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Cycle of Calamity #1
The Starlight Princess
She’s a princess in love with the king’s spymaster. He’s a cursed traitor plotting her abduction.
Adamanthea is a failure of a princess with a talent for matchmaking. But when her latest pairing falls afoul of the king’s schemes, he decides to finally dispose of her by marrying her off to a cruel young lord. Scrambling for a solution, she turns to the spymaster—a handsome older man she’s long yearned for.
Leandros is a spymaster with dark secrets. Cursed into compliance, he’s spent years waiting to kidnap Adamanthea as a hostage for an enemy queendom. When her wedding provides that opportunity, his masters promise him both his life and freedom if he delivers her into their hands. There’s only one problem—Leandros is in love with her.
Neither can imagine a life apart. But as they’re pursued by a fiancé determined to reclaim his prize, and murderous foes drain Leandros’ life with their curse, neither can picture a future together. Can their passion beat the odds, or is this the match that dooms them to misery and death?
The Starlight Princess is the exciting prequel to the Cycle of Calamity series. If you can’t get enough of age gap romances, forbidden love, and yearning, escape into The Starlight Princess!
Adamanthea is a failure of a princess with a talent for matchmaking. But when her latest pairing falls afoul of the king’s schemes, he decides to finally dispose of her by marrying her off to a cruel young lord. Scrambling for a solution, she turns to the spymaster—a handsome older man she’s long yearned for.
Leandros is a spymaster with dark secrets. Cursed into compliance, he’s spent years waiting to kidnap Adamanthea as a hostage for an enemy queendom. When her wedding provides that opportunity, his masters promise him both his life and freedom if he delivers her into their hands. There’s only one problem—Leandros is in love with her.
Neither can imagine a life apart. But as they’re pursued by a fiancé determined to reclaim his prize, and murderous foes drain Leandros’ life with their curse, neither can picture a future together. Can their passion beat the odds, or is this the match that dooms them to misery and death?
The Starlight Princess is the exciting prequel to the Cycle of Calamity series. If you can’t get enough of age gap romances, forbidden love, and yearning, escape into The Starlight Princess!
143 pages, ebook
Published November 26, 2025
About the author
Elyse Thomson
8 books47 followersElyse Thomson writes steamy fantasy full of court intrigue, daring heroines, magical mayhem, swoon-worthy romances and worlds inspired by ancient history.
Elyse graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelors in History and Classics and currently resides in Canada's capital where you can find her binding antiquarian books, playing Dragon Age or snuggling with her husband or her neurotic terrier.
To learn more, check out her website or join her newsletter at:
https://elyse-thomson.square.site/new...
Elyse graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelors in History and Classics and currently resides in Canada's capital where you can find her binding antiquarian books, playing Dragon Age or snuggling with her husband or her neurotic terrier.
To learn more, check out her website or join her newsletter at:
https://elyse-thomson.square.site/new...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 15, 2026
Tropes: Romantasy, Court Intrigue, Swoony Love Interests, Curses, Goddesses, Princess x Spymaster, Forbidden Romance, Silver Fox MMC, Abduction & Forced Proximity, Fated Mates
Review No Spoilers: A high stakes Romantasy that serves as the prequel to the Cycle of Calamity series. Princess Adamanthea is considered a royal failure but possesses an uncanny talent for matchmaking. Leandros is the handsome, older royal spymaster whom Adamanthea has long harbored feelings for. A Dark Secret plagues Leandros, who is under a curse forcing him to comply with an enemy queendom.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Review No Spoilers: A high stakes Romantasy that serves as the prequel to the Cycle of Calamity series. Princess Adamanthea is considered a royal failure but possesses an uncanny talent for matchmaking. Leandros is the handsome, older royal spymaster whom Adamanthea has long harbored feelings for. A Dark Secret plagues Leandros, who is under a curse forcing him to comply with an enemy queendom.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
September 2, 2026
Sinceramente, nem sei o que dizer
June 9, 2026
Starlight Princess may be a novella, but it accomplishes quite a bit in a relatively short page count. While there isn’t enough time to fully explore every aspect of the world, the story never feels rushed or overly simplified. Instead, it serves as an effective introduction to the larger series while still telling a complete and engaging story of its own.
At the heart of the novella is Adamanthea, a strong-willed princess determined to fight for her own future. At times she can be a bit idealistic, but her determination and conviction make her easy to root for. Her struggle against an arranged marriage creates a compelling foundation for the central romance.
The romance itself was my favorite part of the story. The forbidden love element is well executed, and the emotional stakes feel genuine despite the novella’s shorter format. Rather than relying on a single conflict and quick resolution, the story layers multiple challenges throughout, giving the relationship room to develop and keeping the narrative engaging.
