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A Desert of Bleeding Sand #3
A Night of Falling Stars
Der Krieg bricht über Thalesai herein, in einem Sturm aus fallenden Sternen und wachsender Dunkelheit.
Ich habe niemals nach dem Kommando gestrebt, doch ich, Dathan, wurde dazu auserwählt, unsere Soldaten gegen das unerbittliche Wraith-Königreich zu führen. Noch bevor das erste Horn erklingt, kämpfe ich bereits meine eigene Schlacht.
Zair, meine mutige, störrische, wunderschöne Zair, wurde von unseren Feinden angegriffen. Der Gedanke, sie zu verlieren, zerreißt mich mehr als jede Klinge. Für sie würde ich ganze Königreiche in Brand setzen.
Aus den Schatten tritt der Mann hervor, der einst alles bedrohte, was mir teuer ist. Hinter einer magischen Tarnung verborgen, die nur ich durchschauen kann, trachtet er nach meinem Titel, nach der Enthüllung meiner Vergangenheit und nach dem Untergang meiner Familie.
Während die Gefahr Zair jagt und Wraiths meinen Drachen verfolgen, fühlt sich jeder Schritt vorwärts selbst wie ein Krieg an. Mit Aine, einer innerlich zerrissenen Wraith-Spionin, an unserer Seite müssen Zair und ich unser Volk in eine Schlacht führen, die unser Reich retten könnte … oder uns alles kostet.
Ich habe niemals nach dem Kommando gestrebt, doch ich, Dathan, wurde dazu auserwählt, unsere Soldaten gegen das unerbittliche Wraith-Königreich zu führen. Noch bevor das erste Horn erklingt, kämpfe ich bereits meine eigene Schlacht.
Zair, meine mutige, störrische, wunderschöne Zair, wurde von unseren Feinden angegriffen. Der Gedanke, sie zu verlieren, zerreißt mich mehr als jede Klinge. Für sie würde ich ganze Königreiche in Brand setzen.
Aus den Schatten tritt der Mann hervor, der einst alles bedrohte, was mir teuer ist. Hinter einer magischen Tarnung verborgen, die nur ich durchschauen kann, trachtet er nach meinem Titel, nach der Enthüllung meiner Vergangenheit und nach dem Untergang meiner Familie.
Während die Gefahr Zair jagt und Wraiths meinen Drachen verfolgen, fühlt sich jeder Schritt vorwärts selbst wie ein Krieg an. Mit Aine, einer innerlich zerrissenen Wraith-Spionin, an unserer Seite müssen Zair und ich unser Volk in eine Schlacht führen, die unser Reich retten könnte … oder uns alles kostet.
- GenresFantasy
1006 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Lucia Damisa
7 books59 followersLucia Damisa is a fantasy and romance writer who discovered a passion for writing at age 13 and has amassed stacks of notebooks filled with handwritten stories. She has a BA in Mass Communication and has experience as a journalist and freelance writer for websites around the world. When she is not world-building and hanging out with her characters, she is reading or taking photographs of nature. Find her on all platforms at Lucia Damisa.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 31, 2026
🌌💜 A Night of Falling Stars ARC Review 💜🌌
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫💫💫
4.88 rounded up
"There can never be victory without sacrifices."
⚠️ Warning: potential spoilers for A Desert of Bleeding Sand as well as A Winter of White Ash
📓 Some fantasy novels dazzle with breathtaking magic, while others captivate through unforgettable characters—but A Night of Falling Stars manages to strike a compelling balance between the two. Lucia Damisa delivers an emotionally rich epic that blends sweeping political conflict, tender romance, and immersive worldbuilding into a story that feels both intimate and grand in scale. Every victory comes at a cost, every choice carries weight, and the looming threat of war keeps the pages turning. If you love fantasy where the relationships are just as important as the battles, this sequel shines as a powerful continuation of an already ambitious series.
A Night of Falling Stars is an ambitious continuation of Lucia Damisa's A Desert of Bleeding Sand series that successfully expands both the emotional and political scope of its predecessors. Rather than relying solely on action or romance, Damisa balances intimate character moments with kingdom-shaping events, creating a story where personal choices ripple outward into war, diplomacy, and destiny. Readers looking for explosive battles will certainly find them, but the novel's greatest strength lies in how it never loses sight of the people caught in the middle of those conflicts. The result is an epic fantasy that feels emotionally grounded despite its grand scale.
📘 When war finally erupts across the desert realm of Thalesai, two lovers are forced to shoulder impossible responsibilities while ancient enemies, political intrigue, and dark magic threaten everything they've fought to protect. As kingdoms burn beneath falling stars, survival may demand sacrifices that change the world forever.
🫵🏼 A Night of Falling Stars is perfect for readers who enjoy:
• Epic fantasy with a strong romantic core
• Slow-burn, established romances that continue to evolve across a series
• character-driven epic fantasy with romance woven in
• Rich desert-inspired worlds rather than medieval European settings
• Political intrigue, war, spies, and competing loyalties
• Character-driven fantasy where relationships matter as much as battles
• Readers who enjoy emotional, high-stakes fantasy similar to modern romantasy, but with a greater emphasis on epic fantasy and worldbuilding
📓 A Night of Falling Stars is an emotionally resonant, beautifully imagined fantasy that proves epic adventures don't have to sacrifice heart. With compelling character growth, layered political intrigue, and a romance that enhances rather than overshadows the larger story, Lucia Damisa crafts a sequel that raises the stakes while deepening everything readers loved about its predecessor. Fans of character-driven epic fantasy and romantasy with substance woven into the plot will find plenty to admire here, and the final pages leave you eager to see where this remarkable series ventures next.
A Night of Falling Stars is a compelling blend of epic fantasy and heartfelt romance, distinguished by its richly imagined desert world, emotionally nuanced characters, and thoughtful exploration of leadership, sacrifice, and hope. Lucia Damisa continues to expand her series with confidence, delivering a sequel that raises the stakes without losing sight of the personal stories at its heart. While its deliberate pacing and interconnected plotlines ask readers to invest their attention, that investment is rewarded with immersive worldbuilding, meaningful character growth, and an emotionally satisfying journey.
📘 Plot 4.75/5
The plot broadens considerably from the previous installment, weaving together political maneuvering, military campaigns, personal loyalties, and magical threats into a cohesive narrative. Multiple storylines intersect naturally, with each perspective contributing to the larger conflict rather than feeling like filler. The novel favors steadily escalating tension over constant shocking twists. When reveals do occur, they're earned through earlier foreshadowing rather than surprise for surprise's sake. Many of the strongest moments come from difficult decisions rather than dramatic plot reversals, giving the story emotional weight. While the scope occasionally means some storylines receive less page time than others, the various threads ultimately complement one another well.
➕ Loved
• high emotional stakes alongside large scale political conflict
• well earned reveals and satisfying payoffs
• multiple perspectives that all feel relevant
• strong balance between action and quieter character moments
• effective twists, turns, and reveals that feel satisfying
➖ Didn't Love
• I would've loved for the book to had a quick synopsis of A Winter of White Ash (and maybe a dash of A Desert of Bleeding Sand, too). It's been about a year since I read AWoWA and starting this book made me realize my brain didn't store much from that book. I miss my old brain, it still remembers ADoBS. Anyway, because I didn't remember much, it took me a minute to get oriented and invested. I feel like a quick synopsis would've helped with that. Although the memory issues I'm having are the result of a brain injury, I imagine others may experience similar - especially if they don't read back to back.
📖 Themes & Deeper Meaning 5/5
For me, one of the novel's greatest strengths is its thematic richness and depth. We get central themes like: the cost of leadership, love enduring during times of war, identity versus duty, hope amid devastation, sacrifice for the greater good, the cycle of violence and revenge, and family—both chosen and inherited.
Rather than presenting war as glorious, Damisa consistently examines its emotional and societal consequences. Characters must wrestle with whether protecting those they love can justify painful compromises, making the moral dilemmas feel authentic instead of simplistic.
The recurring imagery of falling stars functions as both a symbol of hope and impermanence—moments of beauty that exist alongside destruction, reinforcing the novel's bittersweet emotional tone.
➕ Loved
• mature exploration of responsibility and sacrifice
• emotional resonance throughout the story
• morally complex choices without easy answers
• hopeful themes despite darker subject matter
• themes being subtle, the author trusting the reader to pick them up
✍🏼 Prose & Dialogue 4.75/5
Damisa writes in an accessible but elegant style. Her prose emphasizes atmosphere and emotion without becoming overly ornate.
