A Kingdom of Starlight: An Enemies-to-Lovers Fantasy Romance

by Scarlett Snow

In a kingdom of starlight the worst thing you can be is a shadow.When my crystal faded beneath the Tree of Stars, I became what every kingdom fears.

Condemned by the Moonstone fae and hunted by those who call me cursed, I’m taken across enemy borders by the one man who should have let me die.

The Bloodstone King who built his throne from ruin.

Now he's my captor. My enemy.

My mate.

But his realm is dying. And the bond between us? It was never meant to exist.

Yet the deeper I’m drawn into a world of vicious crystal courts and ancient vendettas, the clearer my fate becomes...

Staying with Daigen could cost me my life.

Leaving him might start a war.

A Kingdom of Starlight is an intense slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance steeped in unique crystal magic, deadly court intrigue, forbidden gods, and a Bloodstone King who doesn’t take prisoners—he takes possession. Expect touch-her-and-die heat, only-one-bed, who did this to you, and a fated bond powerful enough to shatter the realm. Perfect for readers of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Stacia Stark.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn, Fae, Romance, Magic

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I clearly read a different book than everyone else here…

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a perfect world builder. Great well described world and characters.
The storyline had me captivated from the start. I need book 2 ASAP as I need to know what and who Narya is. Its a beautiful heartbreaking story in which I hope she gets her revenge and breaks whatever binds her.

[julia king · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 56% this MMC was such an asshole and had no redeeming qualities

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett Snow's Kingdom of Starlight was superb. A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy where the MCs set each other on fire. Narya and Daigen are a beautiful disaster.


Narya was found by the Moonstones when she was a baby, but the kingdom was never home. She didn't fit in, and they made her pay for that. She's so used to cruelty that she can't accept when Daigen tries to offer her something different. Worse yet, she's been brainwashed by the Moonstones' rhetoric. Narya believed everything they said about the Bloodstones. All of them are savage and cruel. She sees proof that this might not be the case, yet she still tries to make Daigen the villain. It was frustrating because I wanted to like her more than I did.


Daigen is morally grey and possessive, and all the things that make a girl want to say yes. I'm the girl. I'm saying, Yessss! He can be a jerk, but for the most part, it was a mask he was hiding behind. All he wanted was his mate, yet at every turn, she's fighting not him but herself because she wants to give in. I can't wait for him to drop the mask and for Narya to give in.


The story was incredible! I enjoyed the world-building. Three different kingdoms with bad blood between them. The story of the Sun and Moon gods was good. I enjoy a bit of mythology. Their story seems to mirror Narya and Daigen's story perfectly. There was so much tension between the courts and between Daigen and Narya. The lies, betrayal, and history were pure entertainment. Although I didn't know this was a fae fantasy until well past the halfway point. Nevertheless, I was loving it. Just when things were starting to look up, everything goes to shit, and that's where the story leaves off. The cliffhanger was brutal. I hope things are fixed sooner rather than later. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[JoAnn W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a rollercoaster of a read! I’m not going to lie, in the beginning, I thought I was going to go absolutely mad with the writing style. A chapter in and I was confused on what was happening with little to no backstory, thrown into the action and just expected to understand. Now, as time went on, I came to really enjoy this book. The FMC and MMC’s “enemy to lover” relationship is very much that and boy its hard sometimes! Overall, good book! The cliffhanger is real, so be warned!

[Cierra McCauley (Cierra's Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! Bring you to your knees!

I’m screaming!! Whaaaaat! She’s BACK! Ms Scarlett Snow has once again left me Grinning in shambles! I love how I just instantly fall into snows character’s, like I’m experiencing everything, right there with them. This was an Amazing read! I was completely compelled from the start, heart pounding, on the edge, full of anxiety with our female lead. I don’t think I took a breath until page 50, I inhaled these pages. It’s that addictive.
This world is exceedingly new and complex, there’s 3 kingdoms, 3 kings, 4 trees, the Blessed ones and the Fateless!! Beautiful, so wonderfully done. There’s a history something terrible and violent, and Prophecy to that’s been kept secret that I’m excited to see unfold.
Narya has been surviving all her life, put through unimaginable pain and unspeakable things. (Read Trigger Warnings) She’s going to make them Pay! And it’s Everything!! I cried tears for her, for her heart of gold, so pure and soft. It’s incredible, after all she’s endured, she didn’t let it change her. When I tell you she deserves everything good in life.
Daigen, I love this man! I could throttle him but he’s Mine. He’s been waiting centuries for his mate, slowly letting his bloodlust get the best of him. He was unprepared for Narya, these are my favorite kinds of Loves! This man is ruthless and Viciously Violent, but for her… he would sacrifice it all… for HER!
They are fighting their bond, one pushes and the other pulls. He knows, and there can’t be anyone else, she cannot believe it and is scared to accept it. Hiding true feelings and spouting hate. Ahhhh I couldn’t get enough of them! He’s patient, grumpy while she’s false bravado and her first instinct is to run. Their Chemistry is explosive. I enjoyed these two so much!
The ending left me in a tizzy, yelling at my kindle with a big smile, I cannot wait for the next book. What a cliffy! Ahhh, my stomach is in knots and I wanna rip that little witch to shreds and I wanna slap someone and the unknown is killing meeee! He better be on the move! Oh this was Great! I Needed this! Best fantasy book I’ve read in far too long!

Please read the trigger warnings, some materials can be hard to read, they are crucial to the story and directly affect the main character. As someone who is a survivor, these stories where the character gets her revenge are exhilarating. So thank you for writing them. Also the dedication in the beginning was beautiful, it touched me. “Where the stars never fade”

A few of my favorite quotes:

“Any hand that touches her will suffer my wrath long before your gods see fit to punish you” - The Bloodstone King

“We all have things that haunt us,right? Things we try to forget, or hide…” - Narya

[Steph Whitelaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story quickly draws you in to this world of Fae. & begins with Narya taking part in a coming of age ritual. She must pick a crystal off the tree of Stars to determine her fate. When Narya crystal turns black she knows she has been deemed as fateless. During the ceremony Narya meets her mate the Blood Stone King, Daigen. This is a very fast paced & action packed. It starts as a slow burn romance then fills you with angst. You just know that something is going to happen to keep them apart. Narya has a childhood history which is yet still to be discovered, I believe this will revealed as the story progresses. She has been badly hurt & struggles to be guided by her instinct to fall for Daigen, instead she wants to protect herself by letting him hate her. Daigen is a typical alpha male showing he is strong leader to his people but also shows a softer side to him when it’s just the two of them alone. When he discovers what happened to her, to make her so untrusting he then wants to avenge Narya. & build her a throne with the bones of those who hurt her. What Daigen is still yet to discover is that his enemies are actually closer than he believes. This finished on a cliff hanger that left me wanting more. I look forward to the next part of this story

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved this story. It quickly pulled me in and kept me glued to it. The only time I put it down was when was when I had life obligations that I couldn’t put off. This was my first book by Scarlett Snow and I can’t wait to read other books. We meet Narya in the beginning and she shows just how strong she very quickly. She has this super sweet personality for someone who has been through some very major trauma. We next meet Daigen who is your alpha male that has to be strong at all times. He at times shows a side that most do not see. These two do not know how to communicate with each other and that definitely puts a wall up and cause a lot of drama. The story is filled with lies, betrayals, drama, and suspense. It will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. It is extremely well written and developed. It does end in a pretty big cliffhanger that has me absolutely excited to see what is going to happen next. Absolutely a brilliant read.

[Joy Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett gives us the fantastic beginning to a new series, The Crystal Veil! The story of Narya begins with a coming of age ceremony where she's deamed fateless, which means she will be taken away to live in the wastelands. Enter the Bloodstone king, Daigen, who claims her as his fated mate. This leads to a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions and events on the way to a harrowing cliffhanger. To find out everything they go through to get there, dive into this wonderfully written book with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing and turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly recommend it, and I can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next! Don't miss out on this book!!

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm book hooked!

I loved the characters from the side characters to the main characters even mouse! The story was well plotted and detailed! I loved Narya and how stubborn she is and how she doesn't fold, bend or break she only gets stronger no matter the odds and how she's willing to sacrifice her own self for everyone else. She really is a true queen in the making. I love how Dargen is slowly showing is soft side but only to her. They're alot like fire and ice. I can't wait to find out more about her marks and why her Aelith was that colour! There's so many questions right now I can't wait for the next book!!!!!! If you haven't grabbed this yet grab it now because this is so addictive!!!!!

[Sue Harbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing start to a brand new fantasy series! The world that Scarlett has built is unique unto itself. Daigen is every inch the king that his title implies. I really liked him initially but towards the second half and end of the book I’m not enjoying how he’s treating Narya. Narya herself is definitely an anomaly. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding her and who she is, as well as why some of the things have happened they way they have so far. She’s gone through quite a bit at both the hands of men and people in general. Somehow she still ends up being kind. I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited for the next!

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from Scarlett Snow and it was an incredible read! It follows Narya and Daigen. Narya was found abandoned when she was a baby, but never felt at home with the Moonstones (one of three groups - Moonstones, Bloodstones, Sunstones). There are some triggering things that happened to her and bad men who abused her and marked her when she was young. Daigen is (as we eventually learn) a part of the Bloodstones (a group that was assumed to be savage and unruly) group. Daigen is a morally grey character but wow, he loves those he cares about.

I enjoyed the world-building and backstory of the groups (primarily the Moonstones and Bloodstones). We know there's a lot of history and a lot of machinations behind the scenes that we don't know about. There are those in the Moonstones who suspect that Narya might be unique and special and as such, seek to control her.

The slow burn between Narya and Daigen is great and I'm here for it! The cliffhanger was too much! I literally screamed at the end. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok where to start? This book was a delight to read and a true enemies to lovers with characters that you instantly gell with. The relationship building and emotions are truly felt on every page as the author weaves this amazing world into place.

There is intrigue, betrayal, love and passion.

Narya is a survivor ( read the trigger warnings! ) but can she survive falling for Daigen who can be ruthless at times and down right beserka at others.

There is so much to this storey and so many secrets and truths that i feel we have yet to uncover so i am sitting her not so patiently waiting for teh next book!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! Nayra (FMC) has suffered abuse with her community with the worst leaving her with lasting scars that you can both see and not see. Things get worse for her still when she has to choose a crystal from a sacred tree (The Tree of Stars) which basically made her more of an outcast. Add to the mix The Bloodstone King - Daigen who has his own agenda which seems to include Nayra. Some cracking plot twists & turns, plenty of underhand people and a bloody brilliant cliff-hanger ending. A knockout read and start to this series too. Bring on book 2 now.

[Sheryl Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved!! Narya, is a strong FMC, but she has not had the best life growing up. Always knowing she didn't fit in. Kinda hard to forget your trauma when its literally engraved on your body! Daigen, the bloodstone king will do anything to protect and avenge her. Daigen has his own trauma, like his sister and dad being murdered. In the end, Narya starts to let her self love Daigen just to betray him and hopefully end a war before it begins! I can not wait to read book 2!

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught my attention from the first few pages and didn’t let go. Vivid descriptions, witty banter and a well thought out plot made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. Didn’t want this end. Loved Narya, she is kind and thoughtful and I can’t wait for her to grow into the best version of herself with Daigen to support her. Daigen is a complex character- love his sense of duty and care for Narya. Can’t wait to see what comes next

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to a new fantasy universe!
Beautifully written, immersive story telling and emotionally jarring.
Mention of old trauma could be triggering for some, really builds the compassion towards the lead character though.
Daigen gives off GOT drogo vibes and i am here for it!
Narya is a wonderful leading lady, suffered but not a melt and strong but not obnoxious. I really love her personality.
Great supporting characters but we just dont know who can be trusted this really is a story of twists and turns with mild spice. 5/5

[MandyViolete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing start to the series! Of course we just want to pinch Narya for not listening to us - because we knew didn’t we? There is a dark thread woven through this tale - so far there hasn’t been any on scene graphic darkness but with the ending I’m not sure which way it will go, so if you’re sensitive to triggers you may want to wait to read. This book is quite the journey and by the end you’ll be screaming for the next one (and for our FMC to listen to us because she definitely doesn’t seem to care about herself as much as she cares about everyone else). Must read!

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so that ending made me yell it can't be over yet! I cannot wait for the next book! With that being said this is an amazing start to this new series. The story of Daigen and Narya is enemies to lovers. There isn't a TW page, but there are some things off page. Narya has been through a lot, and it is hard for her to trust. I loved watching this story unfold in this dark and magical world. Need book 2 asap!

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're even considering picking up 'A Kingdom of Starlight,' consider this your sign to DO IT! But fair warning: prepare for an ending that will leave your head spinning. Scarlett Snow masterfully crafts a plot twist that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew. The main characters are all trying to solve the central problem in completely different ways, often working against each other, which really ramps up the tension. I'm on the edge of my seat, desperately waiting for the next installment! If you love fantasy romance, this book is an absolute must-read!

[Brenda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning Narya was an outcast where she was raised, however her spirit never faultered even from the violent attacks she had endured, but when her stone turned and she knew she wasn’t fateless, her hope finally fell. But the bloodstone king had another plan and he has found his fated. But the gods are still not willing to let them have a HEA , this story ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared.

[Shirley Monas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beginning to a series! I didn’t want to put this book down. I was engulfed in the story. The world created was incredible and had me on the edge of my seat. The mystery and suspense and the backstory…I could go on and on. Fabulous slow burn, dark romantasy I’ve read in a while. I’m so looking forward to the next book!!!

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story! I was hooked from the first page until the last. I loved the relationship and world building, the intrigue, the betrayal, the suspense, and the plot twists I didn’t see coming. I simply adored Narya and Daigen, they were fabulous characters. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next!

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

It's a heartbreaking, very slow burn, but wow, it's so good. It ends on a big cliffhanger, and please read the CW's because there are some off the page that just add to the heartbreak.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book with plenty of emotion and suspense. Narya is a survivor who has been through so much but is still super sweet. But when she finds herself bound to an enemy you get to really see what she is made of.

[C Adesile · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

Quite a bit darker than some I’ve read, not for the faint hearted but if you’re ok with that then read it. I read it in one day and can’t wait for the next one!

[Alaysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing first book this was to read! Narya has lived inner Kingdom since she was a child, loved by her family but dismissed by her kingdom. She has had some hardship and heartache. She has an amazing heart. What a beautiful story she has and this world is not all about rainbows but cruelty too. So many questions! Can't wait for the next book!

[Stephanie Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!!

I can't wait for the next book 😘 if you loved fated mates and wretched kings, dragons.... Then this is definitely a book for you!!! Going to be a great series

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing story with a lot of things going for it. I however had a few things that kept me from falling 5 stars in love with it.

From the beginning, the story hooked me. The opening ceremony with magical crystals immediately throws us into a precarious and dangerous situation for our FMC, Narya. Her crystal fails to light up in any of the colours that correspond to one of the three kingdoms, marking her as fateless. The ceremony continues with the royals of each realm represented, the Moon, Sun, and Bloodstone kingdoms, and every fae whose crystal lights up must present themselves to their respective ruler.

Narya is fiercely loyal to her adopted family, especially her father, who loves her as his own. Narya’s lack of magical glow, or aelith, in her crystal and her father’s desperation to protect her set off the next chain of events. When she is meant to present her crystal to the royals, her induced sickness to hide her secret leads to tragedy, her father’s friend is killed while trying to help her escape, and she’s attacked by the Moonstone king’s right hand’s son. The Bloodstone king, Daigen, intervenes after his crystal reacts to hers, revealing that Narya is his fated mate. He kills Gravyn’s son and claims Narya as his own, despite her being fateless and not belonging to any kingdom.

I feel like Daigen's character was very misunderstood and Narya's sense of moral compass and naivete made things very difficult for me. I enjoyed learning about the world but it didn't come fast enough, it was a learn as you go. I felt like I was learning along with Narya, however what she knew was from the perspective of the moonstone kingdom.

Narya's origins are completely unknown except she was found in the water and has coloured her hair to hide that she is not from the moonstone kingdom, that being said, which kingdom is she from? I feel like you get bits of the lore as you go but the picture is so fuzzy at best. I really wanted to understand the world and what is going on and I felt like I didn't get enough to connect the way I personally like to. I feel like there are so many dangling plot strings and I have so many unanswered questions and frustrations. Possibly a very me thing.

All that being said, I was invested and wanted to know more about Narya’s origins and to better understand what was happening with the Archivist, for example. There is a lot I hope will be clarified in the next book, which I do plan to read.

[Christina Lerew · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Narya and Daigen first cross paths, the air crackles with tension, mistrust, and unspoken truths. Narya—who has been hardened by betrayal and duty—steps into a world of crystal courts and dangerous alliances, and Daigen—the legendary Bloodstone King with secrets buried deep beneath his cold exterior—expects nothing but obedience. What they don’t anticipate is how the sharp edge of their animosity will carve a path to something far more powerful: connection, transformation, and love.
Narya’s resilience is breathtaking. She refuses to be the pawn in Daigen’s war, the butchering of her own identity, or the silence of submission. Her journey from guarded survivor to fierce queen of her own fate grips the heart. And Daigen… oh, Daigen is a revelation. Beneath the fearsome reputation, the icy command, lies a man bound by duty, haunted by choices made in shadows—and slowly, irrevocably drawn to the woman who refuses to bow. The shift—from his ruthless dominance to his raw vulnerability—is beautifully written.
Their relationship is the kind of slow-burn romance that fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes live for. The spark of danger, the dance of capture and escape, and the moment when their swords of betrayal turn into shields of protection: it all happens with emotional stake and stakes that grow ever higher. The world-building is lush: crystal courts shimmering with magic and treachery, ancient rituals of blood and light, and a kingdom on the brink of war. That tension amplifies the intimate moments between Narya and Daigen—because their personal battle mirrors the fate of the realm.
What elevates this novel is how it balances the epic and the intimate. There are sweeping scenes of political machinations and mythic stakes, yes—but the heart remains in the stolen glances, the silent apologies, the trembling hands. When Narya finally meets Daigen’s gaze and sees the man behind the crown, the moment is electric and earned, not rushed. And when Daigen touches Narya’s scars—physical and emotional—it isn’t just a gesture, but a promise.
Characters around them—friends and foes—serve not just as backdrop but as mirrors and catalysts, forcing Narya and Daigen to question everything: their loyalties, their pasts, their definitions of power. The twists land hard, and you’ll find yourself racing through pages wondering what’s real, who to trust, and whether love can conquer darkness.