Cor Astra: A Fae Court Fantasy Romance

by Naomi Thorne

451 pages, Paperback

Published December 10, 2025

Reviews

[Tess Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best fae book I've ever read.

[Stephanie V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive a ARC of this book! Fantasy, romance, a fae realm? Done! I couldn't put this down and finished it in two days. It's so well written with characters, a storyline, and some spice that all sucked me right in immediately. I'm already looking forward to book #2!

[coley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you so much for the ARC of this book!

This was a very fun read — I love that it had a loose holiday vibe, but was still primarily a fantasy romance. Some of my favorite things are games and trials, forced proximity, and animal sidekicks: this books had them all! Definitely worth the read, I really enjoyed it.

[Jennifer Olive · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly did not know what to expect when I signed up for an advanced reader copy of this book. What I found was a beautifully written story that pulled me in from the very first page. The characters, the world, the story itself, completely captivated me.

Blending the trials and forbidden attraction of Phantasma and ACOTAR, the magical spirit of the Harry Potter series, and a heartfelt romance that is entirely its own, I found so much to love in this book.

A mysterious, cursed Fae prince, a talkative mouse, and an intelligent, fearless human heroine. I fell in love with these characters as they wrapped around me with the comforting familiarity of a warm, cozy blanket.


Axelian immediately captured my heart. One moment I wanted to swoon over his almost shy, tender, romantic interactions with Clara; the next, I wanted to wrap him in a hug as he slipped back into the detatched cold facade he wears around the other fae. He's so much of the type of MMC I love. And if I needed one more reason to love him, his admission about the bookstore absolutely wrecked me—in the best way. My heart melted and my eyes definitely stung with tears. (You’ll see.)

Honestly, he may be the most perfectly romantic, thoughtful, chivalrous, love sick, MMC ever created. And I am smitten.

Clara is just as wonderful. She combines the intelligence of the very best kind of bookworm with fierce determination to succeed and prove doubters wrong. She’s accomplished, confident, and unapologetically herself. It was so refreshing to read about an FMC who isn’t defined by insecurity or self-doubt

The plot unfolds in a compelling, addictive way—full of mystery, looming dark forces, deep-buried secrets, and a beautifully woven romance that seeps off the pages. Every chapter pulled me in deeper, and I genuinely did not want to put this book down.

I absolutely adored everything about it and was completely swept away from start to finish.


Cursed Fae Prince
Fae Trials
Bookish Intelligent FMC
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn romance
Witty animal sidekick

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. My opinions are my own and completely true.

[MJ | fortheloveofbooks01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Welcome to the Starfall Court."

"On this night begins the Twelve Games of Yuletide. By the hand of the Electa, the worthiness of the heir to the throne will be determined."

"A test of wit, of courage, of cunning, or of strength. There will be twelve tasks, which will take place each night in succession."

I absolutely loved Cor Astra! Naomi’s writing pulled me in immediately. The story was engaging without any lulls or slow parts, and the pacing and plot reveals were perfectly timed, merging with the story seamlessly.

Clara is incredibly likable: a tasteful combination of sweet and sassy, with the mental strength of a beloved book nerd and the sharp wit of a confident woman. The romance between Clara and the MMC is warm and loving, building slowly throughout the book in a way that makes their bond feel genuine. The MMC is, of course, a fierce fae; but internally, he's just a cuddly teddy bear who would do anything for Clara. His quiet devotion to her made my heart ache and swoon simultaneously. 

“She was everything to him—she was beautiful, fragile and fierce at the same time.”

My two favorite parts of this book: the unique strength of mind trials, and Fenwick (a hilarious creature sidekick in the form of a mouse?! Amazing!)

It was such a breath of fresh air to read a fantasy book with trials focused on mental endurance instead of physical endurance, especially when pulling a human into a fae world. Solving riddles and mind tricks with Clara during her trials was a fun little bonus while reading, even if I was terrible at it lol!


Tropes I loved in this book:
-Magic 
-Prophecy
-Trials
-Court intrigue
-Badass FMC
-Hopelessly devoted MMC 
-Creature sidekick 
-Slow burn romance
-Witty banter

I am so excited to see what comes next in this series and will definitely continue reading Clara's story. Thank you so much for sharing an ARC with me, Naomi! 

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me be upfront: this review is absolutely biased, because I am hopelessly devoted to the deadly trials trope. If there are trials and a high chance of death, I’m already halfway to five stars. And yes, this book delivered.

At first glance, the setup feels familiar: a human is dragged into the fae world and forced to compete in deadly trials. We’ve seen it before. But what sets Cor Astra apart is the why. You think you know the reasons. You do not. And no, I’m not telling. My lips are sealed.

Naomi Thorne’s writing is easy to sink into, vivid without dragging, and perfectly paced. The world-building was a refreshing change too. This fae realm isn’t all glitter and light. It’s darker, sharper, and far more interesting because of it.

The characters truly shine. Even the side characters stole my heart. Fenwick is adorable, Avery has impeccable style, and Iridessa and I are clearly soul sisters. Clara, our FMC, felt wonderfully real. She isn’t an unbeatable warrior or a helpless damsel. She lives in that believable middle ground where most of us would land. As for the MMC… I wanted to love him, I wanted to strangle him. Which is apparently my preferred character type, considering I married one.

And the ending? Yes, there’s a book two. No, this isn’t a soul-crushing cliffhanger. For that alone, this book deserves applause.

If you love deadly trials, morally complicated fae, layered characters, and twists that actually surprise you, Cor Astra is absolutely worth the read.

[Katie Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌙🔥🎆 ARC Review 🎆🔥🌙

I absolutely enjoyed this book- fae realm, games, half-truths, spice? Yes, please! Definitely would have finished this book so much sooner if I wasn’t fighting for my life with this sickness…

I felt like it started out a little slow, but once it got started, I could not stop turning the page. All of the characters and surroundings were described so intricately… I was able to live through the story. Especially when it came to the games, I found myself trying to work my way through the challenges with Clara.

When it came to the FMC and the MMC, Axe and Clara were such strong characters individually…I could only imagine the power that would come from the two of them as a whole 👀

Favorite quote: Clara: “What am I to you?” Axe: “You are the light of my life. My guiding star. You are my first thought in the morning and my last before I fall asleep. You are the axis of my world. You are everything to me.” He paused. “I only hope that I can be worthy of you someday.” STOP IT RIGHT NOW 🥵😍

Thank you Naomi Thorne for this wonderful ARC 🫶🏼 Looking forward to Book 2!

[Jordan McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cor Astra exceeded my expectations when I signed up to ARC read it. It has fae princes, Yuletide trials of wit, romance, and more. Clara (the FMC) is a human pulled into the 12 days of Yuletide trial by a fae prince, Axelian (MMC), who needs her to win each trial in order to ascend the throne. If she wins she is told she gets to go back to her life in Silver Hollow. Little does Clara know it isn’t only her freedom on the line but the fate of the world she came from and the one she has fallen in love with. The world building was done very well. It had so many good details and I didn’t feel like there was fluff thrown in. When the ending was near all the small details mattered. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a romantasy, high stakes, he falls first,or light vs dark magic.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nutcracker vibes mixed with court politics, trials, and romance? Yes please! This was so much fun to read. The world-building was breathtaking, the plot was exciting, and the character development was top tier. Axe was such a dream MMC. Sweet, sincere, and desperately in love with Clara. Clara was a quiet, introverted book lover who gets literally dragged into the fae world. Her growth was so good! Fenwick was the perfect sidekick and the cutest mouse. Then there’s Jace, Axe's shadow wielding, brooding brother who I absolutely loved from the start. Something tells me he becomes more important as the journey progresses. Are we headed into Rhysand territory 👀 I cannot wait to continue the series!

Thank you to the author for the arc ❤️

[TaraB.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thank you to the author for providing an arc of this book!

I did have a good time reading this! I thought the story was well written and I liked the fun animal characters and romantic interests.

I just felt unconnected to the characters. I didn’t love a lot of the FMC’s inner thoughts especially about her love interests’ behaviors. It felt like she was gaslighting herself A LOT! And sure we all do that to stay in a relationship but it was just something that took me out of the story.

I also wanted a bit more world building. I got the gist of the world but as a new fantasy reader I need a lot more flushed out and have it flushed out a few times to remind me.

Regardless, I think this is a great start to a series and I’m excited to see where it will go!

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very thankful I was given an ARC read of this story. I was immediately sucked into the world and didn't want to put it down. The author poured her heart into this book and you as the reader can tell. The world building, the characters, the spice all outstanding. It has all one could ask for and then more. The magic and trials had me Cheering on Clara. I felt like I was in the Starfall court right along with the characters. Cor Astra will soon be on everyone's tbr and/or bookshelf. Move aside Ryshand, and Rowan because Axelian (Axe) is taking over your place in the book world. "As you wish, Supernova." Can't wait for book 2.

[Gina Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely stunning book! Before I could complete the 1st chapter I was laughing and totally committed and all in I couldn't put it down. Clara owns a bookstore and one very cold night she makes a choice to go back to her bookstore to get warm and meets Fenwick. From that moment she is pulled into another world and is told she must compete in 12 trials. She is a human amongst the Fae. There are two brothers one born of darkness and the other born from light. Only one can be the king and their kingdom is in peril as malevolent dark forces comsume other kingdoms around them.
I Loved every moment of this book! I am so invested I can not wait for the next book!

[Candace Choy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic start to the new year and was such a fun and exciting read. Nothing mind blowing and no crazy-ness but I’m a sucker for a good trials trope especially when they’re clever and not just “whack something hard”. I’m a fan of the smart book worm FMC who is not an amazing warrior assassin with no training but also is simultaneously the best fighter who ever did live. This was fun and sweet and full of tropes and maybe it was a tad predictable but it was a pleasant time, catchy and interesting and a page turner - easy to read, didn’t drag and easy to love! Pick this up for a good time!

[Sarah Emmerick · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received by Author @naomiethorne
Cor Astra: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️

Clara just wanted a quiet Christmas in her bookshop. Instead, a stranger gives her an ancient book that pulls her straight into the fae court of Starfall, and into the middle of a game she never agreed to play. Chosen as the prince’s Electa, she is forced to compete in the Yuletide Games, or remain forever trapped in the fae world.
Now her survival depends on solving riddles, outsmarting tricks, and facing trials designed to break her. If she wins, she’ll free herself and every human trapped before her. If she loses, she’ll never see her home again.

Clara’s unexpected arrival has put her at the heart of war she never knew existed. Every trial she survives reveals another secret about the prince, his cursed court, and the role she was never meant to play.
Can Clara survive and make it home?

Cor Astra will become a re read for me! I was instantly drawn in by Clara being a bookshop owner and stayed for all of the puzzles, drama, and Fenwick 🤭!

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I received an ARC copy and devoured it in two days. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were amazing. I was instantly pulled in. The world building was beautifully done, Clara, FMC, a book lover who wanted to be alone was dragged into the Fae realm. The cursed Fae, trials and a cute mouse. The brother who’s all shadows and mysterious… just everything about this book. I cannot wait for the next book. I am so grateful I got the opportunity to read this.

[Caroline Bristow · Rating 5 out of 5]

❄️ I received an ARC from the author so the thoughts are my own❄️

Cor Astra is every readers dream because to get to the fae world, you have to jump in a book. I wish I could jump in this book. That's how good it is. Instant 5 stars. Glad I was given the opportunity to be able to read.