Descriptions frequently evoke the harsh beauty of the desert through vivid sensory details, helping immerse readers in the setting while avoiding excessive exposition. Battle scenes remain easy to follow, and quieter moments benefit from lyrical touches that enhance rather than distract.
Dialogue generally feels natural and distinct between characters. Conversations often reveal personality, relationships, and political tensions simultaneously, making exposition feel organic.
Humor exists but is used sparingly, allowing emotional scenes to retain their impact. I appreciate this. We get a smidge of levity to lighten the emotional load, on occasion, but without detracting from the seriousness.
➕ Loved
• descriptive, evocative prose
• natural dialogue with strong emotional nuance
• excellent balance between lyrical prose and readability
➖ Didn't Love
• some political discussions occasionally get a bit exposition heavy for my tastes
⏳ Pacing 4.5/5
The pacing reflects its epic fantasy roots. Rather than racing from battle to battle, Damisa allows room for political discussions, relationship development, and strategic planning. These quieter sections deepen both the characters and the world. When action arrives, however, it feels meaningful because readers understand what's at stake. The plot is kept moving forward by political intrigue, character decisions, military strategy, relationship developments, and escalating magical threats.
The middle portion slows somewhat as various storylines develop simultaneously, though the steadily rising tension keeps momentum intact before accelerating toward a satisfying climax.
➕ Loved
• strong balance between action and character development
• climactic final act
• emotional scenes never feel rushed
• action scenes are exciting and choreography is easy to follow
➖ Didn't Love
• it's a bit slower than I'd have preferred to really get into it
🗺️ Worldbuilding 5/5
The bulk of the worldbuilding is in previous books, but this one nicely expands and enriches it. Worldbuilding remains one of the series' defining strengths, for me. Damisa crafts a setting that feels culturally distinct, moving beyond familiar medieval European fantasy influences and into West Africa. The desert kingdoms possess unique traditions, political structures, histories, and belief systems that make the world feel genuinely lived in. The lore continues expanding naturally rather than arriving in large exposition dumps. Readers gradually gain a richer understanding of historical conflicts, alliances, and mythology. Magic is woven into society instead of existing separately from it, influencing politics, warfare, religion, and everyday life. The result is an immersive world that continues rewarding investment.
➕ Loved
• rich West African-inspired setting
• layered, expansive history and lore
• distinct cultures
• interesting political intrigue and machinations
• world feels alive beyond the protagonists
• world feels lived in, grounded
• magic interwoven with the world
🔮 Magic System 5/5
The magic remains intriguing precisely because it isn't completely explained all at once. You learn the system along the way.
Rather than functioning as limitless power, it operates with meaningful boundaries and consequences. Characters cannot simply solve every problem through magical ability, forcing them to rely equally on intelligence, alliances, and perseverance. Magic feels deeply integrated into both the world's mythology and ongoing conflicts. Training, experience, and personal growth matter, preventing magic from becoming an effortless solution. Although many fantasy readers may recognize familiar influences in the magic system, Damisa combines and alters them into something that feels wholly fresh within the context of her world.
➕ Loved
• magic that supports the plot, rather than being used conveniently to help the plot
• strong connection between lore and magical abilities
• clear limitations
• feels earned through growth
• the system is explained in bits throughout
📜 Series Integration 5/5
A Night of Falling Stars builds naturally upon the foundation established earlier in the series. Character arcs deepen, political consequences carry forward, and previous events continue shaping the present rather than being forgotten. Rather than repeating familiar conflicts, Damisa successfully raises both emotional and geopolitical stakes.
This is very much a continuation rather than a standalone installment, rewarding readers already invested in the series.
➕ Loved
• meaningful progression
• expands the world significantly
• characters continue evolving naturally
👥 Character Development 5/5
Damisa has a real knack for character work, and that continues in this book. The protagonists continue growing under increasing pressure, with their flaws remaining just as important as their strengths. Leadership, grief, fear, love, and responsibility all shape their decisions. Relationships—romantic, familial, and platonic—develop organically, giving emotional weight to the larger political conflicts. No character feels entirely perfect or entirely villainous, allowing for satisfying moral complexity. I love that Damisa doesn't show characters as only "good" or "bad." The series also includes queer representation, with LGBTQ+ characters integrated naturally into the broader cast rather than existing solely for representation.
