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Starlit Omen
Anathema has spent nearly twenty-two years secluded in her attic, longing to glimpse what lies beyond the Snow Forest, a place with magical beings known as the Star-Fallen, just outside her frosted window.
Raised to be obedient and silent, she’s learned never to even think of defying her mother’s commands to stay away, no matter how deceptively enchanting the forest may appear from afar. And no matter how much it calls to her.
However, after a scroll with her name written in disappearing ink shows up on her windowsill, carried in by one of the crows she’s secretly fed over the years, her life begins to take its first leap into the unraveling of all she thought she knew.
The frightening truth of a life built on lies reveals itself in the midst of the night after she wakes mid-sleep, having wandered into that very Snow Forest, where the mysterious sender of her vanishing message awaits, ready to whisk her away into a world of whimsically dark wonders, all wrapped in secrets, curses, and her magical starlit tears.
Raised to be obedient and silent, she’s learned never to even think of defying her mother’s commands to stay away, no matter how deceptively enchanting the forest may appear from afar. And no matter how much it calls to her.
However, after a scroll with her name written in disappearing ink shows up on her windowsill, carried in by one of the crows she’s secretly fed over the years, her life begins to take its first leap into the unraveling of all she thought she knew.
The frightening truth of a life built on lies reveals itself in the midst of the night after she wakes mid-sleep, having wandered into that very Snow Forest, where the mysterious sender of her vanishing message awaits, ready to whisk her away into a world of whimsically dark wonders, all wrapped in secrets, curses, and her magical starlit tears.
510 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 3, 2026
“Starlit Omen” is a hauntingly beautiful reimagining that captivated me from the very first page. Anathema's secluded life in the attic, longing for the magical Snow Forest just outside her window, is both heartbreaking and enchanting. The moment that scroll appears, delivered by a crow, you know her life is about to unravel in the most spectacular way. This dark fantasy slow burn is a wild ride where nothing is as it seems, and no one is truly innocent.
The author masterfully balances the dark and twisted with the whimsical and beautiful. I especially loved all the whimsical characters and pixies – it was like stepping into a secret magical world that I could never get enough of. Anathema's journey into the Snow Forest is filled with secrets, curses, and her own magical starlit tears. I was completely absorbed in this world of magical beasts and complex characters, finding myself both protective of Anathema and strangely sympathetic to those around her. The exploration of good and evil is nuanced and thought-provoking, challenging your perceptions at every turn. I also loved her dynamic with brothers Asher and Kazlon and can’t wait to see and watch that dynamic unfold, and I loved her friendship with Macilee as well.
The subtle exploration of Brat/Dom/Submissive relationships adds an intriguing layer to the story, handled with such delicacy that it allows the reader to draw their own conclusions. I stumbled upon this book on social media and was immediately drawn in by the cover. I devoured the ARC in under 48 hours and it's a book that will live in my head for quite some time. The ending left me on a cliffhanger wanting MORE! A definite five-star read!
The author masterfully balances the dark and twisted with the whimsical and beautiful. I especially loved all the whimsical characters and pixies – it was like stepping into a secret magical world that I could never get enough of. Anathema's journey into the Snow Forest is filled with secrets, curses, and her own magical starlit tears. I was completely absorbed in this world of magical beasts and complex characters, finding myself both protective of Anathema and strangely sympathetic to those around her. The exploration of good and evil is nuanced and thought-provoking, challenging your perceptions at every turn. I also loved her dynamic with brothers Asher and Kazlon and can’t wait to see and watch that dynamic unfold, and I loved her friendship with Macilee as well.
The subtle exploration of Brat/Dom/Submissive relationships adds an intriguing layer to the story, handled with such delicacy that it allows the reader to draw their own conclusions. I stumbled upon this book on social media and was immediately drawn in by the cover. I devoured the ARC in under 48 hours and it's a book that will live in my head for quite some time. The ending left me on a cliffhanger wanting MORE! A definite five-star read!
July 16, 2026
If you are looking for an amazing fantasy series, with great world building, amazing characters, a legit shadow daddy, a stubborn brat of an fmc, fae contracts, witches, vampires, lucid dreaming, all with a dash of wonderland vibes. This book is it for you.
I am obsessed, this will be a book ill read over and over again
I am obsessed, this will be a book ill read over and over again
July 6, 2026
I don't even know how to put into words how much I loved this book.
From the moment I started reading, I was completely pulled into this beautifully eerie world. It has this perfect balance of whimsy and darkness that made it impossible for me to stop thinking, "Just one more chapter." (Spoiler: it was never just one more chapter.)
Anathema stole my heart. She's been through so much, yet there's still this spark in her that refuses to be extinguished. Watching her step into a world that's both breathtaking and terrifying while trying to figure out who she can trust had me completely invested. I wanted to see her find the freedom she deserved, but I also loved that her healing wasn't instant. It felt real.
The world-building is absolutely magical. Every creature, every new place, every secret made me want to explore more. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would completely change direction. The characters are wonderfully layered, and I found myself constantly questioning who was truly good, who was hiding something, and whether anyone was exactly who they appeared to be.
One of my favorite things about this story is that beneath all the magic, there's so much heart. It explores healing from abuse, learning to trust yourself, and finding your own strength without ever losing the sense of wonder that makes fantasy so addictive.
And can we talk about the slow burn? The tension was *chef's kiss*. Every interaction had me kicking my feet and wanting more.
By the time I reached the ending, I wasn't ready to leave this world. I need the next book because I have so many questions, and I'm already missing these characters.
If you love dark fantasy filled with magic, mystery, morally gray characters, emotional healing, and a romance that takes its time, I can't recommend *Starlit Omen* enough. This was an easy five-star read for me, and it's definitely going to live in my head for a long time.
From the moment I started reading, I was completely pulled into this beautifully eerie world. It has this perfect balance of whimsy and darkness that made it impossible for me to stop thinking, "Just one more chapter." (Spoiler: it was never just one more chapter.)
Anathema stole my heart. She's been through so much, yet there's still this spark in her that refuses to be extinguished. Watching her step into a world that's both breathtaking and terrifying while trying to figure out who she can trust had me completely invested. I wanted to see her find the freedom she deserved, but I also loved that her healing wasn't instant. It felt real.
The world-building is absolutely magical. Every creature, every new place, every secret made me want to explore more. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would completely change direction. The characters are wonderfully layered, and I found myself constantly questioning who was truly good, who was hiding something, and whether anyone was exactly who they appeared to be.
One of my favorite things about this story is that beneath all the magic, there's so much heart. It explores healing from abuse, learning to trust yourself, and finding your own strength without ever losing the sense of wonder that makes fantasy so addictive.
And can we talk about the slow burn? The tension was *chef's kiss*. Every interaction had me kicking my feet and wanting more.
By the time I reached the ending, I wasn't ready to leave this world. I need the next book because I have so many questions, and I'm already missing these characters.
If you love dark fantasy filled with magic, mystery, morally gray characters, emotional healing, and a romance that takes its time, I can't recommend *Starlit Omen* enough. This was an easy five-star read for me, and it's definitely going to live in my head for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark Fantasy Slow Burn 🩷⚔️🖤
Anathema is a young Fae kept isolated in her mothers attic, content to exist solely for the purpose of feeding her family's magical needs. Surviving her family's brutality with compliance. That is until the Snow Forest calls her name.....
Can she survive the call? what awaits her in this land of magical beasts? Will her family survive without her magic? Will she ever truly escape the hell they have inflicted on her mind?
I don't know who did more Yearning me or Anathema!
This book is dark yet whimsical, sad yet beautiful, twisted yet comical, gut wrenching yet comfortable. This book flawlessly balances the concept of dark and twisted with the concept of magic and beauty.
This was such a wild ride! Nothing is as it seems and no one is truly innocent. This book explores the concept of good and evil in such a nuanced way, exploring the possibilities that all things have the potential to be corrupted despite outward appearances... Like I said Nothing is as it seems.
I am truly in LOVE with these characters this is a book that will live in my head for quite some time. I found myself feeling very protective of Anathema yet sympathizing with those around her.
This book very subtly explores the concept of 💚Brat / 🖤Dom / 🩷Submissive relationships and it is truly delectable. This concept is written so delicately as to allow the reader to come to there on conclusion on the subject. It is truly tasteful.
🩷I came across the book via social media and the cover snagged my attention, I immediately signed up for an ARC read and I consumed this book in under 48 hours. This is defiantly a five star read!
Anathema is a young Fae kept isolated in her mothers attic, content to exist solely for the purpose of feeding her family's magical needs. Surviving her family's brutality with compliance. That is until the Snow Forest calls her name.....
Can she survive the call? what awaits her in this land of magical beasts? Will her family survive without her magic? Will she ever truly escape the hell they have inflicted on her mind?
I don't know who did more Yearning me or Anathema!
This book is dark yet whimsical, sad yet beautiful, twisted yet comical, gut wrenching yet comfortable. This book flawlessly balances the concept of dark and twisted with the concept of magic and beauty.
This was such a wild ride! Nothing is as it seems and no one is truly innocent. This book explores the concept of good and evil in such a nuanced way, exploring the possibilities that all things have the potential to be corrupted despite outward appearances... Like I said Nothing is as it seems.
I am truly in LOVE with these characters this is a book that will live in my head for quite some time. I found myself feeling very protective of Anathema yet sympathizing with those around her.
This book very subtly explores the concept of 💚Brat / 🖤Dom / 🩷Submissive relationships and it is truly delectable. This concept is written so delicately as to allow the reader to come to there on conclusion on the subject. It is truly tasteful.
🩷I came across the book via social media and the cover snagged my attention, I immediately signed up for an ARC read and I consumed this book in under 48 hours. This is defiantly a five star read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot say enough how much I loved this book! This author created a beautifully fantastical world full of both wonder and darkness where even the most innocent appearing things have claws and teeth. The main character Anathema is a very relatable character who, yes can be bratty at times, but that is part of her charm. The story begins when Anathema finally decides to take her freedom after being subjected to horrific abuse, manipulation and control her whole life, only to be trapped in a bargain with a fae king who claims to know more about her than she knows about herself. Thrust into a new life where she isn't sure who or what to trust Anathema must learn to lean to navigate the new reality she is facing, all while dealing with the hauntings of her past. Despite this being a fantasy read where magical places and creatures abound the themes of abuse, manipulation, PTSD, etc are all so realistic that there are very real lessons to be learned from this story. Five stars only because I cannot give it more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yall i didn't know what to expect with this new version and man did R.S. Loper deliver! This tale will break your heart, make you see red, and ask more questions. Our FMC has been used and abused by the one person who was supposed to love and protect her which has made our Heroine even more guarded. We have two FMC who know her from before(which she has no memory of) she unknowingly enters into a deal she isn't ready for. Learning many things that are unbelievable and wild to her imagination. Yes she does act like a spoiled brat at times with her stubbornness but after a lifetime of chains you will see why she doesn't want anymore. The stunning book will leaving you wanting so much more and we will just have to wait to see what happens next. 5 stars of course, this book is saturated with stunning detail and everything unfolding into chaos will have this book sticking to you long after you have read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2026
From the first chapter I was hooked to this beautiful haunting world. The world building was top tier and the beautiful pictures in my mind that were created through words was unexplainable. The minute she met the two brothers in the forest I was done for I knew this was going to be a hell of a ride. Not only did the parental trauma get in all kinds of ways but anathemas thought process on certain situations spoke to my soul. All she wants is to be free of alll the control she has endured her entire life. There was magic, witches, vampires, shadow daddies and brooding love triangle that you could never make me choose between. I had the best time with the banter and meeting all the lovely characters. The ending broke my heart and I can’t wait to read book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book will make your heart hurt for the fmc. She has been through things that no one should have to. When your own mother treats you like you're disposable...she drains you of your magic, you heart and soul, when she beats you and puts you down, who else in the world can you trust....
Anathema believes she is better off dead after escaping the hell she has endured and came to find how terrible her family truly is.
Tropes include:
Brat/Dom
Edging
He saves her
He reads to her until she falls asleep 🥹
And many others
This book was well written. There are many tw's, so please check those before you dive in.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
Anathema believes she is better off dead after escaping the hell she has endured and came to find how terrible her family truly is.
Tropes include:
Brat/Dom
Edging
He saves her
He reads to her until she falls asleep 🥹
And many others
This book was well written. There are many tw's, so please check those before you dive in.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
May 25, 2026
Starlit Omen completely captured my attention from the very first chapter with its dark, immersive atmosphere and unforgettable characters. The emotional tension and chemistry between the leads had me hooked the entire time, and the story kept surprising me in the best ways. The writing felt vivid and addictive, making it hard to put down once I started reading. I’m genuinely excited to see where this story goes next because the world and characters left such a strong impression on me. If you love fantasy romance with mystery, emotion, and beautiful tension, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
May 12, 2026
I thought I had read so many 5 star books until I read this book. Now I'm not so sure. Maybe this is a 6? The writing was beautiful and poetic. It had so much depth in it. I don't know how to put into words how I felt but like a home made quilt stitched together with love and joy but also pain and sadness. I loved every
second of it. I read it twice back to back because I loved it so much. There are a lot of triggers and it's not a light book it's heavy but with that heaviness comes beauty and joy. It was a masterpiece. I can't wait to read more. Immaculate.
second of it. I read it twice back to back because I loved it so much. There are a lot of triggers and it's not a light book it's heavy but with that heaviness comes beauty and joy. It was a masterpiece. I can't wait to read more. Immaculate.
August 30, 2026
4.25/5! This was such an interesting mix of whimsical and dark fantasy. I really enjoyed all of the pixies!
I'm curious to see how this story progresses with this ending on a bit of a cliffhanger and I'm also curious to see what direction Anathema goes as a character. She has moments of such sensitivity but then has moments of compete and total rage. It kept me wondering what kind of Omen she truly was. This was such a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and recommend if you like whimsy vibes but also like dark and mature themes. Well done R.S. Loper. Can't wait for the next one!
I'm curious to see how this story progresses with this ending on a bit of a cliffhanger and I'm also curious to see what direction Anathema goes as a character. She has moments of such sensitivity but then has moments of compete and total rage. It kept me wondering what kind of Omen she truly was. This was such a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and recommend if you like whimsy vibes but also like dark and mature themes. Well done R.S. Loper. Can't wait for the next one!
July 26, 2026
Starlit Omen completely swept me away! Dark, whimsical, emotional, and full of twists, I couldn't put it down. Anathema stole my heart, and the slow-burn romance had me hooked. The magical world, unforgettable characters, and shocking ending left me desperate for the next book. If you love fantasy romance with mystery, magic, and beautifully flawed characters, this is an absolute must-read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Chefs kisses once again.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews