Love is fickle—something Nyleeria has learned all too well. But the Fates are crueler still.
Forever changed by the Mother, Nyleeria finds herself in the fae realm, stripped of everything she once knew.
With no family, no friends, and no allies by her side, she stands alone in a world that covets the primordial spark beating within her chest.
The spark that can create worlds. Or end them.
Hunted by those who would trade her life to claim her power as their own, Nyleeria is forced to follow a strange urge to trust one whose secrets could destroy her.
If she follows it, she risks giving her heart—and her power—to those who may betray her again. But to forsake it could end them all.
The choice is hers. Or so the Fates would have her believe.
CC Hartly emerges as a fresh voice in the world of adult romantic fantasy with her debut novel, Heir of Stardust and Secrets, the first book in the highly anticipated Mythic Spark series. With a background in marketing and two degrees in the field, Hartly's transition to publishing is marked by a passion for fantasy and her own imaginative character-driven world rich with magic, love, and lore.
Her Canadian roots in the Rockies sparked a love for the wilderness that shines through when she recklessly jumps in puddles, revels in thunderstorms, and doesn’t hesitate before taking a dip in glacial waters. When not crafting her next novel, she's adventuring outdoors or delving into anything fantasy, always with her trusty four-legged companion, Finnigan, by her side.
I received this as an advanced copy for my honest review
Hands down my favorite book so far this year !! If you have not read the first book , get on it because this one is beyond brilliant! I could not stop reading !! It kept me wanting more and more as I read on.
Human turned fae and hunted for her “spark” from two kings of two courts, history of why they are wanting the spark, found family, unexpected mates, kick ass fighting , self discovery… I could go and on ! Bravo C.C. Hartley
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, but somehow this sequel managed to take everything I enjoyed and elevate it even more. This story pulled me right back into the world from the first page and did not let go until the end.
Nyleeria continues to be such a compelling FMC. Watching her grow through everything she’s endured was powerful, and I loved seeing her strength, determination, and resilience shine even when the odds were stacked against her. Her journey feels emotional and raw, and it makes you root for her every step of the way.
The worldbuilding expands beautifully in this installment. The different courts, magic, and political tensions make the story feel layered and immersive. There are twists, revelations, and moments that genuinely caught me off guard, and I was completely invested trying to piece together what was happening.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the relationships. The found family elements are wonderful, and the slow burn romance continues to develop in such a satisfying way. The tension, banter, and emotional connection between the characters kept me completely hooked.
This book definitely raises the stakes from the first installment. The emotional moments hit harder, the mysteries deepen, and by the end I was left with so many questions about what will happen next.
If you enjoy romantasy with strong character development, intricate magic, found family, and a slow burn romance that keeps you invested, this series is absolutely worth picking up.
I loved book one, but this one was on another level for me, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
This story just goes from strength to strength. My heart aches so incredibly badly for Ny and all shes been through and continues to go through. I adore the friends and “family” she continues to find and I cried a lot throughout the book. Especially at the last 25%. Way to rip a girls heart out CC 😂😭 … that ending has me craving the next book so hard. I can’t wait to reread it all when the third comes out.
What an incredible opportunity to be a permanent ARC reader for this incredible storyteller.
CC is able to weave a story with the kind of mastery that leaves you randomly remembering things that break your heart, piss you off, or make you fall in love over and over for decades to come. I actually came out of a long ARC-reader break because this was something I knew I couldn’t miss, and I’m so glad I trusted that instinct. As I write this, my thoughts are still ping-ponging from “wow, that’s brilliant” to “how dare she?” at about a mile a minute.
One thing I love about her writing is the self-awareness with which she nods to certain absurdities in common tropes. Quotes like “I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding” and the entire “Gentlemale” chapter, which gave me a distinct artistic stylization battle-of-wills vibe a la Robin Hood or The Princess Bride. These are perfect examples of how she folds wry, meta humor into a very serious, high-stakes story.
“He’d somehow given me permission to not have all the answers” really struck me in an oddly personal way. I think, as women, many of us identify with over-analyzing and over-compensating to make things easier for everyone else and always having the right answers, so reading that line made me feel less alone in craving to be seen and accepted holistically without having to be “on” or “correct” for everybody else all the time.
The poison-arrow moment with Nyleeria and Endymion is a perfect example of how Hartly threads romantic tension with a bit of comedic absurdity. It takes a special kind of writer to describe two bodies impaled by a poison arrow and somehow make it feel… sexual? And yet, here we are.
Little Star shall henceforth be known as my favorite term of endearment. Its originality and direct ties to the actual core of the story make it feel so much more intentional and pertinent.
The fae and human male egos clashing while they were literally traveling with The Spark made me laugh. It is so true to nature: even non-human males with magic, prophecies, and world-ending stakes in play still find themselves flexing their muscles for each other while “The Spark”, literally the most direct connection to the mother that some might even say she IS the mother incarnate, ends up as an onlooker to their absurd play for dominance that already belongs to her.
It’s always the characters you love the most. Early on, I had that horrible foreshadowing feeling that loving this one character was a grim mistake, and I was unfortunately correct. How dare you, CC?! And to place that emotional blow right before such a satisfying moment of vindication was absolutely maddening in the best narrative way.
I cannot wait for book three. I’m already theorizing and panicking about what she is going to do to us next, but one thing I know for sure is that it’s gonna be good.
“In this dome. For this moment. Be mine.” ✨ Emotional damage disguised as a fantasy sequel? Cool, cool, cool. 😵💫
CC said, “Thanks for waiting for book two,” and then chose violence in the final chapters. 🔪 Absolute audacity. 😌 I would like to file a formal complaint and also preorder the next book immediately because apparently I enjoy suffering. 🫠
This story wastes zero time pulling you back in: cancel your plans, ignore your responsibilities, you live here now. 🫠 Nyleeria is still that girl: complicated, battle scarred and getting stronger through increasingly unhinged circumstances. Her growth is messy, painful, very “healing is not a linear journey” coded. 💔 You don’t just root for her, you’re basically in the trenches with her, emotionally speaking. 🥲
Twists. Revelations. I paused and stared into the void for a minute. 😶🌫️ I spent half the book trying to play detective and the other half accepting that CC is ten steps ahead and laughing at me. 😩
Found family was everything, which is great except now I’m emotionally attached to approximately everyone and stressed about all of them. 😭 Love that for me. The slow burn romance is still simmering, still torturing us in that delicious, tension filled, banter heavy way that makes you want to scream into a pillow. 🔥 Progress is made but at what emotional cost? Mine. The answer is mine. 💀
Can we discuss how the stakes are just… constantly escalating? Ma’am, can we breathe for a hot minute? Apparently not. It’s intense, it’s dramatic, it’s feelings on feelings and balanced with these genuinely beautiful relationship moments that soften Nyleeria’s whole lone wolf vibe. 💞 Watching her walls come down was disgustingly heartwarming. 🥹
The trauma exploration was handled with care, showing that healing is slow, ugly and deeply personal. 🖤 The friendships, especially in the Summer and Spring Courts, add just enough light to keep this from emotionally wrecking you beyond repair. Just enough.
But listen. “Little Star”? Absolutely not. 😭 I am unwell. I was trying to form coherent thoughts and instead just sat there clutching my chest like a Victorian widow.
And THAT character decision?? I get it. I understand the narrative purpose. It makes sense. 😐
Counterpoint: HOW. DARE. YOU. 😤🔥
Thank you @cchartly @bookfunnel for the #gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review. I’m so incredibly happy to be part of your DreamTeam 🦄 and also completely and utterly emotionally wrecked by your decision for THAT character 💔
YOU WEREN'T KIDDING WITH THE SECRETS... OH MY LANTA!
When I thought I couldn't love anything more than book 1...
Book 1 walked, so that this could SOAR!
My jaw is permanently on the floor. The author kept throwing curve balls and even though I finished two days ago, I am stunned.
Let me say, I am very rarely surprised and can almost always guess what's coming up, so when I tell you that this had me gasping and staying up to 2 am. It's saying something!
This is an absolute binge worthy series that is a MUST read for any romantasy lovers.
This book was a wild ride. It had so much happening. Found family,betrayal, loss, hope, so much pain, and possibilities of love. My only dislike is there were so many main characters that it was hard to keep track of everyone especially since it’s even so long since book 1. Then the introduction to a whole new cast of characters, and the old ones it was a lot to keep track of for a while. If you’re in this book for romance there isn’t any. It’s more friends and found family. I enjoyed the book hoping the 3rd book comes out soon
I was desperate to get my hands on this after Heir of Stardust and Secrets—and WOW, it did not disappoint.
Twists on twists, betrayal, found family, and an even deeper dive into the magic system had me completely hooked. Just when I thought I had it figured out… nope. This book kept knocking me off my feet.
Nyleeria’s journey in the fae realm is emotional, messy, and so compelling. Her growth, the relationships (hello slow burn 👀), and the constant danger had me feeling everything.
Some predictable moments, but honestly? I didn’t care—I was fully invested.
That ending though… I NEED book three immediately.
I thought the first book was amazing, this book was somehow even better! I absolutely LOVED this book. By the time I got not even halfway through, I could not stop reading. Did I call out of work for a half day because I needed to finish and know what happened… yes, yes I did! Do I regret it? Absolutely not!
This book has everything I love and then some! This book is somehow even better beautifully written, I was invested in the characters, the world was developed, just perfection!
Trying to not spoil anything but that ending… omg!
Absolutely devoured this. Book 2 cranks the drama, the magic, and the oh‑my‑god‑did-that-just-happen reveals all the way up. It really said “oh you thought book 1 hurt? cute” and then proceeded to emotionally ruin me in the best way. The character growth? Chef’s kiss. The secrets? Messy in the best way. And that ending left me staring at the wall like… guess I live here now. Perfect sequel energy.
Book 2 in the Mythic Spark series and WOW what a wild ride. This book picked up right at the shock that book 1 left off on. The trauma that Nyleeria feels is so real and so palpable. There's so many heart breaking moments as she wades through what has and is happening. So much intensity. The character building leaves you so invested in every single being in the book. The last 30% of the book had me on the edge of my seat. I screamed, I cried, I looked around to see if anyone else was seeing this... Pure shock at the end.
⭐Found Family ⭐Hidden Identity ⭐Unique Magic System ⭐Chosen One
As book 2 of the Mythic Spark series, we pick up right where we left off in Book 1. Nyleeria has been changed by the Mother.
We jump into her learning how to navigate her new life in the Fae lands. I loved the pacing of this book and how the story itself took off running, but still saved space for building and healing the emotional connections. Our girl Nyleeria had a ton of trauma to work through in this book after the events that unfolded in book 1. The betrayals that we experienced in book one continue to get more details revealed and we live it with Nyleeria and experience first hand how it manifests in her relationships.
We get to see more in depth to some characters from book one and meet new characters:
If you were not obsessed with Kaelun, you are like papa! He was the best character to be introduced to this series because of the balance he brought to the characters. Absolutely LOVE him and what he’s contributed to all the characters but especially towards Nyleeria’s healing.
Artton, I will say I did like his character from the get go, because while he was a pain in the rear to Nyleeria, we also see how she weaponizes her trauma towards others so it’s great to see character flaws in both main and secondary characters. This is in no way a bad thing because I personally love to see how differently characters can latch onto certain experiences and watch their character development. Plus their bond at the end had me bawling.
I’m the type of reader that loves when something is so well written that it can make me cry and my goodness, the memory scene took me out. I think that was the best scene in the entire book just due to the pure raw emotion it brought out in each character and how it creates perspective while challenging consent.
Can we also just talk about the title? Secrets? Wild secrets are revealed in the last few chapters that you would never guess are coming but were perfectly woven into the book. Fate? Oh yeah, we see how fate has set things into motion for Nyleeria. What I loved about this so much is that while she was always meant to have this spark, her choices along the way are hers to make and we get to see the impact.
While everything was really ramping up at the end, I was wishing for more and afraid for the ending we got because now I have to wait so long AGAIN. Lol, with that being said, the ending was amazing and I can’t wait to see how the secrets revealed, once again, challenge Nyleeria’s trust and development.
Little Star 😭
Thank you to CC Hartly and her team for the ARC and the opportunity to read this early. I absolutely loved it!
Poor Nyleeria really goes through it in HoSF. We pick up immediately at the end of book one, right after her transformation. She goes with Endymion to the Summer Court under Caius, and he claims she'll be safe there. But given all that she went through in HoSS, it's easy to see why that might be difficult to believe.
I loved the found family Nyleeria gains in this book! While she's reluctant to trust anyone, she is drawn to Endymion, and it's hard to hate Kaelun (despite the fact that he's a young fae and she's the first charge he's been given). Artton seems to be the last one to be swayed to help Nyleeria learn how to use her spark. Luckily those in the Summer Court seem intent on protecting Nyleeria and keeping the Spark out of the wrong hands, both from Thaddeus and some of the other High Lords who would want the spark for themselves. But after Nyleeria really bares her soul by showing how Thaddeus tried to take the spark in HoSS, then she truly gets all of the Summer Court and some of the Spring Court onto her side.
The absolute WHIPLASH I had toward the end of this story! Things look very grim for our group, with everyone getting captured by Wymond. To show Nyleeria who's boss, he unalives sweet Kaelun! In front of not only everyone, but his older brother. This causes Nyleeria to force a bargain out of Wymond, offering him the spark in exchange for everyone's safety. Wymond paid close attention to the offered bargain, noticed that she left Thaddeus out of it, and promptly took his opportunity to take out Thaddeus as well. Now granted this all happened within a few pages, so I went from gasping-sobbing for Kaelun to choking on a gasp when Thaddeus's head rolled, quite literally.
And then Nyleeria learns a few last secrets (hey, makes sense with Secrets in the title), including that Endymion is her fated mate (?!) before we're left with another cliffhanger! Ooof what a doozy, I need book 3!
Some favorite quotes: ...a question that terrified me: What was the cost of becoming fae? And worse, what if it was my humanity? Control had earned me nothing but a collar in this gods-forsaken life, and I'd be damned if I handed anyone a leash. I'd been thrown into one impossible situation after another and blindsided more times than I cared to count. "Being poor of options does not mean I'm rich with trust." "In this dome. For this moment. Be mine." Panic was seconds from taking over my body. Before it could, I threw it into a mental room and kicked the fvcken door shut. I could fall apart later. "You may have lied with your words, but your soul sings to a melody that could never utter anything but truths, the ones that make you worthy of the spark." "Kaelun!" "What? You're the most eligible bachelorette in the realm, who am I to get in the way of you cashing that chit as many times as you want?" (another reason I IMMEDIATELY loved Kaelun!) I wasn't sure if I was a better version of myself, but I was a stronger one, to be sure. "You'll mind who you're speaking to, Lord Tarrin," Kaelun said with a firmness that shocked me. "Whether you hold our customs by showing Lady Nyleeria the reverence she deserves by being the spark, or not, you'd do well to remember the atrocities you put her through as a human. And while you swallow that truth, I'd recommend you sweeten the bitterness on your tongue with gratitude for her and the High Lord who brought you back from Father Death's clutches, unless you'd prefer to be returned to them." (and yet another reason why Kaelun was just too good) "I swear to the gods above and the hells below, Spark," Artton snapped, "if you so much as think about apologizing for protecting yourself, I'll fvcken lose it. You're under strict orders to choose your safety over all else. The way I see it, if any of us are dumb enough to make you question it, then don't just pull your blades--fvcken use them. Got it?" "I'm not broken." "You never were." "I've never been more in awe. Or disgusted. Gods have mercy on whoever is stupid enough to be on the other side of your ire, because that was... ruthless." "You mean that you've fallen for me in one dance?" "No, Little Star. From the first moment I laid eyes upon you." "The problem is, when I break, I snap, and I have no qualms taking you down with me--regardless of the cost. So, tell me, are you willing to pay the price of their deaths? Because I am." "When I kiss you for the first time, Nyla, I want to set the world aflame and let the fire consume me."
If you love a romantasy with fae courts, fated mates, god-tier banter, slow burn, and a beautiful found family, then you have to check out Heir of Secrets and Fate!
I received an advanced review copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well… I am floored. I absolutely devoured this book, grabbing every spare moment I could just to sneak back into it. I loved the first book, but this one? It takes everything up a level. All those delicious tropes wrapped around your emotions until you’re completely tangled in them, because you will feel everything.
The stakes are high right from the start, and they only continue to build. But alongside that tension, we get one of my favourite things in fantasy: found family. And suddenly your list of people to worry about multiplies overnight. It’s stressful in the best way. At the same time, it’s beautiful watching these new relationships form. The characters introduced here breathe so much life into Nyleeria’s world, and they soften that lone-wolf shell she’s carried for so long. Seeing those walls begin to thaw was genuinely heartwarming.
But the tension never lets you settle for long. As the story unfolds, the intensity steadily ramps up and I found myself constantly hunting for clues, trying to piece together where everything was heading. I caught onto a few threads… but other revelations completely blindsided me. And let’s just say, when it comes to fated mates, I can usually sniff that trope out from a mile away and I was very satisfied with how that played out.
The writing is phenomenal and the pacing keeps you hooked the entire time. Multiple threads weave together seamlessly, and every chapter feels like another turn of the emotional roller coaster. Backgrounds deepen, motivations become clearer, and the bigger picture starts to take shape in ways that only increase the intrigue. My investment in these characters skyrocketed. The magic system is another highlight. The way different courts wield their own powers, layered with arcane magic, spellcraft, and even celestial magic (!!!) adds so much richness to the world. And the best part? It feels like we’ve only just scratched the surface. There are still so many mysteries left to uncover, and I’m already desperate to see where that storyline goes next.
And the slow burn… oh boy. It winds around the story like ink spreading through water. I was patient with it because trauma is such an important theme here, but that didn’t stop me from rooting hard for certain people to finally get their moment. I’ll keep it spoiler-free, but the hints are definitely there if you’re watching closely.
Nyleeria herself goes through an incredible transformation. Her trauma is explored with care, and the story really honours the fact that healing isn’t quick or simple. It’s messy, gradual, and deeply personal. Thankfully, the friendships that develop, particularly within the Summer and Spring Courts, help balance those darker moments. Characters (to name a few) like Kaelun, Caius, Artton (Eventually…) Tarrin, Kai, bring warmth and grounding that make the journey feel less isolating. Quick shoutout to Luca too - because we all love an Animal link! Watching Nyleeria slowly realise she isn’t alone anymore and she had people who would fight for her, protect her, was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.
And then there’s Endymion. I knew I liked him. I spent half the book silently begging Nyleeria to trust him, though that’s the curse of being the reader, we see pieces the characters don’t. This man radiates loyalty, patience, resilience, strength. Achem, Shadow Daddy. Yes, secrets are everywhere in this story, and some of them are pretty massive… but the ones that come from a place of genuine heart hit the hardest. One revelation in particular completely blindsided me. Like… genuinely world-altering and quite the cliff hanger!!!
By the end, I was equal parts stunned, emotional, and desperate for the next book. This world keeps expanding in the most exciting ways, and I am fully strapped in for whatever chaos comes next.
After experiencing yet another life-shattering change, Nyleeria finds herself amongst the fae in the summer kingdom. Learning to adapt to this change, she must heal from her past traumas, learn to trust again and prepare herself for whatever lies ahead for her and the spark within her.
The cliffhanger of Heir of Stardust and Secrets had left me with so many questions. How did that happen? What does that mean for the spark? How will we get our revenge on Thaddeus? While some of my questions were addressed, I swear I have more than before. The plot was so fast-paced I could have easily read all 500+ pages in a single afternoon if adulting hadn’t gotten in the way.
Nyleeria is once again one of my favorite FMCs. Her resilience to everything she has been through is inspiring and only makes me want to read more to see what happens next with her. Especially with Endymion. I am left with so many questions about him and their connection to one another, what their future holds for them.
C.C. Hartly’s writing has a way of dragging you into the story, feeling everything through Nyleeria’s eyes. You can feel her pain, her happiness, everything. This is exactly the kind of writing that makes me love reading. The authors that can take you and plop you into the character’s mind so well that you can’t help but laugh or cry or want to scream with them. I will read anything C.C. Hartly writes without fail.
The seasonal courts concept is not a new one in romantasy, yet this world felt new and was perfectly described. I can only hope that in the coming books we get to see more of it, especially more of the spring and summer kingdoms. I think I am done with autumn.
If I were to list every single thing that I loved about this book, I could probably write a novella honestly. The characters were all amazing. Their dynamics together, that found family, was perfection. The banter was top notch. Oh and that slow burn… My goodness has that left me wanting more. The yearning was painful for my heart and had me reading at breakneck speeds, needing to know what happened next. I need more of these characters, this world, like right this instance.
As I sit here, still feeling all my emotions, I cannot think of a single thing that frustrated me or I wish had been better. Well except one part at the end that dealt with a certain male character from book one. I also wish his final scene had been a bit more painful for him, but otherwise… Nope. I got nothing.
Honestly, I don’t think there is a single feeling I didn’t go through during this book. I went from happy as the FMC learned how to use her gifts and see what she was capable of to downright heartbroken at that one point near the end. Let’s just say while I hate this one particular trope (but I’m not going to say what as it would be a spoiler) but this is one instance where I really wish it had happened. I thought book one had some pretty emotionally devastating points, but none of them even compare to the smallest ones in this book.
This is perfect for fans of slow burns, found families, and above all else, an FMC who never gives up, even when she sometimes wishes she could. Nyleeria is amazing and I cannot wait until she gets her happy ending.
I loved book one, Heir of Stardust and Secrets, but book two is on a whole other level. I will be getting a physical copy of this book to sit next to my signed copy of book 1. I will be re-reading it before book three comes out. I will be tabbing it. But above all else, I will suffer through all the emotional damage again just to be immersed in this world again.
I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author. This review is my own. Wow! This is the second book in the Mystic Spark series. This book takes what the first book gives you and expands on it, which I loved so much!
The sequel picks up exactly where the first book ends, pulling you straight back into the momentum of the story. This installment feels wholly rooted in Nyleeria—her evolution, her challenges, and the way she navigates the fae realm, her shifting identity, and her emerging magic.
We get a much deeper look at her vulnerability as she wrestles with who she’s becoming and what her power demands of her. Watching her question who she can trust while trying to carve out her place made her incredibly relatable. I found myself cheering her on at every turn.
The world‑building remains the standout for me. CC Hartly has a remarkable gift for making the Fae courts feel vivid, lived‑in, and almost tangible. You’re swept straight into the heart of the magic. I’m especially captivated by the magic system, and I can’t wait to see how the spark continues to evolve.
What I loved most was how the character's connections were allowed to grow naturally. Nothing felt rushed—people stumbled, owned their mistakes, and put in the work. That sense of accountability made their relationships feel so much stronger and far more meaningful to me.
This felt like one of the first books I’ve read where the FMC actually reacts in a way that makes sense for everything she’s endured. It was refreshing to see a heroine barely holding it together as her world keeps shifting beneath her—it made her experience feel so much more real.
The found family in this book is one of the best I've ever read. I love their connections to each and their banter - it is just so comfortable and everything you want in a family. I love how they know each other so well that they can tell when something is wrong with someone else. They know how to comfort and lean on each other.
This book is a solid 5 stars for me! The ending left me hanging (as usual - thanks CC LOL), and I cannot WAIT for Book 3! Thank you so much CC for having me on your dream team!
Tropes: Reluctant chosen one Soulmate bond Ultimate sacrifice Unique magic system + spellcraft Fated mates
First, I want to say how excited I am to be part of CC Hartly’s permanent ARC team! I loved the first book, Heir of Stardust and Secrets, but book two somehow raises the stakes even higher. I absolutely devoured this book and found myself grabbing every spare moment I could just to read a little more.
The story picks up right where book one left off and throws us straight back into Nyleeria’s journey as she finds herself in the fae realms. The pacing felt fast and the tension kept building the entire time.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the found family element. Watching Nyleeria slowly open up and begin to trust the people around her was really rewarding. After everything she has been through, it makes sense that trust and healing take time. Seeing those friendships grow, especially within the Summer and Spring Courts, added a lot of warmth to the story.
I also really enjoyed the characters introduced in this book. The group dynamic and banter made the relationships feel genuine, and I loved seeing how they supported Nyleeria as she started discovering more about her power and her place in this world. And of course I have to mention Endymion. His loyalty and patience really stood out, and the slow burn tension between him and Nyleeria kept me completely invested.
The world building continues to expand in such a fun way. The fae courts feel vibrant and dangerous, and the magic system becomes even more interesting with the addition of different types of magic. It honestly feels like we are only scratching the surface of this world.
This book took me through so many emotions. I was excited, stressed, heartbroken, and completely hooked the entire time. And that ending left me with so many questions and a desperate need for the next book.
Overall, Heir of Secrets and Fate takes everything that worked in book one and makes it even better. If you love fae courts, slow burn romance, found family, and a strong FMC who refuses to give up, this series is definitely worth picking up.
* I received an advance copy of this book & I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Heir of Secrets and Fate by C.C. Hartly completely swept me away. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book Heir of Stardust and Secrets and wasn’t sure it could be topped but CC has out done herself with this second book. From the very first chapter, it was clear that this was a story crafted with immense care and imagination. The worldbuilding is truly extraordinary—rich, layered, and immersive in a way that makes the setting feel alive. Every location, political tension, and hidden history adds depth to the story, making it impossible not to get lost in the world Hartly has created.
The writing itself is beautiful, striking a perfect balance between lyrical description and gripping momentum. There are moments where the prose feels almost poetic, yet it never slows the story down. Instead, it pulls you further into the emotional and magical heart of the narrative.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its fantastic cast of characters. Each one feels fully realized, with motivations, flaws, and relationships that evolve naturally throughout the story. I found myself deeply invested in each of the characters especially the core group of Nylerria, Endymion, Cauis, Artton and Sidrick. You find yourself celebrating their victories and feeling every setback right alongside them.
And then there’s the magic system, which is genuinely unique. Hartly introduces magical rules and abilities that feel fresh and imaginative, yet grounded enough to create real stakes and tension. It’s the kind of magic that sparks curiosity—you want to understand it, explore it, and see just how far the author can stretch the experience.
Overall, Heir of Secrets and Fate is an unforgettable fantasy read. With its extraordinary worldbuilding, beautiful writing, fantastic characters, and a truly unique magic system, this book is a standout in the genre and one I’ll be thinking about long after I write this review. I can’t wait to see what C.C. Hartly does next with this remarkable story.
Thank you CC Hartly for providing me the ARC for book 2. I enjoyed book 1 and was excited to read the second book in the series.
Before I go into the review, I had a hard time reading this book. But it was not because the contents of the book, but my lack of energy to read. I’ve been in a reading slump since the beginning of the year and it made it hard for me to focus on reading. So without further ado, let’s get into this review.
Book two takes off where book one ended. Nyleeria ends up in the fae world and stumbles upon Endymion. Remember our endgame guy? Nyleera has turned fae and now has to adapt to her new body. She is brought to the summer court and has to settle into her new home. There are new and old faces. Together they navigate her new life. Endymion leaves the summer court pretty early on in the book and Nyleeria feels a hole in her chest without him there. Is it what I think it is?!
One day she saves Tarrin from the brink of death as he was left by King Thaddeus. She saves him and he needs to accept the fact she has changed and her allegiance is now with the fae. Nyleeria decides to get her twin siblings back from the Autumn High Lord and the King. Why I don’t know. They don’t really deserve it. Of course, she gets captured by the autumn fae. Nyleeria meets her former lover aka the king. Him and the high lord are still trying to get the spark. After making a bargain with the high lord, the most satisfying moment of the book happens: the high lord kills the king. We were all waiting for that moment. We also find out that Nyleeria and Endymion are mates. Like we didn’t see that coming right? Don’t get me wrong: I am happy they are. Cause well… I said he was our endgame.
The ending was kinda predictable but I liked it anyway. Perfect setup for the next book.
Again, thank you CC Hartly for the ARC ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Holy moly! I am speechless and going to have to take a minute or a hundred to settle my thoughts enough bought to write my review.
All I can say at this point is…this was absolutely incredible from the first word to the last! CC Hartly has outdone herself!
Okay, here we go…
I have a bone to pick with you CC! How, HOW could you do this to me?? You gut punched me and then left me dangling by my pinky toe off that cliff. My goodness, that was a blow I did not see coming at all! Was I shocked…YES! But in hindsight, it makes so much sense! Now I’m screaming and on pins and needles wanting to know what happens next!
This book was an epic pulse pounding journey! Nyleeria just cannot catch a break from what the Fates have in store for her. The emotional devastation I felt throughout this book was gut wrenching. But to see the growth in her from the beginning to the end of this book was nothing short of incredible. The choices she had to make at times was unimaginable and hard to swallow. But she’s relentless and fierce in her determination to keep everyone from the Spark - she will literally stop at nothing. Seeing the friendships blossom was magnificent. Yet she still finds it difficult to trust and love. I mean, who can blame her!
This world is vibrant yet dangerous. With Fae, humans and fantastical beasts. The character development is incredible. The relationships are tenuous; but the dynamic of Nyleeria and Endymion is heart warming and I had this gut feeling that they were more and my instinct was spot on.
While there are so many revelations and twists in this book; I am left pondering so many more questions. I can’t wait to see where CC takes us in the next installment.
Some books ease you in. This one grabbed me by the heart in chapter one and didn’t loosen its grip 🖤✨. I was instantly swept into Nyleeria’s world—breath held, nerves buzzing—because every scene carries that electric sense that something is about to break, or blaze, or both. The danger feels close enough to touch, the choices feel impossible in the way that makes you ache for the characters, and I found myself racing forward, desperate to see how she could survive what the Fates kept placing in her path.
But what stayed with me most was the heart. The loyalty within the Summer Court hit me hard 🧚♀️🤍. The bonds feel earned, not convenient, and there’s something deeply comforting about watching characters choose each other again and again—especially in a world where secrets can cost everything. Those moments of devotion and unity brought such warmth to the story, and they made the stakes feel even higher when things started to fracture.
And yes… this one has sadness, too 😭. The kind that settles in your chest because you understand why it has to happen, even when you wish it didn’t. The emotional beats landed for me, and I loved that the story didn’t shy away from the grief that comes with love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
By the end, I closed the book with that slightly wrecked feeling—like I’d been through the whole journey with them—and I still wanted more 🥹📚. If you’re into fae courts, fated-mate tension, and romantasy that actually makes you feel things while keeping the pace moving, I honestly think you’ll love this one.
"Disclaimer: "I received a free copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.”
I had the absolute pleasure of alpha reading this and oh my lantaaa I have been waiting for the day this is out in the wild for others to share in the emotional damage ✨
If book 1 was action and magic, book 2 is power and healing. Picking up immediately after the events of book 1, we are faced with Ny’s trauma after utter betrayal, and her inner turmoil as she navigates the world feeling both broken and uncontrollable as she adjusts to being Fae. Ny’s journey in this book is one of pain and heartbreak, and we are in for all the emotional punches on her path of self acceptance and growing inner (and magical) strength. I grew to love every single side character in Ny’s inner circle, and appreciated the depth they were given as both individuals and their bonds with each other.
The romance in this series shifts from spicy in book 1 to the slowest of burns, but the angst and tension literally melts the words off the page. The emotional impact is high, with the rare moments of vulnerability and opening up literally bringing me to tears. I’ll admit, I did guess a big thing early on and was screaming in my DMs to CC about my suspicions, so that pay off was a pat on the back for me 😂 I am SO excited to see where book 3 goes because the chemistry is unreallll once they finally give in to a much to brief moment of weakness and the ending left me jaw dropped because what do you mean that’s where it’s being left until book 3?!
Such an amazing read and an incredible follow up to book 1. CC has something special here and I am so so happy to be along for the ride!
Second.... WTH, I can't believe the journey this book took me on through out it. I have laughed, cried and glared at the screen. Not often a book does that especially the crying part. But seriously, I don't know what CC puts in her writing, but the magic she has in doing so just grips me for each page. I loved the first book in the Mythic Spark series, but this second book, I loved even more. The pain, the heartbreak, the understanding, the EMOTION of it was so well done, that I'm still reeling from it all.
Nyleeria has some interesting developments this time around in book 2 and while finding herself was a need, every time she walked out on something; I wanted to bash her on the head and tell her to sit and listen. But I can also understand the turmoil she was going through after all the things that happened in book 1.
But lets talk ending, HOW DARE CC END IT THERE! Ugh can book 3 be out already, because I need to know everything she just dropped on us in the last two pages alone! Like why! I had an idea until it was confirmed about one of the things and then she threw in the last page info and now I'm glaring at the acknowledgement pages!
Also I wish I could give 6 star reviews, but alas goodreads doesn't do higher than 5, so I'M YELLING 6 STARS!
Book 2 in The Mythic Spark series completely pulled me deeper into this world—and I didn’t want out. The FMC is the kind of heroine you feel. She’s relatable in her struggles, yet undeniably powerful, carrying a unique magic that sets her apart without making her untouchable. Watching her navigate trauma, growth, and her own strength felt raw and real in the best way.
And the MMC? Broody, protective, and quietly intense—the kind of character who says more in silence than most do in words. The slow burn between them is perfectly paced, building tension that feels earned rather than rushed.
What truly elevates this book, though, is everything surrounding them. The side characters are vibrant and meaningful, creating a found family dynamic that adds so much heart. Layer in political intrigue, high-stakes conflict, and a strong thread of healing, and you get a story that’s as emotional as it is gripping.
And just when you think you understand the game being played—the ending shatters everything. A jaw-dropping plot twist flips the entire story on its head and leaves you hanging on a brutal cliffhanger that will have you immediately reaching for the next book.
If you love dark fantasy romance with depth, tension, and characters you can’t help but root for—this one absolutely delivers.
A good read for the most part, not as good as book one.. I have some issues with it.
But the good is…The side characters are well developed and I absolutely fell in love with most of them.
I think the MMC and FMC have great chemistry…
However, my issue is that they are barely on the page together. I love a slow burn, but there needs to be yearning and time spent together. I felt this was lacking because MMC goes away for more than 1/3rd of the book. Ny spends more time with the side characters forming bonds of found family (which is fantastic) but I just needed more from her an Endymion. Totally fine with no spice here.. but give me the yearning!!!
It felt like the author didn’t know what to do with King Thaddeus anymore so she wrote him out.. it was abrupt and felt unresolved after everything that happened in book one. I wanted Ny to be the one to kill him, or Endymion.
Also, I couldn’t care less about the twins. Cassy was engaged to Thaddeus?? What? Why? But also, who cares?! I hope we Don’t hear about them in the next book.
I normally don’t complain about spelling or grammar or anything like that, but the amount of sentences that were missing words took me right out of the story.
If Endymion is in a coma for more than 15% of the next book, I’ll be really frustrated.
I’m giving 4 stars because the characters are so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The land of Lumnara has been waiting just for Nyleeria. This world was made for her.
Our proud, witty, newly-minted FAE is back! Picking right back up from where we left off, Nyleeria is safe and finds a residence in the Summer Court. She slowly piecing together all the lies and the truths that she has been fed from people that she trusted and cared for, all the while grappling with how to learn to control the magical Spark inside her, which consistently is absent in the worst moments. Nyleeria's journey of acceptance of her fate in this lifetime is both heartbreaking and completely understandable, especially as the nefarious forces at work in the Autumn court try to twist and turn and ruin her healing and forgiveness along the way!
The return of human and Fae favourites as well as the new cast are prismatic and grounded, and bring so much depth and levity to this story.
Can Nyleeria find a way out of her emotions and the ever present danger that exists solely to take the power to create and what costs will she pay in the end? CC Hartly's second book in the Mythic Spark series does not hold back as Nyleeria uncovers more of this magical world that she has found herself in!
Okay, first of all….WHAT DID YOU DO?! It is completely unacceptable. I had already stated to myself if something like this happened, I would RIOT, so I am RIOTING right now! Like, HOW DARE YOU!!!
Now that that is out of my system (even though I will not forgive you), I actually could not put this book down. I admit that I went full Gandalf with book 1, as in I did not remember any of the details or other characters (I did ARC read it when it first came out), but I had the major moments down and continued to remember bits and pieces as I read on. But I had a great time with book 2 and loved watching Nyleeria become someone not to fuck with. Our girl has been through so much; she needs a damn break, man. I’m super glad that she came to know a few people who showed her unconditional love and to know what that was like. I feel like Kaelen healed her more than she realizes.
I honestly loved all the characters in her little circle, and I honestly wish this was a why choose because damn, I really like the Summer Court’s top people….as in Casius, Artton, and Sidrik. Man, that would be so fun along with Endymion, obviously, because I swear I cannot love him more in this book! Ugh, he makes me swoon! Seriously, cannot wait for the next book!
Have you ever read one of the books that absolutely destroys you emotionally and the only thing you can say is thank you and more please? Honestly, my emotional support blanket needed overtime after finishing this book. Heir of Secrets and Fate is one of those books that is a master class in developing these nuanced characters and plot lines. This book really focused on the emotional side of the character arcs but was balanced with enough action and political intrigue to keep the plot moving. I loved that characters that felt like potential side characters in the first book, cam back in this book and took more a prominent role. Which is really a testament to the plot development that occurs throughout both books. There is something so special about the main female character, Nyleeria. While this series does having coming of age elements, there is a maturity to the character that will allow readers to connect and identify with Nyleeria. I really love how CC Hartly doesn't shy away from the darker emotions, through Nyleeria readers are able to feel that rage, pain, and beginning of cathartic healing. Wish I could give this book 6/5, it completely destroyed me and I cannot wait for the next book.
Heir of Secrets and Fate picks right up where Heir of Stardust and Secrets cliffhanger leave off so I immediately felt immersed back into Nyleeria’s world, the pacing of the story didn’t leave me bored. i love a long book but i felt like this could’ve been a bit shorter, i was also able to predict that he was hiding how powerful he was than he initially let on and i was right when his friend dropped the bombshell but i didnt guess he held that much power over everyone so im intrigued to see where it goes book 3.
Book 2 made me like Nyleeria even more as an fmc because of her strength, perseverance.. she had to accept the fact that not only were people depending on her for the spark but now she is also fae, she was dealing with her trauma and learning that healing isn’t linear it takes times, she realized she had people who support her and would go to bat for her and that she wasn’t alone anymore which i really enjoyed seeing. i really enjoy how all the courts possess a different magic from the other. also knew her and endymion would be mates because they have to be endgame it’s so clear and in my opinion they make sense. i can’t wait to see where book 3 takes us.