She was taught to fear the darkness. He was born from it.
Monsters. That's what unicorns are—capable only of murder and malice… or so Luna is taught to believe.
Trapped within the palace grounds, she follows the king's rules to stay alive—warned that even a single scratch could mean her death. But her world unravels when a shadow unicorn shatters everything she knows and holds dear.
She is left questioning why she's drawn to this supposed enemy… and if he truly is one, why does he keep saving her?
Thrust into a world of magic where safety and freedom are fleeting, Luna must face who she is and choose her allies carefully, all while fighting the pull she feels toward a man who refuses to take anything not freely given.
If she can find the courage to let go of the life she once lived, she'll learn that strength forged in darkness can burn brighter than any star.
Starlight and Shadows is the first book in a slow-burn duology featuring enemies-to-lovers romance with hidden identities that complicate everything and a heroine who refuses to stay powerless. Perfect for readers who love the protective darkness of Rhysand in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the relentless danger and impossible choices in The Serpent & the Wings of Night, and the touch-her-and-you-die energy in Fourth Wing.
This is an adult fantasy romance with mature themes and eventual steam.
"It was then that she realized she had a choice-that everyone, no matter their circumstances had a choice. They could choose to follow fate's path ... or they could resist and endure the consequences of that decision."
"You are a being made of stars," he whispered, "and darkness, try as it might, can never dim starlight."
Unicorns, cute or deadly? I love the re-imagination of the shadow monsters that are typical in romantasy books. It's a new and creative idea that I haven't seen before. This is a FANTASTIC debut book for Layla and she nailed it!
If Luna gets a cut or a scratch, it mean death; but she just wants to lead a normal life. She has lived a life of confinement and unaware of what true freedom feels like, until someone helps her escape from the palace. This moment starts her on a new, exciting, and dangerous adventure!
The world building gets you started and the adventure keeps you hooked! It is a captivating story! Luna learns she doesn't know who to trust, but at times, misplaces her trust. Damien comes into her life and changes everything. Who has been keeping secrets from her?
The unexpected twists and turns in this story are complete page turners! They keep you hooked and eager to continue without pause.
The pacing is spot on and guides you to the next moment. Luna has to figure out her way in the darkness. She has to be strong to endure all she does in the book. I don't want to spoil what happens in the book, so you will need to add it to the top of your TBR! I absolutely LOVED this book!
Wow! Layla's debut is nothing short of impressive! With plans for a duology, I can't wait to see what the second book will bring! It ends on a HUGE cliffhanger and I need the second book, now!!
Thank you Layla and BookFunnel for the ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
“I think anyone can be deadly; it’s more of a matter of heart rather than magical abilities.”
Luna is taught to fear unicorns in this realm; they are monstrous creatures who destroy human villages, pillage, kidnap, and murder humans. She doesn’t feel trapped, but her illness makes her fearful of everyone and everything. When she meets him, a shadow unicorn, who she is told to run from. How can she resist this irresistible pull towards him? Can he show her what it is like to be truly free? As she discovers who she is, he helps her along the way. Luna must learn who the real enemy is, what she wants in life, and what it is that she must fight for.
I was immediately drawn in by the relation to “The Last Unicorn” meets “ACOTAR,” two of my favorite things combined. I had to read it instantly. Who doesn’t love a shadow daddy who will burn the world for the woman he loves. The heroine is not your average frail beauty; no, she has a spark inside her to be her own hero. The main male character is not your typical knight in shining armor; he bears the weight and guilt of everyone he must protect, and he is tired of the expectation. That gave me a huge rush. I felt deep vulnerability and connection with the characters. I couldn’t help but be suspicious of everyone and all their actions. Who is the true villain? This book kept me on my toes. It is absolutely a slow burn, but so worth it. I’m intrigued by all the side characters and the other “monsters” that inhabit the unicorn realm. I want more information and backstory on who they are. This book ending had me on the edge of my seat!
Tropes: Forbidden love, shadow magic, hidden identity, unicorn shifters, found family, the growl of who did this to you, enemies to lovers, touch her and die
I would first like to thank Layla Nickel for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely novel.
After finishing this book my heart is screaming, I have been left breathless by this whirlwind end. I don’t know how I am going to have to wait for the next book to come out! With all the books out with dragon and wolf shifters, it is refreshing to read about something new… unicorn shifters. I love the difference in shadow and light unicorns and the contrast in powers they posses. I never thought unicorns could be bad-ass but I stand corrected after reading this book.
I was enraptured by this book from the first chapter, it’s shocking to read a story where the unicorns are seen as monsters but I loved every bit of it. The fast pace of this novel keeps you on your toes; wanting to know what will happen next. I will admit there were a few times certain characters had me fuming…. But let’s hope Karma works in Eloria. Luna and Damien were the main characters, but Gregory, Corey and Marion brought life to the story- bringing Luna into a new life in support and friendship ( I hope we get more interactions with them in the next book).
Luna is such a wonderful character, she brings such a warmth that would make the grumpiest man melt for her. It’s good to read a character that represents strength in character rather than brute force. While her kindness leads her down certain paths (I won’t spoil it), she stays true to her convictions and doesn’t let the horrors she’s experienced warp her heart. Her development was great, I loved seeing her get out of her shell and become more blunt and confident. I’m excited to see her find the strength she already possesses and prove to everyone she is no damsel.
Damien, my gosh. He protests too much about being a knight, but Luna doesn’t need to hold out for a hero anymore. I don’t know if it was the shadows or the dimples, but I feel in love. I love how he truly sees Luna and doesn’t belittle her desire to help others. The slow burn between these two is killing me, but I love to see their relationship grow. For example, “ I’d probably give you the moon itself if you asked for it” , and “I’ll be whatever you desire if it keeps me in your dreams”.
The world Layla created is so vast, we’ve barely begun to explore, and I can’t wait to learn more about the Darkened One, and more magical beings Eloria holds. With this book being my first arc, I could not have picked a better book to read. I highly recommend this book to those who want to take an adventure with unicorns, magic, and a shadow prince.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an advanced reader copy! As a fellow Canadian, it was so great to read a Canadian author's work. Layla definitely brings pride to Canada with this book!
I greatly enjoyed the writing style and the world building toward this fantasy novel. Layla has a beautiful way with words and writes in a manner that really helps create a visual to the world she's created. From the castle to adventures in the township, it was all brilliant to read and set beautiful pavement for the story overall.
I absolutely adored the unique storyline to this book! Unicorns are common in fantasy novels but to see them perceived as "evil" or antagonistic was brilliant in itself. The twists and turns Luna experiences with navigating how she was brought up and her lineage created a real-life relatable perspective of self-discovery and building courage in yourself. Her character, despite being in a fantasy novel, was relatable given we all endure multiple challenges, fears, disappointments, and growth made her likeable and enjoyable to read.
Luna and Damien's relationship definitely provides Sailor Moon vibes and I AM HERE FOR IT. Damien's character as the MMC was fantastic and I truly enjoyed getting to learn about him and watch him navigate his bond with Luna.
The plot twists and turns were predictable at times but what I appreciated greatly was that Layla did add her own twist to common tropes such as one bed, touch-her-and-die, and fated family. They were built up beautifully and she was able to land each surprise in a way that left me wanting to continue learning what was going to happen next.
Starlight and Shadows was a great read and I greatly enjoyed the cliffhanger I was graciously left with. I will definitely be pursuing the next book to follow what happens next!
We meet Luna, a young woman who has lived her short life with restrictions such ad protected from sunlight, no dancing, no playing or anything that would cause her to bleed as she has been sick since a young child. Luna finds it insufferable and has 2 guards who attend to her. one day out in the garden, her guard Clyde is struck in the head by a unicorn. unicorns are feared and are seen as the enemy. the king had a unicorn perform protection ceremonies to keep everyone safe. one day with the help of her sister, she sneaks out of thr house to only be helped by the unicorn she previously encountered. Damien, a handsome man who has Shadows helped her a few times, maybe not all unicorns are bad. Luna has her entire existence shattered by learning she is a unicorn. Damien and his comrades rescue thr kingdoms unicorn and try to resuce Luna as well. Thrown into a world she thought she understood was all for nothing. the poeple she thought she knew are cruel and her fate has been decided until she is rescued by Damien. Luna is learning more and more about what it is to be a unicorn but at this point she doesn't know who to trust. deceit, omissions and survival make this a good read.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an HONEST review.
well buckle up! what a wild ride this book was.
this story is about a girl named Luna. shes a noblewoman in a kingdom of humans. she has a sickness where she could die just from a paper cut, where her blood doesn't clot. so naturally, she's super protected with having strict rules that come straight from the king himself.
this is a fantasy book so cue the fantasy element! UNICORNS! When I first read the blurb for this book, I was slightly skeptical.. cause my 10 year old daughter isnt even into unicorns anymore, but everything else sounded like my cuppa tea so I decided to give it a try!
this isnt a typical unicorn fantasy. the twists snd magic system is so unique, I was instantly intrigued! who wouldn't want to read about a shadow daddy unicorn, who would risk his mission to keep her safe? swoooon.
this book has every element i look for in a book. we've got tension, swoon-worthy men, unique magic system, lots of world building, betrayal, heartbreak, and so much more!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy books.
Starlight and Shadows follows Luna a Chronically ill woman who has been sheltered and held back her whole life until her sister Emily helps her sneak out past the castle grounds into the village. She soon discovers she isn’t chronically ill at all but is really a Unicorn. Luna’s story is so heartbreaking. She just wants love and acceptance by her community but all they want is to use her for her magic. She is betrayed at almost everyone turn. You get to see Luna’s growth through the story and the reader is left on a cliffhanger that makes you want book 2 like yesterday!
Received because I'm on the arc team and I leave a review willingly. First off I love unicorns and this book is magical. The cliff hanger should be illegal. Dying for book two.
I was lucky enough to get an Arc copy of this book.
I want to begin this review by mentioning something I love that was done before the book even truly begins story-wise. Most books will have content warnings or triggers. Though I've never seen a content warning that have section out a specific chapter, in case someone might need to skip a section. It states, "if you prefer to avoid the trigger scene (suicidal ideation), you can skip chapter 25 and resume at chapter 26 without losing the main plot." This, I believe, is a very very helpful aspect I wish more would include. Mental health is important, and people might wish to read books even though triggers might be listed. The whole book might not be triggering, and it might just be a chapter or a section. It is beneficial to know which section or chapter can be skipped without losing the main plot. I also love notes on language. Some might pick up a book and not realize that an author might use a form of English that is different than that of the reader. In this case, the book is written in Canadian English.
Now, let's get into the review of the story itself.
It is rare to find unicorns as some shadowy creatures of darkness and evil. Which is how unicorns are introduced at the beginning of the books. When Luna and Clyde are in the garden (of secrets), a unicorn comes to attack. Usually, you might find unicorns as misunderstood or creatures of light and goodness. Though these shadow unicorns seem to be evil and enjoy attacking people, causing chaos and destruction.
A detail about Luna, she is a noble woman, but she loves Clyde, her guard. We find out in chapter two that she is adopted because her disease (blood unlike others because it won't clot if she is injured) scared her birth mother away, apparently. Thus, Darius and Angie took her in as their own daughter. Darius worked for the King, yet Angie seemed to have been from a working family beforehand. I would like to ask how this dynamic works. Angie knows her way around a kitchen and doesn't like to depend on help. Despite her daughter (Emily) wishing they could --asking why have servants if they were going to have to do things themselves anyway.
Why is it so taboo for Luna to have some romance with Clyde? Yes, he is her guard--- but she isn't some noble woman by birth (that we know at the beginning of the tale). Not just that, but her mother seems to have been of the working class who married up. Luna seems like a prisoner or a bird in a gilded cage with how everyone seems to treat her (except maybe Clyde).
I do not like Angie; I get that she is overprotective. She means well, but I feel like she is the one who holds the key to Luna's cage, not Darius, not the King-- her. She seems not respond well when the King states that Luna must attend the ceremony. She seems to be too overprotective, masquerading as meaning well, but perhaps she holds more to the story than just that. She seems to be a walking contradiction to so much already, and this is just three chapters into the book.
Nina-- how is she working with the King? Why does she do a protection ceremony if she is a unicorn herself? I write this one bit at a time--- so this is a thought I do not see how it makes sense. Though I'm sure Nina is somehow connected to our mysterious shadow unicorn that visits Luna.
However, I feel like Emily's question to Luna about what type of unicorn she would be if she were one was a type of foreshadowing of what was to come. We know Luna is different, and her mother seemed to be scared off and left her because of her rare disease. Makes you wonder if she is even human to begin with, or at least fully human. Why else would she always need shading from the sun? She has been told that if she gets hurt, she will bleed out and die. Though nothing about why she was constantly being shielded from the sun.
Nightwalkers? Did I miss something in the earlier portions of the book, or did this loredrop just come out of nowhere with no explanation? They mentioned the shadow unicorns and The Darken One at the beginning, but closer to the middle of the book, if not even past that, the term nightwaker is used.
As you read, you do get to see that foreshadowing is for sure a thing. Which is a good thing, then you undergo having your mind messed with. Yes, this makes it a good book, but some plot holes do exist. Things could have been explained sooner. Learning with the main character is a way, but not when the main character knows terms such as what a nightwalker is-- but the readers haven't learned the lore. Unless I missed something completely in the first part of the book.
Final thoughts after finishing the book....
Luna's life can be classified as a series of lies, betrayals, and chaos. She just wants to be normal and not have to be seen as having her illness. She got a wish, but it wasn't what she expected. Illness ended up being the fact that she was a unicorn. She gained, she lost, and this is her story of the constant give and take. She makes questionable choices because, despite everything, she is somewhat naive and wants to trust others even though she continues to make the same series of choices over and over again. Even if the people might change.
The story is interesting.
Some little side notes. Clyde is a red flag and only pretends to care. I would have loved to know what exactly happened. His fate seemed more up in the wind, as it seemed when Damien spoke to Luna of going back to cut out his tongue-- he seemed to be alive. I feel like he might come back for round two when it comes to the second book in this series. I would also like to note he is like a mixture of Matt Donovan (The Vampire Diaries show), Callix (The Stars are Dying), and Jack Barlow (Fourth Wing). If you know, you know. The man pretends to have redeeming qualities, only to use Luna. Though Luna also continues to make wrong choice after wrong choice.
Some of the plot twists in the book were truly exciting.
I truly do look forward to the next book in this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Luna has lived her entire life behind castle walls. Labeled as “ill” and fiercely protected due to her position as the King’s advisor’s daughter, every part of her existence is controlled by rules meant to keep her safe. But when a shadow unicorn appears before her, everything she’s been taught begins to unravel. Unicorns are supposed to be deadly. Monsters. And yet, this one changes her understanding of truth, danger, and trust forever.
I was genuinely excited by the premise of this book—shadow unicorns alone had me hooked. The writing itself is solid, but I struggled to fully settle into Luna’s head. Despite being written as older, her inner voice often felt very YA, which pulled me out of the story at times. That said, I did enjoy not knowing where the plot was headed. I predicted the wrong outcome, and honestly? That’s always a win for me.
Character depth was where I struggled most. I wanted to understand the motivations and emotions more deeply, but they often felt just out of reach. Luna, in particular, came across as too naïve for my taste, though I can see that her story is very much about learning the consequences of her choices and growing from them.
Even though this wasn’t entirely my type of book, the plot did become more engaging as it progressed—and that ending? I’ll admit it got me. I’ll likely pick up book two because I need closure, if nothing else.
Thank you so much to Layla J. Nickel for the ARC. While this wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I appreciate the opportunity to read and share my thoughts
Thank you to Layla for offering me an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed the world Layla has created here, and shape shifting Unicorns is super unique! I did struggle with the 3rd person point of view, I find this makes it all the more difficult to bond to the characters. Furthermore, I found the 'damsel' role of Luna difficult, I think she is supposed to be mid-20's but I felt like she seemed more like a young teenager, I wish she had a bit more grit. This also meant that I felt very cringy when Luna (in 3rd person.....) mentioned having feelings/sexual wants for Damien. Some of the dialogue in the first 15% of the book was really difficult to get on board with also and didn't seem realistic to the storyline. Emily also seems like a cranky teenager not a mid-20's woman. There were a few plot holes (randomly there was a field of bodies as they were traveling towards Elaria with the humans?? where did this come from? I even read back and couldn't understand this chapter. And when did she regrow her nails so that she could stick them into her palms?). Otherwise I found myself wanting to continuing to read the book and am looking forward to the next instalment - WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!! Great Start to the series, I am looking forward to seeing you progress as a writer and developing this story. Would give a 2.5 star if half stars available.
Starlight and Shadows by Layla J. Nickel is a creative and original dark romantasy that lands at 3 stars for me. The premise is genuinely fresh: a unicorn raised as human in a world where unicorns are considered monsters, shadow magic that feels more like a curse than a gift, and a dangerous connection with a powerful, morally grey figure. The way the story twists familiar fantasy creatures and tropes into something darker and stranger is one of its biggest strengths.The book delivers on slow-burn tension, forbidden feelings, and a richly atmospheric setting, and there are several standout moments where the stakes and emotions hit beautifully. At the same time, the length and pacing occasionally worked against my engagement; a tighter structure and some additional polish in places would, in my opinion, elevate this story immensely and help its most powerful scenes shine even more.Overall, Starlight and Shadows is an original, promising debut that will appeal to readers who enjoy long, immersive romantasy with unique creature lore, shadow magic, and dangerous, slow-burn attraction. I’m curious to see how the series develops from here. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you had told me I’d be up all night crying, laughing, and gritting my teeth over unicorns—I wouldn’t have believed you.
Starlight and Shadows took me on one hell of an adventure, emotionally and literally.
What resonated with me most was how the characters never fall into tired, tropey categories. Every decision felt like real people made it, and every heartbreak went far deeper than the surface. Nothing felt easy or convenient—and I loved that.
I don’t want to spoil anything (cause you really should just go read this), but there was a particular character interaction and discussion in the middle of the book that will be stuck with me foreverr (in the best way).
Please read the trigger warnings beforehand; this is not a light read.
I will absolutely be buying the paperback, because you can bet this girl has a special blue highlighter set aside for some of these incredible quotes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I am honestly in love.
I want to say again, thank you Layla Nickel for allowing me the privilage of a digital ARC!
I loved Starlight and Shadows, I was drawn into the world right away. The world building is great, as well as the characters.
Although the part where Luna walks into the lake to me is very unrealalisict as someone who's struggled with mental health and suicidal and selfharming thoughts and behaviours. It just doesn't pop up like that once and you act on it. That did grate on me a bit.
I would have liked to see charater developments stemming from some of the things that had happened more then what was done, but that's my personal taste.
Overall, I truly loved the story, where it's going, and excited for when the next story will be coming out. I do love the characters. It's a great book, and a great read.
First, I’d like to thank the author for giving me an ARC copy. This is a debut novel and I was hooked from the beginning!
This book made me give up sleep and avoid homework and real life responsibilities, but it was so worth it! I couldn’t stop thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it, I just wanted to live in the world this author created all the time.
This book was a refreshing change from dragon- and wolf-shifters, further enhancing the uniqueness of unicorns. Being forced to see them as monsters was an abrupt change from childhood, but a welcomed one.
The ending does a fantastic job of setting up for a second book, which I’m craving already. I need book two immediately! I’m enraptured by the world, infatuated with the characters, and delighted to see where the story goes next!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC. The review I right is my own personal feelings on this book. This was a book that I could hardly put down. It is well balanced between action and moments of peace for the characters to develop. You really feel for the main character Luna as she goes through the book. There were moments when the book made me cry. There were moments when I had to set the book down take a lap around my house before I picked it back up. I am so glad this is part of a series because I can’t wait to see how this story will unfold and how Luna will continue to grow. Not to mention this book gives us a new Shadow Daddy to fantasize about.
This is the first book released from Layla J Nickel that I know of and it’s a really great beginning!! She said it took several years to write and her passion is clear in this book! The world building and character development, very well done. The story itself stayed interesting from start to finish(ish) there will be another to follow this one. Definitely got frustrated with some of the characters (a lot of backstabbing going on in this one). Very well written story will be interesting; I think it’s a duet.
This isn’t your average fluffy unicorn story, unicorns are meant to be the nightmares in your dreams and while Luna learns who’s really is there for I’m proud to see who she’s becoming. I definitely did cry and laugh along with her .
The side characters have only added to her world building and I want to see what happens with EVERYONE because I am now invested with all my heart
Book 2 can’t come quick enough with the cliff hanger that has been left… I’ll have to keep checking Layla J. Nickels page for updates !
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
I received this as an ARC, I was so excited upon seeing it would be unicorn shifters and it did not disappoint! It started with some the last unicorn vibes with her fragile, delicate, and pale and then appears the dark unicorn with dark shadows swirling about making me think of the bulls. This was an exciting story, with plenty of secrets and betrayal. The cliffhanger has me anxiously waiting for book 2!
I really enjoyed the opening of a new world, where Laylas' storytelling brings you along in a way that you can almost feel what is happening to, and around, the characters.
Lots of emotion involved, and some confrontational scenes that were delivered with realism and the emotional impact/consequences (heed the trigger warnings) that i was happy weren't played down or exaggerated, they were real.
This series is definitely on my TBR list and I cant wait to see what happens next.
Overall, this book was amazing. It was well written and kept me engaged. The fantasy world about unicorns was perfect! The main character was always taught unicorns were evil growing up, which isn’t what we actually believe. I feel like Luna slowly starts to find herself within the story. I would say she’s a little naive, but how she grew up is part of the reason for it and is understandable in a way. Layla created an exciting adventure. :)
this started as an almost whimsical fairytale. it did not stay that way, it got DARK and I loved it. good and evil unicorns? hell yes found family? uh huh I feel like I have been through the ringer with Luna and every betrayal and emotion felt like my own. the ending had me shook and I cannot wait for more books in this series. add this to your TBR now! you won't regret it.
This book is a romantasy about a unique creature lore a unicorn. Never read a unicorn shifter book before, and this one was superb. This has it all slow burn, shadow magic, enemies to lovers, found family, adventure, and more Luna didn’t know she was a shifter and was taught unicorns are evil. Till she sneaks out along with her sister and that is where the adventure begins
Wow. This story starts slowly, laying a good foundation to Luna’s story, her hatred of the evil magical unicorns, and her journey with Damien. Then it explodes into non stop action. Ending on a cliff hanger. Definitely read this one!
ARC Reader Review I received an advance copy of this book and was instantly hooked. The characters pulled me in from the start, and despite being a slow reader, I devoured it in two days. An unrelenting adventure that keeps you turning pages. I’m already impatient for the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Omg! I rarely love a book from the first chapter, but this one was from chapter one to the end of the book. I loved Luna and Damien. The tension and sweetness that Damien shows her. I cannot wait to read book 2!
I couldn't put this book down! I found the story about unicorn shifters to be different and interesting. I am looking forward to the journey this series will take me on. I truly hope that I won't have to wait long for the second book.
I was given this book as an arc and while I did not hate it. I did find all the limitations originally given to the FMC to be annoying but much. It put me off from the book in a way because I’m usually a fan of a bad a$$ FMC. That being said there were parts of the book I truly enjoyed.
LOVED this book! Immediately gripped my attention, lots of action. Loved the characters and the growth arc of the FMC. A couple of continuity errors but easy to work out so it flows. Cannot wait for the second book - I NEED to know what happens!!