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Starlight and Shadows
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jan 26She 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.
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.
517 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 23, 2026
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 19, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"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.
"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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 video 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!
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 video 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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
rcvd an ARC from the author.
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.
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.
December 19, 2025
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm lost for words!!!!!!
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
December 19, 2025
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
UM EXCUSE ME WHILE I PROCESS THIS?!
Holy Hamage Layla this was an absolute whirlwind read!!!
The betrayal is HEAVY in this and yes I did cry a couple times 🫠
Luna has been through so much from the get go and that ending.... does not help 😭
My emotions are ruined
but I loved EVERY second of my read through (yes i read it all in one sitting!!! I was freaking obsessed)
The anticipation for the next book is set at EXTREME and I am really really looking forward to it 😭
Holy Hamage Layla this was an absolute whirlwind read!!!
The betrayal is HEAVY in this and yes I did cry a couple times 🫠
Luna has been through so much from the get go and that ending.... does not help 😭
My emotions are ruined
but I loved EVERY second of my read through (yes i read it all in one sitting!!! I was freaking obsessed)
The anticipation for the next book is set at EXTREME and I am really really looking forward to it 😭
December 21, 2025
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!
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!
December 18, 2025
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!
December 19, 2025
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.
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.
December 19, 2025
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advanced copy from the author.
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 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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I havn't read many books with Unicorns which is why this story intrigued me. I really enjoyed it. I definitely want to read more about this world and both Luna and Damien
I havn't read many books with Unicorns which is why this story intrigued me. I really enjoyed it. I definitely want to read more about this world and both Luna and Damien
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brutal! I loved it ! I need book 2 !
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book really put me through the wringer! Lunas story is captivating and devastating at the same time, this book was well written and attention grabbing. Thank you Layla J. Nickel for my ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked the characters, world building and overall storyline - although the plot is somewhat predictable and the book was a bit longer then necessary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An emotional rollercoaster: love, betrayal, hurt, anxiety, helplessness, gaining power, losing power. All in all an intriguing story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews