Beneath the Silent Stars

by Miranda L

They want her captured. Or dead. But Astraia was never meant to bow.

Astraia has spent her life running—from her past, from her bond to an ancient power, and from the choices that left her hollow. Marked by the constellations, she is feared as a weapon, hunted as a threat, and haunted by everything she could not save.

Now, as villages burn and shadows rise in the northern reaches of Virellia, Astraia is forced to confront more than just the monsters tearing through the realm—she must face the ones still buried inside her. When a mission leads her to cross paths with a hunter who sees through her walls, Astraia is torn between the steel she’s built around her heart and the unraveling truth that vulnerability might be her greatest strength.

But some things are not so easily buried.

With slow-burn tension, morally gray choices, and a heroine who battles both blade and memory, Beneath the Silent Stars is a darkly poetic romantasy debut perfect for readers of Daughter of No Worlds, The Shadows Between Us, and Shadow and Bone.

Sometimes, survival isn’t the victory. Choosing to rise anyway is.

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

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Faye Vasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! If you take the hunter-and-prey tension from Crimson Moth, sprinkle in a more complex magic system, add a mysterious version of Cassian from ACOTAR, mix in a badass FMC like Oraya but with deep-rooted self loathing, and then mix in other mystery ingredients that only Miranda L. is apparently privy to, you get this book.

It captivated me immediately with its killer prologue and opening line. Towards the middle of the book, it gave the guise of being a feel-good/predictable type of read due to having all the popular tropes (girl from slums forced to team up and travel with hot man who hates her and share a bed with him etc.). Aaaand then it switched up on me in the end with a cliffhanger that left me clueless as to the direction book 2 will take.

If this was Miranda L.’s debut novel, I can’t even imagine how amazing her sequels will be. Book 2 can’t come out soon enough after that cliffhanger!!

[Brandihreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in TWO DAYS!!! The world-building is incredible, making it easy to become fully immersed and invested. I loved how it tackled depression and grief in this. As well as the unique magic system. ✨

The characters are amazing! Astraia, a fierce warrior, is haunted by her past and learning to control her bonds, all while being hunted by a tyrant king and navigating a destiny she doesn’t fully understand. And then there’s Draven, a powerful broody hunter with many secrets. He didn’t expect she would rather burn than be taken. The slow-burn tension between them is perfection! I’m totally rooting for them. Plus, the twist on the “who did this to you” trope is 👌🏼! I also wonder if we will be seeing more of Caelan in book two. 👀

That ending though… had my jaw dropping! I’m still reeling and wondering what’s next?! So many questions are swirling in my head, and I can’t wait for book two to come! 👀✨

Add to TBR if you love:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Yearning
✨ Plot twists
✨ Trauma healing
✨ No spice

Thank you to the author for the early copy!

[Stephanie MacNeill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice- kissing only

First off, thank you to the author for allowing me to ARC read this book and congratulations on publishing your first book. I got a sneak peak at the prologue before I received the ARC and was so excited. Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite hit the mark for me like I had hoped it would after reading the prologue. The character development was good; provided good flashbacks and key information to get to know the characters. The world building seemed pretty simple to understand and the epigraphs added extra tidbits. The magic system is interesting and different; I would definitely like to understand how a person truly gets chosen to be a starborne or if it just is really luck of the draw. The pacing and “slow burn” weren’t really doing it for me… Unfortunately, at times I felt that certain portions of the story could have been quicker and some parts felt repetitive in the writing. The slow burn didn’t make me feel giddy like I have in other books. One of the ending twists I didn’t see coming, but the other one, I knew was coming just not sure when or how the betrayal would happen!

“You are Starlight, Astraia. You will not fall.”

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Miranda for letting me be part of this ARC Team ✨
I really enjoyed reading this story. The world building and magic system were amazing, although I wish there was more information about them both. Sometimes I felt a little lost about who was chosen as Starborne and why, especially if the Stars had been gone for so long.
I truly loved the main characters' interactions, their secrets, hidden pasts, and their own powers and strength 💫 But I think I also would have enjoyed the story a little more if there were more developed side characters.
The pacing and writing style were really nice, and I truly enjoyed the journey, the fights, the banter and yearning, and the small love triangle between the Starborne, the Lord and the bounty Hunter ❣️
The ending was pretty shocking, with a lot of twists! I was expecting one of them, but the others really blew my mind! 🤯 I have so many questions! Just as Astraia must've had, I'm sure 👀
I'll be waiting for the next book to know what happens next!!!

If you like these tropes you'll love this story:
✨ Crumbling Dysfunctional Kingdom
✨ Hidden Magic
✨ Fierce FMC
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Hunter - Captive
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Love Triangle
✨ Loss & Trauma
✨ Ancient Entities
✨ Secrets & Betrayals

[Kyla Harney · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I want to thank Miranda L for letting me be an ARC reader for her debut novel. I am so happy and excited to have gotten to read this before release and here’s my review.

The novel started out what I had immediately thought was predictable. The way the romance was unfolding was similar to other romantasy reads, however, as the story went on and plot unfolded, I was SHOCKED at the twist. The world building is very good but simple enough to follow, and the stars being the “gods” or “deities” in this book is very creative. Also, the way my emotions were played with as early as chapter 4??!!! Let’s just say there’s one character I hope Astraia gets revenge on… Now, there were two shocking pieces at the end that I NEED to know how they play out. I will be continuing this series. You know how some books by indie authors read like indie author books? I did t get that from this book at all, read it on two separate days and very, VERY pleasantly surprised and excited for the rest of The Celestial Court Series.

[Shawn Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to read this arc. I really enjoyed the storyline. This arc captivated me immediately with its killer prologue and opening line. The character development was really good. Everything about this book was well executed.
Tropes

Enemies to lovers + Forced proximity
Yearning
Plot twists
Trauma healing
No spice

[Caroline Cardamone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great romantasy. It’s fast paced and has a unique (at times a little confusing) world with a cool magic system. There is a lot of mystery surrounding both main characters, but I enjoyed their journey together and them falling in love. There isn’t spice which I prefer - the focus is more on the emotional connection of the characters. I also loved their journey together twists at the end which made me look forward to a second book.

At times I wished the world was “built out” a little more. Like maybe more side characters with important roles and some more story happening outside Astraia’s immediate needs. I’m looking forward to more development in the next book.

[Sarah | TwoBestiesOneBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up.

“𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆.”

I mean that ending.. so good! The writing and the ending are what really sealed this as a 4.5-star read for me. The prose was so vivid and cinematic that I could see the story play out—especially Astraia in those intense fighting scenes.

Our FMC, Astraia, is still navigating her grief and haunted past, and you truly feel every ounce of her frustration as she tries to claw through it all. It did get a bit slower for me in the middle (some scenes felt a little repetitive), but once I hit the 70% mark—oh, it never let up.

This is a seriously impressive debut, and I’m so grateful to the author for the early read. You can feel the passion and care on every page.

✨ dystopian fantasy
✨ forbidden magic
✨ SLOW BURN
✨ tension
✨ forced proximity
✨ no spice (only kissing)

“𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆.”

I still have so many unanswered questions—and I cannot wait to see where Astraia’s story goes next in book two.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this book was beautifully written. Every description of what the FMC was seeing, hearing, feeling, even smelling, was lush and vivid. It made for a lovely immersive experience.
I liked the world, the magic, and the underlying conflict and mystery of the stars being "gone". I loved the theme of fear being an enemy that can and should be defeated. It is a compelling theme that is underused in literature, so it was wonderful to find it here.
The romance did not convince me. It was instalust, in spite of the author trying to present it as enemies to lovers(?) Or at least hate to love(?). And also slow burn(?). I'm not entirely sure. The characters had no chemistry. I only knew they were attracted to each other bc the author repeatedly said they were. My favorite portion of the book was when the MC wasn't there. 😅 This had no spice, although as it's presented as slowburn, there may be spice later.
The twist at 97% was totally out of the blue as well as unnecessary. There was enough going on; I had enough reasons to root for the FMC without this completely random thing being thrown in. Ah well, I'll probably read the next book. This one definitely captured my imagination and emotions, and was a delightful read, in spite of my complaints.
If you do like a stabby FMC and lots of smack talk from a girl who never wins a fight--literally never--the MMC saves her 100% of the time, and that's not even a spoiler--then you'll probably have no complaints at all!

[Katarína Suchoňová · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing for debut! Unique magic system, full of mystery and betrayal. Heroine with a depth. Enjoyed this!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
What a great start to this series! Action packed, romance, but not spicy, twists and turns. I can't wait for book 2!

[revenant_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My logic and my feelings are telling me two very different things about the events that take place in this story. And I’m really not sure which one to go with. I’m going to need the remainder of this series published ASAP for the sake of my peace of mind.
Beneath the Silent Stars is a romantasy for those who love a FMC who is still figuring out her way in life. She has some heavy guilt and is slowly learning how to break down her walls. Our MMC comes across as hard to read and keeps everything on a need-to-know basis. And you, the reader - do not need to know apparently. So go into this prepared to feel everything right alongside the FMC, because her frustration is my frustration.
There are a couple pieces of the story that do feel a tiny bit repetitive but not enough that it takes away from the story whatsoever. I’d highly recommend this and can’t wait to see how these characters progress as the series goes on.
**I received this book as an advanced reader copy and will only be leaving reviews with my voluntary and honest feedback **

[HarleyQuinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Came fresh out of Kindle with notes. Since this is an indie author, I'll try be gentle and constructive in my review. Almost one month back, I tried to read it with half-mind at first and it didn't work. So, I started again a couple of days ago, with full intention to finish it because the marketing made the book sound pretty cool. My rating is based on what's worked and what's not worked for me points.

What worked for me:

1. The prologue was a banger! A little confusing at first, but still banger. I loved the setting.
2. I know, world building in fiction is no small feat. Now in fantasy, it takes a lot - to write and to read. I appreciate the approach toward Stars, Constellations and magic system. It wasn't too overcomplicated. I also found it intriguing how some legends are placed here and there in between the chapters. Leaving a lot for imagination.

Reasons why it didn't work for me (may have spoilers):

1. Characters: I saw that Astraia's character is marketed as rage-filled first born. I have to agree with that. She is so angry all the time that she barely holds a regular conversation with anyone. Like someone speaks, she snaps. So what other emotions does Astraia have? Maybe tons of Sorrow, a bit of kindness. I can't think of other traits, except that she is cranky. All the time.

Draven is... pretty much meh. Not sure if it's intentional.

Astrai and Draven's 'banter' is painful to read for me. I didn't feel the 'tension' between these characters that was intended. If anything, Draven's proclamations toward the end made me cringe. (For instance, this one particular conversation about FMC's father)

None of these other characters made the mark for me. I actually liked Orion better (Astraia's horse).

2. Connection: For me, I didn't have to relate to characters to love them. I just need to connect with them, with their flaws, their emotions. That, unfortunately, didn't happen. Hence, I found myself not caring about the journey of the characters, the direction of plot right from 50% of the book because that's when I have totally given up. It's just that I wanted to finish the book because I rarely DNF. I wasn't even remotely curious about Draven's hidden agenda (this book or probably in upcoming book) or Astraia's potential. Which actually hurts considering this is the first book.

3. Themes/Words: I understand that this book has themes of Stars, Constellations. But I personally felt the word is overdone.

Stars damned, Stars be kind, "You broke my Stars-damned wrist!" "Stars, you’re insufferable" --

I started to wince at some point. A few words like Bond, tether, pulse quickened - I won't even look at these words the same way anymore. Basically they distracted me too much.

4. Overall: There are some situations which made stare into oblivion for a minute or two. Not in a good way. But I don't want to nit-pick since it's the first book.
I couldn't even connect with the narration style. It felt...too distant for me, unsatisfactory. (Not because it's written in 3rd POV. I'm a sucker of 3rd POVs)

I haven't thought much about the ending because from 60% we can detect what's coming for us. No?

This is just not a right book for me. Kinda underwhelming TBH. I'm 95% sure I won't be continuing the series. Good luck to readers who enjoys this book and to the author.

[Ally Erickson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only reason I finished reading this book and didn’t DNF is because I have a reading goal I want to reach before the end of the year. I knew about 45% into the book that it wasn’t going to be my personal favorite, but I made it to the end nonetheless. This book follows Astraia, who could not be more insufferable. She’s your typical fantasy FMC- chosen by the gods, magically blessed, somehow a better fighter/archer/soldier than all of the men, and stunningly attractive. There’s nothing wrong with these characteristics, but the point is that nothing stood out about Astraia, or Traia, as she’s called. She’s also insanely quick to anger. She got annoyed and aggressive over practically everything Draven said/did. Some of it seemed warranted but other times felt unnecessary. Her constant anger made her seem like an extremely immature character, and she’s supposed to be in her early 20s??

Draven, the MMC/love interest, was a flat character. He shows up at the start of the story and captures Astraia, saying he’s going to take her to king because she’s a Starborne. Draven is a bounty hunter. Next thing you know, he’s in love with her. I swear it happened within 3 seconds. He doesn’t make any declarations of love, but he abandons her and tells her it’s because she’ll be safer without him. This is one of the many things Astraia gets angry over. She can’t decide if she wants him around or not, despite the fact that he captured her and was going to give her to the evil king to be killed/locked up. Huh?

In the meantime, we met Caelen. Astraia was previously engaged to Caelen and completely in love with him. She shows up on his doorstep to ask for a favor and acts like she can’t stand him? And then on the next page she’s reminiscing about their history and realizes how much she missed him?? And suddenly she’s falling for him again even though she (somehow) has feelings for Draven??

Caelen and Astraia reconnect and end up kissing. Caelen is still head over heels for Traia. She seems to reciprocate but can’t stop thinking about Draven.

Draven eventually shows back up, claiming he couldn’t stay away and never should have left. Every sentence that came out of his mouth made me cringe. The romance didn’t feel real in any way. The foreshadowing made it clear that something was going to happen between Draven and Astraia at the end of the book, and that was one of the few things I liked about this story. The ending was twisty and somewhat unexpected. Will not be continuing the series because I’d like to imagine that Astraia remains where she is at the end of this book.

[Laura McHann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely thrilled to share my thoughts on this stunning new fantasy release! I couldn't put this book down! I read it in just one weekend!

From the very first page of the prologue, I was pulled into a wondrous adventure and a world built around a fascinating magical system. The world-building here is detailed and rich, instantly immersing you in a high-stakes setting. My only critique—and really, it's just a tease for the next book—is that I wish we knew more about the enigmatic Celestials and the powers they bestow upon the Starborne.

A Fierce Heroine and Intriguing Romance
The story kicks off with Astraia, a phenomenal Female Main Character (FMC) who is the very definition of strong, resilient, and brave. She is a truly complex blend of Feyre (from ACOTAR) and Katniss (from The Hunger Games)—fiery, determined, and a quick learner with a bow. Watching her battle her troubled past, hidden powers, and the inner turmoil of guilt and grief was deeply compelling. I felt such compassion for her story.

But what truly stole the show were the main characters' interactions! The banter, the secrets, the shared hardships, and the growth—I couldn't get enough of being right there alongside them in their adventures. And let's talk about that love triangle—it was incredibly intriguing! I found myself constantly torn between the powerful Lord and the rugged Bounty Hunter. The slow-burn romance and sizzling tension were everything I look for in a fantasy romance.

Pacing and That Ending!
The pacing of Beneath the Silent Stars was spot on. The plot came together quickly, and not once did a scene or moment feel like it was dragging. It kept my interest completely captivated, and I was constantly itching to pick it back up and dive back into Astraia's world. I loved feeling totally immersed, like I was physically right there in the thick of the action.

And the ending? Oh my Celestials, that ending was a sucker punch! It was truly shocking, delivering a mix of twists I had half-anticipated and others I did not see coming, capped off by one completely unexpected turn that has left me reeling. I have so many burning questions!

If you love a complex heroine, deep world-building, and a heart-wrenching slow-burn romance with an explosive cliffhanger, you need this book. I'll be impatiently waiting for the next installment to find out what happens to our fierce FMC!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

[Bris26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes survival isn’t the victory. Choosing to rise anyway is.”

That line pretty much sums up the heart of this book.

Beneath the Silent Stars is one of those stories that quietly gets under your skin. It’s dark, emotional, and hauntingly beautiful — filled with witches, hunters, and gods, but what really grabbed me was the humanity in it. Astraia, the main character, isn’t your typical heroine. She’s broken in places, scarred by her past, and still trying to find what it means to truly live after so much loss. I loved how raw and real she felt.

The romance between Astraia and Draven is a slow burn in the best way — full of tension, mistrust, and those quiet moments that make your heart ache. It’s not all sunshine and roses; it’s messy and hard, but it feels earned.

The writing itself is gorgeous — poetic without being over the top. There are lines that made me stop and reread them just to feel them again. The world-building is dark and immersive, and though there were a few slower parts in the middle, I honestly didn’t mind. It gave me space to breathe and feel everything.

By the time I finished, I felt like I’d been on this emotional journey of grief, power, and rediscovering hope. The ending left me wanting more (in that slightly tortured “I need the next book right now” kind of way).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 for me — emotional, intense, and beautifully written.

If you love fantasy with real heart, morally gray characters, and a story that reminds you how powerful it is to rise from what breaks you — Beneath the Silent Stars is worth every page.

[Anna B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, for me this book has been a classic case of “Tiktok made me do it”. Great marketing, but the book was not my style at all.

I liked the premise and how I saw it presented on social media, but once I started reading I could not connect with the plot or the characters at all. I pushed through the whole book because I don’t like to DNF, and I kept waiting to find that moment that will ignite the spark, and it never came.

The FMC is well, annoying. She’s angry all the time to the point were it’s the only personality trait that stands out about her…she’s just angry.
The MMC is not really memorable. After reading the whole book I can’t say one thing that stands out about him.

The book is presented as true enemies to lovers with sloooow burn and no spice so I was expecting this tension through the roof and real hate between them, so imagine my surprise at 25%-30% in, when she spills her biggest darkest secret to the guy that she barely knows and hunted her down.
And then the guy starts acting like he fell for her, way too fast and with no proper build up.

It was a flat read for me, lacking the intensity I like from a dark romantasy, and with banter that felt mostly forced.
By the time I reached the end, the twists although unexpected, didn’t make much sense either. Maybe because there is no MMC POV in the book so we don’t see behind the curtain of what goes inside his brain, but it felt like an ending that was pasted with not much to do with the progression of the book.
I don’t think I will continue the series.

[bookswithcorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨I absolutely adored the main characters in this debut, first in the series, story.

✨Astraia is bursting with spunk and righteous feminine rage, yet it’s clear that beneath it all, she has a heart willing to sacrifice everything to save others.

✨Draven is mysterious, overbearing in the most compelling way, and seems to thrive on provoking that fire in her. She calls him “insufferable,” and their tension crackles from the very first page.

✨The world-building is perfectly balanced; rich and vivid without ever feeling heavy or overly explained. The plot twists were cleverly foreshadowed, but still managed to surprise me, especially with some of the smaller, emotional reveals.

✨By the end, I was left simmering with that delicious feminine rage, but in the best way because this isn’t the end of their story, and knowing more is coming made it even more satisfying.

✨If you enjoy war-torn fantasy worlds, characters shaped by trauma and resilience, and tension-filled dynamics where survival and emotion collide, this book belongs on your shelf.

✨I devoured it in just two days. The writing is clean, engaging, and incredibly well-paced.

✨I’m eager to see where Miranda takes this series next!

[Julianne Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not see that plot twist!

The whole story was quite intriguing. We have the prologue with the shattering of stars (their gods) and the reader knows the truth about what happened while the people of the land don't fully understand. People called Starborne have received gifts from the Stars in forms of being able to use their Star's power. I questioned why starborne were being hunted when it seems like they are needed, but we get to the ending, and I started to put two and two together.

A fun journey along the way of the hunter trying to capture Astraia and bring her to the king who has been hunting starborne because they have become "enemies". Of course we need to have a hunter falling for the hunted. What is unique to Astraia is that she is bonded to two stars. So she has two powers. One to heal and one of light so blinding it can kill.

Overall it was fun to read and learn more about the world and the characters, but that ending changed everything! I literally did not see it coming. There were no signs pointing to it and I loved it! Usually the author gives it away through little easter eggs here and there, but this one just flipped everything on its head.

[Leapoldnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add this to your TBR pile now and get ready to be enraptured all the way up until you turn the last page and you scream at the words THE END.

I am going to feel the character of Astraia lingering in my thoughts long after having closed the pages of this first book in her story.

She is a beautiful blend of softness and brutality, a complexity forced upon her by the harsh realities of the world. This first book follows Astraia as she is hunted by the realm for the powers she harbors inside her. She is forced to fight against those who want to hurt her as she wars against her own inner demons. It is the unexpected bounty hunter she encounters that begins to help her unfold the pieces of herself she has been afraid of for years and grasp onto the strength that is already there.

This book has no spice, but trust me, you are going to be a melting puddle as the slow burn simmers throughout this story. The banter is top shelf and I on many occasions was actually laughing out loud so be prepared if you are reading this in public. Masterfully done.

This book was entirely unexpected. I had heard good things about it but, Stars! I did not expect I was going to LOVE it as much as I did. Thank you Miranda, this was a true pleasure to read.

[Arya Lec · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the prologue I knew this was going to be good. The setup was instantly interesting, and I loved how the world feels dark, dystopian, a little mythical I LOVE that mix. The concept itself and the magic system are very unique, which I really appreciate.
Astraia is an amazing FMC. I really enjoyed her character, and I’m super picky with my FMCs, but she hit that perfect balance. She’s strong, flawed, emotional, and still very human in every decision. I found myself caring about her so fast, and I’ll miss her until the next book.
The magic, the tone, and the pacing all felt very intentional. The only thing I wish there had been a little more of was world-building and detail, but I’m a very visual reader who likes to fully see and understand the setting, lore, and characters; all of which were so interesting and great. I’d just love to know more about it, so that’s where my missing star comes from.
The slow burn was perfection, and that ending has me in a chokehold!! Thank you Miranda for the early copy I loved it so much. Overall, an amazing debut that I’m sure will do amazing. You need to add this to your TBR🤍✨

[Xavia Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just—wow. This book wrecked me in the best possible way. It’s an emotional roller coaster that I didn’t want to get off, even when it hurt.

Astraia is an absolute bad***. Sharp-tongued, lethal, and allergic to trust, she’s the kind of FMC that doesn’t just walk into a room, she owns it and dares anyone to challenge her.
Her temper? Relatable.
Her snark? Impeccable.

And then there’s Draven… the sarcastic, sexy bounty hunter with more secrets than the ocean has depths. Every time he was on the page, I was alternating between suspicion and full-blown swoon.

This story is a slow-burn masterpiece—a perfect mix of adventure, betrayal, found strength, and heartbreak. Watching Astraia claw her way through her own darkness and rediscover who she is? Chef’s kiss. I was hooked from page one and somehow devoured it in three days… while working twelve-hour shifts. (Sleep? Don’t know her.)

If you’ve been stuck in a reading slump, Beneath the Silent Stars is the book that will drag you out by the throat and remind you why you love to read. It’s haunting, fierce, and absolutely unforgettable.
Now, excuse me while I go pace in a corner until book two releases!

[Heather Altundağ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

I am still spiraling at the end of this book! Like WHAT do you mean we do a whole 180 and everything gets turned upside down?!?! This book had me engaged and intrigued from the very first chapter. You have fallen stars, starborne powers, bounty hunters, betrayal of trust, and so much more. Literally everything I could want in a book. The characters are yearning for each other (I was routing for this until a certain something happened at the end 👀). The only thing I will say is that some of the time jumps seemed a little awkwardly placed. Like a jump would happen between paragraphs. I think to make it flow a little better within chapters, I would have put a spacer/break there to signal a small time jump or location change. They just seemed kinda more of a run on. Same goes for the spacers/breaks that were put in there; I feel like some were unnecessarily placed and the plot could have continued on without them. Outside of this more editing thought, I really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. (I still can’t get over the way it ended, and now I need book 2 more than ever). ☺️

[Kelly Minnigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Available to everyone 10/28!!!

I have to say, I really liked about 80% of this book. I am super grateful to have received an advanced copy & appreciate being a part of this authors new fan club. My open, honest review….Majority of this story had me engaged & needing to know what would happen next. The first few chapters were a bit confusing and hard to follow, had to really concentrate and reread. Took a break then went back to continue. As I read on the story got clearer & the characters grew on me. Some left me frustrated though. And the ending 😖
I’m really hoping there’s a 2nd book & the end is intended as a cliffhanger and not literally the end. It was super abrupt & left me rather irritated. I feel like this was intended to leave me wanting more but honestly it just ticked me off. Everything prior to the last 2 chapters was leading me up to something emotionally brilliant & then she slammed the door in my face “THE END”
That said, if there’s a book 2 I’d still go read it cuz I need HEA.

[Trinity Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I want to say thank you to the author for allowing me to arc read! It was such an amazing experience!

This book was so good! I absolutely loved it! I’ve read a lot of fantasy with some spice and so it was nice to have little to no spice for a change! It felt so good to be able enjoy a fantasy adventure without the spice!

The characters are amazing. Astraia being a fierce warrior she is? Beautiful! Draven being the brooding male I come to love so much in fantasy/romantasy books? Heartthrob! Not to mention, I have to agree with other reviews saying he is a mysterious version of our beloved Bat boy, Cassian!

The enemies to lovers did their thing!
The plot twists did their twisting.
The yearning, yearned.
The trauma healing healed something in me too!

The ending? Don’t even get me started on that! I’m speechless and need book two like yesterday!

This is the authors debut novel and I’m excited to see what happens next! I got through this book within one day as I could not put it down! It’s definitely a book that can help bring you out of a book hangover!

[omgrandireads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Silent Stars is easily a top 2025 read for me. The author captured the pain of the FMC Astraia, Traia to those who know her, to where I could feel it in my soul. I hurt for Traia throughout the story and had high hopes for her journey. It made turning pages that match easier. I love that this Romantasy wasn't filled with smut but actually tuned into the world and characters. This story is great for people who like to have a trauma bond vicariously through someone else's pain. There is world building, magic systems, higher power, motive, betrayal, desire and yearning, political intrigue, and burnt family ties, as well as pain and loss. This book has EVERYTHING.
A couple of things that I noticed, but did not affect the story in anyway was the lack of contractions in sentences as well as a few spelling/grammar issues. This book will leave you mad at the world at the end but also the need for MORE.

[Grumpy_Siren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Silent Stars” by Miranda L.

I don’t know how to explain it other than this book feels like moonlight. It’s haunting, elegant, and quietly electric from the very first page. The writing wraps around you like a winter night. It’s soft, cold, and full of secrets you can almost touch.

The world building is lush without ever being heavy, the characters are layered in that slow-burn way that makes you ache for just one more chapter, and the emotional stakes?!? UGHHH they sneak up on you until suddenly your heart’s in your throat.

Even though it hasn’t officially released yet, I can already tell this is going to be one of those series that takes over BookTok. It’s giving dark academia meets celestial fairytale, and the atmosphere is cinematic. If you love stories that feel like candlelight flickering against a storm then this is it.

I’m not ready to crawl out from beneath these silent stars.

[Amelia Gracing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title/ Author: Beneath the Silent Stars, by Miranda L
Genre: fantasy, romance, no spice

Miranda L kicks off her debut with a killer prologue and a premise sharp enough to keep you turning pages long past when you swore you’d stop. It has all the comforting signs of classic romantasy one bed, hot hunter, enemies to lovers then twists out of your grip and drops an ending that nearly sent my Kindle into orbit.

Astraia, a star-marked weapon on the run from her past, is pulled into rising darkness and a reluctant partnership with a hunter who sees straight through her walls. The forced proximity, the slow-burn yearning, the shared trauma it all threads together into something tender and feral at once.

Dark, romantic, and surprisingly easy to devour in a single weekend, this is a remarkably strong first novel. A beautifully crafted, emotionally loaded debut from Miranda L, and a promise of much more to come.

[Kearstin Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A KNOCKOUT DEBUT NOVEL!!!!!

“I care because I know what it is like to feel helpless in the dark.”

There are so many things to love about this book, but from chapter one I was instantly adoring our FMC Astraia. The way she is written feels so human, relatable, kind, tender, and Miranda handles darker feelings that so many of us have experienced and formulated it into actual words. I won’t give any spoilers but THAT ENDING!!!!! WHATTTT!!!! Absolutely did not see it coming despite my guessing and I need book 2 immediately.

Miranda is a phenomenal story teller and I’m not someone who typically enjoys third person POV (personal preference) and yet it never bothered me once this entire book. I felt immersed, the writing style was smooth, the story was intriguing and constantly had me screaming at the book!!

Anyway, if you’re on the fence READ THIS!! You won’t regret it!!

P.S. Orion I love you!!!

P.P.S. You too Caelan 🫶🏼

[Keelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the advance copy of this book.

I really liked the overall story, but the magic system and gods were overly complicated. The gods are "stars" symbolized by non matching constellations, but are somehow beings that have names like "Desire" who has power over plants/nature or "Sacrifice" who has power of healing? They're referred to as both nouns and adjectives which was very confusing. And they have people who they gift their power to through bonds somehow? It's not explained well and I found myself skimming over descriptions of the magic because, for me, it actually detracted from the story. If this came with like a glossary and flow chart of Stars > powers > bonded > stewards or a prologue that actually explained the celestial war I might have liked it better.
The FMC was pretty cool and the ending had some good twists, but I won't be continuing the series.