➕ Loved
• cast diversity
• deep emotional growth
• complex relationships
• believable flaws
• strong found family dynamics
💜 Romance 5/5
Rather than overshadowing the fantasy plot, the romance strengthens it. The relationships feel rooted in mutual respect, shared hardship, and emotional vulnerability. The romantic development complements each character's personal growth instead of distracting from the broader story. The romance develops over time (true slow burn) rather than relying on instant attraction - makes it feel realistic and believable. Emotional connection and intimacy are prioritized.
➕ Loved
• emotional chemistry
• mature communication
• healthy relationship
• romance enhances the narrative
• feels earned, realistic, and believable
• romantic moments serve character growth
• never feels gratuitous
📚 Read if you enjoyed these books:
BIPOC Comps
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin — Roseanne A Brown,
The Final Strife — Saara El-Arifi,
The Gilded Wolves — Roshani Chokshi,
Children of Blood and Bone — Toni Adeyemi,
The Stardust Thief — Chelsea Abdullah,
The Gilded Ones — Namina Forna
Queer Comps
The Jasmine Throne — Tasha Suri,
The Priory of the Orange Tree — Samantha Shannon,
Unworthy — JA Vodvarka,
Twin Crowns — Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber,
The Spear Cuts Through Water — The Spear Cuts Through Water (Queer author, lyrical epic fantasy)
The Faithless — CL Clark
Indie/Small Press Comps
The Fall Before Flight — Kristine Castillo Negron,
Feast of Fates — Christian A Brown,
The Sword of Kaigen — The Sword of Kaigen (Independently published)
Blood of the Spear — Mark Timmony,
Kings of Paradise — Richard Nell,
Orconomics — J. Zachary Pike
Trad Pub Comps
The Bone Shard Daughter — Andrea Stewart,
The Rage of Dragons — Evan Winter,
The Ember Blade — Chris Wooding BA
The Bridge Kingdom — Danielle L Jensen
The Poppy War — RF Kuang,
The Wolf and the Woodsman — Ava Reid
Off-Genre Comps
The Warlord wants Forever — Kresley Cole,
Polaris Rising — Jessie Mihalik,
The Book Thief — Markus Zusak,
The Winner's Curse — Marie Rutkoski,
The Goddess Of — Randi Garner,
Fate of the Five: Veil of Vasara — Niamh Rose
Thank you to Lucia Damisa and Darkan Press for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫💫💫
4.88 rounded up
"There can never be victory without sacrifices."
⚠️ Warning: potential spoilers for A Desert of Bleeding Sand as well as A Winter of White Ash
📓 Some fantasy novels dazzle with breathtaking magic, while others captivate through unforgettable characters—but A Night of Falling Stars manages to strike a compelling balance between the two. Lucia Damisa delivers an emotionally rich epic that blends sweeping political conflict, tender romance, and immersive worldbuilding into a story that feels both intimate and grand in scale. Every victory comes at a cost, every choice carries weight, and the looming threat of war keeps the pages turning. If you love fantasy where the relationships are just as important as the battles, this sequel shines as a powerful continuation of an already ambitious series.
A Night of Falling Stars is an ambitious continuation of Lucia Damisa's A Desert of Bleeding Sand series that successfully expands both the emotional and political scope of its predecessors. Rather than relying solely on action or romance, Damisa balances intimate character moments with kingdom-shaping events, creating a story where personal choices ripple outward into war, diplomacy, and destiny. Readers looking for explosive battles will certainly find them, but the novel's greatest strength lies in how it never loses sight of the people caught in the middle of those conflicts. The result is an epic fantasy that feels emotionally grounded despite its grand scale.
📘 When war finally erupts across the desert realm of Thalesai, two lovers are forced to shoulder impossible responsibilities while ancient enemies, political intrigue, and dark magic threaten everything they've fought to protect. As kingdoms burn beneath falling stars, survival may demand sacrifices that change the world forever.
🫵🏼 A Night of Falling Stars is perfect for readers who enjoy:
• Epic fantasy with a strong romantic core
• Slow-burn, established romances that continue to evolve across a series
• character-driven epic fantasy with romance woven in
• Rich desert-inspired worlds rather than medieval European settings
• Political intrigue, war, spies, and competing loyalties
• Character-driven fantasy where relationships matter as much as battles
• Readers who enjoy emotional, high-stakes fantasy similar to modern romantasy, but with a greater emphasis on epic fantasy and worldbuilding
📓 A Night of Falling Stars is an emotionally resonant, beautifully imagined fantasy that proves epic adventures don't have to sacrifice heart. With compelling character growth, layered political intrigue, and a romance that enhances rather than overshadows the larger story, Lucia Damisa crafts a sequel that raises the stakes while deepening everything readers loved about its predecessor. Fans of character-driven epic fantasy and romantasy with substance woven into the plot will find plenty to admire here, and the final pages leave you eager to see where this remarkable series ventures next.
A Night of Falling Stars is a compelling blend of epic fantasy and heartfelt romance, distinguished by its richly imagined desert world, emotionally nuanced characters, and thoughtful exploration of leadership, sacrifice, and hope. Lucia Damisa continues to expand her series with confidence, delivering a sequel that raises the stakes without losing sight of the personal stories at its heart. While its deliberate pacing and interconnected plotlines ask readers to invest their attention, that investment is rewarded with immersive worldbuilding, meaningful character growth, and an emotionally satisfying journey.
📘 Plot 4.75/5
The plot broadens considerably from the previous installment, weaving together political maneuvering, military campaigns, personal loyalties, and magical threats into a cohesive narrative. Multiple storylines intersect naturally, with each perspective contributing to the larger conflict rather than feeling like filler. The novel favors steadily escalating tension over constant shocking twists. When reveals do occur, they're earned through earlier foreshadowing rather than surprise for surprise's sake. Many of the strongest moments come from difficult decisions rather than dramatic plot reversals, giving the story emotional weight. While the scope occasionally means some storylines receive less page time than others, the various threads ultimately complement one another well.
➕ Loved
• high emotional stakes alongside large scale political conflict
• well earned reveals and satisfying payoffs
• multiple perspectives that all feel relevant
• strong balance between action and quieter character moments
• effective twists, turns, and reveals that feel satisfying
➖ Didn't Love
• I would've loved for the book to had a quick synopsis of A Winter of White Ash (and maybe a dash of A Desert of Bleeding Sand, too). It's been about a year since I read AWoWA and starting this book made me realize my brain didn't store much from that book. I miss my old brain, it still remembers ADoBS. Anyway, because I didn't remember much, it took me a minute to get oriented and invested. I feel like a quick synopsis would've helped with that. Although the memory issues I'm having are the result of a brain injury, I imagine others may experience similar - especially if they don't read back to back.
📖 Themes & Deeper Meaning 5/5
For me, one of the novel's greatest strengths is its thematic richness and depth. We get central themes like: the cost of leadership, love enduring during times of war, identity versus duty, hope amid devastation, sacrifice for the greater good, the cycle of violence and revenge, and family—both chosen and inherited.
Rather than presenting war as glorious, Damisa consistently examines its emotional and societal consequences. Characters must wrestle with whether protecting those they love can justify painful compromises, making the moral dilemmas feel authentic instead of simplistic.
The recurring imagery of falling stars functions as both a symbol of hope and impermanence—moments of beauty that exist alongside destruction, reinforcing the novel's bittersweet emotional tone.
➕ Loved
• mature exploration of responsibility and sacrifice
• emotional resonance throughout the story
• morally complex choices without easy answers
• hopeful themes despite darker subject matter
• themes being subtle, the author trusting the reader to pick them up
✍🏼 Prose & Dialogue 4.75/5
Damisa writes in an accessible but elegant style. Her prose emphasizes atmosphere and emotion without becoming overly ornate.
Descriptions frequently evoke the harsh beauty of the desert through vivid sensory details, helping immerse readers in the setting while avoiding excessive exposition. Battle scenes remain easy to follow, and quieter moments benefit from lyrical touches that enhance rather than distract.
Dialogue generally feels natural and distinct between characters. Conversations often reveal personality, relationships, and political tensions simultaneously, making exposition feel organic.
Humor exists but is used sparingly, allowing emotional scenes to retain their impact. I appreciate this. We get a smidge of levity to lighten the emotional load, on occasion, but without detracting from the seriousness.
➕ Loved
• descriptive, evocative prose
• natural dialogue with strong emotional nuance
• excellent balance between lyrical prose and readability
➖ Didn't Love
• some political discussions occasionally get a bit exposition heavy for my tastes
⏳ Pacing 4.5/5
The pacing reflects its epic fantasy roots. Rather than racing from battle to battle, Damisa allows room for political discussions, relationship development, and strategic planning. These quieter sections deepen both the characters and the world. When action arrives, however, it feels meaningful because readers understand what's at stake. The plot is kept moving forward by political intrigue, character decisions, military strategy, relationship developments, and escalating magical threats.
The middle portion slows somewhat as various storylines develop simultaneously, though the steadily rising tension keeps momentum intact before accelerating toward a satisfying climax.
➕ Loved
• strong balance between action and character development
• climactic final act
• emotional scenes never feel rushed
• action scenes are exciting and choreography is easy to follow
➖ Didn't Love
• it's a bit slower than I'd have preferred to really get into it
🗺️ Worldbuilding 5/5
The bulk of the worldbuilding is in previous books, but this one nicely expands and enriches it. Worldbuilding remains one of the series' defining strengths, for me. Damisa crafts a setting that feels culturally distinct, moving beyond familiar medieval European fantasy influences and into West Africa. The desert kingdoms possess unique traditions, political structures, histories, and belief systems that make the world feel genuinely lived in. The lore continues expanding naturally rather than arriving in large exposition dumps. Readers gradually gain a richer understanding of historical conflicts, alliances, and mythology. Magic is woven into society instead of existing separately from it, influencing politics, warfare, religion, and everyday life. The result is an immersive world that continues rewarding investment.
➕ Loved
• rich West African-inspired setting
• layered, expansive history and lore
• distinct cultures
• interesting political intrigue and machinations
• world feels alive beyond the protagonists
• world feels lived in, grounded
• magic interwoven with the world
🔮 Magic System 5/5
The magic remains intriguing precisely because it isn't completely explained all at once. You learn the system along the way.
Rather than functioning as limitless power, it operates with meaningful boundaries and consequences. Characters cannot simply solve every problem through magical ability, forcing them to rely equally on intelligence, alliances, and perseverance. Magic feels deeply integrated into both the world's mythology and ongoing conflicts. Training, experience, and personal growth matter, preventing magic from becoming an effortless solution. Although many fantasy readers may recognize familiar influences in the magic system, Damisa combines and alters them into something that feels wholly fresh within the context of her world.
➕ Loved
• magic that supports the plot, rather than being used conveniently to help the plot
• strong connection between lore and magical abilities
• clear limitations
• feels earned through growth
• the system is explained in bits throughout
📜 Series Integration 5/5
A Night of Falling Stars builds naturally upon the foundation established earlier in the series. Character arcs deepen, political consequences carry forward, and previous events continue shaping the present rather than being forgotten. Rather than repeating familiar conflicts, Damisa successfully raises both emotional and geopolitical stakes.
This is very much a continuation rather than a standalone installment, rewarding readers already invested in the series.
➕ Loved
• meaningful progression
• expands the world significantly
• characters continue evolving naturally
👥 Character Development 5/5
Damisa has a real knack for character work, and that continues in this book. The protagonists continue growing under increasing pressure, with their flaws remaining just as important as their strengths. Leadership, grief, fear, love, and responsibility all shape their decisions. Relationships—romantic, familial, and platonic—develop organically, giving emotional weight to the larger political conflicts. No character feels entirely perfect or entirely villainous, allowing for satisfying moral complexity. I love that Damisa doesn't show characters as only "good" or "bad." The series also includes queer representation, with LGBTQ+ characters integrated naturally into the broader cast rather than existing solely for representation.
➕ Loved
• cast diversity
• deep emotional growth
• complex relationships
• believable flaws
• strong found family dynamics
💜 Romance 5/5
Rather than overshadowing the fantasy plot, the romance strengthens it. The relationships feel rooted in mutual respect, shared hardship, and emotional vulnerability. The romantic development complements each character's personal growth instead of distracting from the broader story. The romance develops over time (true slow burn) rather than relying on instant attraction - makes it feel realistic and believable. Emotional connection and intimacy are prioritized.
➕ Loved
• emotional chemistry
• mature communication
• healthy relationship
• romance enhances the narrative
• feels earned, realistic, and believable
• romantic moments serve character growth
• never feels gratuitous
📚 Read if you enjoyed these books:
BIPOC Comps
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin — Roseanne A Brown,
The Final Strife — Saara El-Arifi,
The Gilded Wolves — Roshani Chokshi,
Children of Blood and Bone — Toni Adeyemi,
The Stardust Thief — Chelsea Abdullah,
The Gilded Ones — Namina Forna
Queer Comps
The Jasmine Throne — Tasha Suri,
The Priory of the Orange Tree — Samantha Shannon,
Unworthy — JA Vodvarka,
Twin Crowns — Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber,
The Spear Cuts Through Water — The Spear Cuts Through Water (Queer author, lyrical epic fantasy)
The Faithless — CL Clark
Indie/Small Press Comps
The Fall Before Flight — Kristine Castillo Negron,
Feast of Fates — Christian A Brown,
The Sword of Kaigen — The Sword of Kaigen (Independently published)
Blood of the Spear — Mark Timmony,
Kings of Paradise — Richard Nell,
Orconomics — J. Zachary Pike
Trad Pub Comps
The Bone Shard Daughter — Andrea Stewart,
The Rage of Dragons — Evan Winter,
The Ember Blade — Chris Wooding BA
The Bridge Kingdom — Danielle L Jensen
The Poppy War — RF Kuang,
The Wolf and the Woodsman — Ava Reid
Off-Genre Comps
The Warlord wants Forever — Kresley Cole,
Polaris Rising — Jessie Mihalik,
The Book Thief — Markus Zusak,
The Winner's Curse — Marie Rutkoski,
The Goddess Of — Randi Garner,
Fate of the Five: Veil of Vasara — Niamh Rose
Thank you to Lucia Damisa and Darkan Press for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
July 25, 2026
A Night of Falling Stars
Wow! Another epic installment that I couldn’t put down. What an emotional rollercoaster! This book wrecked me in the best way and I can’t wait for more.
With so many battles between enemies near and far this book was full of action and high stakes. I could hardly take a breath afraid of what was going to happen next.
The characters as always were so well done. Not only Dathan and Zair but their friends and new characters as well made the story.
I honestly loved every moment of this! If you haven’t started this series you need to!
If you love high stakes, epic battles, magic, political intrigue, royalty, dragons, enemies on all sides, fighting against all odds, soulmates, unpredictable twists, and so, so much more then don’t miss this!
Wow! Another epic installment that I couldn’t put down. What an emotional rollercoaster! This book wrecked me in the best way and I can’t wait for more.
With so many battles between enemies near and far this book was full of action and high stakes. I could hardly take a breath afraid of what was going to happen next.
The characters as always were so well done. Not only Dathan and Zair but their friends and new characters as well made the story.
I honestly loved every moment of this! If you haven’t started this series you need to!
If you love high stakes, epic battles, magic, political intrigue, royalty, dragons, enemies on all sides, fighting against all odds, soulmates, unpredictable twists, and so, so much more then don’t miss this!
July 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I started this with almost no recollection of Book 2 and desperately needed a recap... but alas. 😂
It took me a little while to get back into the story, but once I did, the twists just kept coming one after another. And I finally realized why this book was called A Night of Falling Stars. The cover also started making sense about 10% in, which I always love.
Naturally, I was just as hooked as I was with the first two books. Even though this one was longer and took me several days to finish, I never lost interest.
I was so convinced Ellasar was the Wraith's spy the entire time. 😭 I definitely didn't expect him to turn out to be Aine's long-lost friend instead.
And by the end... my heart absolutely broke for both of them.
Then, after finishing this fantastic book, I got an even bigger surprise, I found my name in the acknowledgements! 🥹 Thank you, Lucia. I'm truly honoured.
There's just something so special about seeing your name in the acknowledgements of a book you genuinely loved and enjoyed.
Now I can't wait for Book 4... and I'm even more excited to see where Dathan and Zair's journey takes us next.
I started this with almost no recollection of Book 2 and desperately needed a recap... but alas. 😂
It took me a little while to get back into the story, but once I did, the twists just kept coming one after another. And I finally realized why this book was called A Night of Falling Stars. The cover also started making sense about 10% in, which I always love.
Naturally, I was just as hooked as I was with the first two books. Even though this one was longer and took me several days to finish, I never lost interest.
I was so convinced Ellasar was the Wraith's spy the entire time. 😭 I definitely didn't expect him to turn out to be Aine's long-lost friend instead.
And by the end... my heart absolutely broke for both of them.
Then, after finishing this fantastic book, I got an even bigger surprise, I found my name in the acknowledgements! 🥹 Thank you, Lucia. I'm truly honoured.
There's just something so special about seeing your name in the acknowledgements of a book you genuinely loved and enjoyed.
Now I can't wait for Book 4... and I'm even more excited to see where Dathan and Zair's journey takes us next.
August 10, 2026
Rated 4.5 Stars
What a journey! Filled with shocking twists and turns some that I saw coming but nothing prepared me for the emotional damage I accrued. A Night of Falling Stars was an emotional wrecking ball that wrecked me from start to finish - emotional punch after emotional punch. There was so much that went down political intrigue, action, suspense, magic, love, joy, pain, heart wrenching moments, an interesting and intriguing story and so much more. There is no denying this author is an amazing storyteller, masterful in many ways. I can't recommend this series enough. I absolutely loved this book even though I was emotionally gutted by it. I so can't to dive headfirst into the next book in the series.
Copy provided by publisher through Booksprout
What a journey! Filled with shocking twists and turns some that I saw coming but nothing prepared me for the emotional damage I accrued. A Night of Falling Stars was an emotional wrecking ball that wrecked me from start to finish - emotional punch after emotional punch. There was so much that went down political intrigue, action, suspense, magic, love, joy, pain, heart wrenching moments, an interesting and intriguing story and so much more. There is no denying this author is an amazing storyteller, masterful in many ways. I can't recommend this series enough. I absolutely loved this book even though I was emotionally gutted by it. I so can't to dive headfirst into the next book in the series.
Copy provided by publisher through Booksprout
August 17, 2026
What an epic and emotional ride! This installment was packed with action, magic, political intrigue, shocking twists, and battles coming from every direction. I was completely invested in Dathan and Zair’s journey, but the incredible friendships and new characters made the story even better. Some moments I saw coming, but others left me completely speechless—and emotionally wrecked.
This West African-inspired fantasy series continues to deliver high stakes, royalty, dragons, soulmates, and enemies on all sides. The author knows exactly how to keep me hooked while simultaneously breaking my heart, and now I’m desperate to see what happens next. If you haven’t started this series yet, you absolutely need to!
This West African-inspired fantasy series continues to deliver high stakes, royalty, dragons, soulmates, and enemies on all sides. The author knows exactly how to keep me hooked while simultaneously breaking my heart, and now I’m desperate to see what happens next. If you haven’t started this series yet, you absolutely need to!
August 22, 2026
This is the 3rd book in the series and i love every book more and more. Dathan and Zair are such great characters and Aine was a welcome addition to the cast. Getting the perspective all three kept the story moving and there was a lot of things that happened in this book. Dathan and Zair must face even more challenges when Dathan is ordained as King after tragedy strikes in front of Zair. They continue to grow and learn of the powers they have been blessed with and while they are still learning to trust and depend on their soulmate bond they must face war on all sides. Aine wants nothing more then to find her best friend and learn from the prestigious Thalesai academies but is forced to bleed for her country. She finds solace in the last place expected but comes up with a plan to help the land she hopes one day to see. This ended on a happy note and i hope we get to see more of this world as this was a very rich deep world with so much room to grow.
August 8, 2026
Wow, I’m speechless!! I’ve been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. This was an emotional rollercoaster that got me out of my reading slump and I can’t wait to read more! If you’re looking for an west African inspired epic fantasy series, you should read this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2026
In short: Amazing installment to the series.
In long: What an action packed book. Filled with high stakes scenarios, emotional moments, and heart wrenching scenes AAAAAH. Was not able to put this book down!
3.5 for me cuz way too much was happening in terms of writing (not story)
In conclusion: An epic read.
In long: What an action packed book. Filled with high stakes scenarios, emotional moments, and heart wrenching scenes AAAAAH. Was not able to put this book down!
3.5 for me cuz way too much was happening in terms of writing (not story)
In conclusion: An epic read.
August 5, 2026
Lucia let me start by saying you know how to write books that are so hard to put down. I am honored to have been given ARCs for this series. This book had me going on an emotional roller coaster. I have enjoyed continuing to read about Dathan and Zair. But I also liked reading about new characters. I can’t wait for the next one!
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