing connections, conversations and relationships that are missed out on. This is undoubtedly a MUCH stronger book when read in the correct series order, and I would recommend they are read first. I plan to go back and read the other 3 as I did feel some things went over my head and the romance felt unearned when you didn’t have 3 more books of interaction as it seemed more like insta love instead of enemies to lovers.
The stakes are low in this book, and the conflict resolved very quickly (which again may only feel this way as it is book 4) but being hardwired for more high stakes fantasy reads, I was expecting the other shoe to drop, a betrayal, characters in danger, but instead we had a conflict that lasted one page and then a lot of character arc completions and tying up of loose ends. When you consider the closing out of a wider story, the pacing makes more sense, but defeating the big bad in one page was a bit disappointing. It could have done with being a good 100 pages longer with a more baked conflict.
That said, I did still enjoy my read. I was instantly locked in by chapter 5 and it was an incredibly easy read, fun, good level of spice and most of my feedback surrounds the fact it’s marketed as an interconnected standalone where I believe the other books should be read first as it finishes the major plot line of the previous books.
⭐⭐⭐.5
Overall, I enjoyed this story very much. I liked all of the characters, their interactions and the romance between Lyra and Terran. The world felt intriguing and rich with detail, and the magic system was interesting to me.
Realm of Stone and Starlight is book 4 of the Heirs of Elydor series, but was stated to be an interconnected standalone that could be read independently of the other books. Whilst technically this is possible and is what I did, the books do assume you have a basic level of knowledge from the previous titles, not fully explaining concepts within the world and characters already having pre existing connections, conversations and relationships that are missed out on. This is undoubtedly a MUCH stronger book when read in the correct series order, and I would recommend they are read first. I plan to go back and read the other 3 as I did feel some things went over my head and the romance felt unearned when you didn’t have 3 more books of interaction as it seemed more like insta love instead of enemies to lovers.
The stakes are low in this book, and the conflict resolved very quickly (which again may only feel this way as it is book 4) but being hardwired for more high stakes fantasy reads, I was expecting the other shoe to drop, a betrayal, characters in danger, but instead we had a conflict that lasted one page and then a lot of character arc completions and tying up of loose ends. When you consider the closing out of a wider story, the pacing makes more sense, but defeating the big bad in one page was a bit disappointing. It could have done with being a good 100 pages longer with a more baked conflict.
That said, I did still enjoy my read. I was instantly locked in by chapter 5 and it was an incredibly easy read, fun, good level of spice and most of my feedback surrounds the fact it’s marketed as an interconnected standalone where I believe the other books should be read first as it finishes the major plot line of the previous books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I try to be really careful about my NetGalley selections and always look for sequels/series so I don't accidentally request an ARC for a series I haven't read, but somehow this one slipped under my radar 😅💀 I didn't realize it until I was already halfway through the book (it actually went very quick) so I continued on. I did think to myself "man this really drops you in the middle of the action" however I didn't feel that it was inaccessible as a "book 1" lol, everything flowed well enough and characteristics of people were established pretty quickly as well as a general history of the world. Did I understand everything? Absolutely not. But I understood a good 80% of it and that was good enough for me.
I want to give this a 3.5. Looking at it objectively I do not think that this rating is a reflection of accidentally starting at book 4, for the reasons mentioned above. It was pretty accessible to me, it was just kind of boring and didn't offer anything interesting to the Romantasy genre or inner world of the book. One major thing happened, maybe two if you consider the relationship one of those things, and that was it.
This book felt maybe more like a stepping stone, and like I stated before, was very short/quick and to the point. It ultimately didn't feel like it had much substance to it and left me a little bored tbh, so I'm giving it a 3.5 rounded down. I wasn't that interested in the broader world enough to want to backtrack to books 1 - 3 but I also am not NOT interested and could see myself circling back if I'm looking for this specific sort of chemistry so, who knows!
I try to be really careful about my NetGalley selections and always look for sequels/series so I don't accidentally request an ARC for a series I haven't read, but somehow this one slipped under my radar 😅💀 I didn't realize it until I was already halfway through the book (it actually went very quick) so I continued on. I did think to myself "man this really drops you in the middle of the action" however I didn't feel that it was inaccessible as a "book 1" lol, everything flowed well enough and characteristics of people were established pretty quickly as well as a general history of the world. Did I understand everything? Absolutely not. But I understood a good 80% of it and that was good enough for me.
I want to give this a 3.5. Looking at it objectively I do not think that this rating is a reflection of accidentally starting at book 4, for the reasons mentioned above. It was pretty accessible to me, it was just kind of boring and didn't offer anything interesting to the Romantasy genre or inner world of the book. One major thing happened, maybe two if you consider the relationship one of those things, and that was it.
This book felt maybe more like a stepping stone, and like I stated before, was very short/quick and to the point. It ultimately didn't feel like it had much substance to it and left me a little bored tbh, so I'm giving it a 3.5 rounded down. I wasn't that interested in the broader world enough to want to backtrack to books 1 - 3 but I also am not NOT interested and could see myself circling back if I'm looking for this specific sort of chemistry so, who knows!
Read
January 12, 2026Received the ADVANCED READERS COPY from NetGalley.
I had been trained to exploit weakness. The trouble was learning where his ended and mine began.
Had I known I would be reading this book nonstop and finishing it at 2:00 AM under the blankets, I would have started it much earlier! That is how much I enjoyed it.
I was served the absolute peak of Enemies-to-Lovers banter and a romance that bridges every gap. Terran and Lyra are enemies from different lands with distinct powers, yet their love story is easy to grasp and enjoy. They have been attracted to each other for a long time and, thankfully, they don’t deny that chemistry.
Since I haven't read the previous books, the C.L. Mecca universe was a brand-new world for me to explore, and I loved it! This is an accessible read with a fast-paced storyline and just the right amount of suspense. Honestly, for readers who avoid fantasy because of lengthy page counts and overly convoluted plots, Realm of Stone and Starlight is a refreshing reprieve.
The best part? It might be a bit cliché, but I loved how supportive everyone was of Terran and Lyra; no one actually tried to force them apart. It was a guaranteed 'Happily Ever After' that left me completely satisfied.
Highly recommending this book to everyone.
xoxo
RIYA UPADHYAY
I had been trained to exploit weakness. The trouble was learning where his ended and mine began.
Had I known I would be reading this book nonstop and finishing it at 2:00 AM under the blankets, I would have started it much earlier! That is how much I enjoyed it.
I was served the absolute peak of Enemies-to-Lovers banter and a romance that bridges every gap. Terran and Lyra are enemies from different lands with distinct powers, yet their love story is easy to grasp and enjoy. They have been attracted to each other for a long time and, thankfully, they don’t deny that chemistry.
Since I haven't read the previous books, the C.L. Mecca universe was a brand-new world for me to explore, and I loved it! This is an accessible read with a fast-paced storyline and just the right amount of suspense. Honestly, for readers who avoid fantasy because of lengthy page counts and overly convoluted plots, Realm of Stone and Starlight is a refreshing reprieve.
The best part? It might be a bit cliché, but I loved how supportive everyone was of Terran and Lyra; no one actually tried to force them apart. It was a guaranteed 'Happily Ever After' that left me completely satisfied.
Highly recommending this book to everyone.
xoxo
RIYA UPADHYAY
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was an enjoyable read, though I feel it's been done a disservice by being labelled as an interconnected standalone. I applied for an ARC of this despite not having read any other books in the series because it was stated that it could be ready on its own. However, because of this, I felt as though I missed out on vital world-building and backstory that was needed in order for me to feel connected to these characters and their battle.
There was enough explanation that I could follow the story and I did find it enjoyable enough. The elemental magic system was intriguing and I was eager to know more about how their magic worked.
The relationship between the two main characters felt like it went from zero to 100 but I think that this is because I'd missed out on the slow burn that is presumably given in the earlier books.
I was looking forward to seeing an epic showdown between father and sons in the final battle scene but it all felt like it was over before it had even begun which was a little underwhelming.
Overall, I would recommend this book but I would absolutely say to start with book one. I genuinely believe that if I'd started there and built up to this one (book 4) then I'd be obsessed with Lyra and Terran!
There was enough explanation that I could follow the story and I did find it enjoyable enough. The elemental magic system was intriguing and I was eager to know more about how their magic worked.
The relationship between the two main characters felt like it went from zero to 100 but I think that this is because I'd missed out on the slow burn that is presumably given in the earlier books.
I was looking forward to seeing an epic showdown between father and sons in the final battle scene but it all felt like it was over before it had even begun which was a little underwhelming.
Overall, I would recommend this book but I would absolutely say to start with book one. I genuinely believe that if I'd started there and built up to this one (book 4) then I'd be obsessed with Lyra and Terran!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As heir to Gyoria, every choice Terran has made has been forged in duty and hardened by the weight of his father’s hatred for Aetherians. But when Lady Lyra, an Aetherian noblewoman, enters his life, fierce and untamed, her presence threatens to unravel the stone walls he has built around his heart.
As the final relics stir and the ancient Aetherian Gate stands on the brink of reopening, clans are poised to fracture and loyalties begin to splinter. To claim a future together, Terran and Lyra must decide if their love can withstand not only betrayal and bloodshed but the weight of Elydor’s destiny itself
The fourth book in the series & another very well written book, I make no bones that I love the author’s books no matter which genre she writes. I’m not a fan of romantasy but whilst I’ve not been converted I have enjoyed the series. The characters have depth, the pace is good & the story flows I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
I really well. I really liked Terran & Lyra, their chemistry sozzled & I was routing for them
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
As the final relics stir and the ancient Aetherian Gate stands on the brink of reopening, clans are poised to fracture and loyalties begin to splinter. To claim a future together, Terran and Lyra must decide if their love can withstand not only betrayal and bloodshed but the weight of Elydor’s destiny itself
The fourth book in the series & another very well written book, I make no bones that I love the author’s books no matter which genre she writes. I’m not a fan of romantasy but whilst I’ve not been converted I have enjoyed the series. The characters have depth, the pace is good & the story flows I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
I really well. I really liked Terran & Lyra, their chemistry sozzled & I was routing for them
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Realm of Stone and Starlight by C.L. Mecca is an immersive fantasy that blends magic, danger, and emotional depth into a richly imagined world. From the start, the story pulls you into a realm shaped by ancient forces, where power comes at a cost and nothing feels entirely safe.
The world-building is one of the book’s strongest elements—lush, atmospheric, and easy to sink into. Mecca balances action with quieter, character-driven moments, letting relationships and internal struggles develop naturally. The stakes feel real, and the tension builds steadily as the story unfolds.
The characters are layered and compelling, especially as secrets come to light and loyalties are tested. While the pacing slows slightly in places, it allows the emotional beats to land more strongly, making the journey feel earned.
Overall, Realm of Stone and Starlight is a captivating fantasy read with heart, danger, and just the right touch of wonder. A solid choice for readers who enjoy immersive worlds and character-focused storytelling.
The world-building is one of the book’s strongest elements—lush, atmospheric, and easy to sink into. Mecca balances action with quieter, character-driven moments, letting relationships and internal struggles develop naturally. The stakes feel real, and the tension builds steadily as the story unfolds.
The characters are layered and compelling, especially as secrets come to light and loyalties are tested. While the pacing slows slightly in places, it allows the emotional beats to land more strongly, making the journey feel earned.
Overall, Realm of Stone and Starlight is a captivating fantasy read with heart, danger, and just the right touch of wonder. A solid choice for readers who enjoy immersive worlds and character-focused storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.
Heir to Gyoria,Terran is a weapon his father who's the king use for his hatred for Aetherians.Lyra is trying to brake the curse and Terran is the last one she should trust to help her,he is a enemy and she hates him.What started as a game,soon involve deeper feelings and maybe a trust?
It was a great romantasy enemies to lovers book.I didn't check if this book is part of the series,but it was still a good read as standalone,and I always can catch up in the future with previous books.There is great chemistry between Terran and Lyra,the banter was fun,and the magic and world interesting.There is quest,betrayal ,romance and tiny bit of spice,what more could I want?My first book by this aurthor and hope to read more.
Would recommend for romantasy enemies to lovers fans.
Thank you netgalley and boldwood book publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Heir to Gyoria,Terran is a weapon his father who's the king use for his hatred for Aetherians.Lyra is trying to brake the curse and Terran is the last one she should trust to help her,he is a enemy and she hates him.What started as a game,soon involve deeper feelings and maybe a trust?
It was a great romantasy enemies to lovers book.I didn't check if this book is part of the series,but it was still a good read as standalone,and I always can catch up in the future with previous books.There is great chemistry between Terran and Lyra,the banter was fun,and the magic and world interesting.There is quest,betrayal ,romance and tiny bit of spice,what more could I want?My first book by this aurthor and hope to read more.
Would recommend for romantasy enemies to lovers fans.
Thank you netgalley and boldwood book publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4✨ I really enjoyed this short book but I think I needed to read the book before this one as I felt a bit lost at the beginning. It was a fast paced book with enough romance and spice, the world building was well writing and the magic system was very interesting.
Terran a prince who twin brother has, in his eye betrayed not only him but their father as well by running away. His mother death has caused his father (The King) into a curse man who blames humans for her death.
Lyra has been required to get Terran help by finding a stone that will open the gate to the human world but in order to do so she’s has to get him on her side. Feelings that have been there from the beginning on both Lyra used this against Terran and he’s all to happy to go along with it.
Overall highly recommend if you read the book before this one.
Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the arc 🥰
Terran a prince who twin brother has, in his eye betrayed not only him but their father as well by running away. His mother death has caused his father (The King) into a curse man who blames humans for her death.
Lyra has been required to get Terran help by finding a stone that will open the gate to the human world but in order to do so she’s has to get him on her side. Feelings that have been there from the beginning on both Lyra used this against Terran and he’s all to happy to go along with it.
Overall highly recommend if you read the book before this one.
Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the arc 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I did not realize this was the 4th and last book in the series until I was over halfway done reading it. That would explain why I felt like I was dumped in the middle of a story. However, there was just enough "review" early on, that I caught on fairly quickly and wasn't too confused. I thought this was a cute cozy fantasy read with some spice. The fmc and mmc had loads of chemistry and I loved the found family/ friends. I also found it refreshing that our lovers never lied to themselves or each other about their attraction to each other. The only thing that I didn't like was how easy everything worked out. Like too easy. I was waiting for the other side to drop the whole time and it never did. All in all this was a fun, short read. 3.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley for the gifted eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Okay first of all wow!! The world building was so good! I loved the twists and turns around every corner. The plot was giving and so was the buildup. I was not prepared for the emotions of this book. Also, can we talk about the MMC!!! Terran is officially one of my favorite book boyfriends . I loved his character so much. So out of touch with anyone or anything then bam borderline obsession yes Terran I’m obsessed! The FMC what a firecracker! I loved her. Secrets, tension, boiling slow burn. If I could live in this book I would. -Kerin Ray
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A good ending to the series. Mmc was a little different from what I expected from this author, but he worked.
A good ending to the series. Mmc was a little different from what I expected from this author, but he worked.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the final book in the trilogy and what a slam-bang finish! I love that the characters take on the personalities, dress, food, and magic that characterize their clan; be it stone/earth, air/sky, water or human. As in the other 2 books, a cross-clan romance threatens to unbalance the world of Elydor. Or to heal the recent past that is full of hatred and mistrust between the clans. This book is full of intrigue, adventure, suspense and love as Terran and Lyra are on a quest for the stone of power for the Gyorian clan. The enemies-to-lovers romance between opposites Terran and Lyra is a slow burn but full of passion and feeling as two confident and powerful individuals give up some power to each other. There is also plenty of magic, secrets and danger here as the plot builds to an explosive ending. It is best if you read the previous two books in the series to gain a full appreciation of the events in this final tale that brings to mind The Lord of the Rings quest. I volunteered to read and review an early copy because I had to know how it ended!
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