While Starlight Princess can technically be skipped without losing the ability to follow later books, I am always a fan of reading in the author’s recommended order. There are subtle character connections and pieces of context that become more meaningful when experienced first through Adamanthea’s story. Having now continued into the series, I especially appreciated some of the early threads that quietly connect to larger events.
Overall, this was a strong start to the Cycles of Calamity series. Fans of forbidden romance, determined heroines, and fantasy worlds with deeper stories waiting beneath the surface will find plenty to enjoy here.
At the heart of the novella is Adamanthea, a strong-willed princess determined to fight for her own future. At times she can be a bit idealistic, but her determination and conviction make her easy to root for. Her struggle against an arranged marriage creates a compelling foundation for the central romance.
The romance itself was my favorite part of the story. The forbidden love element is well executed, and the emotional stakes feel genuine despite the novella’s shorter format. Rather than relying on a single conflict and quick resolution, the story layers multiple challenges throughout, giving the relationship room to develop and keeping the narrative engaging.
While Starlight Princess can technically be skipped without losing the ability to follow later books, I am always a fan of reading in the author’s recommended order. There are subtle character connections and pieces of context that become more meaningful when experienced first through Adamanthea’s story. Having now continued into the series, I especially appreciated some of the early threads that quietly connect to larger events.
Overall, this was a strong start to the Cycles of Calamity series. Fans of forbidden romance, determined heroines, and fantasy worlds with deeper stories waiting beneath the surface will find plenty to enjoy here.
May 22, 2026
After Princess Adamanthea ruins a marriage match concocted by the King, he decides to marry her off to the son of one of his royal advisors. This novel follows Adamanthea as she is kidnapped from her fiancee by the King's spymaster, Leandros, and is forced to unpack her feelings for him as harrowing truths come to light.
Ultimately, I did not like this book. The novel as a whole was too short, and it really could've benefited from more exposition. The book feels like it began at the climax of the story, and I really think that seeing Princess Adamanthea and Leandros relationship prior to the meat of the novel would have helped readers feel more connected to the characters and become invested in their relationship.
Additionally, I really think Stephen King was on to something when he said that the road to hell is paved with adverbs. This novel really loves describing things, in a tell, not show, kind of way. For example:
"Exhaustion should have drained her of everything but her goal, and yet her traitor heart still fluttered for him like the detestable coquette it was."
Instead of actually describing anything, the author just uses descriptive words and hopes you can come up with a good enough picture in your head.
Overall, I do think that the concept of this book is good. While there is a king, and the monarchy seems to be centered around men, the religious traditions of the story seem to be matriarchal, and I find that fascinating.
Ultimately, I did not like this book. The novel as a whole was too short, and it really could've benefited from more exposition. The book feels like it began at the climax of the story, and I really think that seeing Princess Adamanthea and Leandros relationship prior to the meat of the novel would have helped readers feel more connected to the characters and become invested in their relationship.
Additionally, I really think Stephen King was on to something when he said that the road to hell is paved with adverbs. This novel really loves describing things, in a tell, not show, kind of way. For example:
"Exhaustion should have drained her of everything but her goal, and yet her traitor heart still fluttered for him like the detestable coquette it was."
Instead of actually describing anything, the author just uses descriptive words and hopes you can come up with a good enough picture in your head.
Overall, I do think that the concept of this book is good. While there is a king, and the monarchy seems to be centered around men, the religious traditions of the story seem to be matriarchal, and I find that fascinating.
November 29, 2025
A delightfully bite-sized age-gap romance between a princess and a spymaster set in ancient Trisia. With a curse, a possessive fiancé, betrayal, and swoon worthy spice, you don't want to miss this prequel to the Cycle of Calamity series. Thomson writes some of the most punchable villains I've ever read, and the yearning is top notch!
June 20, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐️
The Starlight Princess was such an enjoyable romantasy read. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Adamanthea’s world and found myself completely invested in her journey. The story beautifully blends romance, magic, political intrigue, and danger, creating a fast paced read that was hard to put down.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the relationship between Adamanthea and Leandros. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the slow building romance is filled with tension, heartfelt moments, and plenty of emotional depth. I loved watching their connection grow despite the secrets, curses, and obstacles standing in their way.
The world itself is rich and intriguing, with enough lore and court politics to keep things interesting without overwhelming the story. The fantasy elements added an extra layer of depth, making the stakes feel even higher.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five star read for me is that I would have loved more time with the characters and world. Some side characters and plot points felt a little rushed, leaving me wanting just a bit more.
Overall, The Starlight Princess is a captivating fantasy romance filled with magic, longing, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoy forbidden romance, court intrigue, and swoony slow burn relationships, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The Starlight Princess was such an enjoyable romantasy read. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Adamanthea’s world and found myself completely invested in her journey. The story beautifully blends romance, magic, political intrigue, and danger, creating a fast paced read that was hard to put down.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the relationship between Adamanthea and Leandros. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the slow building romance is filled with tension, heartfelt moments, and plenty of emotional depth. I loved watching their connection grow despite the secrets, curses, and obstacles standing in their way.
The world itself is rich and intriguing, with enough lore and court politics to keep things interesting without overwhelming the story. The fantasy elements added an extra layer of depth, making the stakes feel even higher.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five star read for me is that I would have loved more time with the characters and world. Some side characters and plot points felt a little rushed, leaving me wanting just a bit more.
Overall, The Starlight Princess is a captivating fantasy romance filled with magic, longing, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoy forbidden romance, court intrigue, and swoony slow burn relationships, this one is definitely worth picking up.
June 21, 2026
Adamanthea is special in a way that grants her certain freedoms, but also places limitations on her. Her main talent is matchmaking, and she believes in lasting relationships built on partnership - where both people genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Meanwhile, her brother, who is also the king, is focused on political advantages. Because she was not born with magic, he considers her worthless and no longer tolerates her lack of “value” to his agenda.
When her brother forces her into marriage, and she absolutely loathes her future husband, she is put in a situation she has to find her own way out of.
Enter Leandros, who is in love with Adamanthea and offers to get her out of the situation - while having his own agenda. Their journey together puts them in danger, but also allows them to learn more about their connection.
It’s short, it’s cute, and it doesn’t offer too much complexity. As a prequel, it interested me enough to want to continue with the rest of the series.
When her brother forces her into marriage, and she absolutely loathes her future husband, she is put in a situation she has to find her own way out of.
Enter Leandros, who is in love with Adamanthea and offers to get her out of the situation - while having his own agenda. Their journey together puts them in danger, but also allows them to learn more about their connection.
It’s short, it’s cute, and it doesn’t offer too much complexity. As a prequel, it interested me enough to want to continue with the rest of the series.
May 5, 2026
If you loved watching the PrincessXKnight Vids on Tiktok this book is all that and more!
She’s a princess in love with the king’s spymaster. He’s a cursed traitor plotting her abduction. -Short Blurb by the Author
I love how we get a younger Theron and some more of the backstory of his family, but especially his beloved Aunt Thea. In all honesty this was on point with the Mages of Oblivion’s Prequel Story “The Firetongued Heir” you get just enough history of a minor character that reveals so much more about the main character and why they are the way they are. Another favorite added to my growing Elyse Thomson books list.
She’s a princess in love with the king’s spymaster. He’s a cursed traitor plotting her abduction. -Short Blurb by the Author
I love how we get a younger Theron and some more of the backstory of his family, but especially his beloved Aunt Thea. In all honesty this was on point with the Mages of Oblivion’s Prequel Story “The Firetongued Heir” you get just enough history of a minor character that reveals so much more about the main character and why they are the way they are. Another favorite added to my growing Elyse Thomson books list.
May 31, 2026
Love between two souls
Such a beautiful story. Thea is a beautiful girl with lots of love as a princess, her brother the king is a tyrant who tosses her at one of his cronies. Her true love comes and finds her to give her the freedom she always wanted
Such a beautiful story. Thea is a beautiful girl with lots of love as a princess, her brother the king is a tyrant who tosses her at one of his cronies. Her true love comes and finds her to give her the freedom she always wanted
June 3, 2026
More than I could have hoped for!
Fantastic story with twists and turns to keep you guessing. Forbidden love, forced marriages, betrayal and new trust. Passion and fated mates. All the juiciness ever and I’m ready to read the next in the series!11
Fantastic story with twists and turns to keep you guessing. Forbidden love, forced marriages, betrayal and new trust. Passion and fated mates. All the juiciness ever and I’m ready to read the next in the series!11
June 17, 2026
Only downside is it was only 143 pages… but lots of world building and fun twists. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I definitely connected with Thea on a personal level we have similar personalities in some ways I think.
May 22, 2026
Loved Thea, wasnt a big fan of Leandros, but whatever. Its a fun read.
June 24, 2026
I really liked the short action packed novella about Thea and Leandros. I love how feisty Thea is! And I love how Leandros makes her feel seen and worthy!
Did Not Finish
August 20, 2026Stuff Your Kindle. Try a chapter. The writing isn't bad. The set-up and the character interactions seem a little silly. The romance also came off a bit juvenile.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews