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Stardust and Silence
He's waited 500 years for her. Now he only has three days to win her heart.LYRA: I was born to rule the stars. As the daughter of the Pirate Queen, my destiny was to command my own fleet, chart my own course, and carve my name into the heavens.
But when mutiny strikes, I'm pushed overboard, into the very heart of a nebula cloud.
I should have died.
Instead, I find him, a creature of legend and stardust. One of the fabled Celestari.
VAELION: When I prayed to the Creator, begging for a Resonance—the one whose soul was meant for mine—I never imagined she would be human. Nor that she would hold the means to destroying my people forever.
Lyra is my mate, but to be part of her world, I must make a deal with the Witchking and sacrifice all that I am. Without my Voice, I am powerless. But without her, I am nothing.
Three days. That is all I have. And if I fail, I will lose more than just my freedom—I will lose her, along with the key to saving my world. With enemies closing in and time running out, can I possibly win Lyra's heart?
Or will I be lost to the Witchking's void forever?
Dive into the fantastical fairytale world of Stardust and Silence filled with magic, space pirates and a love that knows no bounds. High-stakes fantasy adventure combined with swoony romance await in this clean, fated mates romantasy! Perfect for fans of Treasure Planet and anyone who loves a good "shadow daddy."
But when mutiny strikes, I'm pushed overboard, into the very heart of a nebula cloud.
I should have died.
Instead, I find him, a creature of legend and stardust. One of the fabled Celestari.
VAELION: When I prayed to the Creator, begging for a Resonance—the one whose soul was meant for mine—I never imagined she would be human. Nor that she would hold the means to destroying my people forever.
Lyra is my mate, but to be part of her world, I must make a deal with the Witchking and sacrifice all that I am. Without my Voice, I am powerless. But without her, I am nothing.
Three days. That is all I have. And if I fail, I will lose more than just my freedom—I will lose her, along with the key to saving my world. With enemies closing in and time running out, can I possibly win Lyra's heart?
Or will I be lost to the Witchking's void forever?
Dive into the fantastical fairytale world of Stardust and Silence filled with magic, space pirates and a love that knows no bounds. High-stakes fantasy adventure combined with swoony romance await in this clean, fated mates romantasy! Perfect for fans of Treasure Planet and anyone who loves a good "shadow daddy."
- GenresChristian Fiction
ebook
Published November 18, 2025
4 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Willingham
8 books165 followersAshley Willingham is a Christian, wife, mother of two, and an author of clean books. She enjoys writing high-stakes plots, swoony romances, and stories free from explicit content. When she's not busy writing, she can be found in the kitchen pursing her second passion—baking. She currently lives in Arkansas with her family and one very fluffy dog.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 1, 2026
ARC Review - Stardust and Silence by Ashley Willingham.
I have no idea where to start with this one!
It gave Guardians of the Galaxy vibes with the space creatures and pirates - mixed with a reverse Little Mermaid retelling!! If you think you can picture it, you’re wrong, you can’t, you will just have to read for yourself.
The amount of tropes in this book, also includes:
Forbidden love.
Fated mates.
He will do anything to protect her.
With adult characters in this romantasy, slow burn clean Christian story…. With vibes of hope and love.
The FMC Lyra, is such an awesome character. She’s strong and has a goal in mind that leads her to find her actual calling and an adventure she never saw coming.
Vaelion waited so long to find his mate and when it finally happened, everything about it felt wrong and right at the same time. He gave up everything and everyone for what he prayed for.
Ashely’s writing is always easy to follow with a flowing story.
This was a fun and fast paced story, very different but unfortunately this won’t be a book for everyone, however it will be IT for the reader who needs to read it. Recommend for clean romantasy readers as well as those who enjoy fairytale retellings.
I have no idea where to start with this one!
It gave Guardians of the Galaxy vibes with the space creatures and pirates - mixed with a reverse Little Mermaid retelling!! If you think you can picture it, you’re wrong, you can’t, you will just have to read for yourself.
The amount of tropes in this book, also includes:
Forbidden love.
Fated mates.
He will do anything to protect her.
With adult characters in this romantasy, slow burn clean Christian story…. With vibes of hope and love.
The FMC Lyra, is such an awesome character. She’s strong and has a goal in mind that leads her to find her actual calling and an adventure she never saw coming.
Vaelion waited so long to find his mate and when it finally happened, everything about it felt wrong and right at the same time. He gave up everything and everyone for what he prayed for.
Ashely’s writing is always easy to follow with a flowing story.
This was a fun and fast paced story, very different but unfortunately this won’t be a book for everyone, however it will be IT for the reader who needs to read it. Recommend for clean romantasy readers as well as those who enjoy fairytale retellings.
December 26, 2025
Rating this 5* for now bc someone rated it 1* before it was even released and with no review. Will be reading in January and updating accordingly.
December 31, 2025
Ashley’s writing is always so much fun!
This one was a little outside of my usual - not typically a fan of human/other species (in this case alien) relationships, but I enjoyed the story! Action-packed and entertaining, with themes of redemption and the message that it’s never too late to come back to God.
Content considerations: no spice - kisses only, no language, some violence
This one was a little outside of my usual - not typically a fan of human/other species (in this case alien) relationships, but I enjoyed the story! Action-packed and entertaining, with themes of redemption and the message that it’s never too late to come back to God.
Content considerations: no spice - kisses only, no language, some violence
January 1, 2026
5/5
Genre: Clean Fantasy Romance
🚨TW: loss of love one, being tied, almost drowned, being betrayed, almost killed, misused of his voice by someone else (because of the deal that he made),getting chased
Read it if you like:
✨️Dual POV
✨️ Fated mates
✨️ Gender- flipping Little Mermaid retelling
✨️ Forbidden love
✨️ Space Pirates
✨️ Themes of overcoming grief and trusting in God's plan
Favourite Moments
✨️ They first meet when they are younger.
✨️ He saved her with his stardust power. (can’t spoil it)
✨️ He saved her from drowning and also from his cousin (can’t spoil it)
✨️ They meet again and he followed her to keep her safe.
✨️ Their adventure together.
✨️ Him protecting her whenever there is danger.
✨️ Them comforting each other.
✨️ Them relying on God for wisdom, strength and protection.
✨️ At Star Well.
(and a lot more)
Swoony moments
✨️ Him doing whatever he can to protect her.
✨️ He saved her many times
✨️ He show his vulnerable side.
✨️ He falls first.
(and lots more)
Synopsis
Lyra
A woman who lost her mother and now she is supposed to be the next Pirate Queen however someone took over and wants her killed. She had an important relic which put her in danger.
Vaelion
The Crown prince of Celestari who is looking for his Resonance, the soul who is meant for him.
He saved her when they were younger. And ever since then both of them long to see each other again. After 22 years, he saved her again and this time he vows to protect her because he realised that she is his Resonance. And now she is in danger because she had the relic that the Celestari has to do destroy because people with evil intention will misuse it. However, to protect her, he will need human legs and there is a condition is to get the relic in 3 days or else he will die. Will he ever be able to protect her? Will he able to tell her since his voice is taken because of the deal he made with the Witchking? Will they ever managed to save everyone and make everyone trust each other again? Read Stardust and Silence to find out!!
Review
This is so bittersweet. Love that he is always there to protect her and also, she is trying her best to find her father and her crew again. He saved her so many times (can’t spoil it) and had been kind and sweet to her even her fox like him. Though she didn’t know who he was because he looked different from what he looked like when she first met him and he couldn’t speak but as they been together 3 days, she noticed his expressions and also understanding him. They both comfort each other and also being there for each other throughout the journey of finding her father and her crew.
Really a beautiful story and love that they both cried out to God for help when they don’t know what to do and also for protection and strength too. And the people around them though his people don’t approve of their relationship they never give up. And love the fact that they stood together with one voice to defeat the evil because they put their trust in God. This book made me smile, swoon, cry, imagining the voices matching together as one in harmony and also God in control of everything.
What I learn from it?
Unity. As I read this book the song “One Voice” kept on playing in my mind especially when I read the part of them standing together and singing together to fight the evil one. In life, we don’t have to fight our spiritual battles alone, we can all come together as brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage each other and pray for one another.
If you like the feel of pirates, magic, battles and also stardust, this is a book for you. This is the third book of the gender-flipped fairytale series.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks to @ashleywillinghamauthor for the ARC.
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Genre: Clean Fantasy Romance
🚨TW: loss of love one, being tied, almost drowned, being betrayed, almost killed, misused of his voice by someone else (because of the deal that he made),getting chased
Read it if you like:
✨️Dual POV
✨️ Fated mates
✨️ Gender- flipping Little Mermaid retelling
✨️ Forbidden love
✨️ Space Pirates
✨️ Themes of overcoming grief and trusting in God's plan
Favourite Moments
✨️ They first meet when they are younger.
✨️ He saved her with his stardust power. (can’t spoil it)
✨️ He saved her from drowning and also from his cousin (can’t spoil it)
✨️ They meet again and he followed her to keep her safe.
✨️ Their adventure together.
✨️ Him protecting her whenever there is danger.
✨️ Them comforting each other.
✨️ Them relying on God for wisdom, strength and protection.
✨️ At Star Well.
(and a lot more)
Swoony moments
✨️ Him doing whatever he can to protect her.
✨️ He saved her many times
✨️ He show his vulnerable side.
✨️ He falls first.
(and lots more)
Synopsis
Lyra
A woman who lost her mother and now she is supposed to be the next Pirate Queen however someone took over and wants her killed. She had an important relic which put her in danger.
Vaelion
The Crown prince of Celestari who is looking for his Resonance, the soul who is meant for him.
He saved her when they were younger. And ever since then both of them long to see each other again. After 22 years, he saved her again and this time he vows to protect her because he realised that she is his Resonance. And now she is in danger because she had the relic that the Celestari has to do destroy because people with evil intention will misuse it. However, to protect her, he will need human legs and there is a condition is to get the relic in 3 days or else he will die. Will he ever be able to protect her? Will he able to tell her since his voice is taken because of the deal he made with the Witchking? Will they ever managed to save everyone and make everyone trust each other again? Read Stardust and Silence to find out!!
Review
This is so bittersweet. Love that he is always there to protect her and also, she is trying her best to find her father and her crew again. He saved her so many times (can’t spoil it) and had been kind and sweet to her even her fox like him. Though she didn’t know who he was because he looked different from what he looked like when she first met him and he couldn’t speak but as they been together 3 days, she noticed his expressions and also understanding him. They both comfort each other and also being there for each other throughout the journey of finding her father and her crew.
Really a beautiful story and love that they both cried out to God for help when they don’t know what to do and also for protection and strength too. And the people around them though his people don’t approve of their relationship they never give up. And love the fact that they stood together with one voice to defeat the evil because they put their trust in God. This book made me smile, swoon, cry, imagining the voices matching together as one in harmony and also God in control of everything.
What I learn from it?
Unity. As I read this book the song “One Voice” kept on playing in my mind especially when I read the part of them standing together and singing together to fight the evil one. In life, we don’t have to fight our spiritual battles alone, we can all come together as brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage each other and pray for one another.
If you like the feel of pirates, magic, battles and also stardust, this is a book for you. This is the third book of the gender-flipped fairytale series.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks to @ashleywillinghamauthor for the ARC.
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
December 29, 2025
Once You’re Hooked, You’re Hooked!!!
I have been reading this entire series and each book feels better than the last. I love the elements of faith, the sweet romances and the absurd (in a good way) worlds that Ashley builds in her books. I don’t know how her brain does it but I am a little obsessed. I devoured this book in about 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down.
My only drawback with the book was the moral
Implications of pillagers and people who make deals with darkness. I think by the end of the book she addresses it beautifully but I was a little put off by it at first.
All in all, it was a riveting read and I can’t wait for the next one.
I have been reading this entire series and each book feels better than the last. I love the elements of faith, the sweet romances and the absurd (in a good way) worlds that Ashley builds in her books. I don’t know how her brain does it but I am a little obsessed. I devoured this book in about 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down.
My only drawback with the book was the moral
Implications of pillagers and people who make deals with darkness. I think by the end of the book she addresses it beautifully but I was a little put off by it at first.
All in all, it was a riveting read and I can’t wait for the next one.
January 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this novel. It personally was a nice break for me from all the other types of spicy Romantasy novels.
The characters felt genuine, and the emotions weren’t rushed or tied up in a neat bow, which I appreciated. This isn’t a fast-paced plot-heavy book, but if you enjoy character-driven stories with beautiful writing and emotional depth, this one really delivers.
I did love one quote in the book ,”Because death is inevitable, Lyra. But it is only goodbye for a little while. Never forever. Not for those who are mine.” - this quote shook me because I myself have lost a parent and loved that I could feel the questioning and everything from the MC.
The characters felt genuine, and the emotions weren’t rushed or tied up in a neat bow, which I appreciated. This isn’t a fast-paced plot-heavy book, but if you enjoy character-driven stories with beautiful writing and emotional depth, this one really delivers.
I did love one quote in the book ,”Because death is inevitable, Lyra. But it is only goodbye for a little while. Never forever. Not for those who are mine.” - this quote shook me because I myself have lost a parent and loved that I could feel the questioning and everything from the MC.
January 18, 2026
I decided to read this because of its rating but several reviews state they haven’t read the book.
It’s very rare with a fantasy I say it’s too much or too out there but this was it!
There’s pirates and mermaids but it’s in space?
Can we explain how we’re swimming in space or is it more of a floating thing?
I couldn’t connect with the story or either of the main characters. They seemed to be strong but a lot of the underlying issues were insecurity and maybe even being selfish.
The last book had such a strong Christian message but this was the opposite.
Implying God will call you to go to a Witch King to get what you want and that’s surrender?
Going against family, friends and your people that’s something God will call you to?
Nope doesn’t matter what happens from there God is holy he cannot sin. He definitely will not call us to sin or to darkness.
Then we’re talking about emptying ourselves now we’re really getting into witchcraft.
The pieces and idea may have been good but this needed a BIG edit to pare back. Too much distracted from the story and made what should have been exciting boring.
It’s very rare with a fantasy I say it’s too much or too out there but this was it!
There’s pirates and mermaids but it’s in space?
Can we explain how we’re swimming in space or is it more of a floating thing?
I couldn’t connect with the story or either of the main characters. They seemed to be strong but a lot of the underlying issues were insecurity and maybe even being selfish.
The last book had such a strong Christian message but this was the opposite.
Implying God will call you to go to a Witch King to get what you want and that’s surrender?
Going against family, friends and your people that’s something God will call you to?
Nope doesn’t matter what happens from there God is holy he cannot sin. He definitely will not call us to sin or to darkness.
Then we’re talking about emptying ourselves now we’re really getting into witchcraft.
The pieces and idea may have been good but this needed a BIG edit to pare back. Too much distracted from the story and made what should have been exciting boring.
January 3, 2026
Great Book!
A great read! I love every book I have read by this author. This book has strong themes of redemption and faith. The book talks of hard decisions that have to be made and being torn between two difficult choices. Following the creator's path is a strong theme.
The worldbuilding in this book is easy to follow. It is loosely based off The Little Mermaid but in space. I thought it sounded weird at first but it works really well! I really enjoyed the world that was created, it was fascinating and I enjoyed envisioning it.
The FMC and MMC were very well written, and the book is dual POV from both of them. I loved the progression of each character arc and relationship. I loved the bond they shared.
This book is a standalone and I definitely recommend it!
A great read! I love every book I have read by this author. This book has strong themes of redemption and faith. The book talks of hard decisions that have to be made and being torn between two difficult choices. Following the creator's path is a strong theme.
The worldbuilding in this book is easy to follow. It is loosely based off The Little Mermaid but in space. I thought it sounded weird at first but it works really well! I really enjoyed the world that was created, it was fascinating and I enjoyed envisioning it.
The FMC and MMC were very well written, and the book is dual POV from both of them. I loved the progression of each character arc and relationship. I loved the bond they shared.
This book is a standalone and I definitely recommend it!
January 5, 2026
😍😍😍
This was lovely. As soon as I saw one of the authors posts about this book I got it and I finished this in a day.
I don’t read romantasy often—nothing against it I just don’t—but this was delightful. The imagery and descriptions were beautiful and I love how our Vaelion was always there to protect and comfort Lyra while respecting her boundaries and understanding that to her he a complete stranger.
I don’t review often but this was so worth it. Definitely recommend.
This was lovely. As soon as I saw one of the authors posts about this book I got it and I finished this in a day.
I don’t read romantasy often—nothing against it I just don’t—but this was delightful. The imagery and descriptions were beautiful and I love how our Vaelion was always there to protect and comfort Lyra while respecting her boundaries and understanding that to her he a complete stranger.
I don’t review often but this was so worth it. Definitely recommend.
January 17, 2026
This might be my favorite one of Willingham's fairytale retelling yet. Little Mermaid set in space, learning how to forgive, recognizing that love can both destroy and put us back together again.
I would love more stories in this little world that Willingham has created. This book felt much shorter than it was, but it's so beautiful.
I would love more stories in this little world that Willingham has created. This book felt much shorter than it was, but it's so beautiful.
December 27, 2025
Haven't read it yet; but I can almost guarantee I'll leave 5 stars anyway. I have loved everything Ashley has released! (I'll update in a few days)
January 1, 2026
Great book, light read, clean, had a great plot but could've had more action/emotion.. this is a great book for all audiences especially the Christian audience
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews